Chapter 12
New Allies And Friends
Author's Note: This chapter begins shortly before the previous chapter ended. Unfortunately I couldn't get everything I wanted in this chapter! However, to make up for this, I will give my readers something they wanted! Due to some readers really wanting her to be in the story already, a fan-favorite and soon-to-be main character appears in this chapter, nearly a month in-story earlier than I planned! Huzzah!
Questions were raised in the previous chapter as to why Molly was not arrested or brought to Goblin justice yet. This chapter should provide those answers. Enjoy!
Madam Amelia Bones followed her niece, Susan, Harry Potter and Holly Evans through the Atrium of Gringotts, after what had been an eventful couple of hours. Many questions had been raised in Amelia's mind over the past couple of hours, while there were only few answers to those questions; even the answers bred more questions! Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, did not like questions unanswered. It was unanswered questions which created cold cases, and Amelia's department already had too many of those. She would be certain to finish every investigation which was started today.
There were some difficult cases opened today. The most difficult was that against Albus Dumbledore. The man knew politics, and he could talk his way out of a deadly duel, and probably had done so many times in his lifetime. Amelia was not lying when she told Harry and Holly that it would take luck to bring down Dumbledore. Removing him from his seats of power was the biggest step at the moment. When he no longer sat in those seats, it would be easier for the law to be brought down on him in the Wizengamot. Until then, however, it would be impossible. He had allies deep in his pockets all throughout the Ministry and wizarding world.
To remove Dumbledore from the Wizengamot, it would take seventy-five percent of the votes in the court. The Great Alliance might provide half of the needed Votes if it was in full effect, but that wouldn't happen until at least the following Solstice Session when new or returning houses were welcomed back into the Wizengamot. The Winter Solstice Session was in late December, and while it seemed ages away, it gave Amelia plenty of time to prepare her case against Dumbledore. However, she knew she had to keep it secret – if Dumbledore discovered her investigation, there would be opposition faster than she could snap. Dumbledore simply worked that fast. "Difficult" was an understatement when it came to this investigation.
The most difficult case in terms of personal emotions for Amelia, however, was the case against Sirius Black. If Amelia was smart, she would hand this case to someone else – Rufus Scrimgeour, perhaps. But she couldn't do it. She needed to know if Sirius was completely innocent of his crimes.
For those last few months prior to Sirius' arrest, Amelia had basically ignored the man. The end of their relationship, due to each going different paths in their life the other could not handle, had broken Amelia's heart. She knew she had made a big mistake ending the relationship with Sirius. She loved him. In order to survive those following months after their break-up, she had to ignore Sirius. She now regret this. If she hadn't ignored him, perhaps she would have known whether Sirius had received a trial or not! She had been an Apprentice in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement back then – working at Wizengamot sessions and criminal trials had been her job, yet she had avoided anything to do with Sirius back then. His incarceration was partially her fault. And it was her personal job to make sure the truth came out.
The one thing Amelia wasn't looking forward to when beginning this investigation, however, was the Minister of Magic. Cornelius Fudge feared that he would be kicked from his office at any moment, and he had barely even been in office for a year! Amelia knew convincing him to give Sirius Black a trial would take politics. Fortunately Amelia was good at politics.
Then there was the case against the Dursleys – Harry's Muggle relatives. Ragnok had given Amelia the piece of parchment from Harry's session with the Healers; she had seen the results. This was a case of abuse, clear and simple. All it would take was another brief meeting with Harry, a Pensieve, and convincing Harry to briefly relive his memories just so a copy of them could be removed for viewing. That would be her proof. Then she would meet with the proper Muggle authorities and visit the Dursleys. Easy enough.
Finally, there was the investigation against Molly Weasley. This case, however, was special. Molly was apparently friendly with Albus Dumbledore. They had plotted together. Amelia needed information from Molly about Dumbledore. Yes, she would do the investigation, and she would probably bring Molly in. But she knew Molly valued her freedom and dignity. Amelia could use that. Promise Molly the freedom she so richly desired, and she would squeal like a pig about Dumbledore. She was one of the keys to Dumbledore's take-down. This was why she didn't arrest Molly Weasley today. She wanted to do it right and be prepared when that time would come. And maybe... just maybe... Molly would dig her grave deeper and make Amelia's job just that much easier.
"Auntie?" Susan said.
Amelia broke from her reverie and looked at her niece. "Yes, dear?"
"I can understand why you couldn't arrest Molly Weasley today," Susan said, "You didn't have all the answers you needed. But why didn't the Goblins punish her more than taking away her personal vault. She committed a crime. Goblins aren't lenient when it comes to theft!"
"I thought they would punish her too," Amelia said. "However, I realized two things. First, when I mentioned I would begin my own investigation against her, I noticed relief on their faces. The second, which is a lead-up from the first: I think they are dealing with something bigger than a small case of theft at the moment. They're temporarily letting a smaller fish go, just so they can catch some bigger ones. Something has been going on recently here in Gringotts, and it is just getting started. Hopefully the Ministry doesn't get mixed up in it. We don't need another revolution on our hands."
"You're correct, Madam Bones," Holly said, "Let's just say the Goblins are serving their own brand of justice to a certain few individuals who should have been served a decade ago."
Amelia raised an eyebrow toward Holly. She was having some trouble understanding this girl. The girl was a Muggleborn witch, but she seemed quite in tune to goings-on in the wizarding world. The girl was very smart. It was good that there was an apparent friendship beginning between Susan, Holly and Harry. She wanted to keep her eye on this Muggleborn girl. She had a feeling the girl would only continue to surprise her.
"Death Eaters?" Amelia asked. "Is that who you speak of?"
"Indeed," Holly said, with a nod and a smile, "Death Eaters who escaped justice at the end of the Great War, specifically."
Amelia whistled. "They better leave some pieces for me. I suspect many of those names are in this folder Harry's father left for me. I want to give my own brand of justice. I'm beginning to realize the Ministry has been sitting on their thumbs over the past decade and I will find out why."
"They're only hitting them financially," Holly said. "You'll be able to get them with everything else. And I wish you the best of luck."
"As do I," Harry said, "Er... you do realize this Moody fellow is probably waiting for us outside the bank?"
"Then you should go and meet him, Lord Potter," Amelia said, "Don't worry. I will be right behind you."
Harry and Holly glanced at each other for a moment, before nodding. They joined hands again and walked out of the building and into the alley. Amelia smiled as she watched from just inside the doorway with Susan. She could sense the beginnings of a budding serious relationship between the two of them, even if they were somehow distantly related. She couldn't object to it.
Relationships between distant family members, while frowned upon amongst Muggles, were scarily common in the wizarding world. This wasn't shocking, when you accounted for the fact that most of the citizens of the wizarding world were interrelated when you looked far enough in the family trees. Harry and Holly were probably cousins, however distant, and such relationships were not frowned upon if they became romantic. Amelia wished the best for the pair.
However, she wondered how many titles Harry Potter had in his heritage – it was quite possible Harry could have more than one wife if he wanted to. This was another thing Muggles objected to that the magical world had no problem with: Polygamy. Though if it ever came to Harry choosing Susan for a wife, certain steps would have to be taken – Susan was the last of the line of Bones. The Bones name must continue. Any man she married would have to let her keep her name to pass it on. She was destined to become a Second Wife, and Susan knew it. She also seemed quite fine with it. And from the way Susan had been staring at one young man, it seemed she had already chosen her future husband. Amelia also wished the best for her niece. As her Aunt and guardian, she would make sure the girl got whatever she wanted.
"Auntie, there's Moody," Susan said; she had met the man a few times before when she went to visit Amelia at her job, so she had recognized him.
