Chapter 2
Meetings
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J. K. Rowling
This fanfiction is not for profit.
Little Whinging, England July 1st, 1990
Two men walked slowly up Privet Drive. One man was a bit ragged, threadbare, not at all someone you would expect to see in prosperous Little Whinging. He was young but worn, he looked like he was down on his luck. His companion was well dressed but looked as if he had suffered some terrible illness, some wasting disease. It was he who set the slow shuffling pace.
"There?"
It was something the well dressed man had said at least once a minute for the entire journey.
"We're nearly there Padfoot, nearly there." the tattered man replied.
They passed a few more houses then stopped and studied their journey's end, Number 4. "There Padfoot."
It was a modest home, made of brick, a solid house, and exactly the same as the house to the left, to the right, before and behind it. The property was beautifully kept, the lawn was carefully tended, the brass of the address plate gleamed. The house proclaimed to all and sundry that solid, sane, normal people lived sane, solid, dependable lives inside. Number 4 Privet Drive looked almost exactly like every other house in sight daring only a slightly richer shade of brown for the paint of the door. Vernon often worried that the color of the door was a bit Bohemian.
The two men gained the stoop, knocked and waited. With the windows open against the heat the Marauders found it was easy to hear the Dursley family negotiate the chore of the door. First came an irritated male bellow.
"Petunia, answer the door!"
That brought a hiss of displeasure from the window nearest the door. Evidently Petunia was very near. The curtain fluttered as the lady of the house stepped away and whispered, "Dudley get the door!"
Young Dudley didn't seem to think much of that idea and bellowed in his turn, "FREAK! GET THE DOOR!"
The Marauders were just about to knock again when the door opened to reveal a little boy, looking about seven years old judging by the size of him. He was wearing patched together NHS spectacles that did nothing to hide his brilliant green eyes. He had a mop of lush chaotic black hair. He was very thin, thin and hunched, pinched looking and his voice cracked when he spoke, "May I help you?"
He studied them carefully, blinking in the bright sunlight, his emerald eyes large and lively. Moony answered him.
"You certainly may young man. Would it be possible to speak with Vernon and Petunia Dursley?"
Vernon hove into view, his considerable bulk filling the foyer. The opportunity to abuse a salesman was enough to see him up out of his recliner. He grabbed the boy and pulled him roughly behind him.
"Get to your chores boy. I'll see this lot off." He sneered at the pair on his stoop, "What is the meaning of this? Disturbing the rest of hard working people with your nonsense! Go away before I have the police after you!"
An idiot might have imagined that Padfoot was smiling but anyone with a lick of sense would know he bared his teeth for a very different reason. Vernon didn't have a lick of sense.
"What are you grinning at you degenerate? Go away! Petunia, ring the police!"
The threadbare man interrupted, "My name is Remus Lupin and my friend is Sirius Black. We were friends with James Potter and Lily Evans. We have come about their son, Harry Potter."
Vernon's beady eyes narrowed, "What do you mean come about him?"
"We wish to confirm he is being well treated. If there are deficiencies in his care we will see them resolved. If no resolution is possible we will assume responsibility for Harry."
Vernon became very nervous indeed. He tried to bluster, always a good option for a bully.
"Let me make myself perfectly clear. Freaks are not welcome here. Go away before I have the police on you!"
Lupin nodded. "Very well then. The Potters had set aside resources to aid their son which Mister Black can access, but it seems you are not interested."
Immediately Vernon became affable and waved them inside. Petunia showed two men to the lounge then bustled to make tea. Vernon pasted on a horridly false smile.
"What's this about then? You will really disburse er.. resources for his care?"
Lupin kept a steadying hand on his companion, "Would you ask Harry to join us please?"
Vernon tilted his head back and roared, "BOY! COME HERE!"
The bedraggled little ragamuffin sidled into the room, eyes down, keeping well away from any Dursleys.
"Yes Uncle?"
Vernon snapped his fingers and pointed at the floor. Harry sat as suddenly as if his strings had been cut. Lupin swallowed his rage and gestured to his companion.
"This is Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. He has been held incommunicado since Lily and James died. After a long illness he is ready to supervise Harry's care just as Lily and James wanted."
Vernon snorted and probed for an advantage. "My family has suffered the burden of caring for the.. boy.. for years, what about that? Since Potter had money, you can do what's right by us."
Remus had long experience with Sirius' temper so he was ready when Sirius lunged at Vernon. With a quick flick of his wand Remus was able keep Sirius on the sofa instead of having to peel him off Vernon.
Vernon roared abuse at them, screaming at them to leave his house while Petunia abandoned making tea to shriek at everyone. The Dursleys banged on but Remus but ignored them to ask Harry a whispered question.
"What do you know about your parents Harry?"
"They were useless drunks sir."
Remus stared at the child for a minute then turned to study the suddenly pale and quiet Dursleys while Sirius growled and struggled against the binding. Remus asked, "What reason do you have for not telling Harry about James and Lily?"
Apparently Vernon had two settings, fear and bluster. It was bluster's turn.
"Tell it? Of course we didn't tell it! It's unnatural! And that is not the least of its perversions! We tried everything to turn it from away from it's.. inclinations.. but nothing works!"
Vernon leered at Harry, who was very still, "I would have beat it out of... him... but Pet wouldn't have it."
