Chapter 8: Eight: Friends and Foes
Sounds greeted Harry as he stepped out of the Floo into a dark and dingy room. The curtains were moth-eaten, and the sofas looked like they had seen better days. A thick layer of dust hung over the mirror, but the portraits surprised Harry the most. He could barely see who was in them.
"Have you been here before?" Harry asked Ted quietly.
"Once or twice with Andromeda, Grimmauld Place is not the most inviting place to visit," Ted grimaced as he kicked up some dust.
"Right then, let's get on with the show," Harry grinned before putting on his 'Malfoy mask' again. This time, Harry was in the lead as he followed the sounds down a set of stairs to a quivering wooden door, light spilling out from around the edges. Harry took a deep breath, jumping when he felt something twining around his feet. He looked down to find Crookshanks purring up at him.
"Whose cat?" Ted asked.
"Hermione's, I am glad to see someone is pleased to see me," Ted smiled at the back of Harry's head as the teen pushed the door open. The table inhabitants kept talking for a few minutes. Harry watched his most hated professor, Snape, sit alongside Remus, who had a slight grin. Then:
"HARRY JAMES POTTER! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?" Hermione's voice rang out, silencing the room before he received a hermy-hug. He put his arms around the young woman, smelling parchment, books, and vanilla soap. So, this was coming home; he felt so comfortable with the witch in his arms. Suddenly she stepped back and looked up at him; Harry was taller than her by a few inches but not a lot.
"You have scared us all to death; no one knew where you were, or anything except Dementors had attacked you," Hermione spoke in a rush, the words tumbling out at once. Harry took the room in. Sirius was leaning back in his chair, looking comfortable as the lord of the manor. Ron was frowning, though he noticed Ginny was glaring at Hermione. He wondered what that was about? However, the twins were both grinning, and the Weasley parents seemed happy to see him.
"Yes, Harry, my dear boy, we would all like to know where you have been," a voice spoke from behind them. Albus Dumbledore entered the room, followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt, who he had seen earlier, and then his cousin herself, Tonks.
"I told you, Headmaster," Harry spoke to the man coldly, "You may refer to me as Lord Rendlesham if you wish to address me."
"You will respect the Headmaster, you brat!" Severus Snape spoke just as he heard a Scottish-accented voice say.
"Mr Potter, please show some respect." Harry had not noticed the Deputy Headmistress making herself a cup of tea.
"What do you mean, Lord Rendlesham?" Hermione's voice spoke up.
"I mean no disrespect to Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall, but Professor Dumbledore seems overly familiar with me. He refers to Hermione as Miss Granger and Ron as Mr Weasley, so why not me as Mr Potter?" Harry asked the Transfiguration teacher.
"Well then, I can understand that, but still, you must respect one's professor."
"Yes, Ma'am, I apologise," Harry answered contritely, but Ted knew it was an act as Harry gave a small smirk and bowed to Sirius, "Your Grace, you have been wholly exonerated. Expect to see it in the Daily Prophet tomorrow."
"Ha-ha, you pulled a fast one over them, kiddo," Sirius launched himself out of his chair to hug the stuffing out of his son as Remus laughed. Snape had a sour look on his face.
"What do you mean? Sirius is free?" McGonagall asked, "Were you not having a short hearing? Albus was to attend as the Hogwarts representative."
"What happened?" Arthur added. Harry gave a quick glare to the Headmaster before turning to the woman.
"No, Ma'am, I was taken before the full Wizengamot!" Shouts echoed around the room at that statement; everyone seemed to be up in arms about it. Harry noticed Hermione had not moved too far away and studied him closely.
"You were what?" Remus stood up with a growl.
"I can confirm there was a full Wizengamot session today, Ministry versus Harry…." Dora spoke up, not finishing her sentence as she winked at him.
"What happened, dear?" Mrs Weasley looked like she was itching to hug him.
"My lawyer and I just made it in time; they looked like they were just about to pass judgement in my absence," Harry explained as Ted introduced himself, though many of the adults already knew him.
"You should have seen them. Harry wiped the floor with them. Fudge was going redder and redder until he looked set to explode, then Madam Bones called the recess," Dora could not help herself. She was like an excited child.
"Nymphadora!" Ted shouted.
"Sorry, dad!" she looked at the ground but could not help the grin on her face.
"How did you get Fudge to agree to exonerate me, kiddo?" Sirius asked.
"He out-manoeuvred them. Tiberius Ogden, Madam Bones and Minister Fudge all come to speak to Harry."
"That is some powerful people," McGonagall breathed. Harry though heard Ron mutter:
"Always knew you were a snake." He was not sure if anyone else heard, but Hermione frowned.
"After witnessing Harry's memories and seeing Sirius's, they exonerated His Grace," Ted finished.
"That is where you disappeared to. I thought I heard someone around the Floo," Arthur spoke up.
"Why is everyone calling Sirius, His Grace?" Hermione asked, always thirsting for knowledge.
"Sirius Black is the last Duke of Anglia and the Head of the House of Black, one of the Heads to the Ancient and Noble Houses. The last four Big houses," Remus got himself into lecture mode.
"The Weasleys are also an Ancient House, though I did not notice you at the Wizengamot today, Mr Weasley?" Harry looked at the man, confused; he really liked the redhead.
"I have been ashamed; one of my past ancestors nearly ruined the House. So now we are in the state we are in," Arthur looked down at his shoes.
"The House of Black could help you. We are looking for new alliances," Harry suggested, though only two noticed the, we. Molly and Hermione.
"That is a great idea. I would be willing to discuss the subject with you. But, Arthur, I want you to bring your House to greatness again," Sirius added.
"I am not sure I can. I do not like the title."
"Perhaps I can help; you have taught me everything about being Lord Weasley," a new voice spoke up from a door. Harry smiled at the man, Bill Weasley was tall and slim, but he looked like a young lord already.
"You would give up Curse Breaking?" Molly asked.
"If father handed the title down to me, I would be willing," Bill answered with a twinkling in his eye. Harry knew there was more to him giving up his job, but he would find out later.
"Good, we shall set a time to meet then," Sirius grinned, happier than he had been in a long time.
"Why we? And the Lord Rendlesham?" Harry sighed, knowing Hermione would not have let it go. He really did not want to get into it in front of Hermione.
"Perhaps it is time to make the announcement," Sirius looked at Harry.
"It's going to be in the Prophet tomorrow anyhow." Ted nudged him, so the teen nodded.
"I proudly introduce my son Harry Antares Black, my heir and fruit of my loins," Harry shook his head at his Dad; sometimes, he could never be serious.
