Chapter 28: Twenty-Eight: When Light becomes Dark
"HARRY!" Hermione screamed, but the dark-haired boy could do nothing but watch as the emerald-green spell raced towards him. Time seemed to slow as Harry thought about the years he could have spent with Hermione. He suddenly had a vision of himself in the gardens of Hárasteorra Hall with Hermione reading a book next to a small pond as he chased two children around. One was a boy with dark hair and looked like a younger version of Cepheus; the other was a girl with wild brown hair and warm brown eyes.
Before his vision could be completed, blue light flared and spread like a wave following an invisible wall. The green Curse seemed to rebound and shot back to its original curser. Molly Prewitt barely had time to scream before the dark Curse hit her, killing the woman instantly.
"Muuuuuuum!" Ron screamed as he was wrestled to the ground by Aurors. Screams echoed from around the chamber as Harry just stood there, trying to process what just happened.
"Settle down, settle down!" Tiberius Ogden banged his gavel several times. Finally, after several loud bangs, the hall had drifted into a subdued silence. "We shall have a two-hour recess for Counsel to share notes on the newest charge and to investigate the events which have happened."
"Come on," Sirius whispered softly into Harry's ear, touching the teen's shoulder, startling him. Sirius led an almost comatose Harry into his office, where Remus, Narcissa and Hermione soon joined them. She ran into his arms, but he appeared unresponsive.
A sharp smell suddenly bought Harry back to reality as his brain started firing again, and he looked around to find Hermione in tears as Remus almost shredded the back of a chair. Narcissa was stood over him with a motherly smile, a small vial in her hand. His dad looked at him, visibly upset.
"What happened?" Harry asked, trying to remember what had occurred. First, he remembered sitting in the chamber, Ron outing his brother, then a green light and a vision of him and Hermione when they were older.
"You were in a state of shock," Narcissa told him gently.
"Molly Prewitt fired the Death Curse at you," Remus snapped angrily.
"I remember green and blue lights, then I saw Hermione with our children," Harry gave a serene smile as Hermione looked at him, concerned.
"Will he be alright? Harry looks drunk," Hermione asked.
"Harry will be fine. It is the shock. His brain will be firing on all cylinders soon, then we will have a furious teen on our hands," Narcissa gave them a grin.
"Why did the Curse not hit Harry? I thought nothing could stop an Unforgiveable," Hermione's mind became analytical now that the shock had passed. The tension in the room dropped as Remus and Sirius shared a grin, trust Hermione to ask intelligent questions.
"The Wizengamot chamber is thousands of years old, built on ley lines; it is said there is a secret chamber below that is powered with magic that protects the Wizengamot. There is a secret ritual each summer on the solstice, though we do not know what actually happens, it involves the Chief Warlock and some people from the Department of Mysteries," Remus lectured. "There are some that say it cleanses the Wizengamot of any bad auras, after a year of trials, while others say it is renewing the magic of the Chamber."
"What do you think?" Hermione asked.
"I think they are renewing magic, and it was that magic that saved Harry today," Remus returned.
"Did Molly Prewitt really just fire an unforgivable at me?" Harry asked, suddenly a lot more alert.
"Someone's back in the room," Sirius laughed.
"Yes, Molly Prewitt, for some unknown reason, fired the Unforgivable at you," Remus answered. Harry thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"So, what do you know about Ron being a Death Eater?" Harry now asked, looking at his father.
"After your revelation last week, I passed the information onto Amelia. Though Ronald was no longer at the Burrow, his stuff had not been sent onwards, and the Aurors raided the house. Inside they found a trunk, a veritable shrine to Voldieshorts. Moreover, there were news parchment clippings going back well over thirty years since HIS rise," Sirius explained. "Did you ever have suspicions about Ronald?"
"Not really, never thought Ron was the type," Hermione first said.
"He was obsessed with my scar when we first met, maybe for the wrong reason, now that I think about it," Harry added.
"He had a very Slytherin mind," Remus put forward.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"Everything he did was calculated. His 'bumbling' and looking stupid were all an act. I saw flashes of intelligence, especially during the chess matches. His Defence scores were almost equal to yours, Hermione, though he seemed to do poorly in nearly all his other subjects. He was trying to appear lazy," Remus concluded.
"Do you think he befriended Harry to get close to him?" Sirius asked.
"He was only eleven; surely he was not that calculated back then," Hermione protested.
"In the Muggle world, they may term his behaviour Sociopathic, which often can be misdiagnosed at a young age," Remus replied thoughtfully. But, of course, Hermione had read many psychological journals, so she understood what Remus was saying while Harry had no clue.
"You said you would explain about the Muggle-born Committee," Harry suggested.
"Yes, it was officially ratified today. So, Arthur starts his job as Head of the Independent Muggle-born Services Department. Today they will begin receiving petitions from Pure-bloods and collating the information on Muggle-borns from nine until seventeen. I have already been working closely with the Department and Professor Flitwick in regard to the new Black Academy for Magical and Non-Magical," Sirius grinned at his son.
"Have you found a headmaster?" Harry asked.
"You are looking at him," Sirius pointed to Remus, who grinned.
"Congratulations,"
"You and Harry have talked about the school, but I do not really know that much about it," Hermione mentioned.
"Well, it is currently a Nursery and Preparatory school located in Norfolk; we take children from age three, mainly from pure or half-bloods that work in the ministry or elsewhere. Then we try to find Muggle-borns and offer them a place until eleven," Sirius explained, "If all goes well over the next year, we may expand to Senior School level."
"So, you will compete with Hogwarts?" Hermione was curious.
"Not compete but offer an alternative." Before Sirius could speak again, there was a knock on the door.
"Your Grace, the Wizengamot are returning to session," a muffled voice announced.
"Thank you," Sirius returned. Hermione hugged Harry, then left with Narcissa and Remus to sit in the gallery once again as she was going to be called as a witness. Minutes later, Sirius and Harry, were again settled in their chairs, but this time Harry noticed Amelia and Susan were in the Bones chair in the Noble section of the Wizengamot.
"Quiet down, Quiet down," Ogden banged his gavel down, silencing the murmuring talk. "Well, now, we re-commence the Spring session of the Wizengamot with the Trial of Ronald Prewitt. However, before we start, how has the investigation gone into the Attack on an Ancient and Noble House?"
"Preliminary investigation finds that Molly Prewitt, formerly Weasley fired the Killing Curse at Harry Black, of the House of Black," Rufus Scrimgeour reported, "Initial searches of her residence has found several letters in what can only be called rants about Harry Black, 'who has taken everything from her.'" Rufus quoted.
"Thank you, Mr Scrimgeour. Please continue the investigation. Now, who represents the Defence?"
"Mr Warren Burke, Sir, of Borgin, Burke and Bulstrode," the slick man answered.
