Yay! That's me updated two stories in one day. Afraid this isn't as exciting as the last chapter but then again that had Madam Pomfrey using Stinging Hexes. Glad so many of you liked it.
For those of you who don't frequent my profile, I should tell you my internet is down and the industry that supports it hates the Countryside so it could be weeks before it's back up. Regardless this is being posted from my local library which closes in less than an hour so any responses will probably be delayed until at least tomorrow, but possibly next Monday as I have an errand to run tomorrow and the Library is closed at the weekend (the joys of public services, seriously though this has been my only internet access so I'm grateful).
Please review, in terms of reviews this is my most popular story, an average of about 24 per chapter. Wish my others were that popular, but never mind.
Listening to the Wrigley sisters
Chapter 4: Making a Start
"Harry Potter sir, you has come to the Hogwarts Scroll of Register. Why?" said Dobby when Harry entered the room.
Harry stared in shock, Dobby was here. Harry looked out the map and noticed that Dobby was not on it.
"Dobby how come you don't show up on the map?"
"Map?" asked Dobby he scooted over to Harry so he could examine the parchment. "Most likely this be human magic. Human magic and House-Elf magic tend not to affect each other."
"Oh? How so?" Harry asked Dobby "I mean what other examples of your…"
"Oh this and that." Said Dobby "For example House-Elves can apparate around Hogwarts when humans can't and we tend not to be recognised by human protection wards, so they's rarely affect us. Except Fidelius Charm of course, that be too powerful for Elves."
Harry processed that information for later.
"What is this thing?" Harry said indicating the huge apparatus in the room. It was huge sheet of parchment connecting two giant rolls. In the back of the room there were several huge cylinders of parchment
"This be the Student Scroll of Register Harry Potter sir. It magical device that detects magical children so they can comes to Hogwarts. See look!"
A quill that was laid on a table next to the register dipped its tip in the ink and floated above the parchment. Dobby dragged Harry closer. Harry saw that several names were written down with bits of information. Harry read to one at the bottom of the sheet:
William Benjamin Cresswell
Born: Friday 23rd June 1995 at St Mungos Hospital London
Parents
Dirk Miles Cresswell & Allana Janice Cresswell
Address
17 George Street, Duff Town, Scotland
Date of attendance from:
Thursday 1st September 2006
Harry realised that whoever William Cresswell was, he was born just two days ago. The Quill hovered above the parchment. Suddenly the role started moving upward across the names.
The Quill stopped between Alfred Reginald Cattermole born Wednesday 4th September 1991 and Derrick Robert Montgomery born Thursday 3rd October 1991. The Text marking the birth of Derrick Montgomery moved down leaving a gap of blank parchment between him and Alfred Cattermole. The Quill then filled in the blank.
Katrina Melody Hanson
Born Sunday 22nd September 1991 at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
Parents
Victor Simon Hanson & Anita Wilma Hanson
Address
16 Hadrian Road, York, England
Date of attendance from:
Monday 1st September 2003
"See Harry Potter sir." Said Dobby excitedly "This records the birth of all Magical children in Britain."
"This is incredible." Said Harry "But why did Katrina Hanson only just show up? She was born nearly five years ago?" Harry asked just as the parchment wheeled back down to William Cresswell and the quill settled back on the table.
"Katrinie Hanson will probably be Muggleborn." Said Dobby. "Magically born children be detected through the genetic lines of their parents who've attended Hogwarts. Muggleborn's only get detected when their magic makes itself known."
"When they do their first accidental magic?"
"Yes." Said Dobby "Or if a child of foreigners, magic or muggle, settles in Britain. They will be detected as there magic becomes active or if there magic already is active when they make a home in Britain."
"Wow?"
"It be Dobby's job to keep the records clean. Dobby needs to use House-elf magic to do so efficiently and the other elves must ask for Masters permission before performing their own magic. Dobby is a free elf so Dobby can do so without permission."
Harry had a sudden thought "Dobby, I want to find out more about Voldemort."
Dobby screamed at that name, causing Harry to sigh.
"Can I use this to find out more about him?"
"This can only tell you when someone was born, where their address was when they attended or their current address is they haven't and who their parents are. There should be more information in the student records."
"Well I already know his name." said Harry "Thanks Dobby, uhh, how do I?"
"Point your wand at the scroll and say 'Find me' then the name of that person." Said Dobby
"Ok." Said Harry, he pointed his wand at the parchment "Find me Tom Marvolo Riddle!"
The Scroll began winding back rapidly until it reached the mid 1920s. There he was:
Tom Marvolo Riddle
Born Friday 31st December 1926 at Wools Orphanage, Westminster London
Parents
Tom Riddle & Merope Miranda Gaunt
Address
Wools Orphanage, Westminster, London
Date of Attendance from
Thursday 1st September 1938
Graduated
Friday 29th June 1945
"Merope Gaunt?" said Harry, he noticed it was not Merope Riddle, Voldemort had his father's name but his mother did not appear to have married Tom senior. Then Harry remembered:
"I keep the name of a foul, common muggle, who abandoned me before I was born, just because he found out his wife was a witch?"
Harry found that a bit confusing. History was not his strong point but one of the few things Harry remembered from his primary school days was that divorce was neither easy nor quick, especially in the 'olden days' as his teacher use to refer to any time before 1960. Yet from Voldemort's comment it sounded like the marriage was ended only months before he was born. Even with Harry's limited knowledge of history he knew there was no way a marriage could be ended so quickly in 1926.
Of course there was no guarantee that what Voldemort knew about his parents was true. According to the scroll Voldemort was both born and raised in an orphanage. Harry could only think of one reason why that would be. If Voldemort's mother gave birth to him in an orphanage she must have been dying and more to the point she must have known that she was dying. If that was the case then this Merope Gaunt probably didn't live much into 1927, if she even made it that far.
Harry knew that between the two of them Tom Riddle was the muggle which made Merope the witch.
