Chapter 20 - Making the Right Call
Jock Tamson limped his way along the dark corridor, deliberately forgoing the aid of a lumos charm. Jock knew there were dementors on patrol, and that his medallion bestowed total protection from the soul-sucking monsters on the wearer, therefore he had no wish to cast a charm that lit the corridor and allowed him see the vile creatures floating past. Why invite real nightmares into your life when you didn't have to? Out of sight was out of mind as far as Jock was concerned. The person he was looking for would certainly have his wand lit, making it easier to locate him from his own self imposed blackout. That prick Carrick - for all of his bravado and boastfulness - was afraid of the dark.
After four and a half years of serving as a guard in Azkaban, Jock was well used to this somewhat unusual working environment. He'd volunteered to go looking for Donald when the Minister's nephew had missed his check-in - not from any sense of suck-up, friendship or duty - but simply because Jock was crap at playing cards. The stakes may only be a few knuts but, when you lost almost every hand, the amount of cash he continually pushed across the table towards Billy or Martin soon began to accumulate.
His limp didn't slow him down too much, though certainly enough to see Jock being forced to change his career path from auror to prison guard. He could certainly spin a good story to the ladies about how getting injured in the line of duty ended Jock's glory days as an auror. He'd told so many different variations of the pivotal incident in his life that the truth - getting his knee accidentally blasted to pieces during his auror training - was almost completely forgotten.
That one incident had painfully and graphically illustrated to Jock that being an auror was not a future he should continue coveting, even if he physically still could. Instead he had gratefully accepted the Ministry's apologies, a small monetary compensation, and their offer of alternative employment. Whilst not everyone's idea of a dream job, Jock was certain this was a far safer occupation than being an auror. Jock was also certain that he'd found a job for life in Azkaban, something quite hard to come by in these unprecedented times of change.
A curse shooting out of the darkness slammed into Jock before he even had time to think about reacting, far less actually do anything. His last thoughts as he lay dying in the dark corridor were that at least he'd been partially correct. This had been a job for life, albeit a much shorter lifespan than he'd ever imagined. Nimble fingers soon had Jock's wand fished from his pocket. He was thankfully dead by the time his now bloody protection medallion was removed. Being deceased, the dementors would simply ignore his body.
Hearing the door open behind him, Billy threw his cards on the table - conceding this hand to Martin. "I'm glad you're both back..." A curse blasting a hole you could put your hand - still holding cards too - through in Martin's chest had Billy spinning around in his chair to see who the hell had just slaughtered his fellow guard. An astonished Billy found himself facing Death.
Bellatrix LeStrange standing there with a wand in her hand basically amounted to the same thing, and Bella almost instantly proved to the now terrified Azkaban guard that she was more than capable of living up to his rather morbid but totally accurate assessment of the situation.
-oOoOo-
Rodolphus greedily snatched at the medallion his wife passed through the bars of the cell door window. Just touching the wondrous object provided instantaneous relief from the soul-suckerers. He gazed adoringly through the tiny opening at his wonderful wife, only for her to once more blow his mind by offering three wands for him to choose the best match from.
Wearing the protection medallion and having a wand in his hand, Rodolphus stood taller than he had in years. Feeling like a wizard once more, he cast his first spell in over a decade. It might only be a simple unlocking charm but the loud click emitted from the mechanism was one of the sweetest sounds he'd ever heard. Rodolphus stepped from his cell to find his wife wrapped in the arms of another wizard, he instantly joined the family reunion.
This incredible night just got better for Rabastan when his brother offered him a pair of wands to choose from. Bella had one last surprise for her brother-in-law though.
"I have another medallion here too, just in case you had anyone in mind to escape with us tonight?"
Taking the offered medallion with all the respect and reverence he could muster, Rabasten left the couple to arrange one more romantic reunion tonight. They were still wrapped around each other when Rabasten returned, dragging a totally shocked Augustus Rookwood with him.
"Right you two, time for that later. What's the plan?"
"Get the fuck out of this place!" Was the instant answer from his brother.
Augustus finally found his voice. "That's all you got?"
He immediately found himself with a face full of angry witch. "Just because you play 'hide the sausage' with Rabastan doesn't give you the right to criticise us. We just got your arse out of a cell, a little fucking gratitude would be appreciated..."
"Oh I more than appreciate this. Even the chance to die with a wand in my hand once again is more than I thought would ever be possible. I was just going to offer a suggestion that might see us not only 'get the fuck out of this place' but possibly gain at least a few days lead on any search party." With all three LeStranges now giving him their full attention, the former unspeakable laid out his plan.
"I think it's a pretty safe assumption that the guards you took medallions and wands from will have no more need of them - but we could still find a use for the guards. Lock their bodies in our cells, it will then take days to work out that we've escaped."
Bella was not impressed. "The people that guard Azkaban aren't the brightest, but I'm pretty fucking sure they'll be able to tell the difference between Carrick and me..."
An unconcerned Augustus gave Bella the information she was missing. "Not by the time our fiendfyre has run its course."
Rabastan put his arm around Augustus's shoulders. "I don't think any of us are fit enough right now to control that spell after it's been cast."
"Who said anything about controlling it?"
Roddie began stating the obvious before cottoning on to Augustus's idea. "We'd burn the whole prison down... keeping the aurors busy for days. It would raise the alarm quicker though."
"Yes, but their first priorities will be fighting the fire and trying to rescue prisoners. Not searching for possible escapees. I'll torch this wing, Rabastan can target the admin and Governor's quarters while you hit the barracks. Bella's easily the best at transfiguration amongst us, we'll need her skills to produce boats that will get us out of here."
There was no argument amongst them, Bella simply announced she would take them to where the bodies were. After placing them in the three empty cells, and locking the doors, Augustus counted slowly - trying to judge how long it would take the brothers to reach their targets. Eventually he drew a deep breath, held it, and then released the curse that just condemned every prisoner in the section to a horrible and violent death. He had no time to consider that at the moment, however the screams coming from behind did lend speed to the former unspeakable as he raced towards their meeting point.
Bella had conjured a pair of two person canoes, and four paddles. It proved quite easy to see the three wizards rushing towards her, the fierce flames from the prison were backlighting them brilliantly. She didn't need to ask if they were successful, even the roar of the flames couldn't drone out every alarm on the island screaming out at full blast. Rather than waiting to greet the three wizards, Bella just climbed into the canoe before Robbie pushed them off and jumped in behind her.
Augustus proved to be amazingly accurate, they slipped away from Azkaban - with any and all attention focused on the burning prison behind them. Once outside the wards, the wands they all had would allow them to apparate if discovered. That option was for emergencies only though, as they hoped to make landfall before doing so - making it so much harder for the Ministry to track them.
-oOoOo-
Severus felt like a doomed early Christian, about to be fed to the lions at ancient Rome's Colosseum, except he had no semblance of faith to offer him any crumb of comfort.
He had faith in the witch beside him however and, as Narcissa had been spending her nights with him, she offered Severus the kind of comfort he'd previously only dreamt of. When they'd discovered today was the earliest they could marry, due to the upheaval in the Ministry from all the Death Eater trials, Narcissa had decided not to wait until they were married - ending any speculation this was merely a business arrangement for her on their first night together.
Draco was at his other side as they headed toward the phone box entrance to the Ministry of Magic, the trio trying to attract as little attention as possible. Severus and Narcissa pinned their badges that proclaimed 'to be Wed' on them, while Draco appeared really pleased that his announced to anyone who read it that he was 'best wizard'.
All were on edge but found the Ministry strangely quiet, the wizard who weighed their wands mumbled something about 'trouble at Azkaban'. Even standing while the Ministry official performed the binding ceremony, Severus kept waiting on a hand settling on his shoulder to lead him away for a trial. Only after stepping into the Ministry floo, taking the new family to see his great Aunt, did Severus begin to relax. The plan was for Draco to stay with Ophelia for a few days, and also be blood adopted into the house of Prince, while his mother - and new father - spent those same few days in Paris on honeymoon.