Amelia broke from her reverie in time to hear Moody's gruff voice.
"You must be Harry Potter," he said, "You are a tough fellow to track down, but I always find who I am looking for. My name is Alastor Moody. Nice to make your acquaintance."
"Pleasure to meet you as well," Harry said. "You must not be very good at your job. I was informed that you have been searching for me, and was forewarned."
"Forewarned?" Moody asked, "By whom?"
Amelia smiled. The man's paranoia had distracted him from his apparent duty. Amelia suspected the man was supposed to find Harry, nab him and Apparate away. Harry seemed to know this. His initial response and tool of distraction was excellent. A career as an Auror may be in the boy's future.
"By me, Alastor," Amelia lied; she wasn't about to tell the man about the Goblin security who had been watching him since he stepped foot in Diagon Alley.
Amelia motioned for Susan to stay back and she walked onto the steps of the bank.
"Madam Bones," Moody said, "A pleasure to see you today. I wasn't aware you had met Mr. Potter."
"We met just today, Alastor," Amelia said, "Or rather, reacquainted ourselves. I knew the lad as a baby. His parents and I were good friends throughout Hogwarts, you know. Give it up, Alastor. I know why you are here. Leave Harry Potter alone, and come with me to the Leaky Cauldron. We can discuss Mr. Potter there. You will know exactly why it is unnecessary to complete the job Dumbledore gave you."
Moody frowned, but didn't deny this accusation.
"There are certain things Dumbledore doesn't know," Amelia continue. "I will let you know these things under an Honor Vow not to reveal them to anyone, but only if you tell me exactly why Dumbledore gave you this job."
Moody's magical eye looked from Amelia to Harry. A few moments later, he nodded.
"You drive a hard bargain, lass," Moody said, "Fortunately for you, I don't completely trust Dumbledore's reasons for the task he gave me. I told myself I'd treat myself to another Firewhiskey by the time I left here. How about I treat you to one too? Leaky Cauldron sounds fine by me."
"Mr. Potter," Amelia said, being careful not to use his title in public; she knew he wanted to keep it secret for now, "How long do you plan to remain in Diagon Alley? I wish for my niece to accompany you to do some shopping. Perhaps this will give you some time to get to know each other."
Susan walked up to her Aunt when she heard her Aunt talking about her. She was smiling, seemingly agreeable with this idea.
"I have a feeling we'll be here for an hour or so," Harry said. "Will that be enough time?"
"Quite," Amelia agreed. "Susan?"
"I am itching to use a bit of the money from my new inheritance," Susan said, "i would be happy to join Harry on his shopping trip."
Amelia smiled when she noted that Susan hadn't spoken of Holly. Moody did not know Holly's name, and Susan knew this. She wasn't about to reveal that name to the man.
"Be safe, Susan," Amelia said, "Remain with Harry until I find you. And remember..."
"Stay away from Knockturn Alley," Susan said, "I know, Auntie."
"Good girl," Amelia said. "Lead the way Alastor."
Alastor grunted, turned around and Amelia followed him toward the Leaky Cauldron. When they arrived, Amelia met with the owner/barman, Tom, and requested her "usual" private room and a bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey, and two glasses. Tom summoned a bottle and two glasses, then led Amelia and Moody into one of the pub's private rooms.
"You seem to be very protective of the boy, Amelia," Moody said, as he limped over to the single table in the room and sat down. "Especially when you just 'reacquainted' yourself with him today."
"As I said, I was friendly with his parents," Amelia said, as she sat down across from Moody, "Also there is the fact that he is the Boy-Who-Lived and I will not just stand by and let someone take him without his consent. Aside from your usual paranoia, why are you so curious?"
"The boy vanished from Diagon Alley on Tuesday," Moody said, "Rubeus Hagrid was supposed to take him on a shopping trip, and got as far as taking the lad to Gringotts to get some money and... poof, that is all anyone knows. It is thought that he met with someone who took him in. He was supposed to go shopping for his school things, then return to his home."
"His 'home'," Amelia said, "What would you say if I told you those Muggle relations of his were never supposed to be his guardians – at least if James and Lily Potter's last wishes were respected?"
Moody raised a scarred eyebrow. He grabbed the bottle of firewhiskey, removed the cork and poured himself a glass.
"I would say that is very interesting," Moody said, "But I would also ask for proof."
"Their Wills were read today," Amelia said, "That is how I reacquainted myself with Harry. Harry had five suggested guardians. I was one of them... the lad's Muggle relatives were not. Also, Albus Dumbledore was never suggested to be the boy's magical guardian."
Moody took a swig from his glass, set the glass down and stared at it.
"There's something very fishy going on here, Alastor," Amelia said, "For nigh-on ten years, the Ministry believed two things regarding Harry Potter. That Dumbledore is the boy's magical guardian, and that he was living with Muggles. No records as to where he lived. Only Dumbledore seemed to know exactly where the boy lived."
"There were others, actually," Moody grunted. "Albus told me about that Halloween night. Hagrid retrieved the boy from the house in Godric's Hollow, vanished with him for twenty-four hours or so, then arrived at the house of the Muggle relatives with the boy. Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall were both there."
"Hagrid and Minerva," Amelia said, with a raised eyebrow. "Two staff members of Dumbledore's."
Something wasn't right here. How did Dumbledore keep Hagrid and McGonagall silent?
"There was one other," Moody said, "Arabella Figg lives in house on the same street as the Muggles. She was there to watch over the boy."
"Oh, and what good she did!" Amelia growled, "An old crazy cat lady and a Squib to boot! She couldn't protect the boy if someone came by the house to do him harm! And the boy was harmed. Not by us wand-wielders, but by his Muggle relatives. The boy had a check-up with Goblin Healers. He's been physically and mentally abused by those damned relatives of his, Alastor!"
Moody's good eye widened as he stared at Amelia.
"You're telling me one of Dumbledore's spies lived down the street from the boy all this time," Amelia said, "And she never once reported the signs of abuse to the Ministry? She must have seen him time and again! Hell, she probably did report the signs to Dumbledore, and he did nothing?!"
Amelia took the bottle of Firewhiskey, poured herself a glass and drank the whole glass in one gulp.
"The boy wasn't supposed to be there in the first place," she continued, "and he has no reason to go back. The boy's been Emancipated, Alastor. Albus may not know that, I'll give him that. He has no reason to know it. He is going to be the boy's headmaster, what right does he have interfering in Harry Potter's private life? What right do you?!"
Moody grimaced. "I admit I never liked this task he gave me in the first place. He told me Potter had to be back at his relatives' house by nightfall tonight, or... something about wards falling."
"Wards?" Amelia asked, "I know there were Post-repelling wards, but this sounds more serious. Probably protection wards preventing magic-users from going near the house. I could understand he would think Death Eaters or Dark wizards wanting revenge on the boy, but the wards did nothing to protect him from his relatives!"
Moody grimaced again and took another gulp from his drink. "Sounds like Dumbledore wanted the boy to be there for a reason. If he knew the boy was abused, what else has happened to the boy that he knows about?"
"Harry has a new friend he met recently," Amelia said, "He's been clinging on to her like she's his lifeline. It is as if he's never had a friend before and he is afraid of losing her. Abused, friendless... Alastor, this sounds like a recipe for a boy who, if he remained with his Muggles oblivious to his Emancipation, titles and wealth – and without friends like this girl – well, that sounds like easy bait for Dark wizards."
"More like Dumbledore was hoping the boy would seek out wizards and witches to be his friends, family and mentors," Alastor said.