"Find me Merope Miranda Gaunt!" he said
"The scroll rolled back to 1907"
Merope Miranda Gaunt
Born Tuesday 14th May 1907 at Gaunt Residence,
Little Hangleton, England
Parents
Marvolo Otis Gaunt & Miranda Suzanne Gaunt
Address
Gaunt Residence, Little Hangleton, England
Date of attendance from
Sunday 1st September 1918 (rejected)
"Rejected?" said Harry "Why was she rejected."
"No sir Harry Potter. Her family rejected the offer of attendance."
Harry looked at Dobby "Why would anyone not want to come to Hogwarts?"
Dobby shrugged "Some families are like that. Former master Malfoy expressed an interest in sending his son to the Durmstrang Institute. Other parents prefer to have their children home-schooled."
Harry understood that a bit better "I suppose if I had parents I would be more reluctant to be apart from them for 10 months of the year."
"If this Merope Gaunt is one that was home-schooled then she probably came from an old family. Most likely conservative in their values or as you said, they could have desire to be closer to their children as they grow up." Said Dobby, staying with the Malfoy's did give the little elf a lot of knowledge about the workings of the old families.
"I'm going to try one more thing." Said Harry "Find me Marvolo Gaunt."
Marvolo Adrian Gaunt
Born Friday 6th February 1880 at Gaunt Residence,
Little Hangleton, England
Parents
Adrian Orion Gaunt & Sylvia Violetta Gaunt
Address
Gaunt Residence, Little Hangleton, England
Date of Attendance from
Tuesday 1st September 1891 (rejected)
"Looks like you were right Dobby. It seems the Gaunts either preferred home-schooling or a non-British school. I think Tom Riddle was the first offshoot of the Gaunt family to attend Hogwarts in a while."
"Gaunt?" said Dobby "I have not heard of that family and I am familiar with most of them."
"What about this Little Hangleton. Are there any wizards there?"
"Dobby is not familiar with the name sir? Perhaps it used to be a Wizarding Village but I is not sure."
"I think I've learnt as much as I'm going to here. Thanks for your help Dobby, I'll try the records."
"Dobby is happy he could help Harry Potter. Please let Dobby know if he can help anymore."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry entered the student records for the years that matched Voldemort's time at Hogwarts. He was about to search through the boxes when he thought he should try his wand like he did with the register.
"Find me Tom Marvolo Riddle!"
Sure enough the various boxes in the room rearranged themselves until the box from the period 1925-1950. That box opened and a small file popped out.
Harry caught the file noticing it said:
Student name: Tom Marvolo Riddle
Attended: 1938-1945
House: Slytherin
Harry set himself and the file down at the desk. The first sheets he found were basic information. A checklist of assignments for each year alongside the marks obtained for each assignment. At the end was a list of exam marks for both theory and practical. All of Riddles were high. This told Harry nothing new; he knew that Riddle was intelligent so that was no surprise.
However for each year there was a brief end of year report written by each of the professors of each class and also a more detailed report written by the head of house, in this case a Horace Slughorn. The reports were pretty consistent, all of them held high praise for Riddle academically and only Professor Dumbledore's showed any hint of concern for Riddles personal welfare. But as Dumbledore wasn't Riddle's Head of House, the reports were only very brief. After reading the yearly reports Harry found another one, labelled medical. There was nothing of particular relevance in the report, except that at the end of Riddles Fifth Year in 1943 he was rushed to the Hospital Wing after collapsing in charms class. The diagnosis was extreme exhaustion, 'no doubt caused by the stress of the current environment'.
"Current environment?" said Harry the he remembered that school year 1942-43 was the year the Chamber of Secrets had been opened the first time round. Yet Harry noticed that the date of admittance was about a week after Hagrid had been expelled. Harry found it hard to believe someone like Riddle could be stressed to exhaustion, especially after he'd been in the all clear. Even if he was worried that Dumbledore might find proof that he was the Heir of Slytherin, Tom Riddle had not struck him as the sort of person, even at sixteen to succumb to exhaustion like that.
Harry thought some more. "The memory in the Chamber remembered framing Hagrid… and killing Moaning Myrtle… and Dumbledore keeping an eye on him. But its memory of Voldemort's life after school seemed to be missing. Harry wondered if the creation of the Soul fragment in the Diary was the cause of the exhaustion. In the Graveyard Voldemort said he endured pain beyond anything he had ever suffered following his failed attempt at killing Harry in Godric's Hollow. Ok that could have merely been down to the fact he lost his body, but what if some of it was down to turning Harry into an avatar for his soul piece.
Harry groaned again. He was just assuming at this stage. "Like it or not I need to research soul magic. If there is such a thing."
Harry continued sifting through the papers. He found another set of five different sheets. Harry realised that they were letters. He read the first one.
Dear Mr Riddle
You are now reaching the end of your First Year at Hogwarts and on behalf of the school I must congratulate you on a truly exemplary academic performance this last year. On analysis none of your marks for any assignments, tests or Exams have a score that is less than 90%.
It is with great honour that, on behalf of the school, I hereby offer you the chance to be promoted by one year so that this coming September you will join the Third Years. This promotion would mean that you would have a considerable workload for at the very least your first term back but likely until the end of the next academic year. However with your present academic performance the staff and I have every confidence that you will prevail. The decision whether or not to receive this promotion is entirely yours. Please send us word of your decision by no later than 30th June.
Also enclosed is a list of the electives available to take from Third Year onwards. Should you choose to be promoted to Third Year then you must select at least two electives to sit.
Please send your reply by no later than 30th June.
Yours Sincerely
Professor Armando Dippet
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
On closer inspection Harry realised that the other letters were offering the same, each dated at the end of Riddle's second, third, fourth and fifth years.
"Why wouldn't Riddle want to be promoted a year I wou…" Harry stopped himself. He realised that he wouldn't want to be promoted a year at Hogwarts. This castle, this school was the only place Harry had ever felt like home. Riddle grew up in an orphanage. Harry wasn't so sure an orphanage was worse than growing up with the Dursley's but they were generally considered miserable places. Particularly in the 1920s and 30s. Harry could believe that Riddle would never want to leave Hogwarts and he could believe that he would want to delay any departure from the school for as long as possible. The fact that he discovered himself to be descended from one of the four founders, the one he considered to be the greatest, would probably have kept him firmly attached to the castle.
