Disclaimer : I do not own the World of Harry Potter and I am earning no money from this work. I am simply let my imagination run wild in this wonderful world that J. has given us.
Chapter One : After the Chamber.
Harry, Ron, Ginny and Professor Lockhart stood outside the girls toilet covered in grime, water and in Harry's case, blood.
"Where now?" Said Ron, with an anxious look at Ginny. Harry pointed.
Fawkes was leading the way, glowing gold along the corridor. They strode after him, and moments late, found themselves outside Professor Mcgonagall's office, where they could hear the sounds of a heated argument inside.
Gathering his courage, Harry knocked and pushed the door open.
For a moment, there was silence as the occupants of the room took in the appearance of the students and teacher. Then there was a scream.
"Ginny!"
It was Mrs Weasley, who had been sitting crying in front of the fire. She leapt to her feat closely followed by Mr Weasley, and both of them flung themselves on their daughter.
Harry, however, was looking past them. Professor Dumbledore was standing by the mantelpiece, beaming, next to a tall thin man who was regarding the children with a distinct look of surprise on his face. Behind the desk Professor Mcgonagall, who was taking great, steadying gasps, clutched the hand of a regal looking woman with a kind face who was smiling at the Weasley group hug.
Fawkes went whooshing past Harry's ear and settled on Dumbledore's shoulder, just as Harry found himself and Ron being swept into Mrs Weasley's tight embrace.
"You saved her! You saved her! How did you do it?"
"I think we would all like to know that" said Professor Mcgonagall weakly.
"Indeed" The tall man agreed while looking at Dumbledore with something akin to suspicion.
Mrs Weasley let go of harry, who hesitated for a moment, then walked over to the desk and laid upon it the Sorting Hat, and the ruby-encrusted sword and what remained of Riddle's diary.
The strange woman looked at the sword on the desk in astonishment for a moment before glancing sideways at the tall man who was now looking rather confused, they shared a look of guarded surprise before looking to Dumbledore, clearly waiting to see his reaction.
Seemingly unaware of the stares from the two strangers Dumbledore absently waved his wand and four new comfy armchairs popped into existence, he gestured the students and confused Lockhart to sit and began to peer over his glasses at them with his eyes twinkling madly.
"I think that we would all like to hear how you came to rescue Miss Weasley and come to be in possession of these items."
The regal looking woman coughed slightly drawing the attention of Dumbledore.
"Perhaps it would be best to summon someone from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to get to the truth in the most efficient manner possible."
Her tone was light but it was clear that it was not a suggestion. Dumbledore frowned at the regal woman for a second before writing a note on a scrap of parchment and handing it to Fawkes, with a whispered instruction, who promptly disappeared in a burst of light.
Harry glanced at the woman who, he now noticed, appeared to be in her early thirties and very attractive. 'Who is she that she can order Dumbledore to do something he doesn't want to do, and why does she want Law Enforcement here?' Harry began to panic as her had visions of him being expelled and having his wand broken, like Hagrid, and being told he had to return to the Dursleys and work as their house elf forever.
Noticing his fear the beautiful woman came about the desk and put her hand on Harry's shoulder comfortingly.
"We just want them here to make sure that the real culprit for this is caught and that we get this whole mess cleared up properly, you won't be in any trouble."
Her words soothed Harry's fears but now he worried instead that they would try to blame Ginny for what had happened.
"But what if they get it wrong, it wasn't Ginnys fault it was Riddle!" Harry practically shouted.
The Professors and the couple of strangers exchanged a glance at this outburst, but it was the tall man who laid Harry's fears to rest.
"Don't worry lad, if you want the Aurors will be able to question you under Veritaserum so they know you are telling the whole truth. They'll get to the bottom of the issue and find the real culprit. With something so serious they could probably use Veritaserum on suspects anyway."
At this point there was a burst of flame and two figures appeared in the corner of the room holding onto the Fawkes' tail feathers. The largest of the figures was a tall, bald black man wearing official looking deep red robes and a single gold hoop in his ear, he cast an imposing sight but his presence was dwarfed by the small but broad witch who had a very square jaw, a nose which looked like it had been repeatedly broken and short grey hair, a monocle rested below her right eye giving her gaze an eerily severe quality. She reminded Harry of the headmaster to his old primary school by the way she looked around the room with a measured gaze clearly taking in every detail of the scene. Her brows furrowed when she saw Lockhart and the three student covered in grime but then lifted in surprise when she took in the strange couple, each of whom had bowed their heads in a respectful nod, which she returned with a confused expression.
"Madam Bones, how nice to see you." Dumbledore said with a smile that didn't quite reach the corner of his eyes.
"Indeed. When I noticed a Phoenix flashing into one of my auror's cubicles I was of course very curious as to what the supreme Mugwump would be doing contacting one of my auror's without going through me."