"And what do you bet they would have been hand-picked by Dumbledore himself?" Amelia said. "He would probably want none of the Great Alliance to be friends with Harry either. He might not like it if the Great Alliance returned. The Alliance would have nearly half the Votes in the Wizengamot – power to pass any law they wanted, power to even remove the Chief Warlock."
"He wouldn't like that," Moody said, "I can tell you that already."
"Aye," Amelia said, "However, I know who he would choose. Today I learned Dumbledore penned a Betrothal Contract with Molly Weasley a few days after that Halloween night. A contract that was null and void to begin with, because Dumbledore signed it falsely as the boy's magical guardian."
"The Weasleys," Moody said, "A perfectly Light family, allies with Dumbledore, family-oriented, and more kids than they can afford. And an infamously poor family. Becoming friends with a rich kid like Potter – a dream come true with most of those kids. Imagine the Christmas and birthday gifts they'd receive from him. They're a pureblood family with a young daughter who could marry into the Potters and gain wealth. Yes, perfect bait for Dumbledore to convince them to become Potter's friend and pseudo-family to."
Moody refilled his glass and drank it all. "Something real fishy is going on here, lass. I want no part of it when it comes to Dumbledore. I want to help the boy. What's his residential status right now?"
"He's emancipated, Alastor," Amelia said, "But I wouldn't be surprised if he is living at his old Family home, and probably with that friend of his. She's emancipated too, the Keeper for their Vaults referred to her as a Lady. She's Head of her Minor House it seems."
"Both orphans, clinging to each other," Moody said, "Probably looking for a Mentor-like guardian. You? Is that your ploy in this?"
"No," Amelia said, "Their potential Mentor is an innocent man locked away in Azkaban."
Moody raised a scarred eyebrow. "Black?"
"Performed a Godfather ritual with Potter on the day of the boy's birth, Alastor," Amelia said, "He could never have betrayed James and Lily."
Moody swore. "This smells more fishy than the Hogwarts Lake! Blast it! I am going tell Albus I couldn't find the boy. Screw the boy's relatives and the blasted protection. The abusers can burn!"
Amelia wanted to scold the man, but she agreed with him. They were to be brought to justice anyway.
Moody continued: "I want to tell the old man to stick it, but he'd get suspicious of what I know. I need to be busy, Amelia. I need to do something with my life. I could investigate all of this, but I need a job to look like I'm doing something while I do this."
"I could get you a Trainer job at Brighton Academy," Amelia said. "Pick a new recruit, train them, bring them into the field. I have the perfect one. Nymphadora Tonks – a Metamorphmagus."
Moody's lips turned into a small smile. "I like the way you think, lass! I accept!"
Amelia smiled and the two filled their glasses, clinked them together and drank. A new alliance had been formed at that moment between the old friends.
Meanwhile, Holly Evans was sitting with Susan Bones in the front office of the small Magical Optics shop and eye-clinic in Diagon Alley. Harry Potter was currently having an appointment with the Eye Healer, and he would likely leave the shop with contacts.
"Holly," Susan said, "What is your relationship with Harry? You have the last name of his mother, and you said you're related in some way."
"We're both of the Minor House of Evans," Holly said, "Distant cousins maybe, I don't know. We're both orphans and I never knew my parents."
Susan frowned. "I'm sorry. I lost my parents when I was a baby too."
Holly frowned. Even though she was having trouble remembering some of Lily Potter's life, she still had many of her memories. Lily had been good friends with Amelia and Edgar Bones, and his wife Sara.
"My relationship – we're best friends, I guess," Holly said, "I'm currently staying at his Family house with him. We met earlier this week on his birthday."
"A few days-old friendship and you are already best friends?" Susan asked. "And living together?"
"Latter point first," Holly said. "He took me in. As I said, we're both orphans and we're friends. Living together is our best option. Second... well... neither Harry or I grew up with friends, Susan. Harry didn't have the best childhood."
"But he's the boy-who-lived!" Susan said.
Holly narrowed her eyes. "If you want to be his friend, you will never call him that! He doesn't want fame. He lost his parents the night he became famous! He's never had a proper family, he doesn't yearn for one at the moment. He yearns for friends and thatis what he needs."
Susan winced. "Sorry. I'll try my best. You have to understand. Kids my age, and older and younger - students you will meet at Hogwarts – fellow class members, in other words. We grow up reading stories about Harry. He's the most famous kid in the British wizarding world, maybe even the whole wizarding world! And he is our age!"
"The stories are a lie, Susan," Holly said, "That Harry Potter series is fiction, and will vanish soon after we meet with solicitors. And the history books giving information of that night? Only two people know what really happened that night, and one hasn't been seen since. The other certainly doesn't remember much, if anything of what happened."
"But... You-Know-Who is dead!" Susan said.
"Is he?" Holly asked, raising an eyebrow. "Was there a body found?"
Susan shuddered and shook her head. "He's still out there, isn't he?"
"Yeah, waiting for the right time to return," Holly said; she then studied Susan for a moment. "You fancy Harry, don't you?"
"What girl our age doesn't?" Susan asked, blushing, "At least those who have read about him. So many witches – and maybe a few wizards, if I'm honest – probably fancy him."
"They don't even know the real him," Holly said.
"And you do?" Susan asked.
"He's told me things, secrets," Holly said, "Secrets I will never reveal without his permission. Let's just say he hasn't had a very good life growing up. As I said, I am his first friend."
"You fancy him too, don't you?" Susan asked grinning.
Holly blushed. She couldn't help it. She was feeling the beginnings of a fancy for Harry. Even if she had memories of Lily giving birth to him, and even breastfeeding him. What the hell was she supposed to do with that?! She didn't even have breasts yet!
"It is alright, if you do, you know," Susan said, oblivious to Holly's line of thought, "Even if you are distantly related. That hardly matters in the wizarding world. The Potters are an ancient bloodline who has mixed over the years with many other Houses. He probably has distant relations all over Britain. Second and third cousins for sure. I may be a cousin of his, if only distant, but that doesn't matter in the sense of romance. The magical race would die out if we were touchy about who we married and had children with. I'm destined to be a Second Wife, because I am the last Bones, and a female. My children must have the name of Bones for my House to survive."
"A Second Wife," Holly said, "I don't know if Harry would be up for that."
"Harry's a Lord, so he must have taken an Inheritance Test, right?" Susan asked, "Were you there when he took it?" Holly nodded; Susan continued, "How many titles does he have? How many Family names?"
"Four, and a second-in-line Heir to a fifth," Holly said, "I am first in line for that one, but we're keeping a few of those titles secret."
"For Harry to continue those Family lines," Susan said, "He would have to marry five girls, all who have to be eligible for First wife."
Holly grimaced. "Wow... I'm definitely not ready to let him know that."
Susan giggled. "He's too young to be thinking about that anyway. Especially if has no Betrothal Contracts. I'd say no, or his Vault Keeper would have informed him of more when he revealed that voided Betrothal Contract with the youngest Weasley. So he could pick anyone. You, me, that Lovegood girl. There are daughters from at least two more of the families in the Great Alliance. From a political standpoint, any of the families in the Great Alliance would want him to marry their daughters."
Holly didn't know how to respond to that. Thankfully, Harry returned at that moment. As he approached her, Holly noticed he no longer wore glasses. His emerald eyes shone even brighter than before.
"How do I look?" Harry asked.
"Quite handsome," Holly said, grinning when he blushed, "You're wearing contacts?"
Harry nodded. "Magical contacts – they have many charms. Charms for comfort and longevity – I can sleep with them in, and only have to remove and clean them once a month with a simple spell, and they only need to be replaced once a year. So, each year when we go shopping, I just return here to replace them."