Harry looked at one final sheet of paper amongst the records. It was another letter.
To the Proprietor of Borgin and Burkes
I confirm that I have known Tom Riddle for seven years now, as I have served as his Head of House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry throughout the duration of his academic career.
I can testify with the greatest possible confidence that his reliability, people skills, intellect and resourcefulness are amongst the greatest I have ever seen. Should you choose to accept him as a shop assistant, I am sure that he would be invaluable to your business.
I would be happy to provide any further information you may have on his character and skills.
Yours Faithfully
Professor Horace Slughorn
Professor and Master of Potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
& head of Slytherin House.
"Borgin and Butkes?" said Harry "Borgin and Burkes? What the hell were you doing in a place like that?"
Harry admitted his knowledge of Wizarding careers was… well almost non-existent. But there was no way that someone with Tom Riddles marks at school would find being a shop assistant the best of his talents.
"Unless it wasn't his talent he had in mind." Said Harry out loud. Harry had only entered the dodgy looking shop in Knockturn Alley once and was in no hurry to do so again. The entire shop seemed dedicated to the Dark arts… or more specifically items embedded with Dark Magic. Most of the items on display three years ago all claimed to have malicious nature about them. Harry silently wondered why the Ministry allowed a shop that contained so much malicious merchandise to exist.
"Dark Objects. Tom Riddle was interested in Dark Objects… maybe." Whether or not that was true, Harry could not confirm that with the records before him. "I wonder if Borgin and Burkes still have financial records from fifty years ago." Said Harry
Accepting he'd done all he could tonight Harry pointed his wand at Tom Riddles file and incanted "Gemenio!" Harry duplication charm gave him a copy of the file and everything in it. Harry was thankful that it worked, he had never tried it before but also there was a very simple countercharm one could put on documents to stop people from copying them. The second Ron learnt the spell Gemenio in Charms at the end of Third Year he used it on the notes he'd 'borrowed' from Hermione. From that point on Hermione put the countercharm on all her notes.
Harry was about to contemplate his return trip to the Hospital Wing when he got an idea.
"Dobby!"
The little House-eff appeared.
"What can Dobby do for Harry Potter sir?"
"Dobby you said you could apparate in Hogwarts? Can you take me with you?"
Dobby looked at Harry peculiarly "Harry Potter wishes to exit Hogwarts?"
The thought of leaving the school hadn't occurred to Harry "Well now that you mention it maybe at some point. But I was wondering if you could take me to the Hospital Wing, so no one notices I've left."
Dobby smiled "Dobby can do that. If Mr Harry Potter wants to leave the school Dobby can take him virtually anywhere."
"Thanks." Said Harry
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Oh my!" said Dobby observing the broken window.
"Yeah that was how I got out." Said Harry sheepishly.
He placed his Firebolt under his invisibility cloak and put it back under his bed along with the copy of Tom Riddle's School records. He was about to repair the window when he noticed his Gringotts letter.
"Dobby Sorry but could you possibly fetch me a school owl?"
Dobby for his part looked delighted "Of course." He popped away and came back with an elf owl.
"Thanks." Harry said "Could you deliver this to Gringotts please?" The owl for its part just held out its leg and balanced on Dobby's arm with its other. Harry attached the letter and the owl took off. In comparison to using Hedwig, Pigwidgeon or Errol; Harry found the service a little impersonal. But the Diggory's were coming round tomorrow to review the letter to Madam Bones and Harry didn't want to explain his owls absence if the question 'Why can't Hedwig deliver the letter?' came up.
When the elf owl left, Harry pointed his wand at the broken window and incanted "Reparo!" repairing the damage.
"Thanks for your help Dobby." Said Harry "Can we talk soon? In private somewhere?"
"Of course Harry Potter. Dobby will always have time to talk to the great Harry Potter." With that he left.
Satisfied that he'd accomplished enough Harry got into bed. He looked at the sleeping potion. He decided not to take it. Something deep within him felt highly vulnerable and Harry didn't want to risk anything. His instincts had served him well so far. He had to trust that they were right.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
After spending much of the previous day talking, writing and rewriting; Harry and Moody had the bulk of the letter ready. All that was left out were the concerns from Mr and Mrs Diggory.
When Cedric's parents arrived Moody looked over their letter, while Harry explained.
"We've decided that as the Professor was locked up as a direct result of Crouch's actions and because he has the most legal experience he should be our collective spokesperson. As this was my idea though he said that I should still lead our complaint."
Amos smiled "That's ok we expected as much."
"Really." Said Harry "I'm still having trouble understanding what I just said. Moody's agreed to be my Lawyer though and guide me through everything."
"Amos this is good." Said Moody looking over the letter but can I suggest one or two tweaks?"
Twenty minutes later Mr and Mrs Diggory looked through the parts of the letter written by Harry and Moody.
"This seems fine." Said Mr Diggory
"Do you want us to take it?" said Mrs Diggory
"Mr Potter is the lead Complainant." Said Moody "He should send it, using his own owl."
"Yeah!" said Harry "I'll do that as soon as…"
There was a melodic screech as a snowy owl flew in through the Hospital Wing door and landed on Harry's bedside.
"Hey Girl perfect timing." Said Harry, taking the letter from Moody. "Hedwig this is a very important letter, not just to me but to Mr and Mrs Diggory and to Professor Moody, could you please take it direct to Madam Bones. She is head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry."
Hedwig blinked and then nipped Harry on the ear.
Harry smiled and let out a little chuckle. "Thanks girl. Here you go." Harry attached the letter to his owl and then sent her off.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
It was just before five when Ginny came into the Hospital Wing. She had just finished her last class of the day and had her book bag with her.
"Uh… Hey Harry, Fred and George said you wanted to see me?"
"Ginny?" said Harry "Yeah uh… could you come and take a seat."
Harry felt slightly awkward. He had not forgotten the discussion he'd had with his parents about Ginny in the Realm of Passing. Now that he had openly admitted an interest he couldn't help but notice how cute she looked.