Should the Ministry come looking for Severus while he was out of the country, he now had a perfectly legitimate excuse for being abroad. Just how desperate they were to get their hands on him would certainly influence the possibility of the couple not returning. They would be out of the country before the Azkaban story broke in the press.
-oOoOo-
Albus also found himself getting out, escaping his own personal Azkaban. It took all of his skill, and many years of experience in politics, to keep a calm external demeanour as he thanked the staff of St Mungo's for all their excellent care during his stay. He really wanted to rant, rage and throw ridiculous amounts of Magic about but knew that having a tantrum would be used as a sign he was not yet ready to be discharged from hospital - so Albus played their game.
Back in his office at Hogwarts, the magnitude and sheer obscenity of the profanities Albus spouted at an absurd volume saw some of the former heads' portraits blushing - and more than a few leaving their frames in disgust. It also alerted his new Deputy Headmistress to Albus's return.
Sitting listening as Dolores brought Albus up to date with what had been happening in the Wizengamot during his absence saw Albus reach for the firewhisky - lemon drops just weren't enough to cope with a shock of this magnitude. She had kept all the copies of the Daily Prophet he had missed, and Albus could clearly see the Ministry's actions had the unequivocal backing of the press - and therefore the wizarding public.
This startling revelation led to Albus refilling his now empty tumbler with more of the fiery liquid. The solution the Ministry was undertaking was final, there was simply no redemption possible for anyone pushed through the veil, no way to ever bring them back to life - far less the light.
Albus certainly never doubted his ability to bring public opinion around to where he wanted it, but any action of his to achieve this would take planning and time. Time though was a luxury he didn't possess with this particular situation. Going by the rate at which things were proceeding, every single Death Eater would be wiped out before Albus could even offer life in Azkaban as a suitable alternative to the veil. He too was currently unaware that Azkaban had been so damaged, it would never again be an option - unless totally rebuilt.
It didn't take a genius to work out exactly who was behind all of this mayhem, his picture and name had been plastered all over multiple back-issues of the Prophet.
"Dolores, we need to get Harry Potter back in Britain - and under my mentorship once more."
Dolores well remembered the Minister's last words of warning to her while leaving Cornelius's office, but also understood her predicament here. She had to stay in the castle under Dumbledore's protection so really had no other option but to pay whatever price he demanded. It didn't really matter how Dumbledore phrased his request, Dolores knew it was an order - one she simply had to obey.
"You know I'll help you anyway I can, Albus."
Hearing that Severus had not only so far avoided the Ministry purge, but was currently out of the country after getting married, was the only bit of good news Albus had heard all day. Knowing he could count on Severus for any action he took against Potter, Albus was now thinking he should be able to rope Narcissa Snape into his plans too. Surrounded once more with people loyal to his cause, Albus could accept these current setbacks - knowing he must eventually win against a mere boy. Even the Boy-Who-Lived couldn't hope to compete, far less defeat, Albus Dumbledore.
-oOoOo-
Pomona remembered experiencing a touch of anger and exasperation when Harry had handed over the organising of this event to the Grangers. Those feelings had vanished within minutes as Harry then explained exactly what he wanted done. All Pomona felt now was gratitude to the former dentists as the event that decided whether their school would have any students this September unfolded in front of her.
They were currently in a Muggle hotel's massive conference suite, with most of the Muggle families having stayed in the same hotel last night. She was sitting at a table facing their rapidly growing invited audience as they were being seated, waiting to play her part in the Potter Institute's sales pitch. She would be joined at the top table by Harry, Dan and Minerva.
They were all astonished, and rather pleased, to discover that Hogwarts had yet to approach any muggleborn who should have made up part of this year's intake of students. Minerva also reported that being able to offer these parents a meeting, with others who found themselves in the same position as they were - with all expenses paid for said meeting too - could be an incredibly successful strategy for coaxing these and future parents to choose their Institute. This could be especially true, since their opposition hadn't even bothered to approach these families yet. With Dolores Umbridge now Deputy at Hogwarts though, more than a few of the Institute's staff thought this horrendous oversight might actually have been a deliberate ploy on her part. They weren't to know Dolores had no intention of putting her life at risk by leaving the castle, purely to try and entice some muggleborn to attend Hogwarts.
Hermione, Neville and Luna were all circulating amongst the families, and easily spotted since they were wearing the Institute's newly designed sky blue robes. All their friends had offered to come and show their support too, but it was thought better not to overwhelm their invited guests with a sea of light blue robes. Xeno was here, covering the event for the Quibbler, and Augusta to offer her support with the old pure blood families - hence Luna and Neville tagging along as well.
Dan had his laptop connected to a projector that had a welcome image on a large screen to greet those who entered the room. Noticing their guests reaction to this left Harry knowing his opening remarks needed to be as strong as they'd written them. With Hermione in his head, and Joan waving at him from Emma's side, a smiling and confident Harry got proceedings underway.
"Thank you everyone for turning up here today, I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say this meeting could be life changing for everyone in this room. The image you see behind me is the newly built Potter Institute and, for those of you who don't know me, I'm Harry Potter..."
This drew some laughter from the witches and wizards in the audience, while the others stared at the young boy in the fancy dress robes. Harry understood he needed to capture all of his audience so set about doing so.
"A lot of people in this room think they know me, there have even been books written about me - all rubbish. I discovered I was a wizard on my eleventh birthday. My parents had been murdered when I was just over a year old, and I was raised by my non-magical aunt and her family. For those non-magical here today, I fully understand what you're feeling now. At eleven, I was told I was a wizard, put on a train to a castle in Scotland and faced the biggest culture shock of my life. That was only three years ago, and in those years I witnessed and faced so much bigotry that I have now left Hogwarts - and Britain too."
Harry stopped to take a sip of water, and let his last sentence sink in.
"To some sitting here, that reaction might seem a bit extreme. Here's the thing though, due to this bigotry I'm the last of my family. Inside Hogwarts, my life had been put at risk on multiple occasions so this move was motivated by one of our strongest instincts - survival. My original intention was to leave Hogwarts and hire tutors for me and a few friends - but that didn't do anything for those left behind. Thus, over many discussions with people I trust, the idea of building what has since become the Potter Institute was born. Now, that might seem even more extreme but Potters don't do sulking and hiding well - those tactics cost my patents their lives."
When moving on to talk about the Institute, gone was any sense of bitterness or anger. Harry's voice now projected nothing but confidence and delight. "Instead, my peers in this room are being invited to attend a school where bigotry won't be tolerated. Every single student will start on an equal footing in every way possible - with the same equipment, books, brooms, robes and wands too being provided by the Institute. Absolutely no exceptions will be made, even for me. The Institute's students will also sit the higher standard European exams, and pay less fees than Hogwarts - with no discrepancies in fees based on who your family are either. Headmistress Sprout is used to treating me like a student, and that will continue from the first of September until I graduate."
Stopping for another sip of water, Harry then began to wind up his part of today. "I'm glad to see everyone still sitting here. I found parts of that hard to say, for a number of reasons, so I can't imagine it was easy to listen to. Our intention is to sit at the end of these proceedings and answer all of your questions - as long as those questions are about attending the Potter Institute. We are also planning an overnight stay at the Institute for all our potential new first years, and their families, and are hoping to make this an annual event. This visit will include a tour of the entire school, and of course provide another opportunity to ask lots more questions before having to make a decision."
Looking around, Harry saw that was well received so expected the next bit of news would be too.
"We are also planning to start family visits for all our students families while the Institute is in session. Professor McGonagall will announce blocks of time on each session, with priority being given to those families trying to be together to celebrate special occasions - like birthdays and such. I'll now hand you over to our Headmistress, and our Herbology Professor, Pomona Sprout."