"Any special charms on them?" Holly asked.
Harry grinned. "With a few simple incantations, I can do a few things. I can see through Invisibility Cloaks and Disillusionment spells. They have Night-vision and Aura-Reading. And also they act like magical binoculars, can't remember the name."
"Omnioculars," Holly said, "Wow, that is pretty great. What about X-ray vision?"
"X-ray vision?" Susan asked.
"The ability to see through things, like clothing," Harry said.
He raised his hands in surrender when Susan blushed and folded her arms over her already-developing chest (a fact that Holly was jealous of).
"I declined that particular ability, since it seems I will have some friends who are girls," Harry said.
"Good," Holly said, "Otherwise I might have hexed you."
Harry only grinned. "I'm finished here. Where to next?"
"I – erm – want to go to the bookstore," Susan said, "I know you want to visit the solicitors?"
"Bookstore sounds brilliant," Harry said, "I need to buy one of those Boy-Who-Lived books for reference for the Solicitors. Is there really one that claims I have a faerie girlfriend?"
Susan nodded. "Her name's Puck. Part faerie, though she looked human and she was a main character from the very first book, and Harry first kissed her in book – never mind, I'll stop now. You're probably not interested in that, since it is lies about you."
Holly snickered at Harry's expression. He looked rather green in the metaphorical gills.
"To the bookstore then!" Holly said, deciding to rescue him.
They left the Optician and made their way toward Flourish and Blott's. Harry and Holly let Susan browse through some of the books. They were near the Defense Against the Dark Arts section, when they heard an argument taking place.
"I'm sorry!" a young girl with bushy, brown hair said, "I didn't know."
"Is that so?" a staff-witch of the shop said, with a sneer, "Well, perhaps you should become more acquainted with our world before strutting around as if you know so much about it! This is why Muggleborn like you are frowned upon in our society. You waltz in, looking to change things because you don't like how we do things around here."
"B-but," the girl stammered, "I never said -"
"Excuse me," Holly said, walking over to the girl and staff-witch, along with Harry and Susan, "What seems to be the problem here?"
The staff-witch narrowed her eyes toward Holly. "This little girl wanted to search through books in the Dark Arts section. It is restricted to older folk, not children like you."
"I told her I didn't know that," the girl said. "I'm sorry."
"You shouldn't have to apologize," Harry said. "Staff members here should be more courteous and respectful, not accusing."
"Excuse me!" the staff-witch growled.
"No, excuse me," Susan said, "My Aunt is Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I think she might be interested to see how you are treating this young witch. She's been looking to publicly stand up against those who bigot against Muggleborns, and this seems to be the perfect opportunity to do so!"
The staff-witch spluttered and turned green. "I – ahem – apologize, young lady. If you wish to learn more about the Dark Arts, the Defense section just over there would be a far better study."
"I thought as much," the young witch said, "But I wasn't sure."
"We'll be glad to help you with anything you need," Susan said, "My two friends here are fairly new to the wizarding world, just like you. But at least we have enough brains to respect that!"
She glared at the staff-witch, who harrumphed and walked away.
"Thank you for defending me," the girl said, "I'm Hermione Granger. This isn't my first visit here. I learned I was a witch last September the day of my birthday when my school letter came, and we – my parents and I – came here to Diagon Alley not long after to explore it. I'm here today buying the rest of my school things I didn't get then, and I wanted a few more books. I don't recall being so looked down upon like that though."
"It is best to ignore people like that," Susan said, "Some witches and wizards, like that girl, think they are better than Muggleborn, because their bloodlines go far back. I doubt she even has great-grandparents who are purebloods. My family goes many generations back and we don't care about blood. I'm Susan Bones by the way."
Holly and Harry introduced themselves, though Harry did so quietly so nobody besides Hermione, Holly and Susan would hear him. Hermione's eyes widened when Harry introduced himself.
"You've read about Harry, haven't you?" Holly asked. "I'll tell you the same thing I told Susan. The Boy-Who-Lived books are fiction. The history books about Harry could be fiction as well. Harry's famous but doesn't like his fame. And of the only two people who were there the night of that Halloween, one has been in hiding for many years, and is not as dead as everyone thinks. While the other, Harry, was fifteen months old, and his parents died that night. How much would want to remember?"
Hermione frowned and blushed a deep red. Obviously she was about to go off on a tirade about how she had read about Harry before Holly interrupted her.
"She's right, Hermione," Harry said. "In fact, I am about to go to a solicitor and get those books removed from the shelves for slandering my name and using it for profit without my permission."
"Don't trust everything you read in books, Hermione," Holly said, guessing Hermione was a bookworm who loved books and lived by them, "There's more to life than that."
"However, there are plenty of books you should read before you go to Hogwarts," Susan said. "Come with me. Oh, hold on, there's my Auntie!"
Holly turned and saw Amelia approaching them.
"Done with Moody, Auntie?" Susan asked.
"He won't bother you anymore, Harry," Amelia said, "Though he does request a meeting at a later date to apologize. He could be an important ally. Apparently he doesn't agree with much of what Albus Dumbledore is thinking concerning you."
"I'll think about it," Harry said, "Thank you for talking to him."
"This is Hermione Granger, Auntie," Susan said, "She's a Muggleborn, and has already had the bad luck to meet some of the bigots. Fortunately, we were here to help. I was just about to help her buy some books that might help."
"You'll meet many bigots toward Muggleborn in your life, Hermione," Amelia said, "You seem like the studious type. I know a few books that will help."
"I'd like that," Hermione said, "My parents are a few shops down, since they knew I would be here a while."
"I would be interested in meeting them," Amelia said.
"You're in good hands with her, Hermione," Holly said, "Do you have an owl?"
"No," Hermione said, "But I thought about buying one for my parents to use whilst I am at Hogwarts."
"Can Harry and I write to you?" Holly asked. "We have our own owls. We'd like to get to know you more before we go to Hogwarts."
"I'd like that," Hermione said, smiling.
"So would we," Harry said, "But we need to be going. Thank you for everything, Madam Bones."
"It was nothing, Harry," Amelia said, "Look for an owl from me soon. I'll contact you when something comes up regarding your godfather."
Harry nodded, then he and Holly said goodbye to Hermione, Susan and Amelia. Harry grabbed one of the Boy-who-Lived books, bought it at the counter, then headed out of the shop with Holly. It was time to deal with some serious business!
I do apologize for ending it here. If I didn't, this would only be the halfway mark of what I had planned, and it would be the longest chapter I would ever write. But I decided this was a good place to stop.
I hope you liked Amelia's meeting with Moody. I didn't want Harry and Holly with them, because frankly Amelia wouldn't allow it. She would be afraid Moody would snatch Harry up at any moment. Also, Amelia's initial thoughts regarding her investigations – highly important.
Holly's conversation with Susan teased the Harem that will come later in this story. Thought that was a nice introduction.
And then there is Hermione! Introducing her this early does a lot of good things regarding her. Holly and Harry can wean her off of some of her ideals and stuff regarding her respect for authority figures who don't deserve that respect, as well as her initial ideas about Boy-Who-Lived and Harry (the whole "I read about you!") thing. Also she will be more prepared for the bigots. We may see her once or twice more before September 1st comes around. There will definitely be a letter or two for and from her.
For those who hope for quick justice for Molly Weasley, don't count on it. Villains must rise in stories before their inevitable downfall!
Next chapter: Meeting with Solicitors and the Daily Prophet. Some of the Mad Matriarch's plans are revealed! And more Mad-Eye and Dumbledore!
