Chapter 835 - Ch: 27-28

Chapter 27 - Aftermath

Voldemort landed with a thump, thankfully not on the injured leg. Sitting up, the first job had to be stopping the bleeding - before trying to turn that pile of hamburger back into a functioning limb. Yes, there was more magic available from this body but there was a massive difference between being a Dark Lord and a reasonably powerful witch. At least the tissue finally knitted together, and scarring wasn't really an issue for Voldemort. Neither was the pain, it needed to be endured.

Vanishing the spilled blood then testing whether the leg would support this body's weight, it was time to get a move on. Wormtail was either captured or dead, Potter and whoever he had with him today were certainly playing for keeps. They'd been staying in the old Riddle place, while sorely injured and with a strange body, Voldemort really didn't want to risk apparating any further. Limping heavily toward the master bedroom, it was a massive shock coming face to face with the full length mirror there.

Voldemort had gotten used to possessing Bertha's body over the months that chore had been necessary, but this was way, way different. This body was shorter, a lot heavier, and way older. This body looked like some sweet old grandmother, not an image suitable for the most terrifying Dark Lord in the world.

The entire image side of this could easily have been overcome, it was power that made Voldemort so feared people were still afraid to say that name. Quite simply, irrespective of shape, sex or age, this body didn't possess half the power Voldemort was used to. That would have to be the first thing addresses, after actually putting some clothes on and getting swiftly out of here. That was when he felt the slight pull on his magic.

Something had just happened that affected Voldemort, and that information could be crucial to this body's continuing ability to draw breath. Thankfully, this body was also the perfect disguise for discovering that information - namely buying tomorrow's newspaper. There currently wasn't time to dwell on how Potter had known the where, when and why of Voldemort being in that graveyard. The really terrifying thought that Voldemort was struggling to put to the back of his mind was what else Potter could possibly know. He was desperately trying not to lose focus on what he needed to do right now, and not connect the Potter of tonight with the destroyed horcrux at the shack. How could a fourteen year old wizard be responsible for even one of these events, far less both.

-oOoOo-

Due to the time difference between Britain and Italy, they had a chance to quickly celebrate Ron and Millie becoming betrothed before turning on the wireless for the Triwizard Tournament broadcast. After the day she'd had, Joan was just about sleeping sitting up by this point. Hermione asking if she wanted to stay with her tonight saw Joan go around hugging and kissing her family before heading off to bed with the girl she drowsily called mum. Most of the Institute then settled down to listen to the broadcast from Hogwarts.

The initial introduction to the tournament by Dumbledore was cringeworthy. Emma's serious enquiry of whether we would hear from the heads of the other competing schools was greeted with sarcastic chuckling.

When the commentator then proceeded to take each and every one of Dumbledore's points apart, while the great wizard was eating his dinner, the chuckling this time was of the genuinely amused variety. Her assessment of the visiting schools seemed very well informed. The older students and former Hogwarts professors thought her potential champion choices from each of the four houses was right on the money too.

It got rather embarrassing when she then practically begged live on the radio for an invitation to the Institute. Harry in truth was relived when Dumbledore stood to get the event started. There were some murmurings when Viktor Krum was chosen, no one had any idea who this Fleur was and shouts when Harry's name came out. He shook both Fred and George's hands on hearing that no Hogwarts student had entered.

While Hermione was of course getting all of this, both of them were glad Joan was currently cuddling in bed - rather than listening to the broadcast. When Martin Miggs was drawn, the Weasley twins were now howling with laughter at whoever had pranked the goblet.

Like Hogwarts, all noise stopped when Hermione's name was drawn - all recognised this had now gotten serious. The other three names didn't seem as important as the commentator's remarks. Dumbledore and Hogwarts had very publicly crashed and burned tonight.

The Headmistress was starting straight at him. "We need to have a number of conversations, and soon."

"There needs to be a meeting with quiet a number of people, will we go to the Modern Studies classroom now? Sirius, Francesca would be welcome. Moony, Barchoke, Bill, I'd like you to be there too. Pomona, I think we need Minerva, Filius and Poppy there as well. That should give us a good base for kicking around anything that comes up in the meeting." All recognised this was owner Lord Potter speaking, not student Harry Potter.

Dan and Emma rightly assumed that their classroom wasn't randomly chosen and stood to accompany Harry. As everyone quickly gathered, the classroom door was locked and sealed. Harry then began the tale.

"We were given warning about this tournament back in the summer, and the very real potential for Dumbledore to force me to compete. At the start of October, we were then certain this was going to happen. Our friends at Gringotts researched the magical binding contract created if you are chosen by the goblet to compete, it was very robust. If you don't compete, you lose your magic…"

Pomona exploded at that, her tirade against Dumbledore was memorable. Calming down slightly, she got straight to the heart of the matter. "If I was ever stupid enough to bring something as ridiculously powerful and dangerous as this goblet into the Institute - and give our students access to it - I would like to think its owner would sack me on the spot."

Harry had an answer for that. "The owner would drag the Headmistress off to see Poppy, because someone surely must have cast spells or slipped you a potion. You don't want to know what I'll do when we find the culprit. Now, when we received intelligence that the first task had the champions facing dragons - nursing mothers no less - and they had ordered four of them, we simply had to act. The first thing we did was take an opportunity to get the Weasley twins to pass the word around their friends in Hogwarts and advise them not to enter, as we all heard that was a spectacular success. The second was to arrange what happened tonight. The thinking behind that is they would be left with two options - cancel the entire thing because it had now become an embarrassment to everyone, or force Voldemort out into the open. If he doesn't turn up for the first task, he - or she - loses their magic."

"You mean this tournament could still be cancelled?"

He hated disappointing Minerva but Harry had no choice. "Sorry, but that can't happen now. The chances of them cancelling the tournament were always pretty slim, Dumbledore wants control of me so much that he's oblivious to the rest of the world around him. Public humiliation won't even put a dent in his obsession. When Umbridge publicly announced three times she wouldn't compete, the goblet took her magic. The Tournament was officially underway at that point, there's no going back now."

It was Francesca who asked why Hermione's name was entered, and actually Sirius who answered her.

"She would never let him face this on his own, and those two are stronger together. You've seen first-hand how good they work as a pair, and it was apparently Umbridge who was behind the attack that day in the Ministry. That's why her name was in the goblet, though it was a toss-up between her and Pettigrew."

"Since Amelia now has Pettigrew in a cell, we made the right choice. Our original plan was for the Triwizard to be that again, with three groups of three. The champions, the enemy and then us. I intended to have a Martin Miggs comic in my back pocket, Hermione and I will handle anything they can throw at us. Remember, these tasks have spectators so they have to follow their own rules. I don't know what tonight has done to those plans though, as we're now effectively down to six champions."

It was Barchoke who took over at that point. "The broadcast tonight was devastating, for Dumbledore and Hogwarts. I expect Gringotts to be inundated by frantic witches and wizards. If I was a parent whose child was attending Hogwarts, I'd be at Gringotts first thing tomorrow and begging to be allowed to contact the Potter Institute directly. It's a certainty the Ministry will be there too, desperately trying to contact Harry and Hermione. I would also expect to be contacted by members of the Hogwarts school board, attempting to woo the Institute's Headmistress or her Deputy - probably both - to return to Hogwarts. Tonight, the Headmaster was made look a fool to the entire country. Their Defence Professor lost her magic while the Transfiguration and Charms Professors escaped from under the compulsion charms Dumbledore placed on them. Since this tournament has the chosen champions' magic at stake, the tasks must go ahead at the host school. I don't see how Hogwarts can remain open though, with Professors from three core subjects missing and a disgraced Headmaster."

Ensuring there could be no room for the slightest misunderstanding, Pomona clearly stated her position. "I signed a contract too and, while it might not cost me my magic, I have absolutely no intention of breaking it. Speaking with Harry that first time in the Hogwarts infirmary, where he all but offered me this job, I readily bought into his ideas. The first evening at his villa convinced me this school would actually get built. We face different challenges every single day, and I've never enjoyed meeting those challenges more in my life. I love my job, my apartment, my garden and this Institute - I'm going nowhere unless Harry sacks me."

Harry was quick to comment that would never happen before Minerva quipped she felt exactly the same as Pomona - apart from the garden bit - though she did love sitting in her balcony and watching the quidditch pick-up games.