"Rufus Scrimgeour for the Prosecution," the leonine man told him without being asked. Harry knew that Amelia had to be recused because she was so close to Sirius and Harry.
"Now, you entered a plea of not guilty, is this correct? Would you wish to change this?"
"No, Chief Warlock, my client does not wish to change his plea for any charges," Burke told the Chief Warlock with a weasel-like smile.
"Noted, in that case, the prosecution may proceed."
"Ronald Prewitt is a danger to society and the traditional pureblood values; he will stop at nothing to gain notoriety and fame," Scrimgeour began his opening argument. "The boy has a dangerous obsession for the long-dead terrorist," Harry snorted, "He Who Shall Not Be Named, but has worked his way into Lord Rendlesham's circle of friends. This allowed him, with his ex-headmaster, to attempt line theft on the ancient line of Black's. Though the victim is a Muggle-born, Ronald freely used Potions and with help, charms, to seduce the witch. Had he not been discovered who knows who he may have tried next, perhaps one of our pure-blood daughters."
Sirius gripped his son's shoulder as the dark-haired teen growled in anger. Daphne was watching him closely as Neville looked at the boy, concerned.
"Remember this is pureblood society; many see Muggle-borns as a lower caste. Therefore, sexual assault and potioning on a Muggle-born is a minor infraction," Sirius whispered. "The line-theft and terrorism charge carry the maximum penalty."
"It is not right," Harry returned.
"I know, but there is only so much we can do at the moment without being blocked by the purebloods," Sirius responded as Harry heard the last part of Burke's opening statement.
"-was simply misguided. First by his mother, then by his brother, who led him towards the neo-Death Eaters and finally by his trusted Headmaster. Mr Prewitt was too scared to go against such a powerful force. He should be found innocent of all charges and allowed to return to his peers at Hogwarts."
Harry stood on the stands looking out at the quidditch pitch, thinking about the trial. It had gone on for three days, only finishing the day before Harry and his friends returned to school. Hermione had been pulled through the wringer during the trial. Somehow Ron had gotten away with the more severe charges and only been sentenced to six months in Azkaban's low-security wing. Lost in his thoughts, he barely heard the boards creaking and the sounds of arguments. The dark-haired teen looked up to see Dennis Creevey and Rose Zeller approaching him. Despite the year difference, he knew these two were best friends. The boy was small for his age; even at twelve, Dennis was under five-foot with mousy brown hair which curled, but his face had become sharper, losing the babyface, and Harry realised he would be a handsome man.
"I think I know what you want to chat about, Rose, but what can I do for you, Dennis?" Harry asked the short boy.
"Can we speak, erm, privately?" Dennis looked nervously at his best friend.
"Do you mind giving us a minute?" Harry asked Rose, who shook her head and moved further away to not hear the conversation. Harry looked at the boy. "So, what is on your mind?"
"I know you are not a Prefect, but everyone else says you're really approachable. But unfortunately, I cannot speak to Colin, he is always off with Ginny Weasley, and well, the other boys would call me a freak," Dennis fiddled nervously with the hem of his tee-shirt when he suddenly blurted out, "I think I might be bisexual!"
"How did you come to this conclusion?" Harry asked delicately, wishing Hermione was with him. The older teen knew the Muggle world was very harsh with the LGBT community, but he thought Hermione would deal with this much better. The younger boy buried his head in his hands, trying to forget what he had just revealed. After several minutes of silence, the smaller boy finally spoke again.
"Since before Hogwarts, I've been getting weird feelings, all the boys around me are interested in the girls, like the size of their chests," Dennis told his story, as he blushed bright red looking at Rose who was stood a distance away, "Even in Primary school, I was getting, erm, erections in the showers after Games. The feelings have increased in the last year. I think I've got a crush on Seamus Finnegan; he's well hot. But I also kinda like Rose, she is really pretty even for a first year."
"So, you have liked boys since before Hogwarts, and you have got a crush on Seamus, but you also think you like Rose," Harry repeated, getting his facts right. The younger boy nodded, staring at Harry. " Look, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Draco went to the ball with Theo Nott, their boyfriends. However, I know what the Muggle world is like, but our world is much more accommodating."
"Really?" Dennis looked at the older teen sceptically, "But I see so much bigotry, the pure-bloods talk of Muggle-borns like they are dirt, everyone says werewolves are vicious beasts, and vampires are bloodthirsty baby killers. So how am I going to be looked at for liking both?"
"Greedy! Playing both sides?" Harry grinned at the boy who laughed. "You know my father has been trying to change things, right? You have read the Prophet?" Dennis panicked when Harry called Rose over. The older teen knew the girl was still holding onto the worry she would be shunned by all and sundry.
"I want you both to listen to me, everyone has secrets, whether they are big or small, but I've noticed the Magical world is far more accommodating than the Muggle world. Whether that be racial views, sexual orientation, or gender, though they still have an outdated idea on intelligent creatures and blood status," Harry rolled his eyes, making the two younger teens laugh, "but Dennis has just shared a view I thought a bit hypercritical given his situation. He just repeated arguments that all werewolves and Vampires were evil."
"Dennis, you're my best friend, but clearly you're just repeating old shit," Harry was quite surprised at Rose's language, "I'm from the Muggle world like you. I've seen the kind of hatred kids copy from their parents, then go on to spout it themselves."
"Um…OK," Dennis clearly did not know what his friend was getting at. Rose looked at the older teen, who returned her look pointedly. Then, she huffed but turned back to her friend.
"During the Christmas holidays, a friend and I were out late walking when my friend was attacked by a dog. I managed to get the animal away from her, but I was bitten in the process. I recognised the creature as a Werewolf. I was too afraid to tell my parents, but Professor Sprout has been helping me since January; that's why I stayed over the Easter Holidays," Rose told her sad story.
"You're a Dark creature!" Dennis uttered, absolutely stunned. It all made sense; his friend had been 'sick' three times in the last months. If he did his calculation's correctly, it was a few days before and a few days after the full moon.
"I am a werewolf!" Rose announced proudly, "but I'm no different from you. Of course, you won't know Professor Lupin, but he was the Defence Against the Dark Art's teacher a few years ago, and he's a well-respected werewolf."
"I'm sorry, over the summer, I watched my Uncle murdered by a werewolf. I don't think I have come to terms with my brother being a werewolf yet," Dennis admitted.
"Colin is a bit of a special case, do not think of him as a werewolf but a Wolf Animagus. But it is very big of you to admit you do not understand. We will try to get together with Colin and have a chat about it. Now, Rose, you seem to want to ask me something."
"Did Professor Sprout and Flitwick give the go-ahead to your idea?" the girl rocked back and forth on her feet, excited at the prospect of what Harry had suggested.
"I finally got the go-ahead yesterday; the Board of Governors have agreed as long as I oversee you. Remus is going to be joining us. I have just got to ask the other two Animagi if they would join us," Harry confirmed. She squealed with joy then hugged the older teen around the waist. She grinned at her confused best friend then ran off before Harry said anything. He concealed his smile as he turned back to the younger boy. "I think you will still have a best friend even if you tell her your secret."