It was a relieved Harry who sat down and, like everyone else, enjoyed the rest of today's presentation. Pomona explained the academic side of the Institute, including the reasons behind currently restricting their upper limits to fourth year students, and accepting the higher graded exams. Dan was using his laptop to place slides on the screen that had been produced to help Pomona make her points. Pictures of the new Institute were also liberally sprinkled amongst the drier educational figures and charts.
Minerva then concentrated more on the students day to day life while attending the Potter Institute, with Dan's pictures of the accommodation, assembly hall, rooftop gardens and pool areas wowing everyone there. Pomona adding a proviso that her herbology classes would be taking a practical approach to growing and planting areas around the Institute that were currently left bare for those very reasons.
As Minerva sat back down, Dan's laptop was now scrolling thorough pictures of the Potter Institute, the muggle and magical shopping districts of Naples - with a few pictures of the orphans and Harry's friends who'd holidayed with him this summer enjoying themselves.
"I'm giving my observations about choosing the Potter Institute from a totally different perspective than the other three people you've just listened to. The images behind me are of course the Potter Institute, and the shopping districts in Naples the students would be able to visit on specific weekends. I took all of those photographs, while I've never seen even a picture of Hogwarts. As a non-magical father of a witch, I have practically no rights in Magical Britain. The last time my wife and I visited Diagon Alley - the London centre of magical commerce - the phrase 'filthy muggle' was shouted at us. Our one and only visit to the Ministry of Magic saw curses and bullets flying, and Harry being seriously injured. In Italy, we have been welcomed with open arms - the magical shops there actually accept credit cards."
Hermione, Emma and Joan were all sitting at the front, and that's where a now emotional Dan headed. Standing beside his family, Dan finished what he wanted to say.
"My daughter is a witch, nothing is going too change that - magic is a fundamental part of who she is. This little one here too is also magical, and both will be attending the Potter Institute - though Joan will be attending preschool classes for a few years yet. My wife and I believe so strongly in this school, we're currently selling our dental practice, have already moved to Italy and will be Professors teaching muggle studies to witches and wizards. If that doesn't tell you the Potter Institute will be different from what you're used to, I don't know what else there is to say."
Dan gave Emma a quick peck on the cheek, hugged Hermione and Joan, before taking up his seat at the top table to wait on the questions that were sure to be asked.
The first came from an angry muggle parent, the young girl snuggling into his side actually appeared frightened. "All I'm hearing here is talk of danger and bigotry. Why the hell should I allow my Natalie to be a part of that?"
Looking down the table, Harry received nods of approval to answer that one.
"Sir, as Dan said, your daughter is a witch. Nothing can change that, and she needs to be trained on how to use her magic properly. Not doing so could be dangerous to both you and her. Yes there are risks - first time flying on a broom, a good friend of mine fell off and broke his wrist. Magic though had his wrist healed before dinner time that same day - and the Potter Institute has it's own fantastic healer and modern infirmary."
Harry then took it further. "You also have my personal guarantee that the goings on in Britain won't get anywhere near your daughter in my school, should she choose to attend. At the Institute, we make the safety of our students our number one priority. All I ask is that you come and visit us, see for yourselves, before making any decision. Natalie will be able to phone home each night after dinner, and at any time during weekends. I would ask the families of all prospective first year students to do the same, wait until you see for yourselves what we're offering."
Like a springer spaniel whose owner just lifted its leash, Colin Creevey couldn't contain his excitement any longer. It all spilled over verbally, and rapidly, with Harry hearing Hermione laughing in his head.
"Can Dennis and I really attend the Potter Institute? Can we share one of those rooms - will we be able to phone home? Oh, this is Dennis - my younger brother - will we really get to visit Italy as a family? My sister Maggie is magical too - would she be able to attend that preschool thing Hermione's dad mentioned?"
Colin appeared ready to go on asking questions all day, not waiting on any answers, until his former head of house deliberately clearing her throat stoped the excited boy in his tracks. His father tried to apologise as laughter was breaking out around the room until Harry held up his hand.
"Mr Creevey, please don't apologise. We're all used to Colin's exuberance. He did ask some very good questions though. Apart from the last bit, the answer to everything else is yes. The preschool is being set up for children of Institute's staff, and Joan will be living with the Grangers. Maggie though will be able and welcome to come when you arrange your overnight visit for Dennis - and all later visits too."
The Creevey parents were well aware their eldest son had a serious case of hero worship regarding this young man. Seeing how Harry dealt with Colin had both of them smiling, and there was never any doubt that Colin and Dennis would be attending the Potter Institute.
The next actual question was asked by Gerald Greengrass, bedecked in a three piece suit that appeared to have been made in Savile Row, and his question was aimed specifically at Harry. "Lord Potter, as the owner, my question is directed at you. The Potter Institute is offering unbelievable facilities, supplying uniforms and all equipment, aiming for a higher standard of education - yet charging less fees than your competition here in Britain. This must be costing House Potter a fortune, and my question is this - what's in it for you?"
Smiling, Harry answered as truthfully as he could. "Witches and wizards call me the boy-who-lived, and forget what else happened that Halloween night. My parents were murdered, they died that night protecting me. I'm the last Potter, and I want to leave something behind my family could be proud of. The Potter Institute has the best of everything, staff, teaching and learning facilities, accommodation, resources. All we ask in return is that our students respect those around them, and do their very best academically. I hope to live a long and productive life, and intend that the Institute is still one of the top magical schools in the world when the time finally comes for me to rejoin my parents. Oh, did you know the self-titled Lord Voldemort is a former Hogwarts Head Boy?"
The gasps and a few shrieks as Harry said Voldemort was expected, though a bit disappointing considering the articles Xeno had been publishing. This set the tone however with any political or personal questions bing batted straight back at those asking, though one on their acceptance policy for students really had to be answered. At first it appeared as if someone's pureblood friend had apparently not received an invitation to the Institute. Harry kept it simple, and truthful.
"The clue is in the name, the Potter Institute. I own the school, and every year the list of proposed new first year students will have to be run past me. It's an exclusive private school, and that's the way it will stay. If you want your son to attend Hogwarts with his friends, that's of course your choice."
The real reason for Michael Corner's father's question then became apparent. "I know people who work in the Ministry. The rumour all over the building is that you are deliberately discriminating against the pure bloods. There are also moves underway to see any qualifications gained at your Institute not being recognised by the Ministry of Magic. I have to decide here what's best for Michael's future."
It was a very calm Harry who answered with a question of his own. "I assume you mean it's the British Ministry of Magic who are going to push through that legislation?"
Pomona was also quick to spring to Harry's defence in this matter. "Here's the thing though, Mr Corner. Our qualifications will be accepted the world over while, outside Britain, the OWL's and NEWT's from Hogwarts are recognised for exactly what they are. A gradual, constant and deliberate lowering of educational standards because certain influential families were being embarrassed as their sons and daughters were getting outperformed by wizards and witches they looked down upon as inferior. Their History of Magic qualifications aren't recognised anywhere outside these shores. The more discriminated a magical student would be in Britain, the more points they gain for acceptance to the Potter Institute. You simply have to ask yourself this question - do you want Michael to be limited to the British Ministry of Magic, or should he have the choice of working anywhere in the world?"
She let that hang there before coming back with a follow on comment. "As we are a new school, my position sees me in contact with the Italian Ministry on practically a daily basis. I have to say I've been greatly impressed with everyone I've dealt with so far - not something I could honestly say about their British counterparts. Learning the Italian language is also part of our curriculum, and we've already been given assurances that any student who graduates from the Potter Institute will be guaranteed Italian citizenship - they only have to ask."
Before anyone could comment on that, Harry jumped in again. "All of us sitting at this table hold duel citizenships - British and Italian. It's about having the best of both worlds, and having as many options as possible open to us. What options would the majority of our students have in Britain after graduating from Hogwarts? My betrothed has been the top student of her year group since discovering she was a witch, a trend we're all sure she'll continue at the Institute. To the people in power in Magical Britain however, no number of Outstanding N.E.W.T.s will ever balance out the fact her parents aren't a witch and wizard. That right there is the institutional brand of discrimination that the British Ministry of Magic excels at. They should, since they've been practicing it for centuries - and we want no part of this. The Institute's motto is 'Inspire'. Our aim is to inspire our students to be the best witches and wizards they can be."