Thinking out loud, Francesca wondered if the British Ministry would approach their Italian counterparts - trying to get access to Harry or the Institute that way.

Remus was quick to close that idea down. "The Institute has a great working relationship with many different branches of the Italian Ministry. Pomona or I deal with them practically on a daily bases. There is no relationship between the two Ministries, and never will be until Britain deals with its blood bias problem. The representatives that visited the Wizengamot the day Sirius was called before them were appalled at the blatant bigotry on display."

Dan had been deep in thought, so then let the group know exactly where those thoughts had taken him.

"We certainly don't want to deal with a Ministry who will try to order Harry and Hermione to Hogwarts, nor hordes of parents or people trying to poach our staff. I don't think it's fair leaving Gringotts to deal with them either - getting more irate the longer their demands are refused. Harry and Hermione will only be leaving the Institute to compete, returning after the tasks are finished. Neither Pomona nor Minerva are interested in changing schools, and we have no room for any other students. Now, how do we get that information out there, without having to meet Ministry Officials, school board members or scores of irate parents?"

They all quickly figured out what Dan was suggesting, but knew who would have to make that decision. Pomona smiled, knowing Harry really would leave it up to the Headmistress he appointed.

"Ok, this isn't Hogwarts, and we certainly have nothing to hide. I'd like to hear opinions first, before making my mind up."

Surprisingly, it was Emma who spoke first. "Dumbledore was a fool. He invited a radio reporter along, did a little speech and expected his word to be taken as law. Whoever that commentator was tonight, she's very good and had researched the tournament as well as the students. I suggest we invite her here from about Wednesday, let her see how the Institute works. I would also suggest to her pre-recording some of the interviews she'll want and then broadcasting live from the BBQ on Saturday evening. We'd also like her to work for this privilege by giving lectures to our classes on how the magical wireless can broadcast a live program from Italy."

As more people comment, it was hard to miss they were all in favour of going ahead with this. Pomona made it official, before asking what was the best way to contact these people.

"I'm going to be in London anyway, Black Orphanage business, so I could pop in and see if they are interested…" that got a few of them chuckling, Sirius really had a knack of understating things.

Hermione of course had been listening in, now sending a suggestion to Harry. "If this is to take place the way we want, there really isn't time to be portkeying back and forth to sort out all the tiny details. Those same details really need to be confirmed in writing before we say yes - and before they start advertising this exclusive event every couple of minutes on their radio station. I'm suggesting giving Sirius a couple of portkeys, allowing two of them to come here and negotiate the terms of this broadcast."

"Are we talking gold here?"

Harry's smile told everyone he was joking. "Trust a goblin to come up with that. No, I was loving Emma's idea of them giving what would basically be a guest lecturer. Our class have just finished our communication unit, it would be great to add magical wireless as well. This will also be a poke in the eye to a few critics about the 'muggleness' of the Institute - and who knows if there are others out there too able to guest lecture on subjects that also fit in with what we're trying to achieve here."

When Pomona agreed, Dobby popped in with two portkeys for Sirius. He also brought Dan and Emma up to date, knowing Harry was constantly in contact with his mate.

"Little Miss Joan sleeping, had hard day. All her family away fighting nasty dark person, Little Miss held Dobby's hand tightly until you come home. Little Miss not leave Miss Hermione tomorrow, no training."

With that, Dobby popped away, leaving Harry shaking his head. "I thought he was devoted to me, he spent a couple of weeks searching Hogwarts for Tom's signature, but I don't stand a chance when it comes to Joan."

Barchoke playfully got his revenge by joking right back. "Harry, I thought you would be used to that by now. Joan has that effect on everyone."

Looking around, Harry could see his goblin friend was right and just had to laugh.

-oOoOo-

Back in Hogwarts, there wasn't any laughter as Albus was berated by the other two Headmasters. Neither had known that their students would lose their magic if they didn't compete. The French champion was now the one sobbing, her rival from Beauxbatons was probably counting her blessings..

Ludo's complexion was chalk white. His continued survival at the Ministry was mainly due to Ludo's uncanny ability for not being the one left holding the parcel when the music stopped. He was certain there was no danger in him representing the Ministry here tonight - until the beater bat smacked the hippogriff shit at high velocity. Dolores was the official Ministry liaison for the Triwizard Tournament, but she was now a squib. Dumbledore had been leading the charge, as headmaster of the host school. He was now disgraced and an actual champion.

When Ludo looked around the room for someone to take the fall, there was simply no one to pass this particular parcel onto. He could easily see himself being lumbered as the Ministry person stuck with this tournament. That was very, very bad. Even Ludo could see it wasn't a case of if things went wrong, merely a matter of when, how often and how badly.

No one batted an eyelid when Dumbledore said the first task was on the twenty fourth of November, but he couldn't say anything about it. The fact that he knew, and was also a champion, was just another thing to add to the list of complaints the other two headmasters were compiling.

Karkaroff was particularly vicious about there not being any Hogwarts student at risk of losing their magic. "You invite us to your school vith false promises, put our students at grave risk vile yours sit back and laugh at us. Voo told your students not to put their names in? Vos it a member of staff? I noticed two of yours missing from the feast tonight - I thought attendance vos a must?"

Albus just wanted out of here, and cut the meeting as short as he possibly could. Finding four aurors waiting on him, as the Minister wanted a word - and wasn't about to come anywhere near Hogwarts - had Albus wondering if he would ever catch a break.

Albus thought Cornelius had just come into the Ministry for this meeting. He had no idea the Minister had been having a long and productive discussion with his Head of the D.M.L.E. while the radio had played the tournament broadcast in the background. Albus was led directly into the Minister's office, a clearly raging holder of that office was impatiently waiting on him. The door had just closed behind Albus when Cornelius opened up on the old wizard.

"I warned you to leave it alone, but you know best. Dolores has just been discharged from St Mungo's, kicked out would be nearer the truth. She's a squib now, and no longer welcome in St Mungo's, the Ministry or Hogwarts. Your obsession with Potter did that - how many more lives are you going to ruin pursuing this madness?"

A seemingly unconcerned Albus had a ready answer. "When Potter returns to Hogwarts, this will all be forgotten about. It was clever of him to sneak his betrothed's name into the goblet, I certainly wouldn't have allowed Granger back into the castle otherwise."

Fudge gawked at Dumbledore in total disbelief at what he was hearing. It was time for this old fool to learn some home truths. "Neither Potter nor Granger will be coming near Hogwarts, except on the day of the tasks. They'll portkey to Hogwarts just before those tasks and leave directly after, speaking to no one from the Ministry or Hogwarts."

"That's hardly in the spirit of the tournament…"

Cornelius lost it at this point, and was now screaming at the top of his voice. "Neither is forcing a fourteen year old wizard who certainly never entered his own name to compete in the tournament - or lose his magic. The Ministry is currently deep in its worst dilemma since the last war, and all you can do is spout the same old Potter shit you've been peddling since the summer."

Seeing Albus about to retort, Cornelius didn't want to hear it. "Sit, shut up and listen - just for once. The Bulgarian Minister of Magic has already been on the floo - appalled at the danger one of his country's most prominent citizens has been placed in. The Bulgarian Quidditch Association are threatening to sue our Ministry for five million gallons if anything happens to Krum that affects him playing. The French Ministry were even worse. Their champion just happens to be the eldest daughter of their Deputy Minister - and part Veela too. It's only a matter of time before the Veela conclave make their displeasure known as well. The Italian Ministry are incensed that two of their citizens, both underage, are being forced to take part in this tournament - or lose their magic. They're threatening to invoke sanctions on magical Britain, are absolutely taking this matter to the ICU, and holding you personally responsible for the entire incident. It happened in Hogwarts, you are the headmaster - how the fuck could you let this happen?"

Shaking his head, Cornelius revealed his final piece of shocking information of the night. "Just to put the fucking cherry on top of a disastrous day, Voldemort kidnapped Arthur Weasley and used him in a dark ritual to give the Dark Lord back a body."

Pleased to see this shook Dumbledore, he continued with the shocks. "Arthur's eldest was home, he had Molly contact Amelia while he portkeyed to Potter - who arranged a rescue mission and wounded Voldemort."

