Chapter 5:The first week back
The next morning Daphne slowly awoke and saw that besides her the bed was empty. She frowned for a moment then she decided to check up why Harry wasn't still in bed. She put on a bath robe and walked to their common room.
When She entered the room she saw that her husband was sitting next to their 'post box' and to his right was a pile of letters she assumed he already read.
''Couldn't sleep?'' she asked him.
Harry looked up from the letter he was reading and shook his head. '' I had a dream about the attack on Greengrass manor. I couldn't sleep anymore after that.''
Daphne placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and said. ''Like you said it will not happen again, we will make sure of that.''
Harry nodded at that. ''Anyway, since I could sleep, I decided to start looking trough the post.''
''Was there anything interesting?''
''There was a pretty accurate article regarding what happened last night in the prophet. They imply that Dumbledore is to blame because he refused to make that oath. Other than that there were several letters from people demanding information. There were also letters congratulating us on our marriage, although I am not entirely sure of 'good job in marrying a pureblood' is a compliment. Then of course there were a couple of howlers. I am glad that you're box managed to transform them in regular letters.''
He then picked up a letter from the stack he had already read. ''And then there were these.'' He spat out clearly disgusted by them.
Daphne accepted the letter and started to read it trough.
Dear lord Potter,
I lord Malfoy, head of the noble house of Malfoy herby offer you a most generous offer. I offer you a marriage contract between your daughter and my oldest son. Your daughter will be my sons second wife and is therefore able to keep the Potter line and therefore keep the noble line alive. For this generous offer we expect a dowry of no less than fifty thousand Galleons.
Yours sincerely,
Lucius Malfoy
''There were several more letters like that.'' Harry commented after he saw she was finished reading.'' Bunch of vultures probably only she the titles.''
"Can't say I didn't expect this, Lucy stands to inherit quite a bit if we die, especially so if we inherit the Black and Greengrass titles before we move on. And people want to marry her to improve their own position.'' Daphne said.
"Like that is ever going to happen. She is free to decide who she wants to marry when she is older, we are not going to force her into a contract like Dumbledore try to do to me. '' Harry said in serious tone.
"What are we going to do with that contract anyway? The contract is active again now that we are back.'' Daphne asked.
"Not sure,'' He said while shrugging his shoulders. "We could invite her parents to discuss dissolvent in the near future.''
Daphne nodded. ''I just want that done as soon as possible. I have no intentions of sharing you and I am sure that Dumbledore can use that contract to screw things up somehow.''
''Don't worry, I know this is important, but for now Voldemort is a bigger threat and has to be dealt with after that we can really start working on neutralising Dumbledore.'' Harry said. ''Now why don't you take a shower and I will see if I can get Lucy out of her bed.
''Good luck with that.''
After thirty minutes everyone was ready and the three Potters made their way to breakfast.
The hall went silent when they entered and once they were seated, the whispering started. Harry and Daphne ignored the whispers. Lucy however didn't even seemed to notice since she had her full concentrations at the task at hand, eating her breakfast.
'At least this is better than the glares from last time.' Thought Harry while subtlety putting up a privacy ward around the three Potters.
''It seems our plans worked somewhat.'' Harry said to Daphne.
''A simple contract, a vow and making sure the right people got the knowledge.'' She said with a smirk. ''That is all it took to get most people sympatric to us or at least neutral. And thanks to this morning Daily Prophet everyone will know what we did and that under Dumbledore's watch two people were entered in the tournament who didn't enter themselves.''
''How long do you think it will take before people will figure out the vow is useless and the contract has a major flaw in it?'' Harry asked.
''I doubt they will figure it out before we will tell them and that won't be anytime soon. '' Daphne replied.
They were interrupted in their conversation when they saw someone screaming to them. Unfortunately or fortunately depending how you looked at it, they didn't hear him thanks to the privacy ward, who blocked both sound going in and out of the ward area.
Harry pulled the ward down and asked. ''Sorry, can you repeat that Weasley?''
Meanwhile in his anger Ron had turned a interesting shade of red. His angry mood had kept increasing the last two days. First his breakfast was interrupted by the two people in front of him. Then it turns out one of those people is his supposedly best friend Harry. The other however was really the one who got his blood boiling, it was a Slytherin who claimed to be married to his friend. She must have used some kind of dark magic to accomplish that because his mother always told him that Harry would end up with Ginny. He had tried to warn his friend, but he didn't listen. Then he sprouted some kind of nonsense about being time travellers and he had the nerve to disobey the great Albus Dumbledore before leaving the hall and not to be seen for the rest of the day. The entire day everyone seemed to want to talk about those two, as if the-boy-who-lived wasn't famous enough already. Then yesterday his breakfast was interrupted again. This time it was in the form of a howler. His mother had caught wind of what happened the day before and she wasn't happy. Apparently she expected him to both send the news immediately after it happened to her and to stop him from disobeying the headmaster. He was so ashamed form the howler that he had spend both dinner and lunch in the kitchen instead of attending the feast in the great hall. Then when he arrived in the Gryffindor common room he heard that both Harry Potter and the Slytherin bitch entered the tournament and apparently the were blaming the headmaster. And people believed it too! And now they even have the nerve to ignore him.
"I said, Why did you enter in to the tournament and what is that snake and snake spawn doing at this table.'' He half asked, half shouted.
"Didn't you hear what happened or read this morning Prophet?'' Harry asked deciding to ignore the later part of the redheads question for now.
"What are you talking about and why would I read a newspaper.'' He exclaimed.
Harry groaned in frustration. He knew Ron would never read something voluntary but he had faith in the Hogwarts rumour mill to have informed the guy.
''Weasley, both me and Daphne swore a oath on our life and magic that we didn't put our own name in to the goblet. And since we are still alive, it proofs that we didn't enter ourselves.'' Harry said.
"You obviously cheated, you are married to a filthy Slytherin so you probably used dark magic to enter the tournament.'' Ron ranted.
'Did he even hear a word I said to him' Harry thought.
''Weasley, I honestly could care less what you think, so let's just agree that we will disagree over this and move on with our live.'' Harry said.
"I knew it, I am right so you are giving up trying to convince me.'' Ron said.
'This is getting really annoying.' Harry thought.
Harry glanced to his side and saw that his daughter was finished eating and was now curiously watching the loudmouth. He made eye contact with his wife and a silent message was sent. She nodded, she too wanted get away from the redhead. They could eat breakfast somewhere else.
"'Weasley, believe what you want to believe, but the evidence is there. Now if you excuse me I have to talk to McGonagall.''
After that the three Potters left a sputtering Ron Weasley behind and made their way to the head table. Daphne was about to speak to McGonagall when she was interrupted by the headmaster.
Dumbledore already knowing what they came here to do said. ''Harry, I am afraid I can't let you leave the castle. We have much to discuss and I am afraid you can only leave after you told me everything.'' The old man said.
Ignoring him Daphne said. ''Professor McGonagall we are here to tell you that we will leave for the weekend on family business. ''
"I already told you, you can't leave.'' The headmaster said.
''Do you understand professor McGonagall.'' Daphne continued.
''The headmaster said ….'' She began weakly.
"The headmaster had nothing to do with this. If there is nothing else?'' she waited a couple of second. ''No? then we are leaving. Have a nice weekend.''
The three turned around and had walked a couple of steps away from the table when the headmaster gained the attention of the whole hall by loudly saying. ''Come back here right now you are not allowed to leave.''
Harry slowly turned around and said. ''You have no right to keep us here. So I suggest you don't attempt to.''
"But I really need to talk to you.'' Dumbledore said.
''About what.'' Harry replied.
''It's better if we discuss this in my office, if you would follow me than we could do it now.'' The Headmaster said.
''If you don't tell us what this is about than we will leave.'' Harry said.
''I need to know what you did to professor Snape because we couldn't revive him.
''Don't worry, Snape will wake up before Monday.'' Harry said. ''At least I thinks so.'' He added after that sounding totally unconcerned
Daphne said. ''I think we wasted enough time on this, let's go.''