Sparks shot from Remus' wand.
"Tell me everything you know about your mum and dad Harry."
Harry was much more sure of himself now. These facts had been drilled into him by Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon.
"They were worthless layabouts. They died in a car crash driving drunk. Aunt and Uncle have done their Christian duty taking me in."
Sirius howled, "LIES! BASTARDS!"
Remus' voice was as cold as an arctic wind, "You will release all claims on your nephew."
That got Harry's attention and he smiled for the first time. Petunia sniffed and narrowed her eyes at Remus.
"Dumbledore told us he protects us from your sort."
Remus wasn't impressed.
"Dumbledore has been quite wrong about quite a lot. As evidence, we are here. It is clear to me that you have abused your nephew. You must believe me when I say you absolutely do need protection from us and you do not have a shred of it. You would do well to not provoke us."
Petunia glared at Remus, a faint flush on her cheeks.
"You lot think you're so wonderful with your sticks and your perversions. My sister is dead! Dumbledore told us they will kill us if they find us!"
Remus nodded and answered.
"They will. Happily. Personally, I don't have a problem with that. They won't find you if they aren't looking for you. And they won't look for you if you don't have Harry. They want Harry, not you lot."
Remus pulled a sheaf of documents from his jacket and put them on the coffee table in front of Vernon.
"Sign these papers and your life goes on. Refuse and I will have Aurors, that's magical police to you, here in minutes. I'll see you in hell before you keep Harry an hour longer. You will never get any of the Potter money so give that right up. Your only decision is deciding between prison and signing these documents."
The gleaming bastions of Christian charity signed the documents. Vernon shooed Petunia and Dudley away from the unnaturalness then hovered about trying to look menacing. Remus huffed once and turned to Harry, his voice soft as he spoke.
"That's done then young Harry. Let's get you packed and we can leave this hellhole to the filth that wallows in it."
Vernon blustered, Petunia shrieked but Remus only glared at them, daring them.
Harry burrowed into the cupboard under the stairs and popped back out with a bundle of rags.
"I'm ready sir."
Remus frowned and shook his head in puzzlement.
"But.. Aren't you going to go pack?"
Harry blinked up at him, equally puzzled, "I ..I did sir?"
"But.. You should go to your room?"
"That is my room sir."
The hardest thing Remus had ever done was to not kill the Dursleys.
Werewolves are much stronger than humans and much faster. All Harry saw was a blur as Remus dropped Vernon with a single punch that broke his jaw. Remus would have continued the free form therapy but he had to contain Sirius. Harry watched Vernon rolling on the floor in agony and decided he very much liked the two men. Remus was finally able to settle Padfoot down with a reminder that he had spent enough time in prison.
Petunia was frantic, pawing at Vernon and shrieking at them to leave immediately. It was the best idea really, no matter the appeal of a bit of mayhem. Remus knelt next to Vernon, grabbed a fistful of his hair and jerked his head around so they were eye to eye.
"I get grumpy now and then. If you don't want to see me when I'm grumpy you might want to move. If not, well.. that's all to the good isn't it? I will be back in a month. I do hope your still here so we can go over Harry's care in depth. If you're gone, I won't look for you."
Remus spat on Vernon then joined Sirius and Harry on the stoop. He scooped Harry into his arms, holding him, rubbing his back and murmuring nonsense to him. It was the first comfort Harry could remember.
"Want a shot Padfoot?"
Sirius' voice was a barking growl, "No. Go."
They left Harry's pitiful bundle of rags behind.
Harry didn't look back as they carried him away from Number 4. As they walked towards the center of town Remus set him on his feet between the two men.
They seem nice enough, Harry thought, I can always run away..
"Where are we going Mister Lupin?"
"Call me Remus Harry, no need for formalities. We're going to Sirius' house in London. We've been working rather hard to make it ready for you."
Harry didn't know quite what to do with the idea someone had been working hard to make things ready for him. That wasn't how things were done, not at all. It was Harry that worked hard to make things ready for everyone else, that was the natural order. Better get things back on track.
"I can work sir, I can work hard and I don't eat much, I swear!"
The other one, the well dressed one, scooped him up into a walking hug, carrying Harry along as he spoke in his odd growling voice.
"No. Work. You. Us. Work."
Harry squirmed to get free, it was dangerous being held immobile. The man set him back on his feet but kept a light hand on his shoulder. That was maybe alright, Harry could still duck under it and get away.
As they walked Remus told Harry about magic, and the people who used it. He spoke of Dark Lords and Harry's parents and how they had died. He spoke of four friends and a beautiful girl. He spoke of James' long pursuit of Lily. He spoke of how happy the Potters were, and how much they loved Harry.
Harry didn't know what to believe so he didn't believe any of it. Well, the magic part, he had seen that. Remus had frozen Sirius with a stick after all.
They rode the train from Surrey into London, to Kings Cross station, then walked for a bit.
Harry watched everything with greedy eyes, fascinated by the variety of people, the constant humming motion of them as they bustled about their lives. They had left the uniformity of Little Whinging far behind. They walked in an older section of the city, the smells of exotic food wafting over them, the sound of foreign languages coming from open windows. Dark children played a loud and chaotic game of football in a park as they crossed.
"Nearly home Harry."
Remus smiled at the boy and Harry blushed. People didn't smile at him, it felt funny.
