Chapter 14
An Article And The Aftermath
Author's Note: A few reviewers said that Bill's actions might be suspicious to Gringotts Goblins. That will be discussed next chapter. I wanted it this chapter, but it became too long!
Let's just say Molly knew exactly what she was doing and thought of everything.
As for why he succumbed easily to the potions and drinking the tea: while he disapproves of how demanding she is, she is his mother. He loves and trusts her. He will eventually come to regret this. But due to Molly's potion which – as explained in the previous chapter – is basically liquid Imperius, he has fallen under her trap for now. This potion is quite dangerous, and I could do so much with it outside the Weasleys. I just might... we'll see.
In time, Molly will eventually get what is coming to her completely. For my plans involving certain Weasleys to work in this story, I need her to be free from justice for a while. So for now, mostly things are going to go her way, but she still does have problems coming her way. One of those is in this chapter. However, soon enough she will disappear into the background of the story so you won't even notice her for for a while until she has a storyline important enough to return.
The chronology of this chapter is kind of strange. Unless stated otherwise marked by (time of day), most of the scenes take place at the same time as the others: Early Sunday morning, the day after the official Will Reading and visit to the Solicitor and the Daily Prophet.
Enough for now. Enjoy the chapter!
On the morning of Sunday the Fifth of August, hundreds of owls were sending copies of the Sunday edition of the Daily Prophet out to their subscribers. Even those who hadn't subscribed the Daily Prophet were grabbing copies of the newspaper from newsstands in Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, Hogsmeade and other magical villages and marketplaces all over Great Britain as fast as they had arrived. This was done due to one simple reason. The name Harry Potter was in big bold letters on the front page. There was no picture of the Boy-Who-Lived, instead there was a picture of one of the famous Boy-Who-Lived books, with a large X over it. The name and picture would be the reason this was the biggest edition of the newspaper, since the one that had come out November 1st, 1981.
There were an estimated three-thousand witches and wizards in Great Britain, not counting a good percentage of Muggleborn and Squibs. At least eighty-five percent of the magical population (that which could read and were interested in such news) would be reading the following article by sundown that day.
HARRY POTTER RETURNS TO THE WIZARDING WORLD;
CALLS BOY-WHO-LIVED BOOKS "FICTION", "FALSEHOODS"
Daily Prophet Editor-in-Chief Barnabus Cuffe reporting
Thousands of witches and wizards are waking up Sunday morning
sleepy-eyed and getting ready for their day. However, readers, do not
be fooled by the confuzzlement of your sleepy eyes, that headline you
just read is completely true!
Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, Harry Potter stepped into my office
as a Lord-on-a-Mission. You read that right, Harry James Potter, who
returned to the wizarding world on his eleventh birthday, has claimed
his Lordship and title of Head of House!
I requested an interview from the Lord, but instead Harry Potter simply
requested that I publish this following letter written in the words of
Harry Potter himself! Without further ado, here is that letter...
Dear Daily Prophet Readers,
My name is Harry James Potter. Most of the wizarding world knows me
as the Boy-Who-Lived, simply due to the events on Halloween night of
1981. History books and fictional novels are written about this so-called
Boy-Who-Lived and have passed off this information as claiming to be
a true story about my life. This is simply untrue.
I will start with the History Books. There was only one known survivor
the evening of Halloween of 1981, yours truly, and I have certainly given
out no information about that night before now. The book claims that I
vanquished You-Know-Who that evening. (I am brave enough to refer
to the monster by his desired name, but I respectfully give this title to
those who still fear to say or read the name) Readers, I was but a baby,
just fifteen-months old that very evening. Accidental magic could not
have done something that the books have claimed to have happened
that evening. My parents, James and Lily Potter, are the real heroes of
that evening. Whatever they did, sacrificing their lives, they saved me
that night and vanquished He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Did I really survive a Killing Curse? I do not know. What I remember
from that evening may be real or simply scenes from dreams. I remember
flashes of green light, screams from my mother, and the roaring of what
seems to be a motorcycle engine. That is all. I am the only survivor of
that night, as far as I know, and that is what the only witness of the night
really knows what happens. The history books' claims are only guesswork.
Then there is the so-called Boy-Who-Lived series, whose titles start out
with "Harry Potter and the..." and end with alliteration. The books claim
that I tamed Nundus and defeated trolls as a toddler and child. When I
was a toddler, I was lucky to walk across a room. I had never heard of
trolls or Nundus, and certainly did not have a half-faerie friend named
Puck assisting me on any adventures! These novels are fiction, claiming
falsehoods about my life.
The truth of Harry Potter's childhood: I grew up with Muggle Relations
who were not the suggested guardians my parents provided. I have read
my parents' Wills, which were officially opened on my birthday. There were
five individuals or families who were asked to be my guardians. All of which
were wizards and witches, not my Muggle Guardians. Until my eleventh
birthday, I did not know I was a wizard, nor did I know about the wizarding
world. This information about my heritage, my true origins, was kept from
me, because my Relations decided I should not be a wizard!
For countless years, books and merchandise using my name have been sold
from store shelves, all without my permission! I do not sponsor nor endorse
any of this merchandise. I have recently hired a Solicitor and expect these items
to be removed as soon as possible. Do your part, shopkeepers, and remove
this trash from your shelves. You will save yourself from the aftermath.
I am not a celebrity, kind readers. I am not the Boy-Who-Lived, who defeated
trolls and tamed Nundus. I am but the victim of a terrible tragedy and was lucky
to have survived the night my parents died protecting me. I am Harry Potter, a
soon-to-be first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry just
beginning to learn about the wonders of a magical world that other magical
children my age are already familiar with.
Thank you for reading my words, and thank you for remembering my parents
who sacrificed themselves so that I may write this letter today.
Lord Harry James Potter
Head of Ancient and Noble House of Potter
Truer words have never been spoken than those in the letter above.
When I greeted Harry Potter, I was expecting an interview with a boy
boasting about tales of Nundus, trolls, Dragons, Dark Lords and faeries!
Because that is what I was led to believe over the past nigh-on ten years.
I was expecting to hear about a boy that saved us all from a villainous
Dark Lord with unheard-of magic.
What I discovered was anything but.
Dear readers, Harry Potter is simply a normal child just beginning to grow
up as a wizard, learning magic, as we all did. Tragedy took his loved ones
from him ten years ago. Fate tore him from the society he was born in and
threw him into a world that knows nothing of magic, Dragons and faeries!
Living with Muggles, raised as a Muggle, was Harry Potter's only adventure.
My eyes were well and truly opened, my readers. This is the real Harry Potter.
And I only have one thing left to say to him: Welcome back and good luck!
(Early Sunday Morning)
Holly Evans smiled as she finished reading the article. She had been sitting at the dining table at Potter Manor enjoying breakfast when Melina had brought her the newspaper.
The bold title, article and picture were all perfect. Harry had refused to have his picture printed on the front page, but had taken one with Barnabus Cuffe for the man's personal collection of interviewees over the years. The Editor-in-Chief had promised he would not show the picture to anyone, and said it was a precious gift. The simple picture of one of the Boy-Who-Lived books with a flashing, animated letter X over the book was a clear message: this book, and those like it, are fiction, spouting off lies about the so-called real story of Harry Potter.
Harry hadn't given his whole story to the Daily Prophet. He had promised to give more details to the Quibbler. The letter he had provided in the Daily Prophet was simply enough to give the truth about the real Harry Potter to readers who believed the stories they had read over the years.
"Melina?" Holly called, as a thought crossed her mind.
Melina popped into the room. "Yes, milady?"
"Would you keep an eye on all incoming post over the next few days," Holly said, "Anything that seems like response from Harry's article in the paper, put it all in an empty room and we can look at it later. Will the wards remove any dangerous curses and the like from any letters if they come with such?"
"Yes, milady," Melina said, "No harm should come to the master or milady as long as I am here. All post which is not to be immediately read will go into a room. Good morning, Lord Harry! I will bring your breakfast shortly."
At that moment, Harry Potter walked into the dining room, freshly showered and clothed after his routine of daily exercising and spell-training. Holly had taught him some magic over the past few days, such as Lumos, Nox, and Wingardium Leviosa, simple spells they would likely learn early on in Charms class. With lack of pressure, he was excellent at casting the spells and a quick learner. He had taken the first of his three nutrient potions just that morning before his routines.