This time the headmaster didn't interfere when they were leaving. It wouldn't do if the public saw him arguing too much with the boy.
The first stop after they had left the castle was Gringotts, they had some shopping to do during the weekend and they needed their money for that. First they got to their vault. A journey Lucy greatly enjoyed, because she asked if they could ride it again some times. After that they exchanged their Galleons for pounds.
The next destination for the three was Greengrass manor were they left Lucy in the care of her grandparents for the day. Daphne had after that apparated to her home in Milham. When she was there she checked the work the elf's had done and started the long process of adding her own security wards to it.
Harry however had another destination. He put a notice-me-not spell on himself and then apparated to street with houses that all looked almost exactly the same. He had apparated to the place where before the war his worst memories came from. He had apparated to Privet Drive.
He walked up to number four, knocked on the door and let the notice-me-not spell on himself fall. Moments later a person stood in front of him he hadn't seen in many years.
''Yes, can I help you?'' The person asked.''
''Hello aunt Petunia'' Harry greeted the person standing in front of him casually.
Daphne had been busy constructing the wards now for over a hour. It was strange for her to see the house she had lived in for the last couple of years, yet it was slightly different. All the security had to be reapplied again too.
Suddenly she heard a pop nearby and she turned to see Harry appear holding a large stone. She had offered to go with him, but he had told her that this was something he had to do on his own. ''I see you were successful.''
Harry nodded. ''Let's put up as much as we can today. Then we can go shopping tomorrow.''
They worked for a couple of hours more before they called it a day. They apparated back to Greengrass manor where they had lunch. During lunch they told the real story of Harry's godfather, Sirius Black and of his upcoming trial. Lord Greengrass promised them that if the story proved to be true then he would support them in the wizengamot.
The next day was spend shopping for furniture for their home. They couldn't take the furniture of their in the future with them because even with shrinking charms there were limits to what they could take with them.
The shopping proved to be a wonderful experience for the three Potters. It was the first time as far as Lucy could remember that she ever was in places like that. The two elder Potters were just glad to be to walk in the open without any immediate death threat.
After dropping the stuff at their home they had one last meal at the Greengrass household and after promising to visit soon they left for Hogwarts.
On Monday morning they allowed Lucy to have a lie-in. The first class of the day was Potions and it was decided that is wasn't wise to have to have three Potters in the same room as Snape. They also didn't want her anywhere close to defense against the dark arts professor. So they wouldn't see her anymore until lunch. After making sure that Tammy would watch her and give her breakfast when she was awake they left.
They made their way over to the dungeons and waited for Snape to appear while having small talk with Hermione and Tracey.
One minute before it was time the door to the class local opened and they heard Snape say. ''Enter.''
Once everyone was seated Snape began one of his favourites hobby's. ''A Mr. Potter how nice to see you again. I hope that you got somewhat smarter after a decade.'' He said, after a moment pause he added. ''Somehow I doubt it.''
He turned his attention to Daphne and said, ''And Greengrass how disappointing of you to marry a Potter, I am sure you had your reason, but surely you weren't that desperate.''
Daphne gave the man a smirk and said. ''What can I say professor? Potter-man are irresistible after all.''
Harry had to stifle a smile at hearing his remark. The comment was a obviously reference to Snape one-sided love for his mother.
''Potter men are nothing but arrogant, useless, ...'' Snape began ranting.
''Snape I will not listen to you take you pity grudge against my father out on me. I know what you did during the war. I also know who pointed Voldemort to the one who is born as the seventh month dies. So I really recommend you don't test me.'' Harry warned in a low voice.
Snape paled considerably when he heard the part of the prophecy. No one was supposed to know about that except for Dumbledore. If the brat knew that then he most likely also knew his involvement in the death of his parents. And unlike his fourteen year old counterpart this Harry Potter wielded considerably more influence. Perhaps it was for the best not to antagonise him too much.
He sneered at them and addressed the entire class. ''Today we are making are making the draught of peace. The instructions are on the board, you have a hour the time. Begin.''
Everyone began making the potions, most of the people looked every other moment at the instructions to make sure they didn't make any mistakes. Hermione, who shared the table with Harry, Daphne and Tracey noticed that neither Potters even once looked at the instructions. And sometimes they did things that weren't in the instructions.
''How are you doing that.'' She hissed at the two.
Daphne raised her head from her cauldron. ''What do you mean?''
''You two haven't looked once at the instruction. Yet you seemed to know exactly what to do. Even if some of the things you do aren't on the board. Your potions still looks like they are supposed to according the instructions.''
''Potions making is more than following a recipe Hermione.'' Harry interjected wile continuing his own work. ''Certain ingredients give certain reactions, while others cancel certain effects out. The same goes for the numbers of times your stir and the heat you make you potions on. If you understand what each ingredient does to a potions then you can basically create any potion without a book. As long as you understand how the potion works.''
''And when are we thought that?'' Hermione asked intrigued.
''It isn't taught at Hogwarts. I am sorry, but the whole 'instructions are on the board you have so long the time' will continue to the end of your seventh year. I learned it at a summer-course offered by Salem Institute of Magic during the summer in-between my fifth and sixth year.''
''Summer-course?'' she asked questioningly.
'' They offer specific courses for anyone who want to learn a subject better. As long as you are magical and pay, they don't mind who you are or if you are currently attend another school.''
''I didn't even know such thing existed.'' Hermione admitted.
''I didn't either. Daph informed of its existents.'' Harry said. ''Foreign schools aren't allowed to advertise or recruit in Britain. So it is no surprise that you don't know of it.''
''Why aren't they allowed?'' Hermione asked. ''Wouldn't be better if we got a choice?''
Harry shrugged. ''Probably to protect Hogwarts reputation. They say that Hogwarts is the best school and I thought that too until I visited Salem. That place is without a doubt a superior school. Anyway we should probably shut up now. Snape is glaring pretty hard at us.''
Hermione glanced towards were Snape was standing and quickly went back to her work after seeing him scowl.
The rest of the lesson was spend in silence. When the lesson ended the four of them put their potions in a vial and put it on Snape's desk. Harry had added a unbreakable charm to his vial out of force of habit, but it proved not necessary.
After they said their goodbyes to Tracey. The trio along with the rest of the Gryffindors made their way over to the defence against the dark arts classroom. If Harry remembered correctly they had spend this period on working to throw off the effects of the Imperius curse.
His memory proved true when the fake Moody started putting people under the Imperius curse making them do things. Harry was sickened when he saw most of the class laughing at the antics of their classmates. They had no idea what this curse could truly do. To completely rip someone free will away and make them do things completely against their will. This curse was most likely the most dangerous of the three so called unforgivable. The killing curse could kill, but with the Imperius you could just make someone else do it.
When it was Harry's turn he effortlessly fought the curse off. His younger self had already shown that he could throw it off with some difficulty, so there was really no point in hiding.
When it was Daphne turn she too was able to fight it off. After some bad experience curse with the curse she had allowed one of her allies to keep throwing the curse at her until she was able to throw it off.
Charms lesson were pretty entertaining for everyone. They had to practice both the summoning and the banishing charm on pillows. Of course with all the pillows flying trough the classroom it was only a matter of time until the less mature of the group turned it in a large pillow fight. Lucy absolute loved it. Especially when her mommy banished one of the pillows to the back of the head of the one who had been shouting at mommy and daddy before they left to grandpa and grandma, with enough force to send him flying forward.
After Lunch Lucy joined them again for transfiguration. McGonagall kept close watch over all three of the Potters during the lesson, she probably wanted to see if Lucy preformed magic again. Unfortunately for her she didn't get to see anything. That was because they were practicing vanishing spells again. And this time everyone except for Ron managed to perform it. Resulting in Lucy only watching the people perform magic. Harry personally thought they all had practiced because they didn't want to lose to a little girl.
