A/N: Here's chapter 4, sorry it took a bit longer then I wanted too. Work has been a pain and really stressful lately. Anyways thanks again for all the follows, favorites, and reviews. I'm glad ya'll are enjoying the story so far and hope you continue to enjoy it!
Chapter 4: Dementors… in London!? Preposterous!
July 21, 1995 – 12 Grimmauld Place
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In the parlor, a table large enough for the group to sit comfortably had been set up by the house elves and the food was already waiting for them. Bridge had left to find himself a quiet place to nest as Morgan took her seat at the head of the table while the others found seats where they wanted. Dumbledore took the seat at the foot of the table, a seat that by rights should have been Harry's, this caused Morgan to frown slightly but she quickly hid it as Narcissa sat to her left and Dora to her right. Molly had attempted to get Harry to sit next to her and Ron, but he refused and instead sat between Narcissa and Sirius. Hermione sat next to Dora with the Twins sitting across from the Marauders, Ginny was next to the twins then Shacklebolt took the last seat on the right side of the table, Ron and Molly filled out the left side after Remus.
"I feel I must ask Ms. Black, but Sirius told us you were related to the Hawke Family, I must say I am surprised to learn that you are a Black," Dumbledore said in his Grandfatherly tone.
"it's Lady Black, and Uncle Sirius didn't lie about me being related to the Hawkes. My parents were Bridgette Hawke and Bellatrix Black," Morgan said as she watched Dumbledore's reaction. A gasp traveled around the table at the revelation of who Morgan's parents were. Some because they had respected Bridgette and others because of the mention of Bellatrix. Dumbledore's face darkened as he heard the news but schooled his emotions as quickly as he could. But the damage was done as Kingsley, Sirius, Remus and Narcissa had already noticed the old man's reaction. Before anyone else could say anything, Hermione spoke up.
"But those are girl's names… How can your parents both be women?" the Bushy-haired girl asked, confusion showing on her face.
"Anything is possible in the Magical World," Morgan stated simply.
"There are several potions that can allow two witches to have a child. Some more successful than others, however, most are lost to time or buried away in family libraries." Narcissa explained in more detail than her niece had. Seeing the conversation had moved on without him Dumbledore let the subject drop, he would need to do research on his own to learn what this could mean for his plans.
The conversation became light after that, with introductions followed by the Twins and Marauders swapping stories and pranks. Morgan had also caught Ron glaring at her aunt and when the Lady Black returned the glare the boy's ears had turned red and he suddenly found his plate much more interesting. Hermione continued to ask Harry where he had been, it seemed she did not want to wait for the answers and Harry's elusiveness in present company only made the bushy-haired girl more persistent. She wasn't used to be unable to get answers from Harry. It was Narcissa who spoke up in Harry's defense, "He was safe with family that care about him, that is all that matters right now," she said, and Hermione didn't try to ask any more. The bushy-haired girl then turned to Morgan instead.
"So, will you be joining us at Hogwarts?" Hermione asked as she turned her attention to the Lady Black.
"I hope to, if the Headmaster will allow me," Morgan replied as she turned to Dumbledore.
"Hogwarts is always open to those who wish to learn," Dumbledore replied in his grandfatherly tone.
"I'm glad to hear that Mr. Dumbledore, are there any documents or tests I must take in order to transfer as a 5th year?" Morgan asked calmly. She had already asked Uncle Ted to get any documents she might need together.
"That will not be necessary, you will be included among the 5th years as a transfer student. However, your individual teachers may wish to test your level of knowledge before you start classes," Dumbledore answered with a slight twinkle in his eye that said he was planning something. Morgan found she didn't like the look and thought she could guess what was going on in the old man's head. Perhaps he was thinking she hadn't kept up with any studying and was hoping to humiliate her in front of her peers. Whatever the case might be it was unlikely she would ever find out, but the manipulative Headmaster would be disappointed if that was indeed his plan. She would have her uncle Ted send the required documents to her teachers personally. For now, it was time to get answers while she had the old man's attention.
"I do have some questions for you now Mr. Dumbledore," she said with a glance towards Harry, so he would know this was her plan turning into action.
"You may ask them Lady Black," Dumbledore replied as he watched the girl wearily.
"It's about the Tri-Wizard last year, I assume as Headmaster of one of the competing schools you read the rules in their entirety?" Morgan asked watching the old man's reactions.
