Chapter 19 - Comeuppance
Dolores was grinning at the headline in the Prophet. It wasn't a grin that contained so much as a gain of happiness though, rather one of twisted anticipation for a well worked plan of hers that was finally coming to fruition. The newspaper was obviously very pleased to have an exclusive interview with Lord Black on their front page, posted on his even more famous godson's birthday, but Dolores was confident this would have little to no effect on what she'd been meticulously plotting.
The Senior Undersecretary had been beavering away behind the scenes for the last couple of weeks, ensuring the right people understood the dangers Sirius Black taking control of the orphanage posed to their way of life. These particular people had far too much to lose so no chances would be getting taken today. They wanted a stop put to this - immediately and permanently.
While Dolores could certainly appreciate this exclusive interview as a shrewd tactical move on Black's part, a move that was sure to set Cornelius off in a spin, she was supremely confident today's Wizengamot meeting would result in blood being spilled on the floor. This article might result in Black and company actually lowering their guard, thinking their job of convincing the Wizengamot was already done.
With it being the Potter brat's birthday too, Dolores felt sure he would accompany his summonsed godfather to today's session. Whether it was Black or Potter blood that ended up on the floor didn't bother Dolores in the slightest, she was actually hoping to see both.
-oOoOo-
Harry and Hermione were heading for the Ministry of Magic, mob handed was the expression that came to mind. Sirius had Francesca on his arm, her drawings and work schedule for the new orphanage shrunk and in his pocket. Since they were on the orphanage committee, Dan, Emma and Neville had demanded to accompany them too. Barchoke thought his presence today might prove more of a hindrance than help so was rather diplomatically unavailable to attend. Since only Sirius had been summonsed to face the Wizengamot, none of them thought Barchoke's absence would be even noticed.
As Harry held Hermione's hand, there was a very real sense that something was missing between them - or rather someone. For the last couple of weeks, that someone was Joan. She never walked anywhere without at least holding one of their hands and seemed happiest when it was both of them. They had of course realised that they were both growing incredibly fond of the little girl. Joan not being with them today just emphasised how far that relationship had progressed.
A beaming Joan had presented Harry with a hug and a card she'd made when they met this morning. Only her being roped in by Remus to help prepare Harry's 'surprise' birthday party allowed them to escape her company for this visit.
All the orphans and orphanage staff were still in Italy and having the time of their lives. With the amount of hard work going on to get the Institute up and running for September, these children were not only helping relieve any stress the daily problems that enterprise turned up caused - they were a constant reminder of why everyone was working so hard. These were children who would never catch a break in Magical Britain, due to their undetermined blood status, yet each and every one of these children already had their names down to attend the Institute when they were eleven. Everyone involved with the Institute were working hard to ensure that experience would be as positive as possible for every student, regardless of birth or blood status, who entered the new school.
With work on the orphanage now progressing at an amazing pace too, Harry and Hermione were well aware the clock was ticking on any decision they wanted to make on the little girl who had wormed her way into their hearts.
Joan's absence today however clearly emphasised just how much of a hole would be left in their lives without this special little girl being part of those lives. Neither wanted to think what returning to the orphanage would do to Joan, who Jillian continually remarked on never having seen the young girl so happy.
That was a talk they would be having soon, having put it off until after Harry's birthday.
-oOoOo-
A table had been positioned for Sirius in the centre of the Wizengamot chamber, that table had to be extended and more chairs conjured to accommodate all the members of his group.
Starting the meeting, Cornelius tried to keep the atmosphere light. This meeting was about discovering what was behind Black's move, and today's Prophet had portrayed the wizard sitting there in rather a good light. It wasn't Cornelius' job to tear the man down. After all, that's why he employed Dolores.
"Lord Black, thank you for attending. Perhaps you could introduce the people who are with you, and tell us why you thought their presence was necessary at this special session of the Wizengamot."
Sirius stood and played to the crowd, walking around to the front of the table. Since he and his godson were the biggest draw in magical Britain, the place was packed. Except for those members who had fled the country or died - in the case of Malfoy and Parkinson - every Wizengamot seat was occupied. The tiered public benches located behind Sirius' table were also full to bursting.
Making his way along the table, Sirius began the introductions. "Certainly Minister. The lady who was sitting beside me is Miss Francesca Rossi, one of the best architects Italy has to offer. In consultation with myself, the trustees and those currently working at the orphanage, Miss Rossi has performed miracles on an old London town house and is busy providing us with a building to be proud of. She is also the architect who designed the Potter Institute and came highly recommended by everyone involved in that project."
Sirius ignored any grumblings about foreigners and moved on to the next shock for them. "The Doctors Granger here are highly qualified healthcare professionals, with their own business too, before falling under the allure of the Potter Institute. They will be the Muggle Studies professors when the Institute opens this September and I was delighted they consented to serving as trustees on the orphanage board. Sitting next to them is a young wizard from a family with a proud history in magical Britain, Mister Neville Longbottom - also a trustee board member. Next to Neville is one of the smartest witches I've ever met, Miss Hermione Granger. As well as being betrothed to my godson and heir, Miss Granger is an integral member of the board of trustees."
Smiling, he then introduced the person who certainly didn't need one. "At the other end of the table is my godson and heir, Lord Harry Potter. As my heir, he will one day in the future take over the running of the board so his presence here today is also necessary."
Sirius remained standing, he felt more in control being able to pace up and down. With the first questions of the day soon being fired at him, it was now time to attack their arguments. Harry and Hermione were ignoring these proceedings in favour of monitoring those currently in the chamber that they knew carried the dark mark. Harry had spent the last couple of days running Hermione through casting Riddle's parseltongue shield charm. If anything started here today, that was going to be their go-to spell.
Harry's danger signals were going berserk, there were actual goosebumps appearing on his arms due to his anxiety levels. He was as certain as he could be something was going to happen here today. While keeping an eye on their main suspects, neither Harry nor Hermione had any trouble identifying Dolores Umbridge. Amelia's description of a woman who resembled a toad yet always wore pink left them with only one viable candidate when identifying the Undersecretary. That she was smirking the entire time just added to their unease, since there was currently nothing for her to smile about. Sirius was now striding up and down before the Wizengamot while giving a killer presentation that was tearing any and all of their arguments against the Black Orphanage to shreds.
it was Hermione who picked up on what was bothering them first. 'Rosier keeps glancing into the crowd, as if he's expecting something to happen from there. I've had a quick look and don't recognise anyone in the area he's looking at. We could be dealing with someone polyjuiced, or under the imperius curse though.'
As Harry too scanned the crowd behind them, a wizard sprang to his feet with his wand already drawn. Only the wizard shouting "Die blood-traitor" before casting a spell at Sirius' head gave Harry time to react. That Sirius' pacing currently saw him at Harry's end of the table was the sole reason he reached his godfather in time.
Hermione was pulling her wand up, already knowing it was too late. She fired off a stunner but the blasting curse had already left the assassin's wand. There was a massive disturbance in their bond as Hermione's head whipped around to see a bloody Harry lying on top of a shocked but seemingly otherwise uninjured Sirius. Her temper exploded, and so did Riddle's charm for controlling his death eaters from Hermione's wand. Her anger was such that the charm contained enough power to encapsulated the entire chamber.
Within the chamber, four members of the Wizengamot, an auror and two wizards in the public gallery fell to their knees clutching their left arms.