"How sure are you this information is correct…"

Cornelius shut Albus down at once. "This information is golden, Amelia took part in the rescue. She actually trusted these people more than her own aurors, and also has a badly injured Pettigrew in Ministry custody. Amelia also confirmed Percy Weasley and Penelope Clearwater were being portkeyed to the Institute, where Poppy Pomfrey would be checking them for compulsion charms. Only you know what Poppy will find."

Albus's demeanour told Cornelius all he needed to know, he had no anger left though. "A word of warning, the Hogwarts School Board are trying to contact Headmistress Sprout with an offer to take over at Hogwarts. Personally, I don't think there's a hope in hell of that happening. The Ministry has experts analysing every article and picture of Potter's Institute we can get our hands on. That analysis has to be cautioned by the fact we have no idea of the building methods used so therefore it's difficult to give an accurate estimate of cost. The numbers though are mightily impressive. Our lowest estimate is that Potter spent one and a half million building the Institute, with at least the same again to equip and furnish it. Pictures of Poppy Pomfrey standing in that wonderful infirmary are being drooled over in St Mungo's. The Institute also has roughly the same number of staff as Hogwarts, that they are of a higher quality isn't even up for debate. Only a fool would walk away from that, and Sprout is certainly no fool."

Albus didn't even attempt to argue those points.

"You had to use compulsion charms on a pair of eighteen year olds to fill two of the major teaching positions in Hogwarts. You're standing there three Professors short for tomorrow, and in deep shit with the ICW. Italy were already desperately trying to get you tried by the ICW over the Ginny Weasley incident - and now this disaster will add a lot more substance to their case. It's not just in Britain Potter's Institute is causing a stir, all over Europe people are taking notice of what he's doing - and you deliberately force its fourteen year old owner to take part in a deadly tournament. You can bet that France and Bulgaria will support Italy now - probably adding a few charges of their own to the case against you. I'm still willing to bet though that all you're worried about is how Potter escaped your clumsy attempt at controlling him - again. My Ministry can't protect you, Albus, and neither can I - I'm barely holding on to my own job. If Potter wanted Bones to be Minister, it would surely happen and I'd be powerless to stop it."

A totally demoralised Dumbledore flooed from the Ministry directly to the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts, wondering how long he would be able to hang onto it. With Voldemort once more having a body of his own, it was more important than ever that Harry worked with him. The chances of that though appeared a lot slimmer than holding onto his position as Headmaster - currently slim to none.

-oOoOo-

Instead of training, Dobby was serving five breakfasts in their quarters. Hermione tried to convince Dobby to join them, but he wouldn't budge - until Joan asked. If the situation hadn't been so serious, four of them wouldn't have been able to eat their delicious breakfast for sniggering at how quickly the adamant elf had capitulated.

Hermione kicked off the discussion. "Sweetie, Harry and I will have to go and visit Hogwarts to compete in some tasks. We won't be staying there, and come straight home as soon as we're finished."

There was no hesitation from Joan. "Can I go too?"

"These tasks might be dangerous. Harry and I will be fine but we wouldn't want you to be scared watching."

Again Joan swiftly replied. "I was scared yesterday, and I couldn't see what was happening. Are people allowed to watch? Emma and Dan would scare everyone away with their guns."

This had both Grangers smiling, and saw Dan trying to crack a joke. "There will be a few of us there, we could easily keep an eye on her. She can snuggle into Emma at any scary bits."

"It would probably be me snuggling into Joan." Emma's joke drew some smiles but Harry noticed the nose twitch, meaning Joan wanted to ask something but didn't know if she should.

"You should know by this time you can ask us anything, What's bothering you?"

Turning to Harry with her serious face on, Joan then asked for something she really wanted. "Can I get a new pair of shoes, with hard toes. Some of the people at Hogwarts might need their ankles kicked, and I want it to hurt them when I do."

"I think we could arrange through uncle Barchoke to get you some lovely boots made, with hard toes. Boots are better for winter in the Scottish Highlands." Harry could hear Hermione laughing in his head, while both Dan and Emma had their mouths covered. Dobby's expression clearly indicated that was the least Miss Joan deserved.

"One thing sweetie, I don't want you going around the Institute kicking people's ankles."

With genuine surprise, Joan answered the girl she thought of as her mum. "Why would I do that? You and Harry don't let any bad people come here."

Sitting up that bit straighter, Harry thought that was the best testimony the Institute had ever received.

-oOoOo-

Amelia didn't think she would have any trouble finding Ludo alone, no one wanted to be in his presence in case they were tarnished by association.

"Has Fudge sent for you yet?"

A shake of the head had Amelia continuing. "You know it's coming, and then all the shit will be dumped in your lap. I'm here to give you a way out…"

"You have some mug lined up to take my place?"

Amelia quickly dispelled Ludo of that notion. "Never going to happen, I'm here to tell you how to make a success out of this pile of shit. First, ensure none of the students from the three schools gets injured - anything that can be fixed in five minutes by a healer is acceptable. Two, forget the competition part and turn it into an entertaining event. Three, and perhaps the most important - don't listen to a thing Dumbledore has to say. He's a champion now, so can have no further input into the running of the tournament. I'll be checking you regularly for compulsion charms, the old man dishes them out like those lemon drops he's so fond of."

"How do I manage all that? Do you think Fudge would let me?"

Nodding to his desk drawer, Amelia got ready to give Ludo an amended version of Harry's plan that the group had discussed at their meeting back in the Institute. "You start by getting some parchment out and writing down what I'm about to say. Turning up at Fudge's office with a plan to rescue this disaster puts you streets ahead of anyone else in the ministry. If Fudge doesn't like it, say sorry you did your best but will understand if he wants to hand this to someone better suited to the task."

The more he wrote, the better Ludo began to feel. He had almost three feet of parchment written, and was actually thinking he could get a promotion out of this. Amelia Bones was a genius, and he'd owe her for her help, but the alternative didn't bare thinking about.

-oOoOo-

Severus knew the summons was coming. The minute he finished his breakfast, a house elf appeared with a note from the Headmaster to meet in his office. Kissing his wife's cheek before leaving, Severus thought he'd never been happier - and no way was he going to let Albus Dumbledore spoil it by unloading a mountain of work onto his shoulders.

It was a jovial Albus who welcomed Severus to his office. It was clearly a front because there was absolutely no reasons for Dumbledore to be happy about anything.

Sitting, Severus waited for the pitch he knew was coming.

"Severus, my boy. After last night's unfortunate events, I now have vacancies for a Deputy and a Defence Professor - the positions I originally intended for you to have. Your first duties…"

"Excuse me, Headmaster, I'm afraid I can't accept your offer."

"Why ever not, my boy?"

"Personal circumstances see me unable to undertake any more duties or tasks at the moment."

Dumbledore was never going to accept that as an excuse, with all signs of joviality now vanishing quicker than a sandwich in your hand on a beach full of seagulls. "Am I allowed to enquire what these personal circumstances are, or is this covered by a vow to your wife as well?"

"No vow, we just don't want it to become public knowledge at the moment. Narcissa is pregnant with our first child. I'm sure you'll understand me wanting to spend as much time with my wife as possible, ensuring she doesn't overtax herself."

Going for the sympathy vote, Dumbledore changed tact. "Severus, I really need you at my side. Without you as Deputy, I don't know if Hogwarts will make it through these troubling times."

Severus easily ignored this move, he simply didn't have a sympathetic bone in his body for Albus to manipulate. "I'm sorry to hear that, but the writing is already on the wall anyway. As Potter's school takes more and more students from the castle, it will not be financially viable to run Hogwarts in the near future. Narcissa and I will of course honour our contracts until the summer. If things change before that, please let us know."

Albus was not used to people saying no to him so let a little anger show. "The Minister told me that Voldemort regained a body last night, have you factored that into your plans?"

"Yes, Igor and I discussed it yesterday - before the fiasco with the goblet. Our marks certainly darkened, but if he's back then nowhere near as powerful as he was before. Igor offered Narcissa and I positions at Drumstrang for next year. My wife expecting a child means we're now going to take him up on that offer."

Albus felt as if his world was crumbling right under his feet. "So you're going to abandon Britain too?"

"There is nothing left for us in this country. A father's duty is to look after his family, this is no longer a place to raise a child." Seeing Dumbledore wasn't going to say anymore, Severus stood and made his way to the door. Stopping before leaving, he had something that needed said.