"That is correct, but I wonder where you are going with this line of questions Ms. Black," Dumbledore replied as he narrowed his eyes slightly, something most of the room missed except for those closest to Morgan, and Shacklebolt himself.
"So then when Harry's name came out of the Goblet why didn't you contact his Magical Guardian, so they could have the chance to protest the involvement of Harry who was clearly under the age limit set by the rules?" Morgan asked, deciding to ignore the fact that she had been called Ms. Instead of Lady.
"Because as Harry's Magical Guardian I did not feel he would be in any real danger." Dumbledore realized his slip only after he had said it and could only hope no one else had noticed.
"Really, facing Dragon, Merpeople and let's not forget the final task and you didn't feel he was in any real danger?" Morgan said in disbelief.
"I assure you, young Ms. Black, the Tournament was a controlled environment," Dumbledore said, his patience was slowly fraying. Morgan's eyes flashed dangerously at the old man's words. With his lack of respect, he would now face the wrath of an angry Lady Black. Originally the plan was simply to try and figure out why he had allowed Harry to compete in the Tri-Wizard, but now she was going to dig a bit deeper.
"If that's what you call a controlled environment I'd hate to see what you consider uncontrolled," Morgan commented. Before Dumbledore had the chance to reply she pressed on, shattering the old man's hope that no one had caught his slip up about being Harry's Guardian. "So then tell me, as Harry's Magical Guardian you must have known where he has been living and the abuse he has suffered over the years?"
"Surely it could not be that bad…" Dumbledore started but was interrupted by Harry.
"Not that bad?" Harry snapped much to everyone's surprise, "I lived in a cupboard under the stairs until I was 11, my aunt and uncle tried to beat the freak out of me, I was forced to cook and clean form the time I could stand…."
"Harry, my boy…" Dumbledore cut in trying to stop Harry's rant.
"Don't call me that anymore, it's Potter to you sir," Harry said sharply. Once more everyone was surprised that it was Narcissa placing her hand on Harry's that calmed him down. After a moment, he gave Narcissa a small nod and smile to indicate that he was okay. Dumbledore used the silence from everyone's shock to take his leave.
"I am afraid that I have some pressing matters to attend to." Dumbledore stated as he made a hasty retreat from the room. The room remained silent as the old man left, Morgan glared him out. Molly was doing the perfect impression of a fish while Shacklebolt was staring after the old man and beginning to rethink his allegiance.
"Harry, you can't…" Hermione started but was cut off when Fred grabbed her arm and shook his head, silencing the bushy-hair girl. The rest of lunch passed quietly, either because everyone was too shocked to speak or just preferred the silence. Neither the Twins nor Marauders seemed to be able to lighten the mood and it wasn't long before everyone had finished or lost their appetites and left the table to go about their own business. When Harry left the table, Hermione and Ron had tried to follow him, but he waved them off saying he wanted to be alone for a while. Morgan left the table not long after to explore her new home.
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oOOo
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Hermione was feeling rather put out because she couldn't get any answers from Harry like she usually could. So, instead she would get her answers from the only other person she thought could give them. Not use to getting "no" for an answer she had no plans of taking one, so she followed Morgan as she left the Parlor. "Morgan, wait," she called after the other girl. With a sigh Morgan stopped and turned so the two girls were facing each other.
"Yes Granger? I don't recall giving you permission to call me by my first name," Morgan said, her voice was still laced with annoyance from the conversation with Dumbledore and what she guessed Hermione had been planning to say to Harry after confronting the old man.
"Oh… um right sorry, um Lady Black," Hermione replied as she bit her lip for a moment before pressing on, "It's just that I'm used to Harry talking to me, and well right now he's not."
"So, you've come to me for answers?" Morgan asked with an arched eyebrow, but before Hermione could answer she continued. "Did you ever wait until he was ready to talk or pressure him into talking?"
"I… well… I… um…" Hermione started, and Morgan shook her head with a sigh.
"That's what I thought, when Harry is ready I'm sure he'll talk to you, but don't try to force him," Morgan said as she watched the Bushy-haired girl who looked ready to argue some more. "And since you've already used my first name, you may continue to do so, for now at least."
"He's never been like this before, the Harry I know would never speak to Dumbledore like that," Hermione declared.
