Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
Originally by: VHDL
Continued by: Lady Kanko Wildstar
Chapters 16 - 20
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Chapter 16:
The early next morning after a quite dinner with Laetius, the three met with Rita Skeeter. To break the news that one of the most eligible bachelors was now unavailable. Guiding Rita to a seat across from where the three would be sitting.
"May I ask what's going on?" Rita questioned looking back and forth between the three.
"I would like to inform you of my engagement to my lady love, here." Harry kissed Luna hand softly.
"YOUR WHAT!" She screamed jumping slightly in her seat. Clearing her throat, "I mean… that is to say. Your engagement? When? How?"
"Lord Potter has been courting my daughter for some time. And, with my permission, has entered into a marriage agreement. They are to be married when it is mutually decided the time is right." Laetius answered handing her a picture of Harry on his knee proposing and Luna kissing him. "In truth, the official proposal was last night. A house-elf named Dobby took this picture for them. I'll be running the article you write in The Quibbler at the same time as the Daily Prophet. You have an hour to get both copies to the papers. So chose your questions wisely."
Rita swallowed the tea she drunk quickly before whipping out her pad and pen. "Can you tell me your whole story of the courtship and proposal? Then I'll ask a couple a questions."
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When Harry had entered the great hall with Luna on his arm wearing a gorgeous dress robes and Elvin jewelry, everyone knew that something had happened. Sure enough when the papers were delivered there were shouts of shock and surprise. Along with disappointed cries from many of the female population, even a couple of guys too.
But with the article was the most romantic picture of Harry kneeling before Luna sliding the ring on her hand, and her kissing him. It was like the knight in shining armor proposing to the princess under the moon and star lit sky. It made many of the girls sigh with envy.
"BOY-WHO-LIVED ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED"
BY: Rita Skeeter
It is an honor that I, Rita Skeeter, report that Lord Harry Potter is engaged to be married to Lady Luna Lovegood, daughter of Lord Laetius Lovegood. It is a tale of true romance, one that I am proud to write about.
Lord Potter has been courting Lady Luna for some time now. At first it was only love letters and small tokens, but that soon changed. Over the course of the time of courtship, Lord Potter actually was able to purchase and give a set of high Elvin mithril love tokens. As many know those can only be given in the truest love for others. A love that is bound by not only the hearts of both but also their souls. For a love of the soul, such gifts are truly wonderful for they show proof for all to see.
Lord Potter and Lady Luna were kind enough to supply the picture accompanying this article and told me word for word the proposal he had made to Lady Luna, or as he calls her 'my lady love.'
"I was standing out side, looking at the stars, wondering about all that had happened. My admirer was still sending letters and gift. I almost constantly wore the star pendant and ring under my school robes everyday. And the hints and clues about who her my admirer actually was, along with the fact that the Goblins had approached my father with a marriage contract… to Harry Potter. The scary thing was… I loved him too. When I heard footsteps, I turned toward the sound… it was Harry. I asked, Why?" Luna began.
"And I answered, Because I love you." He whispered back, cupping her cheek with the palm of his hand before turning back to this reporter. "For me there could never be anyone else. Not for me."
"I turned away and out of his grasp. And I asked how could you? How could you possibly love me?"
"I said because you're funny, smart, unique. Your smiles light up a room. You hide your true Ravenclaw intelligence with the cunning of a Slytherin. You brave facing your classmates each day like a Gryffindor. You have the loyalty of a Hufflepuff. But most of all, you are the most beautiful girl to me. I don't care about physical appearance; I've found that at times they can be misleading. I love you because of who you are." Lord Potter said as he seemed to recall the night's events. "I made the marriage proposal to her father for legalities sake. To help protect her in as many ways as possible, if she truly cannot return my feelings I will release her from it if it was her wish. I won't force her into it anything, I swore with every fiber of my being. It's part of the contract as well, just in case." He looked his lady love in the eye.
"And I knew he spoke the truth. I took out the pendant from hiding between my clothes, showing it to him. His face lit up with such joy. I asked him if he was the one who sent me everything, even though I already knew the answer. I asked him if it was high Elvin…"
"Yes, it is. The one who had it said that it could only be given when you truly love another," Harry completed
She smiled softly, "I knew… because I love him too. The look on his face, the complete joy it held. I knew that just as he said their could be no other for him, there would also be no other for myself. I love him completely. I handed him the ring and he kneeled down on one knee."
"I said, My lady love, will you do me the honor of being my bride and wife?" Lord Potter smiled kissing the top of Lady Luna's head. "She just smiled serenely holding out her left hand, I slipped the ring on her finger. As she leaned over me, holding my face in her hands, she whispered one word I've wanted to hear from her. Then we kissed."
"I said yes." Luna leaned against Lord Potter.
When this reporter asked when the impending marriage would be, Lord Potter responded, "It's up to my lady love, as I said to both her and her father. I won't push her; we'll take things at her pace. I want her to be as comfortable as possible. Nothing is too good for my lady love."
When this reporter spoke with Lord Lovegood, he stated, "My daughter truly loves this young man and I can tell that he loves her unconditionally. He has been a true gentleman to her and to me. Before he started courting my daughter, he asked for my permission and he received it. Before proposing marriage to her, he again asked for my permission, and again he received it. Their happiness is all that matters to me now. They have my blessings for all time."
This reporter, on behalf of both the Quibbler and the Daily Prophet, would like to congratulate this young lovely couple on their engagement and say that the love they share is very rare indeed. May they have many happy and lovely years together, for this love is the stuff of legends.
There were many sniffles throughout the hall from the ladies and a couple of boys. Even the teachers seemed teary-eyed. Some of the guys were grumbling about how they were going to handle their dates for the evening. More, if they had regular girlfriends, what they were going to do for them. Harry just blushed at all of the looks he received. Looking at Luna, he grasped her hand on the table raising it up before kissing it looking into her eyes. More sighs were heard before McGonagall rose clearing her throat.
"Even with Lord Potter no longer teaching, there have been some who have expressed concern for his becoming engaged to a student." She looked pointedly at a ministry official. There were yells of anger and rage at him. He tried to hide behind another official. McGonagall called for silence. "But we have come up with a solution for this. Lady Luna has agreed to take the O.W.L., N.E.W.T. and mastery exams to graduate earlier than she normally would. If she passes all the tests to satisfaction, she will be a graduate of Hogwarts. She has agreed to remain here with Lord Potter, and possibly even assist the staff when it is needed," McGonagall said before raising her glass to the new couple. "To your health and happiness, Lord Potter and Lady Luna." The students and guests raised their own glasses to the glowing couple, both of whom bowed their heads slightly.
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"Harry! Mate wait up!" Ron yelled as he ran up to him. "What's up mate? I mean I understand you getting really busy with the school and all, but why haven't you visited Hermione and I? And now getting married to Looney Luna?" Ron suddenly yelped as Harry grabbed him and threw him up against the wall. Other students in the hall stopped and watched.
"Don't ever call her that!" Harry said so coldly it could have been the Arctic. Ron nodded very quickly and Harry released him. "As for you and Hermione, having been found with the dark mark does not exactly work in your favor. Matter a fact the only ones in your family who didn't have the dark mark were Charlie, Bill, Percy and the twins. It will take time for me to trust you again because I can tell the marks weren't entirely forced on either of you. What did you and Hermione report to the old man? Did he tell you it was for the good of all?"
The others in hall whispered back and forth as Ron's mouth opened and closed several times. "Mate, I…"
"You're not my friend Weasley, so don't call me that." Harry snapped before stalking off down the hall.