Hope you liked this chapter! This story is marching ever-so-slowly. I know the pace seems slow, but trust me, everything that happens before they go to Hogwarts is extremely important for the story.
Chapter 13
Solicitors and Potions
Author's Note: 100,000 Views in 12 chapters! Thank you to all my readers, the response to this story is amazing!
Harry and Holly stepped into the small building which was home to the business of Solicitors Abernathy, Prewett and Tonks. A witch in her late teens, her hair colored a bubblegum pink, at a small desk greeted the pair with a smile when she saw them.
"You look a bit young to be out by yourself," the witch said, "But I suppose that is none of my business. How may I help you?"
"We're hoping to meet with the solicitor, Ted Tonks," Harry said, "We don't have an appointment though, I'm sorry. Amelia Bones recommended the man."
"That's quite alright, most people who walk in here don't," the witch said, cheerfully, "Ted is my father. I'm sure I can set you up right quick with an appointment. He;ll be pleased to hear Madam Bones gave him a name-drop."
"You're his daughter?" Holly asked, "Amelia mentioned you as well. I thought you were going to Brighton Academy."
"Yep, I am," the witch said, "Next month. This is a summer job I've had for a few years now with Dad. I'm Nymphadora, but call me Dora if you can't call me just Tonks. I don't like my full first name much. I'll go see if Dad's free."
She stood from her chair and walked though a door into an adjoining room.
"Rather bubbly, that one, ain't she?" Holly said, with a chuckle.
Harry nodded in agreement, hoping his blushing cheeks weren't visible. He thought she was rather cute, but wasn't about to say that out loud.
"She didn't seem to recognize you even though you look the same," Holly commented. "Lack of glasses and you're scar isn't quite as visible since that blasted thing was removed from it. Might be the reason why."
Harry nodded, and was about to reply when Dora returned.
"He's available," Dora said, with a smile, "Follow me."
Harry and Holly followed Dora across the room and through the door. This led into a hall with four additional doors. Dora led them through the closest doorway into a room which resembled a cliché-looking meeting room. A long table with several chairs lined the middle of the room. A man in his mid-to-late forties with fair hair and a modest-sized belly sat at the table. He also looked quite kind and pleasant. His eyes widened when he saw Harry.
"Dora told me I was to expect a couple of youngsters," the man said, "But I did not expect to meet Harry Potter!"
A noise near Harry alerted him and he found that Dora was picking up a chair that had been knocked over. He expected she had bumped into it when she heard his name. She quickly and quietly apologized. Harry only smiled then turned back to Ted.
"Do you know me, sir?" he asked, "Or is this just a Boy-Who-Lived thing?"
The man smiled softly. "I was friends with your parents and godfather. My wife is, in fact, your godfather's cousin. I knew James and Sirius for a few years before you were born. Pleasure to meet you, I'm Edward Tonks. Most people call me Ted."
"Lord Harry James Potter, at your pleasure," Harry said, "My friend here is Lady Holly Evans."
"Evans?" Ted echoed, "Are you related to Lily?"
"Distant relation of Lily and Harry," Holly said.
"I see," Ted said, "Come, sit down. Lord and Lady, did you say?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said, as he and Holly sat across the table from Ted, "The two of us were Emancipated on my birthday a few days ago, when we became our Heads of House."
"Interesting," Ted said, "Come, Dora, sit down for a while. I'm surprised you didn't recognize Harry. He looks so like his father, whom I do remember you meeting."
"I believe I was six, maybe seven, the last time I saw Harry's parents and Sirius, Dad," Dora said.
You two seem quite at ease speaking my godfather's name," Harry said. "Especially since he is in Azkaban."
Ted frowned. "My wife, Andie, and I never believed in Sirius' guilt. He was best friends with James since they were around your age. Brothers almost."
"Then perhaps you know that he performed the Godfather Ritual on the day of my birth?" Harry asked.
Ted swore silently. "Then he could never have betrayed you or your parents!"
"Amelia Bones reckons the same thing," Holly said, "she's going to re-open his case."
"She's a good friend of mine," Ted said, "I will contact her and see if I can be Sirius' solicitor if he goes to trial again."
"Actually it appears he never received a trial the first go-around," Holly said.
Ted swore, this time a little louder. "I promise, Lord Potter. I will do everything for Sirius that I can."
"First of all, it is just Harry for you," Harry said, "Second, thank you."
Ted smiled. "Now, I expect you are here for more than just to meet an old family friend?"
Harry nodded then set his shopping bag on the table, and pulled out the Boy-Who-Lived book and set it on the table.
"This book and more like it," Harry said, "have taken my name and wrote fictional stories about me without my permission. I am under the impression that scores of children grew up reading these books believing I really did these things. I want them taken off the shelves, along with anything else that has my name on it. If you can, I also want my name taken out of the history books which have to do with that Halloween night of 1981. Me and Voldemort –" Dora and Ted winced at the name, "are the only two who know what went on that night that are still around. Yes, Voldemort is still around – he isn't dead, just biding his time to return."
Both Ted and Dora's jaws dropped and eyes widened at this last bit of information.
"I certainly haven't talked about that night," Harry continued. "I can't even remember much of it, and what I do remember may only be dreams. I doubt Voldemort has said anything about it either. So... it seems everything written in the history books are either lies or guesswork."
Ted blinked and didn't reply for a full minute as he took in all this information. He then flourished his wand around and parchment, quills and ink appeared in front of him.
"My apologies," Ted said, "I haven't offered you anything. Would you like something to drink? Butterbeer? Pumpkin Juice? Water? Tea?"
"I'm fine right now, sir," Harry said, and Holly nodded in agreement.
Ted nodded then started writing a few things down on the parchment. He then chuckled softly and looked at Dora.
"It appears these Boy-Who-Lived books you begged for every year they came out are a load of bull, my dear," he said, with a grin.
"Daddy!" Dora scowled, as both her cheeks and hair went deep red.
"Cool trick," Harry said.
"Not a trick," Dora said, as her nose turned into a pig snout then back to normal. "I'm a Metamorphmagus, mate. I can change into quite a bit."
"Can you change into a boy?" Holly asked, curiously.
Dora's hair went even redder if possible.
Ted only laughed out loud. "You are definitely an Evans. Lily asked Dora that as a joke when she was just a little girl, showing off her 'tricks'. Dora hid in her room the rest of the day. To answer your question, it is probably possible, but she has not tried it out yet."
"Daddy!" Dora hissed.
"Dora probably doesn't want you to know," Ted said, with a grin, "But it is extremely difficult to make a Metamorphmagus blush. They can actually prevent doing so quite easily. Making one blush means their 'trick' temporarily overpowers them and controls itself. So you can understand while it is my favorite pastime. There are exactly five people I know of who can accomplish that. Myself and her mother are two. You two are the most recent. And then there was a boy she fancied..."
"I'm just going to ignore you now," Dora said, "Don't you have business to do?"
Ted only smiled and wrote down a bit more on the parchment in front of him.
"Cases of libel and slander are pretty hard to win most of the time, Harry," Ted said, "But this will probably be the easiest one to win. It can be done a few ways, and with a few weapons of offense can be done pretty quickly. How quick do you wish for this to happen?"
"As soon as possible, sir," Harry said.
Ted smiled. "I have an idea to immediately inform the whole of Great Britain of the falsehood of these books, though you may not like it. I have a feeling you do not like your fame."
"No, sir," Harry grimaced.
"Unfortunately, you're going to have to use it if you agree to this," Ted said. "My idea is this: down the street from here is the headquarters of the Daily Prophet, and its sister news, Witch Weekly and Teen Witch Weekly."