"Perhaps that is because he has finally seen the real Dumbledore," Morgan commented, keeping her voice level.
"I think you're a bad influence on Harry," Hermione narrowed her eyes as she spoke.
"Really? All I did was rescue him from abusive relatives and teach him about who he really is, something that others, like Dumbledore should have done a long time ago. I also showed him that he still has family that cares about him," Morgan stated in a calm tone, she wouldn't be baited into an argument, nor would she reveal her plans to the bossy girl. "As I said before, when Harry is ready to talk, I am sure he will talk to you. You must be patient. Now if you'll excuse me I have not seen all of my house yet," she added before turning and walking away, leaving the bushy-haired girl staring after her in shock and embarrassment as Hermione realized just how pushy she was being.
Finally, alone Morgan was able to silently explore her new home, Kreacher allowing her into the family areas he had been keeping the Order out of. Her self-guided tour took her through the family Library and a study as well as a few sitting rooms and even an office for taking care of family business and meetings. Eventually she found her own room as well as the one she was looking for. Stopping in front of a door with sign that read "Bella's Room, Keep Out!" she smiled and with a deep breath pushed the door open.
The room looked like it hadn't been touched since the last time her mother had been their herself, except for the occasional dusting. It seems Kreacher had kept the room clean or had simply cleaned it recently. Morgan smiled to herself as she looked around the room and noticed a broken grandfather clock that looked like it had been hit by a spell at some point. There were a few more broken items around the room, as she looked around it something balled up and tossed in the corner as if hastily throw away, caught her eye. It turned out the be a black tee-shirt with an AC/DC logo on it, she had picked it up for a closer look when she got the feeling of being watched.
"I thought I'd find you here," came the soft voice of Narcissa. Morgan turned to face her aunt and held up the shirt.
"I didn't expect to find something like this in Mum's room," she said as Narcissa looked at the shirt.
"Ah yes, as I said she was a bit of a rebel, and loved Muggle bands, that one was one of her favorites… I think," Cissy said with a small smile. "I think the last time Bella was in this room was the day our Mum told her about the Marriage contract. She didn't take it well."
"I could tell," Morgan replied as she motioned towards the clock.
"No," Narcissa replied thoughtfully, as she shook her head slightly. "That was broken during the Christmas break of Bella's 5th year. She said the ticking was 'driving her bloody mental' or something to that effect."
"Ah I see…" Morgan replied with a small sigh, "I wish I knew her," she added as she hung her head, Narcissa thought she noticed a glistening in her niece's eyes. "We're so close, but I still feel so far from being able to see her…" Morgan's voice broke as a silent sob escaped. Narcissa moved like lightning, closing the distance between them and pulling her niece into a tight hug, and the usually strong teen could no longer hold back as she began to sob and cry in her favorite aunt's arms.
"Shh, it's alright I'm here for you," Cissy whispered as she held her niece, running her fingers though the crying girl's hair and rubbing her back softly. "Your mum will be freed and back to us before you know it," she added as she continued to sooth her dearest niece. It took a while but eventually Morgan calmed down and looked up at Narcissa with a small smile.
"I don't know what I'd do without you aunt Cissy," she said as she leaned back into the hug and closed her eyes.
"Come, you still have much to see of Black Manor," Narcissa said after a bit longer. Morgan nodded and walked with her aunt as she was shown the rest of her new home.
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oOOo
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Later that afternoon Harry had found his room with the help of Sirius and was currently sitting on his bed reading over a potions book Morgan had given him to study while a book about combat and dueling magic waiting to be read on his nightstand. Narcissa was working with him on Occlumency to keep him from losing his temper so quickly. Only a few moments ago he had sent Dobby find Hermione to let her know he was now ready to talk, but only if she would hold off any questions until after he had finished. It had been another fifteen minutes before he heard a knock on his door, apparently Hermione had to take some time to think about her answer before coming to see Him. "It's open," he called without looking up from the book, only having a few more sentences before the end of the chapter he was on. It was a chapter explaining how most potion making was guess work and not an exact science and even masters in the art made minor errors each time they brewed.
As Hermione entered the room, followed by Ron and Ginny, Harry finished reading and marked his place before standing and setting the book down. Only then did he turn to his first friends, but before he could even say anything Hermione lunged at him, wrapping him in a painfully tight hug. "Oh, Harry we were all so worried about you!" she said when she finally released him and slowly stepped back.