Tuesday was a relaxing day for the Potters, they had only two subjects that day. Ancient runes that wouldn't start until one o'clock and astronomythat wouldn't start until midnight.
After they had gotten ready for the day, Harry announced that he was going to fly. Daphne knowing his love for flying agreed that it was a good idea, since they needed to relax from time to time. Daphne herself decided to visit her sister since she too had the morning off and spend some quality time with her after so long.
''Can I can come with you, daddy?'' Lucy asked in a hopeful tone.
"Of course.''Harry agreed. He gave Daphne a kiss goodbye and when he saw her warning look he assured her he would fly careful with Lucy on the broom. Knowing his skill with flying, she relented her warning look and wished them both a good time.
''Do we have to be invincible again?'' Lucy asked, while they walked down to the stairs to the entrance hall.
''Invisible,'' Harry corrected her. ''And no, we don't have to become that again. This time it doesn't matter if people see us.''
When they reached the grounds, Harry took out his shrunken broom for his pocket and enlarged it to its original size. In his hand he held the Lightningflash, the successor of the Firebolt. He had bought the broom after Sirius had died. He didn't want to lose one of the few things he had received from the man, like he lost his Nimbus the broom was drastically superior to his predecessor didn't hurt either.
He let go of his broom and it automatically stayed hovering in the air. He then picked up Lucy and put her on the broom while he himself climbed behind her. She used both her hands to hold onto the broom, while he used one of his hand to hold her around the waist and the other to hold and control the broom.
He kicked off and for the next hour, they raced around, went up high and shoot back down, made barrel roles and loops. He didn't go as fast as could go since only had a single hand to control the broom, but he didn't really mind, it was still nice to be back up in the air. And Lucy seemed to have enjoyed herself, if the enormous grin on her face was something to go by. He only hoped Daphne had watched out of a window when they made that one dive, he didn't think she would appreciate it.
They started to land when Harry saw some familiar people below waving at him. When they landed Lucy, observed the three people who they had landed next to, curiously. She wasn't completely sure, but she was pretty certain she had met the three before.
''Lucy, they are the people I played with on the Quidditch team, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell. You have met them before, but has been a while so I am not sure if you remember them.'' Harry told his daughter before turning to his former teammates. ''Ladies, this is my daughter Lucy.''
Katie snorted, ''I highly doubt there is anyone in magical Britain who doesn't recognize her Harry.''
''Anyway,'' Angelina commented '' We saw you flying and decided to come see how you are doing. And maybe we can get some information out of you regarding next year's season.''
''You know if you ware Wood then I am sure he wouldn't have asked so nicely.'' Harry commented dryly.
Angelina gave him a mock glare. ''Don't even compare him to me. I will never be as fanatical as him about Quidditch.''
'I remember you channeling Wood pretty often during my fifth year.' Harry thought inwardly. Out loud he said. ''We will see.'' After a moment he added, ''Good luck next year, you two, you will need it with your new captain.''
''As for information regarding next season?'' Harry continued before they figured out which two he was talking about. ''Normally I wouldn't talk about what will happen in the future, but since my leaving the school next year already affects the team, I will give you this piece of information. The replacement for Wood was for lack of better words a terrible player. He had potential, but had some serious confidence issues that curbed his abilities as a keeper. My recommendation is that you recruit a new seeker and keeper and possible a couple of reserves and continue training this year. Because there is no cup this year, the other teams don't train, but if you train the entire year …''
''Then we have players with more experience and we have allowed our new players some time to train without the pressure of upcoming matches.'' Angelina finished for him.
Harry nodded, he was pretty sure the other teams would start training again too if they saw that the Gryffindor team did it, but that didn't really matter, the most important part of starting this year were the new players.
''Hey Harry, I was wondering,'' Alicia said. ''That broom that you are holding, it looks like your Firebolt, but it looks slightly different. What's up with that?''
Harry held his broom so that all three of the chasers could see it. ''That is because this isn't my Firebolt, it is a Lightningflash.''
''Can't say I have ever heard of it.'' Katie commented.
''I would highly surprised if you did. They didn't even start development until of this broom until February next year.''
''Then how did you….'' Alicia began before she had a realization. ''Right time traveler.''
Katie then noticed, that the little girl, Harry had introduced as Lucy was hiding behind her father, only her head looked past him.
Harry noticing the chasers gaze said. ''She didn't often meet new people, so it is a bit overwhelming for her.''
Katie nodded and got down to eye level with the child and smiled at her. She had some experience with children since her older sister brought her young son over to her parents house to watch over him occasionally and she had learned that a child felt better if you were on equal height as them. ''Hey I am Katie, I am a friend of your daddy. Do you like to fly too?''
Lucy got behind her father legs, the lady was nice and after seeing the smile, the feeling that she knew her and could trust her increased. ''I am Lucy, I really like to fly. I even have my own broom, but It can't go really high and it won't go as fast as daddy's.'' She said happily until she got to the last part there she sounded a bit dejected.
Harry placed a hand on her shoulder and said. ''You can have a real broom when you are a bit older. I didn't fly in a real broom until I was eleven either. ''
Addressing the three chasers he said. ''Anyway, it was nice seeing you girls again. Maybe we can have a couple of friendly matches during the year, but for now, it is almost lunch time, so I will see you girls later.''
After a lunch, they made a quick trip to Tracey's room who had offered to look after Lucy during Ancient Runes. Since Runes was a mostly theory based subject and Tracey wanted to know the little girl a bit better. She didn't have any classes at the moment anyway and the only other thing she would be doing otherwise was her homework. So the offer was quickly made.
The Runes class, Harry had to admit was very interesting. The teacher had been sceptical to allow a student in her class, who had never taken a class in the subject, she had originally intended to ask the man a couple of questions to gauge his level, but that turned in two hour discussion involving the entire class regarding several different types of runes and their applications.
After the class ended they met up with Tracey and Lucy in the great hall. Tracey seemed to have taken a liking to the young girl.
Astronomy was, in Harry's opinion just as pointless as the last time he had it. As far as he knew the subject was only useful for two thing; rituals and divination. He wasn't even sure why this was a core subject since almost all rituals are illegal in Britain and divination was a elective. At least he didn't need as much sleep as he did back then.
On Wednesday they began with Care of Magical Creatures. It had been a class he had both been looking forward to and been dreading. He had honestly missed Hagrid. He may have been a staunch Dumbledore supporter. He was still one of the kindest people Harry had ever met. Unfortunately he had also a rather different view on what was harmless in comparison what other people thought. One of the things he thought were harmless were the reason Harry was dreading the class so much and why they left Lucy with Astoria who had the first period free.
''Class, today we continue with finding out what the Blast-Ended Skrewt likes to eat.''
Harry groaned, this was one of the reason why he highly considered trading Care of Magical Creatures for arithmancy. Unfortunately he couldn't do that to Hagrid and from what he had heard arithmancy was even more boring than history for magic.
In the end, he managed to go through the lesson unharmed. This might come due to the fact that his clothes were a lot sturdier then normal clothes and were fire-proof to a certain degree. He even got to introduce Daphne to Hagrid. And after insuring that she isn't evil just because of her house. He eventually warmed up to her.
After Care they were supposed to have history for magic, but they skipped that since the teacher never took attendance anyway. It would probably not even notice if the entire class was empty. Besides if you want to sleep you could just do it in your own bed instead of on a uncomfortable table.
Charms was another fun lesson, although the professor was a bit more stricter this lesson. He didn't mind that the students had some fun occasionally, but they still had to learn. The rest of the lessons of the lessons that week were similar to the ones earlier that week. The only remarkable things was that in transfiguration now everyone was able to vanish their slug. Harry was pretty sure it took longer for the class the last time around.
After their final lesson they made their way back to their room. Harry and Daphne changed in their formal robes with the Potter crest on it and made their way to the entrance hall.
Waiting there was Hermione. During the week Harry had exchanged several letters with Madame Bones and when she found out that Hermione also saw Pettigrew alive, she wanted her there as an additional witness.