"Good morning, Melina," Harry said, "Thank you very much."
"If that is all for now," Melina said, then bowed and popped away when Holly and Harry indicated they had no more needs.
"The newspaper arrived," Holly said, pushing the paper over to Harry as he sat down. "Did you write to Mr. Lovegood yet?"
"Sent Hedwig out when I woke up with a letter," Harry said, with a nod, as he glanced at his article with a smile, "She returned before my shower with a simple response from Xenophilius. He said he and Luna looked forward to the article in the Daily Prophet, as well as a future interview between me and him, and thanks for the warning. He had no issues with me giving such information out. You worried over nothing."
"It was good manners to warn him, Harry," Holly said, "The man and his daughter seem like good friends."
"Was it a good idea to keep the fact that Voldemort is still among the living a secret and out of the letter?" Harry asked as he looked up from the newspaper.
"Yes, Harry," Holly said, "The repercussions following that announcement would not be good, while the information you gave out will be welcomed around Britain for the most part. What proof do we have, Harry? Cursed objects with the same Dark magic as in your scar that is keeping Voldemort alive? Sure, but that information must remain a secret while others like it still exist. It is a great risk anyway what the Goblins will be doing to the monster's followers. What if more of his followers own one of these objects and finds out one was discovered? No, his continued existence must remain secret from most of the wizarding world unless we have irrefutable proof that we can show without risk."
Harry nodded and frowned slightly. "Alright. There is another thing. Do you think it was a good idea to reveal my Lordship in the article?"
Holly pondered over this and shrugged. "It will have both good and bad reactions, just like the rest of the article. Oh, you're worried about Dumbledore's reactions."
"We know he is searching for me," Harry said, "Madam Bones said that in her letter she gave us last night."
Holly nodded. She had been quite surprised by the owl that had come after dinner the previous evening. It had a letter from Amelia, which explained her full meeting with Alastor Moody, as well as a message that she would meet with the Minister of Magic soon, and that she hoped the meeting would be a good head start in the investigation of Sirius Black.
"If Madam Bones was correct," Harry continued, "Then Moody met with Dumbledore yesterday, and informed him that he couldn't find me and gave him no information about me. Now, thanks to my letter, he will know I discovered my Lordship and that I read my parents' Wills."
He sighed and shrugged. "Maybe I am worried over nothing. Maybe this will mean he's realized I am Emancipated, and that I no longer legally have a reason to live with the Dursley's. Beside the fact that I am Emancipated, I know who my true Guardians were supposed to be. Maybe... maybe he'll leave me alone now."
Holly frowned. She would not voice it out loud, but she couldn't agree with Harry. Albus Dumbledore was a stubborn old man. He needed Harry. She could just imagine his reaction to this article. And she knew it wasn't good.
Holly would probably not be surprised to know she was correct.
Albus Dumbledore was currently pacing back and forth in his office. He had not gone down to the Great Hall for breakfast, instead opting to eat the meal in his office. He had the feeling that morning when he awoke that he would want to be alone for the day, that something was about to happen in which solitude seemed wise. He found he was correct when he received the Daily Prophet that day.
If he had gone down to the Great Hall that morning for breakfast, he would have discovered he was not the only one in Hogwarts who received and was reading the Daily Prophet which provided the historic front-page article. Most of the Hogwarts staff were in the castle preparing for the following term of classes and had been eating breakfast when they received their copy of the newspaper. Now, three of those staff members were marching up to Dumbledore's office.
It was during Dumbledore's pacing that the three staff members had burst into the office. Minerva McGonagall, Filius Flitwick and Severus Snape marched in with different expressions on their faces. Dumbledore sighed; he knew this conversation was notgoing to be in his favor.
"Albus, what is this?!" Minerva demanded, motioning to the newspaper she held, "Harry Potter says he has read his parents' Wills, and says that those Muggles he lived with were not his guardians! He says his parents suggested five other guardians, five guardians who are witches and wizards! You told me that night he was supposed to live with those Muggles! You told me his parents had explicitly gave those orders. Was that a lie?!"
"It seems quite likely that the boy has discovered his parents' Will," Filius said, "A boy as young as Harry, if he requested to see his parents' Will, his Vault Keeper would have also asked him to take his official Inheritance Test. Which would likely inform him that he is now the official Head of his Family, and Lord, as he stated in the letter in this article."
"Or perhaps," Severus said, "His father's death could not spare the boy from having the same attitude as his father before him. Perhaps he is just boasting to the Daily Prophet."
"Severus Snape!" McGonagall scolded the young Professor, "James and Lily Potter were dear friends of mine! James was like a son to me! I will not have you besmirching their names, father or son! The article states this isn't boasting, but real truth. It is quite emotional if I may say so myself!"
Albus was barely listening to his Deputy Headmistress' rant, though he did somewhat agree with her. The letter Harry Potter had given seemed quite real, and quite emotional as well. But also the information he provided was damning when it came to someone like Dumbledore! Minerva and Filius were correct. The boy must have read his parents' real Wills and had discovered this information. He must have discovered that his Muggle relations were never supposed to be his guardians. How would Minerva react if, when she discovered she was hand-picked as one of the boy's guardians?
Dumbledore froze in his pacing. The official Will explicitly stated that Sirius Black had performed the Godfather Ritual. The Goblins must have discovered this and known exactly what it meant – that Sirius Black could never have betrayed the Potters and lived to tell the tale. The Will also had given Inheritances – gifts - to people like the Bones, Longbottoms and Lovegoods. Including Madam Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and one-time lover to Sirius Black. Goblin tradition was that the Inheritors were supposed to be given a Will Reading to receive their gifts. Had Amelia attended the Reading yet? Had she discovered the truth about her imprisoned lover? Was he too late?
This wasn't the worst part. If the boy was truly a Lord, then he had probably indeed have taken his Inheritance and heritage Test. The test would reveal not only his Lordship to the Potters, but also the Peverells, and possibly other titles. What did this mean for the Hallows, the boy's family heirlooms? Was he, Albus Dumbledore, still the true owner of the Elder Wand? And if he was truly a Lord, the boy would surely be Emancipated. Emancipation would destroy those monitors and devices Albus had for the boy.
Even worse, during these revelations, had the Betrothal Contract been discovered? Was this why Griphook had been discovered? Dumbledore needed to take action... now.
"Minerva, I must be honest," Albus said, though honesty was not his intention, "I thought the Wills had been opened long ago, shortly after James and Lily's tragic deaths. I thought I had opened the correct Will. Perhaps they had made new ones later without my knowledge. They had given me a copy of their Wills in case of their Deaths. I thought I read the correct copy, in which they asked me to send the boy to Lily's sister. Lily must have changed her mind; this I did not know. Please do not blame an old man's mistakes."
"You should have known that Gringotts holds the official Wills, Albus!" Filius scolded, "The copies there are up-to-date. You would have known! Harry Potter grew up outside our society! He was supposed to grow up knowing his true heritage. This article – his own words state that he didn't know he was a wizard until his most recent birthday!"
"Those damnable Muggle relations of his!" Minerva said, "I told you they were the worst sort! I told you this again just recently when we received no response from Mr. – or I should say – from Lord Potter for his attendance! Multiple letters were sent out with no reply! Those Muggles didn't want him to be a wizard! His own words say this! I do blame you Albus Dumbledore!"
McGonagall walked out before Dumbledore could make another defensive statement, and Flitwick followed soon after.
"As much as it hurts me to say this," Severus said, "Harry Potter is correct in his letter. The Dark Lord has not been seen since that night, and the boy only returned on his recent birthday. The History Books describing that Halloween night are naught but guesswork and lies, Albus. There was certainly no evidence of a Killing Curse – the scar left on the boy was, at best, guesswork at what happened to him."
"Tom destroys with Killing Curses, Severus," Albus said, "It was most likely a Killing Curse the boy survived."
"And it also may have been the sacrifice Lily made, Albus!" Severus said, rare emotion betraying his usual calm, steely expression. "You – you were the one who gave the story about that night to the authors of the history books, weren't you? Will you just admit you might be wrong?!"