"I'm fine 'Mione, in fact I've never been better," Harry replied as he looked over the other three.
"Then why didn't you write us and tell us you were okay?" Hermione asked with a look of concern.
"Because I wasn't sure if I could trust you not to tell anyone," Harry replied as Hermione looked more than a little shocked at that, and perhaps a bit hurt.
"Of course, you could trust us mate!" Ron said looking incredulous at the accusation. "It's those slimy snakes like Malfoy you can't trust!"
"She's no longer a Malfoy, and Morgan trusts her, so I trust her," Harry replied, keeping his annoyance at Ron in check. "Morgan has been more honest with me than anyone else in my life."
"But we've been honest with you Harry," Hermione replied, trying to defend herself.
"Really? You've been here most of the summer, right?" Harry asked, to which Hermione nodded sheepishly. "Yet you never thought to put that in a letter?"
"But Dumbledore said…." Hermione started by Harry interrupted her.
"Oh, because Dumbledore said it, it must be right, right?" Harry said sharply. "Just because someone is in a position of authority doesn't make them right all the time, Hermione. That's why I didn't know if I could trust you, you always go to an adult when things don't go your way. But sometimes they are wrong 'Mione."
"Oi! Don't talk to her like that!" Ron shouted he stepped between the pair, before Harry could explain anymore.
"And you, you could have told me who I really was but didn't," Harry replied coolie, he was done being nice to the prat. "You just let me fumble around not knowing I was Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. I have the power to make a real change and I can protect those I care about with my position."
"I-I… I don't have to explain myself to you! Your just jealous I…" Ron snapped back as his ears turned red then his face but was interrupted by an unlikely person.
"Ronald Weasley!" Ginny snapped at her older brother. "Out, I think I hear mum calling for you!" she added as she pointed to the door anger flashing in her eyes.
"You can't talk to me like that!" Ron snapped but quickly had to duck a bat boogie hex from his younger sister before he could say more. One glance at Harry and he realized he had really stepped into it this time as he saw the anger swirling in the Boy-who-lived eyes. Ron looked to Hermione for support but found the bookworms wand pointed at him as well. Deep down she knew Harry was right and didn't want to lose him as a friend.
"I won't say it again Ron," Ginny warned, and Ron didn't need to be told again as he hastily retreated from the room. With the jealous prat gone Harry seemed to calm down quite a bit once Ron was out of the room and turned to Ginny with a look of surprise. "He had it coming," was her only reply as she sat down on Harry's bed and waited.
"Harry, I'm sorry," Hermione said as she turned to Harry, tears in her eyes. "If you let me I'd like to try and earn your trust back."
"You don't have to worry 'Mione," Harry replied as he pulled the busy-haired girl into a hug. "I still want you as a friend, but you have to trust me too."
"I do trust you Harry," Hermione said as she stepped back and looked up at Harry with hope in her eyes. He nodded in reply and led her over to a small couch and she quickly took the offered seat as Harry sat in a chair opposite the couch and Ginny moved over to the couch as well, so she could hear better.
"Then I'll tell you what I've been doing, but I can't tell you where, that's for Morgan to share," Harry said as he looked at both girls. "But none of what I tell you leaves this room and if you decide you want to join in then you'll have to ask Morgan. But first I need to set up privacy wards I don't want anyone listening in," he added as he stood once more and began to set up the required wards. Once he was done he sat back down and began to explain everything he had been doing at Lake Morgana Manor, from his training to his tutoring and lessons on his place and duties in Wizarding society. They spent the rest of the afternoon until dinner talking. Harry was glad they respected his request not to ask where he had been. Dinner was relatively quiet with only small talk, Ron and Molly seemed content to avoid Narcissa as much as possible. Harry thought that perhaps he should spend more time with her to avoid the annoying and obnoxious pair.
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oOOo
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July 22, 1995
The next morning at breakfast, Harry, Hermione and Ginny were in the kitchen at the small table enjoying a light breakfast and chatting quietly. While the others were up as well most of those staying at Black Manor had already eaten and were either already at work or had moved on to their own routines. It wasn't long before the trio were interrupted by two of those who had yet to eat. Molly Weasley entered the kitchen, looking for her daughter more than any food. Ron followed the Weasley Matriarch into the room looking rather smug and pleased with himself. "Guinevere Weasley, you should know better than to cast hexes at your brother, you're grounded young lady," Molly said as she pointed her finger at her daughter.