Hermione's voiced boomed around the chamber, Riddle's charm painfully demanding answers from those carrying his mark. "Who is responsible for this? I want your answers now."
Amelia attempted to take charge of the situation. "Aurors stand down. I've seen this before. All those on the ground are Death Eaters and we can't interfere."
Dolores' scheming might have achieved her objective, Potter blood had certainly been spilled, but she was far from happy with the current situation.
"Don't be preposterous, Amelia. This little mudblood bitch is torturing pure-blood members of the Wizengamot - inside our own chamber." Knowing all eyes would now be on her, she limited her curse to a stunner. Dolores would later be glad she didn't give in to her more base instincts and fire something far deadlier, since Dolores' stunner rebounded from Hermione's shield and hit the squat witch square in the face. Dolores would take no further part in these proceedings until someone revived her. Since all hell was breaking loose around the chamber, that was unlikely to happen for a while yet.
Those Death Eaters with no involvement in this plot were very quick to loudly declare so, knowing that their current pain levels would ease with a truthful answer - and they had nothing to loose by telling that truth. Hermione was left staring at one wizard, beads of sweat running from his forehead as Evan Rosier attempted to fight against the increasing levels of pain. Eventually the Death Eater cracked.
"It was me, I wanted Black dead."
Hermione's 'Why' was enough to get him talking. Admitting the truth had seen his pain reduce, Evan was desperate for that pain to reduce even further.
"I'm certain to have a few bastards in that place. I don't like spilling magical blood so, after I rape a witch, I just obliviate that memory from them. They would then be likely to leave any resulting child at the orphanage. I don't want inheritance rituals performed on them, bastards have no place in my proud family."
Hermione's anger was now off the scale at what this sick bastard had just admitted to. "Those lovely children have just spent two weeks holidaying with us in Italy, I doubt whether any of them would want to be associated with the likes of you. Is it only pure-blood witches you spare, or are all the women you grace with your unwanted presence obliviated after you rape them."
"I have no problems killing muggles, or little mudblood bitches like you. I'm only sorry I didn't get to rape you first. Avada Kedava."
The green light shot from his wand and stopped at the shield protecting Hermione. Evan was screaming in pain while Hermione struggled to hold the shield. It was touch and go who would win this battle until she once more felt a wonderful presence in her mind.
'Accept the magic, love. Magic is magic. Just because this arsehole used it to rape, torture and kill, you won't be tainted by any of that."
Realising he wasn't going to win this one, Rosier screamed for help - but rather specific help. Evan called on his fellow Death Eaters currently under Hermione's spell to aid him in his time of need. "Overload her shield. She attacked us, the Wizengamot will never convict pure-bloods for killing a filthy mudblood who cast the first spell."
Another two killing curses hit Hermione's shield but, since she had begun to accept the magic syphoned off from Rosier, these additional contributions only made her stronger. She then took a chance and glanced around to see Sirius supporting a bloody yet now sitting Harry. His left shoulder looked a mess but both had their wands drawn and were ready to defend themselves and their group. They were all looking in the wrong place though.
A wizard who appeared to be in his early twenties leaped from the public benches and had his wand against a terrified Francesca's temple.
"Release my father or she dies."
Seeing the family resemblance, Hermione spoke to the wizard who had fired the killing curse at her from the public gallery. "You must know this can't be stopped now. Order your son to lower his wand."
Hearing a couple of clicks as safetys were disengaged, Sirius recognised at once what was about to happen and tried to offer the pair of muggles some semblance of legal protection. "Dan, Emma, I'm ordering you to protect our family. Take the shot!"
As there appeared no chance of this little bitch laying down her wand and accepting death from their killing curses, the father understood he was destined to die from his own curse. Rather than accepting the position he'd placed himself in though, he selfishly wanted to take as many as possible with him. Nodding to his son he gave what would be his last ever order to the young wizard. "Kill the bitch…"
A pair of loud explosions happened so close together, they could almost have been one. The Wizard who had been holding Francesca hostage was flung away with half his head now splattered over members of the public gallery well before he could even think of implementing his father's command. Dan and Emma's handguns were now sweeping the chamber, looking for anyone else who dared to attack them. Neville had his wand drawn but quickly moved to comfort a now freed but understandably distraught Francesca.
Again, Amelia tried to take command of the situation that was in imminent danger of spiralling beyond anyone's control. "Lower your wands! Anyone firing on Miss Granger will see their own curse rebound on them. These three signed their own death warrant when they used the killing curse. All others affected will be tried today, in this session of the Wizengamot. I've seen this before and nothing can be done, lower your wands or you will be fired upon. Shacklebolt, get some healers in here - now."
Albus was appalled at the death of the young wizard - by muggles no less. He was not going to stand back and watch as a further three wizards were basically being sentenced to death. He would deal with Amelia's ludicrous promise to try the others involved later. "I can't allow this, Amelia."
He attempted to move a chair into the green beam of the nearest killing curse, hoping to break the connection. The chair never got there though as Sirius, Harry and Amelia all simultaneously hit the Chief Warlock with stunning spells. As Dumbledore dropped to the ground, Emma's voice rang around the chamber.
"I was just about to put a bullet in the old bastard's head, so thanks for that. There is no way of knowing what breaking those spells will do to my daughter, Dan and I will put a bullet in anyone else who tries it. Please remember, they all fired a killing curse at our Hermione - a fourteen year old witch. Imagine if that was your child…"
Emma never got to say anymore as Evan Rosier's magic was now exhausted, causing his own killing curse to finally rebound and take the Death Eater's life. The screams from the other two Death Eaters rose in volume and intensity, knowing their own end was fast approaching. Mere seconds later, both slumped to the floor - dead from the killing curses they had cast at someone still legally considered a child.
Hermione was glowing from all the magic she had just absorbed but had only one thing in her mind. Seeing aurors ready to restrain the four wizards still held by her spell, she cancelled it before stumbling toward Harry. Hermione dropped to her knees and, mindful of his injury, carefully hugged her betrothed.
Releasing his godson into Hermione's tender embrace, an absolutely livid Sirius stood and surveyed the scene around him. Nodding as Dan and Emma moved to stand guard over their children, Sirius had to hold himself in check from racing straight to Francesca. The entire incident had probably taken less than two minutes but it was the following few that would set the tone for what happened next in magical Britain. One thing was for sure though, all their lives had just changed forever.
He let that anger show as Sirius addressed the room. "Is this what magical Britain has become? Lock a wizard in Azkaban for over a decade without a trial. When he proves his innocence, lure him back here to be assassinated in front of everyone. Let's not delude ourselves here, that's exactly what was supposed to happen today."
With Dumbledore and Dolores still unconscious, it was left to the Minister to try and rebut these allegations - with some of his own.
"The only assassination I witnessed was a pure-blood wizard getting his head blown to pieces by a pair of muggles."
Hearing growls of agreement coming from the masses at Fudge's declaration, Sirius immediately jumped all over that idea. It also gave him the excuse he was looking for to wrap Francesca in his arms.
"Miss Rossi and I are currently courting. As you can clearly see from her robes, she is also under the protection of houses Black and Potter. Those same house crests also adorn the robes of the Grangers, and you all heard me ordering them to carry out those actions - protecting someone who is becoming very dear to all of us."
With Francesca clinging to Sirius and burying her face in his chest, his piercing gaze travelled around the entire chamber before laying his cards on the table.