At this Madame Bones gave a disappointed look at the black Auror before looking at Dumbledore with a disappointed expression. The Auror gave a slight shrug to Dumbledore which clearly showed that he couldn't do anything about her presence. At this point everyone was watching Dumbledore to see what he had to say to the clearly annoyed woman who appeared to be the boss of the Aurors.
"Madam Bones, I can assure you I meant no disrespect, I merely wanted to make sure that I had a trustworthy Auror capable of recording the events we're about to hear without interfering with the records." Dumbledore said in a tone of voice which clearly showed, that he thought, he had calmed Madam Bones down.
Harry however, had plenty of experience with angry adults and knew that the throbbing vein in Madam Bones' forehead was a sign that Dumbledore was just digging himself a hole.
"And you thought that I was incapable of witnessing something without altering the evidence?" Madam Bones asked in a tight voice.
This time Dumbledore caught the warning in her voice and raised his hands in a placating gesture.
"I did not mean to imply any such thing Madam Bones, I have worked with Auror Shacklebolt previously and knew he was trustworthy, plus I did not think that this matter would require the attention of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, especially since you appear to have no confidence in my abilities..."
Madam Bones who had seemed to be mollified interrupted fiercely at this point.
"What do you mean, no confidence in your abilities? We might not be best friends Lord Dumbledore but I certainly trust you to fulfil your duties to a standard I dare say few could match!"
Dumbledore and Mcgonagall looked thoughtful at this outburst, while both the strangers were watching the interplay between Dumbledore and Bones with keen interest and the Weasleys looked lost.
"What does any of this have to do with my little girl?" Mrs Weasley demanded.
Everyone's attention suddenly turned back to the elephant in the room, the three children and professor covered in grime and the huge sword on Mcgonagall's desk. Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Well yes, I had thought that Madam Bones would not be amenable to hearing Mr Potters story since Mr Malfoy presented me with an order for my removal bearing her signature."
At this Madam Bones' expression flashed quickly from surprise, to anger, to a look of sly pleasure which made Harry feel a little uncomfortable.
"Forging the signature of another head of house, especially one who works in the Ministry and on the Governors board, that is a serious crime, one he won't be able to bribe his way out of." The look on Madam Bones' face was predatory.
"Indeed. But more importantly, we're here to hear the stories of these students to find out what happened, since we were all under the impression that Miss Weasley was taken by the Slytherin's fabled monster to the chamber of secrets. I wouldn't mind knowing how Mr Potter came across this priceless founders artefact either." Commented Dumbledore in a calm manner as if he was discussing the weather.
You could see Madam Bones' mind immediately change tracks as she glanced at the three children sizing them up and looking over the bloody sword of Gryffindor.
"We were hoping that you would take Mr Potters account under Veritaserum." The tall man added.
"A bit excessive don't you think?" Auror called Shacklebolt commented in a concerned tone.
"Well if things are as I suspect, then Mr Potters tale might well be implicating a very important person, of a serious crime. And we would not want any dispersions cast on the veracity of his testimony." Professor Dumbledore added in a cautious tone.
Madam Bones peered at Professor Dumbledore over her monocle at this comment, while appearing very thoughtful and cautious indeed. The strangers continued to watch seemingly pleased with the conversation, while everyone else looked between the Professor and Madam Bones confused.
"Mr Potter, are you aware of what would be required of you for this?" Madam Bones asked in a kind voice.
Harry just shook his head in reply and looked at the Headmaster who smiled encouragingly.
"If you were take Veritaserum you would be forced to tell the whole truth to every question which we ask while we record the conversation. This will allow us to easily find the absolute truth but you should be aware that it is an unpleasant sensation and you are by no means obligated to do this."
"But you'd really like me to wouldn't you?" Harry asked.
Madam Bones just smiled wryly.
"Mr Potter I won't make you do anything you don't want to but this could help us catch and prosecute the person behind the attacks on the school if you believe you have information on the subject. We would of course get permission from your guardian too."
"I'll do everything to prove that Ginny and Hagrid didn't do anything wrong, but I don't know if my Aunt will be very co-operative." Harry said glumly.
"Harry, Madam Bones is talking about your magical guardian, as your parents are dead that by default would be me, as I am headmaster of your school. I will of course give permission if you are sure you want to do this?"
Harry just nodded his head in confirmation. He was bone tired from the fight in the chamber of secrets, anxious about any of his friends getting in trouble and now he was experiencing a hot flush that made him feel as if his skin was on fire under his clothes.