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Word of the fight between Ron and Harry circulated quickly, especially with the comment about the dark marks from Dumbledore. Ron, Hermione and Ginny quickly found themselves being shunned by the majority of the school. Hermione and Ginny were confused until they confronted Ron about it, and he told them about the fight.
"He knows?" Hermione whispered.
"Yes, he knows we reported to Dumbledore. But he said we were marked by Dumbledore too. The fact that we willingly reported to him means we didn't fight the mark on any known level when it was placed. Bill told me about that sort of thing a while ago." Ron ran his hand through his hair. "Harry said we're not his friends any more, and the only reason he didn't write off the entire Weasley clan was because Charlie, Bill, Percy and the twins weren't marked. At all."
"What are we going to do?" Ginny questioned. "I thought Harry was interested in me, he's supposed to be with me and not engaged to that… that thing!"
"Yeah, how are we going to get anything now?" Ron muttered in agreement.
Hermione whipped around to look at Ginny and Ron sharply, saying loudly enough for others to hear. "What are you talking about, Ginny? Harry only looked at you like a sister, ever! The only reason I mentioned anything to Dumbledore was because I thought it was to protect Harry. I never wanted any mark! From anyone! I'm beginning to see why Harry doesn't trust the two of you now. YOU WERE JUST USING HIM!"
"Oh like you're one to talk, Hermione!" Ron snapped back.
"I WAS TRYING TO PROTECT HARRY! I NEVER USED HIM FOR PERSONAL GAIN! NOR WOULD I EVER DO SUCH A THING! UNLIKE THE TWO OF YOU, I MEANT TO BE HARRY'S FRIEND FIRST AND FOREMOST! YOU TWO PROBABLY ONLY BECAME FRIENDS TO USE HIM FOR SOMETHING YOU WANTED! I'M GOING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO APOLOGIZE TO HARRY! EVEN IF IT MEANS MY LIFE!" Hermione bellowed before stomping off away from the two redheads. Other people in the area whispered back and forth, moving on to their next classes. Hermione, however, went straight to the Headmistresses' office. Knocking, she waited until she was called in.
"Ms. Granger, may I ask why you are not in your classes?" McGonagall studied her sharply.
"I need to speak with you and Harry," Hermione pleaded desperately.
"Why?"
"Because I need to apologize and to explain my actions to the both of you. And I have some information about Ron and Ginny." Hermione seemed to be on the verge of breaking down.
"Take a seat, Ms. Granger. I'll hear you first and if I deem it necessary then I'll ask Lord Potter to come." McGonagall motioned to one of the seats in front of her desk.
Hermione sat quickly and began, "Dumbledore approached me middle of last year. He said that Harry was in great danger and that in order to better protect him Dumbledore needed information. I didn't really want to at first, Harry was my best friend and I told Dumbledore that. Then I remember taking one of those lemon treats and everything just seemed to dim slightly. Next thing I know I agreed to pass of the information. Dumbledore told me Ron, and soon his sister Ginny, would be doing the same. I honestly thought we were just trying to protect him. But today I got into a fight with Ginny and Ron, they said something odd though. Ginny said that 'Harry's supposed to be with me and not engaged to that thing.' And Ron said 'how are we supposed to get anything now?' I think Ron and Ginny were just going to use Harry for his money or fame or something." Hermione rambled out quickly, crying her eyes out. "Please Professor, I have to tell Harry."
"No need Ms. Hermione Granger. I heard it all." Harry's cold voice cut through the room.
Hermione whipped around, "Harry! Please, even if I can't be your friend any more, please don't hate me so much. I promise I thought it was to protect you!"
"So I heard. You say Dumbledore gave you a lemon candy before you agreed?" Harry watched her sharply.
"Yes, he gave me one. Next thing I knew I was agreeing to help him."
Harry studied her, "I want a blood sample to be tested. And you will remain in isolation studying or something until the results comes back."
"Anything! I promise!" Hermione agreed quickly. McGonagall rose from her seat guiding Hermione out the door as Harry followed, going into the hospital wing and into one of the private rooms. Madam Pomfrey came forward.
"What's going on Minerva?"
"We need a blood sample from Ms. Granger for testing. And she is to remain in isolation until Mr. Potter and I get the results. I fear that Dumbledore has had her drugged since the middle of last year."
Pomfrey gasped, "Of course. I'll ward her doors my self. Can I allow her to read her books or something?"
"Yes, she should already have plenty with her, knowing her reading habits," Harry muttered. Pomfrey nodded quickly before getting her supplies and heading into Granger's room. It didn't take long for her to return with two vials of blood, handing them to Harry. Harry nodded in thanks before heading down to the dungeons and into Snape's third year class.
"Professor Snape, if I may have a moment of your time?" Harry asked. Snape nodded and led Harry into his office. "I need you to test this blood for anything and everything."
"May I ask what this is about?"
"Hermione may have been drugged and controlled by Dumbledore. And while I could do the tests myself, I can't be fully objective. You, on the other hand, could." Harry said and Snape nodded in agreement.
"Very well."
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Harry sighed as he read the report before handing the results to McGonagall. Who read and then handed it to Pomfrey.
"Positive. The bastard had her drugged to compliance," Harry muttered looking out the window. "We should test Ron and Ginny but I don't think they'll be the same. The two of them always seemed off to me in some way."
"We should tell Granger. And also the rest of the school. I've heard some of the rumors going around; she'd be in great danger if it wasn't explained." McGonagall placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. "You need to speak to Hermione yourself, for the both of you to get some closure on this matter. I'll have Ron and Ginny escorted to isolation rooms after that. Then I'll inform the rest of the school when they're test results come back."
Harry nodded, walked over to the door that led into the room Granger was being held in. Opening it he walked in then closed the door behind him. Hermione set aside the book she was reading and was looking at Harry nervously, wringing her hands.
"You came back positive for control potions and enchantments. They were fed to you regularly too."
Hermione gasped, "But why? Why would he do that to me?"
"To control me, he needed to control everyone and everything in my life. I… I can forgive that, even understand that. But I… I don't know if I can ever trust you on that level again. You'll be able to join everybody else again soon. We are going to test Ron and Ginny before announcing this at supper," Harry said slightly shaky.
Hermione began to cry, "I know, I knew that might be how you would feel even with going to McGonagall. I'm so sorry Harry. I truly am."
"I know." He paused after opening the door. "And that's a start."
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Chapter 17:
Hogwarts was once again in shock from the actions of the former headmaster Dumbledore. Hermione Granger had been drugged and forcibly marked. Ron and Ginny were on suspension pending a formal hearing for their action in purposefully helping the headmaster in illegal acts and for attempting to use Harry to steal his money and use his reputation for their own gain.
Arthur Weasley was mortified about the whole thing. That much was noticeable to everyone in the hall when he heard the announcement. But he also moved away from his wife. Molly Weasley, however, seemed… disappointed about the whole thing. Many guessed that she may have been a part of that too, the one who originally planned out Ginny being with Harry, and using him too.
After the dinner, both Arthur and Molly were led to the hospital wing where Minister Fudge, Headmistress McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, Flitwick, Luna, Harry, Madam Bones, the other Weasley children and several aurors were waiting. Fudge brought out a roll of parchment.
"This is a court order for blood samples to be tested in conjunction with that of your two youngest children. All four of you will be questioned under veritaserum about the whole thing. If you are found to be in a similar situation as Ms. Granger, then you will be treated and released. However if either of you or your two youngest are found guilty of any crimes, you will be charged and secured in Azkaban until a trial can be scheduled."