"A member of the Wizengamot plotted to murder me in the very heart of your government, all in a bid to ensure his multiple rapes and murders wouldn't be discovered. He would probably have succeeded too, because only having a godson with exceptional reflexes sees me standing here still. Watching Harry get injured probably gave Hermione the power she needed to cast that spell, and survive three attempts on her life. Neither Harry nor I were prepared to let Dumbledore risk her life further in a futile attempt to save three Death Eaters who all cast the killing curse at Hermione. Madam Bones, I would like to know what your intentions are regarding the wizard who fired at me and the Death Eaters that were exposed within this chamber?"
Amelia knew she would gain instant approval for her initial suggestion, it was her following intentions that would set this place alight. "I propose to question the wizard that fired upon you with truth serum, right here and right now. If, as I suspect, he was acting under the imperius curse, then he can face no blame for what happened."
Sirius nodded in agreement and waited for her to continue, he wasn't disappointed.
"I propose to question all those affected by that spell under truth serum too. Again, if they were forced to take the Dark Mark and committed crimes while under the influence of the imperius curse, they will face no charges from the Ministry."
This almost started a riot, the very thought of Wizengamot members facing questioning under veritaserum sent shivers of dread down more than one member's spine. This was setting a precedent that couldn't be allowed to stand.
After accepting some blood replenishing potion and numbing charms cast on his shoulder, Harry pushed the healer away as Hermione helped him stand.
Having his recommendations and protests ignored, the hacked-off healer moved on to Dumbledore. The ancient wizard had apparently been hit with multiple powerful stunners and would need a trip to St Mungo's. After dealing with one patient who ignored his instructions, the healer decided to wait until Dumbledore was in a bed at St Mungo's before attempting to revive him. Slapping an emergency portkey onto the Chief Warlock, an unconscious Albus Dumbledore left the building.
Harry didn't really need Neville's nod to know he was with them on this matter, their friend was standing amongst them with his wand drawn and ready to face whatever was thrown at them. It would however give Neville a few seconds to catch his Grandmother's eye, and convey that he was on board with what was happening here. Considering what Harry and Sirius were about to pull, they didn't want to leave any room for the charge of kidnapping to be thrown at them too.
Seeing a bloody Harry Potter standing there at the centre of this group gradually brought silence to the chamber. The blasting curse had caught the boy's left shoulder and the large emergency pad the healer had stuck there was already turning red with Harry's blood. There was nothing but defiance in his posture though, and no give at all in his stare.
As Albus was portkeyed away, Cornelius realised that this whole thing was going to be left for him to sort. He'd shaken his head as the healer approached Dolores, ready to revive her. Dolores would certainly be out for blood, and Cornelius was sure he could guess just whose blood that would be. Anyone trying to harm the Granger girl though would have to face not only Lords Potter and Black, her muggle parents had just dispatched another wizard - and stood ready to serve the exact same fate to anyone else attempting to harm their daughter.
"Lord Potter, that was an incredibly brave thing you did but may I recommend you are taken to St Mungo's as quickly as possible."
"We have our own healer at home, Poppy always takes great care of me. I'm more interested to hear your answer to the second part of Madam Bones' proposal, Minister. Everyone is here, this could be done today."
"Oh that's far too rushed for such a sensitive matter as this…"
Harry cut right across him. "That would be a no then. Fair enough, you leave us no other choice. Dobby."
The little elf appeared before his master and then everyone present got to see a sight they'd never thought possible - an enraged house elf.
"What can Dobby do - who did this to Master Harry?"
"It's alright, Dobby. Hermione dealt with it."
Seeing the dead bodies on the floor, the elf nodded in agreement but everyone could see the little creature was more than ready to defend its master.
"Dobby, I need you to go and inform Ragnok we're calling in all the loans. Apologise that we can't make it in person but I'm going to have to see Poppy and hope she'll let me attend my party later tonight."
With a determined nod of his head, Dobby popped away to do his master's bidding. Turning to address the Wizengamot, Harry explained what had just transpired.
"Over the last month or so, many of you would have received notice from Gringotts that your loans are now under the control of a holding company. B & P holdings are owned exclusively by Lord Sirius Black and Lord Harry Potter. Since this country is clearly morally bankrupt, we don't see why our funds should continue to support it. All those loans will be called in within the next forty-eight hours."
Now there was real uproar within the chamber, with more than a few screaming at Fudge to do something about it.
The Minister of Magic tried his best. "Lord Potter, surely that's a bit excessive for simply not getting your way here today."
"No Minister, we don't think so. Trying to murder someone because you might get caught breaking the law is excessive. When your mask is removed and claims of being under someone else's control aren't even investigated, that's excessive. Putting an innocent man in Azkaban for over a decade without even a trial, now that's excessive. Before you even think of trying to assert some type of control over us, we stand here as Italian citizens - with two members of the Italian Ministry of Magic in the public gallery. They came here today hoping to question Albus Dumbledore over his illegal actions concerning a young pure-blood witch - again, that's excessive."
Handing his wand to Hermione, Harry then wandlessly tore the left sleeve of his already destroyed robe. Blood was running down his arm but there was clearly no tattoo there. "These people aren't even that hard to identify, they allowed themselves to be branded like cattle. I can't lift my arm up at the moment but I hope everyone can see I'm not a Death Eater."
Placing his right hand on his godfather's left shoulder, the sleeve of Sirius' robes joined his now laying on the floor. Unlike his godson though, Sirius' bare arm was thrust into the air. Yes he had tattoo's but there was no dark mark amongst them. As Harry made his way around their group, bare left arms raised into the air became the norm. When Amelia, quickly followed by Augusta, then did the same, it threw down the gauntlet to every single person within the chamber. This became a challenge that was rapidly accepted by all, desperate to publicly prove they were not Death Eaters.
The public gallery pounced on this idea to show their innocence, in a matter of moments no robes with left sleeves remained. With one auror already publicly exposed as being a Death Eater, the others in the chamber couldn't wait to follow their boss' example and display their 'dark mark' free arms. Faced with such a show of unity, Wizengamot members really had no choice but to bare their arms too. That this was greeted with cheering from the public gallery saw even the Minister of Magic tear his robes and raise his left arm. When the prisoners had their sleeves ripped off, all were found to be carrying the mark that literally branded them as Death Eaters.
Harry could barely stay upright by this point and knew he had to end this soon. Hermione was now physically supporting him and she also couldn't wait to get out of here. Hermione had effectively killed three people in this chamber today, while her parents had taken down another. Her mum and dad might appear totally in control but Hermione could see the cracks beginning to show. She was certain her dad would be sending her mum all the love and support he could through their bracelets but that wouldn't be enough for much longer. The entire party needed to get home and regroup or, as Hermione intended to do, cling to those she loved and cry her eyes out.
Harry made their final play. "The people have spoken, Minister. They want to see the end of this as much as we do. Pump these Death Eaters full of truth serum and learn all their secrets, as well as who their fellow Death Eaters are. Grow a backbone and deal with the problems because we'll be watching. You have forty eight hours before your country's financial affairs adjusts to match your morality - totally bankrupt. The clock is ticking."
Before anyone could answer, Harry then issued a command. "Potter emergency, go-go-go."
With that, the entire party's emergency portkeys were activated - immediately whisking them from the chamber and leaving utter chaos in their wake.
-oOoOo-
Justin, Ernie and Zac were waiting on the girls in Diagon Alley. They hadn't seen their friends since the Hogwarts Express and were delighted to receive an invitation to meet with them today. All three had also applied to attend the Potter Institute, and were hoping Susan or Hannah might have some news for them as well. All three were shocked into silence at the pair of simply stunning young ladies who approached their table in Fortescues, only Hannah's distinctive laugh gave their identities away.