A man stepped around some bushes and placed himself in front of them. He was tall and old, very old, with an enormously long white beard, and long flowing white hair. He wore half spectacles on his crooked nose, and the most outlandish, the most garish bathrobe Harry had ever seen. He was fascinating. He was unhappy. Harry hadn't had much luck with unhappy adults so he ducked behind Sirius and peeked out, squirming to get free of Sirius' hand. Sirius spoke first.
"Dumbledore. Leave."
The old man had a powerful voice, not loud, but a voice that would always be heard.
"This is not the place for our talk. Shall we go inside?"
Sirius' snarling growl answered, "Us. Yes. You. No."
Dumbledore studied Sirius for a few seconds and sighed.
"I feared this would come to pass. You must be reasonable Sirius. I want only what's best for the boy. Harry is not safe with you."
Harry's two companions exchanged a quick look. Remus disappeared with a crack. He had paperwork to file at Gringotts and the Ministry. Dumbledore heaved another sigh, "This is most unwise Sirius, most unwise indeed."
Sirius bent and picked up Harry, wrapped Harry in his protective arms, then edged around the old man and started across the street. His voice was a low whisper in Harry's ear.
"Read."
Harry looked at the slip of paper Sirius held before him, Harry Potter lives at Number 12 Grimmauld Place.
"Remember."
Harry nodded and peered back over Sirius' shoulder, watching the old man who hurried after them as Sirius pocketed the bit of parchment. Dumbledore spoke softly, urgently.
"Harry is in grave danger Sirius! That isn't a matter of opinion, it is fact! You must return him to the Dursleys! I will reestablish the wards and so make sure his safety!"
Sirius only barked "No!"
as he walked forward into the influence of the Fidelius. Dumbledore came to a halt as Harry and Sirius passed into the influence of the Fidelius charm and vanished before his eyes. The Headmaster stood on the sidewalk feeling a good deal of melancholy.
The Fidelius wasn't enough for the Potters, Sirius, and it won't be enough for you.
Before Sirius and a very surprised Harry a large and rather battered old house jostled aside it's neighbors. Sirius carried Harry to the ornate oak door and pressed the boy's hand against the handle then murmured, "Heir."
Harry's felt a small sharp pain and a few seconds later the door answered, "Heir identified."
"Brilliant! You have a talking door!" Harry glanced at his hand, at the tiny drop of blood oozing from his palm. "Hey! It bit me!"
Sirius set Harry down and pushed the door open, "Inside."
Harry found himself in a long hallway with rich soft gray carpet on the floor. The walls had been painted a deep cream color and the varnished oak trim gleamed. It was by far the most elegant place Harry had ever been. Near the end of the hallway black curtains shot apart and a horrendous screeching voice filled the space.
"SHAME OF MY LOINS! FOUL TRAITOR! YOU DARE TO BRING A FILTHLY HALFBLOOD TO THE NOBLE HOUSE OF BLACK? YOU DARE NAME A BLOOD TRAITOR HEIR? WORTHLESS SCUM POLLUTING THE SACRED HOME OF MY FATHERS!"
A gaping Harry scuttled behind Sirius who strolled unconcernedly down the hallway, stopping before a portrait of a mad, drooling woman, her face contorted by hate and anger.
Harry gasped, "Wicked!"
Sirius nodded, misunderstanding, "Yes. Mother."
Sirius grabbed the curtains and with a tremendous wrench managed to shut them, stopping the cascade of vitriol in mid word. A haughty sneering voice chimed in from a painting behind them.
"Dumbledore is most displeased. You dare to make the little Potter Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Black? You have always been a disappointment Sirius, but really, have you no shame?"
Sirius winked at Harry and pointed at the portrait, "Phineas. Nigellus. Black. Git."
Sirius struggled briefly with the portrait of Phineas Nigellus before wrenching it from the wall. He tottered under its weight as he made his way down a set of steps and into the kitchen. Sirius laid the portrait on the kitchen table then rummaged in a drawer. He returned to the table with a long sharp knife and began to cut the canvas free of the frame. Phineas fled shrieking.
"Where did he go?" Harry asked.
Sirius shrugged, "Other. Painting."
He tossed the hunk of canvas into the fire before breaking the frame apart and feeding the pieces to the flames as well.
"Are you going to burn the loud one?"
Sirius shook his shaggy head, "Can't. Won't.."
He made vague pulling motions.
"Come off?"
Sirius nodded.
"It's stuck to the wall?"
Sirius nodded emphatically.
"Well.. Can we take the wall down?"
Sirius blinked at him for several seconds before darting downstairs to the cellar. He came back with a pair of hand axes, one of which he handed to Harry. They grinned at one another.
An impartial witness would have noticed a certain swagger to the pair as they sauntered back to the curtains covering the portrait of Walbrugia Black.
What followed was a dusty and very loud half an hour as they had broke apart the lathe and plaster wall enough to free the portrait. They bundled the bit of wall with the attached portrait into the kitchen and began to feed it to the fire.
"VILE BEINGS OF DUNG! COWARDS! TRAITORS! A POX ON YOU BOTH! THE DARK LORD WILL REAVE YOU AND ALL YOU LOVE! I WILL BE AVENGED!"
She went on and on, crowding into less and less space as the flames ate the old canvas.
