Lord Potter's Own Will by Mutt N Feathers
Summary: REPOSTED
Harry is now Lord Potter, and he decides to use his new found Independence to set the course of his life.
Rating: R
Categories: Post-OotP
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 2016.02.29
Updated: 2018.03.28
Index
Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Author's Notes: Hi, I'm nearly finished with this, so I am reposting it. Hope you all enjoy it. This is the continuation of "In The Blood", which I highly suggest you read first. Thanks for reading.
Lord Potter's Own Will
A Harry Potter Fan Fiction
By Mutt N. Feathers
Chapter 1:
Golau (Welsh)
Light (Modern English)
December 21, 1995
Avalon
The reality was still dawning on young Harry Potter as he stood next to his godfather, beneath the capstones on the Isle of Avalon. In the eyes of the Ministry, the Wizarding World and all those encompassed by these entities, he was an adult. He was free to make his own choices. He was going to be given answers which he'd been longing for. He was never going to return to number four Privet Drive and the despicable upbringing he'd endured at the hands of his aunt, uncle and cousin. He was going to learn more about his beloved parents. He had already made plans to live with his godfather, Sirius Black, and his former defence professor, Remus Lupin in a house which Harry owned in Killarney, Ireland.
The newest initiates stood silently, holding their lanterns and awaiting the arrival of the last members of the Yn caethiwo Amgarn, the members of the Binding Circle, the Lords and Ladies of the oldest and most respected Wizarding families in the United Kingdom. They gathered on this night of Yule to perform the ancient rite practised by their Druidic ancestors among the stones of Stonehenge. Dressed alike in their white robes, leather sandals, aubergine capes and white cassocks bearing their family emblem; tonight they would celebrate the power of light over darkness.
Carefully concealed among the long shadows the candle and moon lights created, a creature slithered close to the ground. Tom Riddle was considered a member in good standing, he the last wizard or witch who could trace his bloodline through the nearly defunct Gaunt line. Unfortunately for Tom, Lord Voldemort might not be considered a member, and certainly not one in good standing. Instead, he chose to come in his transfigured form; one which wasn't dissimilar to his dear pet, Nagini. Thankful for the overpowering magic the island held, his dark signature and presence were masked by it. Voldemort was more certain than ever there was a connection between the boy and himself.
Unfortunately, the boy seemed to be aware when the Dark Lord utilised it, perhaps even had early warnings. He would have preferred not to have come at all tonight, but seeing through the Potter boy's eyes was deemed perilous.
He watched the elevation of young man to Lord Potter, as well as that of the boy's godfather. Of the two, he considered Sirius Black to be far more of a threat, if there were truly anyone who was a threat to him. Properly raised in an old family which adhered to the standards and practices of pure-blood heritage, Black knew of magics which weren't taught at Hogwarts. Additionally, it had been reported to Voldemort that Sirius was powerful in his magic, and controlled in his spell casting. The only thing which the Dark Lord did not covet about Sirius Black was his unshakable belief in good. If years in Azkaban had not corrupted the man's soul, Voldemort knew with near absolute certainty, there was nothing he could do which would.
The giant snake looked around the base of one of the giant stones on the precipice of the hill, and saw the face of the old man who truly could be a threat to him. Albus Dumbledore could take him down, that was undeniable, but he wouldn't. Years ago, only days before the Dark Lord had lost his body to that Potter brat, he was alone with the headmaster. He could have struck then, killing the one who was behind the war consuming the Wizarding world. Albus Dumbledore, however, chose not to act. Whatever would the young Lord Potter think about his mentor if he knew the old man could have stopped James and Lily Potter's extermination before it had even been decided upon? That was a bit of information the Dark Lord relished, and would share it with the Lords Potter and Black when the time was right. For now he watched the powerful and connected celebrate together, be they for pure-blood rights or not.
The final members of the Binding Circle joined the others, and when all were inside the ring of tall stones, an altar appeared in the middle. Patrick Cumberbrandt, the current Merlin, and his wife, Alvena, came to stand behind the covered stand, which now had a huge red candle in the middle.
"The wheel of the year turns on and on," Patrick began. "It brings us to and from each season, and from and to another. What will be is. What was will be. All time is here and now inside this sacred space. We pause briefly to watch the wheel turn, and we gather on this blessed eve so that we might celebrate this season of Yule. In this moment between time, we come to praise the bountiful Goddess. We wish to give thanks, and to feel ourselves a part of the relentlessly turning wheel of life, death and rebirth. Let all who would honour the Goddess raise their hands in praise and thanksgiving."
The members of the Binding Circle put their lanterns on the ground in front of them and raised both their hands high above their heads, palms facing skyward. They held them in place while Alvena spoke.
"This candle represents the life force which is our beloved Goddess. From her, the light of the sun is birthed into the world. Tonight we celebrate the longest night of the year. Even though all appears in slumber and death, we are not forgotten. Blessed lady, turn the wheel once more that the sun will return to warm us anew."
"Blessed be the light," the members of the circle responded, bringing their arms down. With a wave of his wand, Patrick produced a beautiful wood chalice, intricate runes carved into the oak bowl. Next to the chalice, appeared a plate of Yule cakes. Unlike the more plain cousins, which were used throughout the year, Yule cakes were sweeter and filled with fruit. The egg bread used honey rather than sugar, and then currants, dried cherries, lemon and orange peels were liberally distributed throughout. The peel gave the bread a bright, citrus flavour and the fruit adds to the festivity. Only used for this ceremony, the sight of them brought happy memories to Sirius Black. He reminisced over the Yule celebrations with his vast extended family and the Yule cakes baked by his great-grandmother, Hesper. His favourite was from when he was seven. Everyone was gathered in the old family castle great-grandfather Sirius had built. The place was even more magical than most Wizarding houses, but not quite as much as Hogwarts. He and Reg had their own loft, overlooking the kitchens. They were awoken early every morning by the amazing smells from great-grandmother's baking.
Yule that year felt different, even as a boy Sirius could feel it. His eldest full cousin, Bella, was engaged even though she had another two years of schooling to finish. Mother had explained she would be spending the sacred days with her new family. It didn't bother the little boy, as this cousin wasn't fun or nice. Astute enough to feel the world changing around him, even if he didn't understand it at the time, a very young Sirius worked hard to commit every moment of the celebration to his memory, so he could relish the moments as they flickered past his closed eyelids. Something then had warned him that he'd need to have memories of happiness, for days when there was nothing happy in his life.
Sirius didn't need to be reminded of happiness tonight, however. He was more genuinely happy than he'd been in years. His godson was with him, and he was going to help nurture him into the man his mum and dad would have wanted. As the cup of new ale was passed around, he was glad it came to him before Harry. Sirius and the portrait of his uncle had been so worried about providing a crash course on the initiation, he'd forgotten about the details for this ceremony.
Sirius took the goblet into his hands and poured some on the ground, a gift for the goddess, as his mother used to say. He had promised himself he'd never again drink of a ceremonial cup. He would share his portion with the goddess, in silent prayer that her creation, the earth, would always protect his only remaining family: Harry and Remus. Thus far it had worked for him. Sirius then turned to Harry, and held the chalice out for him.
"You can drink from it, you can simply hold it, or you may pour it onto the ground as an offering. There is no wrong choice," Sirius whispered to his godson, and Harry nodded. The boy took the chalice and looked into the deep amber liquid. He was struck odd by this part of the ceremony, having not had it explained to him. He wondered if his father had celebrated the sacred days; his family being pure-blood and all. Had he taught them to his Mum? Did they celebrate the pagan days, as well as the Christian ones? Unsure what to do, he simply stared into the liquid before passing it on to Lady Bones. She quickly pressed the cup to her lips, taking a sip and then passing it on. Harry worried he'd taken too long with it then.
It was easier with the cakes, each person taking their own and holding it until everyone had one, and Patrick said a blessing and they ate together. Harry enjoyed the cake, thinking it was like a good fruitcake. A very direct opposite of the hard, dark, crumbly, nasty tasting things Uncle Vernon bought for his employees every Christmas. Inevitably, there was always one left over, and Harry was given the darned thing. Granted, he'd always eaten them, and they never went stale, so when he was banished to his room and forgot to be fed, he didn't starve. This cake, however, Harry would willingly eat more of.
Patrick, Alvena and the altar disappeared, and three women moved to the far end of the circle. One was young, looking not much older than Harry; although he didn't know who she was. Another was somewhat older, looking to be as ancient as his godfather, the third was old, at least as old as Professor McGonagall. They were dressed alike, in white gossamer gowns and crowns of Holly and Oak around their heads. At one end of the circle stood three men, reflecting the stages of life as the women were. They were dressed in black outfits, their heads also wrapped in the crowns of Holly and Oak.
Harry was perplexed when a harp began playing from somewhere. It distracted him enough that Harry was surprised when the eldest of the women started speaking, and then the other two women sang something in response. Perhaps he'd heard enough of it, but it didn't sound like the Welsh Myrddin had been teaching him. Then from the other end the men echoed back. It took Harry a moment to figure it out, but the women were speaking of life and the men, death.
Suddenly the two middle-aged people moved toward the centre, she dropping into a deep curtsey and he a bow. They danced a very formal looking dance around each other. Harry was mesmerised, he'd never seen a woman like her before. Even the veelas held nothing on how this woman moved. Her body arched and twisted in ways he didn't know women could move, and from her hands silvery strands floated outward, making the movements of her arms more lengthened and dramatic.
Slowly their dance went on, until the man was eventually on his knees, and then on the ground. With a final triumphant flourish, she collapsed down on him, covering his body with hers.
Then all of them were gone
.
Patrick returned to the centre to give the final blessing and it snapped Harry back into consciousness. He'd been so taken with the woman, whoever she was, and with the dance, he'd missed the end of the ceremony.
"You alright there, Harry?" Sirius asked him and Harry looked at him, surprised and embarrassed.
"What, er, yeah. What exactly was that last part?"
Sirius smiled devilishly. "That was the symbolic triumph of light over darkness, life over death. The sun is returning, so life will go on."
"Oh, yeah, I got that," Harry said slowly.
"Entranced by Klytië, were you?" Sirius asked with a devilish grin. Before Harry could respond, he continued. "You're not the first, and won't be the last. She has that effect on men. Certainly did on your father in our second year when she arrived. Come on, I'll introduce you."
"You know her?" Harry asked and Sirius looked at him and nodded. "Know her, know her or KNOW her know her?" Sirius threw his head back and laughed loudly, a few of the others turning to look at him.
"No matter what Moony or the portrait of your Dad might tell you when we get to the Potter Estate, I was not a hound dog at Hogwarts. I dated several girls, but never more than one at a time. While I enjoyed snogging, I wasn't shagging my way through school. I enjoy flirting, but never put anything behind it unless I'm truly interested. While she is beautiful I did not go with Klytië. I left that to others."
"Huh," Harry said, not completely understanding. Just then something caught Harry's eye. Near the base of one of the stones, he could swear he saw Nagini lying in the grass. He took another step forward, hesitantly. After what had happened with Mr. Weasley he wasn't taking his chances. Harry knew it would be an awful thing if that creature had somehow penetrated the defences of Avalon. Opening his mouth to speak to the beast, Harry took one more step.
"Harry," Sirius called his godson's name. He was now standing next to Klytië.
Harry looked up when his name was called, and nodded to his godfather before turning back to where the snake had been. There was nothing there now, and Harry chalked it up to his overactive imagination. He took the few steps which separated him and his godfather quickly.
In the brush, the Dark Lord sank deeper into the thicket. He turned around and returned to the far side of the island, and his wand. He would stoically await the magical return to his lair.
"You okay, Harry?" Sirius asked. Harry looked back over his shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just thought I saw...never mind, it couldn't have been."
"Alright then," Sirius said with a slight air of worry in his voice. "Harry Potter, please meet Klytië Dawnsla. Klytië, this is Harry, James and Lily's son." Harry, being a polite young man, thrust his hand out to shake hers. He was surprised when Sirius gently lifted hers and put it in Harry's.
Harry had never seen someone like her before. Her skin was quite pale, and her hair like spun yellow silk, and the combination made her look otherworldly, like an angel. But what struck him the most were Klytië's eyes, for they were all white.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Author's Notes: Hi, as I said earlier, this is a re-post. We will get to the new material soon. I've been asked to give translations of things in other languages. Klytië sounds just like it's written K-lie-tee-e. She was a Greek goddess who was in love with Helios the sun god. She stared at him so much, she was turned into a flower, the Heliotrope, who's face follows the sun.
Chapter 2:
Cartefu (Welsh)/
To Make Home (English)
"Wait, you mean Dad went with Klytië?" Harry asked Sirius as they were standing in the meadow, awaiting their return trip to Grimmauld Place. They needed to pick up Remus before going to Ireland and Harry's home.
"Went with... might be too strong of wording," Sirius responded. "He was twelve, she was eleven. He'd run to her classes to walk her to the next one. She obviously needed an escort. They'd hold hands in the common room, sort of. I think he kissed her once while we were playing spin the bottle."
"Huh," Harry said thoughtfully. "I never thought of him with anyone other than Mum."
"He really wasn't," Sirius confessed. "From the first day of our fourth year, she was it for him; he really wasn't it for her. Your Mum loathed your Dad and me for several years. You should have seen your Dad when Lily was snogging Thad Summersby. I honestly thought he might kill the bloke. You need to thank Remus for finally getting the two of them together."
"Okay, too much information. I can barely think about Mum and Dad snogging, let alone Mum with someone else," the young Lord Potter said while shivering as if to shake off the cold. "Tell me more about Klytië."
"Well, she was born sighted, both in the physical sense and the metaphysical. Her visions and dreams are frighteningly accurate," Sirius explained sadly. "Her eyes were very weak, the physical ones. When she was a little girl, she didn't understand why she couldn't run outside and play like the other children. One day she slipped out when the adults weren't looking. The minute she was out in the bright sunlight, her eyes burned. She screamed so loud," he explained, his voice getting softer. "She's been blind since."
Harry looked at his godfather, the far away stare of his eyes, the regret painting his face more than usual, and he understood. "You were there, weren't you?"
"Yeah. I wish I'd known how badly she wanted to play with us. Reg and I would have gone in and played with her," he added to no on in particular. Sirius then seemed to snap out of it, blinking his eyes several times. "We'll spend more time with her, I promise. Her family house is… unusual."
"Wonderful," Harry sarcastically replied. "Burrow unusual or Grimmauld Place unusual?" Sirius laughed at the question.
"Are you mocking my ancestral home?"
"Yes, and you do too."
"True, but that doesn't mean -" he was cut off by their magical transportation activating and moving them from Avalon to the back yard of Grimmauld Place.
"That is absolutely exhilarating," Sirius said. "That reminds me, we need to take the bike with us to Ireland. We should definitely do some riding while we're there."
"Sure," Harry said excitedly. The pair moved toward the back door, and were greeted by Remus coming out. He hastily moved toward the newest Lords.
"Be prepared, Molly is livid. She doesn't want us going to live in Ireland. She's also told Dumbledore our plans," he explained. Sirius groaned and Harry looked surprised.
"Why don't we want Dumbledore knowing? He's been distant all year and there are so many things I need to ask him, and -"
"I know, Harry," Sirius said putting a hand on the young man's shoulder. "We will tell you everything tomorrow at the estate, with your parents' and grandparents' portraits helping fill the bits in. There are things Dumbledore doesn't want you knowing, we think since you're now the head of your family, you deserve to know everything."
"Oh," Harry replied thoughtfully. "And Mrs. Weasley doesn't want me to know?"
"Molly is excellent at mollycoddling," Sirius said, smirking in the moonlight at the play on words. "She'd prefer you remained ignorant, and therefore a child."
"But I'm not, I haven't been for a long time."
"We know, Harry," Remus sadly confirmed. "We know."
The trio made their way back into Grimmauld Place, attempting to walk quietly through the hallway which led down to the kitchens. It was the last place Remus had seen Molly. To their surprise, she was standing at the base of the grand staircase, awaiting them.
"Harry, up to bed," she commanded. Harry saw the stern look in her eyes, and was prepared to follow. Sirius put his hand on Harry's chest to stop him, moving to speak. His friend beat him to it.
"Molly, I know your heart is in the right place, but Harry is Lord Potter now," Remus quietly explained. "It's his birthright. It's Sirius' chance to be free. We need to go."
Her shoulders slumped some, and she looked forlorn and exhausted. "Must you leave before Christmas?"
"Mrs. Weasley, I promise we'll be back," Harry said. Of course that was the answer, just not the one she was looking for. She was beginning to look panicked.
"But, it's your house, Sirius," she uttered, hoping to find some excuse.
"I don't want it. The Order is welcomed to it. Be the best use for this old place, and the one which would torment my parents the most. They probably want to bust out of their crypt to stop it. Trust me, Molly, you and your brood are safe as houses here," Sirius gently explained. Remus moved and took her hand.
"Tonks is here, up in the sitting room. Go and visit her for a few minutes. We'll come and say goodbye," he explained and she wearily agreed. The trio recognised had she not been thoroughly knackered from all which had happened this week, they might not have had such an easy time of it.
They quietly followed Molly upstairs, watching her go into the sitting room. Tonks shot her cousin a dirty look for leaving her with the nearly weepy woman. Sirius shrugged and gave her a crooked smile. When she was gone, and they were safely onto the second floor, Sirius began speaking again.
"You'll only need clothes," he explained. "Remus went to the estate today and asked your family elf to go clean the place up and stock it. I'd take you straight to the place in York, but I really do need to establish my residency in Ireland as fast as I can. I'll go to the Ministry there, meet up with Maggie, and get this squared away first thing, and then we'll be off in the morning. You can decide which house you want to spend Christmas at."
"Sirius, you said there was a portrait of my Dad at the estate?" Harry asked, sounding as if he was struggling against being hopeful.
Sirius stopped as they rounded the stairs on the third floor. "I did," he replied.
"Both your Mum and Dad are there," Remus explained. "They can't wait to see you. It's been too long." Joy burst out of the pores of the boy's face. He would have some relationship with his parents. They wouldn't be living, but they'd be better than what he'd had thus far.
"The estate," Harry quickly replied. Sirius and Remus shared a glance and then began to move up the stairs, again. Harry followed, deep in thought.
"Wait," Harry said when he and Remus were to enter their respective rooms; Sirius had taken off up the final flight of stairs, to his childhood room. Remus stopped and looked at his former student. "If my parents have portraits, then the Mum and Dad in the painting would know how they died, right?"
The implications of the question deflated Remus. He didn't want to have this discussion here or now. Harry was a smart boy, he knew it wouldn't take much for him to put this together. The werewolf gathered himself before answering.
"Yes."
"Why didn't anyone go ask them who the Secret Keeper was?"
"Harry, please, these are things which we'll talk about elsewhere, please," he implored.
Something crumbled inside Harry's heart at the admission. He could have been with Sirius all these years. He could have grown up in the Wizarding world, and been loved and cherished. It was all kept away from him. There was so much he didn't understand now. He felt like his world had been turned upside down, but somehow it wasn't righting it from the last upending which occurred the night Mr. Weasley was hurt or from finding out about this Lord stuff. He wasn't even sure which way was up anymore. He went inside, picking up one end of his trunk from where it sat on the floor and dragged it to the wardrobe to shove his clothes inside.
"Blimey, those are some strange clothes, Harry," Ron said, making Harry jump. He'd forgotten he shared the room with his friend. Being so quickly roused from his thoughts, Harry was jumbled up, even as he returned to his task. He chose to leave a pair of jeans which sort of fit him and a jumper out to change into. He took a deep breath before answering Ron's statement, seeing how his brain wasn't on his outfit. He had to have better clothes on when he met his family tomorrow. Harry thought about how embarrassing it would be to show up in Dudley's cast-offs. Maybe he and Remus could shop while Sirius was at the Irish Ministry?
"It's the traditional robes for the gatherings," Harry explained, his brain clicking back in to the current situation. "We all have to wear them."
He began by taking off the cape, then the cassock and finally the robes. He had a tee-shirt and his pants on, so he just stuffed these clothes into the trunk as well. He turned to slip his feet out of the sandals, and grab his trainers, when he heard Ron again.
"When did you get it? That's bloody cool," Ron announced while staring at Harry's arm. The new, young Lord looked at his arm and sighed. This wasn't a conversation he really wanted to have with Ron. "What's it of?"
Quickly pulling his jeans up, he answered Ron. "It was part of my taking on the Lordship. I had to do this ritual, and cut myself and then when it was done, this appeared. It's a potter's wheel. It represents who my family were when magic was practiced by nearly everyone in all of Great Britain."
"Wicked. Do you think Mum will let me get one, now that you have one?" Harry was thankful his back was turned as he was reaching into the dresser for his pants, shirts and socks. Ron had really been on his nerves lately, and he didn't want to make things worse.
"I doubt it, Ron. Sirius has had them for years, and that never convinced her," he added drolly before slamming his trunk shut. Then, he went for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm moving into my own house in Ireland. Sirius isn't a convicted criminal there, and their Ministry is going to give him a real trial. He's got asylum already, but he needs to live in Ireland to make it all work out okay. The Order can stay here," Harry looked to Ron, hoping he'd understand. Thankfully his friend had seemed to have grown some level of maturity, as he just nodded.
"You'll come back, right? I mean the Order still has Sirius' house, right? He's still going to part of the Order?"
"Yes, both he and Remus will be part of the Order, I think."
"Professor Lupin is going too?" Ron asked, sounding somewhat dour.
"Ron, they're best mates, my dad's best mates. They're both going to help me learn about this Lord stuff, and help me prepare to face Voldemort," Harry explained the best he could. Harry looked to the clock on the dresser top, and realised just how late it had gotten. Ron really should have been asleep. He felt bad he'd awoken his friend.
"We promised we'd be here for Christmas," he placated his friend. There was an uncomfortable silence between the two which Harry chose to break. "Yeah, bye."
"Bye," Ron responded and Harry closed the door. Sirius was waiting on the landing for him. He'd changed out of the ceremonial wear as well.
"You okay?" his godfather asked and Harry nodded. "Moony told me what you were asking. Let's not discuss it tonight, please. Let's go celebrate for a while. You're of age now. I want to give you your first Firewhiskey."
"Sirius, I'm only fifteen, remember?"
"Pish, posh," he said with a wave of his hand.
"Thank Merlin you never reproduced," Moony said, walking up behind him. "You would have made a horrid parent."
"Remus, my old friend, you hurt me. If it had been my kid, I wouldn't be nearly so bad. Remember, James made me the godfather to spoil him."