"Dolores was found hanged last night. Whether by her own hand or someone helping her along is debatable - your obsession with Potter did that. Should a spell or potion come anywhere near my wife, you'd better kill me at the same time. Otherwise, I'll pull this castle down around your ears and bury you alive in the rubble."

As Severus walked out the door, he took all of Albus's hope with him. His only plan was to make Severus his Deputy, and then have him sort most of Hogwarts problems out. There really wasn't anyone else currently in Hogwarts capable of doing what was needed, there was no favours left for him to call in, Albus was all out of options and ideas.

-oOoOo-

Cornelius wasn't sure what amazed him more, that Ludo even had a plan or that said plan appeared well thought out. "You're basically saying the Triwizard Tournament is dead?"

"It was dead the moment more than three names came out the goblet. Since no students from Hogwarts entered, we've got nothing to lose by helping ensure the students of the foreign schools survive. By making Krum and Delacour a team, along with Potter and Granger another, then giving them full disclosure of what the task is they should be able to manage the dragons Umbridge ordered for the first task. If the audience get a spectacle out of it, they won't care about the tournament part."

"Do you expect Dumbledore and Voldemort to work as a team?"

"For some reason Umbridge ordered four dragons, so I was reckoning on them having one each. I'm purely focusing on the students here. Dumbledore will do what he wants, and Amelia promised to deal with Voldemort if he turns up. The second task was supposed to be hostages at the bottom of the Black Lake, hardly a spectator extravaganza. With Krum and Potter involved, I think getting them on brooms would be a much better option. The final task can stand as is, but we need to talk about judges."

"Why? With Dumbledore a champion and Dolores not there, I thought you would represent the Ministry as a judge."

"I would much rather commentate on the tasks and thought, perhaps Arthur Weasley could represent the Ministry as a judge. There are also two students from the Potter Institute being forced to compete. Asking that school if they would like to put forward a judge balances things up."

Cornelius got what Ludo wasn't saying, that Arthur was very fond of Lord Potter - and probably now owed him a life debt. Having two judges for each team should keep the contest quite even. "What about Dumbledore? This tournament would become a total sham if he were to actually win this."

"Arthur hates Dumbledore with a passion, so will anyone the Institute sends. You weren't at that meeting last night but Igor and Olympe were ready to skin Albus alive for risking their students' lives. He'll be lucky to get awarded a point from any of them."

Nodding, Cornelius was trying to foresee any problems that could probably bite them on the arse later. "What do we do about the trophy and prize money?"

"If Krum and Delacour win, it shows the wonderful spirit of cooperation the tournament was supposed to inspire. It would be up to the schools how they shared the trophy - perhaps have a duplicate made? If Lord Potter and his betrothed win, the British wizarding public would eat that right up. As to the prize money, I thought doubling it so the winning champions still receive a thousand galleons might help us sell this idea - and see some tempers cool."

If a thousand galleons could get some of these people off his back, Cornelius would happily pay it himself. "So, where do we go from here?"

"If you ok this, I would ask Amelia to approach the Institute with this plan. Then I'll head to Hogwarts, hopefully arranging a meeting with Igor, Olympe and their champions. My intention would be to push as much of the blame onto Dumbledore as possible, leaving the impression that the Ministry was being duped by his games too."

After hearing that, Cornelius was more than happy to give the plan full Ministerial approval - it certainly couldn't make things any worse.

-oOoOo-

Lyndi Lang thought her Hogwarts broadcast was huge, probably because it was, but it only took her seconds to realise this could be colossal. She and the big boss, Andy Powell, were standing in the portkey receiving area of The Potter Institute while a house elf popped away to fetch the Headmistress. She arrived, led them out to a fabulous outdoor area incorporating a stunning swimming pool with overlooking balconies, before walking through a large garden and into her office - an office that had Andy turning green with envy.

"When Lord Potter offered me this job, a stipulation was that my office wasn't behind any stone guardian and would be accessible to all. Every student knows they can walk through my garden and knock at my door. To be honest, I'm usually working in my garden and we chat there. I'm really just letting you know we do things a little differently here."

That was ably demonstrated by a device on her desk ringing. Pomona answered the phone. "Hello, oh hello Amelia - what can I do for you? … Harry will just be finishing lunch, then he has the healing elective with Poppy … If it's urgent I'm sure she wouldn't mind ten minutes or so … I'll get him to phone you in the next five minutes."

Putting the phone down, she called for Dobby.

"Dobby, Amelia phoned for Harry, she really needs to speak to him regarding the tournament. Ask Hermione to let Poppy know he has my permission to make an urgent phone call."

"Were you just talking to Amelia Bones?" Lyndi was wondering if they were being played here, to push the price of the broadcast up.

"Yes, all our accommodation, staff and student, have telephones installed. Amelia had one fitted in her home, she and Susan chat most nights Amelia is available - and not stuck at the Ministry. It's second nature to students with a Muggle background, but everyone else is catching up fast. We have no floo here, the only way in or out is by portkey. You could of course walk out, but once past the wards you wouldn't be able to see the Institute, far less return. The only owl here is the familiar of Lord Potter, and Hedwig doesn't deliver Mail anymore. We have postboxes that are emptied every night, and delivered by an elf to Gringotts. Any mail for us is collected and delivered by elf every morning."

Andy had heard enough, their listeners would love having all this described to them. "Headmistress Sprout, name your price."

With timing par excellence, Dan and Emma arrived. After the introductions, they explained the 'price' the Institute wanted. Again, Lyndi was looking for the catch. "That's it?"

"Oh, we had a few ideas for the broadcast." Emma indicated to Pomona who turned the wall mounted tv on. It was an Italian news channel, which she changed to one broadcasting in English.

As the two radio people stared at the screen in disbelief, Emma easily made her points. "All students at the Institute are learning the Italian language, the staff are doing their bit too. What I wanted you to notice though is that the presenter in the studio introduces some pre-recorded items, mixed in with live segments and interviews. I was thinking something like that could work for your broadcast from the Institute. What do you think, Lyndi?"

"I think my head is going to burst open, and we haven't even started yet."

This had Pomona laughing. "Welcome to our world. At the start of June, this was all just scrubland. That plaque on the wall is the school badge, with INSπRE our motto. Both were designed by students, and we try every day to live up to our motto by inspiring our charges. I guarantee whoever is giving this lecture will be asked questions they've never been asked before - in some cases never even thought about. Whoever you send, they better bring their A game."

"We have fourth year Friday afternoon, then they finish with Italian. If we can get Greta on board, we could combine the class. They could do some interviews in Italian." Dan loved his wife's idea, but added to it.

"We could record some of those interviews, edit them into a mock broadcast and play it Friday night at dinner. Give the visiting parents a nice surprise too."

Looking at the totally gobsmacked expressions on Lyndi and Andy's faces had Pomona chuckling again. "I think we've pretty much agreed this is going to happen, and we've got classes in ten minutes. I'll take you to Professor Li Fonti, our History of Magic teacher, who'll give you a tour of the Institute. We can meet back here after that, hash out any remaining details and then I hope you'll stay for dinner. We can announce to the students this is happening, and you can then start broadcasting that news as well."

Everyone left the Headmistress's office with a smile on their face, all having gotten what they wanted.

-oOoOo-

Ludo couldn't believe how well this was going. Just mentioning dragons had both schools instantly agreeing to the team option. Saying that the second task hadn't been finalised yet, but would include flying instead of swimming under the Black Lake was also an instant hit with both champions present. A joint win, with each champion still getting a thousand galleons, sealed the deal. Ludo had played it like he planned, Dumbledore had duped their ministry too, and they were now doing their utmost to make the best of a horrible situation.

"Vot of these champions from the other school? Have they agreed? I understand they are underage?"

"That's being handled by someone else, but they don't really have a choice."

"Vot can you tell us about them?"

"Lord Potter was fourteen at summer, and I've never actually met him. Seen him play quidditch a couple of times, real potential there. His betrothed, Hermione Granger, turned fifteen a couple of months ago. All I know is that she's incredibly smart." Ludo watched as Krum and Delacour were confident these two would pose no challenge. He didn't mention that both had apparently faced down the Dark Lord last night, or that Granger had killed three wizards in the Wizengamot chamber. These champions underestimated those two at their peril.