Auror Shacklebolt produced a form from his robes and lair it on Mcgonagall's desk, along with a weird red quill, which gave Harry an uncomfortable sick sensation in his stomach. Madam Bones and Auror Shacklebolt used the quill to fill out the form then sign in the appropriate places. Harry and Ron both gasped when they saw the back of Auror Shacklebolt's hand be cut open in a pattern like his signature.
Professor Mcgonagall muttered a word which sounded vaguely like 'barbaric' under her breath. Harry was then instructed on where to sign the form to give his permission for the interrogation and the recording, he winced when the back of his hand was cut open by magic but finished signing.
Next Professor Dumbledore tried to sign under the bit that said Magical Guardian but the quill wouldn't work for him.
"Odd, might be defective, here try mine." Madam Bones said holding out an identical quill.
The second quill was no more effective than the first and the adults all exchanged a glance.
"What's wrong?" Mrs Weasley asked nervously.
"It would seem that Mr Dumbledore is not Mr Potters Guardian after all, since he cannot sign this permission form. Professor Mcgonagall may we use your floo for a moment?" Madam Bones asked urgently.
At her nod, Madam Bones threw some floo powder in the fireplace and called out clearly.
"Maggie Smith, Ministry of Magic, Department of Records."
Everyone waited as Madam Bones put her head in the fire and talked in a low and urgent tone with someone on the other side. After a while it was quiet and then Madam Bones swore and a hushed argument could be heard. The conversation stopped again and Madam Bones pulled her head out of the fire looking rather comical with two files held in her teeth.
"Took me weeks to learn how to do that. Saves walking all the way down to another department." She explained with a grim smile before sighing. "It would seem that Mr Potters guardian in magical, legal and familial matters is non other than Sirius Orion Black."
The adults all gasped at this and Mrs Weasley and the strange lady, who still had yet to introduce herself, looked at Harry with pity. Dumbledore however looked furious.
"Surely there is a mistake, Mr Potter cannot have a convicted criminal as a guardian! It's not even possible!"
Madam Bones just shook her head with a grimace.
"It would seem that Mr Black failed to ever receive a proper trial and as such he can still hold the position. It's also interesting to note that Mr Potters and Mr Blacks files show that Mr Black swore a magical oath to protect Mr Potter not long after he was born."
Professor Dumbledore swore under his breath and turned to look at the wall clearly deep in thought.
"What does this mean? Who is the Mr Black, why is he a criminal and why is he my guardian?" Harry asked worriedly.
"Harry I don't think we should talk about this, you're still young and it's clearly a complex issue and we are going to have to work hard to resolve this crisis." Professor Dumbledore said forcefully.
Harry didn't want to let it go but it was so hard to argue with Professor Dumbledore, luckily that problem was solved for him by the unknown man.
"Are you mad Albus? The boy has a right to know his own history! Who are you to keep such information from him!"
Dumbledore looked shocked at the outburst from the stranger.
"But Nicholas, Harry is just a boy, he deserves to have a normal childhood, free from stress and worry. It's for the greater good really." The conviction and authority with which Dumbledore spoke was so great that Harry was convinced that it would be best to led Dumbledore handle the issue. He was after all the Headmaster and the greatest wizard of the time.
"Have you gone barmy! You have no right to keep such information from the boy! He is the Heir to an Ancient and Noble House and he deserves to know who his guardian and regent is." Madam Bones added hotly.
"I have to agree Headmaster." Mr Weasley interjected. "From the sounds of it Harry had a stressful year last year and it clearly hasn't been much better this year." He gestured to the bloody sword and grimy children at this.
"I'm the heir to an ancient house? Does that mean when the owner dies I'll own my own house? Could I move away from the Dursleys then?" Harry asked hopefully.
At this statement all the adults gasped and turned to Dumbledore. Madam Bones was the one to speak what was on everyone's minds.
"You didn't explain to him about his position or inheritance?" Her words were laced with such venom that Dumbledore took a step backwards.
"I didn't want to show favouritism, people would talk if..."
"Favouritism!" Arthur Weasley exploded. "He's an orphan and it's your duty to make sure he is aware of his rights, privileges and duties! How dare you not explain this to him!"
Harry gaped at Mr Weasley, since he had known him, which was admittedly a short time, he had never seen Mr Weasley remotely annoyed, but here he was looking like he was about to have a heart attack.
"Arthur is right! It's not favouritism to teach a child what duties they have as Head of a House! This is serious negligence Dumbledore! You tell me right now that you did not do this on purpose and you better mean it!"
By now Madam Bones was almost nose to nose with Dumbledore and Harry could feel a tingle in the air which he suspected was some kind of accidental magic that Madam Bones was performing unknowingly. The headmaster immediately drew himself up to his full height with anger in his eyes and the tingle in the air became a full blown itch over Harry's skin.