Ginny set her bag down on the floor. And pulled up a chair. "What did you want to talk about?"
Harry took a deep breath "Well first this isn't exactly an easy thing to bring up. I've already damaged my friendship with Ron and Hermione by discussing it with them."
"Yeah Fred, George and I were quite surprised by that. We know the three of you have arguments and squabbles but normally it's one of their… ok normally it's Ron's fault. But it seems that you said something that…"
"Made Hermione Cry?"
"Yeah and Ron's pretty moody right now and not helping with matters." Said Ginny "That's not like you Harry, what is going on?"
"They didn't like what I had to tell them. Fred and George took it quite a bit better but… I'm not sure I can trust Ron and Hermione right now. I told them that I think Dumbledore has been keeping secrets from me… and manipulating me."
Ginny's eyes widened but she didn't say anything.
Harry kept talking, he told how he had stopped to reconsider everything about the last four years. Although, like with the twins he left out the parts about Sirius.
"You don't trust Dumbledore… and because Hermione and Ron trust him more than you. You can't trust them?" said Ginny
"I don't think they trust him more than me… they just think that between the two of us, he's more likely to be right." Said Harry, he then noticed Ginny looked a little uncomfortable "What is it?"
Ginny looked at her shoes "I didn't think much on this before now but…"
Harry looked at Ginny "Is this to do with your First Year?"
Ginny nodded. "There were a few times, whilst the attacks were happening. There were a few times Dumbledore gave me searching looks. Like he knew everything about me. Like…"
"Like he gazed inside your mind and could see everything you knew… everything you are?" said Harry
Ginny looked at Harry. "Y… yes. After you destroyed the Diary I put that year behind me. I… I don't blame myself for what Tom made me do but… I still don't like thinking about that year. Don't get me wrong I don't think he knew I was carrying out the attacks, heck I didn't even know for sure until I disposed of the Diary. It was still unnerving though. I understand why Ron and Hermione trust Dumbledore but… I am definitely with you on keeping him at arm's length. But why are they so upset?"
"It's because I asked them face-to-face whether they could keep my secret from Dumbledore… or your mother… but they implied they couldn't. Hermione practically told me I should tell Dumbledore my secret. Even though she doesn't know what it is."
"You haven't told them?"
"No I haven't told anyone. I'm not even sure I believe what happened at this stage."
Ginny looked at Harry with a look of confusion "Sorry?"
"While I was fighting Voldemort in the Graveyard. Something happened. Something I find far more interesting than anything else that happened. Thankfully everyone seems obsessed with the wand I took."
"Yeah Ron told us that much. You stole Tom's wand, what could be more incredible than that?"
Harry really wanted to tell Ginny, but he forced himself to keep his mouth shut.
Ginny sighed. "If you need me, at any time, for personal reasons or to help with this war, I'll be there for you Harry. You'll always have me, you don't need to ask." She said, her voice sounding somewhat regretful. "Was there anything else you wanted?"
"There was one thing?" said Harry "I'd really prefer it if you keep this between us, and tell nobody. But regardless, I need to ask you something. You have the right not to answer my questions and I won't hold it against you."
"Harry relax I promise I won't tell anyone. You can ask me anything."
"Well it's about the Diary."
"Oh?" said Ginny perplexed "Alright? I'm not sure what I can tell you that you don't already know though."
Harry took a deep breath "This is going to seem strange but after you woke up, when I stabbed the thing, did you fell noticeably different?"
"Well… I guess. I mean it was a relief to have control of my own body back after being possessed for so long. I was possessed for hours when you found me, I had never been possessed that long. But it was mainly inside my own head that things felt different. I suppose on some level the moment I started writing in the Diary I could feel Tom pressing in on me. When that feeling left, my mind felt as if…"
"… as if it had never been clearer, your general sense of clarity was much greater than you have ever felt and your control over your own mental functions had never been greater." Said Harry "As if a dead weight in your mind was forcibly pulled out after holding your brain back for so long."
Ginny regarded Harry in shock "How could you know that… unless? Harry what happened in the Graveyard. Were you possessed by Tom?"
Harry looked at Ginny sadly, no one else in the Wizarding World had been so uncomfortably close to Voldemort on a mental level before.
"Oh screw it." Said Harry, he aimed his wand at the Hospital wing door and Incanted his silencing charm, then he did the same with the door to Madam Pomfrey's office.
Ginny looked back and forth in confusion.
"I really am trusting you with something very important." Said Harry "No one, and I mean no one else can know this. OK?"
Ginny nodded "Harry you don't need to tell me."
"I know, but I care about you and only you have been close to Voldemort in this manner before."
Ginny looked very disturbed now "Harry what happened to you?"
"You asked if I was possessed by Voldemort. Well I think it would be more accurate to say, in my case at least, that I was infected by Voldemort."
"Infected? What did Voldemort infect you with? Is it going to kill you?"
"No Ginny you don't understand…" Harry sighed "I'll start at the beginning. In the Graveyard Voldemort had me duel him."
Ginny's face turned white "That's how you got his wand, you won it in a duel?"
"Yes but that's not the most incredible thing." Said Harry "Voldemort fired An Avada Kedavra at me at one point."
"I take it, it missed?" Ginny joked lightly
"No."
Ginny looked at Harry incredulously for about a second then her face lit up in astonishment. "You mean… again?"
"When the curse hit me I was thrown into the air and I felt my very being leave my body, as if I had been forced out. When I opened my eyes…"
"Yes…"
"When I opened my eyes… I found myself naked and lying on the ground outside the Burrow."
"What… Harry seriously."
Harry went onto explain about how he found the deformed baby that was Voldemort and how he met with both his mother and father.
"They told me I had a choice, go back or go on. It took some convincing on their part but… well when I got back…"
"You felt as if your mind was on fire? That you had lost a great burden?" said Ginny
Harry nodded.