"Actually Mrs. Weasley, I was the one who fired the hex at Ron," Hermione spoke up, much to everyone's surprise. Ron, Ginny, and Harry because Hermione usually didn't lie. Molly because she wouldn't have expected her to fire a spell at someone, especially Ron, for no reason or so Ron had said. Hermione gave Harry a look that simply said this was the start of her regaining his trust.
"Well then I've got a mind to ground you, I would never have expected something like that from you and…" whatever she had been about to say was stopped by a cough from the entrance of the kitchen as everyone turned to find Morgan standing in the door way watching the scene.
"I don't believe you are Granger's mother, Mrs. Weasley, nor Harry's for that matter," Morgan said as she looked at Mrs. Weasley.
"Well I never!" Mrs. Weasley snapped. "You have no right to talk to me like that young lady!"
"Oh really?" Morgan said with an arched eyebrow. "Have you already forgotten, you are guests in my home Molly Weasley of the House Prewett and I am Lady Black, Head of the House of Black," she continued as Molly looked ready to reply. "Ms. Granger has her own parents and Harry has his Godfather, so you have no say in any punishment Granger might or might not deserve while Harry already has a family to look after him. And since Ginny has apparently done nothing wrong it doesn't look like anyone can or needs to be grounded or punished in any way. Perhaps you should have gotten more information before acting on what your son told you happened."
Molly was once more doing a perfect imitation of a fish as she tried to find a way to reply to Morgan. While Mrs. Weasley struggled to find words, Ron looked livid and ready to say something very stupid to Morgan before she shot him a glare and his ears turned red and he shrank back. "Daisy I'll take my breakfast in the study, it's quieter there. Harry, Granger, Ginny if you three wish to join me, you may," Morgan said with a smile as the three did in fact follow her. The rest of the morning consisted of small talk and by the end Morgan was at the point of using Hermione's first name. The rest of the day passed without farther incidents.
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oOOo
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July 25, 1995
The days past with Harry and Morgan continuing their training and tutoring just as they had at Lake Morgana Manor. The only real difference now was that the training room was bigger, and they had to avoid the occasional Order Members that visited Black Manor. Molly continued to be annoying at least in Morgan's mind, but remained mostly ignored. Harry had also asked if Hermione and Ginny could join in the training. It had taken Morgan and Narcissa a while to reach a decision but, in the end, they had agreed it couldn't hurt to let them join. The two would not be allowed into the tutoring sessions as those usually went over a few family secrets.
The group was currently in the training room, Ginny and Hermione sitting in the chairs of the observation area. While Narcissa was with Morgan and Harry next to the dueling platform. Today they would be facing off against each other for the first time. "Now Harry, Morgan has been dueling for a while, but remember you have come a long way since starting your training and you have progressed much faster than some skilled Aurors," Narcissa said with a smile. "I wouldn't be letting you face off against each other if I didn't think you were close to each other in skill. But remember there will be times when you face an opponent that is better than you, so you'll need to think on your feet and use your wit as well as your skill. Now take your places on the platform and good luck to you both."
Both teens nodded and moved to opposite ends of the platform, "Good luck Harry," Morgan called to him with a smile.
"You too Morgan," he replied as they bowed to each other. Morgan's wand soon dropped into her hand and Harry soon drew his own.
"We need to get you a wand holster," Morgan commented with a bit of a chuckle.
"What would I need a…" Harry started but stopped as he saw Morgan arch an eyebrow. "Fine I'll think about getting one."
"Good," Morgan said with a smile and a small nod.
"Alright you two, enough talk get ready," Narcissa said as she made her way to a chair that was on a raised platform to better see the dueling platform and looked much more comfortable than the ones Ginny and Hermione were sitting in. "Harry focus and remember your training, Morgan don't hold back I'll be evaluating you both. Now, begin!"
The spells began to fly in rapid succession as soon as Narcissa had uttered the word and sat down. They were both moving and dodging as the spells continued to fly. Narcissa had summoned parchment and quill as she began to take notes, she had also activated a quill that was similar to a Dict-a-quill, but it kept moving up as if watching the duel before writing more notes. Hermione was watching the duel in awe of the variety of spells being thrown some she knew and many she didn't yet. Every now and then the pattern of spells would change as Morgan or Harry would change their strategies.