Albus frowned. He indeed had given that information to the authors, and for a reason. The very same reason he, as the boy's apparent Magical Guardian, had given permission to the author of the Boy-Who-Lived series, and the makers of the merchandise with the boy's name, nickname and likeness on the items. Money. People would flock to the shops to buy all of it if they believed the story and legend of the Boy-Who-Lived Harry Potter and his parents. Fifty percent of the funds of all this merchandise and the books went to him. He had promised – a lie – that the money would go to a vault in Harry Potter's name. The boy wouldn't need the money, however. He would be dead before he needed to spend most of it! And now... one article, a few words from the brat, had prophecized the end of all that merchandise. Stores would probably no longer sell any of it.
"It is possible," Albus conceded.
He hated admitting stuff like that. He hated speaking his defense, hated being questioned and accused. No one was supposed to question him! But he needed to end this conversation quickly.
"The brat is going to be insufferable, Albus," Severus said, "He's going to demand we call him by his title, you watch."
"If he demands, then that it is his right, Severus," Albus said, "He is the Sole Heir, the last of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter."
"Do you expect me to watch over the boy as well?" Severus asked. "Am I to expect to defend him if he is a target to the offspring of the Dark Lord's followers?"
"Why, Severus, would you believe I would ask you that?" Albus asked, "I would not risk your position in my school. If you were to protect the boy in ways that it was obvious to the public, you would risk your position – the offspring of the followers would write to their parents if they suspected you. This is obvious."
"So I must watch over him and defend him in secret?" Severus asked, raising a thick, black eyebrow.
"If his life is in danger, then yes," Albus said, "He is, after all, the prophecized One set to defeat Voldemort. We can't have him dying before he his destiny calls for it."
Severus stared at Albus for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "By your leave, Headmaster."
Albus nodded, and Severus turned with a swish of his long, black cloak and left the office in less of a huff than his colleagues. Albus groaned under his breath. He needed to get ready for the day. He needed to go to the Ministry, and hoped that his targets of conversation were there. He walked toward his bedroom behind his office with one single thought in his mind.
Harry Potter, do you know what you have done?
In Ottery St. Catchpole two different families were having two very different mornings. Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood were sitting at breakfast, with the Daily Prophet's front page spread across the table.
"My new friend, Harry Potter, is an excellent writer, Daddy," Luna said, "If I didn't think he was destined to be an Auror ridding the world of bad guys, he would be an excellent future journalist for the Quibbler. But it seems only one member of his future large family is destined to be a journalist for the Quibbler."
"You speak of yourself?" Xenophilius asked.
"Oh yes," Luna said, "Harry Potter will have multiple wives, some who will take some of his titles, and one or two who will keep their own. I must keep my surname when I marry."
"Don't you think you would upset Ginevra with your plans to marry her hopeful future husband?" Xenophilius asked.
"If she values our friendship like I do, she would support me," Luna said, with a smile. "Ginevra is at a fork in two paths right now. If she stays on the path she is on right now, she will not be Harry's wife. If she ventures down another path, one very different than that which she is on now, she will get what she wants. But she will need help from more friends than just I if she is to jump onto that path. And you know what, Daddy? I think she is starting to see that path at this very moment!"
Luna smiled. She was very happy for her friend.
Ginny Weasley marched into the Burrow's kitchen, carrying a large cardboard box, and an upset expression on her face. Molly Weasley, who was cleaning up after Sunday breakfast, turned to see her daughter walk into the kitchen.
"Ginevra Weasley," she said, "What are you doing? What is in the box?" She walked over to Ginny and looked in the box. That morning's Daily Prophet – which she had been looking for – was sitting on top of a stack of Ginny's prized Boy-Who-Lived books. "Where are you going with those? I doubt you can read those all in one day, my dear. And this paper was supposed to be here in the kitchen! Daddy and I were looking for it."
"I will never read these books again, Mum!" Ginny growled, "They are going in Daddy's garage. They are all a bunch of lies!"
"Excuse me?" Molly asked. "Why ever do you say that? Who told you that? Your brothers? I will handle them, you know they just tease you -"
"Harry Potter said it himself!" Ginny said, "In the Daily Prophet. That is why I took it, because I saw his name on an article and wanted to read it. Take a look yourself! It is on the front page. I will be right back as soon as I put these out of my sight!"
Molly took the newspaper from the box, and frowned as she watched her daughter march out of the house. She took a glance at the front page, and sank down in the nearest chair as her eyes laid on the title. She started to read the article, her expression changing every few lines she read.
The article was giving her mixed reactions. The fact that Harry had been living in the Muggle world all these years – well, she had certainly heard rumors about that. An acquaintance of hers, Dedalus Diggle, had claimed to see the boy at least three times throughout the years, all of which had been with Muggles! He had even claimed that the Muggle the boy was with would turn and drag the boy away whenever Dedalus tried to say hello.
Then there was the fact that the boy's parents had implicitly stated he was supposed to be raised by witches and wizards, probably some of their friends. Molly knew who his friends would probably pick: one was a criminal locked in Azkaban, while another had not been seen in England for many years now. Pandora Lovegood had once told Molly that she had been good friends with Lily Potter, had in fact been best friends in school along with Alice Smith, who would later marry Frank Longbottom. The Longbottoms were unfortunately incapacitated, and the Lovegoods – well, their family was a little loopy at times. Molly could not see any of these people guardians for the savior of the wizarding world.
Molly would have certainly volunteered to raise the boy if she knew he had been condemned to live with Muggles. Especially when she had very much hoped he would be her future son-in-law. Having the son of Lily Potter calling her "Mum" would have been a dream come true.
Molly soon found out why the article had angered her daughter. The books she had bought for her daughter every year they came out, the books she and Ginny had read together for bed-time stories... Harry Potter claimed these books were all lies! Fiction! Well, of course they were! But Ginny grew up believing they were true. The books were perfect tools to use to train Ginny to be the future wife of Harry Potter. It had been a perfect plan of Molly's. And now with one damning article, one letter written by the brat, it seemed that her plan had been ruined.
Ginny had returned by the time Molly had finished the article.
"Ginevra Weasley," Molly said, "How can you just throw those books away? I bought you them as gifts!"
"I did not throw them away, Mum," Ginny said, "I put them in Dad's garage. Maybe I can sell them later. Maybe there will be a collector looking for the books and I can get some money. Or I can sell them to a second-hand shop we go to. But I assure you, many girls like me, younger and older, will probably throw them away, simply because they are lies about Harry! What if Harry came to our house and found those books in my room? He'd be disgusted with me!"
Molly had to admit: her daughter was correct. It was obvious Harry Potter hated those books and were disgusted by them. They were written without his permission! He would surely hate anyone who lay claim to the books.
"Harry will probably receive loads of letters from people regarding the article," Ginny said, "But I am going to write him right now and apologize to him for reading these books and thinking they are really telling the truth about him. He's returned to the wizarding world. Maybe Errol will finally succeed in giving him a letter!"
"I highly doubt he will reply back to you, Ginny," Molly said, "As you said, he will probably get hundreds if not thousands of letters."
"He sounds very nice, Mum," Ginny said, "He might reply to every single one of those letters. Who knows where he lives right now? He could have some house-elves who will read any letter he gets and tell their Master if some of the letters are nice enough to reply to."
Molly pondered her daughter's words. She wondered if she should write a letter too, and perhaps send a care package to the boy. If only to thank him for what he did yesterday. Then she realized... the boy knew Amelia Bones. It was possible the boy was staying with her. No, she would allow her daughter to write a letter to the boy, but she wouldn't write one herself.
"Very well, Ginny," she said, "I will ready Errol for you when you finish. Shall I cut this article out of the paper for your photo album?"
"Sure," Ginny said, "Thanks, Mum."
Ginny smiled and skipped out of the room. Molly stared at the article, rereading the boy's words. She didn't know what to think of the boy. He wrote such a nice letter informing the wizarding world about the true story of Harry Potter, but at the same time he was breaking the hearts of so many girls in Great Britain. These girls believed Harry Potter was a hero who defeated trolls and befriended faeries.
She could remember the tears she had to wipe from Ginny's eyes when mother and daughter had read in one of the books that Harry kissed the half-faerie Puck, and had become the girl's boyfriend. Ginny had been so heartbroken and refused to read the story for a few days after. She simply hated Puck after that, when before that moment, Puck was a favorite character of hers. Now Ginny had discovered the books were simply fiction. Perhaps she was happy to realize Puck didn't actually exist? Molly expected more heartbreak from Ginny because of this article, but instead she was happy. Her hero had made his return to the world, and she was happy. Her daughter was strong-mind, and brave: a sure-shot Gryffindor like her hero.