"I still feel dirty, like I should not fancy boys'".
"Technically you like both, but do not let fancying boys' define you. Have your parents ever given any indication that they are homophobic or your brother?" Harry asked curiously.
"No, there have been some jokes every now and again when a gay person comes on TV, but nothing outright homophobic," Dennis answered thoughtfully.
"Have you, erm, ever experimented with anyone?" Harry asked a little uncomfortably. He really did not want to talk about the boy's sex life, whether he had one or not.
"I knew I was different from a young age, but I knew another boy similar to me when I was in Primary School. He took me into the toilet's one day and explained what a gay person was, then touched me down there; I touched him too," Dennis told the teen sheepishly, then blushed hard as he said the next part. "Last year, I heard the other kids talking about wanking, erm, masturbating, then we had Sex education from Madam Pomfrey. At the beginning of the year, I caught Seamus naked; I've, erm, played with myself over than image ever since."
"Look, puberty is a wonderful and dreadful thing," Harry wondered how he was having The Talk with Dennis Creevey. "You will begin experimenting, touching your body, and learning all your pleasure points. Masturbating over a crush, whether a boy or girl, is natural. I started in the second year too when I caught a view of Hermione's knickers, so do not worry about that. As to your sexual preference, I am not gay or bisexual, so I cannot pretend to understand what you are going through, but I can try to speak to Draco or Theo to see if they would chat to you."
"That would be great," Dennis answered, gulping though he had a spring in his step as he left. Harry took a couple of deep breaths before turning around.
"You can drop the charm now," Harry told the invisible observer.
"How did you know I was there?" Hermione asked incredulously.
"I could sense you," Harry replied with a mysterious smile. She just lifted an eyebrow at him then smacked him around the arm.
"So, Mr Black, I have been your fantasy since the Second year?" Harry gulped and flushed. He knew he would get in trouble for telling that story when Hermione was not far away. She gave him a wide smile as she told him, "maybe I will ask you to give me a demonstration of your skills."
"Really?" Harry choked as they headed into the castle.
"The meeting is happening in about twenty minutes, so we better head up to the Room of requirements before we are late," as Hermione completely ignored her stuttering fiancé. By the time they reached the main entrance, Harry was more coordinated and speaking in whole sentences. As they began to head upstairs, they caught sight of Seamus. Uttering apologies, Harry went up to the sandy-haired teen.
"Have you got a minute?" Hermione followed curiously as the Irishman agreed. They made their way to an empty classroom.
"So, Harry, what's up?" Seamus leant up against one of the desks.
"Now I know we have not been the greatest friends, especially with the little upset at the beginning of the year," Harry replied. Seamus did look guilty, "but I wondered if you liked guys?"
"Oh, Harry, I know we are friends, but you are really not my type. Plus, I thought you were already hitched," Seamus burst out laughing, trying to answer Harry through laughs.
"I love Hermione," Harry laughed. "I have noticed you have ignored Parvati quite a lot, and your eyes sort of roams."
"I'll be honest, I'm bisexual, and yes, I'm getting a little bored with Parvati," Seamus replied, ignoring the death glare he was getting from Hermione. "Why do you want to know, though?"
"Well, I'm not sure if you know, but homosexuality isn't exactly well-received in the Mundane world. I had a conversation with a boy today who is just realising he likes both guys and girls feeling dirty, these are his words."
"Do you want me to speak to him?" Seamus asked, eager to help.
"Do not let on you know. I should not have said anything, but he has a bit of a crush on you." Seamus' eyes glittered in interest. "I was thinking of asking Draco and Theo to talk to him too."
"Who is he?"
"Dennis Creevey."
"Colin's little brother. Twelve is the worst age to go through this shit. Well, he is kinda cute; I'll have a chat with him," Seamus replied. "Between the three of us, the boy should feel better at ease."
Seamus winked at him then walked out the door; Harry's poor observational skills noticed he did walk a little effeminately. He wondered how he had missed it before.
"So, Lord Rendlesham, are you becoming a matchmaker?" Hermione arched an eyebrow at him. He shrugged his shoulders before pulling the girl close to him.
"The only match I want to make is with you, Lady Rendlesham," Harry teased back then thoroughly kissed Hermione.
"I wondered where you had got to," Hannah Abbot commented as they stepped into the Room of Requirement, "I sent Hermione out ages ago to find you,"
"Sorry, Hannah, I was having a conversation with someone and wanted to finish before heading here," Harry apologised to the blond girl as he blushed fiercely. The Abbot Heir eyed him and Hermione carefully before nodding, knowing the couple had been snogging from the thoroughly kissed lips. Oh, to have met my own knight in shining armour, Hannah thought. Harry had time to look around the room; it looked like a medieval banquet hall with a large oak table in the centre and many chairs. Around the Room were old shields depicting the Family crest for Black, Longbottom, Abbot, McMillan, Bones and Fawley, among others. Harry was about to step further into the Room when a shiver ghosted his back; he looked around, wondering what had caused it.
"Are you all right?" Hermione asked him.
"It is nothing; felt like someone walked over my grave," answered Harry.
"Do you think someone here might mean you harm?"
"No, I do not think so, but be on your guard," Harry returned. Already there were people settled at the table; Neville grinned at his friend's dishevelled appearance. Susan Bones was giving him odd looks as Ernie MacMillan made conversation with Sullivan Fawley and Daphne Greengrass. The teen noticed two dark-haired girls, identical twins wearing green dresses. They were only first years, by the looks of them.
"Lord Rendlesham, I would like to introduce you to Hestia and Flora Carrow," Hannah noticed where he was looking. He bowed slightly and kissed their hands. The girls could not hide how impressed they were. Something tickled his mind about the name Carrow; he remembered Voldemort saying the name, he was sure.
"Their Aunt and Uncle are Death Eaters," Hermione whispered. He would watch them carefully, but they were only eleven. He was introduced to Geraldine Ollivander, the fourteen-year-old granddaughter of the wandmaker. Isobel MacDougal came from Ravenclaw. Lavender Brown was there, as was a dark-skinned fifteen-year-old, Falcon, introduced as the nephew of Kingsley Shacklebolt. Another Hufflepuff called Thomas Higgs had joined them, as had a short boy with brown hair announced as Jacob Tremblay from the old French Tremblay family. Then the last person to emerge was another Slytherin, one he recognised as Millicent Bulstrode, a close friend of Pansy Parkinson.
"You know Millicent, of course," Hannah said. Harry took in her nervous appearance as the tall girl wrung her hands.
"I do know her," he answered, eventually.