"What?" Ron shouted as McGonagall spat out her cup of tea. Harry loved the look on Snape's face.
"I thought James Potter was your father?" Hermione asked.
"So did most everyone else," Harry muttered, looking at Dumbledore, who had a shrewd look on his face, which disappeared when he noticed Harry watching him.
"Lily and I had always been friends. Though she thought James and I were childish idiots, we always got along. Then, after a bullying incident with James, I ended up comforting Lily, and we grew closer," Sirius eyed Snape, whose hands were virtually embedded in the table. "We started dating after Christmas, our fifth year. The rest, as muggles like to say, is history."
"How did you not know about Harry being your son, then?" Again, trust Hermione to ask all the tough questions. Sirius's eyes met Harry's, and the man winked at him.
"Living in Azkaban, you tend to lose some memories even in my dog form; I find my pre-prison days hazy. However, when we visited Gringotts, my Lily flower had left some memories to remind us of happier days," Sirius lied as Harry felt something at his hand, then Hermione's fingers entwined with his. Immediately his heart rate went up. Remus gave him a crooked smile; Harry knew he would be the butt of his and Sirius's jokes for the rest of the summer.
"That is so sweet," Hermione sighed.
"Where have you been all this time?" Arthur cleared his throat, trying to dispel a little tension in the room.
"As you know, my cousin and I were attacked by Dementors, but I just managed to fight them off. Then, whether it was the family magic or what, Dad managed to find me." Sirius beamed at him, as Harry had barely used the word. Though out of the corner of his eye, he was watching Dumbledore. "I was taken to Hárasteorra Hall, the Black ancestral home, and have been recovering ever since."
Harry glanced around; Mrs Weasley's face almost seemed gleaming though he might know why. He glanced at Ginny; she stared at him like a love-sick fan. Not if I can help it, Harry thought.
"So, Sirius has been there this whole time?" McGonagall asked. He knew Hermione wanted to say something, but he squeezed her hand. She immediately understood, leaning a little closer to him.
"I was coming back and forth to keep up appearances, but I felt Harry was in the safest place possible," Sirius responded, meeting Dumbledore's eyes.
"I think perhaps we should have our meeting then," Dumbledore suggested.
"Yes, I think all the children should leave so we can have it," Mrs Weasley suggested.
"Oh, you meant the Order of Phoenix meeting, discussing the latest muggle-borns death. Perhaps you can answer some questions
"No, you're too young," Mrs Weasley spoke. She sat bolt upright in her chair, her fists clenched upon its arms.
"Since when did someone have to be in the Order of the Phoenix to ask questions?" asked Sirius, "I've told him little because I felt the Headmaster could answer his questions better."
"Hang on!" interrupted George loudly.
"How come Harry gets his questions answered?" Fred looked around the room angrily.
"We've been trying to get stuff out of you for a month, and you haven't told us a stinking thing!" George added as Harry heard a noise. Several other members of the Order of Phoenix had arrived. He recognised them from a photo Sirius had shown him; a much more aged Mundungus Fletcher looked like a pile of rags. A young dark-haired woman sat next to the prickly potion master.
"'You're too young. You're not in the Order,'" said Fred in a high-pitched voice that sounded uncannily like his mother's. "Harry's not even of age!"
"It's not my fault you haven't been told what the Order's doing," said Sirius calmly. "That is your parents' decision. Harry, on the other hand—"
"It's not down to you to decide what's good for Harry!" said Mrs Weasley sharply. She seemed to have forgotten about who he was now. Her normally kindly face looked dangerous as she looked at the elderly Headmaster. "You haven't forgotten what Professor Dumbledore said, I suppose?"
"Which bit?" Sirius asked politely but with an air as though readying himself for a fight. He, in turn, looked at Dumbledore, inviting him to speak up, but Dumbledore let someone else do it for him.
"The bit about not telling Harry more than he needs to know," said Mrs Weasley, emphasising the last three words heavily. Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George's heads turned from Sirius to Mrs Weasley as though following a tennis rally. Lupin's eyes were fixed on Sirius, wondering why he was arguing when the marauder had the upper hand.
"I do not intend to tell him more than he needs to know, Molly," said Sirius. "But as he was the one who saw Voldemort come back" (again, there was a collective shudder around the table at the name), "he has more right than most to —"
"He's not a member of the Order of the Phoenix!" said Mrs Weasley. "He's only fifteen and —"
"— and he's dealt with as much as most in the Order," said Sirius; Harry looked over at his father, who seemed to be enjoying the argument, "and more than some —"
"No one's denying what he's done!" said Mrs Weasley, her voice rising, her fists trembling on the arms of her chair. "But he's still —"
"He is not a child!" said Sirius impatiently. His patience seemed to have snapped
"He's not an adult either!" said Mrs Weasley, the colour rising in her cheeks. "He's not James, Sirius!"
"I know who he is, thanks, Molly," said Sirius coldly.
"I'm not sure you are!" said Mrs Weasley. "Sometimes, the way you talk about him, it's as though you think you've got your best friend back!"
"What is wrong with that?" said Harry, knowing his father was his friend no matter what the woman said.
"What's wrong, Harry, is that you are not your father, however much you might look like him!" said Mrs Weasley, her eyes still boring into Sirius.
"Actually, I look more like my grandfather," Harry responded quietly.
"What was that dear?" She tried the motherly act.
"I said I look more like Arcturus than Sirius. You seem to have forgotten that he is my father," Harry spoke up louder, his voice like ice.
"Don't speak to my mother like that," Ron's ears had gone red.
"You are still at school, and adults responsible for you should not forget it!"
"Meaning I am an irresponsible father?" demanded Sirius, his voice rising.
"Meaning you've been his father for all of two minutes, you've been known to act rashly, Sirius, which is why Professor Dumbledore keeps reminding you to stay at home and —"
"We will leave my instructions from Dumbledore out of this if you please!" said Sirius, again staring at the Headmaster, who had yet to say anything.
"Have your meeting. I do not want anything to do with the Order of the Phoenix," Harry snapped, then turned to Sirius, "Tell me when you are done, so we can go home."
Harry released Hermione's hand and stomped out of the kitchen, not knowing exactly where he was going, but ended up in a living room. Like the drawing room back at Hárasteorra Hall, but dark and gloomy with dust everywhere. He sat down on one of the chairs, a plume of dust going into the air.
"Really, Harry, bottle everything up. Don't tell people what you really think," Fred said sarcastically but with a grin as he entered.