''So are you ready?'' Daphne had asked after they had passed the gates of Hogwarts.''
''I think so. I couldn't find too much information about how trials work in the library, but from what you guys told me I only have to stand in the witness box when requested, answer some question and possibly give up a memory.''
''A copy of it.'' Daphne corrected. ''You don't actually lose it.''
''Oh,'' Hermione responded. How are we going to get there anyway? Floo network? Nightbus? Portkey?''
''We are going to apparate.'' Daphne said. ''Do you know what it is.''
''Yes, I read in a book that..'' Hermione began.
Daphne interrupted her by saying, ''Right that was a stupid question. I assume you have no experience with the practical part?''
Hermione shook her head, ''No, I thought you needed a licence to do it.''
''We will take you by Side-Along Apparition. You just have to hold my arm tightly and I will apparate both of us.''
Hermione took hold of her arm. ''Like th..'' Hermione managed to say before Daphne apparated both away.
''Come on lets follow them.'' Harry said while picking up his daughter and following his wife lead. When he arrived he saw Hermione glaring at Daphne and Daphne was grinning at her. ''Welcome to Greengrass manor.'' She said.
Completely ignoring Daphne's words Hermione snapped. ''You could have warned me, instead of leaving in the middle of my sentence.''
''Forgive my daughter, she sometimes acts a bit rash.'' Hermione heard of voice say to the side of her.
Hermione for the first time since arriving averted her gaze from Daphne and toward were the voice came from.
She saw a couple standing just before a open gate. Behind them was one of the largest houses she had ever seen. Remembering her manners she said. '' Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass it is nice to meet you. My name is Hermione Granger.''
"It's nice to meet you too Ms. Granger.'' Samuel Greengrass said. ''Unfortunately we don't have time for pleasantries since we have a Wizengamot to attend. Are you three ready?''
"Yes, I received a message yesterday that the last part of my plan is in place so we are ready.'' Harry answered.
Daphne crouched down to eye level with her daughter and said with a smile. ''Your daddy and I are going with grandpa to the ministry for a while. Have fun with grandma and behave.''
''Okay!'' Lucy replied while smiling innocently.
After saying their goodbyes, two Potters, a Greengrass and a Granger apparated to a apparition point within the ministry specially reserved for Wizengamot members and their guest.
Off all the things Harry had encountered in the magical world the Wizengamot was by far the most logic defying place. Almost everything that was important in the county was voted on in the Wizengamot. This includes the punishment for criminals and the making of new laws. Now where things get really weird is how the votes are divided. The most Ancient and Noble houses hold fifty percent of the votes. This is divided equally between the houses. So the other most Ancient and Noble houses get more power every time most Ancient and Noble house dies out. Half of the reaming votes go to the so called Noble houses. The noble houses are the houses who have significantly contributed to society. Unfortunately this also includes a lot of families that saw the sudden need to give large donations and the end of the war. Fortunately unlike the most Ancient and Noble seats, the noble seats aren't heritable. The last reaming twenty-five percent of the votes belong to the ministry themselves. Who is represented by several department heads, the minister himself and his senior undersecretary. Finally there was a Chief Warlock. It was his or her task to oversee the meetings and to make sure they stayed on topic. The position itself held no real power. It is usually occupied by a someone who is already a member of the Wizengamot. The current Chief Warlock is Albus Dumbledore of the Noble house Dumbledore and former acting head of the most Ancient and Noble houses of Potter and Black. The biggest flaw in Harry's opinion is that you are still a member until you are found guilty of a severe crime. Members of the Wizengamot were literally allowed to vote for their own innocence. That is why Harry never understood why voldemort didn't try to grab power with politics.
Harry, Daphne and Samuel entered the room where the Wizengamot meeting would be held today. Leaving Hermione behind with a Auror since she had to wait in a separate room until she was called up.
Upon entering Harry let his eyes drift around the room. The room was build up similar to a auditorium. At the very front of the room was a chair, Harry remembered sitting in himself at one point. This was the chair were a accused sat on. There was a bit of open space then came the first chairs. The first couple of rows were reserved for public and press when they were allowed to attend. The chairs looked uncomfortable and were made of cheap material. Going higher than that you got the seats for the Noble houses. The seats of the Noble houses were of significant better quality and had the name of the family on it. Going even higher than that you got the seats that the ministry held. They too had comfortable chairs of similar quality as those of the Noble houses. Here was also were the seat of the Chief Warlock was. And finally on the highest row were fifteen chairs that could easily pass of as thrones. On the chairs were the coats of arms of the families.
The three of them made their way over to the highest row under a lot of stares and whispers. Samuel sat down in the Greengrass seat, Daphne sat down in the Potter seat and Harry sat down in the Black seat.
After waiting a additional ten minutes waiting everyone was seated and Dumbledore stood up from his seat. He wasn't aware what was about to happen, but when he saw Harry and Daphne enter he was sure they would complicate things for him again.
''Welcome everyone to the fourth fifth meeting of the Wizengamot of the year 1994. We are gathered here today on request of Madame Bones. She as head the department of magical law enforcement had found some interesting things in of her cases which she wish to address today. Madam Bones you have the word.''
''Members of the Wizengamot as many of you probably will remember Sirius Black was sentenced to live for the betrayal of the Potters and the murder of thirteen muggles and one wizard at the end of the war. I however have recently came in the procession of evidence that proves he is innocent.'' Bones said.
Suddenly she was interrupted by a toad like woman who loudly exclaimed "Black was proven guilty, this farce of a trial is just a attempt for more attention from that half-blood Potter brat.''
''I assure you madam Umbridge that I personally examined the evidence and I believe this trial is necessary and please use the proper titles while we here.'' Bones said with a obvious annoyed look at her face.
Umbridge gave her a creepy smile and said. ''Of course, I just don't want everyone to waste their time.''
The DMLE director continued while trying to erase the mental scaring image of a smiling Umbridge. ''As I was saying we have found evidence that proves Black is innocent.'' She pulled out a paper and with a flick of her wand all the people in the dungeon had a copy. ''What you have for you is the will of the late lord and lady Potter. The will clearly states that Sirius Black was not the secret keeper of the Potter instead it was Peter Pettigrew.''
Lord Nott stood up and said. ''This is preposterous, it was well know that Black was the secret keeper and even if he didn't betray them he still killed Pettigrew.''
''It may have been a well known rumor but that doesn't mean it has to be true. We all know that information in that time wasn't really reliable.'' Bones replied. ''As for killing Pettigrew, I have obtained a memory of a meeting between Black and Pettigrew last year.''
After she had said that, she gave the memory vial she received from Harry to one of her aid. The aid Put it in a special pensive that would show the memory above it.
The pensive projected the meeting between Harry, Hermione, Ron, Sirius, Pettigrew, Remus and Snape. It showed the room that the rat was alive. It also showed his confession that he was the one who killed the muggles and had framed Sirius by transforming in to his rat form. It also showed in front of both a full Wizengamot and several journalist how utterly incompetent Snape was. From him completely ignoring what the occupants in the room was saying, to his deranged look with the prospect of a dementors kiss for both Black and Lupin and finally him being blasted away by mere disarming hexes cast by third year students.
There was silence after the recording ended. Most members of the Wizengamot had troubled faces. They knew he was innocent, but if they would vote him innocent then they had to admit that they had made a mistake.
One of the lords of the Noble houses stood up and said. ''Although this evidence is interesting I am afraid it is not enough. We can't be certain of his innocence if we don't have better evidence. We all know that memory's can be fabricated.''
Harry stood up and said. ''Madam Bones, yesterday I found another witness besides the one who gave the memory. Do I have got permission to get him here?''
''If this involves the case than yes.'' Bones replied.
"Tammy.'' Harry said.
With a pop the house elf appeared next to him and bowed. "What can Tammy do for master?''
''Please bring our guest here.'' Harry ordered.
The elf made another bow and moments later she was back. When she came back she was holding a man with long black hair. She let go of the man and with another bow and pop she was away.