"Yes, and Lily begged me to keep you in check." All three laughed, and Harry felt more at ease, the last lingering frustration from his conversation with Ron disappearing. Sirius took Harry's trunk and shrunk it, stuffing it into his back pocket. Remus tapped his wand to his trunk and it became a manageable size, fitting nicely in his sweater pocket.
"Let me make sure I have everything," Sirius said before they left the landing. He patted each pocket of his trousers as he said something, as if he were checking off a list. "Wand, trunk, motorbike, Harry's trunk, record collection and player. Yes, I do seem to have it all."
"Record player? You have a record player? You have records? What do you listen to?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Rock, my boy. Guitars wailing, drum banging, Rock."
Remus sighed. "Did you bring them all?"
"Absolutely," Sirius answered. "I don't plan on ever entering my old room again. Goodbye and good riddance to the memories which still haunt these walls." He said the last words with a flourish of his arms and a bow, but they sounded bitter and cold.
The trio slipped from the house without any further discussions, Harry feeling bad he'd missed Hermione and Ginny, but he'd make it up to them on Christmas. They stepped from the house, bracing against the cold of the yard. They were surprised to see Buckbeak in the yard.
"What are you going to with Buckbeak?" Harry asked wearily.
"I'm going to bring her to the estate, and then I'll meet you in Ireland. I can't leave her here and expect the others to take care of her. The elves at your family place have already agreed to make sure she's taken care of, whether we're there or not. Anyway, she's nearly destroyed my parents' old room," Sirius explained with a grin. "If she does anymore structural damage, the magic might not hold the house up anymore." Harry laughed, Remus laughed reluctantly, Sirius guffawed.
With a quick nod and wink, Sirius and the hippogriff were gone.
"He proves the old adage, 'You can grow up and still be immature'." Remus took hold of Harry and Disapparated to the family cottage in Killarney.
LPOWLPOWLPOWLPOWLPOWLPOW
"That is awful," Harry moaned, his face bright red, sweat dripping from his brow. His glass wasn't even empty, but he'd had enough. "You said my father enjoyed this?" Sirius was laughing, Remus was getting a glass of water from the kitchen, as well as some pumpkin juice to ease the burn in the young man's throat.
"It's an acquired taste," Sirius explained between his dying chuckles. "One your father most definitely did."
"Your Mum, however, did not," Remus explained as he handed the pair of glasses to Harry. "Your reaction was identical to hers. She stuck to Dew Drop Wine and a Muggle beverage called rum."
"Definite lightweight when it came to the drink," Sirius mumbled.
"Tell me something about them?" Harry asked. "Sirius said you were the one who got them together, Remus. Please, tell me."
"Sure thing, Harry," Remus kindly replied. "James decided he was in love with Lily in our fourth year. Your dad and Sirius were just horrible prats then. They picked on everyone, including me. It was only in joining in their pranks that I escaped bearing the brunt of them."
"Oh, please, we only pranked you and…" Sirius stopped, realising his near unintentional reference to Peter Pettigrew. They all had a visceral reaction to the thought of him, but Sirius was determined to be happy. His life was decidedly better than he could have hoped, he would enjoy it. "We only pranked you when you were getting all moody and studious. Of course, with him, it was most of the time."
"I wanted to do well in my classes, something which you never seemed to care about," Remus countered and Harry thoroughly enjoyed the happy banter between the two. Even the inference about Peter had now passed. Harry noticed the scowl lines on Sirius' face were lessened, and Remus seemed more relaxed and at ease.
"Why would I care about classes? It got in the way with the fun!" Sirius joked back and Remus shook his head at his friend.
"Alright, what about Mum and Dad? How did you get them together?" Harry asked of Remus.
"Well, you have to understand," Remus started his tale. "For the first two years of your dad "loving" your mum, it wasn't reciprocated. You dad tried to get her attention, but he went about it completely wrong. He annoyed her, infuriated her and just acted like an arse. It got worse in our sixth year, when a prank badly backfired."
"I'd forgotten about that," Sirius interrupted.
"How could you forget about it, you were purple for three days?"
"Regal colour, looked good on me."
"Are you serious? You hated it!"
"Of course I'm serious, I'm always Sirius." Remus and Harry groaned at the pun.
"Okay, so the prank," Remus attempted to regain control from Sirius and his bad, old jokes. "The plan was to have it go off on Snape. We knew he was in the potions lab, redoing a potion we had ruined in class." Remus looked embarrassed for his actions, Sirius did not. Harry wondered how his dad would feel about the memories of him and Snape at school.
"We set it all up in the corridor outside the lab," Sirius said, taking over the storytelling. "What we didn't know was your mum was in there with him. There was a stone which was the trigger, and when it was stepped on, soap and water would appear, and wash his hair. The dye was just an added bonus."
"Unfortunately, your mum stepped on the stone first." Remus said regretfully. Harry could imagine what happened.
"Realising it was Lily we were inadvertently pranking, your dad tried to stop it. However when he withdrew his wand, Snape took it as a threat and pulled his. They started to duel and I jumped in and stopped the prank," Sirius explained. "Your mum was livid. Stormed off, forgetting about everyone else. Of course, she thought your dad had set the whole thing up to gang up on her. She barely made eye contact with us for the rest of the year."
"So how did you get them together?" Harry asked.
"They were made Head Boy and Head Girl our seventh year," Remus retook the storytelling. "The meeting on the train with the prefects, they contradicted and corrected each other more than telling the rest of us what we needed to do. I finally ended the meeting, and they didn't notice. I then locked them in the compartment."
"You locked them in there together? Weren't you afraid they'd hex each other?" Harry further asked.
"Took their wands. They were stuck; in the hours we travelled to Hogwarts they came to some agreement. Lily was civil with your father after that. What really pushed them together was the attack on your mum."
"Mum was attacked? When? By whom?" Harry asked, sounding worried for a woman who had been dead for fourteen years.
"A group of stupid Slytherin girls cornered her coming out of the prefects' bathroom," Sirius explained. "She wasn't hurt badly, but they were saying nasty things about her. They also told her that Snape had shared details of their nights of passion."
"MUM SLEPT WITH SNAPE?" Harry yelled out. The two men sniggered.
"No," Remus explained. Harry relaxed the tension from his muscles. "He'd just made up some stories that everyone believed. It was how he kept her protected, even after she wouldn't speak to him after the 'mudblood' incident. The next day in potions she set him straight, in front of everyone."
"Swore she'd never even acknowledge him again," Sirius continued. "He got the point, as did everyone in Slytherin house. Without his 'protection' the Slytherins came after her with a vengeance. She couldn't walk through the halls without being dangerously hexed or cursed."
"We, the Marauders, we all took turns, never letting her walk alone in the corridors, but your dad was nearly constantly with her. They just sort of became a couple. One day we walked into our room, and there they were, snogging away on his bed," Sirius finished.
"That's how bad it was? Students cursing other students?" Harry thoughtfully inquired.
"Harry, most of Slytherin house were aligned in some way with Voldemort beginning somewhere late in our fifth year,"
Remus said. "By our seventh year, I don't think there was a single bloke left in our year, save Snape. Not too many girls either. They'd all just up and left school to become Death Eaters."
"Reg didn't even make it through his sixth year," Sirius seethed.
"Wait, so you're saying the younger students were cursing older ones? The Head Girl, too?" Harry spoke, the words tumbling out of him.
"Harry, their parents were followers," Sirius explained. "The things my parents taught me when I was young..." The trio was silent for a long while, each reaching for their glasses, Remus and Sirius draining theirs, Harry taking another tentative sip. His face screwed up as he swallowed it.
"You know, I just don't think Firewhiskey is ever going to be your drink," Sirius teased him and Harry sighed helplessly before yawning. "Up to bed with you. You've had a long day."
"Wait, I thought we were celebrating my adulthood?"
"You can be an adult who gets a full night," Sirius said as he was pulling his pocket watch out. "Okay, at least a half night's sleep. Honestly, Harry, get some sleep, tomorrow will be long too."
"Fine," Harry said rather reluctantly, but not really pushing the issue. He didn't want to admit he was tired. He went up to get ready for bed in the bedroom just at the top of the stairs. After he was gone, the two old friends continued their imbibing. Sirius poured them each a full glass.
"You ready to face James and Lily tomorrow?" Remus asked Sirius.
"Yes, no, shite," Sirius said. "How do I tell them I was impulsive and stupid and that their son wasn't with me, but with her shite of a sister and her family? He's gonna hate me, Moony."
"Prongs isn't going to hate you," Remus rebuked gently. "You are his best friend, true to the end. They're going to understand. Just make sure they know you're going to do right by him now." Sirius very thoughtfully closed his eyes, before downing the rest of his glass.
Times like these Remus knew not to say too much. He couldn't imagine the demons Sirius had lived with all these years. It had been his idea to trust Peter, and though they'd all agreed to it, Sirius claimed the guilt as his own. While Remus had been lonely and often destitute, at least he was free to live as he chose. Sirius had been incarcerated unjustly. The stories he'd let slip when his tongue was loosened by drink had been horrific. Nothing the werewolf had heard about Azkaban was even close to what Sirius had endured. While Sirius had told him it was being Padfoot which had kept him sane, Remus suspected it had been the man's utter love and devotion to his godson.
"So," Sirius said, placing his heavy, now empty glass down on the table. Surprisingly, he put the lid back on the bottle. "Guess who I saw tonight?"
"I'm sure you saw a great many people."
"Yes, but this one will be of particular interest to you."
"Who?"
Sirius paused for a moment. "Klytië."
Remus didn't say anything for a minute before he picked up his glass and drained it. "How was she?"
"Good. She was part of the ceremony. Harry was intrigued by her."
Remus nodded almost absentmindedly. "Like father, like son."
"Prongs never loved her like you did. They were kids when they did their thing. She loved you."
"Uh-huh," Moony quietly responded. "You'll see her again?"
"Yeah. She might come to visit sometime. Harry wants to hear stories about his parents from her."
"Great," he said, sounding anything but happy about it.
"Remus, really, you should talk with her. I don't think it matters to her at –"
"Sirius, I don't think getting love life tips from you will do either of us any good," the werewolf firmly replied before standing and leaving the room. Sirius decided sleep, rather than being passed out, might be good for his old bones for a change. He doused the fire with his wand, cleared the glasses and bottle and turned out the lights. Just before he slipped into the large bed, he looked out and admired the night sky. It certainly looked different here, the lights from the nearby city obscuring some things, but he still enjoyed the view.
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Author's Notes: I know many of you are waiting for Harry to meet his parents, but its not in this chapter either. We meet Maggie, though, which is interesting and important. Nice long chapter. Thanks to everyone who is reviewing. I'm keeping up with them, at least I'm trying.
Chapter 3:
Dedwydd (Welsh)/
Happy (Modern English)
Friday, December 22
7:38 a.m.
Remus Lupin would never admit it aloud, but he'd slept better last night than he'd slept in a long time. The small flat he'd been able to let after he left Hogwarts had always been less than weatherproof. In the winter it was cold and draughty; in the summer, hot and muggy. He didn't like living near so many people either. He was always afraid he'd hurt one of them on the full moon. It was in a Muggle neighbourhood, as it was news when he'd been outed as a werewolf by Snape, so he avoided wizards and witches when he could.
It got somewhat better when Sirius had moved in with him after the Tri-Wizard Tournament, at least there was company. There were ways it was worse though, too. The place was small, and they tended to trip over one another at least fifty times per day. Sirius was often irksome and cantankerous, and Remus found not snapping in frustration at his friend was nearly a full-time job.
When they'd moved into Sirius' family home, it didn't get any better. While they had more room, there was also more pressure on them. Remus never told anyone he could hear the dark objects calling him in certain rooms. It was like they knew what he was, and they too wanted freedom to come out and play. Being in the sitting room took monumental concentration to keep the wolf from finding his way to surface. He'd never truly shared what a battle it was for him, the human, to remain in control while in the old house. Nights were plagued with tormenting dreams, and moments of paralysing fear when he awoke anywhere other than his bedroom. He had no idea what he'd done in these times, but was thankful each morning to find everyone alive and healthy. The nights of the full moon might force him to change, but Remus knew the wolf was never truly gone the rest of the month.
The delightful house which had belonged to Harry's great-grandmother, Prudence, before she married Eldon Potter, was completely different for Remus. Here there were no dark items, no boarded up windows or grime and dust which needed removing. Here he slept on a luxurious bed, with a down duvet and matching pillows. Here the curtains were whole and in cheery colours and light fabrics. This was a home, rather than a house; even if no one had resided there in nearly one hundred years, Remus could feel that when they did, they'd loved this place. When he saw the Potter house-elf, Dilly, he wanted to thank her for getting this place into such fine shape.
Remus pulled his dressing gown over his pyjamas and headed down the stairs toward the kitchen. Even with each of them having their own bedroom, there were still four unused rooms in this house, as well as a full apartment over the barn/garage. When Harry went back to Hogwarts, if he went back to Hogwarts, the house would seem even larger. Remus wasn't sure if he was hoping for the boy to return, of if he wanted him to have a different experience.
Reaching the ground floor, Remus made an immediate right into the kitchen, and was surprised to see Sirius already dressed, eating his breakfast and reading the Irish Wizarding paper.
"Good morning, Remus," Sirius said cheerfully and Remus stood in the doorway, wondering if his friend had been cursed or Imperiused. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"
"It is," Remus answered. "Why are you so chipper this morning? You hate mornings. I usually can't rouse you before noon."
"Ah, it's a remarkable thing I discovered," Sirius explained, laying the paper aside. "Sleeping is far better than being passed out. It makes one much happier to greet the day." Remus let out a nervous laugh and smiled.
"That it does," he replied, his previous worries evaporating. "I see you cooked. I didn't know you knew how."
"I didn't know I did either," Sirius confessed. "However, I'd watched you enough times to get the hang of it. Anyway, I only made toast and eggs, not too hard."
"How many did you throw out?"
"Only about half the loaf and about a dozen of the eggs," Sirius said plainly, not even looking up and Remus laughed. "Oh, and two skillets."
It was the absolute bluntness and dryness of the statement which Remus found hilarious. It wasn't long before they were both laughing so hard they were snorting, Sirius falling off his chair.
"Tell you what," Remus said when he finally was able to right himself. "I'll give you lessons. No point in wasting all of Harry's money on your inability to cook eggs and toast." The werewolf went and filled his plate, and then grabbed a tea cup and sat down. Sirius had the pot on the table, along with the lemon slices as neither took it sweet or light. "Honestly, mate, why are you up so early?"
"Promised Harry I'd go to the Ministry here to get things taken care of first thing. Maggie's owl was here when I got up, telling me she'd meet up with me at eight, right on the front steps of the Ministry building. There's a note there for you, too," Sirius answered.
"Maggie sent me a note?" Remus said incredulously. While he'd certainly known Maggie in school, he'd never had the close relationship with her that Sirius did. Remus knew they were close, but he'd never pressed for details. Unlike Sirius' other, later relationships, he was very quiet about Maggie. There was a look in Sirius' eyes when she didn't return for their sixth year, which the werewolf would never forget. He often thought it would be similar to the one James would have had if Lily had gone away. Remus was genuinely concerned for both of them, especially if they were to rekindle whatever flame it was they'd had. War wasn't a time to fall in love.
He picked up the envelope and weighed it in his hands. It felt very heavy to him. It was simply addressed to Remus, so he knew it was from her. Anyone other than a close friend would have had a more formal phrasing of his name. He broke the seal on the back, the initials "M.o.L." in the wax. He knew these were Maggie's preferred initials, for she hated having to use "M.M.C.I.o'.L"; actually she hated anything which reminded her of her given name.
Sliding the paper out, he was surprised to find it was on stationary from the Ministry of the Magical Republic of Ireland. His eyes quickly scanned the letter, not entirely sure what to make of it. Sirius had been watching his friend, and when his brows furrowed, he decided to speak.
"Something wrong, Moony?"
"Er, I'm not really sure. Maggie wanted to alert me that the Ministry here has a werewolf registration -"
"Dammit!" Sirius swore, slamming the paper down on the table. "Can't they just leave you alone? If this is how they're going to treat you, then so help me -"
"Sirius," he said, stopping the other man's rant, although not his seething. "It's not like that. They keep track of every werewolf's saliva," Remus explained. "The only identifying information is a number. IF someone is bitten, THEN they match the number to a name. The list is split into three parts, with three different people having some of the information. It's so they can arrest the correct werewolf, or at least investigate it."
"Oh, so they're not going to punish you or something?" Sirius said, still guarded about having Remus need to submit to something like this.
"Not at all," Remus explained. "I have to go and give them a sample," he said with a laugh. "Spitting, such an attractive activity." There were times Sirius honestly wondered which one of them had grown up with the rigid, up-tight, pure-blood heritage. Remus was far more formal and dignified than he. Of course, he was tossed from his family, so maybe the lessons hadn't stuck?
"Well, at least they're not rounding you all up and branding you," Sirius said with a disgusted shake. That was the latest bit of information being bantered about in the English Wizengamot. It was almost as bad as the last war, when Delores Umbridge wanted to proactively arrest them all.
"Not at all," Remus said with gratitude. "Can you imagine if they did something like this at home? They'd find out half the werewolves out there were bitten by Greyback."
"Seriously?" Sirius sounded more than surprised.
"I'd suspect so," Remus explained. "Most of us don't want to hurt people. The majority of those who weren't bit by Greyback or his cronies were bitten by kids who didn't know any better, or someone who had just started changing. What's that saying, a few bad apples and all?"
"Depressing thought," Sirius groused, picking up his paper again. "You going to come in with me this morning?"
"No. I don't want Harry to wake up with neither of us here."
"Good point." The clock struck quarter to, and Sirius stood, levitating his dishes to the sink. "Need to grab a few things, then I'm off. Doubt this will take too long. Dilly popped over this morning to tell us dinner will be at one. I told her not to go to a fuss, but she insisted on doing a full roast. Something about nearly forgetting how to cook or something."
"I suppose if I'd spent nearly two decades in a house full of paintings and ghosts, with only another house elf to cook for, I might forget too," Remus replied. "Good luck today."
"Thanks, although I'm not worried. It sounds as if dear Maggie has done most of the work for me," Sirius said with a truly happy smile which made his friend grateful. A few minutes later the familiar pop of Disapparation from the front hall let Remus know his friend was gone. He picked up the paper and began to read. The coverage of what was happening in the UK was much better than in the Prophet. He wished he could ship this paper back to some more resistant-minded folks there. He decided to indulge in a slow morning, reading the paper and enjoying his tea; it was something he infrequently allowed himself.
At about half eight, Remus heard Harry come downstairs. He was already dressed and looked as if he'd wrestled with his hair. His choice of clothing seemed odd, however, as he'd dressed in the trousers and shirt from his uniform.
"Harry, you don't have to go to Hogwarts today," he stated. "No one, not even Dumbledore, is expecting you back. I thought you wanted to see your parents' portraits today?" Remus had spent enough time with Harry to know something was making him uncomfortable; he also respected that Harry would explain it to him when he was ready.
Harry sat down in Sirius' vacated seat and took in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. "I know I'm not going to Hogwarts today," he started. "It's just, I was going through my trunk and with the exception of my school things, everything else I own used to belong to Dudley. His cast-offs are huge on me. Even my dress robes from last year's ball are too small. I didn't want my parents to see me for the first time, and have me in rags."
Remus knew what Harry was feeling. He had been very careful with his clothes when he was in school, wearing the same tatty pair of trousers and shirt every full moon to protect his other clothing from being ripped apart and then spelled back together.
"Well, I need to head into town to finish my Christmas shopping," Remus said thoughtfully. "Sirius is a rather difficult person to shop for, but he once expressed a love of Muggle dog toys and treats."
"Sirius likes to eat dog biscuits?" Harry was utterly disgusted by this.
"Only when he's turned over," Remus explained, although he often wondered why they disappeared so quickly while they were in school. "Anyway, I thought I'd get him a nice collar with a name-tag and all, and then some of the biscuits. We could do some clothes shopping while we're out." He'd let his voice trail up at the end, making his statement sound more like a question.
"That would be great," Harry confessed, smiling happily that Remus had understood. "Do you think it would be best to meet the Potters in Wizarding robes, or should I wear Muggle clothes or -"
"Harry, wear what you're comfortable in," Remus stopped him. It was endearing how nervous this was making the boy. "Your dad only put on Wizarding robes when he had to, which thankfully your grandparents didn't insist upon often. He was much more comfortable in Muggle jeans and jumpers."
"Oh, thank goodness," Harry sighed happily. "I hate robes, too. I also know Sirius said there would be times I'd need to wear them."
"We'll get you some of each then. There are several shops only a block or two away which should do. There's also the shop where you and Sirius got your ceremonial robes close by, too," Remus explained. He'd worked as a tutor in Killarney for most of Harry's second year at Hogwarts, so he knew the area well. "How about I get dressed, you eat some breakfast and then we'll run our errands?"
"That's great, but I'm going to need money. Don't suppose there's a Gringotts branch around?"
"Not exactly," Remus said with a smirk. "There is this, however." He opened one of the drawers in the small desk, which sat near the door to the hallway, and pulled out a Muggle billfold, full of Muggle cash.
"Whose is this?" Harry asked, examining it for identification.
"It's yours. Your great-grandfather had it created when he found out we were taking up residence here. He's still your Designo Custodia, at least for financial matters. Harry remembered Myrddin explaining the term to him in his Lordship studies. It was a person who managed your affairs in abstention. Harry figured it must not matter if the person is only a portrait.
"There's also a Muggle credit card in there," Remus explained. "It will automatically draft the funds from your vault when you use it." Harry looked at the brown leather wallet respectfully.
"And they say Muggles don't have any magic." Remus laughed at Harry's observation before leaving the kitchen and heading upstairs.
LPOWLPOWLPOWLPOWLPOWLPOW
The front door opened, and Harry and Remus walked into the house. It was a good thing Harry had come into his complete inheritance, because he'd spent a fair bit of Irish pounds and Wizarding gold shopping this morning. He now owned two sets of regular wear robes, two sets of more formal robes and a new dark green cloak. He also had two pairs of jeans, three pairs of Muggle trousers, seven dress shirts, five casual shirts, three jumpers and a Muggle sweatshirt or two, he couldn't remember. They'd also purchased various sets of pants, socks, pyjama bottoms, tee shirts and new shoes and trainers. Harry was considering burning everything which was currently in his room, minus his Binding Circle robes, school clothes and the sweater Mrs. Weasley had made him in his second year. Nothing else in there was worth keeping.