"I am not like Pansy or my father. Not only have I come to be part of the alliance, but I ask for protection. I know my father is a Death Eater, and I have no wish to join the Dark Lord and his simpering fools," her voice got stronger as she continued. Hannah looked at Harry, who seemed to be analysing the girl before he nodded. They took their seats as the door opened, and Ginny Weasley entered.
"I am sorry, it was hard trying to escape my friends."
"What is she doing here?" Ernie McMillan surprised them all with the venom in his voice. Ginny reared up on the balls of her feet, reminding him of the old Ginny before she was possessed a second time.
"She is here at my request," Harry's voice rang across the chatter, silencing them all, "Lord Weasley is well aware, and she is representing his interests. Now, take a seat, Gin,"
Ginny took up a seat next to Lavender as Harry looked over all the teens or children in the Room from his seat at the head of the table.
"Now we are all here as the Heirs or representing our parents. Some are part of the Black-Longbottom Alliance already, others are neutral, while others have parents representing the Dark Alliance, but this is neutral ground, so we will treat each other with mutual respect," Harry told the group. Everyone murmured their agreement, so Harry nodded and looked over at Hannah to start the meeting.
"Tomorrow is the second Spring Wizengamot meeting for ninety-ninety-six where the Legacy Committee will be announcing which Houses have been ennobled to a higher status. From what we know this will be the most houses joining the Wizengamot in two centuries," Hannah explained, " so starting from the Noble Houses, the House of Crouch has been declared extinct while Brown, Crabbe, Dearborn, Goyle, Padfield, Tremblay, Wilkes, and Zahn move from Greater to Noble."
"That's a lot of Houses," Neville suggested surprised.
"Yes, but not all in our favour," Hannah suggested darkly, then continued, "Moving up to Ancient in a surprise change is Decker and Everett. Then Prince, Potter and MacDougal's have all move to Ancient."
"Our family should have been there a century ago," the Scottish-accented girl introduced as Isobel grumbled.
"So, MacDougal has skipped from Greater to Ancient?" Harry asked the girl.
"Father says we should have been in Ancient since before the 20th century, but we were excluded from the sacred twenty-eight like the Potter's because according to the author, our blood was not pure enough," the girl spat.
"I am glad to see you have taken your rightful place," Harry smiled at the girl, who appeared appeased.
"After the incident with Ronald and Molly Prewitt, the last to claim that name, the Legacy committee has declared the Prewitt's extinct." Harry turned to the short boy who had been named as Jacob Tremblay.
"So, Tremblay is French?" Harry asked curiously.
"Originally, but we have lived in Canada for the last hundred years," replied the brown-haired boy. "Dad wanted me to attend Whitestar Academy of Magic, but Hogwarts is one of the best schools in the world, plus he is an Ambassador for the Dominion Ministry."
"Whitestar? Dominion Ministry?" Harry whispered to Hermione.
"Whitestar Academy is the French-Canadian School for magic, sister to Ilvermorny. Dominion Ministry is the Ministry of Magical Affairs of the Dominion of Canada," Hermione clarified.
"Well, I am glad you are attending here, and your family have been…ennobled," Harry smiled at the shorter boy.
"Finally, the Ancient and Noble seats. Gaunt has been taken from the Wizengamot because the House is believed to be extinct. However, if an heir or lord can be produced by the Autumnal equinox, they will be restored." Harry thought about Riddle sitting on the Gaunt chair and shuddered. Hannah continued, "No one had heard from Pendragon in 300 years, but the Wizengamot seems reluctant to get rid of the seat."
"Yes, it was one of the founding members of the Wizengamot and they seem very reluctant to get rid of it, as I said."
"Interesting," Harry sat back and considered that information.
"Lastly, the House of Parkinson has been elevated to Ancient and Noble, as they are one of the oldest families beside Greengrass, Longbottom, Selwyn and Black," Hannah continued.
"What do we know of Parkinson?" Harry asked.
"He is a Death Eater," the Carrow twins spoke up simultaneously as Millicent and Danica Selwyn.
"Well, I guess that answers that question," Harry tried to hide a smile. "What's the state of the Wizengamot after the ennoblements?"
"Well, there are 100 votes now in the Wizengamot thought eleven of those have now been declared extinct. The Black-Longbottom Alliance has thirty-three votes, while the Dark Alliance has thirty-six votes. Many of the Light voters have joined with the Black-Longbottom Alliance, but still nine votes remain in the hands of the light," Hannah concluded, "finally there are ten votes that remain in the hands of the neutrals."
"I gather the Dark Alliance loaded the Noble Houses with allies," Harry suggested.
"Yes," was the short answer. Harry knew then the neutrals or the Light side were the key to breaking the Dark Alliances hold on the Wizengamot. They must court the neutrals like Tremblay, Shacklebolt and MacDougal. All the better if they could get the Carrow's and Bulstrode's on their side, at least this generation.
Eventually, the meeting ended, and the group split up, heading away to their individual houses before going down to dinner.
"What did you think of that?" Hermione asked as they walked the corridors down to the Great Hall.
"It was interesting and informative. I never expected certain people to be there," Harry returned.
"Hannah and Susan have been trying to make inroads with the Slytherins," Neville told him.
"I saw you were watching Daphne. Have you spoken to her yet?" Harry joked. Neville went bright red as Hermione elbowed her betrothed in the ribs. The dark-haired teen just laughed out loud as they crossed the hall entering the Great Hall. It was already lively in Hall as students ate their dinner. The teachers were already sat at the Head table with Flitwick in the centre on an elevated chair. Harry took a seat at the end of the Gryffindor table with Hermione on his left and Neville on his right.
"Feels weird not having Ron here," Neville commented.
"I do not miss his eating habits, urg," Hermione shivered.
"Neither do I," Harry added.
"What did you think about that comment Susan made about a vote on Fudge?" Hermione asked.
"If true, then that will be interesting. Fudge is a useless worm who only panders to the rich," Harry replied vehemently.
"Harry, have you seen Ceph anywhere?" Mark Evans asked from Harry's shoulder. Harry turned to find him and Riley looking at them.
"Not since lunchtime, he was supposed to have double Defence Against the Dark Arts with you?" Again, Harry felt something was off.
"He was with us at lunch, but then he had to grab something from the dorm. So, he never turned up for the lesson," Riley supplied this time. Harry looked at Hermione, who picked up her bag. Sifting through it, she pulled out the Marauders Map.
"If I hear one mention of this to anyone, you will both be in very deep trouble," Harry growled as he whispered the password. The two first years nodded nervously. Then, they watched, amazed as lines appeared on the parchment, revealing a map.
"Can you see him, Hermione?" The trio scanned the map looking for Cepheus. Harry had a gut feeling something was seriously wrong, though.
"Would he be in the Room of Requirement? We know that does not show up on the map," Neville suggested.
"I am not sure if we ever told him about it," Harry looked over the map, knowing he was not on the grounds, "Neville, take Mark and check out the Room. Hermione, just in case, go and check the Gryffindor rooms."