"I discovered earlier this week," Harry said, "I own forty-percent of the company."
Ted grinned. "Then this will be extremely simple, Harry! You could practically demand a meeting with the Chief Editor Barnabus Cuffe. When you tell him your name, he will give you an interview before you can snap your fingers. My advice is to give your real story." He raised his hands to quell Harry when Harry opened his mouth to retort. "Not everything, Harry. Just enough truth to deny these books. The children and teens -" he paused and glanced at Dora for a moment before looking back at Harry – "and even some adults – tend to believe that you really tamed a Nundu and defeated a troll before you were four years old. Simply because that is what these books want them to believe. Inform Great Britain they are wrong, and the legend of the Boy-Who-Lived will vanish."
Harry frowned, unsure what to say. On one hand, this sounded like a really good idea. On the other hand, he knew this could only bring more fame.
"He's right, Harry," Holly said. "Let the world know the real Harry Potter. There will be several students at Hogwarts who would see you as this character from a series of fiction novels. You don't want that. Ted, how soon would this news be able to get out?"
"Harry, no offense, but your name would rate the front page," Dora said, "Everyone would see it."
"I have a big issue with this, however," Holly said. "It appears that we are going to have a close friendship with the Lovegoods. They own the Quibbler -"
Dora scoffed. "It is the wizarding equivalent of the tabloid newspaper."
"Dora," Ted said, in a scolding tone. "I happen to like that newspaper. I can understand your fears, Lady Evans. The Lovegoods were very good friends with your parents, Harry. I can see why you wouldn't want to offend them with going to their direct opposition. So... here is an idea. Don't give a big interview to the Daily Prophet. Write to the Lovegoods, and inform them of what will soon be in the Daily Prophet, but also promise them an exclusive interview at a later date, where you can give out more information then you will in the Prophet."
"Xenophilius would respect your wishes, Harry," Holly said. "He would only write the information about you that you want him to."
"While the Daily Prophet would only write rubbish and gossip," Dora said, "Unless you use your authority and the fact that you own a portion of their business."
Harry sighed and nodded, giving in. This seemed to be the easiest way to accomplish what he wanted.
"How long after this would everything using my name leave the shelves and stores?" he asked, "Would it make it happen faster?"
"Nobody is going to buy anything with your name on it when it is revealed you don't sponsor it," Ted said, "The store owners will practically summon the products from the shelves themselves and toss them when they read the newspaper articles."
"Alright," Harry said, "I agree. But I want to hire you starting now. I need your help with the interview."
"Do I have anymore appointments today, Dora?" Ted asked.
"Nothing that can't go to Alan or Matthias," Dora said.
Ted smiled and turned back to Harry. "You have a deal, Harry. Is this the only thing you wanted me to deal with?"
"At the moment, yes," Harry said, "If we need any further services, we will ask."
"Fine with me," Ted said, "Between this slander case, and your godfather's case, this is the most fun I've had with my work in quite a while. Don't worry about the official paperwork. I can take care of that today and send you paperwork by owl. It will find you wherever you are. Dora, take a lunch break. I will return after I am finished with Lord Potter."
"Of course, Daddy," Dora said, "Harry, it was nice to see you again, though you probably don't remember me. Holly it was nice to meet you."
Harry and Holly replied the same and followed Ted out of the building and toward the Daily Prophet building. When they arrived at the front office, they walked up to the reception desk.
"Edward Tonks and guests to meet Barnabus Cuffe," Ted said, to the reception-witch, who was noisily chewing gum, "I have no appointment, but trust me, he will want to take this."
The reception-witch raised a skeptical eyebrow, blew a bubble, popped it, then shrugged and stood up. She walked out of the room, then returned a minute later.
"He says he is available," she said, "But he says you better not waste his time."
"Trust me, he will not see this as time wasted," Ted said, "Come, kids."
Harry and Holly followed Ted and the reception-witch, into an adjoining corridor, then into a large office. The office was as cliché-looking as the meeting room in the Solicitor building. A shag carpet covered half the decorative tile floor, and official-looking plaques and awards covered the wall surrounding an elegant marble fireplace. A mahogany desk and comfortable-looking leather chair stood at the back, with three less-comfortable chairs on the closest side.
A gray-haired man in his fifties, dressed in a sleek business suit sat in the leather chair. A name-plaque on the front of his desk read Barnabus Cuffe: Editor-in-Chief – Daily Prophet.
"Edward Tonks!" Cuffe said, "How's your wife and Little Nymph? What can I do you for?"
"They're just fine," Ted said, "Little Dora is now out of Hogwarts and going into Brighton Academy next month. This young Lord and his Lady friend wish to have an interview with you. However, I will not reveal this young man's identity unless you take an Honor Vow to speak of nothing that doesn't go into your newspaper after this interview, and nothing until it is published. I promise you this is one of the biggest stories you'll ever publish which is why I have come to you. Additionally, you will have anyone who works to publish this information give the same Honor Vow and Rita Skeeter will not have anything to do with it."
On their way there, Ted commented that Barnabus Cuffe was a professional businessman who adored his job and his newspaper. Promise him a big story and he would kiss your shoes. At that moment, Harry could see that Ted was correct.
"I, Barnabus Cuffe," Cuffe said, flourishing his wand, "do swear not to reveal anything that is said in this room by my guests other than their specified orders."
"Excellent!" Ted said; then smiled and motioned for Harry to begin.
"Greetings Mr. Cuffe," Harry said, "My name is Lord Harry James Potter, this is my good friend Lady Holly Evans. I have recently discovered I own forty-percent of your business."
Cuffe's eyes widened and he stood as if his comfortable leather chair had caught flame.
"Lord Potter, an honor this is!" he said. "Take a seat, please! Can I offer you drinks? Refreshments?"
"No, thank you, we won't be long," Harry said.
Cuffe flourished his wand again, and the three chairs transformed into something more comfortable, then he looked at the reception-witch who was staring at Harry.
"Jacqueline!" Cuffe barked at the reception-witch, "I have a feeling whatever is revealed today in this room will be in the newspaper tomorrow. You will speak nothing of what you have seen to anyone or it will be your job and a heavy fine. Leave now."
"Y-yes, sir," the witch said, before leaving the office.
Cuffe smiled and grabbed a strange-looking quill and a roll of parchment toward him.
Ted narrowed his eyes at the quill. "That better be a Dicta-Quill and not of the Quick-Quotes variety."
"You wound me, Ted!" Cuffe laughed. "This is indeed a Dicta-Quill. Lord Potter, this Quill is used for easy writing, so that I may listen to what you have to say. It will only write what I command it to. Fascinating object. Now, what can I do you for?"
"I have just hired Mr. Tonks as my solicitor," Harry said, "The Boy-Who-Lived books about me are complete fiction and lies about my life. Entertainment pieces slandering falsehoods about me. With any luck, they will be removed soon, as well as anything else with my name on it. I have never given anyone permission to use my name. I am meeting with you, because I want your newspaper to be the first line of offense in this case of slander."
"Excellent," Cuffe said.
"However, I have some bad news for you," Harry said, "While what I will tell you provides a good front-page article that will probably attract many readers, I am not providing sole exclusivity."
"Oh?" Cuffe asked, frowning.
"The Lovegoods are friends of mine," Harry said, "Their newspaper will get an interview from me. However, I can promise it will hold mostly different information than your article will."