"Yeah, I've never seen mum speechless," George joined him, followed by Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. Hermione sat on the sofa with him while the twins took a chair opposite. Ginny sat down on the floor, but Ron remained standing, the back of his neck bright red. Harry really did not care what Ron thought at this moment.
"I thought Dumbledore might actually answer some of my questions, should have guessed he would not," Harry told them but did not add anything else. Hermione frowned at him; he knew she still respected authority figures.
"So, what's Sirius like as a Dad? He hasn't been around much—"
"Now we know why," George finished for his brother.
"Actually, I am still getting used to it. I only found out a few weeks ago myself," Harry responded. The others all looked at him in trepidation, but he just smiled at them, not knowing what to say.
"And Hárasteorra Hall, am I pronouncing that correctly?" Hermione now asked, "What is that like?"
"It has been great there; Sirius and Remus have been helping out a lot. I was rather ill when they bought me to Hárasteorra Hall. So now I have been having lessons with them. They bought in someone to teach me about etiquette and Potions," Harry could see on Hermione's face that she looked envious of him, that he was getting extra lessons. He was considering inviting her to Hárasteorra Hall, but he was not sure how she would react to Draco's presence there.
"So, you've got even richer," Ron spoke up, venom dripping from his voice. Harry was surprised, this was his best friend, or so he thought.
"Well, yes, but it is not because I wanted to. To be honest, I am happy I have a family," Harry told the redhead.
"I bet you made it up about He Who Must Not Be Named, trying to get attention again," the redhead stubbornly said. It reminded Harry of the beginning of the fourth year when Ron did not believe him about the Goblet of Fire, but he thought Ron had matured since then. He heard Hermione gasp, and the twins were glaring at their younger brother.
"I think it's time you leave now; we wouldn't want any of your jealousy to cloud the room," Fred told the boy in a voice of stone. Ron looked at his brothers, then to Hermione, who refused to look at him, snapped around, and left them alone.
"Do you realise the Death Eaters have only been targeting Muggle-Borns?" Hermione changed the subject, though it took a few minutes for his brain to catch up.
"What do you know, then?" Harry asked them. He noticed Ginny had started listening intently as she sat on the floor.
"We managed to catch a bit of the Order meetings. Five Muggle-born families have now been killed, but the Order doesn't know what to do about it," Fred leaned forward.
"We think that's why Hermione's been bought here, for protection," George finished.
"So, what have you all been up to?" Harry asked, trying to lighten the mood from the talk of death, especially those like Hermione. He would have to think on the subject a little later when he returned home.
"Cleaning, lots and lots of cleaning," Fred spoke, pointing at Ginny, "this one has barely been here all summer."
"Oh, where have you been?" Harry looked curiously at the youngest Weasley. He also noticed her shorts were shorter than usual, and her tank top did not leave much to the imagination.
"AmericaEurope, to a summer camp," she sounded bored, but watching her carefully, he could see she kept glancing at him.
"What's a summer camp?"
"It's a camp for children, usually Muggles, but one in Germany is for Wizards and Witches," Hermione recited. Harry smiled warmly at the girl, who seemed to know everything.
"So that's what you've been doing, just cleaning?" Harry asked.
"And reading the Prophet!" George replied darkly.
"Tell him about it!" Fred continued.
"Well, you know Percy's been working at the Ministry. Then, a couple of weeks ago, he returned home telling us that he had been promoted," Fred began to explain.
"You are kidding!" Harry looked flabbergasted at the three of them.
"We were as surprised as you," Fred took up the story, "especially given the whole Crouch affair. The investigation said Percy should have known the old man was crazy…."
"So how did he end up being promoted?"
"He came home that week looking all pleased with himself, told Dad he'd been offered a job in the Minister's office as Junior Assistant to the Minister, dead pleased because he was literally just out of school," Fred continued, "Percy expected Dad to be pleased with him or something because he kind of looked at him expectantly."
"But Dad was less than impressed," George butted in.
"Why was your Dad not impressed? I always thought he was so proud of all his children."
"Usually, he would be, but Fudge has been out for blood. Thinks Dumbledore is after his job, so he's been shoring up any holes, making sure no one is in contact with the Headmaster."
"They also think he's trying to stir up trouble by saying You Know Who is back. So, anybody in league with Dumbledore has been told to clear their desks," Fred popped back in.
"Fudge has never liked Dad because of his Muggle obsession, but he also knows Dumbledore is mates with Dad," George finished.
"So how does all this concern, Percy?" Harry was confused at this point, looking at Hermione to explain things.
"Dad thinks Percy was promoted, so he had a spy in the family-and Dumbledore." Harry let out a low whistle as Fred explained.
"Oh yeah, that would set Percy off."
"Yep, Perfect Percy went absolutely berserk. He said a load of horrible things to Dad about how the family were so poor because he had no ambition. The next thing we knew, Percy packed his bags and left for London. Mum tried to visit, but he shouted at her and said he knew where his loyalty lies," George told Harry.
"Absolute prick," Harry swore; Hermione looked like she was about to say something when shouting reached their ears. Harry was quickly on his feet and entered the main hallway, followed by the rest of them. Ron ran down the stairs. As they reached the kitchen doorway, the shouting could be clearly heard.
"HARRY SHOULD KNOW THE TRUTH!" Sirius bellowed. Anger could clearly be heard in his voice.
"NO, HE'S TOO YOUNG! HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH THE DURSLEYS, SO HE WAS SAFE!" Mrs Weasley's voice came back. Harry wondered how the woman could think that surely, she had seen some of the signs of abuse. During the last few weeks, he accepted he had been abused while talking to the Mind Healer.
"Are you so far up Dumbledore's ass that you cannot see the signs of Harry's abuse?" Sirius's voice was quieter, more deadly. Harry entered to see his father standing at one end, with Mrs Weasley standing in the middle. Dumbledore, too, stood at the table's head, his face briefly flittered through several emotions before he put on his grandfatherly mask.
"That will be quite enough, Sirius. You can leave if you think we are not doing enough,"
"You would invoke the oaths of the Order of the , so I cannot tell Harry anything," Sirius's voice was deadly now. Dumbledore looked at the man sternly, not realising Harry and the other youths were now in the kitchen.
"I only placed Harry with the Dursleys because I did not want him to grow up arrogant and cocky," Dumbledore replied. The Duke of Anglia's face went white with fury.
"You have exactly ten minutes to leave Grimmauld Place!" the order members stared at the man.
"Excuse me?" Dumbledore looked astonished. Sirius drew himself up, and Harry could see the swirls of family magic. The teen grabbed Hermione's hand, ushering her into the hallway. The others were all staring into the kitchen as Harry tried to remember what he had been taught in his lessons.