The combinations of exercising every day, their suntans, sporting new hairstyles and their muggle clothing left both young witches practically unrecognisable to the three young Hufflepuff wizards who had known them for the last two years. Like teenage boys the world over, their eyes were eventually drawn like magnets to the girls' chest area.
Hannah was giggling as she spoke to her best friend. "I told you these t-shirts would be a hit. I wonder if they've worked them out yet?"
Ernie's face was bright red at being caught staring, while Zac tried to fudge his way through an answer. "I get the picture is Potter's school, and that the 'INS' stands for Institute. Shouldn't it be at the other side of the picture though, and I have no idea what the 'RE' stands for."
It was muggle-born Ernie who got the INSπRE design first. "Inspire! That's…an inspired choice for a school."
Susan was smiling and nodding, drawing even more attention to her t-shirt. "There was a shop in Naples that custom printed anything you wanted, and we came up with this design. Hannah and I put if forward to be considered as the new school badge, Headmistress Sprout is seriously thinking about it."
An excited squeal from Hannah summed up both girls feelings about this. "Imagine, being able to say you designed the school badge. We also had a say in the design of the Institute's uniforms - how good is that. No student's opinion was ever asked for in Hogwarts."
It was Zac who asked the question all three young wizards wanted to know the answer to. "Is the Institute really so much better than Hogwarts?"
Susan signalled for a waitress so she and Hannah could join the boys eating ice cream. Answering that question would probably see them here for a while. They were only visiting Britain today, taking advantage of the portkeys travelling for the Wizengamot session. They would be back in Italy tonight for Harry's surprise birthday party - that everybody knew about - before returning home for the rest of the summer on Monday.
Ron and Millie had taken advantage of the group portkey too so they could spend a date in Diagon Alley. While all Institute students wore personal portkeys anytime they left the school, these were the emergency return version and they all planned to met up in Gringotts later to travel back to Italy.
As well as enjoying their date, today's visit to Diagon Alley had a far more serious side to it. Millie was a fully paid up member of the 'wrapped around Joan's finger' brigade. while Ron might tease his girlfriend about this, he was delighted to be helping the little girl out today. Joan had approached Millie and asked if they could by a birthday gift for Harry - from her. No one needed to ask why Joan hadn't approached Hermione, even a four year old figured out she and Harry really had no secrets from each other and Joan wanted this to be a surprise.
Harry had given each orphan a little gold so they could have their own spending money when they visited Naples. Never having had any before, some had raced into shops and bought the first thing that caught their eye. Joan though had apparently bought one book, and trusted Millie with the rest to buy Harry's present.
Both were choked at hearing what Joan wanted, and silently promised to get the best present they could find - even if they had to add their own gold to do so. They were on their third shop when Ron called Millie over and showed a magical silver photo frame, comprised of three interlinking hoops.
"Harry loves his photos, and I have a great idea for this one. You put a picture of the person in one hoop and their name appeared carved into the silver frame. Harry in one hoop, Hermione in another and Joan in the third. He'll love it."
Instead of saying 'that's great', Millie showed her agreement by kissing her boyfriend. This was their first day away on their own, the first they weren't under Harry's hospitality, and Millie was feeling rather frisky. In one way she was glad the pace of their relationship had slowed down, it gave them more time to get to know each other properly. The other side of that argument was relevant too. The more she got to know Ron, the more certain Millie was that Ron was exactly what she'd been looking for.
Her boyfriend would be going back to the Burrow on Monday, but only until Wednesday when he would be staying with Millie for a week. Millie would also be spending the last week of summer staying with Ron at the Burrow, meaning that they would have spent almost the entire summer together. On those days where they wouldn't be staying together, there was always the floo to visit.
Putting her practical head back on, and doing some quick sums in her head, Millie made a suggestion. "I know someone else who would absolutely love that as a present too. We have enough gold between us to buy Joan one as well, put the same pictures in it, and still buy Harry a present. Harry's quite difficult to buy something for though. I mean, he has practically everything..."
"No, Harry is dead easy to buy for - because he's never had anything. Anything we buy him, he'll treasure and love. He's going to absolutely flip when he sees that present from Joan."
Ron was kissed again but, since they bought two silver photo frames, the shop owner didn't seem to mind.
Walking around the muggle or magical shopping centres in Naples wearing shorts and t-shirts wouldn't see anyone batting an eyelid at them. In Diagon Alley though it was as if they were parading around naked. Susan and Hannah were glad the three boys were with them, until they bumped into Ron and Millie. If the boys had ogled their INSπRE t-shirts, they went pi-eyed over Millie's.
Ron was more amused than annoyed, though did provide a friendly warning. "Yes, that's the best school in the world you're staring at. At least, that better be what your staring at."
Justin attempted to change the subject. "Look Ron, we know you're Harry's best friend. Could you put a word in for me? After that 'Heir of Slytherin' debacle, well I wouldn't want that to deprive me of a place in Harry's new school."
Shaking his head, Ron tried to explain something to the boy he personally thought was a pompous arse. "Justin, you're a muggle-born..."
"What's that got to do with anything?" The other two boys were ready to defend their friend when Hannah's laughter completely defused the situation.
Susan nodded to Ron that she would take over the explanation, he was quite happy to let her. "It has everything to do with it Ernie. Harry thinks the British pure-bloods want to keep the country to themselves. It's hard to argue against that, with the amount of nepotism that goes on in the Ministry of Magic. That won't happen at the Institute, or in Italy. Harry want's those who won't get a fair shake of the dice in Britain to have first refusal at attending the Institute. As a British Muggle-Born, that puts you near the head of the queue."
As a pure-blood, Zacharias Smith couldn't believe what he was hearing here. "But that's discriminating against the pure-bloods. That can't be right."
Ernie was also a pure-blood, but on a different side of the fence from Zac. "Like the pure-bloods haven't discriminated against everyone else for decades - if not centuries. All of us here could use our family names to advance any careers we choose."
Ron's quip of he couldn't brought some levity back to the situation but even Justin got this. "My name would help me in the muggle world, but count against me in the magical one."
Hannah was quick to correct her friend. "Only in Britain, Justin. They don't buy into that in Italy."
Ernie was just about to say that sounded like the place to be when the four people they were talking with suddenly disappeared. All three recognised they had left by portkey but didn't know what had triggered it. They, like the entire country would discover what happened in tomorrow's papers.
-oOoOo-
Dolores' grin was long gone, replaced by barely controlled rage. She had been revived and was now forced to sit here and listen to Wizengamot members being questioned under truth serum. That same truth was condemning those questioned to the Veil of Death, no other option was left available after hearing the atrocities they had willingly and enthusiastically committed as Death Eaters. Not only that, names of upstanding pure-bloods were being revealed as members of that outlawed organisation too. No one seriously thought these named pure-bloods would fare any better when dragged before the chamber and truth serum was forced upon them.
Her helplessness to influence this situation was rather graphically brought home though when, after being revived, she was required to show her bare left arm. The mood in the chamber was such that even a moment's hesitation saw wands being pointed in her direction.
Removing her outer robe, Dolores then rolled the sleeve of her cardigan up, claiming it was one of her favourites. The public benches had practically become a mob, one that didn't care about pink cardigans - just that there was no dark mark hidden under them. Since Dumbledore was apparently indisposed in St Mungo's, Augusta Longbottom had temporary taken up the position of Chief Witch.