"WHAT! You can't do that it's illegal!" Molly yelled. Arthur stood silently.
"Actually it is perfectly legal," Madam Bones replied solemnly, her tone left no room for argument. The two aurors moved forward and secured Molly, but gave no move to do the same to Arthur as he had not tried resisting. Other aurors brought in the bound Ron and Ginny.
"What did you do to my mother, Potter?" Ron shouted and tried to get to him but was hit by one of the aurors. The aurors gagged Molly, Ron and Ginny, as Arthur was dosed with veritaserum and questioned. He knew nothing of any plans but had concerns about some of Molly's behavior lately. Given the antidote, he moved to the side and sat in a chair.
Molly was the next to be dosed.
"What is your name?"
"Molly Prewitt Weasley."
"Did you make any plans toward Harry Potter?"
"Yes, Ginny was to marry him. After a suitable time she was to either leave him or poison him. We were going to get the money and respect we deserved at last." There were gasps and mutters around the room. Arthur sat there with his head in his hands, shaking slightly.
"Was your husband in any way involved?" Madam Bones looked at him apologetically.
"No, if it weren't for Arthur's father losing the family fortune, I would have taken care of him long ago. Just like my mother toke care of her husband long ago." Arthur looked at Molly in shock at her cold words. Charlie and Bill both put a hand on their father's shoulders.
"Who else was involved in your plans?"
"Ron and Ginny. The others were too weak and pathetic. We were going to take care of them too," she spat. They gave her the antidote, and she immediately tried to make excuses to Arthur but once she saw his hardened face.
"Be thankful that I made a vow to not kill again after the war, Prewitt. Because I would be more than willing to use every ounce of my training on you. And, as you broke your end of our little bargain, I can do as I please." Arthur spat at her coldly, she paled like a ghost.
"What do you mean, Arthur?" Fudge asked.
One of the higher ranking ministry officials stepped forward. "Minister Fudge may I introduce former unspeakable agent, Ghost." Everyone else in the room (except Harry) gasped.
"You! You were the ghost!" Fudge cried out. "The Dark Lord had a standing fifteen thousand galleon bounty on your head!"
Arthur winced. "It's not something I generally talk about, though Molly has known I did some work for the Department of Mysteries for some time. She was the reason I stopped. I guess it doesn't matter now."
"You want your old job back yet?" Harry asked seriously, with several other nodding in agreement.
"Yes, after this. I'll take it."
Madam Bones cleared her throat gathering everyone's attention. "Let us finish questioning Ronald and Ginny."
Once the two were dosed, the others in the hospital wing gained back there horror over the trio of Weasley's words and planned actions, as Ronald and Ginny explained everything in painstaking detail of everything they had planned. Once the two were given the antidote, Arthur moved forward.
"For your plans against the members of the Weasley clan and the ministry, you are forthwith banished from the family. Anything and everything that was once yours is now forfeit to the rest of the clan for your grievous actions. This includes your magic. All records of the three of you are stricken except to list you as traitors to the clan and the wizarding world. Lord Harry Potter has been considered as one of my sons and your actions against him are inexcusable. You will stand trial or if it is deemed necessary, be immediately punished in any way with my blessings. So it is said, so shall it be." Arthur's voice rang out power laced into every word.
"I, Charlie Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, Bill Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, Percy Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, Fred Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, George Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
The three prisoners shouted and screamed as they felt all of their magic was drained from them.
"Then, have I both your and Lord Potter's permission to place them directly into Azkaban?" Madam Bones questioned.
"Yes," Arthur and Harry said unanimously. Auror's dragged the screaming prisoners from the hospital wing. Arthur turned to Harry.
"I am deeply sorry for this, Harry. I should have realized what was going on. I guess I just wanted the image of large happy family to continue without realizing the consequences."
Harry stepped up to him placing both hands on either shoulder before grabbing him into a hug. "Even without Ginny, Molly and Ronald ever there, you've been like the father I never had. I can not fault you for any of this. Never doubt that." Tears leaked out of Arthur's eyes as he hugged his adoptive son back, everyone else silent in respect for this shared moment. After a few moments, Harry stepped back and held his hand out to Luna. "Father this is my lady love, Lady Luna Lovegood."
"Hello, Mr. Weasley." she said demurely, curtseying.
"Now, none of that." Arthur grinned at her, giving her a hug. "You can call me Arthur, dear. You are, after all, are going to be my daughter-in-law." Luna smiled largely at him, and the Weasley boys each greeted her similarly with hugs, each patting Harry on the back in turn. "Now then, when's the wedding?"
Everyone in the room laughed heartily at his words.
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After seeing the ministry officials off, Harry brought the rest of the Weasley's and Luna to his apartments. They all looked around in awe, especially Bill. Being a curse breaker he knew a lot about some of the things Harry had sprinkled about.
"Where did you get some of these Harry? A few of them are thousands of years old," Bill asked awed.
"Now that I know which Weasleys, or actually former Weasleys were involved, there's something I want to show all of you. But I must have your oaths of silence." All of them nodded doing so immediately. Harry walked over to his desk and once more toke out the inheritance forms from Gringott's. Each of them read the forms with different degrees of shock.
"Being an heir of one or more founders I expected. But who are the last few families? Gondor? Rohan? Moria? Imaladris, Mirkwood, Lothlorien, and Ithilien?" Bill asked. Harry motioned to the seats around the table, everyone quickly sat.
"Those lines are from a time before even the Greeks and Romans. You know of how the world changed? How everything once alive died, turned to ash and was remade?" They nodded. "There were kingdoms made then, too. Each of those names are from the noble bloodlines that once ruled the lands of the earth in their day. But, like all things, the people, society, world grew and changed. The line of kings and nobles of those lines disappeared but obviously did not end. Old countries changed to new ones. Just like Arthur and his knights. They lived their times before they're ended."
"Understandable, but the last four names… they're Elvin," Percy muttered.
Harry smiled slightly. "You don't miss much, do you Percy? That's a very good thing." Percy blushed at the praise. "Yes, they're Elvin, as they were once Elvin kingdoms. I don't know if the kingdoms themselves remain. Most of the elves from those days have left the earth; going to a place they call the undying lands. Though there's been said to be small groups of elves hidden around the world. I obviously have descended from their lines, if I've inherited the family vaults and titles. I was planning on searching for them."
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After there discussion ended, he showed them around, saving the main library for last. Opening the doors, he stepped in and to the side, allowing the other to enter. Seeing the looks on their faces he grinned.
"How many books are there?" Percy asked in a whisper.
"Over fifty-five thousand. And that's not including some of the duplicate copy's I have in the second library." Harry grinned at the look of absolute rapture on Percy's face. "I haven't showed Hermione yet because of what happened. Yes, you can read or maybe even borrow a few of them. But be sure to ask me about them first. Some of these books are not meant to be read by anyone other than the heir of their lines." The Weasley's all nodded. "In that case, defense, muggle studies, arithmacy, charms and transfiguration are on the first and second floors. Potions, herbology, ancient runes, foreign language studies, law practices, and alchemy are on the third and fourth. The rest of any other subjects are one the fifth floor. The book on the stand over there has a listing of every book, and a basic description."
Percy shot off to look at the book, Bill and Charlie following as a close second and third. Harry, Luna, Arthur, and the twins just laughed.
"Arthur, you're more then welcome to stay with us, as are the others. We have plenty of bedrooms," Luna offered, and Harry nodded in confirmation.
"As long as it doesn't interfere with the two of you, I'll stay the night. I'm sure Bill and Charlie will agree as well."