"What are you going to do?" she asked.
"Let McGonagall, Flitwick and Narcissa know," He told them as they went off immediately to check. Harry himself went up to the head table where McGonagall was sitting beside Narcissa and Andromeda having a friendly chat. She looked up as the youth approached.
"Yes, Harry?"
"I think Cepheus is missing."
Chapter 29: Twenty-Nine: Lost
As Cepheus slowly drifted out of a fog of drowsiness, he opened his eyes to darkness. His heartbeat shot up as he realised, he was blind. Then a second realisation as he felt a mask or cloth covering his eyes. The boy sat still, mentally checking over his body for any injuries. Apart from a headache, he felt remarkably well but had no idea where he was. Ceph felt cold steel around his wrists, knowing he was chained up. The floor was warm but hard. The whole room or wherever he appeared to be dry, but it was neither warm nor cold beyond that. He stilled himself as he heard voices.
"You got the wrong child," a voice hissed angrily.
"He was the better choice, Master," a second voice sneered.
"Do not call me Master,"
"What would you like me to call you? I am a slave to you," the second voice answered, "The boy will have the Potter boy running faster than if I had taken the Granger girl,"
"You are positive of this?"
"He has always wanted family, my sources tell me, so he will come running when his brother is discovered to be missing," the second voice responded.
"You are ready to lure him here?" the first voice asked.
"Yes," came the short answer, then the voices disappeared, leaving Cepheus on his own.
Sirius Black looked around the room as everyone prepared for the next spring session of the Wizengamot. The last of the lords had taken their seats as he observed Perseus Parkinson from his seat. Now the fifth House named Ancient and Noble. Both the Gaunt and Pendragon chairs remained, however the Gaunt chair looked dull. The blond-haired man watched the proceedings with a slight sneer on his face. Sirius had already taken notice of the cream chair that had magically appeared with the family crest. Crossed wands over a cockatrice were the symbol of the family. Parkinson was known as a Fixer. It seemed he could get anything for you at a price. It was also well known he was a Death Eater like Malfoy that had pleaded innocence during the first wizarding war.
"Settle down, settle down," the Wizengamot Seneschal banged his rod, opening the session. Sirius grinned at the traditional entrance that had happened for hundreds of years. Tiberius Ogden, Cornelius Fudge and Amelia Bones entered as the three most senior figures of the British Magical government. They took their seats on the central platform.
"Good morning, one and all, welcome to today's session on the tenth of April Nineteen Ninety-six. I hope everyone had a wonderful vernal equinox," Tiberius stood and greeted them all with a smile. Sirius liked the old man; he was much fairer than Dumbledore had ever been. His father had told tales of the previous Chief Warlock, Edgar Sayre, a man with the blackest of hearts. It was discovered he was a follower of Grindelwald, and so Albus Dumbledore had taken his place.
"Now, do we have any more announcement's before we move on to our first business?" Ogden asked, bringing Sirius back to the session.
"Yes, as you can see, we have some new Houses joining the Wizengamot today," Amelia spoke up. "I'd like to introduce you to Augustus Gibbon, the head of the Wizengamot Legacy committee."
"Good morning, esteemed ladies and gentlemen," a short, black man entered the central area where a podium had been set up. He pulled out several sheaves of parchment and settled them on the podium. "Our job at the Legacy Committee is to look into the history and background of candidates and standing members of the Wizengamot.
Over the last several years, many Houses have died out and become extinct. However, today for the first time in nearly two centuries, several Houses from the Greater Order have been elevated to a higher status. Firstly, the Parkinson Family, which can trace its magical legacy back to the time of Merlin, has joined the esteemed Houses in the Ancient and Noble Order. We welcome Lord Parkinson, 1st Viscount of Mandeville." A brief smattering of applause was given.
"Welcome to the club," Theodore Selwyn spoke to the man quietly, who acknowledged the greeting with a head nod.
"A severe travesty of justice has prevailed for over 100 years," people sat up at Gibbon's words," the House of MacDougal, a family of the purest magical blood has languished in the Greater Order for many years, now they have joined the Ancient houses where they belong." First, Clarence MacDougal was welcomed to the Ancient Order. Neville had spoken about the MacDougal twins, but Clarence looked every bit a lord. Sirius knew he and Amelia would be approaching the House soon. Next, Gibbons introduced Abigail Decker, a woman who appeared strong. Sirius knew that she was a little known Death Eater, usually hidden in the shadows. Everett, another minor Death Eater was also elevated to Ancient. Prince was a unknown, a proxy stood in for the Wizengamot lord. Andromeda smiled at Sirius as she settled in as the Proxy for the Potter chair in Ancient Houses. The Prewitt's had been removed.
He also introduced Robert Brown, who was joining the Noble houses. Sirius had heard Harry and Hermione speak of the man's daughter, Lavender. From his own research, Robert Brown collected and sold ingredients for potions. Brown Apothecary was exceptionally well known for getting some of the rarest ingredients from around the world.
Crabbe, Dearborn and Goyle joined the Noble Houses from the Greater Houses. All three were known Death Eaters. It seemed someone had been paying off the Legacy Committee. Jeremy Padfield was an ardent Light supporter. He had been one of few remaining supporters of Dumbledore. Watching the man talking to Falco Tremblay, another new Noble House member, he saw the man gesturing wildly as he spoke to the Canadian Ambassador.
When Falco Tremblay was bought up, there were some grumbles from the crowd and the spectators. The Chief Warlock had to bang his gavel a few times as Augustus Gibbon detailed the family tree of Falco Tremblay to prove the family had British blood. Wilkes and Zahn were the final Houses to join the Noble Order, one a neutral house ready to be courted by the Black Alliance or the Dark Alliance to their causes. The other already a known dark element. Sirius had already had dealings with Magenta Wilkes, the Matriarch of the Wilkes House; she was a Herbologist and had provided the Longbottom and Black families with different plants.
For three hours, they listened to the Legacy committee extol the virtues of the newcomers.
"Merlin, this is boring," Theodore Selwyn spoke quietly from his left.
"I agree, but necessary, we need fresh blood in the Wizengamot," Sirius commented in return.
"True, Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis," Selwyn quoted the Latin maxim 'The times are changing, and we are changing with them.' Sirius once again found his gaze returning to Perseus Parkinson, though only five years older than him, the man was a stuffy pureblood that believed in tradition.
"Is change for the better?" Parkinson commented, speaking his first words.
"Please elaborate," Selwyn gestured at the man.
"Change can be good or bad, it could bring us closer to exposing our world to Muggles," the way he spoke Muggles like a disgusting word made Sirius frown, the gesture unnoticed by Parkinson, "which makes our lives even more dangerous, which is why we need to have tighter regulations on Muggle-borns and half-bloods."