Narcissa began to notice the patterns, Harry had fallen back on brute strength while Morgan was holding back which caused the Elegant woman to frown. "Harry remember to focus and concentrate on your training, control your magical output. Morgan, stop holding back," Narcissa called to the pair. Harry was too busy dodging and firing spells back at Morgan to reply. While Morgan gave a small salute between casting spells and dodging an incoming spell.
"Did she just salute in the middle of a duel?" Ginny commented to Hermione who was too engrossed watching the duel to answer. Morgan began to throw spells faster now and Harry was forced onto the defensive and was soon forced to throw up a shield. A well placed Reducto caused the shield to flare and gave Morgan the perfect chance to fire a Tripping Jinx under the shield which hit its mark as Harry's shield failed and he fell forward into a stunner which hit him in the chest and knocked him back, unconscious. Morgan started to make her way towards Harry, as Narcissa stood as well and made towards the platform.
"Morgan, I told you not to hold back," Narcissa said as Morgan stopped to listen to her aunt.
"I know, but…" she started but Narcissa held up her hand.
"No buts, you hold back against a Death Eater and you'll die!" Narcissa said sharply. "If Harry doesn't learn to fight opponents that are more skilled than him, he will die."
"I… I know that…" Morgan started but was again cut off.
"Then why did you hold back?" Narcissa asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Because I didn't want to beat Harry before he had a chance to even defend himself," Morgan replied, but the answer didn't satisfy her aunt.
"A person can learn more from a loss then winning, because you held back you could have cost Harry his life," Narcissa continued, stopping any argument Morgan might have been forming. "You are the Head of House Black; our enemies will come after you. While Harry has a Madman after him. There can be no half measures in your training or those you care about, and yourself could end up dead. Do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am," Morgan answered dejectedly. She wasn't used to making Narcissa angry and the hurt was clear in her eyes as she looked away.
"Now revive Harry and continue with the training session," Narcissa said as she moved back to her seat. She hadn't meant to be so harsh with Morgan and she had to hide her own sadness and anger at herself. She was letting her own stress affect her emotions, her worry at the possibility of losing Morgan was foremost on her mind lately.
"Yes ma'am," Morgan said without looking at her aunt as she walked towards Harry and revived him. "You did well," she said before standing back up. "Right than Hermione, Ginny you're joining in, all three of you line up in front of a target dummy, you're going to practice your control. The goal is to learn to control the amount of magic you put into your spells," she waited for the others to line up before continuing. "Too little magic and the spell will have no effect, too much and you'll wear yourself out too quickly, both could be costly in a real duel."
Morgan's tone was unusually sharp and held an edge it didn't normally have, but no one said anything as Harry, Hermione, and Ginny worked on their control while Morgan observed. For the most part, she remained silent and offered little advice unless required. Everyone progressed quickly, with the control coming easiest to Hermione and Ginny wasn't far behind. Harry had the most trouble controlling his magic output, but he was starting to get it.
After Narcissa called the training session to an end, Morgan left quickly without even looking back. Narcissa frowned as she had hoped she would have a chance to speak to her niece after training. Instead she could only sigh as the others left as well after cleaning up the room. After taking several minutes to compose herself Narcissa left the training room as well and made her way to the study where she would try to think about how she could apologize to Morgan.
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oOOo
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July 27, 1995 – Ministry of Magic
It had been a day and a half since the training session and still Morgan and Narcissa hadn't spoken since. It was Thursday and Morgan, Harry and Ted were at the Ministry, Morgan to take her Apparition test while Harry and Ted were meeting with Madam Bones to see what needed to be done to clear Sirius' name if they couldn't somehow capture the traitor Pettigrew. It seemed the only way they could even call for a trial without capturing the rat was for Harry to call for one when he took her place as Lord Potter at the summer Wizengamot, and even then, there was no guaranty that they could clear Sirius' name. They would need Sirius' memories of the events of that night, which they hoped would be enough if they couldn't catch Peter.
It didn't take long for Morgan to complete her test and she was soon knocking on Amelia's door. "Enter," Amelia called, knowing it could only be Morgan as she had told her secretary to tell everyone else she was busy. "The test went well I see?"