''Hello again Sirius.'' Harry greeted the man.
Pandemonium broke out when the people recognized the wanted mass murderer.
Chapter 6:The first steps
''Hello again Sirius.'' Harry greeted the man.
Chaos broke out in the room when the people in the room recognized the man standing next to the Potter lord.
The reactions were different from people to people. Both Harry and Daphne stayed calm since they knew that he would appear, but remained alert for anyone who might take a shot at a defenseless Sirius. A lot of people were scrambling out of their seats trying to get as far away from the mad killer who they just moments ago had seen evidence of that he was innocent. Then there was a large group who were yelling at each other to do something. And finally there was a small group of people that got their wand out and aimed it at Sirius. Sirius himself looked utterly confused alternating staring between something that shouldn't be possible and a room fill with armed wizards. On hindsight it might have been a good idea if Harry had met with Sirius before the trial or at least let him read a recent newspaper.
Madam Bones had been surprised by the sudden arrival of the one who they had been talking about. Unlike most of the rest of the room, she remained calm. Her years as a auror had taught her it was always best to remain as calm as possible in any situation. Therefore she got rather annoyed when over halve the room was running around like a bunch of headless chickens. Finally having enough she pulled out her wand and made a large explosion sound. ''Everyone sit down!'' Almast everyone obeyed instantly . ''We will have order in this room. I will not allow the people of this body to run around like a bunch of children on sugar high. Now, aurors search Mr. Black for any weapon or portkeys and if he is clean escort him to the chair for the accused in the front of the hall.''
Sirius looked like he wanted to run away, but before he could do so Harry spoke up. ''Sirius listen carefully. I am sorry I couldn't explain things to you before the trial, but you could say a lot has happened and that this is a trial to prove your innocence, please cooperate.'''
Sirius doubted for a moment, until he saw the familiar green eyes of his godson looking completely sincere. He placed his arms upwards and let the aurors search him.
Slowly the room calmed down. A lot of people were still fearfully watching Sirius, but when he didn't do anything to resist and the aurors didn't find anything they calmed down somewhat.
"Lord Potter could you please explain how you managed to get hold of Black, while my whole department has hunted him for over a year and was unsuccessful.'' Madam Bones asked in a tone that made it clear that he wouldn't like the consequences if he didn't answer.
''A Black house-elf managed to track him down. As many of you may have read in the newspaper I am acting lord Black and therefore I can command Black elves. As the people in this room who own house-elfs may also know is that if a elf is bound to a family then they can track anyone down from that family usisng their own special branch of magic. Unless the person gave his last name up in marriage or blood adoption. So I send one of the Black elves to capture Sirius Black and transport him to one of my properties. Unfortunately the elf wasn't very reliable and only just received news yesterday evening that Sirius was found.''
"You still harbored a wanted criminal.'' Umbridge shrieked. ''Aurors arrest him and his blood-traitor wife.''
Before the auros had time to react they were already stopped by Bones. Who Said in a somewhat angry tone. ''Stand down! Dolores that is enough. This is your last warning. You will act as someone in your station is supposed to or I will be forced to remove you from this room. As for harboring a criminal, Mr. Black hasn't even received a trial so he can hardly be called a criminal until he is proven guilty.''
By this time the aurors who had searched Sirius had escorted him to the chair down below and had put him in the chair.
''Sirius Black,'' Madam Bones began. ''You are here today because there is new evidence that say's your innocent of the crimes you have been accused of. To prove your innocence we will have to question you while you are under veritaserum. Do you agree to the questioning?''
Sirius much rather wanted to know what to hell was going on. First he got captured by the crazy house elf that he would have been glad to never see again and then he was dropped at Potter manor of all places, where a elf feed him and told him all would be explained in time. And now he was apparently getting a trial that he know nothing about. Not even to mention the older lookalike of his godson. Still if they wanted to give him his trial then he would cooperate. ''I agree, Madam Bones, but it would have been nice if we had this trial fourteen years ago.'' Black replied.
''I am sorry for that Mr. Black but it seems that my predecessor didn't think that it was necessary.'' The DMLE director said in a apologetic tone.
The head of the DMLE addressed on the aurors standing guard next to Sirius, ''Auror Shacklebolt, please administer three drops of veritaserum to Mr. Black. ''
The auror obeyed his boss command and administered the truth potions. After Sirius had received the potion he got a glassy look in his eye.
First she began with a couple of questions to see if the potion was working correctly.
''What is your full name?''
''Sirius Orion Black''
''In what house were you sorted when you were in Hogwarts?''
''Gryffindor.''
Seeing that it worked she continued with the real questions. ''Are you a death eater?''
''No'' was his monotone reply.
There was again a loud uproar. Although many people already suspected it after the memory to hear it from the man himself under truth potions was quite a shock to some. Bones was forced to once again restore order to the room.
After it was silent again she asked, ''Have you betrayed the Potters to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?''
''I haven't betrayed the Potters to Voldermort.'' Sirius answered and most people shuddered after hearing the dark lord's name.
"So you were not the Potters secret-keeper?'' Bones asked just to be sure.
''No, Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper, I was only a decoy.'' Black replied.
''Did you Kill Pettigrew and thirteen muggles?'' The director asked.
''No, Pettigrew blew up the street before I could get him afterwards he cut of one of his fingers and transformed in his rat animagus form and fled into the sewers.'' Sirius said.
''That is ridiculous, his claims are obvious lies. Mr. Pettigrew is hero and I won't stand by and let you slander him.'' The toad woman said in a loud voice.
''That is enough Dolores.'' Bones said while turning to her. ''Mr. Black is under the strongest truth serum. There is no way that he can lie right now. Not only that his story corresponds to the memory that we have already seen.''
''It seems that a grave error of justice has taken place. As far as I can see the evidence is overwhelming that Mr. Black is innocent. We are going to have a vote now to see if this body thinks that Mr. Black is innocent. Please raise your hand if you think Mr. Black is innocent.''
At first no one raised their hand. Most people were looking at each other to see what they would do. The first to vote for his innocence were the votes of the most Ancient and Noble houses of Black, Potter, Greengrass and surprisingly MacDougal. There example were followed by several of the noble houses and department heads. Then Dumbledore vote for his innocence and the lady Longbottom followed his example along with several of others.
After a couple of minutes waiting one of the aides responsible for counting the votes ran up to Madam Bones and whispered something in her ear.
After receiving the final count Madam Bones said. ''Sixty-eight percent in favour of innocence. Mr. Black you are herby cleared of all charges. On behave of the ministry I offer you our most sincere apology. You will of course be compensated for the time you were wrongly imprisoned. You will be contacted about it on a later date. For now please follow auror Shacklebolt to one of the waiting rooms.
Sirius looked like he wanted to protest. He had cooperated and now he wanted some answers. That was until he looked at the stern look of Madam Bones. Maybe it would be a better idea to ask the questions later.
''Now that the trial of Sirius Black is over. Is there anything else that someone wishes to bring forward in this meeting?'' Dumbledore asked.
Seeing that no one had anything that they wanted to add to this meeting, he ended it.
After the meeting had ended, Harry and Daphne had made their way to Madam Bones and asked if she was available for another meeting tomorrow. She was and she had invited the two of them for a meeting at Bones manor.
After the plans for the following day were made, the Potters followed Bones out of the room and into the room were the witnesses were held. In the room Hermione was pacing nervously. When she spotted them she exclaimed. ''Harry! Is the trial already over? What happened? Why didn't I need to testify?''
''Calm down, Hermione. Sirius himself showed up and you testimony was no longer needed. They already believed him without the additional evidence. He is free, Hermione.''
Hermione swung her arms around Harry in a hug. She had to admit it felt a bit weird to hug a person that used to be shorter then you and scrawny and now was significantly taller than her and muscled. ''That's great Harry!'' She then Hugged Daphne the incident with the girl earlier forgotten.