Ludo had hoped to run a book on the tournament, that wouldn't happened now. No witch or wizard in Britain would ever bet against Potter, and Ludo certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to accept bets on that team winning the tournament. He had one last thing that could be a deal-breaker here though, but really hoped not. They were all in this mess together after all.

"Hogwarts has a very serious problem, losing three Professors last night…"

"Three, 'ow can zat be? Ze Professor who refused, yes. 'Oo are ze uzzer two?"

Igor was a step ahead of his counterpart. "Vell that explains the two missing young Professors at dinner."

Ludo pushed on, again ladling as much blame onto Albus as he could - though this time it was all true. "Dumbledore had them under compulsion charms to work at Hogwarts. Perhaps he was too busy writing that radio speech of his, he forgot to renew them. They won't return, and Hogwarts can't operate without Professors for three core subjects."

Both Headmaster and Headmistress understood the problem at once. If Hogwarts closed, their champions would lose their magic.

"Vot of this Institute, vill they help as vell?" Igor knew he had to assist with Hogwarts problem, he just wanted to make a point first.

Ludo had been prepared by Amelia to answer this as well. "It's not really feasible to travel between here and Italy every day. The Institute is also a brand new school, facing different problems of their own every day." Again, this was something both Igor and Olympe could sympathise with, so both reluctantly agreed to assist with keeping Hogwarts open until the tournament ended.

Ludo was ecstatic - he'd pulled it off. Yes this was only the initial phase but he honestly didn't think there would be an initial anything - just everyone sitting around waiting on stupid Ludo Bagman finally getting booted out the Ministry in disgrace. He wouldn't be the scapegoat for the Triwizard Tournament, Ludo would show them all.

Instead of a patsy to take the blame for the tournament, Ludo was heading back to the Ministry to inform Fudge not only did both schools accept his proposals - they were going to provide substitute Professors to cover Defence and Charms at Hogwarts. Let Albus himself cover Transfiguration, he was supposed to be good at it.

Ludo would be leaving Fudge to pass this news on to Dumbledore. Everything Amelia had advised him on had so far been golden, he certainly wasn't going to chance breaking his current winning streak by ignoring her warning about going anywhere near Dumbledore. Next time Ludo would speak to the old wizard would be the day he commented on Dumbledore facing a dragon. That gave him three weeks to work on an angle where he could take bets on the outcome of that matchup - Dumbledore tries to steal egg from nesting Dragon actually had rather a nice ring to it.

Chapter 28 - A Picture's worth…

Wrapped in heavy robes, with their hood pulled up against the freezing November wind in Hogsmead, no one gave the huddled figure a second glance while Voldemort dropped a knut into the pot and took a copy of today's Prophet.

After a lot of thought, Voldemort had made a rather ballsy move and set up home in the Shrieking Shack. Peter had explained its previous use, and Voldemort knew the werewolf in question was currently teaching in Italy - not Hogwarts. Laying out the newspaper, it wasn't exactly difficult to discover what the magical pull had been. While delighted to read about the total cock-up Dumbledore had made of everything, and it looked as if this time he would be taken to task for it too, what really really upset Voldemort was that Tom M Riddle being entered was being treated as almost as big a joke as Martin Miggs name being spat out of that goblet.

This changed everything. There was no way this body's magic could significantly be increased in that short a timeframe, but not competing would see the body lose whatever magic it contained. Since this body was mostly a magical construct, he would be reduced to a wandering spirit once more. Voldemort desperately needed to confirm the continued existence of any remaining horcruxes. Getting access to the diadem inside Hogwarts could be incredibly risky, while recovering the locket from inside the cave would be a right pain in the arse.

Voldemort decided to wait a few days and see what the fallout of this was before making any drastic moves. The entire thing might even yet be cancelled. No, this was not cowardice at what Voldemort might find there - or more terrifyingly not find, merely being cautious with the current situation.

At that moment, a meeting was taking place in the Minister of Magic's office that would kick that caution into touch, and see Voldemort's anger know no bounds.

-oOoOo-

"I want to know what you're playing at, Fudge. It's all over the Ministry that the Dark Lord received a new body last night - and yet you won't let us print that."

Looking at the Editor-in-Chief of the Prophet - and the small team of people he had brought with him to this planned meeting now all crammed into his office - Cornelius actually smiled. He knew these people were going to fall over themselves to accept what he was offering here.

"You publishing that, without any of the other facts, would start a mass panic amongst the witches and wizards of Britain. What I'm offering you here is ALL the facts, and a printing timeline I'm sure you're going to like."

Recognising a sales pitch when he saw one, Barnabas waited to see what the Ministry was selling before making any further comment.

"Tomorrow, I would like you to do a background piece on one Tom M Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort. His squib mother, Merope Gaunt, whose Muggle husband, Tom Riddle, left her when she stopped administering the love potion she enthralled him with. She died giving birth to her son, living only long enough to name the now orphan after his Muggle father. Tom grew up in a Muggle orphanage, before - after turning eleven - being contacted in said orphanage by Albus Dumbledore to attend Hogwarts…" Cornelius had been reading from rather a thick file that he now closed over. "Interested?"

The Editor-in-Chief was well aware the Quibbler had done an exposé piece on Riddle. Here though was a Ministry sanctioned version. Unless that folder was stuffed with Fudge's sandwiches for his lunch, there was clearly a lot more material here for the Prophet to sink its teeth into. Barnabas attempted to play it cool. "And what of his rebirth? How long would you want us to sit on a story that will affect all our lives?"

Fudge could see his fish was hooked, time to reel him in. "My intention here is not to deceive the public, rather to prepare them for the news to come. If your newspaper prints this story tomorrow, it will instantly strip Voldemort of most of his mystique - and fear. That will set them up for a full disclosure of his rebirth the following day."

"Full disclosure?"

"If you agree to this deal, Madam Bones here will consent to you viewing her memory of the event in a departmental pensieve."

Barnabas would sell his first born for that, it would be the scoop to top all other scoops - selling every copy of the Prophet they could print for days. All eyes now switched to Amelia, who was of course ready for them.

"What I will say up front is the group I was part of were there with a specific mission in mind, the rescue of Arthur Weasley. Only when he was free and in our care was the fight taken to Voldemort. As it's my memory, you will only see outlines of those involved in the rescue. This was a special disillusionment spell cast by Lord Potter, please don't speculate on those others involved."

Barnabas Cuffe had one last question before he bit their arm off. "What of this Prophecy concerning Lord Potter and the Dark Lord? How will that play into this tournament?"

"Are you forgetting that Lord Potter is also entered into this tournament? Both must compete, or lose their magic." Giving her words time to sink in, Amelia then set the presentation pensieve in the middle of the Minister's desk before adding her memory strand to it.

"I don't mind playing this a couple of times but please take notes. This memory will be going back into my head before I leave this office."

She'd started the memory just after Bill had regained control of himself so everyone saw a one-handed Pettigrew adding Arthur's blood to the cauldron. The screams startled everyone, but not nearly as much as the body that became visible as the steam cleared. When the body called for its wand, one of the outlines shifted into a very confident Lord Potter. Again as Harry intended, all eyes were on him and the new watchers also missed Arthur disappearing. The body trying to dive behind the headstone and being wounded before apparating away actually drew a few cheers. The memory ran a couple of seconds longer than Amelia intended, ending with a now visible Hermione wrapped in Harry's arms as they kissed.

"Some background information. Arthur had been kidnapped from outside his home, immediately after returning there from his job in the Ministry. As you clearly heard Pettigrew say, the blood had to be forcibly taken from an enemy. Arthur was portkeyed to the Potter Institute after his rescue, where he received first class care. He had already intended to take a couple of days holiday for a family matter - the betrothal announcement will probably appear in your newspaper in the next few days. As you also heard Lord Potter say, Pettigrew cut his own hand off as part of the ritual. Lord Potter made himself visible to stop Voldemort getting a wand in his hand, and have all eyes on him so none of the bad guys spotted Arthur being rescued. I will take some questions now, then let you view the memory again."

"I guess it was no surprise to see Miss Granger once more at her Betrothed's side, those two are redefining the phrase 'power couple'. Assuming that was Miss Grangers' parents firing those whatever-you-call-them too, it's hardly a wonder Voldemort got out of there as quickly as they could. I understand completely what the Ministry is trying to do here, and fully support you. After watching that, I'm more confident than ever that Voldemort is finished in Britain. Can I send a photographer with a specialised camera for pensieves later, I want to see if they can take a picture of Voldemort we can use. The Prophet is not PlayWizard though, so you can see our difficulties with that."