"I can see your point, but we need fresh blood to grow the population. Even Muggle scientists have done lots of research on inbreeding," Selwyn returned, getting a subtle dig in. The Animagus liked the old man's wit and humour since they had begun to have almost weekly meetings, usually over dinner at his favourite restaurant in Diagon Alley. Before Parkinson could form a rebuttal, they were pulled back to the Wizengamot meeting as the Legacy Committee Head finished his piece.
"Well, we would all like to welcome the newcomers to our midst; it is exciting to many new faces on the Wizengamot after seeing the same old faces," a smattering of laughter was heard around the chambers at the Chief Warlock's joke. The man shuffled around his parchments and frowned. "Now to our first order of business, Master Yaxley has tabled a vote of no confidence in the current Minister of Magic."
As Sirius looked around the chambers at everyone, he noticed that most did not seem shocked though Cornelius Fudge looked absolutely stunned. Then, finally, Corbin Yaxley, the representative of the House of Lestrange, stood up.
"As a representative to the House of Lestrange, they have instructed me to put forward a motion of no confidence in Cornelius Fudge. For many years he has put his own greed over the wizarding world; we have evidence that he colluded with the former Sir Malfoy, taking bribes from the rogue noble," Yaxley began, astonishing the Light quarter, the man was throwing Malfoy under the bus. "He also placed Dementors at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a place where emotions are wild and excessive, which could have easily lured the Dementors. In fact, one such incident did occur at a Quidditch match; it was only the quick thinking of Albus Dumbledore that saved the children.
We have word that Fudge not only approved but wholeheartedly agreed to Dolores Umbridge's use of dark objects at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, he has failed the Magical world time and again, putting our very children in danger."
The Black Patriarch was shocked, to say the least. Yaxley was painting Fudge as a Death Eater Sympathiser. Sirius knew that Fudge was corrupt, but he was innocent of colluding with the Darker side.
"I object! I never knew what Dolores was doing. But, as soon as I did, she was removed and taken to Azkaban," Fudge shouted out the Wizengamot, pleading, "I can give you names; I have evidence of people who have performed unspeakable things."
"Quiet Minister," Ogden suggested leaning down to speak to Amelia. Instead, the Minister fell quiet as Amelia talked to some of her Aurors. Rufus sidled up alongside Fudge, had a quiet word with him, then escorted him out of the chamber with a second Auror. "Now a vote of no confidence has been put forth, would anybody like to second the motion?"
"I would; he is corrupt, and so are his policies for the past six years. He bumbled through the job asking former headmaster Dumbledore for advice." But Agatha MacMillan stood tall as she spoke. "the last twenty-eight years have seen a slew of bad Ministers; we are in need of a strong Minister that will bring the magical world and all its brethren into the Twenty-first century."
Sirius shared a surprised look with Augusta, first Yaxley tabled the vote of no confidence. He had expected it to come from one of Dumbledore's followers like Agatha MacMillan. Then for McMillan to actually agree with Yaxley, while not overly shocking, came as a small wonder.
"A vote of No-confidence has been confirmed, as in previous polls we shall vote whether Cornelius Fudge should be removed from office, then we shall discuss the candidates for the role should Fudge lose the vote," Tiberius Ogden explained, "Then I shall set a date for the public to vote in the next Minister of Magic."
"This should be interesting," Augusta muttered.
"The standard rule applies for votes; blue tips will signify a vote for no confidence, and red tips shall represent confidence in Cornelius doing his job correctly," the Chief Warlock explained the usual rules, "ok, then, let us begin! Cast your votes."
Immediately the members of the Wizengamot began to vote in droves. The Chief Warlock and Head of DMLE were exempt as the highest members, but the rest voted. Sirius could already see the blue tips outweighed the red tips by a significant margin. Soon the votes had been counted.
"The blues have it. Cornelius Fudge will be removed from office," Ogden announced gravelly. "We shall have a one-hour recess. However, the doors shall remain sealed. Afterwards, you can put your chosen candidates' forwards."
"What are your opinions on the latest situation?" Selwyn looked around Sirius to ask the newest noble to join their tier.
"Clearly, Minister Fudge was corrupt," Perseus drawled, "I welcome the fact we may get a new Minister that may hold to the traditions."
Sirius toned the man out as his thoughts turned to the problem of a new Minister. Who would he trust in the government to manage the threat of Voldemort and revolutionise the Ministry? Who could the Black's throw their considerable weight behind? Possibly, Amelia had the experience of running a department of the Ministry, the largest department, to be fair.
But he knew she would probably not want the job. Arthur Weasley would be his next choice, but the man was too nice and would be eaten alive. He looked up and caught Augusta's eye; she beckoned him over. Selwyn grinned and took Sirius' seat leaning into the Parkinson Heads, space. Sirius joined Cyrus and Augusta, whispering a few quiet words that set up a Ward so no one could overhear them.
"So, who are we considering?" Augusta asked, looking at Sirius.
"Amelia Bones," Cyrus commented as Sirius spoke.
"Rufus Scrimgeour," the Animagus looked at his friend and shook his head, "Amelia will not want to do it, though she is eminently qualified."
"I agree with Sirius. Miss Bones is right where she is meant to be," the Longbottom matriarch concurred.
"So why Scrimgeour?" Greengrass now asked.
"He is a good Auror, does not take any crap from anyone and can deal with politicians."
"Hmm, yes, perhaps Mister Scrimgeour is the right man for the job," Augusta nodded her head. The Black patriarch got a nod from Cyrus, so he sent a Patronus message to Amelia Bones. Several minutes later, Amelia and Rufus Scrimgeour joined them in the Ward.
"What do you think about the current situation?" Black asked without preamble. The two Law enforcement officers shared a look.
"It was the right decision. I had just tasked Auror Lay with investigating Minister Fudge under the radar," Amelia explained, "as we had had a tip explaining his corruption and his involvement with the terrorist regime."
"Hmm, someone was trying to oust Fudge and were hedging their bets if the Wizengamot did not vote for his removal," Black mused, then looked at the pair. "We would like to back Mister Scrimgeour to be the next Minister of Magic."
"Excuse me!" the leonine man looked shocked.
"Actually, it makes perfect sense. I know you considered me, but I have no wish to take the Minister's job. I am happy where I am," Amelia mused, then turned to look at her Head Auror. "You have integrity, an impeccably clean record and have a habit of picking the underdog. You are not easily corrupt and can bite back against these stuffy Lords."
"Yes, but if I am to be your candidate, I expect you to call me Rufus, Your Grace," the Auror replied after a few minutes considering things.
"Then I expect you to call me Sirius, none of this stuffy lordship stuff," the Animagus replied, glaring at Amelia, who merely laughed at him.
"That I can do," Rufus replied. The five of them continued to discuss their next steps until the session was called back to order. Black dropped the Ward as Amelia and Rufus departed. Sirius took up his own chair once again as Selwyn returned to his own chair, giving the man a wink.