"Maiden Granger, I offer you Sanctuary in the House of Black. As Marquess of Rendlesham, I offer you my personal protection as a Vassal of the House. Do you accept?" Just as Harry rushed those last words, Sirius spoke.
"I, Sirius, 15th Duke of Anglia, Head of the House of Black, invoke Blaec cneoris dwolcræft. Any magic cast upon this house will be stripped away. The Order of Phoenix shall no longer be able to meet here, and as long as I am Head of House, no Black shall be tied to the Order nor serve its leader," Sirius invoked ancient magic built into the house. Several of the members knew exactly what it meant. Tonks was astonished at what her Head of House was doing. "You have ten minutes to leave before the magic comes into force and ejects you from the house forcefully."
"You cannot be serious about this."
"I have told you before not to make an enemy of the Blacks. You allowed my son to be abused. You have meddled in far too many things. Your day of recompense is coming." Harry was unsure who this man was; he had never seen his father like this before. Chairs began to shuffle as members soon began to move.
"You cannot just kick us out," Mrs Weasley screeched.
"We will make sure your belongings make their way to you," Remus told her solemnly. She stared at the werewolf and then huffed, knowing she had lost this battle. Everyone began leaving quickly except for Tonks, who stood stock-still. McGonagall stayed, too, looking between Sirius and Dumbledore.
"Was Harry really abused?" the Scottish woman asked as most of the Order filtered out of the front door. Only the Weasleys remained in the hallway.
"Yes," Sirius replied. The Deputy headmistress nodded and said no more; she met Remus's eyes and left. All that remained were the Weasley Family, Remus, Dumbledore, and Hermione. Ted was now standing next to his daughter in the kitchen.
"This is a tricky game you are playing, Sirius. You do not want to fight me," Dumbledore spoke lowly.
"I think it is best you leave, Headmaster; neither of us wants to see how the Black magic would react to you," Remus spoke more firmly than he had ever spoken to the man. In the hallway, Mrs Weasley was bustling everyone out; Hermione still had her hand in Harry's.
"Come on, Hermione, you can stay at the Burrow," Ron gestured for her to follow.
"Yes, dear, you are welcome to stay with us," Mrs Weasley's voice had a pleasant syrupy tone. Hermione's mind was racing; she had recently read all the articles in the paper. Knew the upcoming changes that were happening in the wizarding world. While she was angry at the elitism being exercised, magic was in her veins, and she did not want to give that up. She also admitted to herself that she did not want to leave Harry.
"Yes, Harry," she told him. Harry's face lit up, making butterflies fly around in her stomach.
"Hermione, let's go," Ron spoke just as Dumbledore left the kitchen to find the Weasleys on one side, Hermione, and Harry on the other.
"You better leave, Ronald. I have accepted Harry's offer," Hermione told him. Dumbledore looked at them in surprise, wondering what Harry had offered.
"You filthy little mud—" whatever else Ron was about to say was cut off as he was silenced and then dragged away, mouthing unheard words. His face was a violent shade of red. Dumbledore looked at Harry before disappearing in a whirl of purple robes. Silence echoed through the house as a wave of magic swept through the townhouse, ruffling curtains. While holding Hermione's hand, Harry led her back into the kitchen.
"What just happened?" Harry asked.
"I think I just declared war on Dumbledore," Sirius answered, suddenly slumping forward.
"Well, the plan moved faster than we anticipated," Remus spoke, looking at his old friend.
"What plan?" Hermione asked, the four adults looking at her as though seeing the young woman for the first time.
"How is Hermione still here? She should be forcibly ejected?" Remus looked confused.
"I, erm, offered her Sanctuary in the House of Black. Personally, offered her safety," Harry responded.
"Well, this changes things, but not a lot," Sirius looked between the two, still holding hands.
"Right then, can someone explain to me what you invoked, Sirius?" Harry asked curiously; he knew Hermione was dying to know. So, the dog-Animagus looked to his old friend, the lecturer, to explain.
"Sirius is the Head of House Black. The Blacks were originally from the Kingdom of the Angles, which is now—"
"East Anglia, so Norfolk and Suffolk," Hermione interrupted.
"Ten points to Gryffindor. Yes, the family has always come from there, and many of the first Blacks crafted spells from Old English instead of Latin. They are one of the oldest magical families in Britain. What Sirius used was Blaec cneoris dwolcræft, whichliterally translates to Black Family magic. Any new magic would be wiped from the house, and those not of Black blood would be forcibly ejected," Remus continued his explanation.
"Why wasn't Miss Tonks, Mr Tonks, and Professor Lupin ejected then?" Hermione asked.
"Ted is a Black by marriage, Nymphadora is a Black by blood," Harry smirked at the Auror, who offered him the finger, "and Remus is the Steward of House Black,"
"I sort of understand," the young woman nodded, though Harry knew she would thirst for more knowledge than that.
"I think we need to call a Family meeting, perhaps speak to Regent Longbottom," Sirius suggested.
"We need to speak to our allies; the last Wizengamot of the summer is happening next week. We are going to need to see if we can resurrect the Old Alliance," Remus suggested.
"What's the Old Alliance?" Harry asked curiously.
"Let's just get you home first, then we will talk about it," Sirius replied, getting up.
"You need to go to that press conference this afternoon, then we will organise the family meeting," Remus told his friend.
"Is Hermione staying with us?" Harry asked.
"You have offered her Sanctuary now, kiddo; she can stay in the Purple room," Sirius replied, leading them out of the kitchen. Hermione noticed Harry was looking a bit flushed but knew better than to ask him what it meant, or she would embarrass him.
"How does Sanctuary work? I heard the word Vassal," Hermione asked, eager to get any and all knowledge.
"It means that at the moment, you are protected by the House of Black, which, as explained, is one of the oldest houses. However, should someone attack you, they will have to deal with the House and Harry personally. So, even the Allies will step in to protect you," Remus explained moments after they entered the lounge area where the Floo was.
"What about my family; my mum, dad and little brother?" Hermione looked at them earnestly.
"Hold on, little brother? Since when do you have a sibling?" Harry asked. Both Sirius and Remus shared a look over their heads.
"Always. He turned eleven and will join Hogwarts this upcoming year."
"You never mentioned a brother to Ron or me in the four years we have known you," Harry responded.
"I am sure I have mentioned him once or twice," Hermione argued, but her head felt fuzzy when she tried to remember.
"Charmed?" Sirius mouthed to Remus.