"I'd keep one set of ratty clothes," Remus explained. "You never know when you'll need to do something outdoors. You may also need to bathe Padfoot; he tends to shake a lot."
"Don't let him hear you say that," Harry quipped back.
"I already heard that," Sirius said. "I'll let you know, I'm partial to my dog, so leave him out of this." Harry and Remus looked at him surprised, Sirius never spoke of Padfoot in the third person. It wasn't until they saw Maggie sitting with him did they realise why. She'd never learned about the guys' Animagus transformations.
"Sorry, but he's a poorly behaved pup," Remus played along. "Gets himself rather dirty."
"True," Harry agreed. "He's often standing in his own shite." Remus and Harry struggled not to laugh, while Sirius was turning red in the face from restraint. The werewolf finally decided to put his friend out of his misery and turned to Maggie.
"Thank you for your note," he said calmly. "I planned to go in on Wednesday morning." Maggie nodded and smile at him.
"Der isn't a rush," she explained. "Just get in before de full moon. If der was an accident, and ya weren't registered, den I might have a hard time protecting ya."
"I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable position," he said honestly. "Thank you for your help."
"Tis what friends do. So, Lord Potter, sir," she said with a smile playing at her lips. "Did ya leave anytin' for de other shoppers?"
"I did," Harry said looking down. "I just haven't ever had my own clothes, other than my school robes and stuff."
"Ah," she said with understanding, standing up from where she had been on one of the wing chairs in the sitting room. "Well, show me what ya bought. Gotta know if it's suitable or not."
"Suitable for what?"
"Dinna you mention it to him?" she asked, turning to Sirius and glaring.
"I haven't seen him this morning."
"Fine excuse, Mr. Black. I tink you know Mr. Potter 'ere is better lookin' than ya."
"What I might not have in looks anymore, I make up for in experience," Sirius teased back and Harry thought he might be sick. The inference of sex directed at Maggie was more than he could take.
"You really tink I'd take age over beauty?" Maggie raised an eyebrow at Sirius before turning back to Harry. "Anyway, I wanna invite all t'ree of ya to the O'Lachlan New Year's Ball. My family puts it on every year. Highlight of da holidays."
"Sounds wonderful," Sirius spoke up quickly. "We'll all be there." Remus glared at the old dog for including him, knowing he hated social situations like this.
"Ye can bring along a lady friend if ya please," Maggie added. "Perhaps de young lady with de brown eyes?" She added the last part very quietly and Harry blushed and looked away. The thought had already crossed his mind.
"Ah, but my lady friend will already be there," Sirius said smoothly.
"Den you'd better find 'er before midnight, she might find another setta lips to kiss da new year in with."
"I promise, I will find her the minute I arrive." Sirius and Maggie shared a look, and as much as Harry hated it, Sirius was talented at flirting. He wished he had some of Sirius' swagger when it came to girls.
"Good. I need to get back ta work," Maggie explained. "Next Wednesday, nine a.m. sharp. I dinna want to explain why yar late for ya own trial."
"Your trial is set for next week?" Remus spoke, thoroughly surprised. "How did you get it organised so quickly?"
"I did de paperwork, took it to da court myself," Maggie answered. "I mighta mentioned Sirius was English, and rather famous, and a burr in da butt of the English Minister and his reputation had been ruined by da English Ministry. They're gonna give him Veritaserum and it'll be done. By Tuesday night, if he's been telling me da truth, he'll be free to go anywhere he wants." The news excited Harry, who dropped his bags and hugged Maggie.
"Thank you," he said with an impassioned earnestness which was surprising. Maggie hugged him back.
"Ye are welcome, Harry." He released her and Sirius walked her out. It took a few minutes for him to come back to the sitting room, where Harry and Remus were waiting for him. Harry looked surprised, Remus concerned.
"A gentleman never kisses and tells," he said, effectively ending the discussion. "Well, why don't you put those sacks up in your room? We need to be heading over to the estate. Dinner is awaiting us."
Harry swallowed hard. In a few minutes, he would be with his family, sort of. The promise made him excited and frightened all at once. He quickly gathered his things, took them upstairs and decided what to wear to meet his Mum and Dad.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Author's Notes: Harry finally meets the portraits, and a few others, when he finally goes home -- Potter Manor.
Chapter 4:
Gwir (Welsh)/
Truth (Modern English)
Potter Estate, Near Bingley, West Yorkshire
Sirius and Remus had told Harry he'd be visiting the Potter Estate, he didn't realise it meant anything quite this large. Standing in the foyer, he looked around at the opulence. The marble floors and mahogany staircase, the crystal wall sconces and the deep blue velvet drapes. Looking up, he saw at least three more floors and an enormous stained glass dome with a potter's wheel identical to his tattoo.
"How big is this house?" Harry muttered, not sure if anyone heard him.
"The main house here is just under ten thousand square feet," a squeaky male voice said. Harry looked down to see a house-elf. He was exceptionally clean, well dressed in a small suit and his hair appeared to be combed. After only being exposed to Kreacher and Dobby, this elf was a pleasant surprise. "However, the north wing should be reincorporated into the house, which will nearly double the size."
"Double the size?" Harry continued to mumble.
"Yes, sir. There is also the hunting lodge, which is fully functional and about two miles from the main house here. The farmhouse is on the other side of the property, adjacent to the barns and paddock for the livestock. All told, we can comfortably house fifty to sixty witches or wizards."
"Are there any other buildings I should know about?" The look on Harry's face was priceless, one of befuddlement, yet joyful. His eyes were wide, his jaw slightly slack and he'd lost the ruddiness his cheeks had gotten from the cold outside. After the words had left his mouth, he realised he was almost afraid of the answer.
"Yes, sir, there are. We've got a summer kitchen, the garden house, the potions laboratory, the observatory and the garage. There are three cars inside, although we can fit several more inside; especially if we employ magic."
"Wonderful," Harry said with trepidation. "I think I need to sit down."
"Certainly, sir, please come this way," the elf lead them into the closest room, a formal lounge of some sort. The furniture looked as if it was antique, which caused Harry some concern about sitting on it. Fearful he was going to pass out however, he chose a richly appointed wing back chair and collapsed, gently, into it.
"This is a lot more than a house," Harry said, directing his irritation at his godfather and former teacher.
"I told you it was an estate," Sirius sniggered, easing himself into the long settee. "Your great-grandmother had exquisite taste. This room is more beautiful than I remembered."
"Okay," Harry replied. Remus too had taken a seat, in the chair closest to him. Harry chose to stop speaking, instead attempting to take it all in. He couldn't believe this was going to be his home. He'd never even dreamed he'd live somewhere so vast, but it really wasn't the size of it which excited him. It could have been a shack, or somewhere in as deplorable of a state as Grimmauld Place, and he would have been happy. Just as long as he knew the portraits of his parents would be there as well.
"Jolly, dear, what are you doing?" Another pleasantly high voice called from the hall. The sound reminded Harry of the happy twittering the birds would make in the spring. "Our new Lord Potter should be here -" she came into the room and saw Harry. "Oh, he's arrived. How lovely." The little elf clasped her hands together and smiled brightly. She was wearing a lovely flowered dress with a lace collar and small kerchief on her head.
"Welcome, Lord Potter," the elf said as she curtsied in front of Harry. Jolly had come to stand next to her, and chose to bow too, each of them holding the pose until Harry spoke.
"Oh, erm, please stand up," he said quickly. "I don't want you doing that, and don't call me Lord Potter, please. I'm Harry, just Harry." They righted themselves, both smiling brightly.
"Of course, Lord -, Harry," the female said with a dip of her head. It appeared that it might take a while to break them of the formal habits they'd cultivated. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to own elves. He couldn't imagine what Hermione might say to him. "We are so pleased you have come home. I am Dilly, and I take care of the kitchen and the laundry. This is my husband, Tingus, although everyone has always called him Jolly."
"I can see why you were given the nickname," Harry replied. "You're quite a happy bloke."
"No other way to be," Jolly replied. "Life is too short to waste it being unhappy." Harry already liked him. Dilly gave him a little pat on the arm.
"Stop with your bragging," she gently admonished him. "I'm certain he's got questions a plenty. There's no need for you to be rambling on so." Everyone laughed at the statement. It was obvious they loved one another.
"Dilly, Jolly, it's such a pleasure to see you again," Remus said kindly. "You did a lovely job with the house in Killarney. I was astounded when we arrived last night."
"Thank you, Mister Remus. I was happy to do it," Dilly said. "Nice to use my magic for something other than dusting."
"There's still a loose floorboard on the upper landing," Jolly said. "I'll come over tomorrow and fix it."
"There's not need," Harry quickly replied. "I'm sure one of us could do it."
"Nonsense," Jolly cheerfully dismissed the idea. "That's what I get paid for. Taking care of these houses is my honour."
"You're paid?" Harry said, attempting to hide his shock and happiness. That solved his 'owning' the elves issue which was brewing in his head.
"Have been for thirty years," Jolly explained. "Mister James asked for us to be freed for his eighth birthday. Lord Eldon thought it made sense, and he freed the misses and me. He then asked us to stay on, as paid staff. We even have our own set of rooms at the back of the house."
"Oh, good. I have a friend who will be quite interested to speak with you."
"Hermione will get her chance, I'm sure," Sirius finally spoke up. Her ideas amused him. Dilly turned to face him, and then suddenly blushed.
"Mister Sirius, I didn't know you were here as well," she said sounding completely different than when speaking with Harry or Remus. She, quite frankly, sounded shy. "It has been a long time."
"Yes, it has, Miss Dilly. You look as lovely as ever," the old dog cooed, and Dilly blushed more. Jolly got a stern look and shook his head. If Harry had to guess, he'd think Dilly had a slight crush on his godfather. For his part, Sirius seemed to enjoy flirting with the little elf.
"Oh, eh, well thank you," she stammered out, her hands smoothing out a non-existent wrinkle in her dress. "Dinner will be ready momentarily. If you will excuse me?" she quickly turned to exit. "Jolly, dearest, please show them to the dining room?" Her husband captured her hand as she tried to speed past, and placed a kiss on the top. They shared a smile of love and contentment, one that seemed could only be forged by a life-long affection.
"Of course, my sweet," Jolly replied and the female sped from the room. He turned to Sirius and gave him a look. They both knew Sirius would never do anything to hurt such a long union, he simply enjoyed the to and fro of flirting. Sirius gave the old elf a slight nod of understanding. "Why don't you all follow me?"
The men stood and went back to the entrance hall. "Across the way there," Jolly began giving his quick tour, "is the breakfast room and kitchen. We were in the formal receiving room, and this here is Lady Prudence's sitting room. Although both Lady Winifred and Misses Lily spent many, many hours here as well. Has the best views of the rose garden and the hedgerow maze."
Harry gazed into the room, and could easily imagine his mother sitting in here. The farthest wall was all windows, with a window seat covered in pillows lining below. There were bookshelves around the room, holding tomes with old, cracked bindings. In the centre of the room were several long couches, they too were covered in pillows and throws. Whereas the formal reception room was done in aubergine, cream and navy colouring, this room was the palest of pinks, greens and white. Even the furniture had a pale patina.
They entered another hallway, this one narrower and longer. "Back over in the corner there is the gentlemen's snooker room. Mister James spent much of his adolescence in there." Jolly sounded dismayed at his father's behaviour.
"Ah, I remember it well," Sirius said with a knowing grin. I could only imagine what they did in there.
"This here is the study," Jolly explained as he pointed out a closed door. There was no doorknob, only a brass plate with the Potter family emblem on it. "Only the current Lord or Lady can enter." Harry nodded, understanding it must be magic which opened the locking mechanism, thus letting him in. He'd test that theory later.
"This is the dining room," they were told as they entered the huge room. It was easily twice the size of the receiving room they'd been in, with huge French doors leading out to a covered veranda. The table in the middle seemed too small, but he supposed it would expand or contract based on how many were to be served. Portraits lined the walls of the room, his parents' was closest to the table.
"Oh, James, there he is," he heard his mother cry, and Harry ran to stand in front of it. She was sitting down in what appeared to be the chair he'd used earlier, while his father was standing, one hand on her shoulder. They were wearing nice Wizarding robes, his father’s were black, his mother's deep green. Dad had on a bright red tie with thin gold stripes. Harry recognised the Gryffindor colours and smiled. His mum's robes were cut in a gentle scoop, and she was wearing an emerald necklace and earrings with it. He was also surprised by her shoes, they had really high heels.
Harry had heard so few words of hers, yet there was something so soothing about her voice. Even in his dreams it always made him feel loved. Only her screams in his nightmares were the exception. His knees buckled somewhat at the fleeting remembrance of those moments, and Sirius was next to him in a flash, protectively grabbing his arm while simultaneously summoning a chair with his wand. He pushed Harry gently down into it, and then backed away to his space next to Remus. The friends would have their chance, this time was for child and parents to become acquainted.
"My boy; my beautiful, strong boy," Lily cried, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. James withdrew a clean, white handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to his wife.
Harry didn't think he'd ever seen anyone so lovely as his Mum. Her hair curled at the ends, creating a perfect fiery frame for her pale, oval face. Her lips were a delicate curve and bow, pulled high into her cheeks as she smiled. Though she was crying, Harry was enchanted by her eyes. Emerald green and sparkling, they reminded Harry of the rich colour of summertime leaves, or perhaps a field of shamrocks.
"Mum, Dad," he eked out. Tears formed in his eyes, but he was too overwhelmed to even care. It wouldn't be the first time either Remus or Sirius had seen him cry.
Tearing his eyes away from his mum, Harry was shocked as he looked at his father. Although he'd seen photographs, it wasn't until he was standing in front of the portrait, wearing a nearly identical set of robes, did Harry truly realise how similar he and his father were. It was like looking in a mirror, save for the eyes and the lightning bolt scar. He was his father's son. Really understanding this made Harry realise how truly difficult it must be for Sirius and Remus to look at him. It was like he was a living, breathing ghost of a person they'd loved dearly. Unfortunately, it also gave Harry a fleeting thought of why Snape hated him so; looking past the outward features of his face and body was probably impossible for the man.
"Harry," James spoke. "You are such a good man. I couldn't ever be prouder of you."
"Thanks," the son spoke, just taking in his parents' appearance.
"We wanted to raise you," Lily explained. "All we ever wanted was to love you, and give you a happy childhood. We were going to give you little sisters and brothers and live in a house with a huge garden, and a proper tree house..."
"Mum, don't cry," Harry pleaded, even though he was weeping as well. James reached for his wife, helped her stand before taking the seat himself. Harry was about to reprimand his own father for being a prat, but the Harry realised James was pulling his mum into his lap to comfort her. "You did what you could. You didn't leave me on purpose. Voldemort killed you."
"You say his name?" James asked, taken aback.
"I'm not going to say: 'You-Know-Who' or call him Lord anything," Harry defiantly replied. They both beamed with pride.
"You are so brave," Lily announced. They each continued to stare, taking in one another's appearances. Harry wanted to so badly to reach out and touch her, let her cradle him in her arms and then sit at her feet, letting his head rest in her lap as she stroked his hair. He was told mothers liked to do these things, even when her son was nearly of age. Harry didn't know though, as he couldn't remember anyone ever cuddling him that way.
There were so many things he wanted to ask them. He wanted to know if they knew he'd ended up at the Dursleys and why Petunia hated her sister so much. He needed to know what the Headmaster knew about the Secret Keeper. He desperately wanted to share how confused he was about his future. Did they think he should stay at Hogwarts or go somewhere else? The questions piled up on top of each other, unstable and teetering about in his head and making cohesive thought nearly impossible. He mostly, truly and deeply wanted to let them know he loved them so much, regardless of what the answers were to anything else. Tears formed again, his need to cry stronger than it had been before.
"I love you both," he said, his voice breaking on the four words. "I've always loved you." Lily's tears matched her sons, and even James struggled to respond.
"We know, son," the last word caught in his throat, like it had since the day he found out Lily was carrying him. "We love you, too."
"Harry, most of the happy moments of my life were the ones you were in," Lily added. "Only kissing your father for the first time and our wedding day are the exception. The first time the healer laid you in my arms..." she stopped to take a stuttering breath. "I felt so complete. I knew love, I felt it with my own mum and dad. I was, am, passionately in love with your father." She looked into James face as she said the last and then returned to her sons gaze. "Nothing, however, had prepared me for the heart-shattering love I felt when I held you."
"Oh, Mum," Harry uttered.
"She's right, Harry," James added. "You were so small, and perfect and...I was terrified I would break you. I couldn't believe something so wonderful was smaller than a Quaffle and more delicate than the wings on a Snitch."
"Do you have to make everything a Quidditch metaphor?" Lily asked exasperatedly.
"Of course," James cheekily replied. "Parenthood and Quidditch, most important topics in my life." Sirius gave a hardy 'hear hear' under his breath, which caused Lily to glare at him. This was exactly as Harry had pictured them behaving with one another.
"Don't know about the parenthood part," Harry piped up. "But life would be awful without Quidditch. Might be the only thing I truly love about Hogwarts anymore." Harry inwardly cursed his bringing up the serious topic, even if it was as a joke. He wasn't quite ready to have such a difficult conversation. Thankfully, James decided to continue in the mocking tone the talk had turned to.
"Did these two gits make you wear robes?" Harry laughed, despite his tears. The other Marauders let good natured chuckles tumble from their mouths as well.
"No," Harry said as he wiped his tears. "I thought I should look presentable, since I'm meeting everyone today. I am the new Lord and all." He suddenly wished he'd worn the Muggle suit he'd purchased instead.
"Don't let your father goad you, Harry," Lily stated, while gently elbowing her husband in the stomach. "You look dashing and very grown up in them."
"I'd still rather be in my jeans and trainers," Harry confessed. His father gave a cocky smile and nodded in agreement. He was definitely his father's son.
"I know you have much to talk about," Dilly said as she came closer. Harry wondered how much of their reunion she'd heard. Given the redness of her eyes, he suspected a great deal. "But your dinner is ready. Men as large and strapping as you three, you probably need to eat something by now. I hope you like roast lamb?"
"Anything you make, my sweet, is the perfect thing," Sirius slyly said. Remus and James groaned while Harry rolled his eyes. "We shan't let your work be destroyed in any way by our lingering. Do you need a hand bringing things in from the kitchen?"
"Bite your tongue, Sirius Black. You are a guest in this house. Now, sit down and let the food come to you," she replied and Sirius pulled went to the table and pulled the chair at the end out and sat down. He'd expected Harry to take it, but he was sitting on the side, so he could face his parents. Remus was next to him, so Sirius took the head place, not wanting to be rude and have his back to his best mate and his wife.
The conversation over dinner was comfortable and fun. Everyone intentionally kept the topics light and friendly, and slowly Harry was introduced to his grandparents and great-grandparents. He was shocked to find out that his mum's parents, Iris and Edward Evans, had a portrait here as well. Currently there were eight people packed into James and Lily's frame.
"We passed shortly after your parents married," Iris explained. "James had the foresight to have a portrait commissioned for her birthday that year. We were ever so thankful, otherwise we wouldn't have seen you at all."
The meal reminded him of dining with the Weasleys. Someone would start a story, then someone else would add a comment, then another one, and pretty soon they weren't on the original topic anymore, or they were arguing. Even the bickering made Harry happy.
The dishes from the meal were cleared, and Dilly carried a treacle tart out and presented it to Harry.
"Treacle tart? Dilly, how did you know?" Harry excitedly asked.
"Mister Remus let it slip that it was your favourite. How could I not make it when I knew such a thing?" she said sweetly. Harry thought Dilly might be the best house-elf in all of England. Once she had served them, he dug in.
"Dilly, this is amazing," he said, his mouth not quite empty. "What is that I taste in with the treacle?"
"Ah, it's the second secret ingredient in there," she told him with a smile.
"What's the first?"
"Why, love Mister Harry," she said replied sounding almost coy.
"Ah, no one ever baked for me with love before," Harry said without really thinking about it. It was his mother crying out, "Oh, Harry." that made him consider the words.
"Petunia didn't make your favourite dessert for you?" Iris Evans asked, and Harry was reticent to tell her the truth.
"Harry, please," his granddad Edward implored. "Tell us about living with your aunt and uncle."
"Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon only kept me because Professor Dumbledore made them. From the time I was five I had to do chores, and if I made a mistake I would be punished," he confessed. He didn't want to tell them more. He wasn't ever going to go back.
He looked at his mum, and she was crying so hard her shoulders were shaking and her breathing was laboured. He didn't want to make it worse for her.
"Harry," his father spoke up. James was a deep shade of red and his hands were grasping the arms of the chair so tightly, Harry was concerned he'd break it. "Is there more?" Harry hesitated.
"Yes," Sirius spoke up. "They kept him in a cupboard under the stairs until a few years ago. He had to purchase his own clothes today, because the only thing that arse of a man and his bitch of a wife would give him were Dudley's cast offs. I've listened to him in his sleep, pleading for his cousin and uncle to stop beating him."
All four women were weeping now, and the Potter men were all livid. The worst reaction, however, came from Edward Evans. He looked as though he'd been thoroughly beaten, the blows taking his breath away and breaking his ribs.
"Sirius Black," Lily yelled, standing up. "I want to know why you didn't take him away from that. You knew what was happening. You're his godfather, you should have raised him; Dumbledore be dammed."
"Mum, don't yell at Sirius, it isn't his fault," Harry stood, jumping to his godfather's defence. "He couldn't take me. He was locked up in Azkaban."
"What?" all the two-dimensional people yelled. Sirius and Remus went on to explain their tale of the last fourteen years. Part way through, Harland Potter, Harry's granddad, asked to have the portrait frame turned on its side so they could bring more chairs in and sit down. Remus complied, also stretching the frame as best he could. Before they began again, the werewolf looked to the doorway.
"Why don't the two of you come in as well," Harry said to Dilly and Jolly. "You might as well hear the story, so we don't have to repeat it." The elves did as they were asked.
When the tale was finished, everyone was silent. Even knowing it as well as he did, Harry was struck by how horrible it was.
"Mum, Dad, I need to know. Did you remember Peter was the Secret Keeper?"
"Of course we did," James replied.
"They why the hell didn't Dumbledore come and ask you? Why didn't he seek out the truth?"
"I don't know, Harry," Lily sadly answered. "Maybe he wanted to hide you in the Muggle world?"