"Welcome back to the Wizengamot Session for the Tenth of April Nineteen Ninety-Six," Tiberius Ogden banged the gavel silencing the last few murmurs, "Before we broke for the recess, the current Minister stepped down due to a vote of no confidence. Today we shall begin the process of replacing him. Then, on the tenth of October Nineteen Ninety-Six, we shall call a general election for the public to vote for their chosen candidate."
"Six Months, that's quick," Selwyn muttered from next to Sirius. Black had to agree, but they would give the Wizarding population of Britain, a great candidate in Rufus.
"In the meantime, after discussing it with Senior members, Madam Marchbanks, the Head of the Department of Education and Family Services shall be the interim Minister until a new one is elected," Ogden announced instantly, causing a storm of conversation up and down the aisles.
"A good choice," Sirius suggested to Selwyn.
"Yes, with her being in neither Alliance's pocket, she should do really well," Theodore agreed. Tiberius Ogden continued to discuss the upcoming election until he took a moment to pause, taking a sip from the flagon on his podium.
"Now, those parties that wish to put forward a nomination for a candidate to be Minister, please do so now," the Chief Warlock looked around the chambers expectantly. Silence reigned for a few moments when Geoffrey Nott stood up.
"I would like to nominate Pius Thicknesse," the slick man suggested. Sirius was both surprised yet not overly. He looked over at Thicknesse, who had stood up amongst the Heads of the Department. Pius had long black hair with a beard streaked in silver. He had a great overhanging forehead that shadowed glinting eyes. Truth be told, Sirius thought the man looked like a crab looking out from beneath a rock. He tried not to giggle to himself. Pius was the Head of the Department of International Magical Co-operation, taking over from Barty Crouch Snr. He had briefly read the file on Thicknesse, but he would have to read it in-depth.
"Thank you, Lord Nott. I would be honoured to be considered a candidate for Minister of Magic. I would genuinely love to lead our great country and shape the future," the man spoke imperiously with a slickness that reminded Sirius of a Muggle snake-oil salesman.
"You may take a seat now, Mister Thicknesse," Ogden smiled patiently at the other man.
"I would like to nominate Amos Diggory," another member of Wizengamot suggested. However, the man that stood looked worn and tired. Black remembered him from Harry's description and the Death of his son, Cedric.
"Thank you, Alan, but at this time, I would like to decline. We are still grieving for Cedric, and I would not make a good asset for the Ministry, let alone leading it," Amos replied hollowly.
"Thank you, Amos, we still grieve with you for your lost son," Tiberius told the man. The man took a seat as someone else stood up.
"I nominate Jonathan Knight," the Wizengamot member spoke. A tall thin man stood up from the Heads of Department's section. Black wracked his brains trying to remember the profiles he read. Then, finally, Sirius remembered that Knight was Head of the Department of Magical Transportation.
"I would be honoured to stand for Minister of Magic. The next century will see momentous change within our world, and we must be prepared for it," the man replied smoothly. But unfortunately, Sirius knew almost nothing about the man, so he would have to do some research to find out everything about him.
"Well, thank you, Mister Knight, you may take a seat," Ogden had a genuine smile for the man, but Sirius was trying to decipher what type of man Knight was; he had come as a surprise, so where would this mans' allegiances lie? "Any more nominations before we bring the session to an end?"
"I would like to nominate Rufus Scrimgeour," Cyrus Greengrass stood looking around regally. There seemed to be a lot of interest from the galleries at this nomination. The lion-like man stood over his boss's shoulder looking around with keen yellow eyes that almost seemed to glow like molten gold.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I happily accept your nomination, and should I become Minister of Magic, I will help weed out corruption and bring the Ministry back as the People's government," Rufus nodded and got applause from the Galleries. Some of the Wizengamot looked unsettled about this pronouncement. However, Ogden's smile was wide as he spoke.
"Thank you, Auror Scrimgeour. Again, we thank you for your service and for accepting the nomination. You may return to your duties." The old Chief Warlock spoke for several minutes more after the Head Auror became the last nomination. The Warlock outlined the timeline for the Ministerial vote, including several debates the three nominees would participate in. Sirius found his mind wandering as he knew Cyrus or Augusta would give him the information needed. He did hear that each candidate would have to step down from their current job but would return should they fail to become Minister of Magic. He found that interesting and wondered who would take over as Head Auror in Rufus' stead.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Ogden drew the session to a close. Sirius could almost hear the sigh of relief from the Wizengamot members as they got up to leave. The Black Patriarch waited for the crowd to thin out, leaving behind Augusta Longbottom and Cyrus Greengrass. Selwyn and Parkinson had already left together talking about the day's events. He bid his two allies a fond farewell as they stepped into their private offices just as Remus and Narcissa joined him.
"Well, that was certainly interesting," the werewolf grinned at his best friend. "I was not expecting some of those nominations."
"Pius Thicknesse is on the payroll of Corbin Yaxley. Unfortunately, he is also a low-level Death Eater," Narcissa confirmed quietly, laying a hand on her partner's arm. Remus gave her a sweet smile as she held her belly. The former Malfoy was really showing her pregnancy now, with only a month before she was due as told by her Pais-Healer.
"We need to do some research on Jonathan Knight and Pius Thick- "Sirius broke off his sentence as a screech from an owl distracted him. A regal-looking Great Horned Owl was settled above the door of the Black Private offices. He could see the owl had a letter attached to its talons. Sirius held out his arm, allowing the owl to glide down, silently settling lightly on the man's upper arm. The Animagus took the parchment, noticing it had the seal of Hogwarts on it. Remus gave the creature some owl treats before the bird flew off back down the hallway to find its way back outside. Narcissa and Remus exchanged glances, worried for their friend, who had gone quiet.
"What does it say?" Remus asked, curious. Sirius unsealed the letter and began to read. Remus observed him, his best friend's face turning paler and paler. Remus became alarmed as the dark-haired man quickly stumbled over to the door. "What?"
"Cepheus has gone missing!" Sirius cried out. The pair quickly followed Sirius into the Black Office as he turned and shoved the letter at Remus, "I need you to go find Amelia and get her to send some Aurors to Hogwarts."
"Where are you going?" Remus asked, trying to remain calm for his friend, who was frantically searching for the Floo powder.
"Hogwarts, where do you think?" Sirius snapped back.
"You go, Remi, and I will go with my cousin," Narcissa told the man as Sirius disappeared through the Floo with a cry of 'Hogwarts Headmaster's office.' Remus kissed the woman then left through the door as Narcissa took a handful of Floo powder and called out the Headmaster's office. She stepped through elegantly, emerging from the other end to a furious Sirius. Filius Flitwick was sat behind his desk nonplussed by the other man's anger.
"Calm down, Siri, or I will calm you down," Narcissa snapped. He looked angry for a few more moments as his cousin gave him a level gaze. Then he turned and slumped down in one of the seats. Filius offered the other seat Narcissa who took it gracefully and looked at the diminutive Headmaster.