Maybe this was a good thing. Maybe this article was a better tool of training the future Mrs. Potter than those books ever were. Molly smiled, grabbed her wand, and applied a simple cutting charm, cutting the article out in a simple rectangle.
She laid the article aside for Ginny and continued reading the newspaper. All the while, one thought went through her mind: the boy was going to be a fine son-in-law one day.
Hermione Granger sat on her bed, in her bedroom at her Crawley residence, soaking up the information she had read in the article on the front page of the Daily Prophet. She had taken a subscription out for the paper, on the suggestion from her new friend, Susan Bones. Susan had told her that the Daily Prophet was the best way for her to get familiar with goings-on in the wizarding world. And what a way to start!
The article with Harry Potter's letter was informative and awe-inspiring. To think that Harry Potter, the boy she had met the previous day, had grown up in the Muggle world like she had! The boy was an apparent celebrity in the wizarding world, had his name in many books, and he was younger than her.
But – and this bit of information was hard to swallow – it turned out that the information in those books were fiction and falsehoods. Simply not true! Yes, her new friends had told her she shouldn't believe everything written in books, which was also hard to swallow, but here was proof. She had read the modern history books which told the tragic tale of that Halloween night in 1981. She had also read the first of the Boy-Who-Lived books. While the latter was obvious fiction – how could a little toddler take down a Troll anyway! – the fact that the history books were apparently telling false facts, now that was an eye-opener!
She had never thought that a history book could have made up information. But it seemed Harry was right. The only survivor, the only witness, to the tragic event in which his parents died, was him, and he had only been fifteen-months old. How could anyone truly know what really happened?
Harry Potter and Holly Evans had told her she could write to them about the wizarding world whenever she wanted, and was hoping to become friends with her. She blushed at this thought.
As a child in school, she never had many friends. She could understand why this was, however. She was a smart girl, even as a child. Books were her friends. Questions needed to be answered when asked to her. But other kids were jealous that she was so smart, and because their small, petty, childish minds couldn't get over that jealousy yet, they didn't like her much.
So the fact that it now she had three friends who would be fellow students with her at Hogwarts – at least one of whom knew a lot about her new world – that was wonderful! She wanted to write to Harry and Holly, but she knew they lived together. Due to the article, they would probably receive a lot of post from readers of this article . If she sent her new family owl, Archimedes, to Harry, her letter would probably get lost in all of it. So she would wait for at least a week to give them her letter. But she would write to Susan instead and give her her opinion of this article. She wanted to know what a girl who grew up in wizarding society thought of this news. That would be quite informative!
She set the article down, then walked over to her desk and started to write a letter, remembering to use parchment, quill and an ink vat for the letter, which was wizarding society's way of writing letters and assignments. She needed to practice writing like this to prepare for school! As she began writing, she had one thought going through her large mind: it was simply wonderful to have friends!
Madam Amelia Bones smiled as she walked through the corridors of the first floor. Normally she wouldn't come into the Ministry on a Sunday, but she was there for a purpose. She had left early that morning, so she hadn't been at home when the Daily Prophet had come, instead receiving it in her office.
She knew the article was coming. She had received a letter from Ted Tonks the evening before that had informed her of this. Ted had thanked her for the name-drop to Harry Potter, because it had reunited him and his daughter with the son of his long time friends. He also told her that Harry had informed him about Sirius Black's apparent innocence and requested that he could be Sirius' solicitor when a trial came around. Amelia had replied accepting his wishes straight away.
Harry's letter in the article was masterfully written, and he had obviously had some help with it from Ted Tonks, and possibly that friend of his, Holly Evans. Informing the wizarding world that not only was the Boy-Who-Lived books fiction, but also that what everyone thought they knew about that Halloween night might not be true was also an excellent maneuver. Harry's strategy – again, most likely assisted by Ted Tonks and Holly Evans – was better than most strategies in the political arena. He had surely inherited this from his grandfather Charlus.
However, Amelia knew this article would have some deep repercussions in the wizarding world. Stores and shopkeepers in every wizarding marketplace in Great Britain were going to have a lot to deal with in this aftermath. After she read the article, she had sent a message to Rufus Scrimgeour, telling him to task some available Aurors to the various marketplaces just in case riots were started due to this article.
She already expected the Ministry would be receiving post about this article. There would be two different kinds of opposition expected. The citizens of the wizarding world would not appreciate being lied to in the history books, which were promoted by the Ministry itself. The facts about that Halloween night were apparently falsehoods and outright lies. That Harry Potter should have grown up in the wizarding world was also going to anger a lot of people. He was their hero, though the future of that opinion's lifespan in question now that Harry Potter denounced the Boy-Who-Lived title, and said that he was a victim while his parents were the true heroes. The wizarding world had believed the boy was their savior! Now it seemed he was just the lone survivor, lucky to have survived – nothing special or divine had apparently happened, at least in Harry's opinion, which would be seen as very important to its citizens.
Amelia walked into the reception room outside the Minister of Magic's office and over to the Minister's secretary, whom was lounging in her chair reading the Daily Prophet.
"Is Cornelius Fudge available?" she asked.
"The Minister is not taking requests from reporters, nor is he taking messages about the Harry Potter article," the secretary said in monotone, her eyes still on the newspaper.
Amelia smiled. That explained the lack of reporters outside the Minister's office.
"I am not here for either of those," she said.
The secretary looked up, and her eyes widened.
"Madam Bones!" she said, "My apologies! I will see if he can meet with you."
The secretary stood quickly, then walked over to a door behind her desk. It opened, and the secretary ducked her head in. A moment later, she turned around.
"He'll see you," she said.
Amelia smiled, thanked the secretary, then headed into the Minister's office. Cornelius Fudge was relaxing in his comfortable leather-backed chair at his majestic-looking desk.
"Amelia!" Fudge said, "I did not expect to see you today. I thought you would be spending the day with young Susan!"
"I had foreknowledge of the Harry Potter article coming today," Amelia said, "And I needed to talk to Rufus Scrimgeour about assigning Aurors to the marketplaces. I expect there will be riots due to this article."
"Yes, I expect so," Fudge said, "The fact that the history books and the Boy-Who-Lived Series is not in the favor of Harry Potter himself is huge! Where did you hear the information about the article? Barnabus Cuffe never gives previews of his articles, especially not this big!"
"The Solicitor Ted Tonks was met by Harry Potter yesterday," Amelia said, "The young man wanted the Boy-Who-Lived books and merchandise removed due to slander, and Ted was the perfect man to help him. That is what led to Harry going to Cuffe. Ted helped him with that too. Ted wrote me last night about this. We're good friends, he and I."
"I see," Fudge said.
"You'll be interested to know that I met Harry Potter yesterday as well," Amelia said, "His parents' Will Reading was held yesterday, and I was an inheritor."
"I was under the impression the Wills were opened shortly after their deaths," Fudge said.
"Where did you get such an impression?" Amelia asked.
"Albus Dumbledore informed me – I forget when he said this though," Fudge said, "I do remember the conversation."
"What if I told you the Wills he spoke of were unofficial?" Amelia asked, "The real Wills were opened on Harry's recent birthday."
"What?" Fudge said, "False Wills? Why would Albus tell me this then?"
"Simple," Amelia said, "I believe he didn't want the real Wills read. Albus told people that he was the boy's magical guardian and that the boy was supposed to live with his Muggle relatives."
"The article with Harry's letter says he wasn't supposed to live with the Muggles," Fudge said, as he looked down at the newspaper which was sitting on his desk; his eyebrows furrowed. "He says his parents had named certain witches and wizards as guardians."
"This is true," Amelia said, "I was one of the names. But I wasn't the main person named guardian. Cornelius, I have a copy of James Potter's Will here. There is something specific in the Will you need to see."
"Oh?" Fudge said, "Let me see it then!"
Amelia smiled, removed a piece of parchment from the folder she carried, and walked over to Fudge's desk. She laid the parchment in front of him, and he looked at it. His eyes widened as he looked at the line concerning Sirius Black and the Godfather Ritual.
"This – this says – Amelia?" Fudge stammered, "This can't be!"
"That is from the official copy of James Potter's Last Will and Testament, Cornelius," Amelia said, "I assume you know exactly what the Godfather Ritual ensures -"
"Yes," Fudge said, swallowing, "This means that – but –!"