"Your family will be perfectly safe; we will check on them soon," Remus replied, and then a thought occurred to Harry.
"Oh shit!" Harry exclaimed. They all looked at him, "Malfoy!"
"MUDBLOODS! FILTHY, TRAITOROUS MUCK IN MY HOME! KREACHER—" a loud voice interrupted before they could say anything.
"Who's that?" Harry asked, confused.
"Mother!" Sirius answered drolly. Harry could not let this go, so he followed the shouting into the hallway, where he stood in front of the portrait. The old woman was drooling. Her eyes were rolling, and the yellowing skin of her face stretched taut as she screamed.
"Lady Black," Harry spoke calmly. Suddenly the woman stopped screaming and looked at Harry through rheumy eyes.
"Little Regulus,"
"No, Ma'am, my name is Harry Antares Black. I am the son of Sirius," Harry returned politely.
"You are the son of a blood traitor," She looked ready to go again.
"No, madam, I am the Heir to the House of Black, Son of the Noble Black Family. Sirius and I are actively restoring The Black Family to its glory." Harry spoke forcefully. Walburga blinked, then blinked again. "You are disgracing the House of Black with your antics. We had many undesirables here, but you are ruining our reputation with your screaming and wailing."
"I am the Lady of Black. You will respect me, you fil—"
"Finish that sentence, and I'll chop you up for firewood," Harry replied menacingly.
"I cannot be moved," the woman spat back viciously.
"She is correct. There is a permanent sticking charm," Sirius spoke.
"I will destroy the wall you are on," Harry replied vehemently. "Sirius is the Master of the House and Head of House Black. You will respect him!"
"I am sorry, grandson," She spoke quietly, wiping her chin and sitting straighter. Harry hid his surprise at her backing down. Sirius looked astonished at his straight-backed son.
"Good, we will want to use Grimmauld as a meeting place. This house is an absolute disgrace. You have let it go to ruin; Great-grandfather Arcturus is rolling in his grave."
"Kreacher!" Walburga suddenly shouted, making them all jump. A POP later, and a small house-elf stood before them. Sirius had mentioned the creature before, but this was Harry's first time seeing him. Kreacher had a bulbous, snout-like nose, bloodshot eyes and many skin folds. White hair grew out of his Bat-like ear.
"Yes, Mistress," he spoke humbly.
"This house is a disgrace to the House of Black; you shall clean it top to bottom. You shall serve the Master of the House and his Heir as befitting a servant of the Blacks," the little elf nodded and eagerly turned back to Sirius.
"Master Black will want to be rid of the Darkness Master Regulus stole from the Dark Lord, then."
Chapter 9: Nine: Darkness Within
"Master Black will want to be rid of the Darkness Master Regulus stole from the Dark Lord, then." With another POP, Kreacher disappeared, reappearing a moment later, holding a golden Locket with an emerald S on the front. Dark whispers caressed Harry's ears as he swayed on the spot.
"Take it to Hárasteorra Hall; we will be there shortly," Sirius ordered, allowing the little House Elf to pop away.
"What was that?" Remus asked, his pupils almost blown. "The evil from it was calling to my Wolf."
"I have an idea," Sirius replied grimly, then turned to Tonks and her father, "Get your mother and meet us at the Hall."
"No problem," Tonks and her father disappeared, and then Sirius led the other three back to the Floo room. Sirius left first to add Hermione to the Wardbook. Soon after, Harry followed him through.
"Hárasteorra Hall," Hermione called out, following Harry's example, but unlike Harry, she stepped out into the parlour with ease brushing the dirt off herself.
"Hermione, I have to warn you—" Harry began but never finished as a voice that haunted her nightmares cut across him.
"Black, I hope that is you. You have been gone for-ever," Draco Malfoy sauntered into the parlour, stopping when he realised Harry's friend was also there. "Granger."
"I do not want to be impolite, but what's Malfoy doing in your home?"
"Draco is family, but more than that, his family asked for sanctuary here," Harry explained quickly.
"Lucius Malfoy is not here, is he?" she asked. She had only met him once but knew how cruel he had been to Dobby, the house elf. Hermione also knew he was a Death Eater.
"No, my mother and I decided not to grovel at the feet of a monster, Granger," Draco replied acerbically.
"Draco do play nice," Harry drawled an almost perfect impression of Narcissa.
"I do hope that is not an impression of me," Narcissa walked into the room, looking stately and beautiful.
"No, Cissy, I was practising for when we returned to Hogwarts," Harry lied, giving the woman his best puppy dog eyes. Cissy? Hermione wondered.
"Oh, I cannot be mad at you," the woman broke out into a smile. Hermione thought she looked so different.
"Hey, I am your son; you should not get mad at me," Draco pouted, so different from the boy she had known for the last four years.
"Hey is for horses," Hermione and Narcissa spoke at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed.
"Not another person to bond with," Draco complained, getting a sympathetic look from Harry.
"I think your mother is going to love Hermione," Harry commented, receiving a big smile from the teen.
"Ah, you are the famous Miss Granger I hear so much about."
"I hope most of it is good," Hermione quipped.
"Depends on whom you ask; Draco is constantly complaining about how smart you are and how you are the best in class," Narcissa looked at her son, who seemed to want to shrink. "Harry, on the other hand, is always talking about you; I do not think he can say a sentence without your name cropping up."
"Do you really, Harry?" Harry wondered if this was what an embarrassing mother was like. His face was red like Draco's, and he wanted to shrink into the ground.
"However, I did not come here to embarrass you, though that is a bonus," the woman was enjoying this as a sudden whoosh heralded the entrance of Remus.
"I seem to have missed something," Remus looked between Harry and Draco, whom both had red faces, then the massive grins on Hermione and Narcissa's faces.
"You look pale, Remus. Are you all right?" Narcissa asked, suddenly concerned, as she noted how pale the man appeared.
"Ah, good, here you are," Sirius entered the room. "Narcissa, I need you to take a look at something,"
The fireplace whooshed to life as Andromeda stepped through, followed quickly by her Husband and Daughter.
"Dora said you wanted to see us," Andromeda directed her comments to Sirius.
"We found something," Remus told her as Sirius led them into the drawing room. Standing in the room was Kreacher holding the locket.
"That's your mother's elf, right?" Andromeda said, then noticed the locket, "I'm sure I've seen it before."
"It's Master Regulus's," Kreacher grumbled.
"You called the locket 'Master Regulus's,'" Sirius asked. "Why? Where did it come from? What did Regulus have to do with it? Kreacher, tell me everything you know about that locket and everything Regulus had to do with it!"