Cuffe's frown hadn't left his face. Now wrinkles were forming on his forehead. Harry may not know the skill of Legilimency, but he could almost see the grinds running through the man's mind. The Quibbler was his direct rival. Declining an interview solely on the fact that his rival would also get an interview with Harry Potter was not a smart move. He would either have to agree to allow such a share of information, or the Quibbler will have it all, even though it may have as many readers reading the article. Harry knew better however. He may have hated his fame, but he was famous. Any article about him would sell out the newspaper it would be published in.
"Alright," Cuffe said, "I accept. What do you wish to be put in my newspaper?"
Harry smiled. Then he proceeded to tell Cuffe exactly what he wanted in the article.
Fifteen minutes later, Harry, Holly and Ted walked out of the office, leaving a salivating Barnabus Cuffe. The man had thanked Harry for about a minute straight after he was finished giving the man what he wanted. Cuffe had exclaimed that this could be the most important article his newspaper had ever published, and would probably sell more papers than the edition that gave the news about the events of that Halloween night in 1981.
"I was correct with my assumption," Ted said, as he, Harry and Holly left the building, "That was the most fun I've had with my career ever! Thank you for such entertainment."
"Thank you for your service, sir," Harry said.
"It is nothing, dear boy," Ted said, "As I explained earlier, your parents and godfather are dear friends of mine. Hopefully Sirius will be out of Azkaban before you begin your term at Hogwarts."
"If this happens, then I will treat you and your family to dinner at my house," Harry said.
"I look forward to it," Ted said, "Expect an owl from me soon with details of what we discussed. I have a feeling after what happens tomorrow, it will make my job so much easier and it will be done quicker!"
"I hope so," Harry said, "We must be going now. Give your daughter and wife my best."
Ted smiled and bid Harry and Holly farewell. The pair did the same, then headed out of Diagon Alley. Holly taught Harry how to summon the Knight Bus, and soon it appeared for the pair. Then they proceeded to go shopping in the Muggle world for clothing (a lot more than they bought in Diagon Alley), telescopes they could charm for Astronomy Class, and more. Harry had to admit the shopping trip was quite fun. Definitely more enjoyable then the ride on the Knight Bus! As they promised to Melina, they were home by seven for dinner.
While Holly and Harry were preparing for dinner, Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office at Hogwarts going without. He was too preoccupied with thoughts to even think about eating at the moment.
In a couple short hours, the Wards around #4 Privet Drive in Surrey were going to vanish unless Harry Potter was back under them. Albus' explicit instructions to Alastor Moody was to contact him once he found the boy, and he, Albus, would take the boy home after introducing himself as the boy's future Headmaster, suggested Mentor, and hopefully friend. But the old ex-Auror hadn't contacted him yet.
Then, as if by strange coincidence, a small gargoyle on his desk, identical to the larger one standing guard outside Albus' office spoke.
"Alastor Moody is asking permission to enter," it said.
"Let him in then!" Albus said, smiling.
He clapped his hands and popped a lemon drop in his mouth. This was excellent news! He relaxed in his chair and waited. A moment later, the office door opened and Alastor Moody walked into the office, quicker than his wooden leg and cane suggested he would. And he was quite alone.
"What news do you bring?" Albus asked, "Did you find the boy? Is he back with his relatives? I did ask you to bring him to me so I could take him home myself."
"The boy is slippery than the bottom of a used cauldron, Albus," Moody said, "I am afraid I was unable to find him.
Albus frowned visibly, but internally he was screaming. This was not what he expected!
"But you are an excellent tracker, Alastor!" Albus said, "This is why I hired you!"
"I searched Diagon Alley completely three different times, Albus," Alastor said, "I am under the impression that he was using glamor and notice-me-not charms to hide his appearance. Or – whoever he was with – suggested using such charms."
"Did you speak to Garrick Ollivander?" Albus asked, "He can see through those charms."
Alastor shrugged. "I fear the boy has opted to purchase a Knockturn Alley wand."
Albus frowned, and popped another lemon drop in his mouth. The Calming Draught the confection was soaked in instantly washed through him, and stopped him from screaming out loud. If he reacted too harshly, he knew Alastor would find that suspicious. This was not good! If the boy had a Knockturn Alley wand, the Trace would have been removed from it. If the boy had performed a spell... yes, this might have been the reason the monitors on him had been destroyed. The removal of the Trace might have destroyed the Tracking monitor, and in turn its destruction destroyed the others. Well, at least that question was answered...
"This... is disappointing," Albus said. "Without the wards around the boy's relatives house, those Muggles are in danger, Alastor. Perhaps, you could...?"
"If you're asking me to guard the Muggles, I can't do it," Alastor said, "I have a new job."
"Oh?" Albus frowned. That was exactly what he had wanted Albus to do: guard the Dursley's. If they were harmed or killed, then his plans for the boy's continued treatment by them would vanish instantly. He needed their heavy-handed teachings with the boy to knock him down a few pegs each summer when he returned from the joys of a magical education. Too much joy was not good for a boy with such a fate on his shoulders. Not for a boy who was a sacrifice – err – weapon – ahem – tool – err – blast it! There were no good, safe names for what the boy was for Albus' plans! The boy was a weapon, a tool, a sacrifice! That was his destiny, his fate!
"I have been offered a job as a Trainer at Brighton Academy," Alastor said, "I will get to train my own rookie Auror."
"Wonderful," Albus said, "A fine job for you. How long do you expect to take this job?"
Albus, however, was disappointed again. He knew Professor Quirrel was likely not to last over a year at the cursed Defense Post. He would need to find another Professor for the following year. Moody would have been a good choice.
"A full education for an Auror cadet is three years," Alastor said, "And that is only if I take this one rookie. So, at least three years."
"I wish you the best of luck," Albus said, "Well, I am disappointed with the fact that you couldn't find the boy, but perhaps you simply didn't have enough time."
"There was not a single trace or lick of information," Alastor said, "He simply vanished."
"Perhaps we will get lucky soon," Albus said. "Thank you for volunteering anyway. You can still expect a nice Christmas present from me."
Alastor gave a lop-sided smile. "I'll just be going now. I'll try to keep in touch when I'm not busy. Training a rookie is a full-time job though."
"Good luck, old friend," Albus said.
Alastor grunted a response and turned and left the room. Albus popped another lemon drop in his mouth and relaxed in his chair. As he sat there, he thought about who he could possibly hire to guard the Dursleys. Mundungus Fletcher might accept the job, but he was quite untrustworthy. However... he might be able to track down the boy and maybe do a better job than Moody. If the boy was found soon enough, Albus could put the wards back up on the house and he wouldn't have to worry about a guard. That seemed like a good idea.
He was thinking more about this, when an owl flew into his office, dropped an envelope on his desk then left the room again. Albus picked up the envelope and frowned at it. For the second time that week, he had received an official letter from Gringotts. Knowing he would probably regret it, he opened the envelope, which unfolded into parchment, and began to read it:
Albus Dumbledore,
This is an official notice informing you that your Family Vault you have on loan from Gringotts has been temporarily closed, and you are temporarily banned from all of our banks. This is pending a recently opened investigation which has revealed evidence that you were working with the Goblin, Griphook, whom has recently been outed as a Traitor to the Nation, and is guilty of stealing gold and valuables from some of our client's vaults. Your association with the traitor Griphook brings you in suspicion of stealing from our bank. If it is proven you are innocent, we will provide an apology for you. However, if guilty, you will face Goblin justice. You will be contacted as soon as is practical with the results of the investigation on your part.
Wishing you a pleasant day,
Gringotts
Albus dropped the letter and frowned. This was not good.
While Harry and Holly were having a delicious meal, and Dumbledore was in danger of losing his most recent, Molly Weasley was sitting down with her family at the dinner table for their own hearty meal and what would soon be an official family discussion.