With no more questions officially coming at them, they ended the structured part of the meeting. Dan and Emma were liaising with the new first year families, organising their visit to Italy. Minerva was also timetabling family visits into the time slots the staff had agreed on.
Harry was standing chatting with Neville and Luna, Hermione and Joan were of course by his side too, when they were approached by the Creevey family.
"We're still coming for our visit, but have already enrolled Colin and Dennis to your Institute. We might have seen pictures of Hogwarts, thanks to Colin, but there's no way we could ever visit. All that time Colin was petrified, we got one note from the school and were left hanging until he was well enough to write again."
Just being able to say he was attending the school owned by his hero had Colin practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. "Hermione was petrified too, dad, that's probably why Harry killed the beast. In Magical Britain, it's as if the monsters are blood purists too."
Feeling Harry's embarrassment at the hero worship now coming from the entire Creevey family, Hermione knew exactly how to change the subject. "Congratulations on choosing the Potter Institute. I can see you've still to speak with Professor McGonagall but I'll tell you of a little surprise. Since you have two children at the Institute, you will be able to visit twice - if you want. It's to save you having to choose whether to come for Colin or Dennis's birthdays."
Seeing concern on both parents faces, Harry quickly guessed what the problem could be. "The only way to visit the Institute is by portkey. Those will be provided free by us, and take you straight from your home to the school - and back again. We'll also provide your accommodation and meals, all you have to do is arrange time off work."
While his now smiling wife wiped tears from her eyes, Mister Creevey was enthusiastically shaking Harry's hand. "Thank you so much! We were going to struggle to pay for both our sons attending Hogwarts, but your fees are hardly more than we were charged for Colin last year. This is now more than we could ever have imagined."
Harry was saved from having to say anymore by the arrival of Xeno to their group. "Those were some wonderful pictures of the Institute and Naples Dan was displaying. Any chance of getting copies of a few for the Quibbler?"
As the Creeveys headed over to Minerva, intent on booking their trips to Italy, Hermione, Joan and Luna accompanied Xeno to see if Dan had any prints of the photographs.
Augusta then approached, handing Harry a small pile of businesses cards. "This is a small business, owned by a couple of squibs, who can install phones into magical homes. I've already got my order in. My grandson is not much of a writer, I'm hoping he'll phone more." An embarrassed Neville promised to phone home.
"Amelia tracked them down, she's got her order in too. A number of people didn't want to admit they hadn't a clue what this 'phone' thing was, they approached me as soon as Dan finished speaking. I got the impression most didn't believe me when I told them what a phone was, and what it did. A demonstration might be something you want to add to their tour. Amelia intended to be here too, some emergency at Azkaban has her tied up all day though."
Minerva then introduced the MacDonald's to Harry, the father immediately apologising for his earlier angry questioning.
"Sorry if I sounded a bit harsh, lad. I just don't take any chances where my Natalie is involved. Having spoken to a few folks since, not one of them had a bad word to say about you."
"That's quite alright, sir, Natalie's safety should be your main concern. I still promise we'll look after her." Harry then spoke directly to the young witch that was trying to hide behind her parents.
"Are you looking forward to visiting us in Italy? Have you any questions I could help you with now?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper but Harry still picked up Natalie's question. "Am I really a witch?"
Taking his wand out, Harry offered it to the young girl - handle first. He also held it at such a distance, Natalie was forced to step forward to take it. With a sense of awe, she held the magical device in her hand.
"I'm now going to teach you your first spell. Imagine the tip of this wand glowing, concentrate on that and then say 'lumos'. Take your time and say the spell when you're ready."
The concentration on Natalie's young face was there for all to see. So was the shock and pleasure when she actually cast the spell. Her parents were clearly experiencing the same emotions.
"I did it, I am a witch!"
"You are indeed, and just to prove it even more - hand the wand to your mother." When nothing happened, Harry accepted his wand back and explained to Natalie what just transpired.
"Without magic, this is just a stick. With magic, your wand can be a very powerful tool."
At that, the youngest Greengrass daughter approached with a request. "Can you cast your patronus? I was in the library the day you cast it in the Great Hall. It was all anyone could talk about for the rest of term, and I missed it."
Nodding, Harry first offered an explanation to Natalie. "This is a very advanced spell, something you won't be attempting for a good few years yet. The professor who taught me this though now works at the Potter Institute."
Hermione of course had heard every word, bringing Joan over just as Harry called for Prongs. The trio of young witches, Astoria, Natalie and Joan, weren't the only ones in the room shocked at the size, brightness and apparent density of the corporeal stag.
Astoria was then joined by her older sister, who hadn't missed the show in the Great Hall. "That's bigger and brighter than the one you cast at Hogwarts."
"I've had a summer where I could practice, and also take time to produce some happier memories." That Harry was looking at Hermione when he said this cracked most of the room up - since they had all seen Prongs and were listening to Harry's explication.
Natalie's parents couldn't see Prongs, but certainly felt the effects. The fact that Natalie could also proved beyond any of their doubts that their daughter was indeed a witch. She also needed to be trained to control these magical powers, and all three of the MacDonalds were leaning heavily toward Natalie doing that training in Italy.
Gerald Greengrass was also impressed by Potter's display, as well as being another parent delighted his daughters would be attending this young wizard's school. That his company made a fair percentage of its profits through dealing with muggles was not something Gerald advertised. The bigotry young Potter described certainly existed, and that knowledge would do the name Greengrass a lot of harm if he didn't know how to play the game. Harry Potter however had stood today and not only proclaimed he wouldn't play their games, he was using everything at his disposal to smash their games to pieces.
The power this young wizard, combined with his godfather, Lord Black, wielded could and would change the entire country. His daughters being excepted to the Potter Institute was the final sign Gerald needed to end his family's notorious neutrality - he would support Potter in any way he could.
Harry had Joan's hand in his, and Hermione saying she was so proud of him in his head. She of course was on the other side of Joan, holding her hand too in what had become the normal formation for the three Potters. Like everyone else from the Institute, they were keen for this to be over so they could get back home.
-oOoOo-
Amelia actually was back in her home, something the Head of the D.M.L.E. was very grateful for. She'd been standing in the shower for the last twenty minutes, trying to remove the stench from her day spent in Azkaban. Amelia had been having her worse ever day at work. Her latest Azkaban visit was a total shit storm, and then that useless fucking imbecile Fudge turned up. They went from being caught in a storm to trying to deal with the hurricane his stupidity could unleash on the entire country - while having their hands tied behind their backs.
That his nephew was as stupid as his uncle didn't matter to Fudge - and neither did the facts of the matter. Cornelius was not about to let a little thing like evidence stop him from proclaiming that Donald - his sister's only son - was a hero who died performing his duties.
Amelia pointing out that all the cells were locked, and none of the four guards who were on shift last night had been accounted for yet didn't even dent fudge's enthusiasm for the hero explanation.
Telling him she had evidence of three separate castings of fiendfyre made no difference either, apart from Cornelius adding a bit of meat to the bare bones of a tale he'd started to build. The heroes had now thwarted a mass breakout attempt, valiantly loosing their lives in the process. That every cell was still locked, and contained at least a mound of ash - proving that it had been occupied when the fiendfyre struck - would be ignored by the Minister of Magic too. Instead of instigating a proper investigation, which would admittedly tie up a fair percentage of her department for weeks, Fudge was looking to abandon Azkaban - allowing what was left of the prison to stand undisturbed as a memorial to all those who had died there.
Azkaban was totalled, Amelia could easily stand behind the decision to abandon the island. Leaving what was left of the prison standing as a memorial was not the worst idea either, with the death toll approaching the hundred mark by the time they'd gotten the fiendfyre under control.