Harry went pale at the end as Walbrugia cowered in the corner of her portrait, screaming as the flames took her. Sirius laid a calming hand on his shoulder, murmured.
"Painting. Magic. Not. Real..."
Sirius waved a hand, fighting for the word, "..Movie?"
Harry, who had overheard the deaths of countless computer villains at the hands of his cousin, felt a lot better.
Sirius puttered around the kitchen throwing together a haphazard lunch for Harry, pausing every so often to grin at the fireplace. He refused to let Harry help, so Harry watched and tried not to fidget.
Harry blinked as Sirius' idea of lunch landed in front of him. Before him was a plate with a large pile of crisps, an apple and a slab of cold pork roast all topped by a the massive hunk of strawberry ice cream melting over everything.
Sirius plopped into a chair across the table from Harry and asked, "Not? Hungry?"
"Oh! Er.. Yeah, Um.. Yeah."
Harry hurried after the ice cream, something he didn't ever get. The apple was very nice, but the crisps were a soggy mess and ice cream soaked pork was dreadful to even think about.
"Nothing for you Sirius?"
Sirius shook his head, "Fine. Fine."
Sirius grunted and bustled about. He put a glass full of a thick orange liquid next to Harry and made some more of his wild disjointed gestures. Harry smiled at him and took a sip, it was thick and sweet and... pumpkin flavored? Harry shuddered convulsively and pushed the glass far away.
"Errg.. What is that?"
"Pumpkin. Juice. Not. Like?"
Sirius seemed worried he didn't like it.
"I usually just have water, I've never had it before."
Sirius nodded, "Lily. Orange. Juice." He shuddered and Harry grinned.
"Yeah, orange juice is great."
They worked together to clean up after the meal.
"Food? Good?"
"Yeah, thanks Sirius, I loved the ice cream. You should eat though?"
Sirius frowned and brushed it off. "Go? Room?"
Of course it had been to good to be true. Harry nodded and stood.
"Yes sir. Is that it then?"
Sirius blinked at the odd little boy who was pointing into the corner, at cupboard where Kreacher had slept.
"No? Follow?"
They returned to the hallway, grinning at one another as they passed the gaping hole in the wall. Harry followed Sirius to the top floor. Directly across from the head of the stairs was a gleaming door with a brass nameplate that read Harry.
Sirius pointed at it, "You,"
He pointed to a door on the left, "Remus."
He pointed to a door to the right, "Me."
Sirius moved forward and threw the door open, "Look?"
He was nearly vibrating with excitement.
It was huge and beyond perfect. There was a large soft bed, a dresser and a desk, bookcases lining the walls. There were two interior doors, one door opened into a closet big enough to walk in, one door to a full bathroom with a giant sunken tub and a separate shower. The carpet was soft, thick and gray, the walls a restful burgundy. The trim was painted a brilliant white, paintings hung on the walls. The paintings were luminous, glowing with light and possibly with magic. French doors opened on a small balcony, just large enough for a small table and a pair of chairs. The balcony overlooked the wilderness of the backyard, massive trees screened them from the neighbors view. A fire rustled and popped in the white marble fireplace. It was altogether grand and very much to much for a boy from the cupboard beneath the stairs.
Harry was speechless.
Sirius shuffled, blushing madly, making vague gestures that could mean nearly anything, finally asking "Alright?"
Harry peeked back into the closet. There were extra pillows, clean linens, extra blankets. Everything was new and first rate, very posh indeed.
"It's.. amazing?"
Sirius beamed at him. Harry relaxed, he had answered correctly.
"Nap."
Sirius took his arm and gently, inexorably, led him to the huge towering bed.
"In."
Harry gave a small jump and levered himself up onto the bed, rolling into the center of what felt like acres of space, laughing at how surreal it all was. Sirius shooed him to the head of the bed, tugged his trainers off and pulled a thick soft duvet over him.
"Nap."
He ruffled Harry's hair, looking very pleased with himself, and backed out of Harry's room, grinning the whole way.
I'm nine, not five. Nap! Still, he's very nice. I wonder why he talks so funny? That picture was brilliant! Harry laughed thinking about Sirius' effort to make lunch. Roast à la mode! He laid in the bed trying to decide if the painting before him was magical but sleep took him.
Sirius was in the study reading when Remus returned.
"Where's Harry?"
Sirius bounced to his feet, "Nap! Come!"
Sirius tugged Remus down the hallway to the curtains that had covered his mother's portrait. He threw them open and beamed at Remus who started to laugh at the hole in the wall. Sirius grinned, "Harry!"
He pointed gleefully at the spot of wall formerly covered by Phineas. "Fire!" Sirius laughed his loud barking laugh. Remus joined in.
"Did he like his room?"
Sirius nodded frantically, "Come!"
He thundered up the stairs, then crept with exaggerated caution to Harry's door, opening it a crack and peeking in before moving aside to make room for Remus.
Harry was deeply asleep, curled up, smiling. He looked perfect, and perfectly innocent. It wasn't possible to see him and imagine his life before today. They stood watching for a long minute before they pulled the door shut, making not a sound.
Remus made them tea, Padfoot was useless in the kitchen.