"Do you really think he'd be safer with Muggles? What about accidental magic? What about when he got sick? You said yourself Muggle medicine is barbarity compared to Wizarding care," James retorted and Lily shrunk back. She didn't want to even consider that Dumbledore would have done something like this without reason.
"Harry, it takes a while for portraits to awaken," granddad Harlan explained. "Usually its six to eight weeks, a little longer if it was a traumatic death. Dumbledore knows this. Sirius, even if he suspected you, certainly your trial could have been delayed until James could verify this information."
"I wasn't given a trial," Sirius said.
"What?" Winifred Potter yelled. "Why in the world didn't they give you a trial?"
"I was sent straight to Azkaban," Sirius explained. He'd glossed over this part, because he knew it would upset his "Auntie Freddie", as she had insisted he call her when he and James became friends. The name stuck, even once he'd moved in at fifteen. "It's over now, Auntie Freddie. I've got a Veritaserum trial on Wednesday at the Irish Ministry offices. They've given me asylum."
"Take my house, dear boy," Prudence Potter said. "Dilly will make sure it's clean."
"Already taken care of, great-grandma," Harry happily said. "We stayed there last night."
"Good. Glad that place can be of some use to someone." Everyone started discussing the merits of the different houses, but Harry's mind began to wander. He looked out through the window, to the garden beyond. Past that, he could see Quidditch hoops, and he began daydreaming about what it would be like to have grown up here. He imagined lessons with his granddad and great-granddad, and being sung to by his grandmothers. He could have listened to stories told by the remaining Marauders while he ate the excellent food Dilly would have prepared. He would have done his lessons in here, someone overseeing that he was doing his math correctly, or explaining the parts of a sentence to him. The childhood he was imagining sounded wonderful, and he felt the need to mourn what could have been.
"Harry, sweetheart, what's wrong?" Lily asked.
"Just daydreaming, Mum," he answered quietly, and she nodded in understanding. "So, I need some counsel, and since I have no doubt you have my best interests at heart, I need you to answer a question. All of you."
"Anything, Harry, you can always come to us," great granddad Eldon said.
"Dumbledore is hiding something from me, something Voldemort wants badly. Mr Weasley was attacked in his desire for it. What is it he wants and why? Why did he come after me when I was a baby? How did I survive?"
There was a moment of silence, and then James began talking. "Harry, have you ever heard the prophecy?" His son shook his head no, and James took Lily's hand in his and began a horrible tale.
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Author's Notes: I know, it's been two years since I updated. I honestly forgot I was posting this story here. Since I have finished writing it, I will post quickly, probably twice a week. I hope you enjoy the ride, and Harry and Ginny's first kiss in this timeline. MNF
Chapter 5:
Dathlu (Welsh)/
To Celebrate (English)
Fifth Day of Yule/Christmas Day
December 25, 1995
Potter Estate
Harry didn't know until he began speaking with their portraits, but his paternal grandparents and his parents had always combined their celebrations of Yule and Christmas. December 25 wasn't just Christmas Day; it was the fifth day of the traditional holiday too. The fifth day was known as the Starling Day, and typically a gift of the annoyingly large black bird was given. Harry couldn't imagine why you would give someone you love a bird which mocked the songs of other birds, as well as sounds from nature and even machine sounds.
"Why would you give anyone a Starling?" Harry asked his great-grandfather, as he opened the letter gifting him the bird. "Not that I'm not excited by it, but I don't understand." It was very early, about two in the morning, and Harry was awake. He been wrestled from his comfortable sleep by a nightmare, and was unable to fall back into slumber. To pass the time he was reading in his bedroom. Eldon Potter had appeared in one of the portraits on the wall. At the same time, Jolly popped into the room and gave him the wrapped package and then disappeared again. It was this gift which had raised Harry's questions.
"Ah, yes. I suppose it would be an odd gift for a boy raised a Muggle. Long ago, consuming a black bird was considered a delicacy, and an expensive one at that. If you were able to bake a black bird into a pie and present it to the one you loved; it was a show of your ability to provide for them in year to come," he explained. Harry had come to love sitting at Eldon's foot and listening to his stories. Eldon Potter, along with having been the Goblin liaison for the Wizengamot, was also a professor at Hogwarts; teaching the mystical faith and history. The class was done away with when Eldon died, feeling it was ostracising to the Muggle borns at the school.
"Additionally, young man, for one wizard to give another a bird with black feathers was a powerful gift. Black birds, be they Starlings, or Crows, or Blackbirds are thought to be keepers of great secrets. For a wizard to pass one to another, it means they will always be there to confide in; accepting the gift is replying you will do the same. Furthermore, a black bird will help the one to whom it is presented have strength while they are in the midst of a transformation in their lives."
"Wow," Harry said, again reading the brief note from his great-grandfather. "If I'd known gifts could carry so much meaning, I might have thought more about what I'd bought people." Eldon laughed at the boy's concern.
"Nonsense, Harry," Eldon replied. "From what I have come to know of you, I am quite certain you purchased things which were from your heart. Those will be treasured, as they are given in love. Love, in all forms, is the most powerful magic there is."
"Dumbledore once told me something similar," Harry said quietly.
"That man wouldn't know love if it reared up on hind legs and bit him in the face," Eldon said sharply and Harry placed the letter inside his book and closed it. He wanted to give him his full attention.
"What makes you say that?"
"I had a little sister, Charlotte, although we all called her Lotte. She was beautiful, smart too; best in her class in both Transfigurations and Charms. She had such a gentle soul, creatures and animals alike would just walk up to her. Lotte had hair like sunlight, such a pale blonde. Her eyes were greener than green, like a moss-covered rock, flecked with gold dust and… wonder." Eldon said, looking downward as he spoke, as if the memories were playing out on a screen in front of him. "I knew when she was ten it was going to be a job helping her maintain a proper distance from the boys at school. Many of them were more concerned with personal enjoyment than the honour of the young ladies they courted." Given his attitude, Harry wondered how Eldon had ever tolerated Sirius' presence at the estate. He doubted his godfather was particularly concerned with the honour of the girls he took to the broom closets, even if it was just for a snog.
"Lotte was promised to Albus Dumbledore. An excellent match for him, especially given how the whole ordeal with his father could have ended it. My father always believed there was more to the story than was reported, so he let the match stand." Harry was transfixed by the way his great-grandfather spoke; commanding yet calm, direct yet colourful enough you could paint a mental image with it. "Something about him always made me uncomfortable, though. He was just too sure of himself, too confident and brazen in his attitude about what he could do with his Transfiguration skill.
"They set to courting in Lotte's second year. Mother thought she was too young, but Father said he had assurances of Albus' intention. Father had gone so far as to pay half the dowry by then, because Albus had asked for it. Lotte was a year behind Albus, but it didn't seem to matter. She was not in Gryffindor, instead following Mother into Ravenclaw. I was happy about that, mind you. Made me confident neither was sneaking out for private rendezvous with them in different houses. You see, it was my responsibility to chaperone their conversations and outings.
"I was the first to leave Hogwarts, immediately taking a position at Gringotts as a Curse Maker and Charmer for the new vaults. Mother and I were concerned they were at school without someone to supervise, but Father reminded us their marriage was set and he trusted Albus. That was a decision we all would come to rue," Eldon sadly said. Harry was intrigued, this was more than he'd ever expected to find out about the headmaster, especially considering the things he'd done to his Mum, Dad, Godfather and himself.
"Albus left school with every possible accolade you could imagine. He was going to study Transfiguration on the Continent while Lotte finished at Hogwarts. The plan was to wed when she was done at Hogwarts. Then something happened to him.
"Overnight he became someone different, not the honourable man who had been courting Lotte for the last five years. Outings would be scheduled, and Albus would not show, or he would be exceptionally late. Prior to the change, he was exceptionally polite and gentle with Lotte, listening to her and then engaging her in thrilling conversations. Together they created their own spells and mastered Charms and Transfigurations which were well beyond the school lessons. Lotte was completely enamoured with him, and he could do no wrong in her eyes. The rest of us, however, were suspicious of what was happening to him. After his change, he often was irritated with her and was no longer interested in their spells or discussions."
Eldon stopped and took a deep breath before removing a handkerchief from his pocket. He wiped his eyes and then his nose before returning the fabric square to its hiding place. Harry decided he needed to start carrying one as well. He saw it as a 'manly' thing to do.
"Lotte was reticent to return to Hogwarts that fall," Eldon returned to the tale. "She wanted to marry Albus, and then worry about her schooling later. Father would not hear of it, saying someone so bright needed to complete her studies. They had already waited five years, one more would not be so difficult. Arrangements were made for Albus to visit her, so they could finish planning their nuptials. The first part, their handfasting, was scheduled for Imbolic; while the wedding itself would take place on Lughnasadh as holding with our faith."
Harry wanted to know what those holidays were, but he didn't want to interrupt his great-grandfather. He added it to his mental list of questions he needed answered.
"Lotte came home for Yule and Christmas full of excitement. She and Albus were to host the annual Yule ball with Mother and Father, always held on the fourth day of the celebration. It also happened to be Christmas Eve, so everyone was in a right festive mood.
"Albus and Lotte looked absolutely resplendent as they came down the stairs, making their entrance. Everyone then moved through the house, using the dining room doors to go out to the marquee in the yard. Lotte had helped Mother decorate, and it was stunning. Everything was draped in midnight blue velvet, while fairy lights and white candles lit the inside. She had created an ingenious charm which made it snow just outside the dancing area, adding to the perfection of the night." Harry watched his great-granddad closely, seeing how the story was affecting him. He hoped that the retelling wouldn't distress the man any deeper. Harry, however, suspected it would.
"I had just met my dear Prudence, so I was not watching Lotte like I should have. They had been together for so long, even Father did not think she needed a chaperone. Something happened in the midst of the ball which broke my sister inside. She ran from the marquee to the portico and through the couples enjoying the buffet inside and up to her room. Albus was following her, but he never caught up with her. Father questioned him, then hastily escorted him from of the house. He never stepped foot inside our home again."
"Did you find out what happened?" Harry asked.
"Never. Lotte refused to speak of it; she barely spoke after that night. She didn't return to Hogwarts, nor did she have another suitor. Lotte died in her sleep exactly one year later. While I never discussed it with Mother or Father, I think she purposefully took too much of her potion. There was a pain inside her that nothing would repair. Albus and I had a strained working relationship in the years to come. I never shared that story with my son; I trust you will keep my confidence?"
"Of course, sir. I won't betray you," Harry replied, unsure what else to say. Dumbledore had done so many things to hurt his family, and he didn't understand why. He looked down at the duvet which covered his bed, and began picking at the small threads which it was woven with.
"I can't believe he did that to her," Harry said, his voice deep with reflection. His great-grandfather made a noise, which Harry couldn't decipher. It was somewhere between a grunt and a sigh.
"Well, that was not much of a holiday story, now was it?"
"Not really, but I'm glad you told me. I want to understand my family. I need to know what it truly means to be Lord Potter."
Eldon smiled down at the young man. "That, right there, that attitude of yours, that is why I think you'll make an excellent head of our family. You want to learn, which is a trait few truly embrace. You will admit there is something you do not know, and then search out the answer. Even if I had been able select a successor, I would have sought out someone just like you, Harry. You are destined for great things, and I do not mean that dammed prophecy. Pile of rubbish if you ask me." Harry laughed, it was a mutually shared opinion in his family. The clock in the hallway chimed half past three, surprising both men. They'd not paid attention to its periodic ringing until now.
"Merlin, child, you need to be getting your sleep. If I remember, young Mister Black likes to arise at an unfortunate hour and prance through the house licking every occupant."
"Please tell me he does it as Padfoot, because if he isn't a dog then it's even more disturbing."
"Yes, he comes in as that mangy mutt. Used to drive poor Freddie mad when he would sit on the furniture in the women's study. It was not until your mum moved in that it stopped. She charmed the furniture to feel like needles were stuck in it if he tried to sit on it with anything other than his rump. Brilliant witch that girl." Harry smiled at these silly little stories; they made his parents more real.
"I agree. Thanks, great granddad, for the bird and for the story. I really appreciate it," Harry said sliding down into his bed before reaching for his wand to extinguish the candle next to his bed.
"Sleep well, dear boy. There will be much more for you when the daylight comes."
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
Having not been able to celebrate with Harry for the last fourteen years, the Potters and Evanses went overboard in their gift giving. Sitting among his open presents, Harry wondered if Dilly and Jolly had left anything in the magical district of York. He was certain there wasn't anything left at the sweet shop in town; he had enough chocolate and other treats to last a year.
To accommodate all four Potters, two Evanses and miscellaneous relatives who would wander in to wish the human trio a Happy Christmas, a huge portrait was brought out of storage and hung on the wall of the formal sitting room. The painting was originally of a troll who had worked with the one-hundred thirty-second Lord Potter. The men had coaxed him from the frame with some mead they had stolen from another unused portrait of a tavern. The troll having vacated, the men then found enough chairs for all six to sit and watch the festivities. Their new painting was of a pastoral forest, and the ladies found what they could from various other frames - flowers, lace, biscuits and fruit - and decorated an evergreen, so they too were sharing in the festive spirit of the day.
"Harry, reach behind the tree, way in the back; there should be a square package wrapped in plain brown paper," Lily instructed her son and Harry followed the directions. Pulling out the gift, Harry was surprised how heavy it was. "That is something special from your father and me." Harry smiled up at his mum and ripped the paper away. Inside was a leather bound book, rather well used from the looks of it.
"Lilylove," Sirius addressed her, using his pet name for her. Harry had discovered Sirius was very protective of his mum, but in a different way than his father. It reminded Harry of how Bill Weasley acted around Ginny. "Was this here all the time?"
Lily nodded. "I had left it here when we went into hiding. I wanted Harry to have it, so I sent Jolly to find it. Harry, dear, do you know what that is?"
"It looks like a spell-book, but it's different from my textbooks. This looks like different people wrote it."
"That's because they did," Sirius barked out, speaking over his laughter. "That there is the personal spell diary of James, Remus, Lily and me. We started keeping track of things we created in what, fifth year?"
"Yes, sir," James answered. "Just after Lily here stopped hating me, and decided to tolerate my presence."
"I never hated you," Lily countered. "You were just so immature at first. Fifth year you began to grow up, and Remus and I were prefects together, so I ended up spending time with the lot of you," she explained, then turned her eyes to her son. "I thought it would be a good idea for them to keep track of their prank spells, so that when one backfired, they could make sure they didn't make the same mistake twice." Everyone laughed, which launched into a conversation about various failed spells, including one which made Sirius' hair turn prematurely grey and caused all his facial hair to fall out.
"I can't even imagine you looking really old," Harry remarked.
"I knew there was a reason I liked you, kid," Sirius replied and Harry glared at him. He hated being called kid. "Oh, sorry your Lordship," the older man mocked back.
"Just call me Harry, not your mighty Lordship or Potter Prince or kid," Harry joked back. "I like my name, so call me Harry." Sirius leaned over and ruffled Harry's hair, making it look a bigger mess than it already was.
"Oh, heavens, you have the Potter hair worse than most," Grandma Freddie stated. "Nothing you can do to fix it either, except grow it out."
"Aunt Petunia tried to cut it once," Harry stated. "Had the barber cut it very short. The next morning we woke up and it was back like this. I've never cut it again. Do you think I could grow it out?"
"Ah, you've got that little bit of magic too, do you?" his grandmother said with a smile. "You'll find human transfigurations will come naturally to you, as well as other forms of body shifting. Runs in the family; it's why your father excelled in the subject."
"Huh," Harry said surprised. "Is it like being a Metamorphmagus? I know one, and what she can do with her face is wicked cool."
"A little," James interjected. "You're still going to need to cast spells, whereas a Metamorph doesn't need them. Have Sirius help you, he wasn't quite as good as me, but he held his own." Sirius put his hand over his heart in a dramatic way and looked wounded by his best mate's comment.
"Almost as good? Er, which one of us was stuck with antlers on their head for the better part of a weekend? Hmm? Too proud to ask for help, so he sulked? Wouldn't leave our room at school because he couldn't explain to anyone how they got there!" the dog Animagus countered.
"Fine, you're as good." James relented.
Harry had turned back to the book, amazed by all it contained.
"Harry, Sirius and I have one more surprise for you," Remus said, pulling a very small package from the tree and handing it to Harry. He couldn't even picture what might be found in a present so small.
Harry slowly removed the paper and lifted the lid a small bit. This was a gift from the Marauders after all; he suspected something could fly out at him, or explode in his face. When nothing happened Harry looked perplexed at the men.
"What? Did you expect us to prank you on Christmas morning?" Sirius asked. Harry thought about it for a moment.
"Yeah," he plainly answered and everyone, even the miscellaneous relatives who had come in for a peek laughed.
"I got you good enough when I came to wake you up," Sirius reminded him.
"Yeah, yeah," Harry answered, his hand going to his cheek. "I had to wash my face, neck, arm, and hand after you were done. I'm glad I wore a shirt to bed, or else you might have licked my chest, too."
"I warned you, Harry," great-grandfather Eldon reminded him.
"I should have used a locking charm on the door when you told me," Harry said petulantly.
"Come on, Harry," Remus said, effectively ending the uncomfortable conversation. "Aren't you the least bit interested in what's inside the box?"
"Oh, yeah," Harry said, losing his concern about the package being rigged. If Remus wanted him to open it, he was sure it wasn't a prank. Harry lifted the lid completely off. Inside were three small brooms, identical save the very small names written on them. There was one for each of them. They looked as if they belonged on the tree.
"Wow, we've got matching decorations," Harry said with lacklustre enthusiasm.
"Hand them over," Sirius demanded as he pulled his wand and stood. "They're not decorations." Sirius removed each of them from the box and laid them on an empty part of the floor. With a single tap to each, they began to grow and were quickly regulation size.
"Brooms? You got three brooms?" Harry said, stumbling over the words. "Are they brooms for us? What kind are they, I don't think I've ever seen a broom like this." The words tumbled from the boy, and for the first time all morning, Harry sounded like a child opening his gifts on Christmas morning. There was a thrill and excitement which sounded like heaven to those gathered, be they living or not.
"Yes, Harry, they're brooms for Remus, you and me. Now, as to what type, that is something special," Sirius explained, playing it up in a way only Harry's godfather could. "Maggie has an older brother named Timothy, and he's in the Irish Broom Racing League. On the national team, in fact. This here is the Firebolt Elite, currently only available for purchase if you're involved in Broom Racing. Maggie asked a favour of her brother, and he ordered these for us. I know your original broom was taken away, and the Lady of the Lake alone knows what Umbitch-"
Lily and Freddie both cleared their throats at his colourful language.
"-Sorry, ladies, Umbridge might have done with it. This way you're covered, should your first Firebolt be no more."
Harry lifted the broom and felt it hum in his hand. The polish of the wood, the advanced grip, the unique position of the footrests; this was a broom built for speed.
"I'm so going to be faster than everyone; especially Draco Malfoy," Harry said, causing everyone to laugh. "You do know what we have to do now?" Harry asked his godfather with a glint.
"No doubt in my mind. Moony, catch," Sirius said, throwing the werewolf his broom. "Race you to the pitch!" Harry was already halfway out the front door before Sirius had even finished speaking.
"Harry James, at least put...your...clothes...on," Lily attempted to yell after him, but there wasn't to be any stopping of Harry and his favourite activity. The trio was gone and those in the portrait simply looked at the mess and then at each other.
"That was the best Christmas I think we've ever had," James said and all nodded in agreement.
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
Dinner at Grimmauld Place had been grand, Molly pulling out all the stops with her cooking, and Dilly and Jolly working their magic on the house. The collected group had even shared in their gift giving. Harry had endured questions regarding his future, giving vague answers which pleased no one. He needed time to think and be away from everyone, without returning to his ancestral home just yet. Sirius was in a deep discussion with Kingsley, Arthur, Remus and Tonks regarding his upcoming trial. Harry wouldn't pull him away from those who would help ensure the British Ministry heeded the results.
"I thought I might find you up here," Ginny said to Harry as she walked into all but empty room which housed the Black family tree tapestry. She was certain he'd been pacing around the room to burn off some of the nervous energy which had been building throughout the evening.
"Just looking," he explained. "I saw Sirius' parents, they were at the Binding Circle initiation, well their spirits were. They berated him there. Even in death they won't let him be. My granddad had to vouch for him in their place."
"Sometimes our parents are so close to us, they can't see us for who we really are," Ginny quietly added. Harry turned and took in her face. Ginny had aged from the little girl he'd saved in the Chamber, but he couldn't figure out when it happened. He sure as heck didn't notice. Not until now, when he looked at her in this dim light.
"You couldn't possibly be referring to your mum's comment at dinner, could you?" he asked, cocking his eyebrow much like his godfather did.
"It was mortifying," Ginny announced with a sigh. "I mean, really, did she have to point out I was wearing make-up at the table? Then to make me go and remove it, I can't believe she did that. I'm fourteen, not ten!"
"Well, I think you looked beautiful with it on, and more beautiful without it. You don't need to gunk up your face to impress anyone. If a bloke can't see how pretty you are all by yourself, then he's not worth the effort," Harry told her. He was surprised by his bluntness, and couldn't help wonder if hanging out with Sirius and witnessing his father's constant flirting with his mum was having an effect on him.
For her part, Ginny was exhilarated by his calling her beautiful. It felt like he was the first boy to really notice her, and the boy she had hoped would.
Spurred on by his boldness, Harry took a deep breath and then reached into the pocket of his trousers, and pulled out the gift he'd purchased for her. "I got you a small gift," he told her. "I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will," Ginny replied and opened the brown beret Harry had bought for her. "Oh, Harry, it's lovely. Thank you." She immediately put it on her head.
"It's charmed, so it will help keep your head warm," he explained. "I thought the colour went with your hair, and," he paused and took another deep breath. "It matches your eyes."
The pair looked at each other, stunned and surprised by the depth of emotion they were feeling. Harry wasn't completely sure, but given how they were looking at each other and how she was wetting her lips with her tongue, he thought it might be the right time to kiss her. Figuring he was already in for a penny, he might as well be in for a pound and follow his instincts. He looked at her for a minute more, and then leaned in, closed his eyes, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
The minute his mouth touched hers, something exploded inside Harry. It was like he'd been asleep and now he was suddenly awake. Not wanting to let go yet, he wrapped an arm around her waist. Ginny responded with both her arms sliding around his neck, and pulling him closer. The kiss continued for what felt like an eternity, or at least until their lungs began to burn from lack of oxygen. Panting, they pulled away from each other.
"Wow," Ginny muttered.