No, what would stop Amelia sleeping tonight was the utter certainty that not all those being counted as deceased were actually dead. Three separate spells had been cast to start the destruction, meaning that at least three people could have used the confusion their spells caused to get themselves off the island. With Fudge blocking any and all attempts at a proper investigation, the only way left for her department to discover any escapees identities would be after these very dangerous individuals began committing crimes again.
Considering Azkaban had held some of the wickedest witches and worst wizards Britain could produce, Amelia thought her sleep might be getting disturbed for a while yet.
The Black Orphanage would be opening in two days, and Amelia knew Harry wouldn't miss that for the world. She also knew this news couldn't wait that long, her portkey would be used to take Amelia to Italy before breakfast tomorrow.
Turning off the water, Amelia decided it was time to get out off the shower - and get her brain back into gear again. Spending a little time with Harry and his group might help restore some of her sanity, though only getting out from under the imbeciles and manipulators that were running British magical society would permanently cure her of this affliction.
She thought it was approaching the time for her to ask Harry if there was any place in the organisation he was building for one Amelia Bones. It was a telling indictment of their society when a fourteen year old wizard was already a better person than those currently running their country.
Chapter 22 - Planning for the Future
The villa could, and probably should have felt empty.
The orphans had left Italy and taken up residence in their new, refurbished from top to bottom, London home. Their friends all loved holidaying with them, but also had to return back to Britain for the remainder of their summer break. The Potter Institute staff, with the exception of the Grangers, had moved into the almost completed new school. They would all be working flat out to get the Institute ready for the first of September.
The main reason their house didn't feel empty for Harry and Hermione, it actually felt more like a home than ever, was walking down to breakfast between the couple - and of course holding hands with both of them. The changes in Joan since she had found her forever family were nothing short of spectacular. Her confidence seemed to grow by the day, and she'd unleashed such a bubbly personality that it appeared to expand and encompass whatever space or company she happened to be in.
As had become the new norm after their training session, Sirius, Emma and Dan were quicker to the breakfast table - but they also had a visitor that morning. It only took a glance at Amelia's face to determine she was not here as a harbinger of glad tidings. She had brought along multiple copies of today's Prophet for the company to read, Harry and Hermione sat down to share one of Amelia's supplied newspapers between them.
Harry's chin was soon hitting the floor, he just couldn't believe what they were reading here. Hermione suddenly cut through everything with a sharp gasp over their bond, one that clearly wasn't directly related to the latest pile of manure that apparently passed for in-depth journalism in Magical Britain. Hermione was already moving as Harry lifted his eyes to see Joan crawl into a visibly shaken Sirius's lap. As Hermione enveloped his godfather in a hug too, Harry thought it was time to call for reinforcements.
"Dobby, could you ask Francesca to join us for breakfast. Apologise, but say it's urgent." With Emma now joining both girls trying to comfort Sirius, Dobby gave a determined nod before disappearing.
Sirius attempt at cracking a joke let them all know he was trying to recover from the severe shock of reading the front page. "Oh dear, the way Dobby left here, I hope Francesca is not in the shower. He probably won't even give her time to pull a bathrobe on..."
He was proved right on one point, Francesca - though fully clothed - appeared still wearing her slippers barely a minute later. Joan immediately jumped down off Sirius's knee, giving up that place to the person who could do her honorary uncle the most good. She received a kiss to her forehead from the lady most likely to become an honorary aunt for doing so. This drew a wide smile from the little girl. As far as Joan was concerned, you could never have enough family.
Amelia tried to apologise. "I'm sorry, Sirius. I should have realised how much this news would affect you."
Only having both arms around his wonderful girlfriend gave Sirius the strength and courage answer Amelia honestly. "That building should definitely be left untouched, but as a monument to the cruelty of Magical Britain. There would certainly be people locked in those cells who embraced their death as a welcome release from the never ending torture of the dementors. That this fire appears to have wiped most of their tormentors out too would be classed as the ultimate in cosmic justice being served."
He burrowed further into Francesca's embrace before continuing. "That's how I would have felt, until it hit me where my life is now...and I haven't been able to stop shaking since. The very thought that I could have lost all this - all of you - has left me as weak as a kitten. And for a dog, that's not a good feeling."
Dobby then arrived with Poppy, and she wasted no time in providing a mild calming potion for Sirius.
As they all sat around the table, with breakfast once more on the menu, Harry was the one who fired the first broadside into the utter drivel that passed as news in the Prophet. "This supposed account of events has more holes in it than the hull of the Titanic. Can Fudge really get away with this? What about these four missing guards? Didn't anyone learn anything from a body never being found for Voldemort, and one finger of Pettigrew? All these people basically murdered, and they get a burned out memorial instead of an investigation?"
"Harry, I totally agree. The problem is Fudge, and that one of those missing guards was his favourite nephew. He'd rather tell his sister her son died a hero than face the possibility that the truth could see his family at fault."
Just at that, Barchoke arrived by portkey. He was clearly in as bad a mood as Amelia, the newspaper clutched in his hand meant that they didn't need to ask the reason for his temper.
"Fudge is an idiot! That is now the official view of Gringotts, though I won't repeat the actual words used in front of Joan. Knowing everyone sitting here, including me, will be at the official opening of the orphanage tomorrow, I've been sent here specifically to make you all aware of information only Gringotts has. Amelia, this needs to be off the record - for now."
Getting a nod from the head of the D.M.L.E. had the angry goblin continuing to deliver his message. "A wizarding family's vault is magically tied to members of that family. When a family line dies out, that specific magic notifies Gringotts. Since all the remaining members of the Lestrange family were serving life sentences in the high security wing of Azkaban, Gringotts should have received a notification. That we didn't leaves only one conclusion - at least one of them is still alive."
Amelia stood and walked toward the portion of the terrace that protruded furthest over the cliff. Gripping the handrail tightly enough to whiten her knuckles, Amelia's scream of rage then rang loudly as it headed out over the Bay of Naples. A few kicks at the railings were also needed before her fury was once more under some measure of control.
She walked back to the table, being quite pleased that her hands didn't shake while pouring herself a coffee. "I know the Ministry has made great strides in the last month or so, but then Fudge will pull something so stupid that it beggars belief. I honestly don't know how much longer I can continue working for a Ministry that has him in charge."
While as shocked as Amelia at Fudge's latest level of idiocy, Harry was more focused on how this news affected them specifically - and had Hermione in his head to help.
"Ok, we have three massive events fixed on our calendars inside the next two weeks. We need to figure out if and how this could affect any of those, and us. First up is the official opening of the orphanage tomorrow. Since this was a former Black property, we have to assume any Lestrange left alive would at least know about the building."
This drew a sarcastic laugh from Sirius. "Bella was my mother's favourite niece, she adored the sadistic little bitch who was a frequent guest at Grimmauld Place. I don't know if her husband or his brother ever visited, I had left there for good by the time any Lestranges would have been on the scene. I'm certainly not worried about the children's safety though, the new wards are a work of art."
That comment garnered agreement from Barchoke. "The orphanage needs to be accessible to those who need it so the defensive wards are purely intent based. If you approach that building with the intention of doing harm, you will find yourself being painfully discouraged - whilst setting off alarms inside Gringotts and Amelia's department at the Ministry. Any non magical people could walk right past, and never know the building existed. We had to specifically add Dan and Emma to the wards, can't have board members not being able to even see the building."
The Grangers had been heavily involved in arranging the initial family visit to the Potter Institute of the potential new first years, so Dan felt confident dealing with Harry's concerns over this particular event.
"Until the families all get here, only we know exactly who's coming. I can't see a way for anyone outside the Institute to get that information. Also, when the wards on the building go live on Friday, that means it's only accessible by portkey - a portkey specifically made by the Institute. We all have worries about this weekend, knowing how much is riding on it, but this doesn't need to be one of them."
Emma though had another worry. "You said three events, Harry. We only know about two."