"Everything went according to plan at the Ministry. I filed the papers and took a copy to Gringotts. There will be a hearing in a few days to formalize everything. Dumbledore showed up and tried to stop me. He kept insisting Harry wasn't safe here. If I didn't know the man is a genius, I would be sure he is an idiot. He wants Harry back at the Dursleys! Kept banging on about the wards."
Sirius growled, low and menacing.
Remus nodded, "I know. Not going to happen Padfoot. Not ever going to happen."
Fawkes arrived in the kitchen in a flash of fire. If ever a phoenix was grumpy it was Fawkes. He landed, screeching and dropped a scroll of parchment on the table.
Sirius pounded the table in frustration, growling, "Wards!"
Remus huffed at his friend, "You know we have the strongest wards available Padfoot. Even Gringotts can't ward out a phoenix. Fawkes, did he try to hitch a ride with you?"
That question improved the mood of the phoenix quite a bit and it let go with a laughing trill. Remus made a mental note to find some phoenix treats, perhaps habenaros?
They read the note together.
Gentlemen:
Your actions today have placed Mister Potter in very grave danger. After difficult negotiations with the Dursley family I have convinced them to allow Harry's return. You must believe me when I say that only with them will he enjoy a modicum of safety. As a condition of Harry's return the Dursley family will not allow any contact with magical folk. Additionally, Sirius must renounce guardianship of Mister Potter in my favor. Sacrifices must be made by all of us to see that evil is thwarted.
Fawkes will await your reply detailing the time of Mister Potters return.
Your Obedient Servant
Albus Dumbledore
Without a word Remus went to the liquor cabinet and poured two large glasses of firewhiskey. He handed one to Sirius and they clinked glasses before sipping.
"He's nothing if not determined. Do you suppose he will tell us why?"
Sirius coughed at the harsh bit of the liquor then spoke in his growling barking voice, "Dursley. Harry. Money."
Remus nodded, "Yes, I think so as well. Dursley has tumbled to Harry having money and he wants it. I agree, Dumbledore will pay Dursley to take Harry back."
Remus sighed and rubbed his eyes trying to hold off a colossal headache.
"We have to talk to him Sirius. He'll never give up and he has too much power to ignore."
Sirius set his glass down and paced. It was Sirius who moved the discussion forward, "Bones?"
Remus nodded, "Good idea. She may have enough weight to keep him in check."
Remus got a clean piece of parchment and wrote a quick note.
Headmaster:
We will meet with you and Madam Bones. I will tell you the particulars when I know them.
Remus Lupin
Ministry of Magic, Office of Amelia Bones July 1990
"Can I offer you some tea Mister Lupin?"
Remus smiled at Amelia's secretary as he settled on the sofa to await his appointment.
"No thank you, I'm fine."
"It will be just a few minutes sir, she is just wrapping up a meeting."
Remus nodded and began reading his Daily Prophet.
Madam Bones' office door opened and a voice that only a politician would envy boomed out, oily and orotund.
"See that the budget revisions are ready by the end of the month Amelia. The public simply won't allow such an extravagance. Sacrifices must be made for the good of all! I'm sure you agree?"
No less a personage than Cornelius Fudge, Minster of Magic, waddled into view fussing with his ridiculous lime green bowler, peering around for anyone he could snag for a bit of retail politics. The Minister caught sight of Lupin and frowned then bustled importantly away.
Madam Bones trailed behind the Minister. She gave away nothing of her feelings, projecting only cool confidence.
"My apologies Mister Lupin, my meeting ran long. Please give me a few minutes to clear up and I will be with you."
Remus had stood when she entered the room, he gave her a small bow and took his seat on the sofa again. A few minutes later a soft chime sounded and Amelia's secretary stood and opened the office door, waving him through.
The office was large and well furnished, not opulent, but functional, brisk. In pride of place on her desk was a picture of Madam Bones and a little red haired girl, laughing in the sunshine of a summers day. Madam Bones waved him to a chair.
"Tea Mister Lupin?"
"No, thank you ma'am."
She nodded and dismissed her secretary who closed the door behind her.
"What brings you here today Mister Lupin?"
Remus took a breath and began, "Dumbledore and Harry Potter ma'am. May I ask who will know what's said here?"
Madam Bones fussed with her desk toys for a few seconds while she gathered her thoughts. "Verbatim? Provided there is no question of criminal activity I will hold the details of this meeting in confidence. As we both know Mister Potter is an icon. Anything pertaining to him is of great interest to the public and so of great interest to politicians. Cornelius would commandeer this meeting if he knew it concerned Harry Potter."
Remus nodded and shifted uneasily before speaking. He wasn't a gambler and this conversation was a huge risk. He hoped for the best and began speaking.
"Obviously, Harry is still in danger from the remnants of Voldemort's forces the Ministry hasn't managed to do anything about."
Amelia flushed but allowed it, it was only the truth. Even after Pettigrew's testimony, the free Death Eaters remained just that, free.
Remus continued. "It is clear that Harry's living arrangements have to be kept secret to protect him."
She nodded, "That is one solution. Another is to put him under Ministry protection."