''Ms. Granger when you are ready to go, you can use the floo connections in this room to go back to Hogwarts. Your head of house is expecting you. Her floo address is . Hogwarts, professor McGonagall office.''
Hermione nodded, said her goodbyes to the Potter and extracted a promise to tell her how the trial went when they came back to school. After that she left via floo.
After that the two Potters and Madam Bones made their way to the room where Sirius was waiting. Insides the room Sirius Black was sitting alone in on one of the chairs. When the door opened he saw the Harry lookalike enter accompanied by Madam Bones and a woman he didn't recognise.
Sirius stood up from his chair and tentatively walked up to the group. ''Ha-Harry is that you?''
Harry waited until the door was closed until he hit Sirius against the jaw. To surprised to block or dodge it hit him full on. ''That is for taunting you enemy when you are fighting.'' Before anyone could react he hit him again. ''And that was for leaving me behind to go after the traitor.'' He then put him in a firm hug. ''It is great to see you Sirius.''
Sirius stood there in shock, arms to the side unsure what was going on. ''What?''
''I think he is slightly confused.'' Daphne remarked, when she saw his questioning look directed to her she said. ''Oh you probably don't know me I am Daphne Potter nice to meet you.''
''What?''
''I don't think your introduction helped his confused state much.'' Remarked Madam Bones sarcastically. ''Why don't you take him home and explain things to him.''
''Explaining would be nice.'' Sirius managed to say.
''Right that is probably a good idea.'' Harry said. ''Come on Sirius lets go meet your grand-goddaughter.''
''What?''
Eventually the two Potters managed to escort the confused Black to the nearest fireplace and used the floo to go to Greengrass manor.
When the trio stepped out of the fireplace in Greengrass manor they were greeted by Lucy who had been told by her grandpa that her parents would be here shortly.
''Hi mommy, Hi Daddy.'' She then eyed the man who came through with them and pointed a finger at him. ''Who is that?''
''Don't point at People, Lucy, its rude.'' Daphne chided softly. ''And the man is Sirius Black, he is your daddy's godfather, a grandpa of sorts to you.''
Lucy eyed the man critically for a moment and then said, ''Nice to meet you grandpa Siri.''
''Yes nice to meet you.'' Sirius said in a daze.
''Why don't you ask if grandpa and grandma want to play a game with you. Me and your daddy needed to talk to your grandpa Siri for awhile.'' Daphne said to Lucy.
''Okay,'' with that she happily skipped off.
Harry and Daphne then escorted Sirius to one of the study's and left him in one of the chairs in the room before handling him a glass of fire whiskey. Which Sirius gratefully took and immediately drunk the entire glass.
''Now I am willing to explain things to you, but you are not allowed to tell anyone what we are going to tell you, in any form, without our express permission. We require a magical oath for this.'' Harry told Sirius. He honestly didn't want to demand this from Sirius, but unlike the Greengrass parents who he knew which side they would choose. He didn't know if Sirius would choose his side or Dumbledore's.
Sirius agree an gave a magical oath on his life and magic to keep their secrets with a borrowed wand . After that they gave him a similar story as they gave the two Greengrass parents.
''I died?'' Sirius choked out after he heard the story.
''Yes and it was rather pathetic, the way you went, so like I already told you TAKE YOUR FIGHTS SERIOUSLY AND NO TAUNTING. I have no desire to go through the hell that was caused by your dead again.'' A slightly emotional Harry said.
"I am sorry I put you trough that Harry. I hope you didn't mourn to long over me.'' Sirius said.
''Are you kidding?'' Daphne interjected. ''If I hadn't shown up he would probably have been moody throughout our entire sixth year.''
"Yeah thanks for that.'' Harry said while thinking she was probably right.
''What are your plans for the future?'' Sirius asked. ''From what you told me of the war, you and Dumbledore didn't really see eye to eye so I assume you will not involve him but what are you planning?''
''If you accompany us tomorrow to Bones manor, you will hear about our immediate plans, but for now I think you have heard enough information. We don't want you little brain have a information overload now do we?'' Harry asked the last part mockingly.
Harry and Daphne ignored the indignant shout from Sirius and left him to come to terms with everything that was told to him that day. Strangely enough it appears that the hardest to swallow for him is that he was a grandpa of sorts. Harry had also taken of the Black lord ring and put it in front of him on the table. Ready for him to be picked whenever he is ready for it.
The next day Harry, Daphne and Sirius flood to Bones manor and ware welcomed by Madam Bones.
''Welcome lord and lady Potter,'' She then saw the ring on one of Sirius fingers and greeted accordingly. ''And welcome lord Black to Bones manor.''
''Thank you for you hospitality madam, I believe it is time to continue our discussion from last week.'' Harry said.
"Yes, and seeing that lord Black is also here can I assume he knows about future events?''
''It's just Sirius, my lady.'' The black lord said with a charming smile. ''And I have indeed learned of some of the future events.''
''Very well then please follow me into the living room. We can talk a bit more comfortable there.''
They followed her in to a comfortable looking room. On the table stood a basin covered in runes. Harry easily recognized it as a Pensieve.
''During our last meeting you said you wanted to show me the memories of your fight with you-know-who. I think it is a good idea if we do that now.
Harry agreed and put the memory out of his and in to the basin. Moments later the four of them entered the Pensieve.
When Madam Bones landed she looked around to see where the memory had taken place. It took a couple of second, but she recognized the place. It was Diagon Alley, but not the Diagon Alley she remembered, the place was a mess, almost all the stores were boarded up and a fierce battle was going between two groups of witches and wizards.
Harry who stood next to her said. ''This is Diagon Alley, in 1997. And there is Voldemort,'' Wile gesturing to somewhere left of her.
She immediately turned around and saw him. He was surrounded by quite an number of people including Harry and Daphne and seemed to be getting overwhelmed.
Then suddenly several sounds of apparition were heard. She watched as Albus Dumbledore arrived on the scene accompanied by several people she recognized and some she did not.
She watched in horror as Dumbledore ordered his people to stop the fighting so that they could be saved. She watched how one of Dumbledore's people stunned on one Harry's side and moments later both were hit by killing curses casted by death eaters. She watched how several three way battles started. With the arrival of Dumbledore they had taken of the attention of the death eaters and that was showing. Within minutes the superior numbers of the death eaters started to win out against their superior skilled, but lesser numbered and distracted enemies.
Then she heard one of the people who had been fighting Voldemort yell something. ''Retreat!''
And with that the memory ended and the four of them were back outside.
''That was one of the times we encountered and one of the many times Dumbledore's people messed things up.'' Harry commented.
''The sad thing is that our people were winning against the death eaters.'' Daphne continued. ''If Dumbledore and his people had assisted the ones fighting Voldemort then at the very least we could have force him to retreat, possibly even killed him.''
''So what happened after the fight ended?'' Bones asked.
''The retreat command was followed, everyone left alive on our side apparated out of there to one of our save houses. We don't know what exactly happened to the others, but at the very least both Dumbledore and Voldemort survived the battle. Shall we watch the next battle now?''
After they agreed, Daphne extracted the memory from herself and added it to the Pensieve, after that they entered again.
This time when they landed, Madam Bones didn't recognize her surroundings. She had landed in the middle of a landscape covered in the snow. In the distance she saw a town covered in flames.
''This happened near the end 1998. We were too late to save that village.'' Daphne commented in a somber tone. ''Harry and I are there fighting Voldemort.'' She said while pointing to a fight that was going quite a distance from the others.
Sirius turned to where she was pointing at and had nearly a heart attack when he saw only two people left standing against Voldemort.
The four of them decided to walk closer to the fight to see it better. They then watched how Daphne and Harry were going head to head with Voldemort for nearly ten minutes. Everything seemed to go fine until Daphne slipped on a piece of ice and fell backwards.
Voldemort upon seeing this got a insane look of glee on his face and said in a cold tone. ''Now you die, blood-traitor. AVADA KEDAVRA!''
A green beam of light shot out of the dark lords wand directly at the still laying Daphne.