A smiling Harry instantly dispelled Emma's concern. "That's because number three is a secret, a secret I would ask everyone here to keep. Since you're all invited, I don't think that will be a problem. I made a promise at the start of summer, one I intend to keep. The entire institute staff will be getting invited to a night at Ambrosia's. Just a thank you for all the hard work everyone is still putting into getting us up and running."
This drew gasps from Amelia and Poppy, with a now smiling Emma offering her future son-in-law some advice.
"It's easy to see from some of the reactions here just how big an event this is going to be so, can I make a suggestion? I know you like the idea of surprising people with this but wouldn't it be better to give them something to look forward to? When going somewhere this exclusive, it's always a good idea to give us ladies some warnings so we can pick what to wear..."
A chuckling Dan interrupted his wife. "Oh, and us men don't need that notice?"
"Oh please! Chuck a suit on, pick a tie and shine your shoes. What's hard about that?"
Dan looked around for some support from his male colleagues, only to find Harry and Sirius laughing at how comprehensively Emma had shot down his argument. To see Sirius laughing, after the shock he received earlier, Dan decided to take one for the team and let his wife win this disagreement. Their bracelets ensured that Emma's smirk was one of understanding and agreement, rather than claiming any sort of victory over Dan.
She did get her victory though, as Harry gave out the date of their already booked evening at Ambrosia's - with Hermione asking if that news could be passed around. Dobby arrived beside Hermione with a pile of invitations already written out, those on top just happened to be the people sitting around the table. As Hermione handed those out, she asked Dobby if he would like to deliver the rest. Wearing a wide grin, the little elf popped away to distribute the happiness an invitation was sure to generate.
Looking at the invitation in front of her, a smiling Emma couldn't help but think she might actually enjoy her visit to Ambrosia's this time. One big change though, she and Dan would certainly be taking their guns to dinner too. Defending their family against attacks was something that both former dentists now took very seriously.
Amelia was also looking at an invitation, one that included Susan and Hannah as well. She'd heard the story of the phrase 'filthy muggles' being shouted at the Grangers the last time Ambrosia closed its doors for Lord Potter's guests. Seeing an astonished Barchoke drink his beef drink while staring at the invitation he'd received convinced Amelia it would be a good idea to increase the auror presence around the restaurant that evening.
She wasn't really concerned about the safety of those who would be invited, more the paperwork Amelia would inevitably be lumbered with if Dan or Emma shot someone with the guns they would surely be carrying. Amelia didn't even want to think about the forms involved if Barchoke had to pull a dagger on someone. It would take more than a few escaped death eaters to tackle even the company currently sitting around the table. When you then factored in the other invited guests, Amelia was confident any disturbance would be quickly brought under control.
Sirius's thoughts were also on his last visit to the restaurant, and how much all of their lives had changed since. He too was sure this would be a more enjoyable experience, especially since the beautiful young lady still comfortably perched on his lap was most definitely Invited along.
Poppy was hoping for the opportunity to pass on this good news to her colleagues, that hope evaporated with Dobby as he disappeared with the rest of the invitations. She wasn't really bothered however, seeing Ginny's name on her invitation hammered home how much her life had changed - in such an incredibly short space of time.
Hermione leaning over to Joan and saying they would need new dresses for this night saw her little face glow with pleasure. Both Harry and Hermione understood it wasn't the new dress as such, more that she would be going with them to pick it out. They wanted Joan to be happy, and all the proof needed was currently sitting right beside them. There were also plans afoot to ensure this was a night she would remember for the rest of her life.
-oOoOo-
At a derelict old crofter's cottage, a few miles inward from the east coast of the Scottish Highlands, food and plans were also on the menu. Like the discussion that had taken place earlier in Harry's home, the Daily Prophet would eventually become central to those discussions.
The cottage might only have half a roof, with not a window left unbroken, but the four people inside were used to much harsher conditions than these. Augustus had disapparated away to get them some supplies, the three Lestranges had erected Muggle repelling wards while trying to make the place more liveable - all without hopefully attracting the Ministry's attention to their use of magic.
Augustus returned with simple fare, their stomachs would take time to become accustomed to anything richer, and having hot tea again was such a treat for all of them.
Sipping on a mug of that rare treat, Augustus got the ball rolling on what he knew would be a very difficult discussion. "We have plans to make but, before we can, we need information. It's no secret why Carrick hung around Bella's cell. What you might not know was our Donald used to love to talk with me too. He was a failure as an auror, total failure as a prison guard, but actually dreamed of becoming an unspeakable. That wizard was a total fucking idiot!"
There was no disagreement coming from the others on that point. "For an idiot though, he was remarkably well informed. His uncle, the Minister, told the idiot what amounted to state secrets, and Carrick of course couldn't wait to try and impress me with just how important this supposedly made him. Some of the stuff he was telling me I thought utter dragonshit - he had to be making most of it up. That we were all about to be dragged to the Ministry and, after a show trial, be pushed through the Veil of Death tends to corroborate his tall tales."
Taking another sip of his tea, the former unspeakable laid out what he'd learned for them. "At the very start of summer, someone found a way to empty the vaults of our master's wealthiest supporters - property, businesses, heirlooms - all gone. Some took what they could scrape together and fled the country, some tried to fight back. Malfoy and Parkinson were killed trying to kidnap Potter's girlfriend from her Muggle home. I suspect your family would be one of those supporters, and that your vault is now completely empty too."
It took both brothers to try and calm Bella down as she appeared ready to murder anybody she could get her wand on. Rasbasten was trying to convince her what a bad idea that would be. "We have to keep our use of magic to a minimum, otherwise you'll lead the Ministry right to us."
That appeal didn't seem to be working but Augustus then stopped all three of them in their tracks. "The Ministry of Magic isn't even looking for us. You don't send Aurors out to look for dead people." With that, he removed a copy of today's Prophet from his transfigured robes and tossed it toward them.
It only took a moment for Rodolphus to ask the question he knew was coming. "Why didn't you share this right away? This puts us free and clear - free to do whatever we want."
"Yes, but more importantly it also buys us time. We need to use that precious time to recuperate and plan."
"What is there to plan, we need to find our master." Bella's words were issued like a challenge, one Augustus had a prepared answer for.
He removed a metal box from his conjured pocket and placed it on the floor. A few specific taps with his wand and the box became big enough to cram two not overly large people in. Another few taps and the lid opened to reveal rather a lot of gold.
"I never trusted those little goblin bastards, taking my gold from them the same day the Ministry paid it in. This is everything I have in the world, probably everything we have between us, and all I ask is we discuss any plans or moves before putting them into action. Without you, I would have died last night. Without my ideas, the Ministry would be combining the country searching for us."
There was no disagreement of those facts coming back at him, and Augustus didn't think there would be any over this next bit either. "We're stronger together, especially when playing to our individual strengths. We here are also quite possibly the last four followers our master has left in this country. Whatever we decide, we're only going to get one shot at it. We need to make it work. Our master has been gone for over a decade, with apparently none of his other sworn followers doing anything about it. I don't think he'll mind if we take our time to do what we need to, but do it right."
Picking up the repaired kettle they'd found, Augustus left to fill it from the little spring behind the cottage. He knew being here in the sunshine was a marvellous gift, he didn't intend to waste any of it. Their bodies couldn't handle alcohol, rich foods or even chocolate yet. Sitting in the sun while sipping a cup of tea was more than he'd had to look forward to for over a decade. That was more than enough for him - for now.
He'd absolutely no intention of mentioning what Carrick had claimed about their Master's origins, it certainly didn't matter to Augustus if their Lord had a Muggle father. Listening from outside as the two brothers tried to talk Bella down from her killing rage, he wasn't sure they could have been successful if he'd unveiled that fact too. Like their master, Bella had a tendency to punish the bearer of bad news. Unlike Carrick, Augustus wasn't a total fucking idiot. Bella had ripped the much larger wizard's throat out with her teeth. Only a moron would antagonise that witch when she had a wand in her hand, and they don't let morons become members of the unspeakable department.