Remus grimaced, "The same Ministry that let Voldemort's men go free? The same Ministry that denied an innocent man justice for years? Harry wouldn't last a month. And he would hate it. That will not happen. Sirius Black has been cleared of all charges. His recovery has progressed to the point that his Healer has cleared him to assume his duties as Harry's godfather. Until yesterday Harry was living with Lily's sister and her family. They.. Well.. They weren't treating Harry at all well. Yesterday they released all claims to Harry. I filed the documents both here and at Gringotts. Despite their horrible treatment of Harry, Dumbledore insists that Harry be returned to them. Albus claims that very powerful protective wards can be established if, and only if, Harry lives with them. They aren't fit to raise pigs much less James and Lily's son. But.. He's Dumbledore, he can't be ignored."
She sat for long minutes, playing with a letter opener, thinking.
"Mister Lupin, I agree that Mister Potter would not survive being made a ward of the Ministry. Do you agree that whatever protections Dumbledore had in place kept Mister Potter alive?"
Remus nodded reluctantly. Amelia asked, "What condition did you find him in?"
Lupin stared at her, eyes hard. "No word of this leaves this office. I'll not have Harry shamed."
Amelia sighed. "I can't promise that Mister Lupin. If the matter goes to a hearing, which may happen, evidence of Mister Potter's treatment will be part of the proceedings. I assume you are here to use the weight of law as counterbalance to Dumbledore's influence. The law follows the evidence."
Remus clearly wasn't happy but she was right. "He was sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs. He is grossly underweight. He wasn't told his name until he went to school and a teacher told him. The Dursleys told him James and Lily died drunk in a car wreck. They usually call him freak, sometimes boy. I saw him subjected to constant verbal abuse for being 'freakish' and 'unnatural'. He has never seen a Healer. He could not remember being touched with kindness. He will not return there."
Without a word Madam Bones rose and fussed over the tea service giving Lupin time settle himself. She set a cup of the necessary before him then took her place behind her desk again. She let Remus putter about fixing the tea just so before taking a fortifying sip. Once he had regained his composure she continued the discussion.
"What proof have you?"
"You can question me under Veritiserum. The address is Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. Do you have an Auror you can trust to investigate?"
She nodded, smirking, "I've just the man, Alastor Moody."
Remus barked, "NO! Moody is Dumbledore's."
"All the better. Dumbledore can't ignore the findings of his own man, and I assure you, Moody is far to professional to ignore the findings."
Remus found himself liking the Hufflepuff / Slytherin Head of DMLE.
Madam Bones walked over the fire and threw in a pinch of floo powder then stuck her head into the green flames. She returned after her short floo call.
"Moody is on his way to Surrey. I will arrange for Albus to meet us here at nine tomorrow morning."
Just at nine the next morning Amelia opened the door of her office and nodded to her secretary. Moody stumped in, his wand a blur of motion as he cast a flurry of detection and privacy spells. He didn't seem to approve of his findings.
"My office is clean Alastor."
Amelia cast a few detection spells of her own to keep Moody honest.
He nodded approval of her caution, "Good on you Amelia, constant vigilance."
Remus took a seat, followed by Sirius. They sat Harry between them. She had just handed around cups of tea when Dumbledore breezed in. He shut the door behind him and beamed at Harry.
"Hello Harry, it's been quite some time since I last spoke to you. I am Albus Dumbledore. Have you met everyone dear boy?"
Harry was captivated by Dumbledore's exuberant robes, "Err.. No Sir."
Dumbledore made the introductions, "That gentleman is retired Master Auror Alastor Moody and the very competent witch behind the desk is Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
Harry managed a slight smile, clearly nervous, "Hello."
Dumbledore busied himself with the tea service asking over his shoulder, "Are we to expect Cornelius Amelia?"
She kept her silence as the old man got settled in a chair. He was a master of the long silence, it didn't faze him a bit.
Black needs watching, she mused, he's already angry and the meeting has yet to get underway.
Amelia ignored Dumbledore's question and smiled at Harry.
"Mister Potter, we are meeting here today to decide your residence. Normally such a matter would not come to my attention, it would be your godfather's responsibility as he is your guardian. In your case there are significant security concerns as well as interference from Dumbledore who is important in our government. The group that was responsible for the death of your parents and the attempt on your life still has active agents."
Harry gulped, "Active agents?"
Amelia nodded and continued, "Yes. I am concerned for your safety. We owe our children the best of care. We have failed you very badly so far. We will not continue to fail. Yesterday Master Auror Moody investigated your treatment at the hands of the Dursleys."
Amelia glared at Dumbledore while still speaking to Harry. "What you endured was criminal. They have not been arrested for their crimes as I wished to hear what Dumbledore has to say first."
Dumbledore only raised an eyebrow, sipped his tea, and asked, "Are you done Madam Bones?"
"No. Mister Potter please stay seated. The rest of you leave my office."
Black didn't move as the rest filed out.
"Mister Black?"
"Godfather. Guardian. Stay."
Amelia shook her head, "No Mister Black, Mister Potter and I must have privacy for our discussion."
Sirius snorted. Amelia frowned at him, she didn't like slights on her honor.
"I give you my word, no harm will come to your Godson. Please join the others."
A very reluctant Padfoot left the room.
"Mister Potter we are alone so please speak freely. I promise that what we say will stay between the two of us. Tell me about your life since leaving the Dursleys?"
She had to nudge him a bit to get him started but once the floodgates opened it came pouring out. He was ecstatically happy. He didn't trust at all that his new situation was permanent. Amelia could well understand that, it had only been a few days after all. Harry thought magic was brilliant, Sirius and Remus were brilliant. Under all of the brilliant happiness lurked a darkness that he didn't speak about. He was very, very clear he didn't want to return to Privet Drive and the Dursleys.