"When the Diary took me over, I don't think I got dumber or that I was less intelligent. But my mind, I think that is where Tom settled himself. In my mind. I think that my brain must have had to work harder in order to accommodate him because when you killed him… My mind was still working at the same rate. I think that because of what happened, with him operating from inside me…"
"Your mind got use to accommodating the both of you and when he disappeared you had excess brainpower to work the rest of you." Said Harry
"Yes!" said Ginny
"That's what I've found." Said Harry "My physical strength hasn't increased but my reflexes and mental capacity have been on fire since the curse hit me. That's how I was able to best Voldemort. I caught him off guard and disarmed him."
"So you're saying that we both were possessed by a fragment of Tom's Soul?" said Ginny
"You were possessed…" said Harry "I was infected."
"But when? Was it the same fragment that possessed me in the Chamber of Secrets? Did it just get transferred to you?"
"No Ginny, that fragment was destroyed. Remember my parents told me that the Fragment that I had and the one in diary were both separate? No from what I can tell that fragment has been imbedded in me for a long, long time. Asides from the other night I have met Voldemort three times including the time in the Chamber of Secrets, of all those times only one happened before I started receiving scar pains. The First time."
"You've been infected by that… monster for… for…"
"Thirteen and a half years." Said Harry bitterly "I have been carrying around a part of the person who has murdered countless people, my parents included, since I slept in a crib. I don't know what these soul fragments are for, but I'm going to hunt them down and destroy them."
"How many are there?" asked Ginny
"Including the two that have defiled us, at least three." Said Harry "The Diary, Me and Voldemort himself, after all what's left of his soul I am going to kill after what he did to me."
Ginny flinched at the name but shrugged off. "You think there are more?"
"I do." Said Harry "I don't know why but I think there are other Avatars out there somewhere. Voldemorrt obviously didn't have them on him when he faced me in Godric's Hollow so they're obviously hidden."
"But hidden where?" said Ginny "Maybe Malfoy has them, he had the Diary after all?"
Harry looked at Ginny "I don't think the Malfoys will have any others." Said Harry "If I were Voldemort I would keep my avatars in separate locations for their protection. He probably entrusted that one with Malfoy so that he could use it on the school. Remember back then he was a governor."
"So that avatar was used on me, it's purpose was to reopen the Chamber of Secrets. Why create the others?"
"That I don't know." Said Harry "I think the purpose of an Avatar is much more than merely possessing. In the Realm of Passing my Dad told me that Voldemort's soul was so unstable that he accidentally turned me into one of these things."
"Because he had done the ritual so many times beforehand." Said Ginny in understanding. "Do you think the Diary was his first?"
"I think so, I've never even come across the concept of soul magic in my studies which suggests that any information in Hogwarts is in the restricted section or taught later on."
"So where do you think these items are?" said Ginny
"I have no idea. Well that's not true, I'm pretty sure where they are not. But that only helps so much and I have no idea what they could be."
"Where they're not?"
"Well Riddle would want these things protected." Said Harry "The Malfoys collect a multitude of Dark items, your Dad could probably never hope to find them all but Malfoy has them and he can protect them. Voldemort asked him to protect the Diary. Maybe he asked others to do the same for other items."
"What others though?" said Ginny "His most loyal follower outside Azkaban is Malfoy."
"Well maybe the ones inside Azkaban then?" Said Harry "Maybe they had hidden places that the ministry couldn't detect."
Ginny looked thoughtful "Or couldn't access. If Tom gave one to a supporter who had a Gringotts Vault?"
"The Ministry can't access Gringotts?" asked Harry "What if they need to seize someone's assets?"
"Tough." Said Ginny "Goblins don't like the Wizards but they absolutely hate the Ministry. The Ministry can order someone to give up their Gringotts assets and pressure them to do so if they resist but if someone doesn't get something out of their Vault, then the Ministry can do nothing short of starting a Goblin War. The Goblins refuse point blank to let anyone other than the owner access a vault. The only way someone else can gain access is through inheritance.
"Great." Said Harry. "So if there is an avatar in a vault then I'll never get it, unless that person turns out to be a relative of mine and they die."
"Fraid so." Said Ginny "But there might not be one in a vault. The Diary wasn't."
"You're right Ginny, I should worry about what I can do, not what I can't." said Harry
"We Harry." Said Ginny "You're going to need help on this, you know it to."
Harry looked at Ginny "I guess you're right, but I don't know what I can do right now, so I'm not sure what you can do to help me."
"Well I'll start by getting Ron and Hermione to come round." Said Ginny "You're going to need their help but you can't tell them this until the three of you can trust each other again. What about you, I take it you're not planning to sit back and do nothing this summer?"
"You're right I'm not. Voldemort made these items over the period of his life. I'm going to try and find them. From his Hogwarts file I know that he grew up in an Orphanage in Westminster and I also know that his Head of House wrote a reference for him for a position as a Shop Assistant in Borgin and Burkes."
"Borgin and Burkes? But Tom was supposed to be a genius, what in the name of Merlin was he doing in there?" said Ginny incredulously.
"I don't know but I can guess." Said Harry "He probably could only split his soul so many times, so he'd want to ensure he chose an item worthy for them right?"
"Why?" said Ginny "Couldn't he just use any old thing?"
"A smart enough man probably would but remember Voldemort, Tom Riddle was and is supremely arrogant. If an item was to be honoured with part of his soul…"
"Then he'd want to ensure that the item was worthy of the honour." Said Ginny "But why the Diary?"
"It was proof of what he did during his school years. It was destined to reopen the chamber and unleash the terror again. That makes it important because it is a relic of the one person he admires more than anyone. Himself."
Ginny looked at Harry as if he was nuts "Do you really think that he is that self-centred?"
"I spent 15 minutes listening to the bastard monologue with a very, very poor attempt at faking modesty in the graveyard. Trust me this guy is even more full of himself than Draco Malfoy. At least he looks up to one person who is not himself, his father."
"But what would the items be then, if you're right he would have just used various items he'd owned in the past."
"No because even for him, that would decay the value." Said Harry "I think he would have chosen objects that held a certain value in his eye. That's probably why he chose to work at Borgin and Burkes. That shop sells creepy things but also creepy and rare things."