-oOoOo-
Sirius stage managed the official opening of the new Black orphanage as if he'd been handling public events for years. After lavishing praise on Francesca and Jillian for making today possible, his invitation for both to join the orphanage's Board of Governors left each of them accepting while shedding a few happy tears.
This was all taking place in the large, light and welcoming entrance hall of the heavily redesigned and refurbished building - which was also currently full of invited guests and press. Hermione was holding Joan's hand and felt her grip get tighter and tighter as things progressed. That Joan's nose constantly twitching was also an indication that something was bothering the girl. Hermione's initial thought was Joan simply missing Harry on her other side. As the presentation progressed though, she could see Joan getting more and more annoyed.
With her parents in tow, the group of four moved back from the main event and Hermione threw up a privacy charm so their conversation wouldn't interfere with the official opening.
"What's the matter, sweetie?"
None of them had ever seen Joan angry, but she was today. "This place is brilliant, I've never seen Miss Jillian so happy, but that lot don't care. All they keep asking about is Harry, and if he'll be here today to talk with them. They make me so mad, I want to go over there and kick their ankles."
Trying not to laugh at the oh so serious little girl, with previously undiscovered violent tendencies, Hermione certainly understood where Joan's anger was coming from. "Harry knew this would happen. That's why he's hiding upstairs, while talking to the three girls whose families abandoned them when they fled the country. One of the girls will actually be starting at the Institute this year..."
The change in Joan was so dramatic that Hermione led her to another room, sat on a chair she found there and drew the girl onto her lap. A concerned Dan and Emma had signalled to the rest of their group that things were ok before following Hermione and Joan to offer whatever support they could.
Joan was now clinging to Hermione, as if she would drop off the side of a cliff if her grip slackened.
"Sweetie, can you tell me what brought this on?" Hermione sat and waited for Joan to speak, knowing a now equally upset Harry was listening in - and mere moments from rushing to their side.
When she started to reply, Joan's little voice was barely above a whisper. "When I was left on the old orphanage steps, I was just a baby. I was too young to remember anything, the orphanage was the only home I knew - before you and Harry took me in."
Hermione's arms wrapped tighter around the little girl, giving Joan the confidence to say what was really troubling her. "I get my parents couldn't keep me, that's why I was left at the orphanage, but I never knew them so..."
Looking at the three people in the room, Joan finally gave the reason her little heart was breaking. "Knowing you and Harry, our family too, how can those girls cope - how can anyone cope - knowing they're not wanted..."
Harry was suddenly kneeling in front of Hermione and Joan, wiping tears from both their cheeks. "I've spent the morning talking to those girls, trying to convince them this is not the end of their world. Yes, they are very upset but you know we'll help them as much as possible."
Hermione's smile seemed out of place, until Harry revealed to Joan what they had just been privately discussing using their bonded rings. "Family not wanting her is something Miss Joan Potter will never have to worry about. If I hadn't asked Dobby to pop me down here, he would probably have just done it anyway. You see Dobby is a Potter too, and he loves you nearly as much as we do."
This had stopped Joan's tears, but now it was time to put a smile back on her face. Still holding her tight, Hermione revealed their plans. "You know how Harry loves his surprises, well he has one arranged for you. The big party in Ambrosia that has everyone talking also has Miss Jillian invited. She'll be there as a special guest, and bringing the official parchment which makes you a Potter. There will also be a birthday cake large enough to make sure everyone there gets a piece."
Joan might still have tears in her eyes but the sparkle they contained lit up the room. "My new official fourth birthday!"
Dan, as usual, tied a joke. "Hey kiddo, you're missing a trick here. Instead of having another fourth, why not make it your fifth birthday?"
Looking him straight in the eye, Joan made a proclamation that couldn't have contained more authority if Her Majesty, The Queen had announced it while sitting on the State Throne. "I don't want to be five when my mum is only fourteen - that wouldn't be right."
None of them could refute logic like that, and none of them wanted too. There also wasn't a dry eye in the room as Harry leant forward and kissed a very emotional Hermione. He then kissed Joan on her forehead. "I better get a move on then and marry your mum, need to make her a Potter too."
Joan started giggling, and it was so infectious that everyone there soon joined in. "I also need to get back to three young ladies, who I had to leave in rather a hurry. Will you be ok?"
Harry took both girls throwing themselves at him and hugging as a yes. Joan kissed his cheek, and offering to act surprised when Miss Jillian brought out the official papers at the party had them all giggling again.
As Dobby popped Harry away, Joan's twitching nose alerted Hermione she had something else bothering her. They didn't have to wait long. "I hope Harry isn't upset I called you mum. I love him too. He just feels more like a big brother, a guardian angel even. When he marries you, he will certainly be my dad then though..."
Hermione couldn't answer, the wave of love she felt coming through their rings meant it took her a few moments before she could reassure Joan he wasn't in the least upset.
It also took the four of them a few moments, and a lot more shared hugs, before the family were ready to rejoin today's official event.
-oOoOo-
After quietly arriving back in Britain, and spending some time at Spinners End, Severus knew they couldn't put off returning to Hogwarts any longer. Both knew the confrontation that would be in their immediate future, once they set foot inside the castle. As expected, the new Mr & Mrs Snape soon found themselves in Dumbledore's office for a conversation with the headmaster.
"First, may I offer my congratulations on your recent nuptials. Secondly, if I say so myself, a rather elegant method of negating Potter's blood feud against the Malfoy family. That boy is amassing far too much power, with very few people now prepared to stand against him. I'm sure I can count on your support in any actions I take to curb his histrionic behaviour."
Severus mentality took the equivalent of a deep breath before setting out to debase Dumbledore of that notion. "Headmaster, it goes without saying that I despise James Potter's spawn. I also want to see the Dark Lord meet his permanent end. As a condition of our marriage though, I was obliged to make an unbreakable vow to Narcissa that I would never become involved with either of those wizards ever again."
Albus was now on his feet, leaning over his desk as he stared angrily at Narcissa. "Why would you do that? Don't you realise what you've done?"
Knowing Dumbledore wouldn't be able to penetrate her mental shields, certainly not without a wand in his hand, Narcissa stared right back at the old headmaster. "I know exactly what I've done. Between them, those two wizards were responsible for the death of my first husband. I'll not see Draco lose a second father to that pair. Severus has responsibilities now, a wife and a son, that's where his focus needs to be."
With everything that had happened lately, Albus felt his anger was always near the surface. He was not above letting it show, and intimidating people to get what he wanted. "You'll expect me to use my influence to protect your new husband from the Ministry, yet I get nothing in return?"
His attempt at intimidation was wasted on the Snapes though, and Severus defanged Albus in his own slick style. "While I will admit, being questioned under truth serum in front of the Wizengamot could be bad for my health, I also have plenty of knowledge that you wouldn't want them to be party to either. With Narcissa almost as accomplished in the mind arts as myself, obliviates and compulsion charms won't work for you against us."
"If you won't support my husband against the Ministry, then we will be forced to resign our teaching positions and leave the country immediately. I'm sure you still have time to cast compulsion charms on some more eighteen year olds - and call them Hogwarts professors."
This two pronged attack saw Albus slump back into his chair, though still pushing for concessions from the couple. "I need to know I have my staff's loyalty..."
Narcissa was all over that pitiful attempt. "You can depend on us to teach the children to the best of our abilities - this is a school after all and that's why we're here. Should the Dark Lord ever turn up at the gates of Hogwarts, you can rely on my husband and I to be standing right beside you - ready to defend the castle with our lives. As an employer, I don't see what more you could expect from your employees? I thought it was only the Dark Lord who made his followers swear life-long servitude, and then branded them like animals."
He certainly understood that the bottom of the barrel had been well and truly scraped to fill this year's Hogwarts teaching roster. Albus had no hope of finding replacement professors for the defence and charms positions before term started if these two were to walk out the castle. While they were still teaching here, Albus could always prod, probe and manipulate circumstances to try and manufacture a few concessions or changes in attitude from the newly married couple.