"Have you any questions for me Mister Potter?"
Harry plucked at the fabric of his chair. "Yes ma'am. The active agents? Can you stop them?"
Madam Bones frowned, "Not with the tools I have. They evaded justice after your family was attacked, using gold and fear to manipulate the Ministry into allowing them freedom. I have no proof that they have put a foot wrong since then."
His emerald-green eyes locked on her. "Will I have to go back to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon?"
She pursed her lips as she considered the facts, "I believe Dumbledore has a reason for his insistence that you return to them. You are at risk.."
Harry looked more frightened and sadder than any little boy should ever look. Amelia thought of her niece and what she would expect if Susan was in Harry's situation. That train of thought brought clarity to the issue and Amelia knew how she would proceed.
"I promise you this. You will never be under their control again."
He nodded. Clearly he didn't like that answer. She gave him a minute then stood and moved to the door.
"Excuse me while I call the rest of them back."
Sirius' attempt at flirtation using only nouns and verbs had served only to greatly fluster her secretary. Amelia worked to hide her amusement as she ushered the men back into her office.
"Gentlemen, I have come to the obvious conclusion that the Dursleys are not suitable guardians and that Mister Black and Mister Lupin are. Professor Dumbledore make your case."
Albus chose to speak directly to Harry, "When Alastor reported his findings to me I was quite shocked. It never occurred to me that the Dursleys would show so little care for you. I am very sorry indeed that they did not treat you as I had expected."
Sirius snarled, angry past words. It was Remus who spoke for them.
"Petunia hates magic. All Lily's friends knew that. I knew it. Why didn't you ask me about her before you forced Harry on them?"
Albus dodged, "What I did, I did for the best. Whatever you think, the fact remains that Harry is alive today because of the wards that were only possible if he lived with the Dursleys."
Remus was flushed and ready for another go but Amelia held him back with an upraised hand.
"We will return to what was certainly an illegal and immoral placement." she said. "Tell me about these amazing wards."
"Yes, well." Albus again spoke to Harry, eyes twinkling madly, "Harry, your mother died protecting you. Her sacrifice created an enormous reservoir of magical potential that I harnessed as a protective ward tied to the place her blood lives."
There was a small pause as the group considered his words.
Amelia frowned, "What do you know of wards? Wards are mostly rune based. You're an alchemist and a Master of Defense, Charms, and Transfiguration."
Albus remained outwardly jovial but lost a lot of his trademark twinkle, "I had knowledge enough for the task."
She huffed at his hubris, "Leaving that aside for the moment, what exactly do these wards do?"
"No harm can come to him so long as he lives in the place his mother's blood dwells."
Remus sounded a lot like Sirius when he barked, "An obvious lie!"
Albus shook his head and pointed to Harry, "He lives."
Remus shot back, "They harmed him!"
Dumbledore upped the ante, abandoning his veneer of beaming benevolence for a more serious air.
"There have been nineteen attempts to breach the wards."
Moody was first off the mark, "Who? What happened to them?"
Dumbledore shrugged, "The wards, while very powerful, do not provide detailed information. I'm afraid I don't know what happened to those attempting a harm in the larger sense. The wards obliviate those seeking to harm Mister Potter or the Dursleys of all information about them and apparates the trespasser to just outside the Leaky Cauldron."
Amelia groaned and rubbed her temples. Being around Dumbledore always gave her a hellish headache.
"Dumbledore you ass!" Madam Bones voice shook with outrage.
He huffed at her, "Really Amelia! There is no need for rudeness!"
"You don't get it do you? What would happen if the protections come in to conflict? What if muggle social services tried to look into Harry's home life as they most surely should have? Would the ward trigger to protect the Dursleys from the harm justice would have seen done to them?"
Dumbledore had the grace to blush a little, "I.. didn't considered that scenario."
She sneered at him, "Clearly! Why didn't you have the trespassers stunned and sent to the Ministry for questioning?"
Dumbledore snorted, "Don't be naïve! The Ministry is not secure. Knowledge of Harry's location would leak. He would be in grave danger!"
She pounded her desk in her frustration, "Are you that stupid?"
She snapped her eyes to Moody who was beyond furious at Dumbledore.
The wizened old Auror spoke for the first time, "Either the Department of Mysteries or Gringotts could recast the ward and alter the triggering conditions. Dumbledore set a protection ward based on those who share Lily's blood, Harry, the Dursley woman and that vast pudding of a child. There is no reason not to use James' sacrifice as well. They both died defending Harry after all. It would narrow the ward to those who share both James and Lily's blood. That's just young Potter here Albus in case you've lost the plot. I don't know enough about wards to say if their sacrifice can only be called on through blood. Why hasn't this been cast for other children? What about a ward based on an Auror's sacrifice? We give our lives to defend Magical Britannia after all."
For the first time Sirius spoke, staccato, barking, holding Harry tight to him, laying out his bottom line.
"NO! NO DURSLEY! NO PETUNIA!"
Amelia hastened to reassure him, "Mister Black, you have my word that those creatures will do Mister Potter no further harm. However, it would be foolish, criminally foolish, to abandon a powerful protection if the protection can be made to work. Any arrangement must meet your approval as Harry's guardian."