With her and Bones pushing this cause for all they were worth, and a baying crowd roaring their approval of the punishments handed out, they were proving to be unstoppable. Cornelius sat there as powerless as Dolores while the pure-blood heart of their society was being all but ripped out. Even the auror wearing the dark mark didn't dent Bones' authority here, he was actually the only Death Eater to accept his fate with any form of dignity.
He'd asked not to be questioned under truth serum, citing he made a stupid mistake when much younger and wanted to spare his wife and daughter the gory details. Since he was pleading guilty and accepting a death sentence, the chamber accepted his plea before the next sobbing and pleading pure-blood was dragged in and chained to the chair.
This was not what Dolores had envisaged when she set out for the Ministry of Magic this morning. As another Death Eater condemned himself with his own words, Dolores' complexion began to take on the appearance of the creature her hated nickname compared her to. Unlike others though, Dolores' cold, clammy green tinge was not due to hearing the latest round of atrocities committed by this Death Eater. No, her reason was much more personal than that.
It suddenly occurred to Dolores that it was her scheming which had been the trigger to kick-start this whole horrendous chain of events. Their magical society was about to be forcibly and forever changed, and it was all Dolores Umbridge's fault. Now that was almost enough of a burden to turn her skin permanently green.
Chapter 20 - Family Ties
Dobby had forewarned Poppy that Harry was injured so she was awaiting his arrival. Unfortunately, since Joan had heard the elf's warning too, nothing and no one could move her from the terrace as she desperately waited on Harry and Hermione returning. The Institute's emergency portkeys were all interlinked so Harry's master command saw everyone appear on the terrace, including the four who'd been shopping in Diagon Alley.
The second she spotted a bloody Harry, there was no holding a sobbing Joan back as she rushed forward and attached herself to Harry's leg like a limpet. Ron and Millie immediately moved to help support Harry as Hermione knelt and tried in vain to comfort a distressed four year old.
"Harry's going to be fine, sweetie. Madam Pomfrey is used to fixing him right up."
Poppy was giving Harry some more blood replenishing potion to drink while carrying out a preliminary examination."I need to get him lying down, Hermione. Like, right now."
Taking that as his cue, Dobby appeared and popped Poppy and Harry away, with Joan still attached to his leg. A stunned Hermione barely had time to notice her mum being comforted by her dad, while Sirius was doing the same for Francesca, before Dobby returned and popped her away too.
Remus called for some brandy while it fell to Neville to tell everyone what had happened today.
-oOoOo-
Cornelius was hitting the brandy too. It was practically flowing in his office as Dolores, Amelia and Augusta all partook of a tipple as well. The brandy wasn't comforting Dolores in any way however.
"All that pure-blood linage being destroyed, it's not right."
Augusta just had a stellar day in the Wizengamot Chamber, she had no intention of listening to this toad croak her bigoted beliefs over their achievements.
"Rather than sitting there lamenting over rapists and murderers meeting their lawful end today, how about showing some sympathy for their poor victims who were certainly shown no mercy. Our country took a great stride forward today, and will continue to do so with the further trials already scheduled to take place."
Dolores appeared as if she was about to object before Amelia cut her off. "You sat in that chamber today, and listened to the same horrors as we did. Do you think any of those people were undeserving of the judgement their Wizengamot meted out?"
There was no arguing against that point, but it was another matter Cornelius thought should take precedence here. "What of Potter's threat to bankrupt the country. Do we think he can do it, and can we do anything about it?"
Amelia knew more of what was happening with Harry than Augusta did so tried to answer without breaking any confidences. "Although he's deadly serious about the Institute, Harry's main aim has always been to see Voldemort gone. He wants to live as normal a life as possible - get married and have kids - but knows he can't until that threat is completely removed. He and his godfather will take down the entire country if we stand in his way of completing that goal - something you experienced first-hand today."
A shocked Cornelius needed three attempts at responding to that. "How could he possibly think we were helping you-know-who?"
Not for the first time, Augusta wondered how this wizard ever became Minister. "By refusing to deal with Death Eaters at the very heart of our government, the Ministry of Magic might as well have just stood up and declared itself for Voldemort. The more Death Eaters we can deal with now, the less support Voldemort will have when he returns. This should have been done over a decade ago but Albus was preaching forgiveness, second chances and the healing of our society. You heard those monsters today, they haven't changed and deserved none of that consideration. The only way to heal here is by cutting the infection out to stop it spreading."
Not being able to dispute any of that, the Minister had to agree with Augusta's assessment. Cornelius then asked the million galleon question - though he knew for certain the amount of gold involved would be a far greater sum than that. "Do you think today's actions might stay their hand in this matter?"
Again Amelia tried to answer this one. "Harry will most certainly act decisively when necessary, though he is not a vindictive person. You heard him say he was left with no other choice. I believe we have now given him another choice, and Augusta and I have invitations to his birthday party tonight. We'll definitely let him know that justice was carried out here today, and will be again tomorrow. At the very least, we hope to be able to convince Harry and Sirius to extend us some time and let us properly deal with the problem."
Augusta agreed. "If they call in those loans, it will at the very least plunge us into a serious recession - but Sirius and Harry will lose a fortune too. That they seem prepared to suffer those very substantial losses also tells us what their priorities are. Removing these terrorists from our society will eventually see that same society prosper, both morally and financially."
Hearing that was the first time since the initial attack in the Wizengamot chamber Cornelius' mouth didn't taste of ashes. He was no Nero, Cornelius couldn't play the fiddle, but could easily imagine the country he currently led being burned to the ground. Anarchy would reign if the country fell into that state, and Cornelius also knew who the people would blame for it. In any choice where it was saving his own skin by sacrificing someone else's, there wasn't really a decision for the current Minister of Magic to make. He would sacrifice a hundred Death Eaters to save his own skin. Remaining Minister of Magic while doing so was a preferred option for Cornelius too.
He agreed both witches should do anything and everything possible to convince Lords Potter and Black that the country could and should be saved. As they left to do so, his gaze then locked upon his Undersecretary.
The door had barely closed when the Minister tore her a new one. There was real grit in his voice as Cornelius viciously turned on Dolores. "You couldn't leave it alone, could you? If I can figure out who was ultimately responsible for this fiasco we find ourselves embroiled in, how long will it take some others to reach the same conclusions? There's bound to be people you spoke with about this matter who didn't end up on the chamber floor today. You, better than anyone, know that information will get out. You'll also know your life will be forfeit when certain interested parties hear of it."
Since every word Cornelius said was true, tears started to roll down her cheeks as Dolores nodded in agreement.
"You understand I can't protect you from them, but Dumbledore might be able to. I would suggest you head for Hogwarts tonight. When Albus recovers, he's going to be busy with the Wizengamot. Hogwarts will need her new Deputy to run things, especially with the extra work the tournament will demand. I'll release you from your duties here, Hogwarts need is greater than ours at the moment. That actually sounds good and will be the line I feed the press. With everything that's happening at the moment, your move to Hogwarts will hardly rate a mention. The castle will protect you, and my advice would be to stay inside its walls until at least next summer."
She finished her brandy and rose to leave. Cornelius though had one last bit of advice for her. "I know you and Albus have plans for Potter, I would advise you to forget about them. You only have to look at today to see how wrong plans can go, or how powerful Potter and his cohorts are becoming."