"Now, can you explain what has happened? As I understand it, my nephew has gone missing," Narcissa stated.
"Yes, Lord Rendlesham came to Professor McGonagall and me yesterday evening. Apparently, Lord Black had been seen at lunchtime, and that was the last time he had been seen," Filius explained.
"You do not need to be formal with us. It is quite alright," Narcissa assured the Headmaster, placing a hand on her cousin's thigh when he went to speak, "Why were we not informed last night or his Guardian at school, Andromeda?"
"Hogwarts policy is to inform the Parents after twenty-four hours, we contacted the Aurors early this morning when we realised it was not merely a prank," Filius explained, "Harry and his friends have searched the castle looking for Cepheus, but we do not know where he has gone. As for Andromeda, she was at the Wizengamot like you this morning and away night."
"I had forgotten, I apologise," the woman returned. Filius nodded, accepting her apology as a knock came at the door before Harry pushed through the door past Minerva McGonagall.
"Dad!" he cried out, falling into Sirius' arms, acting more like a younger child than a fifteen-year-old. The Head of Gryffindor followed him in with Draco, Hermione, and Neville hot on her heels. Narcissa realised Flitwick must have sent a Patronus Message when Sirius arrived.
All three youths began to talk at once, trying to explain everything, but Narcissa could barely hear them over each other. Finally, Flitwick let off a bang that silenced them all. Harry still trembled in Sirius' arms. The Headmaster's fireplace flared again, admitting Amelia Bones followed quickly by Remus and a newcomer. He wore the red overcoat of an Auror with a gold star on each side of the high collar. A silver M for 'Ministry' could be seen on the sleeve. The dark-haired man looked a little uncomfortable. Narcissa pegged him for being in his mid-thirties.
"I would like to introduce you to Richard Lay. He has just taken over as Head Auror but was the lead Auror on Cepheus Black's disappearance," Amelia introduced the blue-eyed man. His beard was very square, jet black like his hair. Sirius through his anger took note of a ring on his finger, inside looked like a family crest. An inset circle surrounding two crossed swords.
"Can you tell us what happened?" Narcissa asked as they were getting nowhere with the teens. Lay took out a flipbook and went over it before looking up.
"I interviewed Riley Monahan and Mark Evans this morning; they were the last to see him. They had Charms, a flying lesson and Herbology before lunch, which they ate together where he apparently spoke with his brother," Lay spoke with a soft lilting Welsh accent, as he nodded at Harry, "then after lunch, he told his friends he had to get something from the dorms. So, the pair proceeded to Defence Against the Dark Art's, but their friend never showed up. They spoke to Lord Rendlesham at dinner, who immediately notified his head of House and Headmaster."
"I assume you have searched the school," Sirius stated from over Harry's head.
"Yes, I have had Aurors combing the school since this morning. We are about halfway through," Lay confirmed, "I had returned to brief Miss Bones."
"We searched everywhere last night, Dad, even the Special rooms and Chamber of Secrets," Harry told him.
"Thank you, Captain Lay, we will let you get back to the investigation," Amelia released the Auror, who nodded at everyone then left through the open door. Hermione closed it softly behind him. Narcissa quickly used the old Black spell freezing the portraits and making sure the room was impenetrable.
"What are you doing?" Flitwick asked, surprised.
"We need to discuss some things that should not leave this room. Can I get your promise that what is said will not be repeated?" Narcissa asked, looking at McGonagall and Flitwick. She knew that she would have to take charge as Sirius comforted Harry and was in no fit state.
"I promise not to repeat what is said. I will take a vow if required," McGonagall was the first to say, and Flitwick added his own promise too. Narcissa immediately turned to Draco.
"Have you heard anything from the Junior Death Eaters?" McGonagall gasped but remained quiet.
"There have been a few boasts that Ceph has been taken, but nothing concrete pointing to any of them," Draco replied. "None of the elder Death Eaters have been in contact either."
"Remus, can you reach out to your werewolf contacts and see if they know anything?" Narcissa asked, turning to her partner.
"I will go right away," Remus kissed her and immediately disappeared through the fireplace.
"Amelia, do you think you can ask any of your informants in the underworld to see if they have heard anything?" The Black woman asked.
" I can try," she too left.
"Sirius, I need you to pull it together for both your children. We need to speak to the less than savoury contacts we have to see if they have heard anything," she finished.
"What do you want us to do?" Harry asked, eager to help as he wiped away tears. She knew before this year Harry had had no competent adults in his life, but that had changed now.
"Can you stay here? In case Cepheus contacts the school, we will need someone to let us know," She told him softly.
"But!" he tried to protest.
"I know you have always got involved in the past, but we will do everything in our power to get Cepheus back." He stared angrily at her before turning his back, noticing the shelf that usually held the Sorting Hat was empty. Maybe it was being cleaned, he idly thought.
"Be Careful," he heard McGonagall say but ignored them as he heard the whoosh of the fireplace activating.
Harry sat in the Gryffindor suite brooding, staring at the fireplace. Hermione had left him to speak to friends in Gryffindor because he would not get out of his funk. Now a little over forty-eight hours since Cepheus had gone missing, Harry was getting antsy. None of the adults would get back to him; he was not used to sitting around while other people were out doing something.
He jumped up, pacing up and down, knowing he needed to do something, anything! He suddenly had a bright idea; running to his bedroom, he gathered up the Marauder's Map. Harry did not know why but he laid it out on the coffee table, speaking the magic words aloud. Instantly lines began to form, crisscrossing, eventually creating a complete map of Hogwarts. The dark-haired youth scoured the map, searching for any type of clues until he suddenly found a name that should not be there.
Harry grabbed his wand, a bag and stuffed the Invisibility cloak inside. Then, the youth slipped out of the Gryffindor suite into an empty corridor sticking to the shadows; he took all available shortcuts to reach the main courtyard. Then, he was running headlong across the grass of Hogwarts lawns until he got to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"I know you are out there," Harry called out to the person that should not be on the grounds.
"Brave of you to come alone, boy," a voice whispered back, and a figure emerged from the forest.
"I am not scared of you. How do you know I do not have friends all around me?" Harry asked the loner.
"I know you are lying," the person answered.
"What do you want?" Harry asked.
"I bring you a message and a peace offering," the person replied, hood and shadows covering their face.
"What could you offer me?" Harry laughed derisively.
"I know where your brother is." Harry stiffened up, his fingers itching to take his wand out.
"You're lying!" Harry responded after several moments.
"I am not. This letter will explain everything," the robed figure held out a piece of parchment. Harry looked at the parchment wearily before his desperation to find his brother won out. He reached out for the parchment.
"Harry!" a familiar voice called as something rammed into him, then he slipped into darkness after seeing bright swirling colours.