"Excellent. I'll make sure that the rooms are prepared." Luna nodded before leaving.
"You're a very lucky man, Harry." Arthur said clapping his hand to Harry shoulder, before moving to join his three eldest at the book catalog.
"Harry…"
"…can we…"
"…talk to you?" The twins asked completing each other's sentences. Harry nodded, motioning to a sitting area just inside the library door.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
"We wanted to be sure…" Fred began.
"…that Hermione is not involved…" George continued.
"…with their plans?" And Fred finished.
"No, she not involved with them. If anything, she's a victim, but it will take me a while to trust her on those levels again. I take it your interest is more then platonic?" The twins blushed brightly. "Honestly, she's going to be a little touchy for a while, in a way that you'll have to be very patient with her. And it may take her a little while to tell if she's interested in one or both of you. Just be gentle." Harry emphasized.
"Yes." The two nodded.
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Chapter 18:
The next morning, many were surprised to see Arthur, Bill and Charlie were sitting at the head table talking with Harry and Luna, while Molly, Ginny and Ron were missing. McGonagall had officiated, by herself, the last nights of dueling, before tonight's finale and tomorrow's ball.
When the mail arrived, they were once again shocked by the article headlines.
"Molly, Virginia and Ronald Weasley: Banished From the Weasley line & Sentenced to Azkaban"
By: Rita Skeeter
Last night this reporter, several officials and Hogwarts staff were witness to horrifying confessions made by Molly Prewitt Weasley and her two youngest children Ronald and Virginia. They confessed, under veritaserum, to planning the extortion of Lord Harry Potter and Lord Arthur Weasley, before or after their deaths – it didn't seem to matter to the three criminals. Along with the planned murders of Lord Potter, Lord Weasley, and the other sons of Lord Weasley; Charlie, Bill, Percy, Fred and George.
"Their confessions would have sealed their fates anyway, but the sheer detail to which they had planned each death had them immediately sentenced to having their magic being drained and life sentences – till death in Azkaban." One ministry official told this reporter.
And this claim of the sheer and vindictive planning is true, much to this reporter's horror. Apparently the plan included Virginia tricking Lord Potter into marriage, and then killing him for his money and titles. Ronald was to use his false friendship to the hilt by furthering Virginia's status to that of Lord Potter's wife. And Molly Prewitt, formerly Weasley, was actually supposed to kill Lord Arthur Weasley many years ago, before his father lost the family fortune.
Prewitt also admitted that her mother had killed her father for similar reasons. It seemed to this reporter that Molly Prewitt's family has planned and completed those plans to kill there husbands or mates for fortune and titles and further admitted to planning to kill her other children as well. This reporter was also horrified to note that the confessions of Ronald and Virginia merely further corroboration.
Once Lord Weasley and his other children heard the confessions, Molly, Ronald and Virginia were cast out the Weasley clan. This is the oath that was said:
"For your plans against the members of the Weasley clan and the ministry, you are forthwith banished from the family. Anything and everything that was once yours is now forfeit to the rest of the clan for your grievous actions. This includes your magic. All records of the three of you are stricken except to list you as traitors to the clan and the wizarding world. Lord Harry Potter has been considered as one of my sons and your actions against him are inexcusable. You will stand trial or if it is deemed necessary, be immediately punished in any way with my blessings. So it is said, so shall it be." Arthur's voice rang out, power laced into every word.
"I, Charlie Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, Bill Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, Percy Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, Fred Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
"I, George Weasley, do here by affirm my lord father's vow."
The three prisoners shouted and screamed as they felt all of their magic was drained from them. Madam Bones asked for a confirmation to send them to Azkaban. Both Lord Potter and Lord Weasley were unanimous in there agreement. And the three reprehensible criminals were taken away.
This reporter, along with all of my colleagues, would like to give our condolences to Weasley clan for the misfortune to have to have lived with these three criminals. And we would like to wish them a much better and happier future.
The various Weasley's merely shook their heads sadly before continuing their meals.
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Laetius had come and picked up Luna and Arthur Weasley left for the Ministry. Bill and Charlie left by floo in the headmistress's office. Harry, on the other hand, went to Gringotts and was immediately guided to the council room once more.
"Ah, Lord Potter. Yani just presented us with the final reports of your entire material assets, including what is in each of your vaults." Ragnook waved to the three thick, leather-bound volumes and they floated in front of Harry's seat.
"Wonderful," Harry said, quickly flipping through each of them. The goblins watching him in shock, and when Harry noticed the looks passing between them, replied. "I have a photographic memory, both written and images. When the blocks Dumbledore placed were removed, it activated in full force."
"Oh, and may we give our congratulations on your engagement." Gerinoz smiled at him.
"Thank you. Now if you would not mind, may we move on to other business? I wish to be back at Hogwarts before Luna arrives from the ministry."
"Very well. We are still looking into muggle businesses worthy of your investment. We have acquired adequate number of squibs to both create individual staffs for each of the main wizarding and muggle manors. We have also designated one specific address as your muggle listed residence; we have sent copies of their applications and credentials on to Hogwarts. They already know what you, your lady Luna and her father all look like. And the minister has arranged for you to speak with Prime Minister directly at Buckingham Palace. We have also found out that Pettigrew hung himself in his cell last night. But good news is that you may go to the ministry at any time to investigate the people you mentioned to the minister specifically. Madam Umbridge attempted to resist and was placed under arrest. The negotiations have been a complete success, and have Minister Fudge's approval, even though it is not needed. The minister has also agreed to allow you to negotiate on their behalf for any alliances you deem beneficial to them, though he does wish to speak with you about the under-age restriction," Ragnook summarized.
"Excellent. I thank you for all of your hard work. It is greatly appreciated." Harry bowed to them.
"And we are honored for your continuing assistance. If you wish to tend to any other business you may have, we will not keep you here needlessly." Ragnook smirked. And Harry nodded disappearing a second later.
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Appearing in one of his many townhouses, he sent for the butler to prepare the car to go directly to the Prime Minister's office. He also changed into an exquisite black Armani suit. Appearing in front of the man's desk was just asking to get shot. The butler entered the room bowing.
"The driver has the Rolls ready out front, sir."
"Very good." Harry nodded as he left the townhouse and entered the Rolls Royce. The driver hut the door behind him and quickly ran around and jumped in the driver's seat.
"We should be there within twenty minutes at best speed, sir," he said to Harry as he pulled into traffic. Harry merely nodded in response looking out the windows.
Sure enough, the driver was a man of his word as they pulled up the entrance of Number 10 Downing Street. The driver pulled out paperwork and showed them to the guard who let them pass through with a salute. Pulling up to the main entrance, a guard opened his door allowing him to exit. The driver pulled to Rolls away to the area designated to him. And Harry was led by an officer inside through the winding corridors to a set of double doors that was guarded by two uniformed Marines. Opening the doors he was lead into a slightly crowded room.
"If you will wait here, my lord, I will let the Prime Minister know you are here." The Officer bowed before going into another set of doors. Harry glanced around noting the various foreign and military officials who were studying him, several Arabians, Americans and navel officers. One approached and Harry recognized him as one of Fudge's guest at the competition.
"Lord Potter, it is an honor to see you again," the man greeted, bowing slightly.
"And you as well. I expect you are attending the finals?" Harry asked bowing, back slightly as well.
"Yes, yes. One of my country's students is one of the finalists. I will be there to help cheer him on to victory." The man nodded.
"We shall see who the victor is. Some of the others are quite promising, even those not of my school." Harry and the man chuckled before any further conversation being interrupted by the young officer.