Dolores stopped for a moment, not sure what was being said here. Cornelius spelled it out in very simple terms.
"That group killed four wizards today, saw another four handed death sentences and also managed to stun you, Dumbledore and the imperiused wizard who attacked Black. That's not a group you want to mess with. It wont have escaped your notice either that Augusta and Amelia are also firmly in their camp. I also received a letter from my contact at the Daily Prophet, B & P Holdings own sixty-one percent of their stock. With the Quibbler already printing Potter exclusive after exclusive, this is a fight we can't win at any level."
Again a beaten Dolores only nodded her agreement before Cornelius for all intents and purposes disowned his Undersecretary.
"Anything you do at Hogwarts, it stays at Hogwarts. Barty will be the Ministerial lead for the tournament, you will coordinate the Hogwarts side of things. Do you understand?"
Cornelius was the only person Dolores knew who possessed self-preservation instincts that were better than hers. Her career at the Ministry was now over, Dolores would be dead within a matter of weeks if she stayed. She needed Hogwarts' and Dumbledore's protection, but both people currently inside the Minister's office knew that protection would come at a price. Dumbledore would manipulate her to do his bidding, and Dolores was all out of options. Cornelius was simply building a firewall between himself and those manipulations, whatever they may be. Dolores still had tears in her eyes as she left the Minister's office, that it was possibly the last time she would set foot in this centre of power was the cause of those tears.
-oOoOo-
Hermione woke to Harry gently playing with her hair. "How are you feeling?" Was the first words out of his mouth.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"I'll be fine. Poppy might even let me attend my party for an hour, providing this arm and shoulder are immobilised. You had a much tougher day than me. it's better to talk about it - you taught me that."
"I feel as if there are thousands of tiny spiders running over every inch of my skin. I so want to scratch, but there's nothing there for me to scratch at."
"It's the excess magic in your body at the moment. It'll settle down after a good night's sleep."
Yawning, Hermione hoped he was right. "I don't suppose my little nap is going to cut it, though I do feel better for it."
She straightened her back to try and get the kinks out. Hermione had been sitting beside Harry's bed when she'd apparently fallen asleep. She really wanted to climb on that bed and cuddle into her betrothed. That wasn't possible at the moment because the space usually reserved exclusively for her was currently occupied by another sleeping witch.
Joan had reluctantly released her grip on Harry as Poppy treated him. Clinging onto Hermione though only lasted until Poppy was finished, and Harry was made comfortable. Harry simply lifted his good arm and Joan had been in there like a shot, snuggling in and reassuring herself that Harry was indeed alright. Joan had exhausted herself crying and soon settled into sleep, though never releasing her grip on Harry. This left Hermione no other option but to sit at his bedside, Harry's other arm and shoulder needing time to heal.
Hermione was now running her fingers through Joan's hair as they stopped verbalising their conversation. The last thing they needed was Joan to wake and hear any of it.
'What are we going to do about her? I don't think I can watch her heading back to that orphanage."
'How can someone that small hold so much love in her heart, and have such a big personality? We both know what it would do to us to see Joan leave, but what would it do to her?'
A shudder ran through Hermione at the very thought of that. 'What are our options?'
'I think we need to talk to your mum and dad first. As Lord Potter, I can easily bring her into our family. She can be a Potter and, should the worst happen, inherit everything. We need your mum and dad on board though because, if that happened, they would need to step in and take care of Joan.'
'What are we looking at here, Harry? Being parents, elder siblings, crazy uncle and aunt?'
Harry could only smile, loving Hermione's practical side. 'Why choose, We can be whatever the situation needs us to be - whatever Joan needs or wants us to be.'
A kiss from Hermione sealed the deal. As long as they agreed Joan needed to remain a part of their lives, and the little witch herself wanted that too, the rest was merely details and paperwork.
When Poppy brought Amelia and Augusta into the room, Harry thought the chances of him making his party tonight just increased. If Poppy thought he was fit enough to deal with this, she would surely grant his release for an hour to make an appearance. They'd heard from Remus earlier that all the orphans had copied Joan's idea and Harry now had quite a pile of homemade cards waiting on him. There was no way those kids would be getting a disappointment today, not if Harry could help it.
-oOoOo-
The healers at St Mungo's decided that, due to his advanced years, it would be better for Dumbledore to wake naturally from the multiple stunners he'd been cursed with. As he awoke in a strange bed, seeing the sun beginning to rise through the window, it took a moment for Albus to realise this was a different day too. His memory of how he got here was rather fractured, and his body felt as if it had suffered more than a few fractures along its length too.
Rather stiffly, Albus struggled before eventually managing to sit up and help himself to some water that was conveniently placed on his bedside cabinet. Catching the headline in the Daily Prophet brought his memories back into sharp focus again, and the water he was drinking back up through his nose as Albus discovered trying to yell while drinking was not a good idea.
The senior healer rushed in to find a choking Albus hanging half out his bed as he struggled for air. Noticing the Daily Prophet, and rightly associating that with the case of his patient's current distress, the healer was livid. "You shouldn't be concerning yourself about things like this at the moment, we need to concentrate on getting you well again first."
As Albus tried to protest, the healer was making him drink a calming potion. That there was a mild sleeping potion mixed in there as well soon saw a docile Albus nodding back off.
Finally happy that his patient was once more resting peacefully, the healer then headed out to chew the head off whoever had left that newspaper that so upset this elderly wizard who was recovering from such trauma. Albus Dumbledore was one of the most respected, and highest profile wizards in their society.
His care in St Mungo's couldn't be anything less than exceptional, even if the patient had to be protected from himself. Dumbledore would leave St Mungo's only when the healer thought he had recovered enough to do so.
The senior healer tried to tell himself that the family he had lost to those murdering bastards who called themselves Death Eaters played no part in holding the one wizard who could deny justice being served in bed for a few days, his wry smile however betrayed his true thoughts.
-oOoOo-
Severus too almost choked on his breakfast after the Daily Prophet was delivered. Reading the part about further named Death Eaters already being arrested and questioned today under truth serum had Cissi asking the all-important question.
"If they question you, will you survive it?"
Thinking back to the part he played in the Potters being targeted by the Dark Lord, Severus knew there would be no forgiving that. He hadn't forgiven himself of that mistake.
"Not if they ask the right questions, and not without Dumbledore in that chamber."
This appeared to make Cissi's mind up. 'Right, we'll get married today. Your Great-Aunt can blood adopt Draco after that. You'll stand a better chance in the chamber as a married man with a family. Both of us being Hogwarts professors will help too. We don't have the gold to buy anyone off for this so will just have to do everything within our power to show you as an upstanding citizen of magical Britain."
"You still want to get married?"
"Of course I do. I think we could all have a good life together, something that has been denied all of us. Being pulled into this is nothing to do with you, and in no way goes against the agreement we reached. We may have to revisit that agreement, Dumbledore will surely demand something for any support he gives, but I think this is our best hope for keeping you out of Azkaban. We're only moving the day up by a few weeks anyway."
Severus was then treated to the sight of his future wife taking command, and left in no doubt that they would be getting married today.
-oOoOo-
After speaking with the others involved, they knew it was time to talk with the main person. They enjoyed a good breakfast before the three of them needed privacy, and soon found themselves sitting on Harry's bed. Sensing something important had changed, tears were already involuntary escaping from the four year old's beautiful blue eyes.