A look of absolute horror crossed on memory-Harry's face. He let out a scream of anguish before he did something that three of the four memory visitors thought was his stupidest action as of yet. He jumped right in front of the killing curse.
The curse hit him dead-on and he fell down on the ground unmoving. The two people that didn't know what was about to happened glanced between the still form of the memory-Harry and the real one.
''YOU BASTERD I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!''
The two went from looking at the two Harry's to a absolute enraged Daphne. It was strange to see someone who normally always looks so calm, looking so absolutely enraged.
She had managed to aim her wand at the dark lord and without saying a single word a beam of pure white light erupted out of wand. Voldemort looked slightly surprised, but he calmly flicked his wand, bringing up a shield.
His calm look disappeared when the spell effortlessly scattered the shield and cut straight through his arm. For a moment Voldemort stared in shock at the stump that used to be his left arm before he apparated away.
The memory-Daphne hurried over to the fallen body of Harry, completely ignoring that she just cut Voldemort's arm of.
She fell for his pulse and when she couldn't find any, she literally broke down. Sobbing greatly she mumbled. ''No you can't be dead, Harry, I love you, I will not allow you to leave me.'' After she said that she kissed his forehead.
''You should play close attention to my past self right now. Something important is going to happen.'' Harry commented.
When the memory-Daphne pulled away she saw something strange happened to Harry's scar. Out of it came a black smoke and the scar become distinctly less noticeable. Then Harry opened his eyes and croaked. ''Daphne?''
The memory ended and the four reappeared in the living room. The two oldest stared in shock at the two Potters. First they had seem them fight Voldemort together on relatively equal ground. Then they saw Harry being struck down by a killing curse apparently dead only to wake up again moments later. Finally they saw a enraged Daphne force the dark lord to retreat with the help of a spell neither had ever seen.
''What in Merlin's name happened?'' Was the bewildered Sirius question.
''What? Me dying? Or Daphne cutting that bastards arm off?'' Harry deadpanned.
''First explain how you survived another killing curse. After that Daphne can explain whatever it was that she fired at you-know-who.'' Madam Bones said.
''To answer your question, let me ask you a question first do you know what a Horcrux is?''
Bones looked both horrified and disgusted at Harry. ''Tell me you didn't.''
''So you are aware what they are, but no I didn't split my soul, Voldemort did.'' Harry said. ''When he tried to kill me on that Halloween night due external circumstances a part of his soul got it me. Making me a living, breathing Horcrux.''
''Is that how you survived the killing curse.'' Sirius asked.
''Well technically I was dead for a short while.'' Harry said like it was the most normal thing in the world. ''After I was hit, I woke up in a place like I never seen before. I met my mother there she told me that they were in the place in between life and death. She had some interesting things to tell me, but the most important one was that I had the choice to go back because only one of the souls in my body were required to move on. Of course I chose to go back as you have seen.''
''Of course.'' Sirius repeated Harry's word.
''Now the problem is that this wasn't the only Horcrux Voldemort created.'' Daphne said.
''He made more of those things?''
''Yes, we never figured out the exact number, but at the very least there are two he made internationally and me. The first one was a diary that I destroyed in my second year. The second one was a locket that once belonged to Slytherin himself. It was honestly a fluke that we found that one.''
''What do you mean?'' Sirius asked. ''Where did you find it?''
''We found it in the ancestral home of the Blacks, 12 Grimmauld Place. I inherited the place after you died. At one point Daphne and I searched through the house for anything that might be useful for the coming battles. During the search Daphne found the locket and recognized it from one of her history books. Since she count open it in any way, Daphne was convinced something useful was in it. Eventually Daphne suggested because it was Slytherin's locket that it might be protected by parseltongue. So I used parseltongue to say 'open'. Imagine our surprise when a young Voldemort's picture is in the inside and to start talking mocking us, trying to manipulate us.''
''So what happened to it.'' Bones asked.
''I thought it acted way too much like the diary. So I neutralized it before it could grow any more powerful.'' Harry explained.
''We have already have plans to deal with the Horcruxes.'' Daphne said. ''Should we watch the last memory before discussing it?''
Both Amelia and Sirius agreed to that.
''There will be a significant time gap between this memory and the last one we showed. The memory will happen in 2002. Voldemort was barely seen by anyone in-between the times that the second and third memory happened. Not even our spies in the death eater ranks. Unfortunately he had a good reason for this. As you are about to see.''
After that was said they entered the Pensieve for the third time. They arrived in a room filled with roughly fifty people. All were facing two people in the front of the room, listening to them.
''Okay people listen up.'' The man in the front said. ''We just received word from our people that the dark bastard himself has finally appeared. According to them he has gone to what is left of London to test something out. What we don't now, but what we do know is that he has gone alone. This is our chance to take him out once and for all. We will apparate to the outskirts of London, once we see him we will immodestly engage him. Overwhelm that bastard, go all out from the very beginning. We will show him what fear is. Let's GO!''
With that he apparated away, closely followed by the woman who stood next to him and the rest of the room.
''Looking back that was a pretty crappy speech I gave.'' Harry commented to his fellow memory viewers.
The scenery changed to London, or at last the ruins that was London. Harry's forces were already engaging Voldemort.
''I should warn you. This battle was the end of the resistance. We vastly underestimated him.''
Madam Bones was about to ask what he meant when she saw it. Voldemort had some kind of blue dome around himself and all curses merely impacted on it. She even saw several killing curses impact it at the same time, but the shield, or at last she assumed it was a shield, didn't even show the slighted form of breaking.
Unfortunately for Voldemort opponents the shield only seemed to stop incoming attacks and didn't block outgoing ones. And it were quite the numbers of attacks Voldemort had fired. As of it wasn't bad enough already the speed with which he fired was the fastest she had ever see.
Bones watched in absolute horror how in minutes a large portion of the fighters were wiped out. She almost cried when she saw her own niece get decapitated by a cutting curse. Finally the memory-Harry called for a retreat.
''Of the fifty-five people that fought him that day only eight made it back alive. We lost the war that day.'' The real Harry said in a somber tone after they had existed the Pensieve.
Amelia plopped down on the sofa. ''He was a monster.'' She muttered.
Sirius plopped down in a chair too. ''That wasn't a battle, that was a slaughter.''
Harry and Daphne both sat down on one of the couches, their reactions wasn't as bad as the others since they already experienced it and somewhat came to terms with it. Still it wasn't the happiest thing to watch.
After five minutes of silence Harry said. ''I understand that you were shocked seeing this, but it hasn't happened yet, and if we are successful then it will never happen.''
''Harry's right we have to focus us on the here and now. Not on what possibly could happen.'' Daphne said.
Madam Bones composed herself and said. ''Yes, you are right. Do you have any plans to stop this?''
''For the Horcruxes, our plan is actually pretty simple. One of the unspeakable who joined our side after the Ministry fell came up with it actually. I assume you are familiar with the spell controlled by the ministry that allows things to be linked together as long as they are exactly the same?''
''Yes, we use that to destroy books that are deemed illegal and are copied by use of a copy spell.''
''That is the one.'' Harry agreed. ''The unspeakable took that spell as a base and modified it so we can use it for our needs. We can now use it to link the pieces of soul together if we use this spell on one of the Horcruxes and since we know the location of one…''
''You could destroy them all,'' finished Sirius. ''Would that kill Voldemort himself? I know of the term Horcrux, but I am unsure how it exactly works. ''
''Unfortunately no, Horcruxes are safety nets of sorts. A human cant die when his soul is still bound to the earth. But if the body dies and you soul remain on earth trough middle of Horcruxes then you become a wraith of sorts, neither death or alive. That is what Voldemort currently is. When he is resurrected after we have destroyed then he will be similar to a vampire, a being that is still able to function, but doesn't have a soul. But when we kill that body then there will be no more safety nets and he will be gone for good.''
''You mentioned when he comes back several time,'' Sirius said. ''Do you have any idea when that is?''