"I agree," Harry happily said. He gave it another heartbeat or two, before he mustered the strength to ask Ginny a question he was hopeful he already knew the answer to. "Ginny, I've been invited to a New Year's Ball in Ireland, and I can bring a guest. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?" Ginny stared at him for a moment. It was just long enough for a little voice in him - which sounded frighteningly like Voldemort - begin to whisper: She's going to say no. She didn't like how you kissed. She will laugh at you. Harry pushed the voice away, ignoring it best as he could.
"Yes," Ginny said quietly, so quietly Harry nearly missed it through the horrid voice in his mind. Harry did nothing for a moment, so Ginny repeated herself. "Harry, I said yes."
"You said yes," he repeated. "You said yes." This time he had more confidence. "Okay, you said yes. Excellent."
"It is," she repeated, her smile growing so wide her entire face was glowing with happiness.
"So, I guess it's a date. We're dating."
"I think we are," Ginny said, working to hold in her laughter at Harry's stunned statements.
"Excellent, we're dating," he said again, this time smiling as brightly as she. "I think we should seal our agreement with another kiss." He sniggered inside at the words, sounding much like what he suspected Sirius would have said in this situation. His godfather was really rubbing off on him, which made Harry even happier.
"How can I refuse such a kind offer," Ginny flirted back just before her lips met his.
Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Author's Notes: Author's Note: Here's the next chapter in LPOW. There is talk of torture in this chapter, if you're sensitive to such things, stop reading when you see the star and begin reading again when you see the second one. This story carries a mature rating, and this chapter demonstrates why. This won't be a "love story" in any way, shape or form. It's a story about Harry embracing his heritage and then taking control of his life for the first time. It won't consume the story, but it will be present throughout. Thanks again to everyone who reads. Please, drop me a line - praise or frustration - I love to know what my readers are thinking. MNF
Chapter 6:
Rhyddfreiniau (Welsh)/
Freedom (Modern English)
Wednesday, December 26, 2995
Ministry of the Magical Republic of Ireland
"I can't believe you talked me into bringing him with us," Sirius muttered darkly, tipping his head toward Harry. Both Remus and Harry cocked one of their eyebrows at him; a near perfect imitation of Lord Black when he got testy with his best friend or godson. "Dear Merlin, we've spent too much time together. Now we're acting like each other."
"Hey, we all live together, it was bound to happen," Remus bantered back. "Would you please relax? If it wasn't for your outfit, I'd suggest you switch over and have a good romp around the building. Padfoot seems to be the only way you burn off energy anymore."
"I used to have other ways," Sirius said sadly. "Azkaban left me ..." he trailed off. "Well, no point discussing something which can't be helped, now can we?" Harry wasn't entirely sure what being discussed, but he knew it was because of the punishments in that rat hole of a prison. Harry clenched his fists, grasping the edges of his robes as to not push his fingernails through the skin and into the flesh of his hands. The British Ministry, the stupid idiot Fudge who put his godfather in that hellhole, and most important Dumbledore for not trusting Sirius or granting him the decency of a trial; they were all going to pay for the life they'd robbed Sirius of. Harry swore on his love for his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents that he would do it.
"Now, I'm beginnin' to tink yar not da man I knew at school," a pleasant voice interrupted the trio from their thoughts. Maggie came out of the Ministry building, and was literally skipping down the stairs. "Ya still got five minna before ya need ta be here!"
"I'm trying punctuality out for a change," Sirius suavely said.
"Don't let this old dog tell you he's learning new tricks," Remus interjected with a laugh. "He's not. He's been up since three, ready since four. He's nervous."
"Dere, dere," Maggie said as she linked her arm through his. "Dere's nothin' ta be worried abou. I'll be wit ya, as will yar mate and godson. Yar gonna be fine, Sirius. Yar gonna be free in an hour, I promise." To punctuate her promise, Maggie stood on her toes and kissed him softly. Sirius chose to wrap his arms around her waist, and return the kiss.
Maggie wasn't short, for a woman, she was quite tall, topping out at five-feet ten-inches. However, given Sirius' extreme height of nearly six-feet five, she did have to pull herself up to give him a proper snog. Her hair was such a unique colour, it could have only come from nature. Such a dark auburn that indoors one would think it was black, but out here in the sun, the deep red almost burgundy shone in all its complexity. Completely straight and falling well below her shoulder blades, she could use it as a curtain when out on Auror missions, hiding the paleness of her skin. Her eyes were as bright as her hair was dark. The pale hazel appeared nearly yellow by her irises. Maggie had long ago learned to play up the unique shade by using plum and green coloured shadows. She also exuded confidence, which made her all the more desirable, especially to Sirius.
When their snog was beginning to get too involved for the steps of the government building, Remus cleared his throat.
They didn't pull apart. Remus again cleared his throat, this time joined by Harry.
Maggie made a move to pull away from Sirius, but he held her firmly there.
A third, exceptionally loud throat clearing didn't work either, so Remus spoke up. "So, Maggie, did Sirius ever tell you about the time I caught him with his pants down, hand on his parts with a picture of -"
"Finish that sentence and you're not going to want to live with me. I will hex everything you own!" Sirius angrily said as he released Maggie.
"So, er, you're a couple?" Harry asked, hoping to break the tension.
"When I came at visit ya lot last week, I agreed to give da man a chance. We've had one date, but it twas more tan enough," Maggie said slyly. Harry grinned widely. He liked that his godfather had someone and he had Ginny. Now, they just needed to fix Remus up and they could all be happy, together.
Maggie pulled Sirius inside by the hand, and Harry and Remus took up the rear.
"Were you telling the truth there? Did you really walk in on Sirius, er, working his stuff out?" Harry asked, turning red as he did. At fifteen, he was well aware of what a guy did in private to alleviate tension. He certainly didn't want any of his mates walking in while he was doing it, especially Ron, since most of his most recent mental images had to do with Ginny.
"Well, Harry, I think you've found a new euphemism for that activity," Remus replied rather awkwardly. "The answer is yes, he was in the dorm room, but he'd forgotten to close his curtains. It was a horrible sight."
"Who was the picture of?"
"Maggie, when she played Quidditch with us."
"Oh, eww," Harry said, feeling his stomach roll. It was one thing to have images in your head, it was another to have them on your bed while you were... He shuddered at the mental picture. "Please, if you ever are compelled to share something like that about yourself, Sirius or even my parents, just don't." Remus threw his head back and laughed heartily. The two men entered the Irish Ministry with smiles on their faces.
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
Maggie ushered the three men to a rather bland looking conference room. A large oak table was surrounded by comfortable looking chairs on wheels. Harry took one look at them and was puzzled.
"Are those Muggle office chairs?"
"Yes," Maggie replied. "We tried at do levitating ones, but it twas a mess. As da charm wore off, dey'd sink to da floor an dinna stay put. Dese are much better." The men chuckled at the image of rogue chairs drifting and sinking around the room. Before any more could be said, two men and a woman entered the room.
"Ah, I see we're all here," a rather short, grey-haired man said. "Can we all take a seat, please? Lord Black, if ya would sit here wit me, please." We all shifted around, Remus, Maggie and me sitting across the table from Sirius, and the two Ministry men. The woman sat at the end, a large scroll of parchment and a Quick-Quills pen at the ready.
"I'm Judge …amonn Donndubhán, dis is Ministry Potions Master Seachnall and Miss McTorin, who will be takin down the transcription of today's proceedins." His accent wasn't as strong as Maggie's so it was easier to understand the Judge.
"Having his trial this way, with just you presiding, it will be considered legal in Britain?" Remus asked.
"Unlike ya stuffy Brits," Maggie replied, "we dinna feel da need ta make our entire Council of Elders hear a simple Veritaserum trial. Right, …amonn?"
"Yes, Margaret," he had a glint in his eye when he called her by her full first name. Harry got the feeling there might be a story there. "Dis trial is entirely proper and legal. Are ya ready, Lord Black?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Sirius responded, sounding very anxious.
"Alright, dis is how it'll work; you'll be administered t'ree drops of the Veritaserum, we'll ask some tester questions ta ensure it's workin, den we'll ask de important ones. When I have de answers I need, you'll be given de antidote. Do ya understand?"
"Yes, sir." Sirius replied and the Judge nodded his head once and the Potions Master pulled the stopper from the phial, already filled with the potion. Knowing what he needed to do, Sirius opened his mouth and stuck his tongue out. Carefully Master Seachnall dropped the prescribed three drops and then put the stopper back into the phial and screwed it shut. Sirius had closed his mouth and swallowed. Everyone was silent and still for what felt like an eternity.
"Is your name Sirius Orion Black?" The Judge asked.
"No," Sirius replied. The Potions Master and secrewitch seemed confused. The trio who knew Sirius, however, were smiling.
"Is your name Sirius Black?"
"Yes."
"Why do ya not have a middle name?"
"Because when I was seventeen I went to the Ministry and officially changed my name. I wanted nothing to do with my father or my family."
"Excellent. Mr. Lupin, please ask Mr. Black a question he'd be reluctant ta answer, dat you're able to verify the answer to."
Remus nodded. "Sorry about this mate. Where is your first tattoo located and how did you end up with it?" Sirius looked at Remus as if he'd lost his mind, but as hard as he tried, he couldn't help but answer it.
"It's on my bum and I was drunk the night of James and Lily's engagement and you took me to a Muggle place to get it." Sirius fought every word of the answer.
"Oh?" Maggie perked up. "What does it look like?"
Sirius looked mortified as he answered. "It's a heart which says, 'I love Prongs'." Remus, Harry and Maggie all burst out laughing, knowing who Prongs was. Harry wanted to know if his father knew, but decided not to open his mouth right now.
"Very well, de potion seems ta be working," the Judge announced. "Lord Black, are ya now or have ya ever been a follower of Voldemort?"
"No."
"Would anyone in his camp consider ya a Death Eater?"
"No."
"Do ya bear da Dark Mark?"
"No."
"Did ya betray da Potter family to Voldemort?"
"No."
"Were ya da Secret Keeper for da Potter family?"
"No."
"Do ya know who was?"
"Yes."
"Who was da Secret Keeper?"
"Peter Pettigrew."
"After ya discovered James and Lily Potter murdered, what did ya do?"
"I went to gather Harry and bring him home with me. Just as I was to leave, Hagrid showed up and told me I couldn't have him. I refused to hand Harry over and was about to stun Hagrid when Professor Dumbledore showed up. He ripped Harry out of my arms." Sirius had tears in his eyes as he said this. Harry never realised he was so close to living with Sirius.
"What happened after dat?"
"The Aurors began to arrive. Dumbledore asked me if I had been the Secret Keeper. I told him no. He asked if I were privy to whom it might be. I told him I was and he suggested I go find the real Secret Keeper then, which I did."
"We have da official record of what happened next. Did ya kill Peter Pettigrew?"
"No."
"Did ya kill the twelve Muggles on the street?"
"No."
"Was yer wand tested for recently cast spells?"
"No, it was broken by Cornelius Fudge of the Hit Squad before the test could be done." Harry growled at the answer. He hated Fudge nearly as much as Voldemort and Dumbledore now.
"Were ya granted a preliminary hearing before da Wizengamot Council?"
"No."
"Was a full trial given before da Wizengamot?"
"No."
"Were ya given a Veritaserum trial by the Aurors?"
"No."
"Was der any way da information regarding da Secret Keeper could have been verified?"
"The decision to make Peter the Secret Keeper was done in the Headmaster's office. Any of the portraits within the office could have confirmed what I had told Dumbledore. Additionally, a portrait of James and Lily Potter was at the Potter Estate in Yorkshire." Remus and Maggie were shaking their heads in disgust. Harry was clutching the table so hard, he was leaving fingernail marks in the wood.
"To da best of yer knowledge, were any of dese portraits spoken to?"
"I don't believe they were." To this response, even the Judge and Potions Master shook their heads.
"Were ya incarcerated in Azkaban prison?"
"Yes."
"Were ya treated accordin to the International Statute of Fair Treatment of Prisoners?"
"No, sir, I was not," Sirius said very darkly. The Judge took in a deep, settling breath. Where he needed to take the questioning would make them all uncomfortable, but it needed to be done, especially to make it possible for amends to be made for this man's future.
"Lord Black, I need to discuss all aspects of your treatment while imprisoned. Would you like me to clear the room, so it's just you and me?" Sirius couldn't even lie about his wishes due to the Veritaserum. He looked at his best mate and his godson, wanting to spare them the ugly details, but knowing if he tried to send them away they'd protest; they wouldn't with the judge. He then looked to Maggie, their relationship just truly starting, deposition isn't how he wanted to tell her.
"Yes."
"Alrighty then, ya heard the man, he'd prefer to give his statement in private. I dinna want to order ya out of the room, therefore, I'd like if ya'd leave on yar own," the Judge asked kindly. Remus and Sirius stared at one another, Remus silently pleading with him. Sirius shook his head, preferring to share these horrors in private with his best friend, preferably with a bottle of Firewhisky. Harry resisted, but Maggie put her arm around his shoulders and led him out. The secrewitch followed the trio out. The door closed with a quiet click.
"I know this is gonna to be hard, so I'll begin wit easy questions. Should you need it, we've got calmin daught and other potions available," the Judge explained and Sirius nodded, watching as the quill continued to scratch away at the parchment. The Potions Master stood aside, at the ready.
"Were ya provided quality food every day?"
"No. We were given some thin porridge every day, sometimes every other day."
"Were ya provided fresh water?"
"No, I had much better luck collecting rainwater in my blanket and then squeezing it out."
"Did you receive medical treatment?"
"Only when the curses did too much damage, or you were finally driven mad by the Dementors." The Judge shook his head. He knew things were bad in Azkaban, but he never dreamed they were this far below the International statutes. War or not, Death Eaters or not, there was no reason to treat people worse than they were allowed to treat animals.
"Speakin of de Dementors, how ever did ya avoid dem?"
Sirius chuckled before answering. "I'm an unregistered Animagus. I become a large dog, and they had no effect on me when I was switched over. I finally became thin enough to squeeze through the bars. I risked escape when I saw that Pettigrew was living as a classmate's pet rat, sharing a room with Harry."
"Ya will need to register, we're rather strict abou dat here," the Judge said and Sirius nodded.
"Alright den, harder questions now. Were ya cursed while in Azkaban?"
"Yes."
"Who did da cursin'?"
"Guards, Aurors, nearly anyone who passed by my cell in the beginning. It was assumed that I'd killed my best mate and his wife, who were beloved in our world. Everyone felt they had the right to curse me, if not worse."
"What do you mean by worse?" Sirius looked physically pained to answer the question. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the pity which would inevitably come from hearing this tale.
"There were certain guards, people who had actually been followers of Voldemort, but were really well hidden in the ranks of the Ministry. When they'd bored of using curses and hexes, they'd resort to physical abuse. They'd studied Muggle techniques of torture - I didn't even know they could read. They'd flay me slowly, peeling the skin off my back. Fingernails were pulled out, as were several teeth. I'd be left hanging by my wrists until my shoulders would dislocate, then they'd drop me, breaking bones in my legs. There were other forms of torture as well..." he trailed off, hoping to retain at least one modicum of his dignity. Sirius silently hoped the Judge wouldn't ask him to explain. He wasn't lying, he just didn't want to share this bit. He was fighting the potion, so he could just not have to tell this one last thing.
********
"Lord Black, I'm so sorry, but I need to ask. What other forms of torture?"
Sirius Black was an exceptionally strong man, and even stronger willed one; but as he summoned his fortitude to share this last bit, he felt himself crack. Tears began to fall and his shoulders started to shake in his fight to hold himself together.
"They did things..." he got a few words out between his heavy breaths. "Things to me...down there...burned...injected...humiliated me," he finally spoke before breaking down completely. He'd never told anyone, never sought help. Sirius Black knew he was ruined. He didn't need anyone else knowing.
"My merciful Mary, Mother of God," the Judge muttered, even as he nodded to the Potions Master to give him anything which would help this poor man regain his composure. It took a few minutes for Sirius to stop fighting the potions and let himself relax.
*****
"Lord Black, Sirius, I'm gonna ta have dese files sealed, and only I will be able ta unseal dem, so yar secret remains safe. However, would ya be willing ta let one of our Healers look at ya? I need ta see what scars or wounds remain. I also hope dey'd be able ta help ya."
"I will," Sirius said quietly. The Judge stood and welcomed the four back into the room. Remus and Harry took one look at Sirius and were worried about what had happened, Maggie kept her eyes from Sirius, as he'd be able to see how heartbroken she was even if she didn't know exactly what had happened to him. His slumped shoulders, red eyes and broken demeanour told her enough.
"Is dere anything else ya'd like to add?" the Judge asked once everyone was seated.
"I never truly thought you were the spy, Remus. You were just gone so much, trying to get information, I worried that they'd somehow gotten inside your head and taken things from your mind without you knowing it. I'm sorry we didn't tell you what was going on with James and Lily going into hiding with Harry. We just thought it would be too big a risk, considering who you were spending time with. I am so, so sorry," Sirius was spilling his guts, and Remus was obviously moved by the statement.
The Judge nodded again, and the Potions Master took the stopper out of a second phial and stepped over to Sirius. Three drops of a shockingly bright blue potion were put on Sirius' tongue, and he again swallowed. Maggie got a mischievous grin on her face before asking; "Do ya love me?"
Sirius kept his mouth shut for a moment, looking as if he was struggling with the action. He finally replied; "It could possibly be so." Harry didn't know how he did it, but the answer was given in such a way to be suggestive. The room burst out laughing.
"Well, de serum has been reversed. Based on your answers, it's obvious to me that you're telling the truth. Give me a moment while I summon the official forms." A wave of the Judge's wand and a minute or so later, several scrolls came flying in, along with a rather strange looking quill. The judge wrote a few notes, the secrewitch waved her wand and then the judge used his wand to put a seal on the bottom of each of the parchments. While all this was going on, the Potions Master slipped from the room. Remus and Sirius were surprised, neither got the chance to thank him. Harry was far more interested in what the judge was doing.
"I, Judge …amonn Donndubhán, do declare on this twenty-sixth day of December in da year of our Lord nineteen-ninety six, dat wizard Sirius Black is hereby declared innocent of all charges brought against him on one November, nineteen-eighty one. Additionally, da Ministry of da Magical Republic of Ireland will request reparations for ya, from da Ministry of Magic in the United Kingdom. We will suggest a total of 140 Galleons for every day you were unjustly imprisoned or sought by the Ministry. Dis constitutes five-thousand, one-hundred sixty-eight days and a total of 723,520 Galleons. Additionally, since yar home, wand, personal possessions and personal vault at Gringotts were seized, we are suggesting an additional 80,000 Galleons be added, and your vault unsealed. You have also attested to yar poor state of health at your time of escape, as well as lingering dental and medical ailments due to the abhorrent conditions in Azkaban Prison. For these problems, we are asking for and additional 196,480 Galleons to provide you with the best medical treatment possible here in Ireland, or wherever you must go to receive it."
Harry's mouth just hung open after the first number, not thinking about the mounting total. Remus and Sirius, however, had been doing the math and were astounded at what was being requested. Even if he got half of what they were suggesting, Sirius would be immensely richer than he already was.
"In addition, we will be requesting an official letter of pardon from da Ministry of Magic, and personal letters of apology from current Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, Former Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold, and Albus Dumbledore."
"Fat chance I'll be receiving those," Sirius said with a dark snigger, sounding much more like himself.
"If ya accept these terms, please sign on all t'ree copies," the secrewitch directed. Sirius lifted the unusual quill and signed them. The quill and his signature both glowed, indicating a magical bond was forged.
"Here's yar copy," the witch said. "I'll go file ours and da transcripts. Good day," she said and then left.
"Lord Black, given what ya shared wit me, I would very much like ta represent ya in a case against yar Ministry. Da head of yar Wizengamot is on da International Confederation of Wizards, Dumbledore shouldda known better. If he dinna know, den de man is addled and should be removed. I dinna care if ya were a murderin madman, da law says der are rules for prisoners."
Sirius looked at the man, then at the other three, who each in turn gave him a look of support. He wrapped an arm around Maggie, who'd moved to stand next to him.
"I think I'd very much like your representation," Sirius replied.
Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Chapter 7:Dewis (Welsh)/
Choice (Modern English)
December 28, 1995
Potter Estate, Yorkshire
"It seems too quiet around here," James Potter commented as his son sat down to eat his breakfast in the small breakfast nook off the kitchen. Frames had been put up in nearly every room in the house so the Potters and Evanses could be part of the family wherever Harry might be.
"Sirius and Remus are still in Ireland," Harry explained as Dilly placed his porridge and juice on the table in front of him. He could smell that she'd made more food, most likely bacon and eggs from the delicious, fatty smell. "Dad, where's Mum?"
"She's still resting in the meadow in the sitting room portrait," James explained. "Why do you ask?"
"It's not something I want to discuss in front of her."
"You know you can talk to me about anything, son."
Harry thought for a second, and then he looked to his father. "At the trial the other day, Sirius made us leave the room when he had to talk about his injuries in Azkaban. He'd already told us he'd been cursed, almost daily at the beginning, but there was something else going on. Dad, did he tell you what they did to him there?"
James Potter furrowed his brow, "No, Harry, he didn't."
"I think it was something awful," Harry confessed. "Remus fire called last night, said the medical exam took nearly four hours. Sirius was barely conscious when Remus was allowed to bring him home. The Healer said he had to be sedated while they examined some of the scars, they were still painful to him. Dad, what the hell happened to him?"
"Harry, I don't know," James confessed. "However, I know Sirius is very private about such things. It took me being friends with him for years before he'd tell me about the abuse his parents put him through. Don't go digging, Harry. He'll not appreciate having his private issues made public, even if its only to you."
"You think he's at least talking to Remus?"
"I suspect he is," James confessed. "Sirius has gone through as much as Remus, just in a different way. Sirius was abused by his family, Remus by society. Remus has told me often he'd take having people hate him, as long as he knew his Mum and Dad loved him. It pained him Padfoot never had such assurances.
"Sirius has always been very protective of our friend, even more than I was. He took the treatment of werewolves as second-class-citizens as a personal affront. He thought it bad enough that Remus would have his body ripped apart and sewn together monthly; to then have people classify someone as a sub-species, it was despicable. I honestly think the issue of the Black family hunting werewolves at their German estate convinced Sirius he wasn't ever going to be part of his family. He was twelve and he knew it was wrong, even if no one agreed with him.