Tom had recruited Severus purely for his exceptional potions abilities. This was why his name hadn't been mentioned by any of the Death Eaters questioned under truth serum, as a person who had been involved or even accompanied them, when they committed the atrocities that saw the death sentence handed out by the Wizengamot.
You don't waste a valuable asset on raids when their time could be far more productively spent brewing potions no one else in the organisation was capable of. Albus understood revealing Severus was the person who had revealed the prophecy to Tom would condemn the man sitting in front of him to a judgement that could see Severus paying the ultimate price too - but the cost to himself might be severe as well.
Severus knew his past plans for Potter, and was also well acquainted with Albus's usual modus operandi for dealing with people who won't do what he wanted. Either of which becoming known to the Wizengamot could see calls for Albus Dumbledore to be the next wizard questioned under truth serum - and that just wouldn't do.
His decision now made, Albus called on a house elf to lead the Snapes to their married staff quarters. He also asked for their required book lists as soon as possible. That both pulled out the requested lists and left them on his desk before leaving just added insult to injury as far as Albus was concerned. He was supposed to be the grand manipulator yet, since the night Granger saved Black, it felt like everyone and their dog was getting one over on Albus Dumbledore.
-oOoOo-
Every day Augustus was adding to his shopping list - increasing the amount of food purchased, buying some clothes, and all the printed news he could get his hands on. He wasn't to know that Bella seeing multiple articles on the new Black orphanage would set off an eruption worthy of any volcano.
"That bastard Sirius - he shouldn't even be Lord Black. This orphanage is a deliberate attack on the family he hated. He's publicly pissing all over the proud Black Family legacy - it's a disgrace. Aunt Walburga will feel the shame, even from her grave. We need to make a stand and do something about this..."
Knowing the other two Lestranges wouldn't say anything, it was left to a reluctant Augustus to try and cap this eruption before it consumed all of them.
"That would have to be a no!" He calmly continued as Bella's wand appeared in her hand. "We are utterly committed to one cause, and nothing can interfere with that. Once our Master is back with us, he will decide which targets we attack. For us to go charging at this building could see everything we stand for destroyed, our Master - and even our way of life - dies with us. Nothing is worth that risk, certainly not a building full of children nobody wants."
"Are we supposed to just sit around here on our arses, waiting on our Master walking in that door?"
That Bella was engaging in an argument, rather than already firing curses, Augustus took as a definite win. With Bella though, the situation could change in an instant.
"I'm pretty certain our Master is no longer in Britain, otherwise he would surely have contacted one of his followers for assistance - before the Ministry culled them all. He will have traveled to darkest Europe - and that's where we'll have to go to find him. We'll have to bribe, threaten or torture to get any information - with fighting for our lives a distinct possibility too. None of us would last more than a couple of minutes in any fight - especially with the type of people we'll need to meet with for information. We simply need a little time to try and recover from Azkaban, before settling off on our mission."
"If you have a set time in mind, shouldn't that be something you discuss with us?"
Nodding in agreement, Augustus was relieved to see the temperature of Bella's anger lowering. "At the moment, all I've got is a suggestion. On the first of September, all eyes at the Ministry turn toward the little witches and wizards heading off to Hogwarts. I think that would be a good day to begin our mission, by getting out the country while their attention is focused elsewhere."
The atmosphere changed in an instant, with immediate approval from all to begin on that date. This also focused minds on places and people who might have the information they would need, with Augustus supplying the writing materials he'd bought today for this very purpose.
Even Bella understood that, though her mind was willing to charge right in there, her body simply currently wasn't up to the task. Sitting wearing a store bought robe, eating more than she had in a decade while helping plan how they would search for their Master honed her deadly focus to their task. Having an actual date now when they would set out made it real for all of them. As their plans progressed, Bella actually smiled.
"Hold on a little longer, Master. Your most faithful servants are coming for you."
-oOoOo-
News of the upheavals taking place in wizarding Britain was so shocking, it rapidly swept across the channel into magical Europe - being plastered all over their newspapers too. It wasn't only their European cousins who were desperate for the latest news from a foreign Ministry that seemed to actually court chaos and daily dance with disaster. A certain possessed British witch and wizard in the process of heading home were greedily devouring data on the latest developments.
The Wizengamot trials, and the severity of sentencing carried out, stopped Peter and Tom's journey home in its tracks. Seeing pictures of Azkaban being razed to the ground left the pair not knowing what to do next.
As Peter couldn't be considered the brightest of lumos charms, Tom was never going to involve Wormtail in any discussion concerning their current or future options. After spending ages considering this dilemma from every angle, there were a couple of circumstances that convinced Tom they really had to return home.
Since his Muggle father was buried in England, and this method was currently his best option for regaining a body, that right there was a very large incentive to continue with their planned journey.
By far the biggest draw home though was that each and every one of his anchors was stored within Britain's shores. This was something he hadn't considered as a weakness at the time of their creation, since his immense power base had been almost exclusively centred within the British Isles. Now that the Ministry had wiped out all his marked followers who hadn't fled from Britain, Tom would in all actuality be attempting to sneak into the country - with only Wormtail to aid him in any plans he made.
It was ironic that he reached the exact same conclusion as his four followers currently sequestered in the Scottish Highlands. Perhaps more ironic would be the fact that, due to that same conclusion, those four fanatical followers would be attempting to smuggle themselves out of Britain in search of their Master - the very same day Tom and Peter would be trying to sneak back in.
-oOoOo-
Everyone involved with the Potter Institute was immensely proud of their efforts, and the end product of all their work. Today though, for the first time, prospective first year students - and their families - would be arriving to spend time looking around PI - and experiencing for themselves just what the Institute was offering here.
They had already received enough applications through Gringotts to fill the Institute at least four times over - though some of those applicants would certainly never set foot in the building. Today would let them know if they were on the right track with their radical ideas - radical for British witches and wizards that is.
Their visitors would be formed into small groups before being given a guided tour of the Institute's facilities and professors, with some professors having already prepared demonstrations of what their first year students would soon be learning - if they chose to attend here.
The first family scheduled to portkey in was the Creeveys, and Harry instantly relaxed at their initial reaction to their first sight of the Institute - and Pomona's official welcome.
Hermione was actually giggling at his side. "Having the medical wing as part of the guided tour should pay dividends here. Poppy might need to hand out a few calming potions to the Creevey brothers. Do you know any spell that returns eyeballs to their sockets after they've popped out?"
Harry was trying not to laugh as the Creeveys were led away from the arrival spot, though his grin couldn't have gotten any wider when the second family arrived - and pretty much showed the same reactions.
The next couple of days was going to be an immense amount of work for everyone involved with the Institute, but they had all thrown themselves into the varied tasks with vast quantities of enthusiasm. Harry had to concede Emma had been spot on that the people involved would rather have something to look forward to than a surprise. It had been Dan though who had explained the wave of positive energy that had swept through the Institute after the distribution of the invitations to Ambrosia's.
"You're showing the people who work for you that you really value their contribution to this school. That this is something you don't even have to think about, but just do naturally, is a great indicator of exactly who the real Harry Potter is. This is a journey for everyone involved, including Emma and myself. Now, while we all know Pomona's in charge, we also know who's school this is - The Potter Institute kinda says it all. People are happy to work for you, Harry, and to be allowed a place on the ground floor of something we all think is going to be amazing and special."
Harry was knocked out of his reminiscing by the arrival of their third family, and Hermione pulling him round for a quick kiss.
"You wanted the Potter name to mean something, other than that 'boy-who-lived' rubbish. Today, you took the first step on that road. This is what you wanted, your legacy..."
Harry interrupted her with a kiss of his own. "Nearly right, love, but it's our legacy..."
It was Harry's turn to be interrupted. Since that interruption consisted of Joan's laughter as she hugged both of them around their hips, he wasn't complaining. Both he and Hermione reached their happy conclusion at the same time - the Institute would become the Potter family's legacy.