"Master Sirius ran away," the elf glared at his now-master, "good riddance, for he was a bad boy and broke my Mistress's heart with his lawless ways. But Master Regulus had proper order; he knew what was due to Black's name and his pure blood's dignity. For years he talked of the Dark Lord, who would bring the wizards out of hiding to rule the Muggles and the Muggle-borns ... and when he was sixteen years old, Master Regulus joined the Dark Lord. So proud, so proud, so happy to serve ... And one day, a year after he joined, Master Regulus came down to the kitchen to see Kreacher. Master Regulus always liked Kreacher. And Master Regulus said ... he said ..." The old elf rocked faster than ever. "... he said that the Dark Lord required an elf."
"Voldemort needed an elf?" Harry repeated, looking around at Draco and Hermione, who looked just as puzzled as he did.
"Oh yes," moaned Kreacher. "And Master Regulus had volunteered Kreacher. It was an honour, said Master Regulus, an honour for him and Kreacher, who must be sure to do whatever the Dark Lord ordered him to do ... and then to c-come home." Kreacher rocked still faster, his breath coming in sobs.
"What happened next?" Narcissa asked soothingly.
"So Kreacher went to the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord did not tell Kreacher what they were to do but took Kreacher to a cave beside the sea. And beyond the cave was a cavern, and in the cavern was a great black lake ... There was a boat... There was a b-basin full of potion on the island. The D-Dark Lord made Kreacher drink it ..." The elf quaked from head to foot. "Kreacher drank, and as he drank, he saw terrible things ... Kreacher's insides burned ... Kreacher cried for Master Regulus to save him, he called for his Mistress Black, but the Dark Lord only laughed ... He made Kreacher drink all the potion ... He dropped a locket into the empty basin ... He filled it with more potion.
And then the Dark Lord sailed away, leaving Kreacher on the island ..." Harry could see it happening. He watched Voldemort's white, snakelike face vanishing into darkness, those red eyes fixed pitilessly on the thrashing elf whose death would occur within minutes whenever he succumbed to the desperate thirst that the burning poison caused its victim ... But here, Harry's imagination could go no further, for he could not see how Kreacher had escaped. "Kreacher needed water, crawled to the island's edge, and drank from the black lake ... and hands, dead hands, came out of the water and dragged Kreacher under the surface ... "
"How did you get away?" Harry asked, and he was not surprised to hear himself whispering. Kreacher raised his ugly head and looked at Harry with great, bloodshot eyes.
"Master Regulus told Kreacher to come back," he said.
"I know —but how did you escape the Inferi?" Kreacher did not seem to understand.
"Master Regulus told Kreacher to come back," he repeated.
"I know, but –"
"Well, it's obvious, isn't it, Harry?" Hermione spoke up. "He Disapparated!"
"Could he have apparated out? Voldemort protected whatever this is," Andromeda wondered. Narcissa was staring at the locket in Kreachers' hands. No one noticed but Draco.
"Elf magic is not like wizard's magic, is it?" Draco suggested, "They can Apparate and Disapparate in and out of Hogwarts when we cannot."
There was silence as everyone digested this. How could Voldemort have made such a mistake? But even as he thought this, Hermione spoke, and her voice was icy. "Of course, Voldemort would have considered the ways of house elves far beneath his notice ... It would never have occurred to him that they might have magic that he did not."
"The house-elf's highest law is his master's bidding," intoned Kreacher. "Kreacher was told to come home, so Kreacher came home ... "
"Well, then, you did what you were told, didn't you?" said Hermione kindly. "You did not disobey orders at all!"
Kreacher shook his head, rocking as fast as ever.
"So, what happened when you got back?" Sirius asked next. "What did Regulus say when you told him what happened?"
"Master Regulus was very worried, anxious," croaked Kreacher. "Master Regulus told Kreacher to stay hidden and not to leave the house. And then ... it was a little while later ... Master Regulus came to find Kreacher in his cupboard one night. Master Regulus was strange, not as he usually was, disturbed in his mind, Kreacher could tell ... and he asked Kreacher to take him to the cave, the cave where Kreacher had gone with the Dark Lord ... "
And so, they had set off. Harry could visualise them quite clearly, the frightened old elf and the thin, dark Seeker who had so resembled Sirius and himself... Again, Kreacher knew how to open the concealed entrance to the underground cavern and raise the tiny boat: this time, his beloved Regulus sailed with him to the island with its basin of poison ...
"And he made you drink the poison?" said Hermione, disgusted. But Kreacher shook his head and wept. Hermione's hands leapt to her mouth: She seemed to have understood something.
"M-Master Regulus took from his pocket a locket like the one the Dark Lord had," said Kreacher, tears pouring down either side of his snout like nose. "And he told Kreacher to take it and, when the basin was empty, to switch the lockets ..." Kreacher's sobs came in great rasps now; Harry had to concentrate hard to understand him. "And he ordered –Kreacher to leave –without him. And he told Kreacher –to go home –and never to tell my Mistress –what he had done –but to destroy – the first locket. And he drank –all the potion –and Kreacher swapped the lockets –and watched ... as Master Regulus ... was dragged beneath the water ... and ... "
"Oh, Kreacher!" wailed Hermione, who was crying. She dropped to her knees beside the elf and tried to hug him. Kreacher moved away from the girl with fear in his eyes. Sirius was swaying on his feet as he discovered what had happened to his brother. Both Andromeda and Narcissa seemed appalled.
"So, you brought the locket home," Sirius said relentlessly, for he was determined to know the whole story of his brother now. "And you tried to destroy it?"
"Nothing Kreacher did made any mark upon it," moaned the elf. "Kreacher tried everything, everything he knew, but nothing, nothing would work ... So many powerful spells upon the casing, Kreacher was sure the way to destroy it was to get inside it, but it would not open ... Kreacher punished himself, he tried again, he punished himself, he tried again. Kreacher failed to obey orders; Kreacher could not destroy the locket! And his Mistress was mad with grief because Master Regulus had disappeared and Kreacher could not tell her what had happened, no, because Master Regulus had f-f-forbidden him to tell any of the f-f-family what happened in the c-cave ..." Kreacher began to sob so hard that there no more coherent words.
"Put the locket on the table and return to Grimmauld Place," Sirius ordered. The house-elf did not even bow as he popped out of the room.
"Wow, that was some tale," Harry was the first to speak.
"There are only two ways to destroy a Horcrux," Narcissa spoke, stunning the room into silence. Remus looked at the woman aghast, while Sirius did not appear too surprised.