Sirius huffed and glared at Dumbledore.
Amelia returned to the Headmaster. "Dumbledore, why did you place Mister Potter with the Dursleys knowing they hated magic?"
Albus relaxed, he had won. He could see the likely outline of a deal he could live with. Harry would continue to receive the protection of his mother's sacrifice. His secondary goal had also been accomplished. The boy's character had been formed, it would be very difficult to change him now, perhaps impossible.
"Primarily for the ward. Secondarily I wished him raised away from the magical world. He was famous before he was out of nappies. I feared he would become another pampered prince, of little use to himself or anyone else."
"Why Potter? There is no shortage of orphans as you well know. Why did he have all this attention lavished on him?"
"I'm afraid I can't say."
Madam Bones stared at him for long seconds and gave him a last chance. "You couldn't imagine any scenario that enabled the ward while allowing Harry to be raised in the magical world? You really think that Frank and Alice wouldn't have been able to raise a good lad? I know the Weasleys applied to host him, I did as well. Are you saying none of us were up snuff?"
Dumbledore dissembled, "It was a chaotic time. I didn't know who to trust."
She nodded and made her decision, "Yes, it was a chaotic time. No matter the time you trust no one. I'm done with you Dumbledore. You are hereby notified that you are under a restraining order. You will stay strictly away from Mister Potter, Mister Lupin, and Mister Black. Any Hogwarts matters will be handled by the Deputy Headmistress. Any Ministry matters I will handle, any Wizengamot matters Madame Longbottom will handle. If I have to clarify my order it will done in a holding cell and you will be sweating Veritiserum. Are we clear Headmaster?"
He twinkled at her, "I'll just nip into Cornelius' office and have a chat shall I?"
"Brilliant! I'll just have a chat with the Daily Prophet? I'll start with you leaving Harry Potter on the doorstep of muggles who hate magic. Overnight. Alone. In November."
As the Headmaster glowered at Amelia a ball of red orange fire phased into place over him. Fawkes pecked Dumbledore's head hard, drawing blood with the strike, before porting Dumbledore away in another ball of fire with the clear intention of some reeducation.
"Wow! What was that?"
Sirius' barking laugh led them, "Phoenix. Fawkes."
Padfoot scooped Harry close to him, "Home."
Amelia nodded, "Yes, home is a good idea for you lot. Alastor, will you oversee the implementation of real security for Mister Potter?"
Moody nodded, "Aye, least I can do."
Sirius stood, "Harry. Home."
They moved toward the office door but Moody stopped Sirius as he passed, "Black. I lost focus and you suffered for it. I'm sorry for it lad, sorry for failing you."
Sirius kept his eyes forward and nodded. "Harry. Safe."
"I'll see to it." Moody answered.
Sirius kept looking forward, "Harry. Train."
Moody looked to Amelia who answered, "I won't waive the age for a wand. But there is a good deal he can learn without one. Use Gringotts for the wards Alastor."
Gringotts Bank July 1990
No meeting between a goblin and Mad Eye Moody was ever going to go smoothly, toxic levels of paranoia on both sides would see to that. Moody stumped along behind the goblin, his sword clanking at his hip.
The meeting with Grashkan, one of Gringotts' Master Warders, had been difficult to set up. Grashkan didn't speak English and Moody sure as hell didn't speak Gobbledegook, so they had to wait for a translator who knew something of wards to arrive from the Sahara.
Moody stumped into the conference room and put his back to the wall with the exits before him. A tall young man wearing his red hair in a ponytail and sporting a single fang for an earring stood just behind the ugliest, most scarred goblin Moody had ever seen.
"You have to be a Weasley with that ginger head on you."
The young man grinned at him, "Yes sir, I am. I'm Bill Weasley, Master Auror Moody. It's an honor to meet you."
Bill spoke to the goblin in snarling sibilant gobbledegook, then asked Moody, "What can Gringotts do for you Master Auror?"
"I want a suite of the best wards possible for personal protection at a property. I have Madame Bones' word that DMLE will not interfere. I will require all involved to swear an Unbreakable Vow to hold any and all information about my client and the protections erected secret. Can we proceed?"
The short exchange between Grashkan and Bill sounded like a cat fight. Bill nodded and turned to Moody.
"Grashkan would like an idea of the funds available for this project."
Only an idiot told a goblin money was no object.
"We can discuss payment once it's clear what services will be rendered."
It took most of a month but at the end of it Moody felt almost safe at Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Almost.
The negotiations with Vernon and Petunia had been brutal and brief. Remus had only made a single statement and asked a single question.
"You can move to Grimmauld Place or you can go to prison. What will you do?"
The Dursleys moved in to Grimmauld Place at the beginning of August. It had taken Padfoot, Harry and Remus most of a month to remodel the second floor into an apartment for the Dursleys. The Dursley's floor had electrical power supplied by a small diesel generator Sirius had been happy to charm for silence, unlimited fuel and self repair. Water was supplied by standard magical runes but the kitchen was equipped with state of the art muggle appliances. The Dursley's floor was larger than the house on Privet Drive by a good bit and furnished with much nicer things although they didn't seem appreciative. They even had a private entrance from the street.
They hated it, but it was prison or Grimmauld Place and the decision, however galling, was not difficult.