"How dare you imply that I have anything but the best interests of my students in mind! I would never knowingly hold Mr Potter back from his rightful inheritance, and as you are aware I have never had to deal with such things before, I am not from an Ancient and Noble house thus I have no experience with the matter." He finished defensively.
This seemed to calm the adult in the room, and Madam Bones turned back to Harry.
"Mr Potter, it would seem that a great wrong has been done to you. No single person is at fault for this, after the death of your parents things were in a very bad state. The day your parents were killed and Lord Voldemort died, several death eaters broke into the Department of Records and made of with several files and burned many more in the process."
"It would appear that your file was one of the mislaid ones, as was your guardians. Professor Dumbledore was of course right to think that he had the right to place you with your relatives as your guardian was arrested hours after your parents death, this would usually mean that responsibility for you would fall to close magical family or the headmaster obviously the headmaster made the choice here, he cannot be faulted for this."
"However you are now in an unusual situation. Your true guardian is in Azkaban, the wizarding prison but he is still your legal guardian. We must resolve this as soon as possible. I also think it would be best if we save your tale until we sort this out. We should be able to get an emergency Wizengamot meeting early tomorrow morning and have the issue resolved in no time. Then we'll come back and sort this out."
Harry sat in silence for a moment digesting these facts.
"What exactly did this Mr Black do to get arrested?" He asked curiously.
"He was accused of betraying the location of your parents to Voldemort and killing one of their friends and at the same time blowing up a street full of a dozen muggles. He was hysterical when we found him and evidently he got sent to Azkaban to await trial but his file was lost and he's been left there." Madam Bones pulled no punches and told the facts straight, something Harry was glad for, no matter how much this upset him.
"He betrayed my parents? He's the reason they were killed?" Harry asked weakly.
Mrs Weasley put her arm around Harry and pulled him into a half hug.
"Maybe not." The man named Nicholas added slowly.
"What?" Dumbledore and Bones asked in unison.
"Nick is right, if he swore an oath to protect Harry then he couldn't have betrayed the location of the Potters without dying." The beautiful woman added.
"Which confuses the issue of who betrayed the Potters." Madam Bones filled in.
"It could have even been Pettigrew." Added Auror Shacklebolt helpfully.
"How do you figure?" Asked Mrs Weasley. "The poor dear was blown to pieces by Black!"
The Auror nodded slowly.
"But if Black didn't betray the Potters, perhaps he knows who did? And maybe confronted them?" He suggested.
"You're saying that Pettigrew could have been the traitor?" Madam Bones asked.
"Yeah, it makes sense. Black was there after the Potters were killed right? So he goes into shock and knows the real secret keeper and goes hunting for him. In his rage a bad spell takes out the entire street maybe?"
"Not possible." Said Madam Bones with certainty.
"Of course it is, Black was always the hasty one, constantly getting James and the other two into trouble." Said Mcgonagall.
"Not that, sure he could have gone after Pettigrew, I'm almost certain of that in fact, however Black was one of our best new Aurors. He could hit a death eater at a hundred feet nine times out of ten. So why would he get so close to Pettigrew and blow up the street? It makes no sense."
"Maybe he was so distraught he just wanted to kill him?" Shacklebolt suggested.
Madam Bones just shook her head.
"Sirius came from one of the darkest families around, one with a known ability for dark arts, he wasn't one of them, that was for sure, but the only Auror who knew more curses than him was Moody and only him and James could beat him in a duel. He could have killed Pettigrew at least twenty ways from ages away. It's starting to look like a frame up to me." Bones declared.
Harry looked about at the sad faces who were all trying to figure out who had betrayed his parents. And he had an idea.
"What if no-one betrayed my parents?" Harry asked drawing odd looks. "If Voldemort was the most powerful dark lord for years couldn't he have just tracked them down alone?"
Professor Dumbledore just shook his head sadly. His eyes didn't have any of the twinkle in them any more.
"Harry, your mother was the best charms student to pass through Hogwarts since, well myself if I can be so vain. She would have used plenty of defensive charms on their home and I know for a fact that she implemented the Fidelius charm which can hide an entire house inside the soul of a secret keeper. Only that person could tell someone where to find them. Even if Voldemort was somehow in their front garden looking through their window he wouldn't be able to see their house at all. Their secret keeper must have betrayed them Harry. I'm sorry."
"What kind of a coward would just betray his friends like that!" Ron shouted out before being glared at by his mum.
"We aren't accomplishing anything at the moment by just theorizing. I want you four to go take some dreamless sleep potion and have a good nights rest. Kingsley I want you to stay and keep an eye out. If you see Lucius Malfoy arrest him and send him to the cells. Headmaster it seems we have work to do."
"I'm sure by working together that we will be able to accomplish our goals, Lady Bones." Dumbledore said confidently.