"What is a Horcrux?" typically, Hermione asked the question.
"A Horcrux is one of the worse things' wizard-kind created. It is a container to hold a soul like this." Remus was shocked when Sirius spoke up, picking up a cup. "It is some of the foulest magic in existence."
"The first known Horcrux was created by Herpo the Foul, and it involves premeditated murder with a very complicated ritual," Narcissa continued. "They can only be destroyed by Fiendfyre or Basilisk poison."
"That is how Voldemort was able to survive for the last fourteen years," Remus theorised.
"So, we destroy the locket, then we can destroy him," Harry suggested.
"Riddle's diary!" Hermione blurted out.
"Excuse me," Narcissa looked at the girl strangely.
"In our second year, Ginny Weasley was possessed by a magic diary, you remember Harry, you told us it was draining Ginny of Magic, and the 'soul' was becoming more alive," Hermione told the group. "Harry only destroyed it by stabbing the diary with the Blade of Gryffindor."
"So, Voldemort made at least two Horcruxes?" Narcissa said thoughtfully.
"No wonder he is insane," Sirius murmured. Andromeda approached the table and began using various diagnosis spells on it.
"What do you mean?" Draco asked.
"The more times your soul is 'broken,' the more your sanity will be lost," his mother answered. "So, we assume there is more than one out there."
"We know of two, but I assume he has five or seven," Remus mused.
"Why do you think that?" Sirius looked at his oldest friend.
"Both are magic numbers; the Dark Lord seems obsessed with magic numbers from what I have heard," Remus concluded.
"That is true," Narcissa added as Andromeda took a sharp intake of breath.
"What is it?" Sirius asked.
"The 'evil' within has the same signature as the one in Harry's head," everyone turned to look at Harry.
"What do you mean? I have a piece of Voldemort's soul in my head," Harry stared at the adults.
"You remember those tests I took? We found a bit of dark magic centred around your scar?" Andromeda asked, getting a nod from Harry. "It seems He made a living Horcrux."
"No one has ever done that, not in recorded history," Remus spoke up, looking sick.
"Does that mean I have to die?"
"NO!" Sirius made everyone jump. "We will find a way to get it out of you, I promise you."
"I, erm, need to be alone," Harry mumbled and left the room.
"Should we go after him?" Hermione asked, looking at the back of her best friend.
"Just give him time to process things," Remus told her kindly.
"We need to keep it safe until we work out how to destroy it," Andromeda suggested.
"I will keep it in the vaults below the house," Sirius returned, and then the adults began to discuss the Horcrux. Hermione shared a look with Draco leaving the room behind.
She still remembered the look on Harry's face a few days later. How pale he was. The bushy-haired girl had not seen her best friend in those days. Harry had locked himself in his room. Hermione looked around her room again; as Lupin suggested, it was a deep purple. Now that she had been at Hárasteorra Hall for a couple of days, she was coming to like the purple walls. In the centre of the room was a large four-poster bed with purple curtains along the top. There were cupboards for the clothing that had been retrieved from Grimmauld place. The difference between Grimmauld and Hárasteorra was like night and day. Hárasteorra Hall was beautiful; a couple of times, she had imagined herself as a Princess.
"Hermione, are you all right?" Harry's voice drew the young woman out of her thoughts. She looked at him to see Harry wearing shorts and a tee shirt.
"Should I be asking you that?" she told him, standing up to smother her summer dress out. Harry had to turn away quickly as it became a little uncomfortable in his shorts. Harry knew his best friend was female, but her chest was much more noticeable in the summer dress. Although he liked how Hermione looked, he did not know how his friends could drool over some big-breasted girls like Susan Bones or Lavender Brown.
"I would rather not talk about that. Can we discuss something else?" Harry asked, looking out the window. "I came to ask if you wanted to go for a walk before the family meeting?"
"Actually, that would be lovely. Am I being allowed into the meeting?" She asked as they walked down the hallway, passing many of Harry's ancestors. Hermione had been incredibly shocked when she discovered that not only was Harry a Black, but the son of Sirius. Then add to that the Horcrux revelation, and she had had a lot to think about the last few days. But Harry seemed intent on ignoring the problem, so she would wait for Harry to come to her.
"Sirius decided it would be nice for you to see a family meeting, unlike the one you saw the other day. Plus, you are practically family now," Harry gave her a grin that made her body shiver. Harry was not sure what Sirius was trying to achieve, but he knew the old marauder was up to no good.
"Sounds fantastic. I would love to look around the library more. There are so many fascinating books there," she babbled, then started chattering about the different sorts of books the young witch had found in the last three days. With harry hiding away, she had been in the library next to Remus. The one-time professor had given her a tour in Harry's absence. Harry, now, led her outside into the beautiful August sunshine. They passed over the bridge and past the greenhouses.
"What are you thinking about?" Hermione stopped her babble, looking at him. He saw a loose hair and tucked it behind the girl's ear, receiving a beaming smile.
Inside the manor Remus, Sirius and Narcissa watched from the Study window, all with smiles.
"When do you think they will realise they like each other?" Narcissa asked.
"I give it six months; by Christmas, they will be a couple," Sirius suggested.
"They look like you and Holly were," Remus bought up. The other man frowned, abruptly moving away from the window to take a seat behind his desk.
"Was that a lie?" Sirius asked, remembering Holly Du Vere, she had been in their year in school, but he had met her while training to be an Auror. She was training to be a Healer at St Mungo's, but their paths frequently crossed.
"I do not think so, but we will soon find out," Remus replied, settling in a chair opposite his friend, "I was really shocked at Harry for giving Hermione Sanctuary."
"To be honest, I think she will need it. The Death eaters are getting bolder; someone is giving them addresses of the Muggle-borns homes," Black looked over the two of them, "I think, with the coming legislation, she may need more."
"What do you mean? There is not much more than Sanctuary," Remus frowned.
"Oh no, that might push them apart," Narcissa cottoned on to what her cousin suggested. Moments later, Remus also realised what the other man was suggesting.
"Their relationship is barely fledgeling; a betrothal contract might kill that off," Remus argued.
"But it would tie her to the family in ways Sanctuary cannot," Sirius returned.
"Hermione is a strong young woman; she may well believe betrothal contracts are too arcane. Harry struggled with it, and he does not know much more about muggles than pure-blood wizards," Narcissa added to the argument.
"I know what you're saying, but that boy loves her," Sirius flung his arm out where Harry was now lightly holding Hermione's hand. "I do not think he realises it yet, but those two are made for each other."