"Yes, but the instructor said I was… distracted," Morgan commented as she took the only empty chair.
"Distracted? By what dear?" Amelia asked as she looked the girl over. Now that she thought about it Morgan didn't exactly look like she had the last time she had seen the teen. Now she looked a bit down or deflated in a way.
"It's nothing really Madam Bones," Morgan said without looking at the older woman. "I'd prefer not to talk about it, it's a… family matter," she added to avoid any more questions about it.
"I understand," Amelia replied, though she was a bit concerned about the teen. "As I was telling Harry, we either need to capture Pettigrew, or we'll need Sirius' memories of what happened that night."
"I might have an idea on how to catch the rat, but it's not certain," Morgan commented as she did her best to hide her down mood.
"So, for now we have to rely on Sirius' memories and hope the Wizengamot votes our way," Harry said doubtfully.
"Well the fact that Sirius never got a trial works in our favor, and memories are hard to fake and any changes easily noticeable," Ted said as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I believe that once they see the memories Sirius will be cleared of all charges. Those who know the ties between House Black and Potter already know the truth even if they won't come out and say it without a trial being called for."
Harry nodded in reply, if Amelia's reaction from before was anything to go on then that was reassuring to him. "Well I think we have gone over every possible scenario we can," Amelia said with a smile. "There is nothing more we can do for now, other than wait for the Summer Wizengamot."
"Thanks for your help Amelia," Harry said with a smile as the group stood to leave.
"You're welcome Harry, I'm glad I could offer you advice," she replied with a small smile.
"The dinner invitation is still open, just floo or owl us beforehand," Morgan said.
"Oh course, I look forward to that, when I have the free time," Amelia replied as the group left the office.
"So, are you two still going to go shopping in Muggle London?" Ted asked as they made their way to the Ministry lobby.
"Yes, I think we both need some fresh air, we'll see you back at home," Morgan answered, "I have Dora's gift so if anything happens we can alert her," Morgan added as Ted looked like he was about to argue about leaving them alone. The gift she mentioned had been a birthday present from the Metamorph. It was a necklace and pendent that had a rune engrave on it that would allow her to warn Dora if she was in danger through the matching piece that the young Auror had. Once the signal was sent Dora would be able to Apparate as close to Morgan's location as possible.
"Well if you're sure," Ted replied with a small sigh.
"We are," Harry answered for Morgan. He was pretty sure Morgan was just trying to avoid Narcissa more. He had heard about what happened second hand from Hermione. "We'll see everyone later this afternoon." Ted nodded as he separated from the teens to return to 12 Grimmauld Place while Harry and Morgan went to do a bit of shopping. Morgan had told Harry she wanted to get a little head start on his birthday present which would include a new wardrobe.
As they walked from store to store Morgan seemed to relax more and more. They already had quite a few bags, which were shrunk down and, in their pockets, to be managed easier. As they were walking towards their next stop they both felt a sudden temperature drop and looked at each other. "You feel that?" Morgan asked as the pair stopped to look around. Several Muggles were reacting to the cold as well.
"Yeah, it's unnatural… almost magic," Harry replied in a low voice.
"You don't think…." Morgan started as she looked around.
"It can't be…" Harry replied as he looked around as well. Morgan spotted the dark forms headed straight for them first.
"Dementors!" She shouted as she noticed a second, "Go!" she added as they both took off down the street, the Dementors picking up speed and chasing them.
"They're after us!" Harry yelled as they turned down an alley and the Dementors followed them. As they ran Morgan reached into her shirt and activated the pendent on her necklace.
Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt were currently in Madam Bones office giving a report on what the Order was doing and planning. Suddenly Dora felt a burning sensation against her chest and gasped as she reached for the pendent. "Auror Tonks?" Madam Bones looked at the pink-haired Auror with an arched eyebrow.
"S-sorry boss… Morgan's in trouble I've got to go," Dora said as she turned to the door, unable to hide her worry.
"Auror Tonks," Amelia called as she pulled something out of her desk. "If you need back up, call me with that. I'll expect a full report once Morgan is safe," she added as Dora caught the item and realized it was communication device that went straight to Amelia.
"T-thanks boss…." Dora said in surprise, her gratitude clear in her eyes.