"Is it time for me to go back to the orphanage? I knew it had to come. I just didn't want to think about it. Things were so great here, I never wanted them to end."
A smiling Harry was wiping her tears away. "What if it didn't have to end?"
That of course was Joan's dream. Having thought of little else, she already understood all the problems that would need to be overcome to make her dream a reality. "How can we do that? You and Hermione aren't old enough. You're also not married. The orphanage has very strict rules for people adopting."
Hermione was then cuddling the puzzled child. "Harry and I would get married tomorrow, if we needed to do so to keep you with us."
"I want to adopt you into House Potter, meaning you would be my magical ward. Hermione and I will get married someday, and you will be there to see it when we do. When we go to the institute things will be much the same as they are now - except Hermione and I need to attend classes. You will be staying with Dan and Emma in their professor's apartment, though we will still see each other every single day before and after classes. We want you to be a part of our family, and think this is the best way to do it. We spoke to Jillian and she has already agreed with the arrangements we just suggested. It's now up to you. Is this something you want to happen?"
The sound that escaped from that little body reminded both teens of a wounded animal's cry of pain. Joan was clinging to both of them as she sobbed her little heart out. The noise immediately attracted Dan and Emma, both of whom had been waiting to celebrate the new addition to their family. Dobby soon appeared with Poppy in tow.
While waving her wand over the child, she listened as the two teens brought her up to date with exactly what had happened here. Her diagnosis was Joan appeared to be in some kind of shock, and administered a teaspoon of calming potion to the four year old witch.
"The poor wee dear. Everyone could see she was hoping his would happen. Getting her wish was just a bit much for her at the moment. Joan should be fine in a few hours, and be back to bouncing off the walls with happiness by tomorrow."
As Joan began to settle, her sobs and cries became decipherable. It was only one word but, to all present, it was a very important one. As exhaustion and the potion claimed Joan, she was now clearly chanting 'yes' between sobs. Since she hadn't released her grip on either of the teens, there was absolutely no doubts what Joan was actually saying yes to.
Hermione kissed the top of Joan's head before manoeuvring on Harry's bed until she was sitting with her back against the headboard with a sleepy Joan resting on her lap. Joan may be sleepy but she also still had a grip on Harry while chanting yes.
As Hermione stroked the child's hair, she had an idea. "Harry, our new librarian and potions professor both have young children. Could we fit a staff creche or primary class into the Institute?"
Emma loved that idea, and had more to add. "Pomona just appointed a language professor. She's the same as Dan and I, though married to a muggle-born wizard, and has two magical children. It would also be a tremendous advantage when recruiting further staff. Free childcare would be a massive selling point to those with young children."
Dan was nodding in agreement with his wife. "It's something we should have thought of, and by 'we' I don't mean you two. You have appointed managers and we should have seen this was something that would be advantageous to the institute, providing we can afford it."
Harry let a giggling Hermione answer that one. "Trust us, Dad. The Institute can afford it. I know the Headmistress still has a couple of positions to fill, and this will certainly help. It will also give Joan children her own age to play and learn with. Do you want to take this idea to her, it's still Headmistress Sprout's decision to make. I think we're going to be tied up until Joan recovers from her nap."
Emma had another thought that should help sell the idea to Pomona. "When the parents visitor program kicks off, they could then bring any younger children with them and have them cared for during the day."
None of them thought there would be any problems selling this idea to Pomona. The only downside for the Headmistress was adding at least one more member of staff to her list for recruitment.
-oOoOo-
Amelia had just read Sirius and Harry's response to the trials, their joint statement was immediately and unanimously accepted by a now almost joyous Wizengamot. Both she and Augusta felt more than a touch of despair at how well a teenage wizard, who just turned fourteen yesterday, could read the British wizarding public and politicians. Remembering his bitter words from last night as he so accurately predicted this outcome from his hospital bed.
-o- flashback -o-
"Of course they'll accept our offer of a three months grace period. These are the same people who sat back and let these atrocities be carried out in the first place. Providing it wasn't directly affecting them, they could easily turn a blind eye to just about anything. Here, all we are asking is that the guilty don't escape the punishment their own laws say they deserve. Since none of the guilty can offer them more gold than they would lose if Sirius and I follow through with our threat, you better believe they'll go along with continuing the trials."
Shaking his head in disappointment, Harry didn't have anything complimentary to say about the Ministry of Magic or the Wizengamot. "Everyone seems to be out for whatever they can get for themselves, and simply don't understand any other point of view. They think Sirius is nuts because he's spending a vast amount of gold on orphans, and can't see what he's going to get out of it."
Lying in bed injured while a sleeping Joan still clung to him, Harry's entire demeanour pointed out exactly who he thought was nuts.
"They probably think the same of me, and us building the Potter Institute. Don't they know Tom Riddle was raised in an orphanage, and then attended Hogwarts for seven years? I guarantee you any child that goes through the Black orphanage, and then attends the Potter Institute, will never become a Dark Lord or Lady. Both Sirius and I intend to show these kids that there are so many other ways to make your mark in the world without ever having to resort to heading down a dark path."
Augusta and Amelia were utterly shocked to hear the current situation referred to in those terms. Worst still, they couldn't refute a word Harry said.
"Think of the lives lost and ruined by the last two Dark Lords, the devastation they wrought all over Britain. Now compare that to the gold Sirius and I are spending and I think you'll agree, it's a piddling amount if we achieve that outcome. If a little gold can give children like Joan the chance of a better life, how can you possibly put a price tag on that? Whatever the final bill, it's one we'll gladly pay."
Both witches later got to witness Harry's genuine joy as all the orphans staying with Harry each queued to hand-deliver cards they'd made themselves. He was one of the most famous wizards in Europe, rich too, yet it was easy to see how much he enjoyed these simple gifts. His present from Joan almost reduced Harry to tears, with only his injured arm stopping him scooping up the girl and giving Joan the hug she deserved. Hermione wasn't injured though and was certainly an able deputy for her betrothed in this matter.
-o- flashback -o-
Yes they were witnessing history being made in the Wizengamot chamber. While they could only applaud the stand the chamber was eventually taking, both witches would have felt a lot better if they didn't feel the members were only finally facing up to their responsibilities because Sirius and Harry had practically blackmailed them into taking such a firm stance.
Neither Amelia nor Augusta had any idea how long this new stance would continue for. Both were determined to push for as much as possible while it lasted. When Amelia made a proposal concerning Azkaban, Augusta was in like a shot to second something that had always rankled with her. Augusta decided there was nothing wrong with a little self-interest voting, if this motion could finally see justice done for her family.
-oOoOo-
Lying on what passed for a bed in Azkaban, a slab of stone with a thin straw mattress, Bellatrix was instantly awake before her cell door had opened more than a couple of inches. She didn't move a muscle though, nor open her eyes. Her nose recognised the cheap aftershave while her ears plotted every move Casanova Carrick made while entering her cell.
She would play the demure princess and help fulfil the rapist bastard's fantasy. Bella would play her part well, right up until it was time to strike.
Moving as stealthily as he possibly could, Donald was pleased he made his way into the cell and was now kneeling over his princess without even waking her. She was laying on her side, facing away from him, as Donald began to savour what he was sure would be one of the greatest nights of his life. The infamous Bellatrix Lestrange had slowly been bent to his will, and now he would claim his prize. Running his fingers gently through her hair, Donald leaned over and whispered in her ear.
"Princess, it's time."