"I can see that, but they may rebel against the betrothal," Narcissa countered.
"Not if we pitch it to them the right way."
"What is the right way?" Narcissa looked at the man sceptically.
"Harry has that 'Saving people thing.' If we tell them, it is to protect Hermione, I am sure Harry would go for it in an instant. However, I think we should try to help them get together," Sirius outlined his plan.
"No, we are not going to help them 'get together.' However, the other part of your plan warrants talking about," the witch firmly told him.
"Weasley!" a voice spoke up near the door. Arthur looked up from his desk to find Auror Proudfoot standing in the small cupboard doorway.
"Caleb, what a pleasure to see you. What can I do for you today?" the redhead was sure he would be visiting a house about a charmed Muggle artefact soon.
"The boss wants to see you in her office, pronto," the Auror demanded.
"No problem," he shared a confused look with his assistant, Perkins, then managed to pull himself out of his tiny office. Following the corridor, he entered the Auror bullpen, which was a hive of activity. He got a few hellos from people he knew, but he noticed how busy they were. There were a couple of boards for current cases, but he barely got to see them as the press of bodies hid them away. He pushed through another set of double doors into the reception of the Office of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Arthur moved up to the desk, noticing a man in white healer robes.
"Hello, Rita, how's your husband?" the receptionist gave him a genuine smile.
"Wonderful, Arthur, we must have you and Molly around for dinner soon," the woman gushed, "Madam Bones is just finishing a meeting but will be with you soon,"
"Thank you," Arthur told her, sincerely, taking a seat close to the office door.
"—This is the sixth attack on Muggle-borns in the last month; we're lucky we had stationed an Auror there to keep an eye out," Madam Bones was saying to an unknown person.
"Did we at least capture the werewolf for interrogation?" a deep voice asked. Arthur recognised the voice as that of Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror office.
"No, unfortunately, but the Auror did wound that animal. Luckily, none of the Creevey's was injured; they are currently in a safe house," Bones responded. Creevey? Now how do I know that name, Arthur wondered.
"Madam Bones, Arthur Weasley and Derek Laidlaw are here to see you," Rita's voice crackled through a speaker.
"Right, Rufus, we will pick this up at another time, but I want constant updates on the cases," she ordered.
"Of Course, Madam," Rufus growled, leaving the office. He had the look of an old Lion; there were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows. The old Auror had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles. He took a quick look at Arthur before loping out into the bullpen.
"Arthur, come in," Madam Bones snapped. Arthur entered the office, closing the door behind him. He looked at the woman behind the desk. Her grey hair was close-cropped, which showed off her square jawline. She had a monocle in her eye, which he took note of the magical sheen around it.
"Hello, Madam Bones. I was told you wanted to speak to me," Arthur looked at his boss nervously. He had got into trouble recently, especially with the Ford Anglia.
"There are many things I would like to discuss with you, Arthur, but the first and foremost is, are you a part of the Order of Phoenix?"
"Excuse me?" of all the things Bones could have come out with, Arthur was not expecting this. He knew Fudge was trying to root out Dumbledore supporters; perhaps he would declare the organisation Terrorists.
"I am not Fudge. This is not to get you fired. However, I have just discovered I have two Order agents in my own Aurors, and I do not want another in my office. I will not have people with split loyalty in this office. I do not believe Dumbledore is trying for the Minister's job, but he is dangerous, so I will ask again; are you in the Order of Phoenix?"
"Yes," Arthur admitted. He knew if he lied, his job at the Ministry would be over.
"Good, I am glad you are being honest with me. You have a couple of choices ahead of you; you can remain a part of Dumbledore's Order and be relieved of your job. Or you leave the Order of Phoenix. I have been speaking to Rufus about a new department; you are one of the people I am considering heading up the department." Arthur was torn; he knew Molly was loyal to the old Headmaster, but he had been seeing things a lot clearer recently, and several things did not make sense. He vaguely recalled speaking to Dumbledore after his sons' reported bars and a cat flap in Harry's room.
"I have known Professor Dumbledore a long time, and I'm sorry, but I don't toe the official ministry line that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead," Arthur spoke almost apologetically.
"What I am about to say does not leave this office," she looked at him sternly, then continued when he nodded, "I believe Lord Rendlesham that He is back. I have been trying to subtly get our budget increased, but Malfoy and his cronies have deep coffers. I am hoping to get the Duke of Anglia onside to overturn some of the spending budgets."
"I think he would agree to that," Arthur smiled, "It's one of the reasons I joined Professor Dumbledore; there is a great evil out there that must be defeated,"
"If I get the budget to go ahead, then I'll put you in as the Head of the new department," Amelia told him.
"I will speak to Professor Dumbledore. You have my loyalty, Madam Bones,"
"Good, the other subject I would like to discuss with you is your daughter. I had a report recently that she was involved in possession and an incident with a Basilisk," Bones was so surprised her monocle fell out, "Why was I not informed of this straight away when it happened?"
"I don't know, Amelia, did Professor Dumbledore not contact you after the first Petrification?" Arthur returned, finally using Bones' first name. Though she was his boss, they had still known each other for a long time.
"No, I have been given some information about the happenings in Hogwarts that I was not aware of; it seems the Tri-wizard tournament is the latest in a long list of incidents to befoul Hogwarts," Bones replied, then pressed a button on her desk. "Rita, can you send in Derek Laidlaw?"
"Yes, Madam Bones," was the reply. Minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door before the other man entered, taking a seat next to Arthur.
"Thank you for speaking with me," the man offered.
"Arthur Weasley, I would like you to meet Derek Laidlaw; he is a Private Mind-Healer at St Mungo's Hospital," Bones introduced the pair, making Arthur even more confused. "In the last couple of days, I have been contacted by Gringotts. Mr Laidlaw has been paid to become your daughter's personal Mind-Healer."
"After the experiences she had, Miss Weasley should have seen a Mind Healer after the possession," Laidlaw spoke; he was soft-spoken but oddly reassuring.
"Paid for? Molly refused to let her daughter near a Mind-Healer," Arthur explained. Madam Bones fitted another piece into the puzzle as Arthur said 'her' not 'our' daughter.
"Yes, I have been fully paid; however, your daughter is such an interesting case, it will make for an interesting case study. If you are willing, I would like to meet your daughter today, do not worry about Mrs Weasley; I can be quite persuasive," Laidlaw chuckled.
"Arthur, you are released for the rest of the day. Take Mr Laidlaw home to meet your wife and child. Just remember what I said to you, Mr Weasley," Bones told the man, who realised they had been dismissed.