"It means that Sirius Black could never have betrayed James and Lily Potter nor their son," Amelia said, "He would have been a corpse before he went to Azkaban. Cornelius, are you aware Sirius Black has never had a trial."
Cornelius' hands shook. "When he was arrested, the Ministry was going through hard times. You remember, even though you were an apprentice, don't you? James and Lily's deaths, the demise of You-Know-Who. Black's arrest. People wanted answers. I've spoken to Bagnold and Crouch, – hell Dumbledore spoke of this. He was the Chief Warlock, even then! They assured me Black was guilty."
"Cornelius," Amelia said, "That was a different administration back then. This case needs to be re-opened. Sirius Black needs to go to trial so justice can prevail. If he is innocent, you will be seen as the good guy for doing this. If he is guilty, well, justice prevails once again. Harry Potter has returned to the wizarding world. He is a Lord, and he is Emancipated. He needs a Mentor however, and he wants his godfather. He believes – knows – that his godfather is innocent. You would probably be his hero if you are the reason he has his godfather in his life."
"Remove Sirius Black from Azkaban," Fudge said, "I will write the order myself. He is to be held in our own cells for now, and he is to see a Ministry Healer. Can't have him looking like Death during his trial. We'll give him a trial next Saturday at ten in the morning. However, Amelia, I want this kept secret until next Saturday."
"Ted Tonks has requested to be Black's solicitor," Amelia said, "And Harry Potter will surely want to be at the trial. I can escort him myself."
"Write letters to both of them," Fudge said, "Is Harry Potter even available for post? Where is he now?"
"It is unknown," Amelia said, "but he assured me yesterday he awaits my post."
"Give him what he wants and tell him I am supporting this!" Fudge said, "I'd like to talk to him sometime if he has the time."
Amelia smiled. For Fudge to request a meeting with someone instead of demand it, this was a good sign.
"I will do just that, Minister," Amelia said.
Just then the door to the office opened, and Albus Dumbledore stepped into the office, and Fudge's secretary followed.
"My apologies, Minister," the secretary said, "He would not wait for permission."
"Quite alright, thank you, Lizzy," Fudge said, dismissing the secretary, who left, "Albus! What can I do you for?"
"I must apologize for barging in," Dumbledore said, "But when dear Lizzy told me Madam Bones was here, I realized the two people I had come to speak to were in one room. I had to come in."
"Why did you want to see me?" Amelia asked.
"Have you read the Harry Potter article?" Dumbledore asked.
"I am sure everyone who can read have read it, Albus," Amelia said.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Probably so. Well, then you are aware he has seen his parents' Wills. I know you were listed in the Will as well."
"You mean this Will?" Amelia asked, revealing the copy of the Wills, "Gringotts was gracious enough to give me a copy in regards to recent investigations that were brought up."
Dumbledore frowned. "Yes, that Will."
"The Will that had been opened just this week, Albus?" Amelia asked, "When nearly ten years ago, you told people you knew what the Will really said, that Harry Potter's Muggle relatives were his legal guardians, that you were listed as his Magical Guardian?"
"These are serious accusations, Madam Bones," Dumbledore said, "Surely, Cornelius, you agree this is hearsay?"
"Not when I heard the very words from you myself, Albus," Fudge said.
"You knew about this Will, about James and Lily's requests," Amelia said, "It specifically says Petunia Dursley was never supposed to raise Harry, and you sent him there anyway! I could be his guardian, Albus! I could have raised him! I was James and Lily's friend -"
"Surely you would have wanted to avoid the boy," Dumbledore said, "He might have brought bad memories of Sirius Black -"
"How dare you!" Amelia growled. "For your information, the boy was basically family to me. He could have had a close relationship with my niece. They could have grown up as pseudo-siblings or friends!"
"Harry would have grown up in a world where everyone knew his name, Amelia," Dumbledore said. "That isn't the best life for him."
"I would have never raised him like a celebrity!" Amelia said, "He doesn't want to be a celebrity, He told me he just wants to be a kid, a student learning magic -"
"You met the boy?" Dumbledore asked. "Recently?"
Amelia cursed silently. In her rage, she admitted she had seen Harry to the one man who wasn't supposed to know about that.
"Amelia I must insist you tell me where he is," Dumbledore said.
"Why?" Amelia asked, "So you can bring him back to his abusive relatives?"
"What is this?!" Fudge asked.
"Minister," Amelia said, before Dumbledore could interrupt, "I have received information from both Harry Potter himself, and Gringotts, where the boy was brought to their Healers, telling me of allegations of abuse. I have evidence of physical abuse. I can't say anything more until I continue investigation. I hope to speak the boy again soon about it."
"Do it," Fudge said, "Albus, Harry Potter is a Lord now. Meaning he is Emancipated. You have no right telling him where he must live. Leave the boy alone or I will turn that simple request into a restraining order written by my own hands. He is a hero to many people, even though his letter wishes otherwise. Wherever he is now, I am sure he is having the time of his life. Do you understand my request?"
Dumbledore frowned. "Yes Minister."
"Is that all you wanted?" Fudge asked, "To see if we knew where the boy was?"
"I will be leaving now," Dumbledore said; he turned and left the office quite quickly.
"Minister, you should know," Amelia said, after making sure Albus was gone. "I am doing an investigation into Albus Dumbledore. The fact that he knew the contents of this will is suspect. I have a feeling he may have known something about the boy's abuse from his relatives."
"I am permitting an open investigation into the man," Fudge said, "Do whatever you have to find everything you can. Understand this, however. The man is almost as powerful as me. He holds many titles. He will not be easily defeated."
"I already know that, Minister," Amelia said. "By your leave."
"Go," Fudge said, "It seems my Sunday has just become very busy."
"Thank you for hearing me out in everything," Amelia said, "You could have denied this information."
"Why deny what seems to be the truth?" Fudge asked.
"Why indeed," Amelia replied, then bid farewell and left the office. She had a trip to Azkaban to plan for and accomplish in the next few hours. She was about to reunite with Sirius Black!
Wow! This chapter accomplished so much. I could have had more in it. Ragnok and Gringotts had a scene that was supposed to be in this chapter but it will be next chapter. I could have had other reactions, but these are the most important I felt at the moment in the story.
Next chapter: Dumbledore's reaction to his most recent discussion! Ragnok and the Ring Horcrux (and more about Bill Weasley)! Amelia goes to Azkaban! Sirius Black! And the repercussions into the investigations of Voldemort's followers begins! I know this chapter might have excited you for Sirius Black's trial, but that won't come for at least two or three chapters. The events surrounding that lone event will be huge!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. This was a big one for the story, not just lengthwise.
Chapter 15
A Ring and A Reunion
Warning: Gross and slightly graphic images and violence ahead. Reader discretion is advised.
Albus Dumbledore walked into his office at Hogwarts and slammed the door behind him. His phoenix, Fawkes, the Sorting Hat, and each and everyone of the portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses looked at him in alarm, as if expecting a bout of rage.
He had not planned coming back to the castle so soon. No, he had a full day planned ahead of him in response to the Daily Prophet article concerning Harry Potter. However, his plans had all been flushed down the toilet for two reasons.
The first was the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He had planned on having a meeting with the man, in hopes to perhaps discuss a new law making libel and slander cases mandatory to present in front of the entire Wizengamot. At the moment, libel and slander cases were a simple meeting between Solicitor and the target of the libel or slander in question. Libel and slander could have been legal long ago, had Dumbledore desired such. However, doing so risked his good name being thrown about in books and newspaper articles in bad light legally! If it was legal, then he wouldn't be able to have a defense similar to Harry Potter's. He had not foreseen the illegality of libel and slander being an issue for him! But here it was, clear and simple.
With libel and slander cases being presented in front of the entire Wizengamot, Dumbledore could have rallied his allies amongst the Wizengamot and defeated Harry Potter's claim easily with the votes he could buy – ahem – achieve. Even if he had done this, it would have been difficult to succeed completely. The article and the boy's own words guaranteed shopkeepers removing the books and merchandise from the shelves. It had guaranteed that no one but the most serious collectors of historical artifacts – which these books and merchandise would soon qualify as - would buy any of the items anymore. Just because Harry Potter demanded it! Albus was going to lose a lot of his annual earnings – even if it was technically stolen - because of this. That was upsetting.