It was one of his reporters who made a quip that had all of them laughing. "I don't see a front page with a full frontal of Granny Voldemort selling many copies boss."

Amongst the laughter, Editor and Minister shared a glance that spoke volumes. Using the moniker 'Granny Voldemort' would end all the 'you-know-who' nonsense once and for all. That name would stick like glue and forever destroy the many years of fear the old moniker generated.

Amelia played her memory one more time as quills raced along parchment, trying to record whatever they'd missed the first time.

-oOoOo-

For Lyndi, walking into their dining area for dinner that first night, the difference between the Institute and Hogwarts couldn't have been any more pronounced. That was just a normal Tuesday night in the Institute, yet the atmosphere far outstripped Hogwarts on its biggest feast night of the year - with two other schools visiting as well.

The reporter in Lyndi keeps screaming at her that this was all some sort of elaborate scam, but so far she'd found the atmosphere the same at every meal. Even at breakfast, everyone seemed to be looking forward to their day. Looking around, she spotted Remus Lupin - who had accompanied her to the Institute's cinema last evening - so Lyndi headed toward that table.

Remus of course noticed the young, beautiful brunette the instant she'd entered. Lyndi was certainly someone you noticed, petit, smart as a whip, very witty and way out of his league. Knowing the last part, and also that he would never see her again when she left the Institute on Sunday, allowed Remus to relax and just be himself. He rose to greet Lyndi.

"Good morning, Miss Lang, I hope you slept well after watching your first movie?"

"Yes, and once more I must apologise for screaming in your ear. Those vehicles crashing into each other at that speed was terrifying."

Smiling, Remus introduced her to the others sitting at the table. Two sets of twins, Lavender, Ginny, Neville and Luna. Lyndi had her ever present notebook out, already preparing to ask Fred and George how they managed to be the only over-age students in the Institute, when Remus's introduction of Luna had her head in a spin.

"…and this young lady is Luna Lovegood, the person who suggested building his own school to Harry."

"That sounds like a story I simply must hear. Do you mind being interviewed Luna?"

"Not at all, I'm a reporter for the Quibbler in my spare time. Harry has invited my father here this weekend as well, so he can cover your radio broadcast in the press too."

"Fabulous, you'll know exactly what I'm looking for then." Lyndi's quill scratched along her notebook as Luna told her story.

"Just before the end of summer term at Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione and I walked into the Hogwarts Great Hall - where Professor Snape physical assaulted Harry. Snape ripped Harry's sleeve right off his robes as he tried to drag him away for detention. This was done in front of the entire school, yet Dumbledore refused to take any action."

Lyndi took a quick glance around the other students sitting at the table, all were nodding in agreement with Luna's story.

"My Godbrother was never going to stand for that, so he informed Dumbledore that he would be hiring a tutor for potions to teach us and our friends. Learning that Professor Lupin had been forced to resign, Harry was not going to suffer another Dumbledore disaster in defence. With History of Magic and Divination having atrocious teachers too, Harry was looking at hiring tutors for half his Hogwarts classes. I suggested that he might as well open his own school, a couple of months later the Potter Institute opened its doors."

Lyndi had a colour system for marking her notes. Gold was something she would certainly use, silver were things she might use, depending on how many gold items she had. Bronze was pure background material, held in reserve in case she needed to fill any silences left by people clamming up when Lyndi held her microphone in front of them.

Luna's story was pure gold, but she wanted to clarify a few points. "Harry's your Godbrother?"

Reaching out, Luna held Neville's hand as she answered. "Three witches at Hogwarts became best friends. So much so, they stood as Godmother for each other's children. Harry's mum was my Godmother, my mum was Neville's while his took on the same position for Harry. Learning that brought us all closer."

Noticing their rings as both clasped hands, Lyndi could only smile at that. She was wondering how to approach the 'Lupin forced to resign' part, as the Professor in question was sitting beside her - and surrounded by students. Neville solved her problem by coming right out and saying it. Lyndi was actually beginning to believe there weren't any secrets at the Institute.

"Snape broadcast Professor Lupin's furry little problem all over Hogwarts, knowing certain influential parents would complain bitterly about it and demand that he be sacked. It's quite funny actually, now those exact same parents are trying everything they know to get their sons and daughters into the institute - where he's a professor and they have no influence whatsoever. We all love his lessons and, a couple of days a month, he leaves the Institute while Lord Black covers his classes. It's just another side to the Institute, everybody knows and nobody cares."

Again, Lyndi noted the nods of agreement, but the girl introduced as Lavender had more to say. "The Institute gets labelled as elite, but that's only down to the size of Pi. None of us sitting here feel 'elite', just very, very lucky. At Hogwarts, I shared a common room with Harry and a dorm with Hermione - though neither would probably have classed me as a friend then. Pav and I were the gossip queens of Gryffindor, and quite proud of that. Coming here has literally changed our lives. Before we were focused on fashion, make up and boys. What we're learning here is showing us we could make a career out of this…"

One of the female twins gasped at this, before butting in. "Lavender, we will not be making a career out of boys!" This produced some chuckling, with even Lavender having a laugh.

Fred then spoke, without the twinspeak that normally punctuated conversations with George present too. "Weasleys have never been elitist, the exact opposite in fact. We certainly class Harry and Hermione as very good friends. So good in fact, that Harry invited us to spend the start of the summer holidays here in Italy with him. We didn't know we were travelling to Italy, far less those two were planning to build a school."

George then took over for his twin. "Right from the off, there was going to be only four year groups - with the numbers locked at eighty students. In Hogwarts, we were always in trouble for pulling pranks. Our only ambition was to open our own joke shop. Coming here is easily equipping us with the knowledge and skills we'll need to do that, but also showing us there is a whole great big world out there. Spending time in Naples, both magical and Muggle sections, has opened our eyes to so many more opportunities available to us."

Lyndi asked the question she originally wanted to, and got a glimpse of the playful twins.

"How did you manage to get places in the Institute? I'm assuming being such good friends with Harry helped?"

"Only in that we were staying in Harry's house."

"It gave us the opportunity to beg the Headmistress to let us come here…"

"On bent knee…"

"Every day…"

"Sometimes more than once a day…"

"Almost always more than once a day…"

"Eventually the Headmistress took us seriously…"

By now, the entire table were chuckling along - before George actually got serious.

"We'll be the first Potter Institute students to sit the more difficult European O.W.L.s, we can't let Harry down."

Fred of course agreed but expanded on that. "We have Professors giving up their free time to help us, there's no way we could let them down either. They're not expecting perfect scores from us, just that we honestly do the very best we can. There's no secret to the Institute, everyone just tries their best - in their studies and behaviour. That's all that's asked of us here."

While also agreeing, Remus added something else into the mix. "There are four students currently attending the Institute from the Black Orphanage, and I bet you couldn't pick them out. Lord Black pays their fees and Jillian Green - who's in charge of the day to day running of the orphanage - will be amongst the parents visiting this weekend. We have four members of the orphanage board at the Institute, with one of them being Neville here. I know they have a meeting on Sunday, after the parents have left, because Harry has invited the entire orphanage to spend the Christmas holidays with us at the Institute."

Shaking her head in wonder, Lyndi thought the emblem on all their robes couldn't be any more apt - this place actually was inspiring.

-oOoOo-

While the European magical newspapers were full of the attack the four had carried out, their main British competition - the Daily Prophet - had ignored the entire incident in favour of some school tournament at Hogwarts. Buying the latest issue, Augustus now understood why.

He also understood immediately they'd have to find some way to subdue Bella before letting her read this. Once she laid eyes on today's Prophet, the very idea of them laying low would become a dangerous joke. The mercurial witch would explode like the world's most powerful Roman candle - and light up the European magical detection network as effectively as if they'd set of a massive fireworks display to announce their exact location.

Scanning through the multiple page article, Augustus was shocked at how detailed and accurate the information was - not something usually found within the Prophet's pages. The Ministry must have pumped every Death Eater they captured full of truth serum, and then passed those potion extricated details on to the newspaper. As if what was printed here wasn't bad enough, the newspaper was promising a further shocking world exclusive on Tom Riddle tomorrow - with pictures.