Molly Weasley's day hadn't started off very well, but it had gotten better. After she, Arthur and William left Gringotts, they had returned to the Burrow. After promising a discussion with the eldest Weasley men informing them of what they wanted to know after the revelations from the Gringotts Goblins, she offered them cups of tea. They accepted and Molly made her family's own special recipe. Of course, Arthur and William didn't know anything about the recipe.
The recipe had been created by Matilda Prewett, Molly's late mother, many years ago. It was a simple English tea, however the added ingredients were the best part – at least in Matilda and Molly's opinion. The added ingredients, in fact, were two potions. What else could it be? Matilda and Molly, after all, were well-learned Potion Mistresses!
The first was a Loyalty potion, a favorite of Prewett women. This potion would promise sworn, temporary, non-verbal allegiance by the drinker to the person it was keyed to – in this case, Molly Weasley. Applied weekly, the allegiance could, in fact, be permanent if such was desired. This was a required potion for the closest loved ones of the Prewett women. They had a history of keeping risky secrets and performing deals which couldn't be revealed else they would be in danger of revealing such criminal – err – unwelcome behavior to people who shouldn't know it.
The second potion was also useful for this fact as well. It was a combined Forgetfulness and Compelling Potions in one delicious Draught invented by Matilda Prewett herself.
When combined with spells from the Prewett Family Grimoire, the drinker would be compelled to do two things: the first would be to forget specific information that the giver of the Potion requested. The second would make the drinker believe certain specific information that the giver of the Potion requested.
So, with these potions running through his system, Arthur could go to work without risk of giving out the information he had learned at Gringotts that day, and he would never know why he was doing it. Even Amelia Bones could interview him, and he would give her the answers that Molly wanted to provide.
The Forgetfulness and Compelling Potion was brewed, however, specifically for William. Molly's eldest son was a well-practiced Occlumens and had the ability to evade the Imperius Curse. Suffice it to say, he was basically immune to Compelling, Imperius and Obliviation magic. But thanks to the Prewett Family magic, this immunity was overridden by the Potion. It could be said that the Loyalty Potion was also brewed specifically for William as well. After all, if he didn't have that running through his veins, he would have never accepted Molly's specific request.
Molly smiled at her family. The only one not in attendance of her seven children was Charlie. She expected to see him at Christmas. With a simple "request", she would have him home by the new year. Working with Dragons was not something her son should be doing, especially when the boy could be killed at any moment by one of the beasts! No, bringing him home was for his own good.
She cleared her throat getting their attention.
"I think this is the perfect time for an official Weasley family meeting," she said, "Charlie can't be here, unfortunately, but what is being said does not specifically involve him. As you all know, your father, William and myself went to Gringotts, and were audience to a Will Reading."
She glanced at Arthur and William, to see if they appeared to disagree with this, but they said nothing. The Potions were working well.
"The Reading was from a dear distant family member who we hadn't been in touch with since around the time I was pregnant with Charlie!" Molly said, beginning her well-rehearsed story. "But they loved us all just the same. In fact, we received an Inheritance from them. Now, while I say 'we', it was specifically done for most of you children."
The kids looked quite interested in this. Even Ron, who had nearly finished his first helping of food, had stopped eating.
"The Inheritance we received were funds specified in scholarships for you kids," Molly continued, "From this point on, you, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and even you Ginny – have a full-ride scholarship at Hogwarts!"
"Wicked!" Fred and George said in unison.
"Excellent news, Mother," Percy said.
"So... we don't have to spend our own money on paying for each year of school," Ron said, "Does this mean no more second-hand stuff?"
"That is exactly what it means, Ron," Molly said.
"Brilliant!" Ron grinned.
Molly then had a good idea. While Percy was a solid student, Fred and George were barely getting by. Ron wasn't exactly the best student when Molly had taught him writing, maths and other things the past few years during home-schooling. This seemed like the best way to promise improving their grades at Hogwarts.
"However, there was a specific clause in this Inheritance," she continued, "The scholarships will only last as long as you get Acceptable or better on your grades at Hogwarts. Failing grades are unacceptable with these scholarships!"
Percy smiled – he obviously had no qualms with this. Fred and George looked at each other then back at their mother.
"We promise to improve, Mum," Fred said.
"Really, it was the second-hand books that were giving us trouble!" George said.
"Other students wrote all over them," Fred agreed, "We could barely see the information!"
"I have to get those kinds of grades anyway, don't I?" Ron asked, "If I don't, I can't get on a Quidditch team."
"Get Exceeds Expectations or better by the end of your second term," Molly said, "And you'll have your own good broom to try out for the team in your second year."
"Wicked," Ron said. "Thanks, Mum!"
"What about me?" Ginny asked.
"I am glad you asked, sweetheart," Molly said, "This year, since it is only you here to teach, we're going to focus a great deal on your studies. In fact, William has volunteered his own tutorship. He is taking a leave of absence from Gringotts and staying home until next summer to help his little sister."
"Really, Bill?!" Ginny asked, looking ecstatic that her favorite brother would tutor her.
"Really," William said. "I sent a letter before dinner with my request for leave of absence."
Molly beamed at her eldest son. The loyalty potion running through his veins had made him quite agreeable to this. No longer would he be working for those filthy Goblins who dared to betray Molly Prewett Weasley! They stole money from her, then she would steal their most valuable staff member from them! Anyway, his job rummaging through cursed dungeons and tombs was too dangerous, especially for the Future Head of the Minor House of Weasley. With William home and tutoring Ginny, Molly could help her eldest child prepare for his duty as the Future Head. With her help, the Minor House of Weasley would surely be promoted onto a Wizengamot seat before very long!
"That is all the news I have," Molly said, "I thought you would all be happy with it."
She smiled as her children insisted that they were indeed very happy. This, in turn, made Molly Weasley one happy witch. With her help, and a little unexpected help by the Boy-Who-Lived, things were certainly looking up for the Weasley family!
By the following morning, however, she would be cursing the Boy-Who-Lived. He would be causing a big problem for her expected plans for the future!
Chapter finished!
Nymphadora's cameo in this chapter was originally unplanned. But I decided that she could be the reception-witch at Ted's workplace. Plus she provided some nice comic relief in this chapter. Will she be part of the Harem, or is she the future Mrs. Lupin? I am still contemplating this.
I know many of you reviewers will ask for the first option, but remember, I am still deciding what to do with the Harem. Too many members of the Harem might ruin the story, and I have many contenders for Harem membership at the moment. Can't have them all though. Won't reveal any identity of future members though I have already provided plenty of clues.
And then there is the Mad Matriarch and Potion Mistress Molly Prewett Weasley. Some of her evil plans have been revealed! However, you have to admit, from a motherly standpoint, some of her plots and ideas are quite understandable, especially when it comes to her eldest two children. She just wants them home and safe! She wants her school-age children to do well in school! But also, she wants her secrets and dirty deeds to be kept secret. And that is where the Potion Mistress reared her ugly head!
I deliberately kept much of that which is being placed in the Daily Prophet article a secret. But do not fret because it will be revealed next chapter!
Next chapter: The Daily Prophet article and its reactions and repercussions from several characters in the story, including Dumbledore, the Weasleys, possibly Hermione, and more! Also, Amelia meets with Cornelius Fudge, and Ragnok and his team go after the ring Horcrux!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I will say it now, while I have recently returned to my daily updates, don't expect this to happen all the time. With the cold weather approaching, my hands (I swear I am slowly getting arthritis which sucks) tend to lock up, making it hard to type. So if my chapters delay more than usual, that is why. They are coming. I am but a victim of my fingers and muse!