"Our current Minister used werewolf legislation to put his name on the political map, back in the first war. He made a case for those with lycanthropy as less intelligent and emotionally driven in their actions. People listened, despite his lack of any true scientific evidence. The pathetic part is Remus is twice as intelligent as he, and far more diplomatic."
"Anyone would be better than Fudge," Harry seethed. "He's a wanker of a human being who thinks nothing of walking over others to get what he desires. I hate him."
"Harry, you shouldn't hate," a gentle voice interrupted them. He looked down to see Dilly coming toward him with his plate of bangers and fried eggs. She made the eggs his favourite way, yolks hard and the edges crispy. "When you allow yourself to hate, you give evil a chance to grow in you."
"Why? Why not hate someone like that? He broke Sirius' wand without a second thought and sent him to Azkaban without even listening to what he had to say! He ruined my godfather's life and body! He put Umbridge at my school where she..." Harry physically looked as if he wanted to sick as he stopped himself from saying the words. His body actually heaved forward, not being able to stop the convulsing at the memories.
"Harry, what do you mean? What did this woman do?" James asked his son in the fatherly tone that indicated this wasn't really a request, rather a demand.
"Umbridge...she was really mean to the students, especially me," Harry said, hoping it would appease his father.
"Try again, Harry. You don't look like you're going to sick up all over your breakfast because someone said something mean," James told his son and Harry got irritated that nothing got past his father. Dilly reached and took his hand, her gentle eyes prodding him to tell the truth.
"Dad, she used a blood quill," Harry explained, lifting his hand to show where it said I must not tell lies. Dilly gasped and James clenched his jaw together so tightly the veins in his neck, cheeks and forehead bulged.
"This woman abused you?" James asked through a nearly closed mouth, the words only just escaping the prison of his teeth. "She used an implement which was banned generations ago?" Harry was beginning to feel the sting of his father's words, even if the anger wasn't directed at him. The young wizard fought back the tears which wanted to gather and fall. He was awed at his father's anger. Never had someone get angry about how he'd been treated. Hermione had been upset, but Hermione would have been upset if anyone had been hurt in such a way. This, his own father, was different. He is someone who loves him and wants to protect him. Dilly's taking of Harry's other hand and pulling him down into a hug proved to be too great a response, and he did cry.
James muttered something and left the portrait. A loud scream was heard in the dining room, and the noise only made Harry cry harder. James returned a moment later with Harland and Eldon Potter in tow.
"D-d-dad, I'm s-s-s-orry," Harry stammered, even as he was working to get hold of his emotions. Dilly had released him, but she was holding on of his hands with both of hers, rubbing gentle circles on the back.
"Harry, you have nothing to be sorry for," Harlan replied, as James was still seething. "No boy should be treated like this."
"There was no one I could go to," the young man explained. "Umbridge was bearing down on the professors, even McGonagall. The Ministry was after Dumbledore. She made sure we couldn't go to the Hospital Ward and see Madame Pomfrey, or be caught out of bed after hours and get more punishments. We just did the best we could healing each other in the common rooms."
"What has happened to that school?" Eldon muttered. "Nothing like this would have happened when I taught there. Headmaster Dippet would have protected his students, Ministry be dammed. Of course, in those days, the Ministry stayed out of the workings at Hogwarts." Harry smiled at the stern attitude his great-grandfather had, but his stories reminded him of countless old people he'd heard talking in the park near the Dursley's house. It was always, "in my day...". There was a comfortable familiarity to his statements.
"Well, Umbridge is gone, made sure of that," Harry replied and all three older Potter men nodded in time. It caused Harry to laugh aloud, the hurt feelings diffusing. "But, I still worry about my friends at Hogwarts. We've got a ghost teaching history, and no one learns anything except for the Goblin Wars. On top of that, our Potions teacher is a right awful git and the Defence position is cursed, so no one lasts more than one year."
"Well, Harry, you know you can do something about that, don't you?" Eldon asked the young Potter and Harry shook his head, confusion knitting his eyebrows together.
"What do you mean?"
"Harry, I do believe it is time you went into Lord Potter's office, so I may explain all your position entails," his great-grandfather said. "To get in you must press your forearm bearing the ancient symbol of our family to the door. The magic of the house will accept your insignia and allow you entrance."
"Alright," the young Lord replied. "May I finish my breakfast first?"
"Please do," Eldon answered with a chuckle, the other two men joining him. "I would also suggest you dress for the day as well. You will be meeting several other former Lord Potters from long ago. They might not appreciate their student being dressed in night clothes and a dressing gown."
Harry nodded before shovelling his eggs into his mouth.
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
At high noon, Eldon returned to the kitchen portrait frame, asking that Dilly take lunch to Harry in the office. Dilly nodded, silently filled a plate and Disapparted into the room, returning nearly as quickly. The house had been exceptionally quiet, Remus and Sirius only having returned thirty minutes before. Dilly had made the men a meal, Remus dining in the kitchen, talking in hushed tones with James about what Sirius had allowed him to say regarding Azkaban. It wasn't much, James could tell by Moony's haunted gaze when he spoke. The conversation quickly turned to the International Wizarding Rights complaint which would be filed by Ireland against the U.K. through the I.C.W.
"It is a truly well done document," Remus explained. "We're just waiting for the correct day to file it. In part, it will be Harry who decides as he wants to hit Dumbledore with everything at once. I never realized he could be so tactical and yet vengeful."
"He's my son," James said ruefully. "I held a grudge against Snape for years, simply because he had been a friend of Lily's."
"I wouldn't feel so bad about that," Remus replied. "The man's still a git, especially to Harry. Remember, he gave as well as he got."
An uncomfortable silence fell between the two, and Remus looked down the hall to the sealed door of the office which housed Harry.
"How long do you think it will take for him to learn what he needs to know?" the werewolf asked.
"I don't know, but Dad and Grandfather are in there with him. They'll make sure he eats and gets rest if he needs it," James answered. "When he's done we'll know it. From the discussions I've had with Dad, it's a long process, longer than what he went through with Myrddin. Harry has quite a few choices to make as well."
"Do you think he'll go back to Hogwarts?"
"As much as it pains me to say this," James confided, "I don't think he will. It isn't the same place we went, it's not safe, not the quiet bubble we enjoyed when we went. Harry lives in a fish bowl there. He craves privacy and safety and the love of family. We've got the last one taken care of, you and Padfoot will be there to care for him in a way which he's never had before. He's got Lily and I, as well as the rest of the portraits. It's in his power to have his other two desires as well. I know my son, he's going to take steps to have them as well."
"I suppose, although I find it hard to see him leaving his friends behind. Ron and Hermione, even Ginny and Neville; they've stuck by him through everything. It's going to be hard to break that bond."
"Who's to say he won't just being them along?" James suggested and Remus shrugged. He couldn't imagine Molly Weasley being that happy about it, but he wasn't going to bring that up now.
"I should go up and check on Sirius," Remus said, making move to stand.
"Lily's up there with him," James reported. "Let him be."
"Are you sure? What if he needs help with something? What if he needs to go to the loo?"
"Lily will call for Jolly then," James reminded him. "She might be the best one for his wounded heart right now."
"Really, I never knew they talked that much."
"They didn't, but they did. It wasn't like the relationship she had with you, where you'd patrol together and do your revisions and assignments together. Sirius and Lily had this strange brother and sister thing; especially after Lils and I were married."
"I wasn't around much then," Remus reminded and James nodded. "Tell me about them."
"Even when we were young, he had a much easier time opening up to her than either of us," James went on to explain. "She was the first one he spoke to when Maggie left school, and when Marlene was killed. He shadowed her in the halls our sixth and seventh years, if you or I weren't with her. He was worried about the Slytherins attacking her. He also knew she'd never consent to an escort."
"He was right about that."
"Stubborn as the day is long," James said with a sigh for he loved her for it.
"When she was pregnant with Harry, she shared her fears with him, even if she insisted on keeping them from me at first. Always thought I needed to see her brave," he said with a wistfulness. "If he's going to let his emotions out it'll be with her."
Remus nodded and sat back down. The men spoke for a while longer before moving from the kitchen to the snooker room to play chess, Remus moving James' pieces as the portrait requested.
The sun was below the horizon when the door to the office opened and Harry emerged, a triumphant smile on his face. "I have made some decisions. January 2, the House of Potter will announce itself to the whole of the Wizarding world."
Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Chapter 8:Cychwyn (Welsh)/
To Begin (Modern English)
December 31:
9:48 p.m.
Grimmauld Place
"You look very beautiful," Harry told Ginny as she walked down the stairs and into the grand hallway. "Very, very beautiful." The last bit was said a tad to enthusiastically, and the twins chose to glare at Harry.
"The dress is just stunning, Harry. You shouldn't have spent so much gold on it. I could have worn my dress from the Yule Ball last year," Ginny replied, taking a step closer to him. Molly immediately set to fussing with her daughter's outfit, fixing things which didn't require any tinkering.
"To see you smile like that, I'd pay a million galleons," Harry told her, taking the final step toward her and taking her hand. "I'm glad it fits alright. Do you like the colours?"
"Yes, how could I not," Ginny answered. The strapless dress was an ivory colour, with a fine overlay of tulle embellished with golden polka dots of various sizes. The wide satin belt was a vibrant pink hue. Crinolines made the dress full and it fell to just above her ankles. Ginny wore a pair of bright pink low heeled shoes and some gold earrings. There was a jacket made of the tulle to cover her shoulders. "Where did you find it?"
"Tonks and I went shopping in Dublin. I took her along, since she knew about what size you are and what would go with her hair and eyes and make you look pretty and fit you and-" Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him. "I guess I'm rambling, sorry."
"It's okay, Harry. It's sort of cute," Ginny said with a blush, making Harry do so as well.
"Remus, you're going to be there all night, correct?" Molly inquired, sounding every bit the overprotective mother she was.
"Yes, Molly," Remus replied in a collected voice practiced by years of dealing with the woman. "I am going strictly as their chaperone and Sirius and Maggie will be there as well." Molly snorted and muttered something which sounded like: At least there will be one grown up there, which visibly irritated Harry. Having heard his wife and seen the reaction of Harry and his daughter to her words, Arthur spoke up.
"Well then, you should be off," he said, coming between his wife and the young couple. "What time does your Portkey leave for the O'Lachlan's?"
"Ten sharp," Remus replied, walking to the front door and opening it. "And given that's only seven minutes from now, I believe we should be off." Harry nodded and lead Ginny outside, where they each took hold of one of Remus' arms so he could Disapparate them to the Potter house in Killarney.
"Have a good time," Molly said. "Don't drink any Firewhisky and do send me an owl when you've gotten back to the Potter's house. We'll see you for supper tomorrow. Oh, and keep warm, and watch your shoes and -"
"Dear, she's going to a ball, not going off to slay a leviathan," Arthur said, reaching up to take her hand. "She'll be fine."
"I know," Molly relented as the trio turned and were gone. "I just feel like she's too young for all of this. She's my baby." Molly closed the door, noticing the hallway was now empty.
"She always will be, Mollywobbles, she always will be," Arthur calmed her even as he felt a pang of sadness at his daughters growing up.
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
"Harry, why is there a maze made from...are those old cornstalks?" Ginny asked, looking down at her dress and making a distressed furrow of her brows.
"Yes, fair Miss Ginevra, those are indeed cornstalks," Sirius replied, placing his hand on her back, simultaneously calming her and innocuously flirting with the girl. "As for why, I'm not certain Harry has covered this particular matter in his studies. Can you answer her, or shall I?"
"I think I can," Harry answered, picking up Sirius' hand and removing it from Ginny's bare shoulders and replacing it with his own. His godfather quirked his eyebrow and smiled in an appreciative way. "Tomorrow is the thirteenth day of Yule, the cornstalk day. As it's the end of the festival and the start of a new calendar year, my great-grandfather taught me that you must bring something old from the past year into the new one. It should be something which will bear a gift for the goddess. There are dried out ears of corn still on the stalks, which when planted in the spring will bear new corn.
"As for the maze, it is to teach self-reliance and responsibility. Although the god and goddess are always with us and will help us along the way, we must make our own futures. If we leave every choice to chance, it is very easy to be pulled or pushed into a future you don't desire," Harry explained. "Everyone deserves the chance to make their own destiny." The last sentence was said with much more emphasis. Sirius and Remus both reacted to Harry's words; Sirius grabbing his shoulder and Remus giving him a reassuring nod.
"I like that idea," Ginny said and Harry turned to her, smiled and then lightly kissed her lips. The two looked at each other when their lips parted, causing Sirius to groan.
"You are far too smitten," he muttered, causing Remus to snigger. "So, do we tackle this challenge as a group, or do we split off?"
"While a group is fine," a familiar voice said behind Sirius, "I tink I prefer a pair." Sirius turned around to find Maggie standing behind him. She was wearing a gorgeous navy blue gown, the blue silk of the bodice sweeping to one side across her body, revealing a black skirt beneath. He excitedly spun around and captured her in his arms. He lifted her up and swung her back and forth, making the skirt of her gown resemble a bell ringing.
"If you're my partner, then I definitely agree," he said before kissing her. Remembering his groan from only moments ago, Harry returned the sound. Maggie broke off the kiss, wondering what exactly Harry's utterance meant, but paying it no mind.
"Well, then, er, I'll just head over to the house, and er," Remus sputtered, not wanting to be a fifth wheel.
"Remus, since you're alone, I was wondering if you could help a friend of mine through the maze. They wouldn't be able to do it on their own," Maggie explained. Remus, being the consummate gentleman, quickly nodded in agreement. Maggie turned back to where she'd come from, and took a few steps before she tapped on the shoulder of a man. He moved aside to reveal Klytië. Maggie looped her friends hand into her arm and they joined the group. It all happened so quickly, Remus didn't have a chance to run away. Klytië looked around the circle, before her gaze stopped at Remus'.
"Remus, is that you?" Still utterly tongue-tied, Remus was incapable of answering. He just stood there, looking at the only girl he'd ever truly cared about. "Maggie told me there'd be a surprise here. I never expected it to be you."
She looked ethereal in her pale purple dress. Layers of gossamer fabric hung over her body. The bodice was shaped as a raven, its head making up the left side, while the wing created the right. The entire bird was embroidered and sequinned, the body dissolved into the body of the dress. The colour of the diaphanous material got darker near the hem, and within the layers, other ravens had been embroidered as well. It appeared the birds were in flight as she moved.
"I'm sure he'd be delighted, Klytië, love," Sirius responded, taking her in his arms and kissing both her cheeks.
"Always the flirt," she blonde responded. "I believe I can see young Lord Potter as well. Harry, are you here?"
Harry smiled before answering. "I'm here Ms. Dawnsla. It's nice to see you again."
"Please, call me Klytië," she reminded him, reaching for his hand. Holding it for a moment, she smiled at him, then reaching to run her hand along his cheek. "The decision you have made is bold, but will serve you well. I can see happiness in your future. There is one thing I must caution you about; remember to always act out of a sense of justice. To do anything else will damage your future happiness."
"I understand, Klytië." She pulled her hand away from his face, and then turned so she appeared to be looking at Ginny.
"Ah, so you are the one who has captured his heart," the seer stated. "You will be good for him, if you are courageous enough to follow him on his path." Ginny's breath caught in her chest, and she was suddenly worried. "Do not fret, child, I did not mean to worry you, I only meant to prepare you. I have been so rude, neglecting to greet you properly before rambling on so. My name is Klytië Dawnsla and I was a friend of James and Lily's." Klytië put her hand out for the girl to shake.
"I'm Ginny Weasley, it's nice to meet you." Ginny had returned the gesture, taking Klytië's hand in her own and giving it a shake.
"The pleasure is all mine. It isn't often I meet one with your gifts." Ginny looked at Sirius, perplexed and concerned. Maggie caught the exchange and hastily moved the activity on.
"Well, now dat de introductions are over, I say we do pairs and meet on de odder side. Everyone agreed?" Maggie asked, and before anyone could possibly object, she spoke again. "Excellent. Remus, dear, if ya'd be so kind as ta take Klytië by de arm," Maggie moved the blind woman next to Remus placing her hand on his arm. "Well, they seem all set. Off you two go." Maggie sort of pushed Klytië while Sirius did the same with Remus. When they were out of sight, Sirius laughed.
"I'm quite certain we'll get an ear full at home," Sirius said to Harry.
"Probably, but it was worth it. Ginny, shall we?" She looked a bit confused by what had just happened, but happily took Harry's hand and entered the maze. When they were well gone, Sirius pulled Maggie behind a large oak tree and snogged her resoundingly.
"You taste divine," Sirius remarked when his lips moved from hers to nibbling on her neck. "It's unfortunate we can't leave and celebrate in private."
"Who says we can't?" Maggie asked. "I just need ta be back at quarter ta midnight ta be part of de ceremony. Dat gives us one and 'alf 'ours ta...well whatever we can get up ta in dat amount of time."
Sirius pulled away and looked at her earnestly. "We talked about this, I mean, you know that what they did to me...well it made it so I...I'm not sure what you're expecting and the healers say there's hope, but I don't know if -"
"Sirius Black, you and I are old enough ta know dere are many tings between a snog and a shag. I know what dose healers said, or at least what ya were willing ta share. Let's just see what happens, okay?"
"Maggie O'Lachlan, this is why I fell in love with you at fourteen, and why I still love you today," Sirius said with a smile. A thought of her room and a slight turn, and the couple were gone.
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
"That was exhilarating," Ginny proclaimed as they emerged from the maze. They were let out into a large garden, others milling around and talking. Oddly, there were random small firecracker-like displays pocking the night sky.
Harry pulled Ginny to him, his arms around her back and holding her to his chest. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, one hand immediately into his hair.
"Was it the maze that exhilarated you, or was it what we got up to in the maze?" Harry asked, sounding very much like his godfather as he did.
"Hmm," Ginny hummed, cocking her head to one side and looking up as if she had to consider the question. "Definitely the maze," she deadpanned.
"The maze! You enjoyed the maze more?" he replied, mock indignation peppering his words. "I'll show you enjoyed the maze more." With that, he pulled her around the corner of the maze, away from the bonfires and the garden and resoundingly kissed her. Ginny hand planted in Harry's hair massaged and gripped him harder, causing him to moan in her mouth. Her other hand trailed down his neck and stopped over his heart.
For his part, both of Harry's hands were moving up and down her back. She tasted so sweet, and he wanted to do this forever if he could. Unfortunately, that pesky breathing thing got in the way. He held her to his chest, her head resting perfectly on his shoulder, her face nuzzled into his neck as they both panted.
"You know, we've been dating for a week and you've just snogged the breath out of me on our first date. At the rate we're going, we'll be shagging before the summer solstice," Ginny said plainly and the comment shocked Harry.
"Er, uh, I, er," Harry stuttered. As much as he liked Ginny, he wasn't sure he could handle doing more than what they'd just did. "I didn't mean to imply anything, if that's what you're thinking. I, er, respect you, Ginny. If you think I am treating you poorly or something, it's not what I meant and I'm so sorry. Please don't tell your brothers and I wouldn't blame you if you were to break up with me -"
Ginny kissed him again, making him stop his stammering. "You really need to learn to take a joke better. I know you don't think any of those things about me. I promise, Harry, if I'm uncomfortable with what we're doing, I will let you know and you won't misunderstand me," she concluded with a knowing smile and a laugh.
"Good. Let's get back to the party. I need to find Remus; he's supposed to be watching us," Harry said and the pair untangled their arms and Ginny slid her hand into Harry's. The couple went back around the outside of the maze, and very quickly saw Remus and Klytië. The older couple were still together, both smiling, her hand still looped through his arm. Ginny stopped walking, making Harry do the same.
"Before we go over there, who is Klytië? What's her story?" Ginny asked.
"She went to Hogwarts with my parents and their lot. She's a year younger, but Sirius has known her since he was a little kid. She was blinded by the sun when she was six or seven, but she is gifted with a 'third eye' as Sirius puts it. She's not like Trelawney, she actually sees the future, people's auras and stuff. She went with Remus until his seventh year, and then he pushed her away because of his furry little problem. By the looks of it, they're having a good time. That's about all I know."
"Okay," Ginny said with a nod. "One last question, Harry. Do you think she's beautiful?"
Harry pondered the question for a moment, knowing this was one of those trick questions girls asked boys to get them all confused. After a quick moment of thought, he answered. "She is very beautiful," he started and Ginny's smile fell. "However Sirius told me it's an enchantment of some sort, like a veela. Now that I've met her, I find her intriguing and lovely" Ginny's face fell at the proclamation, and looked away from Harry. "However, I've never been one for blondes. Didn't you know, Potter men have always had a thing for redheads." Ginny perked up at the rest of his answer. "Besides, you're the most beautiful woman here. There isn't anyone who comes close to your beauty, my Ginevra." He punctuated his words with a tender kiss.
"Good answer, Mister Potter." Her words capped-off with a more passionate kiss. When they were done, Harry knew he needed to get them back around people, lest he tempted even more.
The young couple were soon standing next to Remus and Klytië. The more mature couple recounting their tale of repeatedly getting lost inside the maze. It was finally she who got them out, by Disapparating to the garden.
A waiter came by and offered them all a glass of what looked a little like milk, except it was frothy and full of ice. Each took the offered beverage, but Ginny was reluctant to partake in something she didn't recognize. Before she ate, drank, entered or wrote in anything, she wanted to know what it was and if it could do anything magical. She'd learned her lesson in her first year.
"What is this?" Ginny asked, giving it a sniff and being pleasantly surprised by the citrus odour.
"It's a Firecracker Fizz," Remus answered. "There's cream and egg whites and sugar and citrus in it. When you've finished the drink, you place the glass on the ground and you'll find a surprise." Ginny looked at him perplexed, until she put his words together with the bursts she'd been seeing since they'd emerged from the maze.
"The fireworks, they're coming from the drink?" she asked gleefully.
"Yes, they are. Go ahead, give it a sip," the werewolf suggested. The quartet had a sip, and Harry looked at his former teacher with concern in his eyes.
"Is there liquor in here? Mrs. Weasley said we couldn't drink. If she smells it on Ginny's breath, I'm a dead man. There's no way she'll let me date her!" Remus laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Harry, relax, breathe. There's a little gin in here, so you're only going to get one. Anyway, I'm your chaperone this evening, and I will take responsibility should Ginny have any alcohol on her breath when her parents arrive at four tomorrow afternoon," Remus tried not to laugh at his young charge, but it was very hard. He'd never seen Harry as tongue-tied as he was around Ginny. It made him reflect back to when he'd first started dating Klytië in school. He was just as flustered and enchanted as Harry. Remus had been surprised, earlier in the maze, when the same feelings had fluttered awake inside him.