Their plan to lay low and let the hunt for them die down a bit was a good one, until he read this. Heading immediately back to Britain might be the only thing that could possibly stave off the Bellatrix meltdown that was sure to take place. Giving Bella something else to focus on and do, namely sneaking back home, was at best merely a delaying tactic.

It was all Augustus had at the moment though, until they got back to Britain and could find a target for Bellatrix Lestrange to vent her anger on. All his planning was really focused on distracting Bella, so she didn't proceed to vent that considerable anger on the only member of the quartet who didn't have the last name of Lestrange.

-oOoOo-

Working in her garden while the sun set behind Mount Vesuvius was one of Pomona's little pleasures, a perk of her current job that doomed any approach from Hogwarts before they ever got started. The Headmistress also knew a different approach was coming too, and it just walked into her garden.

"Mister Weasley, Miss Clearwater, the bench there is deliberately positioned to give the best view of the stunning sunsets. Sit, enjoy, I'll be finished my task in about ten minutes. Then we can have tea and a chat."

Both sat quietly, enjoying the sunset and watching the Headmistress clearly loving what she was doing. Since they needed her in a good mood, they were prepared to wait all night if necessary.

Having started with a blank canvas, and wonderful soil, Pomona derived so much pleasure from seeing the design she'd put down on parchment gradually take shape. Reaching the point where she had completed the work she'd assigned herself for tonight, Pomona quickly and efficiently tidied up before inviting the young couple into her office. Once the tea was served, she waited on them to broach the subject of why they were here. It was eventually Percy who spoke.

"Headmistress, there's nothing for Penny or me back in Britain. We don't want to return to a country where one of its most influential figures was illegally casting spells on us. You have a wonderful school here, and we were wondering if there was room for us - in any capacity."

Penny was nodding away in agreement before adding her own thoughts. "Neither of us have the qualifications or experience to be Professors, we both know that. Every time we approached Dumbledore about it in Hogwarts though, we left his office with no help but more responsibilities thrust upon us. It wasn't until Poppy lifted those compulsion charms we understood why."

Holding Penny's hand, Percy then revealed just how desperate they were. "We'll literally do anything, for room and board too - you won't even have to pay us…"

Pomona held her hand up to stop them, the looks of desperation aimed at her meant she now despised Albus Dumbledore even more than before. Once again though, the old wizard was her yardstick - she used that as a measure so Pomona could do the exact opposite of what Dumbledore would do.

"I have one question for you both. Sitting on the Hogwarts Express heading home at summer - what were your plans and dreams?"

"I already had an entry level job at the Ministry of Magic, Dumbledore's compulsion charm saw me refusing that position. At Hogwarts, I discovered knowing something and teaching that same something to students is a whole different kettle of fish. The only dream I have left is to stay with Penny."

Appreciating Percy's honesty, Pomona turned her attention onto his girlfriend.

"My favourite and best subject at Hogwarts was easily Charms, so Dumbledore has me trying to teach Arithmancy. I was hoping to study for a Mastery in Charms and was actively searching for someone to take me on as an apprentice. We knew it was going to take a few years before we could get our own place, I think that's why Dumbledore's compulsion charms took so powerfully at first - we really wanted a place of our own."

Knowing this approach was coming had given Pomona time to think about it. "The Institute isn't running at full capacity at the moment, and it will be another two and a half years before it is. That doesn't mean we're not all incredibly busy as the new school and new courses eat into our time every single day. I'm thinking of hiring a couple of general assistants to help prepare materials, work assisting the Professors in class, help organise the parents weekend visits and the students Naples trips. Basically, anything that needs doing - with my Deputy in charge of your duties and time. Interested?"

Both had tears in their eyes as they accepted this wonderful solution to their problem, Penny actually did cry buckets when Pomona told them the salary they would receive.

"That's more than we were getting paid for teaching in Hogwarts."

"Mister Weasley, this is not Hogwarts. We have an entirely different method of charming our staff to work here. The Institute goes to great lengths to ensure our staff are happy and content while being employed here. Miss Clearwater, Professor Flitwick knows you are incredibly talented at Charms, and would have been delighted to offer you an apprenticeship - Dumbledore wouldn't allow it inside Hogwarts. I'm not Dumbledore and this is the Potter Institute so that opportunity is available to you - alongside your job as an assistant - if you wish it?"

While the tears still flowed from Penny, her wide smile was a beautiful thing to behold.

"Mister Weasley, we're all dealing with multiple problems on a daily basis - some of those problems might start heading in your direction. Training will be provided for anything you don't already know how to handle. I would suggest giving it a couple of months to experience as many different types of tasks as possible before we sit down again in the New Year and see if you have a better idea of where you would like your career to take you."

Percy had already made his mind up. "Headmistress, I want my career to take me here. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it. Whatever you need me to learn, I'll learn it. This is where I want to work, in whatever capacity you need me."

This time it was Pomona wearing the wide smile. "Take a few days rest, you've both had a pretty traumatic experience. I'll let the staff know the Institute now has a couple of assistants, and they can apply to Minerva with what and when they need your time for. We'll take it from there and you'll both start Monday."

She shook their hands, promising there would be contracts ready to sign before then. Percy's quip of 'Dumbledore never even mentioned contracts, far less had us sign one' was yet another indicator to Pomona of how bad things had gotten at Hogwarts.

-oOoOo-

Sunset at Hogwarts was many hours ago, considering it was now two a.m. A heavily charmed Voldemort was inching his way through the castle's dark and deserted corridors. Voldemort headed in as much of a direct line to the Room of Requirements as it was possible to take, from the statue of the one-eyed witch. Silencing charms, scent masking charms and of course invisibility were all cast in the hope this crazy venture wouldn't end with Voldemort having to attack anyone while escaping capture.

After reading today's Prophet, and knowing what those promised photos would be, crazy ventures were simply the only avenue left. Those pictures would not only destroy Voldemort as a Dark Lord, they would also put an end to the current anonymity the little old lady was able to take advantage of. Voldemort needed to know if the horcrux placed here was still intact, or then face the very real possibility that the spirit trapped in this body was now mortal.

On entering the Room of Requirements, and closing the door, Voldemort could let out a sigh of relief that there hadn't even been a ghost needing to be snuck passed. Taking a few steps into the vast cavern of lost items however saw that relief vanish forever. Like his mother's home, Voldemort could feel where the diadem horcrux had been destroyed. It had certainly happened before the locket but that was really as accurate time-wise as Voldemort could be.

It was only the pain being emitted from the recently injured leg that alerted Voldemort this old body had slumped heavily to the floor. Struggling into a more comfortable sitting position, Voldemort was at a total loss on what to do next. This body had to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, or lose its magic. If Voldemort actually appeared at the tournament, every auror in Britain would be there to take this body down.

Tomorrow's pictures in the Prophet would end any fear of him, there would be no hesitation from the aurors that day. There had to be another way, a third option - preferably one that didn't see this body bleeding out on the grass. While certainly missing his fanatical group of supporters, it was information Voldemort desperately needed even more. With the right information, Voldemort might be able to plot a route out from under this tournament. While thinking specifically about that problem, an occasional table with a slim book on top appeared at his left elbow. Could this be Voldemort's salvation?

-oOoOo-

Finding an empty holiday home along the Kent coast was easy in November. Charming the windows so any Muggle looking in would see exactly what they expected was the work of mere moments. Only the Muggle owners turning up would disturb them, again it would be the work of mere moments putting an end to that problem. They now had a safe house on the outskirts of Folkestone from which to plan their next moves.

Augustus placed today's Prophet on the table and took a step back. There was silence in the room, though that silence was predictably broken by Bella.

"Is this a fucking joke?"

A shake of his head didn't convince Bellatrix. "How can this be? That's not our master. That's not a Lord, never mind a dark one."

Rabastan looked to Augustus. "You're our expert here, how could this happen?"

Seeing the other three were in shock, Augustus thought it was safe enough to sit at the table and pour himself a cup of tea. There were no curses flying around - yet. "It would appear our Master attempted a ritual to regain his body, but anything that could go wrong did."

Taking a sip of his sweet tea, Augustus continued. "The ritual required four main components. A body to hold his spirit before the ritual began, the bone of his father, the flesh of a servant - willingly given, and the blood of an enemy - forcibly taken. Seemingly, our Master had been possessing the body of Bertha Jorkins for months. Using a female body going into this ritual though was risky, a risk that backfired."