"I know Tom embezzled himself in the dark arts but…"
"I don't think he was looking for cursed objects. I think the Diary was cursed by him. The sort of objects that he would covet would be important to him because of their history, their background."
"Well he was Slytherin's heir. Maybe he would want items that belonged to Slytherin."
"That's good Ginny." Said Harry looking at her excitedly. "I found out who Tom's mothers family were and where they lived. Maybe he did to? Maybe he got an old heirloom off of them."
"Tom Riddle's, mothers family?" said Ginny in surprise "How did you find them?"
"In the school archives, here look." Harry fished our Tom Riddle's file "I copied that from the records."
Ginny scanned through the documents.
"I already managed to get a great deal from them, I'm sure I'll get something else." Said Harry
"Maybe you should try contacting this Professor Slughorn." Said Ginny "He seems to have been close to Tom, if he is still alive he might be able to help you."
"The thought had occurred to me." Admitted Harry "I think I'll also be taking a trip to Little Hangleton and one or two other places."
"Sounds like you've got an eventful summer planned." said Ginny
"Dumbledore can't find out what I'm doing, at least not until it's too late. The problem is I think he has a means of reading my mind, Snape too."
"Legilimency." Said Ginny
"What?" said Harry
"It's called Legilimency. After the diary incident I found I could repel mental incursions from Snape and Dumbledore. I think when he controlled me, Tom used some form of Occlumency to protect himself when he was hiding in my mind, because Dumbledore and Snape never found him. While I was in Professor McGonagall's office after you rescued me, I was pretty sure the Headmaster tried to enter my mind. Tried being the word of choice." Ginny smiled
"Yeah, Snape tried me yesterday. Cast a spell from his wand. Madam Pomfrey went ape-shit and pummelled him and Dumbledore with stinging hexes. That's going to power my Patroni for years to come."
"So I heard." Ginny giggled "I wish I could have seen that. Over half the school is signing a get well soon card for you."
"Yeah. Brilliant thing is that now that both of them are in Madam Pomfrey's bad books I'm protected until the end of term."
"Lucky you."
"Luck had little to do with it, or so I suspect. I think Madam Pomfrey is feeling pretty protective of me, must be the job security I provide her."
Ginny sighed "She is the matron, it is her job to care for students."
"Probably. By the way this Occlumency you mentioned? I take it this is mental defences?"
"Yeah, in my second year I check out a few library books. Apparently it's not a skill that can generally be self-learned."
"Generally?" asked Harry
"There have been cases where people have natural Occlumency abilities, it seems that I may me one of them. Judging by your experience with Snape it sounds like you do as well."
"Could you get me those books? I'd like to understand this better. If I am to trust Ron and Hermione again then I'd like them to learn this as well. It's a long shot but between us and the books we might be able to teach them."
"Fred and George too." Said Ginny "And Neville. And anyone else you think you can trust."
Harry sighed "I've no idea how I'm going to get more allies. I may have driven Ron and Hermione away and there is no telling how Neville will react when I talk to him tomorrow."
Ginny looked thoughtful "What would you have your allies do?"
"Well we're about to go to war, so I'd say fight?" said Harry "At least in crude terms."
Ginny looked thoughtful "Well in wars there are factions. Maybe you should form one. Start by forming one around me… and the others you trust. Then work on expanding."
"You make it sound so easy." Said Harry "How am I supposed to do that?"
"You're smart and resourceful Harry. You'll think of something. Start with what you can do and also start with me. I'll work on training Fred and George in Occlumency. Of course actually testing them will be difficult. I can't cast Legilimency so there is no way of testing if they're resilient."
"Well it's a start. I'm going to need their help shortly, because asides from anything else I'm underage. I can't cast a spell outside Hogwarts without the Ministry coming after me, and they're not going to be too happy with me right now. But what about others, I can't just tell people about the soul fragments. I need some things to be kept secret. But I don't want to keep secrets like Dumbledore is doing."
"Then don't." said Ginny "No, keep the soul fragments secret but only tell people what they need to know and don't manipulate them. Just make sure you tell them what they need to know."
"This is going to be a learning experience isn't it?"
"No question. It's also going to be rough." Said Ginny "But if anyone can do this, it's you. I'll get you the books, I'll bring them the day after tomorrow, You'll be talking to Neville tomorrow right?"
"Yeah." Said Harry "Thanks for everything Ginny. I'm really glad to have your support."
Ginny blushed "Harry I'll always be there for you…"
There followed an awkward silence.
"I… I got to go." Said Ginny and rushed off.
Ginny smiled to herself out in the corridor, she felt a lot closer to Harry at that point than she ever had before.
Harry also smiled to himself once he was sure Ginny was gone. Maybe his Dad was right, maybe Ginny was worth pursuing. Not that that mattered right now, Harry had no time to spend on relationships. War was coming and it would not hold itself off so Harry could get his first kiss.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
It was later that night that the school owl Harry had sent off to Gringotts returned with a letter.
Dear Mr Potter
We are most intrigued by your recent request but assuming the recent rumours about you are true then that is to be expected.
Yes Gringotts can offer warded properties or they can ward properties for you. We feel you should be aware that a residence in Lancashire that was formerly owned by Charlus Potter and his Wife Dorea, your grandparents, is currently held under preservation by the Goblins and has been since the Death of your grandparents in 1977. As the only remaining member of the Potter Family you can request that the property be released to yourself and for a fee Gringotts can ward the property.
Assuming the recent rumours about yourself are true, we would advise a state of the art magical protection system. The current cost of this type of system is 12,000 Galleons. The current contents of your vault is 1,243 Galleons 5 Sickles and 11 Knuts. However you should be aware that the contents of your parents vaults were frozen by order of the Ministry and the Wizenagmot in 1981. We did not consider this an order but a request, but as you were in no position to object to this request we complied. However should you choose to request their contents be released to you, we would be happy to release full control to you. The contents of your parents vaults are worth 217,594 Galleons 18 Sickles and 2 Knuts. This substantial amount is the result of the combined savings and life insurance policies of your parents and grandparents. When your grandparents policy was activated the endowment was paid to your father. When your parents died the endowment should have been paid to you but with your parents assets frozen the money was filtered into their joint account and makes up the total of your their vault's contents.