Seeing her eyes spring open, but Bella not moving an inch, Donald took this as the witch accepting the inevitable. He couldn't hold back his smile.
"I'm taking a terrible risk tonight but we're all out of time. All convicted Death Eaters are being called before the Wizengamot to be questioned under truth serum. They started with those that had escaped trials and, so far, every one of them has been sentenced to pass through the veil."
Donald could feel Bella trembling at that news and scooped her to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "shhh Princess, don't you worry. Donald will take all your troubles away, at least for tonight. If this is your last night on this earth, we might as well enjoy it."
He thought his approach was working as Bella's arms slowly wrapped around him, and Donald's hands started to do some exploring of his own. As Bella started planting gentle kisses on his neck in appreciation of his skills, Carrick was convinced beyond any doubt this was going to be his best conquest ever.
As Bella honed in on exactly what she was searching for, her arms slowly tightened their grip on the gullible guard. She struck as swiftly as any snake, sinking her teeth with all the force the desperate witch possessed into the jugular her lips had previously pinpointed.
Pain and panic hit Donald in equal yet massive measures. He was on his knees, wedged between the bed block and the other wall of the cell, and this she-wolf was inside his guard. Bella was hanging on to him for dear life while gnawing on his neck like some rabid wild animal. Due to their immense difference in body mass, Donald had never envisaged this little slip of a witch could cause him any trouble in a physical capacity yet, here he was, reduced to flailing his arms at her back as his only method of fighting back. The silencing charms he'd erected before entering were now working against him too, his loud screams were only being heard by the crazy witch trying to chew through his neck.
Bella knew if Carrick gained his feet, she wouldn't last thirty seconds. She was desperately holding on, trying to prevent him being able to stand as her jaws attempted to do their deadly work. Her mouth was full of his blood but it wasn't spurting yet. Both understood the next minute or so would determine the outcome of this struggle.
Donald attempted the only move he had left. With superhuman effort, he threw himself sideways along the cell - dragging a still attached Bella with him. The back of his head smacked against the stone floor, but then so did Bella's forehead. With his lower legs now under him, Donald thrashed his body to try and turn over. He needed to get on top of this bitch and then he'd show her a thing or two…
Donald thought he was still thrashing but couldn't be sure any longer. His sight was also going black around the edges as he swiftly lost the internal battle to remain conscious.
Bella thought she was going to fail, until Carrick started to thrash about. His movement, combined with her teeth trying to rip in the opposite direction, was the deciding factor in finally rupturing his jugular. The instant Bella detected the first spurt, it acted almost like a pepper-up potion. She redoubled her attack and soon had ripped a gash that, even if there had been a healer in the cell with them, Bella doubted if this prick's life could have been saved.
Pushing away, she dragged her tired body until she was sitting leaning against the cell door. Bella had no idea how long she sat there, trying to get her body back under control. Puking up all the blood she'd swallowed over Carrick, there really wasn't anywhere else to do it in her tiny cell, left her feeling a bit better. During their brief struggle, Bella hadn't felt the blows he'd landed. Now they, the effort she'd expended and banging her head on the floor were all taking their cumulative toll.
To sit here though was to die, and Carrick's information tonight changed everything. Bella started cackling with uncontrollable laughter at this prick's ego.
"You're going to die tomorrow but don't worry, I'm going to give you the best night of your life. How was it for you, Donnie boy? I'll bet that wasn't how you expected to spurt in my mouth?"
As Bella laughed hysterically at her own joke, she moved to begin searching Donald for the precious items she needed to get her arse out of this shithole.
Had Donald seen this version of Bella, covered in blood that was still warm and cackling like the mad witch she was, he wouldn't have come within a hundred miles of Azkaban - far less voluntarily walked into her cell as a lamb to the slaughter. Like so many people however, Donald's first sight of true evil was also his last.
-oOoOo-
When she'd woken, Joan was worried her earlier display would see Harry and Hermione changing their minds. Discovering nothing could be further from the truth made her the happiest little girl on the planet.
One of the first things she asked was what to call everyone, Emma was quickest to answer.
"You can call me Emma. I'm far too young to be a grandmother."
Hermione was reminded of the last time her mother had uttered those sentiments, back in the Ambrosia restaurant. It was a sign of how far they'd all come however that this time the words were clearly said in jest - and Emma's arms were wide open while waiting to hug a happy Joan. True to Poppy's prediction, Joan happily bounced right into those waiting arms.
"Old sourpuss Dan here you can call gramps if you want…" Dan's pretend indignation at that saw both Emma and Joan rolling with laughter.
It was then Hermione's turn to answer. "Sweetie, you can call us whatever you want. It's whatever you feel comfortable with. You already have your own room here, and will have another room in mum and dad's apartment when we're at the Institute. As long as you're happy staying with us, everything else can sort itself out when needed."
The joy was simply oozing out of the little witch but Hermione also noticed Joan's nose twitch, the telltale sign something was bothering their new family member.
Joan was now sitting with Harry so he asked what was troubling her.
"It's nothing, not really. When you get left at the orphanage, it's sometimes hard to tell exactly how old those being dumped there are. The orphanage just counts the day you arrived as your birthday." Joan's blushing let them know they were about to hear exactly what was bothering her. "I was wondering if I could change my birthday to the day I become a Potter? I'd much rather think of that day as being special."
Looking directly into those pleading eyes, there was no way Harry was going to refuse. That the entire family apparently thought it was a brilliant idea too sealed the deal.
"When we get all the paperwork done and you're legally Joan Potter, I think that day should be celebrated every year anyway. We could make it like you have two birthdays?"
While beaming out a megawatt smile, Joan was still shaking her head at Harry's suggestion. "That would be greedy. I only want one birthday, Joan Potter's birthday."
Kissing the top of her head, Harry asked Hermione how they got so lucky and found the most perfect little girl. It was only after Joan whispered back that she was the lucky one did Harry realised he'd spoken out loud to his betrothed.
Looking around the room at their family, both teens knew who the lucky ones were.
-oOoOo-
Family was also on Bella's mind as she exited her cell. She headed straight for the one belonging to her husband. "Roddie, darling, it's me."
Rodolphus was at the tiny window in his cell door instantly. The poor light might make determining exactly what the substance his wife appeared covered in was, but the smell told its own story. Bella had bathed in someone's blood, and now held their wand in her hand.
"Don't tarry dear, get out of here before you're discovered. Come back with our master and free all of us."
"I'm sorry, Roddie, but that plan has to change. Lover boy told me the Wizengamot has been rounding up Death Eaters and questioning them with truth serum. Every single one of them has been sentenced to the Veil of Death."
The sneer Rodolphus greeted that news with was almost celebratory. "Serves the cowardly bastards right, for renouncing our master."
"I know, Roddie, but they're coming for us next. I can't leave here knowing you and Rabastan will be dead before we would get a chance to rescue you."
That did indeed change things. Rodolphus though gave the only answer he could. "I would rather walk through the veil with my head held high than fall prey to the dementors. That's what would happen if I stepped outside this cell without a protection disk. You have to go, dear."
"Roddie, darling. There are other guards. Each of those guards has a wand, and a protection disk…"
Rodolphus pushed his face as far into the bars as he could, allowing him and Bella to share their first kiss in over a decade. That he could taste the guard's blood on her lips mattered not a jot. Bella then stepped back and was swallowed up by the darkness. Tonight, something more terrifying and even deadlier than the dementors stalked the corridors of Azkaban.