"My lord, the Prime Minister will see you immediately." He motioned to the door he had come from. "If you would follow me."
"Of course. Good day sir." Harry bowed his head slightly to the man before following the officers. The others while slightly insulted and affronted for being ignored, watched his movements as he left the room. The young man seemed to be the embodiment of pure elegance and poise. A feat worthy of respect, especially for one so young.
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"Ah, Lord Potter. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." The minister rose from his coming around the desk, shook his hand and lead him to a seat. "I heard of you those many years ago, when I was informed of the Dark Lord defeat in the 80's."
Harry nodded, accepting the cup of tea offered by a servant before responding. "Yes, I expected they would tell you as much. Have you been brought up to speed on current events of the last couple weeks?"
"To be truthful, yes but not very well," the Prime Minster admitted.
"Then let me fill you in. Several things have happened. You'll forgive me if I summarize events. The dark lord was not the only one who had loyal or forced followers. Another man by the name of Dumbledore has literally manipulated pretty much everyone he has ever met and manipulated things going on through them. I, unfortunately, have had him manipulating my life almost since the moment I was born."
"Wait, I thought Dumbledore was a 'leader of light'. And what do you mean by manipulated?" The Prime Minister interrupted.
"I'll explain everything I promise…"
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It took the next four and a half hours to explain everything in detail for the Prime Minister. Finally, after it all sunk in, he was very willing to help Harry with his ideas. It certainly helped that he gave Harry immediate authority to do as he pleased, and also gave him direct contact information in case anything happened. This new found authority also came with a top level security clearance and the ability to order generals around. The prime minister even contacted the queen directly and got him into a private meeting where he again explained everything again.
She gave her full approval as well. And having the queen's approval, especially over these matters, was like having the blessing of the Pope himself. (No offense or insult was meant to either of them.)
Finally finished with all of those meetings, he was able to go home and to go to his lady love. While he did have to preside over the last of the finals of the competition, the ministry could wait till tomorrow.
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Appearing in his rooms, he quickly changed into formal robes and went out into the apartments in search of his lady. Finding her waiting in front of the fireplace, he froze at the sight she made. Her form was radiant in a light lavender, almost blue, formal Elvin gown with the mithril bonding/love jewelry on. A small, crown-like circlet ran across her forehead with a marvelous diamond center. Her hair was loose about her shoulders in ringlets. She was truly the most beautiful sight to behold.
She turned and smiled at him before running into his open arms. "Harry!"
"I'm sorry I toke so long, lady love." Harry kissed the top of her head lightly.
"It's alright. I knew where you were, or at least I could tell you were alright. We will be late if we don't leave soon. You know that you're one of the guests of honor." Luna chastised him lightly.
"Then we had best be off." He offered his arm and she grasped it gently. "You will be the most beautiful of all there."
She blushed prettily. "Thank you."
"No thanks are needed from you, my lady love."
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Entering the packed hall they were truly a magnificent sight to see. A glow seemed to surround them, and many could see the love in there eyes when they looked to each other. Several flashes of bulbs as people took pictures, either for themselves or for whomever they worked for. Guiding Luna to the seat next to his, he then turned to the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the finals of the Hogwarts International Dueling competition. It is our honor here at Hogwarts to host this event. I see that many of you were also present for the previous week's competition. And I welcome you back. Will the finalist please join us?" Harry waved his hands to the doors, which opened silently. The two columns of finalists were focused and concentrated on the task at hand, many wishing to do right by their schools and people, to show their people's strength and hard work. "Finalists, you have faced many opponents and have won many matches. Are you prepared to do so again?"
"YES!" All of them shouted, and the crowed cheered.
Harry raised his hand for silence. "Many have asked what the champion shall receive this night when someone wins." Murmurs went around the hall. And suddenly a pedestal and golden trophy appeared. "This is the trophy that will be awarded to the winning duelist's school. There is a winner's purse of 5,000 galleons, from my own vaults, along with a full wardrobe from Madam Malkin's worth over 3,000 galleons, a specialized trunk from Jerkin's Trunk Shop of Gentry's Alley, a brand new Firebolt XP from the Firebolt corporation worth 1,500 galleons, and will not arrive on the public market for the next six to eight months, a 1,500 galleon shopping spree in Flourish and Blots and, lastly, a 1,500 galleon shopping spree in McCaphry's Jewels of Gentry Alley. All for the winner of this competition!"
Cheers and exclamations of surprise went around the hall. Even the duelers had their jaws dropped. Once again Harry raised his hands for silence. It immediately came. "For second place there will be a 3,000 galleon purse, Again from my own vaults, three sets of everyday and dress robes from Madam Malkin's, a five compartment trunk from Jerkin's Trunk shop of Gentry's Alley, a regular Firebolt from the Firebolt corporation and a 1,000 galleon shopping spree at McCaphry's Jewels of Gentry Alley."
"For third place there will be a 1,500 galleon purse, I need not repeat where it's coming from." Laughter came from both duelers and guests. "Two sets of everyday robes and one evening robe from Madam Malkin's, a three compartment trunk from Jerkin's Trunk Shop, a Nimbus 2001 from the Nimbus corporation and a 500 galleon shopping spree at McCaphry's Jewels." Harry took a deep breath. "Now realize that glory is what awaits the victor. All of the duelist's must show us their strength, bravery, cunning and knowledge. To be a truly great duelist you must use all of these traits. For sheer magical strength alone may very well not decide who wins or loses. Let us begin!"
Cheers roared through out the night as the duelists fought with everything they had. Some of the duels toke up to an hour. And one by one their opponents fell, until only two remained. Harry rose from his seat.
"I am glad that the duelists took my words to heart, for I have never seen such duels ever fought. Out of well over two hundred duelists, only two now remain. Kathrine Turner of Salem Academy has secured third place. Now the final duel shall be between Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff House of Hogwarts and Sumire Kanzaki of Taki Academy!" Cheers, shouts and roars of approval came from everyone. "Begin!"
Bows were hastily done as the two threw spell after spell at each other. Dodging or creating shields where and when needed. They just kept going and going until Sumire seemed to gain the upper hand. But it was momentary at best as she let down her guard enough that Cedric was able to blast her off the platform. Cheers rose from the stands as people clapped their hands and raised their voices. Both of Cedric's parents were crying happily. A loud bang came from Harry's wand, and silence came over them.
"Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff step forward." Harry motioned to the spot before the dais. Cedric walked down the platform to the steps where the teacher's dais was and stood before it. Harry grasped the cup. "Your name shall be forever engraved upon this trophy. And with this trophy comes the honor and respect that the winner of this championship deserves. You have done Hogwarts and your house proudly this day. You and your family will be our honored guest for the Halloween ball tomorrow evening." Harry spoke loudly, for all to hear, handing the trophy to him after he had engraved Cedric's name and house upon it himself. Cedric bowed to Harry as he accepted it, before turning to the rest of the hall lifting the trophy into the air.
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Chapter 19:
Harry was getting really nervous about the ball. What if no one like the decorations? Or what if he made a fool of himself when he dances with Luna?
'I mean yeah Luna's been teaching me but I still don't think I'll be any good,' Harry thought to himself as he paced in his office. He had woken up early in the morning and just couldn't stop thinking. Finally Harry just made a frustrated sound, writing a quick note for Luna, changing into muggle clothing and disappeared.