After a little more fortifying tea, Augustus moved on to the second component. "From what Potter reportedly said, he might have switched out the bones in that grave. The fact that he was there when the ritual was taking place lends credence to his claim. Potter being there not only means he knew exactly what our master was attempting, but why, where and obviously when too. Not being the correct bones would seriously affect the ritual, and worse if the replacement bones were from a female muggle too - it was after all a muggle graveyard."

While sipping the sweet elixir, Augustus was thinking it might be time for something stronger as he discussed the third element. "The servant's flesh must be willing given, or magic would know. I actually agree with what Potter said about this, Pettigrew was a terrible choice. We all know Peter's a cowardly little bastard, there's just no way he would cut off his own hand willingly. The Weasleys are a light family, and certainly our Master's enemy. Snatching the Weasley patriarch was an inspired choice, and probably the only reason the ritual met with any form of success."

Sitting back and refilling his cup, Augustus waited on the 'what now' part of the discussion that simply had to come.

Bella hadn't taken her eyes of the pictures during Augustus's explanation. She now lifted her sleeve and stared at her dark mark. That mark used to pulse with her Master's power, all of their marks had, she'd felt so connected to her Lord on a practically spiritual level - never mind magically. Currently there was no feeling at all being transmitted through any of their marks, they could be mistaken for ordinary tattoos. Bella had reached her decision. "I couldn't kneel down and kiss the hem of any robes that thing wore. That's simply not the wizard I pledged my loyalty to."

With Bella breaking the ice, the Lestrange brothers then looked to Augustus - they needed to know what their options were here.

"I know of no way to turn that form back to our master, and certainly not in the time frame the first task of this tournament imposes. Having been entered under the name Riddle, it would be our master who loses his magic - with that body probably dying too - if they don't compete in the first task. If they do compete, and that body dies, our master might become a spirit again. Then we could possibly seek that spirit out and help."

There was no confidence whatsoever in that last sentence, something Rabastan picked up on immediately. "You don't think that will happen?"

Shaking his head, Augustus then tried to explain why that was a no. "Whatever group Potter is heading, their intelligence on our movement and master is only matched by the utter ruthlessness brought to bear on their enemies. I think it's safe to assume we're the last of our Master's Death Eaters, and we only survived with a massive slice of luck - with Carrick being in the wrong place at the right time. Our Master's power base has been totally wiped out in Britain, his rebirth ritual heavily sabotaged and a very public scheduled appearance is now magically forced upon him. If they could achieve all this, while practically destroying Dumbledore and Fudge at the same time, you have to think they will have taken all the steps needed to thwart our Master once more becoming a spirit and escaping."

All three Lestranges easily followed Augustus's logic, and none could argue against any of it. Rodolphus was reduced to basically thinking out loud.

"Could we kidnap someone, force them to cancel this tournament?"

Thinking about that for a minute or two, Augustus again was left to shake his head and explain his visible rejection of that idea. "Two main problems with that. I think anyone we could kidnap that would be important enough to apply significant pressure for a cancellation will probably already be living in Italy. The goblet took that witch's magic, and even if it could give her magic back, she's now dead. There's simply no way to reset the goblet, the tournament has to play through to completion."

Rabastan followed his brother's example and voiced his thoughts. At another time or place, those thoughts would have seen him tortured to death. "Our Master was powerful, intelligent and charismatic - that's why we all followed him. Sitting here, Bella has power to spare, Augustus's intellect hasn't led us wrong yet while Roddie and I can be charming. If we can't save our Master, can we save his cause?"

Now that the unmentionable had been uttered out loud, and no one had even glared at Rabastan, Augustus felt safer voicing his own ideas. "Seeing proof of his origins, our Master's cause has been very publicly exposed as nothing more than a method to gain power for himself. He took the pureblood beliefs, bastardised and weaponised those beliefs until his Death Eaters didn't baulk at anything we were ordered to do. With a muggle for a father, how could he possibly champion the pureblood supremacy cause? Since he no longer has the magical power or followers to do anything about it, these newspapers can print whatever they want without fear of any retaliation. We already knew witches and wizards wanted nothing to do with us in Europe, this is the last nail in the coffin of the pureblood supremacy cause in Britain."

"You mean he lied to us?"

Bella's temper was never far away, Augustus didn't want it making an appearance here. "He lied to the entire country - told the purebloods what we wanted to hear, needed to hear - and killed anyone that disagreed with him. His power allowed our Master to do that, something this new body simply doesn't have. You yourself said you couldn't kiss the hem of that's robes, I agree - just for a different reason. I wanted to believe so much that our master could change things, even spending over a decade in Azkaban didn't dent my devotion - it was probably the only thing that kept me alive. I still want to believe with all my heart, I just can't. Our Master is gone, and that thing is just a pale shadow - a poor imitation of someone who had enough power to be considered practically a deity. My beliefs have been shattered, and I don't know where to go from here. You will have my wand and my full support however you decide to move forward, I just have no idea what direction that should be."

Standing from the table, Augustus rinsed out his cup before heading out the room. It was about five minutes later when Rabastan found him lying on the bed and staring at the bland ceiling.

"It's not the muggle father thing that's bothering me, I just knew it was over the instant Bella said she could never kiss any robes worn by that. She put into words exactly what I was thinking. Without the copious magical power that radiated off him, that's simply not our master. What have we left to live for, since we're now left without a cause we all swore to die for?"

Lying down beside Augustus, Rabastan gave his lover the only answer they had managed to come up with. "Revenge. Kill and torture those closest to Potter - before ending his suffering by eventual killing him."

As Augustus started thinking about people to target, he gave a nod of acceptance. Revenge was as good a reason as any to keep moving forward.

-oOoOo-

The combined Modern Studies and Italian class was a spectacular success, and the mock broadcast played that night at dinner was simply another reason for the visiting parents to be flabbergasted with their first impressions of the Potter Institute. Lyndi had carefully monitored their reactions, trying to suss out who would be good candidates for interviewing live at the BBQ. She'd immediately zeroed in on the Greengrass family, moving them straight to the top of her list. Jillian Green would also be another fascinating interview, but Lyndi was wary of any backlash. There were parents so desperate to get their children into Pi, declaring them orphans for access to this wonderful school wasn't beyond the realms of possibility.

Lyndi already had interviews with the Headmistress, Poppy Pomfrey and the Grangers recorded, these would be woven in amongst the live interviews. Lyndi had explained right from day one that she wanted to end the broadcast with a live interview with Lord Potter, and didn't really want to sit down with him before that. She had allocated seventeen minutes for that alone, and knew for certain no one would cut her off should their interview run over the allotted time.

Andy had told her this program was being broadcast to the entire network of wizarding radio stations, and reckoned the listening audience would be larger than their previous record - the Quidditch World Cup. No pressure on the young presenter then, as she watched her assistant countdown to going live.

All around Europe, but especially Britain, listeners were glued to their wizarding wireless sets. The next hour or so would blow their minds.

"Good evening everyone, and welcome to our exclusive live broadcast from the Potter Institute. I'm currently standing in the area that's enclosed on three sides by the school building - but what an area, I've honestly never seen anything like it. A swimming pool meanders and loops around the area like a river - creating a large island in the middle that's accessible via bridges and becomes a great hanging out area for the students. The pool has built-in underwater coloured lights that are synchronised to change colour, giving the impression that the water flows in waves around the pool. The entire area is also festooned with festive lighting - all together creating a wonderful effect that's simply breathtaking. The planting in the area is beautiful by day and stunning when highlighted by lights at night - you would expect nothing less though when the Institute's Headmistress is a master of Herbology."

Taking a breath to allow a few seconds for the listeners imaginations to catch up, and hear the sounds of people having fun in the background, Lyndi was soon continuing with her descriptions.

"Dotted in amongst this wonderland are tables and chairs, creating little pockets of activity amongst the serenity the entire scene creates. Those pockets are currently occupied by students, their visiting families and also staff - many of whom live with their own families at the school too. The sounds and smells of sizzling meats and vegetables being cooked over charcoal really sets your appetite up for the fabulous fare on offer tonight. Witches and wizards, my name is Lyndi Lang, and I invite you to spend with me what passes for a normal Saturday night at the Potter Institute - normal for them that is - extraordinary for everyone else."