Albus originally thought the meeting with Cornelius Fudge would go smoothly. That line of thought was removed solely because of Amelia Bones. He didn't expect to see her there. Unfortunately, this surprise had led to him demanding information from her, which angered her. He could have kicked himself for making this mistake! He normally didn't make mistakes like that!
Bones was going to be a clear problem. Somehow, she had convinced the Goblins to ally with her. They had given her a copy of James and Lily's official Will! She had seen everything! His name was signed on the bottom of the blasted Will as witness, so she had known he knew all about the Wills – she wasn't fooled at all! Then, the Goblin Healers had apparently treated Harry and had seen the signs of the years of abuse – err – heavy-handed teachings the Dursleys dealt! And the dirty Goblins had given Bones the blasted results of the appointment!
It was crystal clear: Harry Potter would never set foot on Privet Drive again, at least as a resident. Between the investigation, the public knowledge of Harry's Lordship, and the resulting Emancipation, and Minister Fudge's clear warning for Albus to stay away from the boy, there was no way he could convince Harry to return to the Dursleys. His plans for a weak-willed Harry Potter were slowly deteriorating. Wherever the boy was, Cornelius was right, he was probably having the time of his life, and probably recuperating from years of living with the Dursley's. The Goblin Healers had medicine to counter whatever effects he had from the Dursleys' "teachings". The boy would likely be confident and strong-willed by the time he reached Hogwarts, definitely not the ingredients for a future willing sacrifice.
Amelia seemed close with the boy – her niece would probably be good friends with the boy by the time they arrived at Hogwarts. However, the boy was probably yearning for friends and wanted many. Albus realized, as Headmaster, he would be the main authority figure in Harry's friends' lives when they reached Hogwarts. He just needed to find one ripe for the plucking. Cornelius' warning would probably evolve once Harry arrived at Hogwarts. There was no way the boy would be allowed to have a one-on-one meeting with him. So getting to him through his friends seemed the best option.
Perhaps he could "convince" somebody to be the boy's friend. Friendships always began on the Hogwarts Express. Suggesting to someone they should join Harry on the train for what would turn out to be a long 'get-to-know-you' conversation seemed like an excellent route to go. He already had a few possibilities, many of which would accept such a task in return for some extra credit in their future grades. This seemed like an excellent idea. He would work on that over the next few weeks.
Back to the original point – Dumbledore had planned a very busy day. However, in his rage, he had simply forgotten he was banned from Gringotts, so he wouldn't be able to step into the bank and speak to a Goblin about the Betrothal Contract or the Will. Even then, finding a new Goblin to work with him as well as Griphook did, especially after Griphook was given the 'traitor treatment', would be immensely difficult.
Since his first two plans had failed, Dumbledore had three immediate missions in the near future, all of which had to do with silencing witnesses.
First were the Dursleys. However, Bones had suspected his hand in the Dursleys' raising of Harry. If anything happened to them, the Head of the DMLE would be immediately suspicious of him. Especially if she somehow discovered anything about the Wards around the house. He couldn't risk doing anything to the Dursleys... yet.
Second was Molly Weasley. However, if his fears about the Betrothal Contract were correct, then Molly was already being investigated. Griphook's betrayal had been discovered, so the connection between Molly, Griphook and Albus might have already been discovered. If anything happened to Molly or her family, suspicions toward him would rise. This would have to wait as well. Albus realized there was also the probability he wouldn't get much information from Molly anyway, especially if she did have a meeting with Gringotts. The Goblin's Vow of Secrecy would have likely been used. Not even Legilimency would get answers from Molly if the Goblin Area Spell had been used.
Then there was Sirius Black. Since Amelia read the Will, she probably had seen the Godfather Ritual portion, and realized her former lover was innocent. She would be investigating him which would culminate in a trial. She would probably discover there wasn't a trial originally to begin with. Albus, along with Bartemius Crouch and Millicent Bagnold would likely be found in connection to Black's journey to imprisonment.
Also, Black's freedom would likely result in the man revealing Albus' connections to him, which would lead to the Secret Keeper business and Albus' part in it. If this information was revealed, Albus knew this would not lead to good things in his future.
Sirius Black needed silenced.
Before too long, Sirius would no longer be in Azkaban, because he would be getting ready for a trial. Which meant Albus needed to visit Azkaban and Sirius Black as soon as possible. Getting to Azkaban would prove immensely difficult. Not even Fawkes, who could flame-travel almost anywhere in the world, was capable of getting Albus to Azkaban Island. He would probably end up in the middle of the North Sea if he tried. Due to security around the prison, anyone who set foot on the ferry to Azkaban would be immediately registered in the DMLE records. The wards to prevent this were immensely difficult to remove, and would take a long time. Anyone who tried would likely be discovered long before they succeeded.
Cornelius Fudge, Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour were the three Ministry workers who had the ability to give permission to those who wished to visit Azkaban. Albus, though he was the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, did not have this permission. Azkaban security laws required at least two of the three officials to agree to give permission – a problem, since two would already deny him.
Dumbledore scowled. He was being blocked on all sides. Absolutely nothing was going his way right now!
He sat down at his desk, popped a lemon drop in his mouth and relaxed in his chair. His copy of the Daily Prophet was still on his desk, the front page and Harry Potter's name in plain view. Dumbledore growled loudly and destroyed the newspaper with a flourish of his wand.
He realized, as he watched confetti that was recently a newspaper fall onto his desk, that he hadn't read the rest of the newspaper yet. Which meant he had missed the Sunday crossword!
Why wasn't anything going his way?!
Meanwhile, at Gringotts, London Branch, Keeper Ragnok The Sixth was proud to say that quite a few things were going his way. Due to the fact that Goblins rarely ever concerned themselves in human drama, they rarely ever read the wand-wielder's newspapers. Today, however, was different, at least for Ragnok. He had read, and thoroughly enjoyed the article which had Harry Potter's letter to the people of Great Britain. The article would surely present Harry Potter in a favorable light to the majority of wand-wielders.
This... was a very good thing for one of the new Friends of the Goblin Nation, which in turn was a good thing for Gringotts. Allying themselves with Harry Potter and his friends were going to bring good things to Gringotts for a long time, this was guaranteed. So, of course, Gringotts would pay that good fortune back in kind! Today's mission was just one of those ways to help their new Friends!
Ragnok was currently standing in a room deep within Gringotts. A number of Goblin Warriors, and Ward and Curse Breakers were gathered. There were also a couple of human staff members who were excellent in collapsing Wards and breaking Curses. However... one of the humans Ragnok had expected to be in attendance wasn't there.
"Bogrod!" Ragnok called.
Ragnok's chief assistant hurried over to his side. "Yes, Keeper Ragnok?"
"Is Curse Breaker William Weasley here today?" Ragnok asked.
"Weasley sent us a letter last night requesting a leave of absence," Bogrod said, "He specifically stated that he was worried about his family, due to what happened yesterday. As Future Head of his Family, he needed to dedicate his time to family issues at the moment."
"Strange," Ragnok said, "At one time, he wanted to avoid his family, and now he favors them."
"Do you believe his actions to be suspicious?" Bogrod asked.
Ragnok debated this to himself for a minute. "No. When he stated he wanted to avoid his family, he was a young human who just finished up his education and wanted adventure. His dreams were leading him. Now he is more mature, and is learning to be responsible toward his duties. I respect that. I accept his request for leave of absence. We have much more important things facing us than dealing with something as small as this. Especially since he isn't an immediate staff member of this specific bank and was on loan by request. Unless our sister bank in Egypt, where he works, specifically asks for his return, he is now on leave of absence."
"Yes, Keeper Ragnok," Bogrod said.
"Pity," Ragnok said, "Weasley could have been an excellent member of the team today. No use growling over spilled Grog. Axehandle!"
Head of Gringotts Security Axehandle strode over to Ragnok. "Sir!"
"Ready the team!" Ragnok said, "I wish to have a few words with them before we leave for the mission."
Axehandle nodded, then strode forward to the combined team of Goblins and humans, all of whom were in discussions with their closest neighbor.
"Alright you meat-heads and Grog guzzlers!" Axehandle barked, "Shut your traps!"
Every single Goblin and human went silent and stood at attention.
"Keeper Ragnok the Sixth wishes to speak to you!" Axehandle said, "Lend him your ears!"