The quartet enjoyed their magical beverages, Remus watching carefully for signs of either teen not handling the small amount of alcohol in their drinks. He saw none. They each put their glasses down in turn, enjoying the different colours and shapes of the fireworks created.
A bell was rung at ten to twelve, announcing everyone should make their way into the house. Harry and Remus realised they'd seen none of their friend, and even as they were following the cobblestone path toward the dwelling, they still saw none of them. While they both suspected where he was, their inability to find Maggie as well confirmed their idea. Remus silently lifted a prayer to whomever might listen that things went well for the old dog and his true love.
As they passed through the hedgerow gate, Ginny stopped, staring at the O'Lachlan family home. "Harry, this isn't a house, this is a castle."
"Yes, I suppose it is," Harry agreed. "They're an old, ancient family, they have an old and ancient castle."
"Do the Potters have a castle?"
"No, we have a house," he answered and she calmed a little. "Although, I think our house might be bigger than this place, now that we've repaired the North wing."
"You family house has wings?" Ginny looked close to tears, Harry guessed at the reasoning.
"Ginny, do you think there's something wrong with the Burrow? Do you somehow think having a big house makes Maggie or me better than anyone?" Ginny shrugged. Harry took both her hands and bent down so her could look her in the eye. "Where you live doesn't make someone's life better. The Dursleys live in a very nice house, and they were very bad people. I own all these houses, but I don't have my parents to live there with me. The Burrow might not look like a castle or have wings, but there is love and kindness and comfort there. I don't ever want you to think that you're less than perfect because of where you grew up or who your family is. I think you're the most amazing girl ever. I don't like anyone picking on my girlfriend, even herself. Got it?"
Ginny lifted her head, so Harry stood straight. "Got it," she whispered before kissing him. "I think you're the most perfect boyfriend ever." The couple quickly rejoined the party inside the ballroom. As they were dashing in from the outside, Harry noticed Maggie and Sirius coming in from a somewhat concealed staircase just outside the ballroom. Maggie looked distracted and Sirius looked sad. As Remus saw the faces of his friends, he knew things hadn't gone well between them.
The guests had formed a circle, and Harry was surprised to see Patrick and Alvena Cumberbrandt, the current Merlin and his wife, standing with all eight members of the McMurray/O'Lachlan clan. Maggie was quite obviously avoiding looking at Sirius, or any of our group. It worried Harry.
"Blessed be the season of Yule," a burly man who had hair resembling Maggie's said. It was her father, Bran O'Lachlan. "Blessed be the young Virgin. Goddess who gives to her people a new born child." Bran pulled forth a large sword from its scabbard and sliced through the air, making an 'x' shape.
The assembled group replied; "Blessed be."
"Farewell Old Year. Farewell to the Holly King," Spoke the woman next to him, his wife Ríona McMurray O'Lachlan said. She then lifted her wand, levitated a branch from near her feet. When it was high in the air, she then aimed at the Holly and broke it in two. The remnants fell silently back to the floor.
"Blessed be," echoed through the large room in response.
"Welcome the New Year. Welcome the Oak King," a man who looked near in age to Maggie said. This was her younger brother, Stiofán. He levitated high a branch of oak from near his feet. With a flourish of his wand, the branch was engorged and floated above the dance floor.
"Blessed be."
"Blessed be the King of the Waxing year," the eldest man proclaimed. Liam McMurray might not be the master of this castle, but he was their distinguished elder. "I pray you will guide your children safely through this night." Liam raised his wand and conjured candles which settled themselves upon the log.
"Blessed be," the mass replied.
"Tonight one king dies so another king may live. The Goddess and God, the Holly and the Oak, the Dark and the Light, all preside side by side," Timothy O'Lachlan said in a resounding voice. He raised his wand and the candles were lit.
"Blessed be."
"Blessed be the Virgin, innocent and fresh," Maggie and her grandmother, Finnguala, said together. "Blessed be the Mother, fertile and loving. Blessed be the Crone, powerful and wise. Blessed be the Triple Goddess." Maggie lifted her wand and three huge scarves flew from the walls and hovered over the guests. One in white, one in green and the last in purple.
"Blessed be," was vowed again, this time with awe and wonder.
"All hail the Goddess as the moments mark down," Lorccan McMurray said. "May they bless us as the New Year comes." Lorccan removed his wand and a glass filled with sand. With a few flicks of his wrist, the sand turned to golden flecks, and soon flew from the glass, up to the fabric. When they reached the correct altitude, the gold transfigured again to strands and began to create intricate patterns on the scarves. All had their heads titled back, even Klytië, as they watched the golden swirls and designs. When no one spoke, Lorccan prompted them, "And the circle responds-"
"Blessed be," was muttered by a few.
"May we fondly remember the Holly King," the Merlin, Patrick, said. "May we embrace the Oak King. We now open our circle, but it is never broken. Blessed be."
"Blessed be," was said more fervently than the last time. The family broke from the middle, Timothy and Stiofán going to their wives and children, while Maggie walked over and took Sirius' hands in hers. She gave him an understanding smile and pulled their clasped hands up and rested them on her chest. Sirius leaned down and kissed her forehead.
The number ten formed on the fabric, and the golden ribbons counted down to the year 1996. The reunited pair shared in a passionate kiss to ring in the year. When they parted, Sirius laid his forehead against hers.
"I'm sorry -"
"Ya have nothing ta be sorry for," Maggie responded. "Do ya remember our fit year? Going slow is our pace. I'm happy ta have ya back, Sirius. De rest is superfluous."
"Ah, using those Galleon words again," Sirius teased and Maggie flipped her hair back. "Thank you for not running."
"Got no place I'd rader be, love." He kissed her again.
Next to them, Remus turned to face Klytië, blushing as he did, and leaned over and kissed her cheek at the clock struck twelve. She returned the gesture, whispering in his ear as well. "Thank you for showing me a lovely night. I do hope you'll stay with me to dawn."
"It would be my pleasure."
Lastly, there were the youngsters, who kissed languidly as the new year began. Remus gently nudging Harry made them break apart when they'd been at it for a good two minutes. Remus chuckled when they stopped, turning his back to them, to ask his impromptu date to dance.
"Here's to a new year and my new boyfriend," Ginny said, pulling her bottom lip with her top row of teeth.
"And to my new girlfriend and taking charge of my life." Harry quickly kissed her, rescuing her now swollen lip from its toothy torture.
"You keep talking about that, taking charge, being in control. Harry, what do you have planned?" Ginny asked, concerned she might not be part of his plans.
"If I tell you, you cannot tell anyone, or talk about it with anyone after the second. If you don't think you can stand up to Ron or Hermione or your Mum pestering you, I won't tell you."
"Harry, I have six brother who all confide in me, I can keep a secret, even under duress. I want to know, I want to help you if I can," she pleaded.
"Then come dance with me, Miss Weasley, and I shall tell you what is next for Lord Potter."
Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Chapter 9:Ymhyfhau (Welsh)/
To Grow Bold (Modern English)
January 2, 1996
Early Morning
Potter Estate
"You okay there, Harry?" Eldon Potter asked his great-grandson. Harry had moved a larger frame into the master bedroom so he and the last Lord Potter could converse with greater ease. They had the office, of course, but some conversations weren't meant to be had over a centuries-old Mahogany desk with other portraits watching.
"Just nervous," Harry replied. "I'm confident what I'm doing is correct, there's just quite a few things which need to happen at once, and I don't want our arrangements to be screwed up."
"Harry, I have been in on all your planning sessions, you've timed everything perfectly. The Ministry and Dumbledore will not be capable of fully considering the entirety of your actions until they are well in motion. Do not be faint of heart now."
Harry produced a contented sigh and chose to agree with his mentor and confidant. "I believe you're right. My only concern is for the unintended consequences which some of my classmates will face. By the time I'm done, I may have gutted much of the staff at the school."
"Good riddance to bad rubbish, I say," Eldon said with a stern face, and it made Harry swallow a laugh. Harry supposed if he'd been a staff member at one time and was forced to see what the school looked like now, he might feel the same way.
"I'll see you downstairs," Harry said. "I just want to check my hair one last time." Harry had made a valiant attempt at combing his hair down, but it was just no use. He looked at his mop with disdain and straightened his formal dress robes one last time before heading downstairs. The black robes, the Potter family crest emblazoned across the back, and the crisp white shirt exuded an air of sophistication. Harry's stern demeanour and purposeful walk proclaimed he wasn't someone who was to be trifled with. When Remus and especially Sirius saw him, they were exceptionally proud.
"You look like a man on a mission this morning, Harry," Sirius told him as he stood to shake his hand. "Being privy to the nature of that mission, I have to admit I'm proud of you. I'm sure your parents are as well."
"We are," Lily called from the portrait hanging in the dining room. She was surrounded by many other members of the Potter lineage, as well her parents.
"What you're doing today is as respectable as any action could possibly be," James said thoughtfully.
"Thanks, Mum, Dad," Harry said, his cheeks blushing ever so slightly. He was getting used to their presence, love, and encouragement, and slowly the pain, alienation, and neglect of his childhood was fading away.
"Harry, I have something for you here," Sirius said beaconing the young man away from the frame and toward the table. "It's really from your family, but it took me a while to retrieve it."
"What is it?" Harry asked, puzzled, even as he pulled out the chair.
"Harry James Potter, the one-hundred eighty-ninth Lord or Lady Potter, I present to you the signet ring of the first Lord Potter. It was crafted by Myrddin. We each wear one," Sirius explained as he handed over the rather chunky gold and copper ring. Harry now noticed that Sirius had a very similar one, worn on his right index finger. "The ring alerts those you meet to your standing and place in our society. Only you or the next Lord Potter will be able to remove the ring from your hand."
Harry turned the jewellery over in his palm, surprised something as old and well used was in such good condition. He felt something within him stir, and it seemed to pull for him to slide the ring into place. Without fear, he did so, and felt a pleasant hum through his chest, down his arm, and to the ring. There was also an odd tingling on his left arm, where the tattoo bearing the same emblem marked his skin.
"I had wanted to get this for you sooner," Sirius explained, "however the Goblins needed to retrieve it from your family vault in London, transfer it to the branch in Killarney. Then I needed to take a sealed letter from the Goblins in London to the Killarney branch so I could prove who I was before they'd let me have the ring. Getting my own back was much easier."
"You've always been a bit lazy, Sirius," Harlan Potter jokingly called out from his seat next to James. "Adverse to hard work and all."
"Leave him alone, Har," Grandma Freddie chastised. "He's isn't lazy, just easily distracted."
"You think he's bad a as a human," Lily chimed in. "you should see him as a dog. Throw him a ball to catch, he'll go racing after it; but he forgets it if there's a rabbit or squirrel around." Everyone including Harry and Remus started laughing. Sirius screwed up his lips and looked around at the faces.
"This was a touching moment. Why did it turn into 'pick on Sirius day'?"
"Don't let them fool you," Harry said to his godfather, his hand strongly grasping the older man's upper arm. "They only pick on you if they love you."
"That explains so much about all those pranks he played on girls at school," Remus dryly added and a fresh round of laughter echoed in the space. When it died down, Sirius started to talk to Harry again.
"As I said, your wearing this ring will alert anyone who sees it that you are the head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. You may also duplicate your ring and give copies to those who you choose. Your father had worn one all through school, I guess to alert the two or three people who might not know who he was to his being a Potter. When things became serious with your Mum, he passed his ring on to her. It alerted witches and wizards that she was under their care. If someone decided to attack her, they were attacking the House of Potter. Aside from Voldemort's most ardent followers, there are few who would want to bring that wrath down upon themselves."
Harry looked again at his mother's painted vestige and noticed her own golden ring on the forefinger of her right hand. He also thought back to his time with Dumbledore and realized he had been wearing the Dumbledore family ring all this time. Strangely, as Harry was pondering how this might work to his advantage, he noticed something on Remus' hand. He looked from one friend to the other.
"You've taken Remus into your House?" the young Lord inquired.
"It seemed safest to me," Sirius answered in a measured tone. "While I agree completely with what you're doing today, there are liable to be repercussions befalling those around you. This way, he's protected; not that I think we need it in Ireland."
"But if we return to Stargazers Summit?" Harry further asked.
"We will be back on British soil. We are about to move for the dismissal of a third of Hogwarts staff, will be tossing out much of the leadership of the Ministry of Magic and Wizengamot. We might make a few enemies," Sirius told him in such a serious tone it could be nothing more than mocking.
"I know that I am safe if I return to Killarney," Remus said. "Maggie has assured me the Irish have no qualms with me unless I break the law and bite someone. I wouldn't put it past those you're confronting today to attempt to sway your opinion through pressure on those you care about."
Harry looked at the werewolf beginning to be incensed. "But, isn't that a trick that Voldemort used? Didn't he try to get at Dad by killing Granny and Granddad? Isn't that why he recruited Peter?"
"Freddie and I would have been targeted anyhow," Harlan spoke up. "We were against him when James was just a little boy."
"He knows that Dad," James said quietly. "Harry's just realizing that power-plays are the same, regardless of the motivation and intent behind those making them."
Harry was motionless for a minute, his head lost in thought. There were people he needed to ensure would be protected through this. Some were safe, like Lady Bones and Neville due to their belonging to Noble Houses already. There were others, however, who he felt confident would be pursued heavily. He began calculating how many rings he might need to duplicate. He wondered if Sirius had already covered a few of them.
"Sirius did you take care of — "
"Andi, Ted, and Dora, Tonks to you, have all been sent their own rings, as members of the Black family. I have also brought Hermione under my name. I did this when I spoke to her parents and gained their permission. They were the only ones who would have been hard to contact after your invitation," he explained. Harry nodded as it shortened the list considerably.
Conversation turned to the specifics of the day, and the somewhat elaborate sequence of events they had set into place. Everything had to work at exactly the correct time, or else those they were hoping to call to accountability might have just enough time to escape. Dilly provided breakfast for the three men, and they ate while they reviewed their plans, Remus confirming the plans should proceed in their perfect, timely manner.
The grandfather clock in the hallway chimed half nine, and Harry and Sirius rose from the table, leaving Remus behind. The Potter Estate was not connected to the general Floo network, only having access to the home in Ireland, the Potters’ London Row House and most recently, Stargazers Summit. Remus would be safe to await the return of the parliament of owls which had been sent out overnight and into this morning, depending on the length of each flight. Should the need arise, Sirius' family could Disapparate to Summit and Hermione had an emergency Portkey built into her ring to take her there as well.
Seeing as side-along, long distance Apperation wasn't Harry's cup of tea — the single trip he and Sirius made left him ill for hours — the older man crafted a Portkey out of a chipped teacup Jolly had provided from the wears left behind in the North Wing. It was nearly ready for human habitation, which would be perfect if everything worked as it should today. Saying their goodbyes and hearing words of assurance from the greater Potter-Evans clan; the two men departed through the dining room door and to the yard beyond.
A moment later they found themselves inside the Shrieking Shack.
"Don't suppose we can use the tunnel to get into the school?" Sirius asked, and Harry shook his head.
"We barely made it through there at the end of third year," Harry replied. "You were rail thin and malnourished, and I hadn't had my growth spurt. We'd never get through now. Anyway, I don't want to mess my robes."
"I don't want to mess my robes," Sirius mocked back in a sing-song, feminine voice.
"Cut it, old man," Harry retorted back. "I'm not the one who takes nearly an hour to trim his facial hair and 'moisturise' each morning. Moony said he was happy he didn't have to share a loo with you anymore."
"Hey, perfection needs time."
"Or you're just really slow cause you're old." Sirius lunged for the boy, but he was too quick and Disapparated from the house to the gates of Hogwarts. His godfather followed suit, and they slipped through the enchantments without trouble. Professor Dumbledore met them at the main entrance to the school.
"Gentlemen, welcome," he said putting his hand out to shake each of theirs. "Sirius, we've missed you at our meetings. Harry, you look well rested." Neither Lords spoke anything, just nodded in turn to the headmaster’s words. "Well, shall we head to my office?"
"Definitely, there's much to talk about," Harry answered. It didn't escape the elder man that the others were wearing their family crests boldly upon their robes and their signet rings on their fingers. He inwardly prepared for what this meeting entailed. The walk through the halls was quiet, and the trio entered his office precisely at ten.
"Would either of you like some tea? I have a fresh pot," he asked. Both Sirius and Harry shook their heads. "Lemon drop? Holiday biscuit?" Their responses were the same.
Less than two minutes later, Dumbledore sat behind his desk, and the pair followed suit. Harry looked at the clock and smiled.
At 10:03 am in Paris, France, a large black owl with a horrid temperament named Midnight arrived, bearing a large scroll. He flew directly to the desk of the assistant to the Secretary for International Wizarding Rights; it bore the mark of the Ministry of the Magical Republic of Ireland, as did the scroll. Only reading a few lines, the young man rose and immediately went to his superior.
In London, another owl, with a far more pleasant attitude, arrived and perched upon the desk of Lady Bones. Recognizing the mark of the House of Potter, Amelia Bones removed the two scrolls. She had been awaiting their arrival and was pleased when she quickly read through them. She immediately stood, taking off first for the office of the Wizengamot, calling for an immediate meeting for the afternoon. Then she headed to the Investigations Department of Magical Law Enforcement to begin a pair of inquests.
Throughout Britain, the members of the Board of Governors for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry found letters arriving which bore the crests of seven families. Once all the wax seals were broken, the board members found themselves privy to a report entirely different than the official one which the headmaster had provided. Floos flamed to life as they began to converse.
An odd little owl, probably not far beyond the nest, arrived at the desk of the Editor of the Daily Prophet. The open letter, signed by seven of the oldest Wizarding families the United Kingdom had, was indeed surprising. This was not what the Ministry had been reporting since school resumed in the fall. Upon completion of his reading of the letter, the Editor, one Opinionus Factimious scribbled and note and sent it sailing to the copy room. There would be a new front page for the late edition.
Lastly, precisely at 10:03 am, Remus Lupin walked into the London branch of Gringotts and was promptly met by Razorfang, the Potter family goblin. He was escorted into the goblin's private office. A portrait of Eldon Potter was already present, and Remus delivered a letter requesting the removal of Albus Dumbledore as trustee of the resistance trust. It had been signed over to Dumbledore, by Eldon himself, in the late sixties to help fund the actions of the Order of the Phoenix. The Potter family was in complete agreement that a better trustee would be the man who had just arrived at the institution.
Back at Hogwarts, the three men were only just past their pleasantries; nothing had been discussed yet, when the owls began arriving, some bearing summonses and others howlers. Sirius and Harry shared a look out the corners of their eyes. Their plan had started, the first part had apparently gone off perfectly. The next actions would not take place until noon. Harry couldn't contain his smile.
Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Chapter 10:Gadael (Welsh)/ To Leave (Modern English)
2 January 1996
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry Potter sat next to his godfather, proudly bedecked in new black and gold Wizarding robes. Over his heart, a finely embroidered insignia of a potter's wheel was stitched into the fabric. The richly coloured needlework used many shades of brown and grey. Though the subject matter was somewhat dull, the threads had an iridescent nature, making the simple object appear beautiful. Duplicates of the sign were also on the young man's left forearm and cast in gold on the first finger of Harry's right hand. He had not only embraced being Lord Potter but had done so with an enthusiastic vigour. He wanted to excel in all the title entailed. Those who are the closest to him, like the man seated to his left, had no doubt he would go on to be quite a memorable and respected Lord.
For Sirius Black, taking on the title of Lord Black was difficult and uncomfortable. It wasn't for fear of the responsibility, or the nature of the work. It was instead his distaste for all things associated with his parents, brother and the majority of his family tree. Growing up a white sheep in the Black family had made the man's childhood unpleasant, his adolescence dangerous and only added to people's acceptance of his purported betrayal of his best friend believable. Once he took on the mantle of his entitlement, however, he resolved to leave the past where it belonged. Sirius rubbed his thumb over his own signet ring, his depicting a simple hand-held telescope, stars surrounding it. He was feeling his hackles being raised, his inner dog looking for a fight. Sirius had no doubt they'd have more than one before the day was over.
For his part, Albus Dumbledore was expecting some debating today; Harry had already told him he planned to hear answers. Harry would get answers, but only to the specific questions which were asked, no more. Information was a commodity, equal to gold in the old man's mind. Albus was quite wealthy on both counts. He would do what was required to placate the boy and keep the young Lord under his thumb.
Dumbledore needed to keep Harry close, it was the only way the Wizarding world had hope. That the boy had arrived with his hot-headed godfather did not make the headmaster happy. He could only imagine what Sirius had led the boy to believe. While a brilliant dueler and creative spell caster; Albus never truly trusted Sirius Black. While he had tolerated the presence of the younger Black in the Order in his younger days, it was necessary to hold onto James Potter and Remus Lupin. Now, the man's jaded and cynical attitude made his involvement irritating and unpleasant. Dumbledore was ever so thankful that Harry would be away from the man for the next five months. Even more, the old man was thrilled Harry would again be in his care.
The two new Lords had just sat down; refusing the old man's attempts at hospitality. Harry and Sirius had responded with manners so proper and well crafted, they could only be interpreted as cold. The headmaster was beginning to worry about the nature of this meeting. In the past, he was always in control of the room; a slight stirring in his gut had him feeling said control was in other hands.
Unexpectedly, an unfamiliar owl flew in, a scroll tied to his leg bearing the seal of International Confederations of Wizards. Dumbledore thought it odd and wondered what urgent business would have led to correspondence outside of their usual meetings. He was confused by the smaller, secondary wax sealing, indicating it originated in the Office for International Wizarding Rights. He wondered what country had broken the law this time; he hoped he would not be required to travel far or for an extended period. He'd missed enough school while Fudge's handmaiden had been here in the fall.
Before he had an opportunity to untie the first missive, a second bird flew in, bearing markings from the Magical Law Enforcement offices at the Ministry. Dumbledore bristled against the unrest his gut now felt. He had no reason to be informed of the inner workings of the department. The old man set about releasing this second letter.
A few seconds later a small stone on his desk began to glow and rattle around. Sirius and Harry recognized the rock and were not surprised when their own started to wiggle within their pockets. If Albus had been unnerved by the mail, he was downright shocked by the stone alerting him to a meeting of the Wizengamot. The law stated that meetings of the governing body of Wizarding Britain were called by their leader. Albus Dumbledore currently held the position of Chief Warlock. He'd called no meeting. Looking away from the mail, he was disquieted by the continued calm faces of the man and child before him.