"Go on, Morgan needs you," Amelia said pulling the young Auror out of her thoughts.
"R-right!" Dora said as she left the office and ran to the apparition area and grabbed the pendent and pictured Morgan. As soon as she cleared the wards she apparated out and when she opened her eyes again she found herself in an alleyway. "Damn… where are you Morgan…" she cursed as she ran her finger over the Rune on the back of the pendent and a path appeared from it, leading the way to her Head of House. She followed without any hesitation.
Morgan and Harry were running as fast as they could, but they couldn't lose the Dementors. Neither teen noticed as the air got even colder until they rounded another corner into, yet another alley and Morgan slipped on a puddle that had frozen over when she tried to stop, two more large Dementors were blocking their path at the other end of the alley. Morgan yelped in pain as she fell from slipping and hissed as a sharp pain shot through her ankle. Her wand skidded a few inches away but thankfully not too far as she grabbed it. "They have us cornered…" Morgan groaned as Harry helped her up.
"But why are they here," Harry asked as Morgan hissed again in pain and he tightened his hold on her, "You okay?"
"Yeah, but I think I sprained my ankle when I slipped," Morgan replied as she leaned on Harry. "Crap… Harry, muggles…" she added as she noticed two Muggles that were shivering and against the wall. While they couldn't see the Dementors it was clear they knew something was wrong.
"We don't have a choice, we have to make our stand here, you can cast a Patronus right?" Harry asked as he glanced at Morgan.
"Of course," she replied, though she couldn't blame him for asking. "You take the two behind, I'll get the two in front."
Harry nodded as he drew his wand, "Expecto Patronum!" he shouted as the silver Stag come out of his wand and charged at the two Dementors behind them.
"Expecto Patromum!" Morgan yelled at the same time. However, her spell sputtered and flickered out after only a few seconds. If the Dementors could laugh Morgan was sure the two in front of her were as the closest one turning its attention to the pair of Muggles while the bigger one continued towards the teens.
"I thought you said you could cast it!" Harry called as he tried to fight off the two behind them.
"I can… it's just not working…" Morgan snapped back as she tried to focus. She realized what was making it hard for her to cast the Petronus. It was a combination of reliving half of her dream and what had happened with Narcissa. Shaking her head clear she tried to focus on the happiness she felt at hearing her mum would be freed soon, but that didn't work either. Instead she turned her thoughts to spending time with Cissy and felt warmth starting to spread starting from her magical core and moving outward and knew the spell would work now, "Expecto Patronum!" Morgan shouted again as a silver Cougar came out of her wand and charged the two Dementors in front of them. Harry made his Petronus charge the other two Dementors again and all four fled the alleyway.
Dora had just rounded the corner in time to see the four Dementors scatter and her eyes fell on Harry, and Morgan who was slumped against him. "Morgan! Harry!" she called as she ran towards the pair. "Are you okay?" she asked as she began looking over Morgan, who looked worn out and wasn't putting weight on her left foot.
"Thanks for coming, Dora. I'm fine, just a sprained ankle I think. And the Dementors wore me out," Morgan replied with a weak smile.
"I'm alright, just a bit worn out, like Morgan," Harry said as he helped Morgan stay standing. "Those Muggles might need some help though, one of the Dementors went after them," he added as he motioned behind them.
Dora looked past the teens and noticed the two muggles slumped against the alley wall. "You take them to St. Mungo's and I'll get me and Harry back home, then meet us there. I'm sure Aunt Andi will want to know what happened," Morgan said as she hid the pain from her ankle.
"You should come to St. Mungo's too," Dora replied as she looked over Morgan again.
"I'm fine, besides Harry can't Apparate on his own yet," Morgan replied as Dora arched an eyebrow.
"Oh, now you're worried about breaking the law, you just cast a Patronus in front of two Muggles," Dora said as she looked at the Lady Black.
"Muggles who were in just as much, if not more danger then us, Self Defense we didn't break any laws," Morgan replied quickly.
"Fine, but I'm bringing mum home with me, and I'm informing Madam Bones about what happened here," Dora replied as Morgan nodded. Dora hugged Harry and Morgan before moving over to the Muggles to take them to St. Mungo's. Sparing one last glance towards the teens before she called Madam Bones and the two teens disappeared with the crack of apparition.
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oOOo