I would advise you to visit Gringotts the evening you arrive back from Hogwarts on 1st July where final arrangements can be made. Setting up the wards is complex but none the less quick operation. Should you agree, we can accomplish all this on the evening of 1st July for the fee indicated. Please reply to us promptly so that arrangements can be made and I will send you details of the wards.
Yours Faithfully
Argrap
Assistant advisor to Gringotts Security Enterprises
Harry stared at the letter in shock. His Grandparents House? Harry had never given his Grandparents a second thought… or any thought for that matter. Harry knew his Mum's parents were dead. Petunia had mentioned it once but he'd never heard any mention of his father's parents. Harry berated himself for that, it was obvious he must have had some other form of family. Even if they did die before he was born.
He was brought out of his musings by the school owl screeching at him.
"Oh right." Said Harry.
He took a cup and the jug of water from the side table and filled it for the owl. Then he opened a packet of biscuits he'd been left to nibble on and crumbled up two of them into crumbs on a saucer.
"Sorry I don't have anything better." Said Harry
The owl nonetheless hooted in appreciation. While it gobbled up the biscuit crumbs and drank the water, Harry wrote back a reply to Gringotts agreeing with them and asking them to release his parents account and his Grandparents house to him.
"Hey when you get back to the owlery, can you send another school owl, so I can get a reply?"
After nodding the Elf owl flew finished his snack and flew off to the owlery. Ten minutes later a small barn owl flew into the hospital wing and landed in front of Harry.
"Ah you carrying my next letter?" Harry asked
The owl nodded and held out its leg. Harry attached the letter to Gringotts and sent it to them.
Harry wondered why no one ever told him about his grandparents' house. Had Dumbledore kept that from him to? Harry stopped that train of thought. It was possible that Gringotts simply didn't tell him the information because he wasn't of age yet. Gringotts maintained his financial information, not Dumbledore. According to Ginny they were not likely to bend so easily to the Wizenagmot, or the Ministry, or even Dumbledore.
Harry decided he could simply ask the Goblins when he saw them. The question was how to get to them? Then he remembered.
"Dobby?"
The small house-elf appeared before him. "Yes Harry Potter sir?"
"Dobby I have a favour to ask. After I arrive back in London, could you apparate me to Gringotts?"
"Of course. Dobby can take Harry to the bank that evening."
"Could you also not tell anyone?" asked Harry "Particularly Dumbledore?"
Dobby then frowned. "Although Dobby is a free elf, Dobby works for Hogwarts and by extension Professor Dumblydore. Dobby has to answer truthfully any question he asks."
Harry swore. "Is there any way you could keep this from him?"
"Not without leaving Hogwarts employment sir." Said Dobby
Harry suddenly got a thought "Could you work for me instead of Hogwarts?"
Dobby pulled a toothy smile "Harry Potter would like to employ Dobby sir?"
"Yeah. I'll give you a Galleon a week and Sundays off work."
Dobby looked irritated "One Galleon a month and one day off a month."
Harry sighed, he really thought Dobby should expand his horizons. But never mind "How about 2 Galleons a month, a day a month off work plus Christmas Day and a Christmas bonus of 10 Sickles?"
Dobby screwed up his head for a second "Deal!"
"Great you start on the first of next month. You can start by helping me get to the bank after the Hogwarts express stops."
Dobby nodded. "Dobby shall resign the day before and then join his new master." Said the elf. "That way Professor Dumbledore shall not find out until it's too late."
"And he won't be able to question you. Good thinking."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The following evening Harry was visited, as requested by Neville Longbottom.
"Harry are you alright?" he asked "Hermione and Ron and Ron's siblings… they said you had something to tell me. Ron and Hermione seem really cut up."
"Hey Neville. Sit down." Harry indicated "I have something I need to talk to you about I've told the others this and… well Ron and Hermione didn't take it that well."
"What is it? Is this about what happened… what happened with Cedric and the Third Task."
"Yes and Voldemort." Said Harry causing Neville to flinch "But before I talk to you about that… I have something I need to admit to you. Something that you may not like…"
Neville frowned "What is it Harry?"
"Your parents."
Neville froze in horror.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to find out. Professor Dumbledore left his Pensieve out and I didn't even know what one was. Do you know what one is?"
"Y… yes…" Said Neville, then his eyes widened in horror "Crouch and Lestrange's trial. You saw it?"
"Yes. Professor Dumbledore asked me not to mention it to anyone, and I haven't not even Ron or Hermione or Ginny."
"Ginny? Why would you tell Ginny?" asked Neville in confusion, although the shock at having to discuss his parents was still there. He was amused to see Harry blushing.
"N…never mind Ginny."
"My god you like Ginny?" said Neville "You have to tell her?"
"One… one thing at a time." Said Harry desperately "I just needed to tell you that because… well I need you trust me and I want your help."
Neville nodded "What's going on Harry, Hermione said you insulted the minister."
"Fudge is an insult, full stop." Said Harry, Neville chuckled at that declaration "Voldemort's back." Said Harry. Neville stopped laughing and his eyes widened in terror.
"He killed Cedric… didn't he?"
Harry shook his head "It was actually a Death Eater called Peter Pettigrew."
Harry told Neville about the Graveyard. About how Pettigrew committed the crimes Sirius did. About how the trophy brought him and Cedric to the Graveyard, the rebirthing ritual, the summoning of the Death Eaters, but not about the Realm of Passing or surviving the killing curse.
"I managed to get the better of him, stole the bastards wand." Said Harry
"Whoa crap you stole Voldemort's wand?" said Neville. He clamped his hands over his mouth, whether it was because he swore or because he said Voldemort's name Harry didn't know, although he suspected it was both.
"I used it to help get me and Cedric's body out of there: one summoning charm on his body and another on the cup, with two wands it is and was possible."