Re-appearing next to a very large three story Barnes & Noble he walked in. Going straight to the textbooks and study aides, he started plowing through them, using his newly enhanced photographic memory. He ended up taking several hours going through school books, language books, literature, biographies, medical books & journals, science books & journals, history books & journals, math, physics, psychology, sociology, philosophy, CSI books, technology books, several types of combat or fighting techniques, creation of weapons both old and new from around the world, and the use of current weapons. He also ended up taking several breaks in the Starbucks coffee shop, for his mind to assimilate everything. Even with his enhanced memory it was a lot to take in.
After that was done, he decided to head for Grimmauld Place. It needs to be cleaned and fixed up before Sirius was released from St. Mungo's. Entering quickly he could hear Mrs. Black begin to scream about intruders. But suddenly he was under attack; Harry blocked it but quickly realized it was Kreacher.
"In the name of Lord Black, cease your attack immediately." Harry roared knocking the house-elf away. Kreacher froze at the power hidden within those words, and then bowed slightly. "I am the acting Lord Black until Lord Sirius Black is released from St. Mungo's. I am also his heir. And I am here to give instruction of the upkeep of this house."
"Of course Master." Kreacher bowed.
"Do you swear complete loyalty and silence to the Lord Sirius Black and myself Lord Harry James Potter? Do you swear to follow only our orders and no one or nothing else's?" Harry gripped his sword's hilt.
Kreacher's eyes widened substantially. "Master, Kreacher sworn to server Lady Black. Kreacher sworn to her sir."
"You do realize what I must do if you don't give me your word?"
"Kreacher sworn to Lady Black." The little house elf said sternly.
Harry sighed. "Very well. Dobby!"
The house elf appeared. "Yes Harry Potter Sir."
"Kreacher will not give his oath to his lord's heir. Bring justice upon him." Harry said and Dobby turned to look at Kreacher murderously. Suddenly six more house elves appeared and Kreacher was bound quickly before the other including Dobby disappeared once more. Walking over to Mrs. Black's portrait she starts screaming at him.
"LEAVE AT ONCE YOU DIFILER OF THE ANCIENT HOUSE OF BLACK. YOUR KIND ARE NOT WELCOME IN THESE HALLOWED HALLS!"
Harry has officially lost his patience's. "SHUT UP, YOU SELF RICHOUS IDIOT! I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF THE LORD BLACK, AND I AM HIS HEIR. NOW BE SILENT."
Mrs. Black froze; no one had ever talked to her in such a fashion before, not even Sirius. And if this young man was Sirius's heir, then she would have to listen to him.
"Now, that's better. Kreacher is facing house elf justice for his previous actions to the lord and myself. I am here to repair and see to the upkeep of this household for when Lord Black returns. Now either you behave in your painting for the remainder of your existence or I will forcibly remove you. Sirius Black has been cleared of all charges against him, and the real traitor Pettigrew is dead. Did you know about Dumbledore?"
"What do you mean sir?" Mrs. Black questioned politely.
"Did you know about Dumbledore and his manipulations? His dark mark?"
"He used a dark mark?" Mrs. Black whispered. "I know he liked to control things and people. That he gained and used his power to do so, but never that he had a dark mark."
Harry looked at her, eyes narrowed. He believed that she was telling the truth. "I know that you supported the Dark Lord Voldemort. I may not know why, but know this I have removed all of the dark marks that he had placed on people. And I know that Bellatrix, along with several others, were actually being controlled under some form of Imperious. Dumbledore's already been tried and found guilty. He has been drained of his magic and placed in the darkest pits of Azkaban. Now will you behave as befitting you station or are we going to have problems?"
Mrs. Black seemed to think deeply before responding, "I will behave as befitting my station from this day forward. There is an incantation set to the house to automatically repair and redecorate the house within twenty four hours. Though you can not be present after the incantation is done and the waiting period is complete. The incantation is reconcilio ab rodus or repair the broken."
"Thank you Lady Black." Harry bowed. Holding his wand up into the air, "reconcilio ab rodus." Then he apparated out to the ministry's lobby, startling many. "Sorry about that." Harry apologized before moving over to the elevators. "Minister's office please," he said to the conductor.
He walked out of the elevator and down the hall to the minister office. The secretary took one look at him before hurrying into Fudge's office. Both the secretary and Fudge came out a moment later.
"Lord Potter, it's a pleasure to see you again." Fudge shook his hand. "I take it you are here to check Madam Umbridge?"
"Among other things, yes. I do have a few other appointments planned." Harry nodded.
"Ah, good then let's get you on your way then. An auror is just down the hall to escort you to and from where Umbridge is being held. And he'll report everything to me, so you won't have to worry about a formal report," Fudge said as he guided Harry to where the auror was waiting. "Good luck, and have a nice day, Lord Potter. I may attend the ball this evening, so I may see you there."
"Of course, Minister. Good day." Harry followed the auror into the elevator and then down a corridor to one of the cell chambers, where several more aurors stood. Behind the bars was the obese and disgusting Umbridge. "Madam Umbridge I am here to scan you for dark marks or signs of control."
"YOU!" Umbridge lunched for Harry but one of the auror's stunned her.
"Well, nice to see her manners have not changed." Harry muttered earning smiles and chuckles from the auror's present. Pointing his wand at her, he said "comparo ab secerno!" Her body began to glow as different readings appeared in front of Harry. "She is marked, but by Voldemort. Willingly I might add." The aurors muttered back and forth, before one stepped forward.
"We should get Madam Bones for this, sir."
Harry nodded, "Go ahead, and ask her to bring someone to administer veritaserum."
"Yes sir!" The young auror ran down the halls, and returned within ten minutes with Madam Bones and a witch auror who carried a vial of veritaserum.
"Lord Potter, auror Longbakens tells me that Umbridge has tested positive for the dark mark." Madam Bones looked into the cell with disgust.
"Yes and perfectly willingly, too. I thought it best to have her questioned under veritaserum to learn all that we can." Harry nodded to the witch who held the vial. With a flick of Madam Bones' wrist, the bars disappeared, and the aurors surrounded her quickly, binding her and waking her so the serum may be applied. Once it was, rather forcefully, the questioning began.
"What is you full name?"
"Dolores Jane Umbridge."
"Did you willing serve the dark lord?"
"Yes. My master promised a great reward if I gained control of the ministry and placed loyal followers in places of power."
Madam Bones' face seemed to harden. "How long have you served the dark lord?"
"Almost twenty years now."
And so the questions continued. Questions were answered, the mark was removed and Umbridge was sent directly to Azkaban. Harry parted ways from Madam Bones and the others with a bow. Going to the Department of Mysteries, he entered the prophecy room and began searching for any that may hold his name. He quickly found three with in the first few minutes, before several people came barging into the room.
"Hands in the air!" One shouted. But another interrupted before they could go any further.
"Lord Potter, may I ask what you are doing here in a restricted area?"
"Getting the prophecies that I am in." Harry shrugged at their looks of shock.
"There was not only one prophecy but several about you?" a third person asked.
"Yes, I already knew of two, but I'm looking to see if there are more than that. And as you are most likely well aware, only those actually involved in the prophecy are allowed to hear it." Harry motioned to the door, before turning back to look at another set of shelves. The gentlemen looked to each other before leaving. They knew that they couldn't interfere in this, because what Harry had said was true. Only those mentioned in the prophecy were allowed to even touch the sphere it was housed it, much less listen to what it held. Going shelf by shelf, case by case Harry found five prophecies total.
Opening the first one he heard,
The one with the power to defeat the dark lord approaches,
Born to those who have thrice defied him,
Born as the seventh month dies,
And the dark lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have the power the dark lord knows not,
And either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the others survive
Opening the second he copied down what he heard,
"Born
of the blood of the Founders,
Hogwarts will claim her child
heir...