"How peculiar," the old man muttered. Neither of the Lords chose to respond. This set every nerve in Dumbledore's body on edge. It would appear the pair before him knew about the Wizengamot summons; perhaps had even arranged for it. The few remaining threads of control began slipping away from Albus Dumbledore; weaving themselves instead around Harry and Sirius.
"Something wrong, Headmaster?" Harry asked. It was an odd way for Harry to address the head of Hogwarts. He had always been Professor Dumbledore before, even when Harry was being punished for some reckless act.
"It would seem someone has summoned the members of the Wizengamot for this afternoon. Odd, since it is generally the Chief Warlock who is usually tasked with such actions."
Harry nodded his head but didn't reply.
Another bird arrived, this time with notes which were merely dropped on his desk and the birds quickly leaving. The letters began to jump and dance across the man's office. Even the birds didn't want to be present for the opening of a howler.
"Well, Albus, it would seem you've received a fair few howlers here," Sirius feinted innocence. He couldn't pass up the opportunity to mock the man who had ensured he be left in Azkaban for thirteen years. "I wonder what you've done to upset these folks so. Did you leave others imprisoned on false charges, or was that just because I'm special?" Venom dripped from the words, and Sirius felt a weight being lifted from him as he finally confronted the man who had orchestrated his detention.
"Sirius, you know that is not true," Dumbledore tried to placate.
"Actually, I am utterly certain that it is true. See, I have had time to speak with James and Lily's portraits, as well several of the portraits in this room. They all knew EXACTLY who the Secret Keeper was; plenty of evidence to at least have gotten me a trial. I wonder why it was that you needed me in that hellhole."
"I believe I can answer that," Harry interjected, his tone matching Sirius'. "I believe it, so you wouldn't come to raise me. With my parents’ dead, you out of the way and their only remaining friend unable to care for a small child due to his lycanthropy, my care would be arranged by the greatest wizard of our time. Interesting he left me at my aunt's house, where I was physically abused, starved and mentally and emotionally berated." The tone the pair employed was mocking. Harry enjoyed throwing words even Dumbledore embraced about himself back at the old man.
"Interesting point, Harry, I wonder how the public would react if they knew about such things," Sirius added, his tone thick with sarcasm.
"I think there might be some surprise and shock," Harry agreed before going on. "When I did arrive in the Wizarding world, I was surprised by the school. For a place which is supposed to be one of the finest schools of its kind, there are some truly questionable situations here. History, a subject which my great-grandfather used to teach, now has instruction given by a ghost who is so skewed in his thinking that the Goblin Wars are the only area of Wizarding history is taught."
"He was just as bad when we were here. No one should be put to sleep by history," Sirius included. "Thankfully James grandfather was still alive, and we'd been given lessons privately. I know you've spoken about how you and Snivellus get along personally, how is his teaching?"
"Horrid," Harry confirmed. "He has favourites and doesn't really teach. The worst is if you make a mistake, no assistance is given. If you can't decipher what is on the board or in the text, you'll never make the potion. Speaking of favourites, he's also the head of house for Slytherin, who are known for their abusive behaviour toward anyone else at the school. Foulest part is they aren't ever punished. Younger students don't even know how to defend themselves. I had to start a defence club just so they'd have the most rudimentary spells at their command. We've got Voldemort and his Death Eaters on the outside, awaiting us when we leave and junior death munchers on the inside. It's sad when a fifteen-year-old accomplishes more than the professor in the subject.
"Enough," Albus nearly yelled. He knew the failings at the school at present and felt his hands were tied by outside forces. It wasn't his fault the Defence position was cursed, or that they couldn't excise Binns’ ghost. Surely if people knew about why Sybil was at Hogwarts, they wouldn't want her to leave. He was doing the best he could. "What have the two of you done?"
"What we felt was necessary," Harry answered. "You're not going to control me any longer. I'm leaving Hogwarts, today, and Hermione is coming with me. The invitation to join me at the Irish Magic Academy is being presented to select others."
"Miss Granger cannot leave Hogwarts; her parents have given the school custody of her when she is not at home."
"Sadly, that is no longer true," Sirius answered. "As of yesterday, Miss Granger is under the protection of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. You will find she wears the Black family signet ring on her right hand."
The headmaster slumped into his chair. This was not at all what he was expecting. Birds had continued to arrive, and his office was filling with obvious howlers, other notes, and scrolls, even missives which bore strange seals.
"It would seem you have a great deal of post awaiting your attention; I am sorry to add to your pile," Sirius added, withdrawing the papers regarding his suit against Dumbledore, the Ministry of Magic, and the caretakers of Azkaban prison. Dumbledore took them, hesitantly opening them.
"One-million Galleons?" the old man uttered. Harry and Sirius stood, trying valiantly to hide their smirks.
"We will leave you now," Harry said. "We will contact you, should the need arise."
"I will not be contacting you. However I'm quite certain my barrister will be in touch," Sirius finally let his trademark cocked lip make an appearance. Before Dumbledore had even had a chance to look up from the legal scroll, the pair was gone.
LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW LPOW
The first hour of the train ride from London to Hogwarts was uneventful; well, at least less eventful than the minutes on the platform had been. Hermione Granger still couldn't get over the reactions she'd seen from quite a few classmates at her wearing the signet ring which identified her as a member of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.
Pure and even half-blood students gawped at the ring on her hand, pointing and whispering. For the Slytherin boys who had tormented the young woman since she'd arrived in the Wizarding world, it was an unwelcome turn of events. Never could they curse or attack the bushy-haired Gryffindor. Most witches and wizards considered Sirius Black insane, even if he'd been proven innocent. They had no desire to cross him for they knew he was wealthy beyond imagining and was the head of one of the oldest and most influential houses in the U.K. The ring had made the young prince of the House of Malfoy burn white hot with rage.
"That must have been the only time Draco Malfoy didn't tease or curse me," Hermione said with astonishment. Her compartment mates were enjoying her disbelief; well almost all of them. Neville, Susan, Hannah, and Ginny were happy for the young witch. She deserved someone to watch over her and nurture her remarkable skills and intelligence. There was someone who wasn't excited.
"I still don't like it," Ron grumbled. "He's old. What does Sirius want with you?" Hermione looked at him annoyed while Ginny swatted him over the head.
"He doesn't want anything with me," Hermione answered. "He is simply wanted to ensure I was safe. I think it's nice of him."
"It is," Ginny agreed. "Sirius is protective of Harry, and by extension, Harry's friends. You should have seen him on New Year's Day. He was berating Harry because of that little spot on my neck." Ginny had told Hermione what she and Harry had gotten up to while on their first date.
"What spot? What did he do to you?" Ron yelled. Ginny chose to ignore him. It was only the pecking of Hedwig on the outside window of the compartment which genuinely saved Ginny from explanation.
"Ah, it must be time," the redhead girl stated even as she was reaching to let the bird in. Hermione stood and reached into her bag for several scrolls. Ginny now had Hedwig on her shoulder, feeding her some treats which they had for Susan Bones' owl. Hermione handed a scroll to every person in the compartment, save Ginny. Harry's girlfriend reached into her pocket and removed a Potter signet ring and slid it on her first finger.
"Hedwig," Ginny addressed the owl, "we need you to deliver these notes to the others. They're on the train." Hedwig hooted and allowed Hermione to tie the little scrolls to her legs. When Susan had opened the door, the snowy owl flew into the hallway and went to seek out the others.
"I wonder who else will be with us at five o'clock," Hermione whispered to Ginny after the owl had gone.
"I guess we'll need to wait and see. I hope that everything worked as it should this morning. I would hate to encounter resistance when we attempt to leave," Ginny responded.
"I somehow think Harry might have arranged for that as well."
Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Chapter 11:Gellwngy maith (Welsh)/
To Dismiss (Modern English)
2 January 1996
Emergency Meeting of the Wizengamot of the Ministry of Magic, United Kingdom
It had been a strange, yet quite eventful morning for Harry Potter and his godfather. After leaving the office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, a job they doubted Albus Dumbledore would hold for much longer, they returned to the Potters' estate in Yorkshire. Unfortunately, the pair did not have time to linger and regale the portraits of the old man's reactions, as the meeting they were currently awaiting the start of had been called for half twelve.
Harry did take a moment to pen a quick note to his girlfriend and send it with Hedwig. More important than his courting was alerting Hermione and Ginny that it was time to deliver the letters he'd penned to certain Hogwarts students. He was eager to see who would accept.
Due to the longevity of the Houses of Black and Potter, the two gents were seated in the very front row. There was some whispering about who would preside over today's gathering, although Harry and Sirius were certain it would be Lady Bones. By all rights, the next elected Chief Warlock should come from one of the fifteen families; the oldest bloodlines in Wizarding Britain. However, given the rushed nature of a replacement, the next Warlock might simply be chosen from amongst the Wizengamot membership as a whole.
The pair was pleasantly surprised when Patrick Cumberbrandt sat down next to Harry. Sirius greeted the man with a firm grasp of his right forearm, which Patrick returned.
"I'm surprised to see you here," Harry said after greeting the man with a hardy grasp of his arm as well.
"Lord Potter, I may be the most recent incarnation of the Myrddin, but I am also the representative of the bloodline," Patrick explained.
"No, I didn't mean to imply you didn't belong here or anything like that," the young Lord stumbled over his words.
"Harry," Patrick said in a calming voice while placing his hand on Harry's robed arm. "I didn't take your words as anything questionable. I assume it's like a child who sees their tutor outside classes, and they're surprised to see them shopping for groceries like everyone else."
"Exactly," Harry said with relief. "The first time I saw Miss Madeline, my first grade teacher, I was stunned. I thought she lived in the school building."
"Sounds as if I'm in good company with Miss Madeline," Patrick joked, and they shared a laugh. Sirius turned at the sound, and Harry was surprised to find Maggie's uncle, Lorccan McMurray sitting next to Sirius.
"Mr. McMurray, what a pleasant surprise," Harry said, offering his hand to shake the older gentleman's. "I thought the family was Irish?"
"We all live in da Republic of Ireland now, but back in da day, when Ireland was still whole, our family was seated on da Wizengamot. While we've lost most of our titles in da United Kingdom, dey dinna take our seat. We have a little retreat in a fishin' town which is enough fer the residency requirement. Ríona coulda been here, but she's never been fond of the Brits; sometin' goin' back ta her early Hogwarts days. I'm here 'cause my niece dinna let me eat me breakfast this morn' less I promise I be here," he explained with a laugh. Sirius blushed as he recognised he was the root of Maggie's insistence and I couldn't wait to tell everyone at home about his reaction to Maggie's actions.
"She's mighty smitten wit ya," he went on to say. "Treat her well, lest I be after ya."
"I will, sir. I lost her once, I don't want to do that again," Sirius solemnly said.
"She also said ya were behind all dis," the older man said with the air of someone who could be trusted. "Tell me, is what dey're sayin' about old Dumbly and yer imprisonment true?"
"I don't want to give too much away, yet," Sirius explained in a whisper, "but yes, he did keep me in prison even once he knew the truth."
Mr. McMurray began to swear, although his accent, his speed, and his near whisper shielded most from hearing what was said. As this was happening, Lady Bones entered, and everyone stood in respect for her.
"Everyone, please take a seat," the stenographer said. She wasn't actually writing, her Quick-Quotes Quill was, but she would still monitor to ensure the correct names and testimony were written down. The record of the proceedings would be copied and read many times in the coming days.
Unlike the usual set up of the courtroom, the chair with the heavy chains had been removed, and instead a somewhat comfortable upholstered chair in its place. Framing it on the sides were two small benches similar to the ones the Wizengamot members sat upon. The officiant's seating had also been moved, no longer among the members, in the first row. Instead, there was an elevated box, currently hovering close to the ground, with an upholstered chair as well. The box was large enough to have an eight-foot table and a bench behind the solitary chair. Harry assumed these were for assistants which the Chief Warlock might require for this particular hearing. The arrangement would allow the Chief to see Dumbledore, the complete Wizengamot and have her research and parchments at hand.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot of the United Kingdom, today's proceedings will be administered by Lady Amelia, of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Bones and Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Please address her as Lady Bones throughout today's activities."
"Thank you, Ms. Dippet," Lady Bones said to the older woman with a tip of her head.
"Grandfather went on about an Armando Dippet, how he was the best headmaster Hogwarts had ever seen," Harry whispered to Sirius. "Do you think they're related?"
"They are, that's his granddaughter. She's the same age as Grandma Freddie would be if she were still alive," Sirius explained, and Harry nodded before they went silent.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Lady Bones started. "We are meeting in emergency session today to discuss allegations and charges which involve our Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore. The recently disclosed information and accusations are of such a serious nature they demand our immediate attention and action. Have you all had a chance to read the short missive which was sent via communication stone? It was forwarded when you responded to the invitation to this meeting." She looked for nods, mumbles and the like before proceeding. "Please bring in the man in question."
Albus Dumbledore entered, flanked by two members of the MLE's Security and Prevention team. Everyone called them SAP's, which while funny, was also ridiculous. These were witches and wizards who were in place to help them. Sirius often wondered why they didn't just call them Police like the Muggles do. Even Bobbies was a better name than SAP.
As Albus came in, he looked for the faces of his primary accusers. He couldn't stop the look of contempt from ghosting over his nearly perfect mask of calm. He wouldn't believe Harry would turn against him so. It must be the influence of Black on him, the old man thought, willing to blame the playboy for everything. The dog was even more of a distraction to the son than he'd been for the father. Unfortunately, with the ruling from the Irish Ministry, there was no reason to have him thrown into Azkaban unless a new trumped-up charge could be found. Of course, the two could return to Ireland and be out of his reach. The Irish Ministry and one of their lead Aurors seemed to be quite taken with the scoundrel. Trumping up a charge in the UK would be difficult, as he had his primary residence in Ireland now.
Albus didn't believe Remus Lupin when he'd reported that Black had grown up and had been working diligently to be a good guardian for Harry. Of course, Lupin had not come for another of their meetings since he'd scoffed at the idea of Black being responsible. Lupin had always been on the old man's side, Dumbledore feared that was no longer the case.
Dumbledore had effectively used the poor werewolf's guilt to bring the lad under his wing when he came to school. He knew that James Potter would become friends with the downtrodden little boy; it was how James was raised. Through careful stirrings of said guilt, and occasionally tossing a measly job his way, Albus had made Remus the perfect spy for Black and his dealings with Harry. He was already reeling from the desertion of Black taking the young boy with him, he couldn't fathom losing the werewolf as well. When he heard his name, Lord Dumbledore raised his head. He would not let his emotions be displayed in this courtroom, not today, not ever.
"Lord Albus Dumbledore, you are before us today having had six grievous clusters of offences alleged against you. I will read all charges. At the end, you will have a moment to make a statement. Do you understand?" Lady Bones asked, and Dumbledore nodded, still not speaking. Amelia Bones wondered if he would talk later, or if he'd keep his mouth shut. As talented of a wordsmith as he was, there indeed was no way to talk himself out of the mess he currently found himself in. She doubted he'd speak today on the record and perhaps never utter a word in his own defence.
"The charges are as follows, although they are not in any particular order. First, accusations of manipulation and withholding information in the actions leading to the deaths of James and Lily Potter, 31 October 1981. Additionally, charges have been levied regarding a lapse in the protections you had initiated and promised the couple above.
"Second, impropriety and disregard regarding the care of the minor child, Harry James Potter, in your placement of said child in the home of his aunt, Petunia Dursley. These charges include Child Endangerment and Facilitation of Child Abuse and Neglect as you left said child in a dangerous environment, even when you knew he was being treated so poorly." There were tsk, tsk sounds from throughout the courtroom. Harry just wanted to crawl under his bench, having never enjoyed being the centre of attention.
"Third, Impropriety and Collusion in the Imprisonment of Sirius Black, falsely imprisoned for thirteen years. Our Irish counterpart has recently declared Lord Black innocent of all charges. A charge of Occlusion is also levied, as Lord Black was not granted a full and appropriate trial. They even went so far as to state that Albus Dumbledore knew Lord Black was innocent but chose to do nothing. Additionally, charges of Obstruction in the case of Dispensation of the Will of James and Lily Potter which clearly stated Sirius Black was to have sole custody of the minor, Harry James Potter.
"Fourth, there are questions regarding the dispensation of funds from two Gringotts accounts, both involving the Potter family and funds. The first is an account set up by Eldon Potter, entitled "Resistance Support." There is strong evidence, sir, that you have used this ever-replenishing account not for its intended use, but instead in a personal fashion. There are also questions regarding the educational account for Harry James Potter, as funds have been withdrawn in excess of the known fees for Room and Board at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The whispers and mutterings within the room were growing louder. People were at a loss as to what to say, although their feelings were intense.
"Fifth, due to the findings of the Irish Ministry, there are serious questions regarding the state of Azkaban prison and the care of the inmates there. As a nation which has signed the International Statute of Fair Treatment of Prisoners, and as the leader of not only our governing body but the international body which drafted and upholds the statute, it was your responsibility to ensure we were in compliance. You are being investigated for negligence at the prison. Additionally, should the allegations of abuse and torture against Lord Black prove right, you will be charged with those crimes as well. I suspect there will be civil proceedings, as every prisoner past and present could bring charges against you.
"Finally, questions have arisen regarding the educational standards at Hogwarts, specifically about the qualifications of the professorial staff. In agreement with the Board of Governors of Hogwarts, which met less than an hour ago, you are hereby removed as Headmaster, and you may not set foot on the grounds again. Your personal items have been crated and are waiting outside the courtroom. After hearing these charges, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Lord Albus Dumbledore looked into the eyes of his two primary accusers, wishing he could stroll through their minds and discover why they had turned against him. All he has ever done was for the greater good. While he wanted James and Lily to live, it was essential to keep them at the forefront of the resistance. The Wizarding world needed to see a pure-blood fighting alongside his Muggle-born wife. They were a more powerful advertisement for unity than anything he could have come up with. He had to walk a fine line between hiding them and having them visible for the cause. He thought he'd done the best he could for them.
After their tragic death, he'd chosen to rely on ancient magic to keep their saviour safe. If Sirius Black had been allowed to raise Harry, the old man was certain baby Harry would have been taken away, possibly never to return. Of course, he knew of the treatment at the Dursleys', and he hated it. But the blood magic which protected Harry was too tempting not to embrace. Harry had become deeply resilient and strong in his convictions of right and wrong. His childhood had unknowingly prepared him perfectly to be the sacrificial lamb. Albus didn't like using the boy as he must, but all was for the greater good. Harry would be honoured for generations to come; even this plan was now at risk. Who would prepare Harry now? Who would locate and destroy the rest of the Horcruxes, ensuring Voldemort's humanity when the time came? It certainly wasn't Black; he had his hooks into the boy, and together they'd created this debacle. With that arrogant, immature womaniser as the boy's guardian, Wizarding Britain might as well just surrender to the Dark Lord.
Lady Bones was still awaiting an answer, but Lord Dumbledore had no intention to utter even a sound. While maintaining eye contact with her, he shook his head, slowly, from side to side three times.
"Lord Dumbledore has indicated he does not want to offer a defence at this time. Will you please escort him to his cell?" With that, the two SAP's flanked the now standing former Chief Warlock from the room, the door latch echoing through the room.
"Based on the rules adopted in 1412 for the Wizengamot of the United Kingdom, a list of immediate actions has been drafted. These will protect both the defendant as well as the Ministry. They are as follows:
"First, Albus Dumbledore will be stripped of all titles and positions. His wand will be seized. Additionally, all of his financial accounts will be frozen and those accounts to which he had access, but was not the primary holder, will be reviewed. A team will be set up by the goblins of Gringotts and members of the MLE to untangle the complexities of these accounts.
"Second, Azkaban prison has been emptied of all prisoners. High-security inmates have been taken to a remote International Confederation of Wizards Prison. The location will not be made known to this body as a whole," Lady Bones said, looking past the fifteen families in the front row to Lucius Malfoy and his cronies. She wouldn't put it past the 'reformed' Death Eater to attempt to release them. "Those who were not on the high-security floors are within Ministry buildings, and are being watched over by Aurors and Hit Wizards."
"Third, the ICW has begun several inquests about both our action and inaction regarding Albus Dumbledore. We will comply with all inquests in their entirety." The sternness of her voice let everyone know there would be no questioning this decision nor would anyone refuse to participate.
"Fourth, a full inquest will take place regarding all actions and plans for James Potter, Lily Evans Potter, Harry James Potter and Sirius Black. While certain charges have already been alluded to, the inquest will be given the rights to bring forth more. Additionally, we are prepared to assist the Muggle Department of Children's Welfare should they want to bring a case against Vernon and Petunia Dursley for their abhorrent care of said child." Harry was stunned. He just wanted to leave the Dursleys behind; he wasn't sure if he wanted them sent to jail. It was a great deal for the young Lord to take in. Harry only came out of his mental gyrations and back to the present when Sirius put his hand on Harry's elbow and gave it a squeeze. He was ever so thankful to have his godfather with him.
"Fifth, we will concede to all allegations put forth by the Irish Ministry and will comply with all reparations suggested. Lord Sirius Black will be restored to all titles and positions, retrograded to the time of his arrest in nineteen-eighty-one. Should he desire his position as an Auror, he will be welcomed back." Sirius nodded, although keeping quiet. He had no desire to return to work, it wouldn't be the same without James. He certainly didn't need a paycheck. He would be content just working with Harry on his advanced Transfigurations and Animagus spells.
"Finally, the witches and wizards who established the Wizengamot have written rules for when the Chief Warlock needs to be removed. Immediately effective, I will continue as the head of the Wizengamot; although I will not use the title of Chief Warlock. In the next three-hundred sixty-five days, an election for a new Warlock will occur. Additionally, a support council will be created to serve as advisors to me for the next year, through the elections and transition to the new Chief Warlock.
"Lastly, a commission will be assembled to work on the exact charges which will be set forth. This team will include two Aurors, two MLE Attorneys, a Hit Wizard, an Unspeakable, several Crime Scene technicians, a psycholo-wizard and a Magical Social Worker as well as two members at large. This committee will be put together with the discretion of myself and my oversight committee. I now open the floor for discussion."
Harry pulled up his sleeve and looked at the Muggle watch he'd gotten for himself. He was hoping it would help him stay on time at school. He didn't think that would be an issue now. It was half three. Those who had been extended the offer of coming with him would meet Remus at the Irish cottage at five. He'd hoped he'd be there with him to make full greetings; it appeared to him now that it wouldn't be the case.