Ragnok moved forward so everyone in the room would see him. "Good morning my fellow staff, Goblin and human alike."
The Goblins rang out in one collective reply in Gobbledygook, why the humans only nodded respectfully.
"This mission you have been assigned is highly important!" Ragnok said, "Succeeding in today's mission is for the good of the Nation, and the world outside it! Therefore, everyone in this room is under the Goblin Vow of Secrecy. Nothing that will be said to you in here is to be spoken outside this room. The mission you are about to go on is not to be discussed to anyone outside this room, and I highly suggest you forget it completely after today! Our human staff in attendance have already agreed to have their memories of this mission wiped after today, and will be given a fortune they will deserve in response to their actions. As will all of you!"
All of the Goblins cheered. Fortune and profit, along with Honesty, Truth, and Justice, were words and ideas they all lived by.
"All of you here have probably heard the rumors of an inherently Dark Curse discovered in one of our Vaults," Ragnok said. "The rumors are correct. The object tainted by this Curse was cleansed and returned to the rightful owner. Today, we will retrieve another object which has also been tainted by this Curse. The owner of said object has asked that it be returned unharmed and cleansed. Honesty is what we live by and I will be honest with you. The Dark Wizard who tainted this object wanted it highly protected. The object itself, and the defense surrounding it, all are dangerous. Meaning this will be a dangerous mission. You have all been chosen for your expertise, which is needed today. Can I trust that all of you will succeed today?!"
Goblin and human alike cheered in unison.
"The journey to the site in question is a mile from our Portkey point," Ragnok continued, "The distance for our journey is for our safety. We don't know how far and wide the danger looms near the site. This is a common Muggle area, so all Goblins must be Disillusioned from view to outside sources. We leave by Portkey in ten minutes, by groups assigned earlier. Axehandle will take one group, his second-in-command Thrash takes the second and I will take the third. The two humans are with me. Understood?"
Gobbledygook rang out and the two humans acknowledged as well.
"We leave in five minutes," Ragnok said. "May fortune come to us all today."
As Ragnok was taking care of final preparations for his mission, far north of London in the North Sea, Madam Amelia Bones was currently in a ferry. In the distance was Azkaban Prison, the triangular building built out of bricks, stone and steel, wrapped in every protective charm imaginable, and guarded by "the devil's creatures" – as Amelia called them – the Dementors. The high rocky cliff the prison stood on was partially made out of some erosion by nature itself, and the rest by wizards.
However, if you talked to some people, those usually seen gulping down firewhiskey in the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade village, they would tell you 'that goddamned building was built by the devil himself" to which someone would respond "Cornelius Fudge wasn't born when that prison was built!" and the patrons would laugh.
Before today, if you would have asked Amelia, she would have agreed with the jab toward the Minister of Magic. But after her meeting with the man that morning, she had grown to respect the Minister a little. With a good nudge, he could be a competent man-in-power.
Oh, Sirius, Amelia thought with a frown as she gazed at the towering prison. If it turns out you are innocent, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. That is a promise.
Her whole body shivered, and she felt a nudge on her arm. She looked over her shoulder and saw Kingsley Shacklebolt standing there, offering her a slab of Honeydukes' Best Chocolate.
Rufus Scrimgeour had refused to accompany her to the prison. He said he was busy but Amelia knew better. She knew that the man disliked Sirius when the both of them were low-level Aurors together, shortly before Sirius' imprisonment. If there was one man who was sure of Sirius' guilt, it was Scrimgeour. The Head Auror, however, had allowed Amelia to borrow one of his Aurors for the task.
So Amelia had chosen a friend of hers. Kingsley Shacklebolt had been a couple years year below her, Lily and the Marauders in Hogwarts, but the man had been a good friend since those days. There had even been one time during the days when Sirius and Amelia were dating in Hogwarts, that Sirius had gotten a detention and had to spend it inside the castle on a Hogsmeade weekend. So Amelia had asked Kingsley to go with her to the village as friends. Even if she hadn't been dating Sirius, she couldn't see herself going on an actual date with Kingsley, but it was nice to go as friends.
"Thanks," she said, fondly.
"I've had a few experiences of my own out here as a guard," Kingsley said, "If it wasn't for Honeydukes, I'd be in big trouble."
"You? Really, you big lug, you want me to believe that?" Amelia asked before unwrapping the package and biting into the chocolate.
"I may be a big bloke, but you think the Dementors find that as a weakness?" Kingsley asked.
Amelia shivered again, before biting into the bar so she wouldn't have to reply.
"So you really think Sirius Black is innocent?" Kingsley asked, changing the subject, "Has he been in there all this time for no reason?"
Amelia frowned and swallowed the bite. "He is innocent of betraying James and Lily, that is for sure. I don't know about the whole thing with Pettigrew and the Muggles that were killed. I guess we'll find out soon enough."
"Is this only a transfer mission?" Kingsley asked, "Or are we going to interrogate him?"
"Interrogation waits for the trial," Amelia said.
"But that doesn't mean you won't speak to him, right?" Kingsley asked, raising one eyebrow.
Amelia only shrugged and bit into her chocolate bar again. Ever since she had left Fudge's office, she had thought a lot about Sirius. What had nigh-on ten years at Azkaban done to Sirius mentally? Would he even be able to give a possible defense to the Wizengamot during his trial? Perhaps even a more important question... would he even recognize her? Would he still be angry with her? She had broken up with him after all – he had put on a brave face as if trying to convince her he had supported her decision, but she had seen past that facade. He had been angry with her. Had his years amongst the Dementors caused that anger to worsen?
"Five minutes to shore," the ferryman said behind them. "It is suggested you have your Patronuses ready when we arrive."
Amelia nodded, showing she understood.
She gazed once again at the approaching fortress. Twenty minutes, tops, and she would reunite with Sirius Black.
Meanwhile, Ragnok and his team of Goblins and two humans were walking down a gravel country road. The sign they had just passed indicated they were two miles from the village of Little Hangleton. The night before, Axehandle and Thrash had come out for a reconnaissance mission to search for the house that had once belonged to the Gaunts, and was now owned, due to right-by-conquest, by Lord Harry Potter. They had returned from their mission with the advice for the team to come in from a mile out, and had set a Portkey point before they had returned to Gringotts. Now the three teams were walking a short distance between each other, and were Disillusioned so nobody but their whole team could see them.
Soon, they had arrived at their destination. The Ward Breakers in Axehandle's team had already discovered there were no wards at a distance, as they had been instructed to do. As Ragnok and his team arrived, Thrash's team were working their Goblin magic on a large hedge wall. Axehandle's team were waiting for their next orders.
"Thrash!" Ragnok said, "What's it look like?"
"Common wand-wielder protective enchantments," Thrash said, "Designed to make you forget your purpose for being here, as well as a few others similar to it. Doesn't seem too dangerous."
"Which means it gets more dangerous beyond this hedge," Ragnok said.
"Wand-wielder magic differs from our own," Axehandle said, "Most Goblins would be able to overpower the protections."
"So why are the two humans here?" Thrash asked.
"In case we run into any Anti-Goblin wards," Ragnok said. "Not likely, since Voldemort sees us as lesser beings, but we're being smart and careful."
Suddenly, nearly ten feet of the hedgerow vanished revealing the Shack beyond it. Nestled amongst unruly trees, vines and overgrown weeds was a small broken-down shack. Glass in the windows were broken, shingles from the roof had fallen off and were now smashed on the ground below. And vines and flowers were growing out of the walls which were a combination of wood, dirt and stone.
"What an eyesore!" Thrash scoffed.
"My team, it is your turn!" Ragnok said.
"Soldiers, be ready to defend the Curse and Ward Breakers," Axehandle ordered. "We don't know what will come out to stop us!"
This turned out to be a smart idea. Just as Ragnok's team of Ward and Curse Breakers started their work, several defenses rose up. Trees threw ropes of vines toward the team, weeds grew and attempted to climb up the Goblins' bodies, and a half-dozen Inferi rose from hidden traps beneath the earth.
Axehandle roared the orders to charge, and sword- and axe-weilding Goblin soldiers charged forward toward the defenses. Axes tore through thick vines while other soldiers untangled weeds from their colleagues who were working on the Curses and Wards. But as one brave Goblin ran forward toward the nearest Inferius, who was marching toward Ragnok's team, he vanished in a burst of blood, bone and skin.