Through the child heir, shall she be unlocked,
the
secrets and the powers shall belong to the child heir.
With the
powers and the secrets, the child heir shall bring peace to
all.
Overthrowing the Leader of the Phoenix, the one who hides his
manipulations.
Through the scar, shall the child know the truth
that was hidden from it.
The child will reveal all to the world
and the world will make those who have hurt them face their wrath,
So that the truth may finally be known to all.
Beware those
who try to harm the child,
as Hogwarts protects her own."
Opening the third he copied down what he heard,
A lord of balance shall be born in the seventh month,
He shall be of the past,
He shall be of the future,
And the world shall know him
The Dark Lords of his time shall fall before him,
Let his might be known throughout the world and stars
Opening fourth, he copied,
Unite the schools of the world,
Bring forth a time of knowledge shared
Let them unite time and place
Let them guide both the generations of the past,
And the generations of the future,
With the Lord of Balance and the Lady of Light to guide them
Opening the fifth, he copied,
The Lord of Balance and Lady of Light shall unite,
With them shall a golden age be brought,
The love shall flourish hope and happiness within many,
The generations to come shall know their paths of life,
Hatred of house of the great school shall be at peace.
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Chapter 20:
The decorations for the Halloween Ball were a smashing success from the moment the doors were opened. Jack-o lanterns floated with black candles in the air above every ones heads. The walls and floor were a solid black almost obsidian color. Whirling silver mural designs of ghost, crypts, headless horsemen and ghouls danced around the walls. Tables with black cloth's, black candles in gleaming silver holders sat upon them were spread through out the hall. While the center of the hall was cleared for a dance floor. A full orchestra as well as the Weird Sister Band was set up on the stage.
All students, staff and guests were dressed up in costumes: mummies, genies, Elizabethan noble men and women.
Harry and Luna were the last to enter. Luna's hair was piled atop her head with curls hanging around her face, kohl around her eyes emphasizing their color and a brilliant blue strapless Egyptian style gown seemed to float around her form down to her sandaled feet. Harry wore roman armor with a commander's red cape, his hair lengthened to mid-back and tied back with a leather thong.
Leading Luna to her seat at the head table, he then motioned for everyone else to take their own seats. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining us for this evening's Halloween Ball. Please note that students third year and below have an eleven o'clock curfew. And the ball will end at midnight for everyone else. I am also pleased to announce and recognize our top three dueling finalists. In third place is Katherine Turner of Salem Academy." There was some light applause. "In second place was Sumire Kanzaki of Taki Academy." Slightly louder applause. "And in first place, dueling champion and tonight's guest of honor is Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff house of Hogwarts!" Loud cheers and whistles filled the halls.
"Remember, the first quidditch match of the quidditch competition will be held in eleven days. And I would like to announce that the talent competition will be held two days after that. I would also like to take this time to announce that two art auctions will be held. The first will actually be a competition for students to enter pieces they have created. The second will be pieces that myself and others have donated to help raise funds to create a college fund for the orphan and disadvantaged children. Now let the feast begin!" Harry clapped his hand and the food appeared on the plates.
Conversations started up all around the room as everyone began to eat the fabulous meal before them. Discussions of the first quidditch match, the talent show and art auctions/competition. At the head table Harry and Luna sat with Madam Bones, Fudge, the headmasters/mistress of the various schools, the teachers, Madam Marchbanks and few other ministry officials.
"Lord Potter, when did you decide to do these auctions?" Madam Maxime questioned.
"I had actually already discussed the possibility of holding them with Professor McGonagall when we decided to announce the other competitions." Harry responded.
"Indeed, Lord Potter mentioned it in our discussions. He wanted to wait until he could get a few of the pieces he had appraised," McGonagall added.
Fudge leaned over toward Harry slightly, "How many pieces are there so far?"
"Nearly two hundred, with the pieces that others have donated as well. The few muggle made pieces are also being bid on by various muggle museums through Gringott's. Whoever makes the highest bid, gets the piece." Harry chuckled slightly at the looks on their faces.
"You're allowing muggles to bid!" Karkaroff scoffed.
"Only on muggle pieces." Harry corrected.
Madam Bones hummed slightly before saying, "It would help with our muggle relations on a whole for everyone to allow this. It also ensures that the muggles could only bid on the muggle pieces thereby safeguarding our secrecy as much as possible by using human Gringott's employees. Well done Lord Potter."
"Yes, yes. Well done Lord Potter." Madam Fujieda, headmistress of Taki, congratulated raising her glass to him. The others followed suit, Karkaroff swallowing a mild defeat. Snape gave him a long and pointed to look.
"Oh, I remember I wanted to tell Lady Luna that your test results should be arriving by owl within the next few days." Madam Marchbanks interrupted any further confrontation from Karkaroff.
"Thank you, Madam Marchbanks." Luna smiled brightly.
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The next morning the residents and guests of the school read more headlines and articles in the daily prophet. Also once again written by Rita Skeeter.
Lord Potter Announces Art Competition and Auctions To Be Held
Last night Lord Potter announce yet another competition and fund raising event would be held at Hogwarts. Two art auctions. The first would be combined with a competition for students to enter pieces into. And the second would be pieces that have been donated by various families. The donations would go toward creating a college fund for magical children around the world.
And as a secondary benefit for peaceful relations. Muggle universities or museums will be allowed to bid through human employees of Gringott's. A restriction was placed that they would only be allowed to bid on muggle pieces.
Madam Bones was quoted to have said that, "It would help with our muggle relations on a whole for everyone to allow this. It also ensures that the muggles could only bid on the muggle pieces thereby safeguarding our secrecy as much as possible by using human Gringott's employees."
When asked about the way submission of pieces would be accepted, Lord Potter responded. "The students must turn in all pieces by the day before the auction is to take place. Only Madam Maxime, Headmistress McGonagall, Madam Fujieda and myself may accept the submissions. They must be submitted by the student themselves to one of us, personally. The piece with the highest quality, complexity and bid will win. There will of course be prizes for the top three placed students, just as there is for all of the other competitions being held."
We of the Daily Prophet must once again applaud Lord Potter for his insight and generosity. With him at the helm of these events, the children of our society will be able to flourish, receive proper educations and be awarded for the ability's they will bring to us all.
Another article's blaring headline also grabbed the attention of many:
You-Know-Who's Real Past
In his quest to understand the dark lord's reason for killing so many, Lord Potter came across some startling information on the Dark Lord's life. Here is the tale of the dark lord that was created through, in large part, the actions of Albus Dumbledore.
"Lord Voldemort, in reality, is actually born Tom Marvolo Riddle son of Merope Gaunt, a witch and Tom Riddle, a muggle. This makes him a half-blood. Yes, I do have proof of what I say. Now, Merope was intensely in love with Tom Riddle, but Riddle abhorred her as she was rather disgusting looking. With both her father and brother in Azkaban for various crimes she was free to chase after him as she wanted. She used a love potion to make him return her feelings, however shortly after she became pregnant she, for some reason, decided to let the love potion were off. When it did, Tom Riddle abandoned both her and her baby. She eventually gave birth to their son at an orphanage; shortly before dieing, she named him Tom Marvolo Riddle."