''Unless he changes his plans, on the eve of the third task of the tri-wizard tournament. If all goes to plan then both Daphne and I will be there to immediately end him. Preferably I want to have dealt with his followers by then. ''
''And how do you plan to do that?'' Madam Bones asked.
''We want to make it illegal to have 'the mark'. If you are found having it then the DMLE is allowed to question you under veritaserum regarding your dealings in the war.''
''And how are you going to find them? They have ways to mask the mark you know.''
''We have a solutions for that, but it is most likely a onetime chance so we can't mess it up. Our research team had studied the dark mark intensively and found out that it gave a distinct change in ones magical signature. With that they created devices that could create stun bubbles that would only targets those with that distinction and force there mark outward. It was a pretty useful weapon for a while until Voldemort created a new version of the mark on which it no longer works. We could use these to point out who carries the mark.''
''I see, do you think I could get one of these devices I would like a friend of mine to study it before we use it.'' Madam Bones questioned.
''Croaker?'' Harry questioned.
''You have met him?''
''Susan introduced him to us. And I don't mind if he studies something he has worked on himself. I will have one of my elves send one of them as soon as possible.''
Bones nodded satisfied. ''Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?''
''Yes, but this has to do with Dumbledore. He set up a illegal marriage contract with the Weasleys. He also ignored my parents will with placing me with my mugles relatives. The originally plan was to charge the weasleys with attempted line theft and Dumbledore with ignoring the will of a most Ancient and Noble family and aid to a attempted line theft. But after thinking a bit more about it we don't want the entire Weasley family destroyed so we would like you to talk to Mr. Weasley and find out what he knows about this whole business.''
Bones nodded and said. ''I can do that. What do you want to do about Dumbledore?''
''I want you to build a case against him. We already have someone else working on destroying is image so that he would gain less sympathy by the time you arrest him.''
''That is a good plan. Do you have any more evidence that we could use against him?'' Bones asked.
"We will write everything down that we know about him that he did illegally and we will also make pensive memory's of these events. We will send of our house-elves over with the information once we finished it.'' Daphne said.
When that was discussed they bid her goodnight and returned to Greengrass manor where they spend the rest of the evening relaxing and catching up.
The next morning they woke up early and after a shower and a good breakfast they headed to the Black ancestral home.
The three Apparated in front of the home. They had put notice-me-not charms on themselves so they didn't have to worry about being seen.
''I can't believe I am going back to this place.'' Sirius said.
Harry gave his godfather a comforting pat on the shoulder and said. ''You don't have to live here Sirius. You can live in Potter manor until you find something for yourself if you want. Or any other property I own.''
"Thanks Harry, you grandfather said something similar to me when I was young.'' Sirius said.
Sirius walked up to the door and put his hand on the handle. There was a brief glow from the door and the house seemed to recognize Sirius because the door opened on his own.
The three walked in the hall. When suddenly a portrait started screaming. ''Blood-traitors and half-bloods, what are you doing in the home of the most Ancient and Noble house of Black. ''
Both Harry and Daphne, who had been expecting this, had already drawn their wands and had fired multiple non-verbal reducto's on the paining and the wall it was on. When they were finished there was barely anything left. ''Just as satisfying as last time.'' Daphne muttered.
Suddenly there was a pop and a deranged looking Kreacher appeared in front of the three. "You killed mistress Black, Kreacher will avenge mistress.''
''Kreacher, stop.'' Sirius ordered.
Kreacher stopped and looked at Sirius with as much loathing as possible and muttered. 'The blood-traitor-master is back, he broke mistress heart when he left. And here Kreacher hoped he would get locked up again after Kreacher was forced to retrieve him for a trial.''
''Enough,'' Sirius said. ''I don't want you in this house. I am going to give you clothes.''
''NOO!'' kreacher screamed. ''I will not leave mistress house.'' The elf said and he raised his hand toward Sirius attempting to attack him in anger. Just when whatever he tried to fire was about to release, Kreacher fall down dead on the ground.
''What happened?'' Harry asked.
''It is part of the slave bond house elves have.'' Daphne explained. ''They can't directly attack their master, if they try then they will die.''
'That is just wrong.' Harry thought.
''Let's get this over with.'' Harry said. ''The sooner it is done the sooner we can leave the place.''
They walked into the room where the Horcrux was the last time and recovered it.
They put the Horcrux on the ground and Harry pulled a vial out of his pocket.
''What is in the vial?'' Sirius questioned.
''Basilisk poison.'' Harry replied in a tone that implied that it was normal to carry one of the strongest poisons in the world around like that.
''Isn't that supposed to be rare? Where did you get that?'' Sirius asked.
''From the basilisk I slew in my second year.'' Harry said offhandedly.
''The what?'' Sirius exclaimed. Inwardly he got the feeling that he didn't want to know.
''I didn't tell you that part did I? Harry asked nervously while scratching the back of his head.
''No you didn't.'' Sirius said in a firm tone. ''Kindly explain how you came to face the king of serpents.'' Sirius said in a tone that made it clear that it wasn't a request.
''Just a moment Sirius,'' Harry said. ''The spell will take some time to completely form the link so let me do that first.''
Harry aimed his wand at the device and said. ''Certamen totus suus pius'' The moment the spell was finished the device glowed bright gold.
''The spell is finished when the glow is completely gone. The ones who made it estimated that it would roughly take two to three hours. So we might as well get comfortable and talk a bit more
For the next two hours Harry talked about the first three years of Hogwarts with the occasional outsider's view of Daphne.
He first talked about his first year. How his first letter was address to 'cupbord under the stairs'. He talked about his first meeting with Hagrid, the dragon, the detention in the forbidden forest and what he did to get to the stone.
At this point Sirius couldn't hold himself in any longer and said. ''Is Dumbledore insane? He allows detentions in forest that is forbidden for a reason without proper supervision and he puts a giant three headed dog at a place where even a first year can reach and not to mention how easy it was to get to the stone.''
"I agree, both Daphne and I think that it was some kind of sick test to see how strong I have gotten. I mean those test were slightly changeling for a trio of first years. How were they supposed to stop a dark lord. At the very least they should have put a significant stronger locking charm on the door.''
Sirius clenched his fist and growled out. " I am going to kill that old man.''
'And that was only after telling him about my first year' Harry thought.
''Sirius? Do you still want to hear about my second year?''
Sirius managed to calm himself somewhat and said. ''Yes, please continue.''
So the story continued with Harry's second year. He talked about Dobby and his multiple attempts to 'save' Harry's live, the flying car, Lockhart, the strange voices he heard, the dueling club and finding out he was a Parseltongue, the petrifaction of several students and a ghost, the clues that led Ron and him to the forbidden forest and facing the giant spider Aragog and finally about how they found the chamber of secrets and faced what was in it.''
''Did you have even one year that was remotely normal?'' Sirius asked after he heard what happened.
''Mmm….'' Harry said thoughtful. ''In my first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth year I faced Voldermort in some kind of form. So I would say that my third year was the most normal even though there were the Demontors and I thought that the betrayer of my parents was after me but all in all a pretty normal year by my standards.''
Sirius looked at him as if he was crazy and asked. ''Do I even want to know what you did after your third year?''
Harry shrugged and said. ''Probably not, but knowing you, you will still ask. Besides you already know some parts.''
Just then Harry noticed that the last bit of the glow around the locket disappeared.
''It seems it is ready.'' Harry said. He tuned to Daphne and said, ''Do you want to do it?''
''Of course,'' She said and she picked up the vial.
''Open'' Harry hissed.
The locket opened and Daphne knowing what would happened if she waited immediately dropped the contents of the vial on the portraits that are inside of the locket. There was a loud shriek coming from the medallion when the venom made contact with it and a black smoke rose from it.
"That is it?'' Sirius asked. ''He is no longer immortal.''
''No,'' Daphne replied. ''But he is still a wraith right know. He must have a body before we can put him down for good.''
''Still, it is a good first step.'' Harry added.