"Stop!" Axehandle ordered, as he gazed at the debris that had once been one of his soldiers, "There is a Disintegration Ward in there! And what do you want to bet the Inferi are immune to it? Wait for them to come forward!"
"Search for that Ward and bring it down!" Ragnok ordered.
While a few of their fellow brethren were battling vines and weeds, a few of the soldiers, who had been trained to charge bravely into battle, were patiently standing guard in front of Ragnok's team as the Inferi slowly marched toward them. Ragnok was taking turns watching his team work on the Wards, while also watching the Inferi coming forward. The undead were only ten feet away now, growling fiercely, a couple of them screaming ungodly sounds. Having been commanded by one of the demons, six more Inferi rose from the ground, just mere feet from the guarding soldiers.
"Disintegration Ward is down!" one of the humans said.
"Charge!" Axehandle commanded.
Inferi were immune to most magic, aside from fire. However, when their bodies were ripped to pieces by swords and axes made of Goblin steel, they had no immunity. The Goblin soldiers outnumbered the Inferi two-to-one, and they showed their might. One particular Goblin halved a vine in two before parting one Inferi from its head. In less than a minute, the battle ended with dead silence. Bodies of Inferi were now littered all over the ground, as were pieces of large vines, and even one fallen tree, which had been brought down by a solider who was particular angry at the fact that it kept throwing vines his way. Aside from that initial Goblin, no more Goblins had fallen.
"Axehandle," Ragnok said, as he watched a couple of the soldiers apply burning charms to the pieces of Inferi, "The fallen soldier... his name?"
"Headhunter," Axehandle said.
"A rookie," Thrash growled. "This was his first mission. He was trying to prove his worth. Foolish Grog guzzler!"
SLAP! Axehandle thrust an open hand across Thrash's cheek. "Respect the dead, meat-head!"
"My apologies, sir," Thrash said, his gaze lowered to the ground.
"Did he have a family?" Ragnok asked, "A mate?"
"His father had been one of our Security before old age caught up with him and he retired," Axehandle said, "He has a mate – they were to be joined this Autumn."
"Give his earnings and a bonus to his mate and family," Ragnok said, "As well as my condolences. He will remembered long after today for his part in this mission. If it wasn't for Headhunter, we would have discovered the Disintegration Ward too late, and more would have fallen."
"It will be done, Keeper Ragnok," Axehandle said.
"Keeper Ragnok!" one of the Breakers on Ragnok's team said, "The curses and Wards are down, at least on the ground between here and the shack."
"I removed some nasty curses on the door," one of the humans said, "All that is left is inside."
Ragnok nodded and ordered his team forward toward the house. The soldiers walked on either side of them, in search of more possible defenses. Soon, the team were inside the shack, leaving Ragnok and the others waiting. Only five minutes later, they emerged from the house. One of the humans was was being carried by his fellow human colleague – Ragnok was unsure if he was unconscious or dead. One Goblin walked forward carrying a small jewelry box in both hands as if he was carrying a pillow holding a ring at a human wedding.
"The target we came for is in this box," the Goblin said, "The Curse is still on it."
"It will be removed when we return to Gringotts," Ragnok said, then looked at the humans, "What happened to him?"
"He's only stunned," the other human said, "I had no choice. Strong Desire Charms on the thing in that box. Xavier couldn't help but attempt to take it."
"All the defensive Curses aside from the inherently Dark one have been removed from it," the Goblin carrying the box said, "Extremely nasty."
"We have achieved what we have come for," Ragnok said, as he took the jewelry box, "Today is a success. Everyone here will be rewarded with much profit and fortune after today!"
The Goblins around him, though many were exhausted from the mission, cheered loudly. Ragnok smiled as he gazed at the box. Mission accomplished – he looked forward to telling his new Friends of the Nation the good news!
(Minutes earlier)
Amelia Bones walked alongside Kingsley Shacklebolt and their Patronuses, respectively a German Shepard and a Lynx, as they made their way toward the front entrance of the fortress known as Azkaban. When they arrived, they found two Aurors, a man and a woman, standing outside the large black, steel doors. A silver ape and fox, the two Aurors' Patronuses, sat beside their caster.
"Madam Bones," the male Auror said, "My name is Thom Bettany. My more attractive colleague, Layla Mercer. We received a message from the Minister himself informing us of your arrival. All Dementors have been moved to the back of the prison. However, their evil presence can still be partially felt even as far in as where we're going, so we'll have our Patronuses with us at all times."
"A gloomy place like this," Amelia said, "How do you keep the happy memories needed for the Patronus?"
"Each Auror stationed here is only here for two months at a time," Mercer said, "For two weeks prior, we are trained for this, including Patronuses. It is either have them or be in risk of losing your soul."
Amelia grimaced. She was thankful she chose to work in the DMLE and not as an Auror. She was an excellent duelist, but she was definitely not prepared for stuff like this.
"Prisoner three-six-six-six," Bettany said, "Also known as Sirius Black has been moved to a cell in Block A temporarily. We didn't think you'd want to visit the rest of his fellow Death Eaters."
"We have evidence Black may be innocent of all the crimes he was sent here for," Amelia said, "He may not be one of those 'fellow Death Eaters'. This is why we are here."
Bettany and Mercer glanced at each other, shrugged, then opened the doors behind them. They escorted Amelia, Kingsley and the Patronuses through. As they made their way toward Block A, they passed by several guards, all Aurors, and each of them looking pale from Dementor exposure.
"The Guards half-resemble the prisoners," Kingsley muttered. "How the prisoners can last a year here, much less ten is beyond me."
Amelia only frowned, once again fearing what she was about to find when reuniting with Sirius Black. Soon they reached Block A, and walked over to one of the cells.
"Black!" Bettany said, "Good news, you are going on a holiday!"
Amelia only heard a hoarse grunt, and she walked forward toward the cell. It was then she saw Sirius Black. He was sitting on the flimsy mattress of a bed which was barely raised from the ground. His clothes were rags, barely hanging onto him. His hair and beard were long, matted and dirty. His skin was as pale as the moon, and he looked half-emaciated.
"Sirius," Amelia said; she tried to hide the emotion in her voice, but failed – she could feel the gaze of the three Aurors behind her, and knew they were reacting strangely but she couldn't help it.
Sirius' head jerked, so that he was facing Amelia. Deep bags were under those silvery-grey pools of eyes that Amelia had once fallen in love with. His expression was a mix of shock and sadness.
"Amy?" Sirius said, hoarsely. "Gods, this hell-on-earth has done it – finally made me insane. The one voice I've tried to ignore for ten years has finally made it to my ears."
"I'm really here, Sirius," Amelia said, "I am here to take you to London. You're to get a trial in six days."
"Finally!" Sirius grunted, "Been waiting ten years."
"Get up, Black," Bettany said, "Place your arms forward, you know the drill."
Amelia watched as Sirius stood and walked forward. His gaze was lowered to the ground as he offered his arms forward. Bettany flourished his wand, and magical shackles appeared on Sirius' wrists. Mercer opened the cell door with a flourish of her wand and Sirius walked forward. When he reached Amelia, his gaze raised and his shallow, silvery-grey eyes met her brown ones.
"Hello, Sirius," Amelia said, "It is time to go home."
"Harry?" Sirius asked, hoarsely.
"He's okay, Sirius," Amelia said, "I've seen him. It is partially because of him that you're getting a trial. You'll see him on Saturday."
Sirius Black, a prisoner in the worst fortress on Earth which was famous for making its inhabitants insane, gave his first genuine smile in nearly ten years.
Decided to end the chapter there!
I surprised myself this chapter. This is the second time I've written the retrieval of the ring Horcrux, and I wasn't looking forward to it. However, I really liked what I did for it this chapter!
Amelia's Patronus is my own creation. However, I read on HP Wiki that her name drives from German for "work", and a German Shepard is a working dog, and known to work in Law Enforcement, so it seemed perfect.
Two characters and some excerpts in this chapter were borrowed from chapter 74 "Hell and Heaven" of my story "Harry Potter and the Bonds of Time".
Next chapter: Lucius Malfoy and a few of his friends have a bad day, Harry FINALLY opens the trunk he got from his Vault, and a few characters receive letters. And maybe, just maybe, more Sirius and Amelia.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!