"Voldemort, much like myself was greatly abused in his early years, but he quickly became a bit of a bully years before even finding out about Hogwarts. And when he did find out, it was Dumbledore who told him and introduced him to the wizarding world. When he came to Hogwarts, he was sorted into Slytherin. At Hogwarts he became obsessed with learning about his heritage. Although he had figured out in his first year he was an heir of Slytherin, albeit a few times removed from direct ascension, he didn't learn the complete story of what had happened until he tracked down his uncle Morfin Gaunt in the summer of 1943, who, by this time, was out of Azkaban. Morfin told him who his father was and Tom stunned him. Tom went to the Riddle house that was not too far from where he was and killed everyone there including his own father. Before leaving, Tom went back to the Gaunt shack and bespelled Morfin, taking his family ring as well at the time. When he was bespelled, Morfin confessed to the crimes and was again sent to Azkaban. After leaving Hogwarts in 1945, Riddle began working at Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley. His job was to ferret out items of value and obtain them at the lowest prices possible. He suddenly left his job after he killed Hephzibah Smith for a gold locket that had once belonged to Slytherin himself and a golden cup that had belonged to Hufflepuff herself."
"In the ten years after he left Hogwarts, he gave himself the name Voldemort and began to gather his death eaters or formerly the Knight of Walpurgis. Roughly ten years after leaving Hogwarts Riddle returned. He was no longer the handsome young man he had once been. He was deathly pale, he looked waxy and distorted, and the whites of his eyes now had a permanent bloody look to them. He asked to fill the DADA position but was denied. In his fifth year at Hogwarts Tom had created a magical diary that had a piece of himself within it, his memory if you will. It was Tom who had opened the famous 'Chamber of Secrets' all those years ago, and set the monster of the chamber upon his fellow students."
"Tom managed to 'place' the blame on another student of his own house, who was then expelled from Hogwarts and his wand snapped. Tom, a supposed lowly half-blood, became the supposedly feared Dark Lord Voldemort. Now when I was presenting this in class at Hogwarts I asked a question for the students to answer. The question was this, why would you follow him in the first place, if you liked his point of view?"
"A Hufflepuff was the one to answer to answer this correctly. She answered that it was because of his whole 'blood-purity nonsense and the supposed inferiority of anyone else.' She was correct in this answer. If a pure blood were to use a stunning spell it would have the same effect as if half bloods were to use it and muggles have their own kind of magic. They call it science and technology. With it they have the power to destroy thousands. To underestimate their value would be foolish. They have created weapons that could shoot thousands of killing curses per second. If a war was ever started it would be difficult to predict an outcome, and they also outnumber us by a great amount."
"If he were to return and defeat the light, the problem is what he will do after he wins. If Voldemort were some how able to defeat every single muggle and half blood on the planet do you think his thirst for destruction and superiority would just end? He would then come to the conclusion that the blood of some wizards would not be pure enough and destroy them, starting yet another war. It wouldn't matter how old your blood line really is. In some case you could most likely out live a large number of the other wizards, but eventually Voldemort would turn on you. Even if he stopped killing, families would die out eventually anyway. After a time the blood lines would become weak due to inbreeding, and then there will be nothing living on this planet. Consider your chosen path very carefully, because you might not get the chance to regret it."
While the students and staff of Hogwarts had already heard this before, the other students and guests had not. Now many of them too were now questioning some of their own long held beliefs. One man, however, was not pleased. He had not yet given his oath to have his mark removed, and sought to replace his former master Lord Voldemort. Karkaroff frowned greatly.
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With the plans for the quidditch and talent competitions already in place, that only left the newly announced art competition/auctions to be planned. And over the course of the next ten days till the first quidditch match was to be held, it was all that he worked on.
Harry had selected many pieces, most of which were from the Riddles, to auctioned off in the second auction. He'd also had several students who had already completed pieces come to enter the competition and drop off there creations. There were paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, metal or and glass pieces too. There was a wide variety to choose from. From the numbers the others (McGonagall. Fujieda, and Maxime) told him about, there had to be at least a couple hundred entrants from the various students of the different schools.
From what McGonagall had said of the team practices, the students and staff have had there bumps, bruises and confrontations, but it was never anything too serious. The uniforms and gear had arrived on schedule without any problems from the Quality Quidditch Supply Company. Harry had even gotten Fudge to allow the family's of those who once bore Dumbledore's mark to attend.
The morning of the competition was bright and warm. Guests, students and staff were directed to their seats. There were thousands from all around the world. All the teams were suited up in their changing rooms and waiting to be led onto to the field to determine who would play. Many, both audience and athletes were excited and ready for the match to start.
All the stands were filled by seven a.m., the game would start at ten after the teams were chosen. In the officials' box (much like the minister's box at the World cup), the headmasters/mistress, ministry officials from several countries, the owners of the teams that had players in the competition, and finally Luna and Harry were all there. The other boxes on either side of theirs were filled with the families of the various players, including the Diggorys and the Malfoys. Once the teams were led out in lines onto the field by the referees. Stepping up to the rail of the box, Harry cast a sonorous spell to project his voice across the pitch and over the shouts and cheers. Luna beside him, holding the bag that had the team chips.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the first match of the Hogwarts International Quidditch Competition. As you can see the teams are ready to battle for the games. I shall now draw two chips that have the color and emblems of their teams on them. These two teams will be the ones who play today. The players of the other teams will join us here in the teams' box to watch the match." Reaching into the bag Harry pulled out the blue Ravens' chip and the brown Cannonballs' chip. "The two teams that shall face off are the Blue Ravens and the Brown Cannonballs! Players take to your brooms. The other teams join us in the stands now." Harry ended the spell. And all of them kicked off, the ones not playing flew directly to the boxes where the families were seated. The two teams swung around the pitch to the cheers of the crowd. Going to their position before the bludgers and snitch were released and the quaffle was thrown up into the air.
The chaser zoomed forward; Fleur snagged the quaffle racing for the opponent's hoops, her teammates doing their best to clear the way. She pretended to go for the right hoop but then zigged to the left throwing it through the left one, scoring.
Back and forth the quaffle went, sometimes the Ravens would have it and sometimes the Cannonballs' chaser would. It was 175 to 140, Ravens leading when suddenly Cho Chang, the Ravens' seeker shot off. Kathrine Turner, the Cannonball's seeker, not far behind. Then Andon Apostol, Raven, knocked Turner away with the bludger. Cho, seizing the opportunity, pushed her broom forward, as she began to lose her balance, she grabbed the snitch. Quickly righting herself she raised her clenched fist that held the snitch into the air. Everyone in the stands jumped to their feet cheering.
"With Cho Chang catching the snitch for 150 points & ending the game, bringing the score to 320 for her team. The Blue Ravens Win!" Harry's voice roared over the crowd.
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The Ravens were given pats on the back and hugs of congratulations from friends and family at dinner that night. Cho especially seemed to beam with pleasure at her capture of the snitch. Both Madam Maxime and Flitwick were beaming at their students happily. Most of the Cannonball players were moping around at their loss.
Harry rose from his seat as everyone calmed down. "May I offer my congratulations to the Blue Raven team for their victory in today's match." More cheers rose up, Harry just grinned as he waited for relative quite. "The next match will be held on twentieth of this month. And the talent show competitions will begin in two days on the thirteenth. All of those who wish compete and have entered must be prepared to compete each day. At least four hours each night will be dedicated to the performances. Your performances will be scored on ability, actual execution of the performance, and over-all style. Like the dueling competition, the winner of each night will then compete in the finals on the nineteenth. Headmistress McGonagall, Madam Maxime of Beauxbatons, Madam Fujieda of Taki, Headmaster Roman Tsuclasky of the Russian School of magic and myself will be the judges. Also like with the dueling competition, be sure to bring your best."
After sitting Harry turned toward Luna to talk, and everyone began their meals. They will see what the students' talents are in the coming days.