"Incredible." Said Neville
"There is more to the Graveyard, but I can't tell you that just now. But know that something far more incredible happened back there."
Neville looked incredulous "More incredible than you nicking the wand?"
"Yes." Said Harry simply "But as I said I can't tell you just yet."
"Why not?"
"I don't trust Dumbledore right now."
Neville's eyes widened "Why not, he's the only person Vold… You-Know-Who has ever feared."
"Firstly Neville I am always on at people to say Voldemort and to stop the whole You-Know-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named-And-Instead-Should-Be-Hypenated."
Neville snorted.
"Secondly… How should I explain this? Certain things that I would like to have known were revealed to me in the Graveyard. Not things Voldemort said, but something happened which revealed this whole thing to me. As I said I can't tell you at this stage what it is but I am angry." Said Harry, his voice causing a shiver to go down Neville "In fact that's an understatement. I'm apoplectic. My anger is directed at two people: Tom Riddle, the man known as Voldemort, and Albus Dumbledore. I realised when he questioned me that Dumbledore knew about this… thing… which means he's been keeping secrets from me. I've also been organizing my thoughts and going over the last four years. Dumbledore has been manipulating me, possibly lying to me. I don't know why he is but this secret I'm keeping from him and the Occlumency I have recently mastered are thus far the only things I have that I can use against him."
"What makes you think he's been using you?"
Harry explained.
"You really think that Dumbledore knew about the Basilisk?"
"Yeah."
"And the fact that Hagrid had a Dragon Egg and that V…Voldemort was with Quirrell?"
"Yeah. When First Year ended, it was pretty obvious Dumbledore set me up. At the time I figured that it was because he wanted me to be prepared for what was I had to face. I still think that. But… At the end of that year I asked him why Voldemort tried to kill me, because he wasn't that interested in killing Mum and Dad, when I saw him four years ago he basically told me he was out to kill me. Dumbledore refused to answer me why but at the time I had other things on my mind, mainly regarding everything that happened under the trapdoor. But I have absolutely no idea why Voldemort wants to face me so badly or why Dumbledore seems intent on training me to be some kind of weapon against him. I mean sure I'd probably jump at the chance to avenge my parents but again… Why is Dumbledore manipulating me?"
"I see where you are going with this. What if it turns out he has a good reason for whatever it is that's going on?"
"Then I'll forgive him and get on with my life. But I want to know the reason. I want to know the truth and I will not budge on that."
"Alright I can accept that." Said Neville "But can you not tell my Grandmother, unless you can conclusively prove that Dumbledore is up to no good then she will just give me grief for not trusting him either."
"You don't trust him?"
"If half of what you've said is true Harry then I'm not sure I want to. I find it hard to believe that Dumbledore wouldn't have known about Voldemort being on the back of Quirrell's head. Why not simply kill or capture him? From the sound of things he's keeping to many secrets. He seems to have a grand plan but that plan seems to be manipulating us. Then there is the thing with your Godfather. Dumbledore could definitely have blocked the minister last year if his guilt was in doubt. No trial alone is enough to qualify for guilt in doubt"
"I wish Ron and Hermione were as open-minded as you." Said Harry
"Yeah. I'll try and talk them round. What else do you want me to do?"
"Think about everything I've said, form your own opinions on things. There is a war coming, even if Mr Fudge refuses to believe it and I could really use your help."
"You got it." Said Neville "But how are you going to go against the minister."
"Moody, the Diggory's and I have… oh shoot."
"What is it?" said Neville "Oh something you can't tell me?"
"No Neville something I should have told you the second you came in."
Neville looked at Harry in confusion, but kept quiet. He was quiet throughout the entire explanation as Harry told him about Crouch Junior impersonating Moody for the last year.
"He… Was… Still… Alive?" said Neville, pure rage in his eyes. "He… was… He was Moody. He invited me round for tea."
"I'm sorry Neville, I should have told you the second you came in."
"Yes you should." Said Neville harshly "Where is Malfoy when you need him?"
"Malfoy?" said Harry
"I've got an urge to beat someone half to death, I'd prefer to off someone who deserves it if possible." Said Neville. "I've got to tell my Grandmother about this. As soon as I get home. Do you know why he was here?"
"He was Voldemort's man at Hogwarts. He put my name in the Goblet of fire, he charmed the cup to turn it into a portkey, he cursed Fleur and Krum in the maze, he gave you that book because he thought I might ask you for help before the Second Task. When that failed he tricked Dobby the House-Elf into stealing some Gillyweed."
"But why?" said Neville "Why did he want to get you through the tournament?"
"The rebirthing ritual required Blood of an Enemy. But Voldemort demanded my blood specifically. My mother created Blood Wards based on our common blood. Before when he touched me, Three Years ago under the trapdoor, it caused him absolute agony. Apparently it was also what saved me from the killing curse as a baby." Said Harry.
"Are you sure it's safe to tell me this?" said Neville
"Yeah, especially now that I don't have blood protection. Besides both Dumbledore and Voldemort already know."
"So what about Crouch? Is he dead?" asked Neville
"Worse. Fudge brought a Dementor into the castle."
Neville looked a little troubled. But only a little "It's probably cold but I don't feel too sorry for him right now."
"I know what you mean." Said Harry "But you need to understand, by having him kissed, Fudge permanently prevented him from being interrogated for more information. He also did it illegally, which is why Moody, the Diggory's and I are all taking legal action against him. Fudge is refusing point blank to see reason and with the war coming…"
"We need a better minister." Said Neville
"We need a better ministry." Corrected Harry "Fudge will doubtlessly try to block the truth and Voldemort will just use that to gather his forces. We need a ministry prepared to go to war. When I was in the Graveyard Voldemort talked about forming alliances with the Giants and the Dementors."
"The Lestranges?" Said Neville with fury.
Harry wasn't sure he should tell Nevillie but keeping this from him would be no better than what Dumbledore was doing to him."
"Yes Neville. Voldemort said that the Lestranges would be broken out of Azkaban and…"
"I don't think I can wait until I get home." Said Neville "That bitch, her husband and brother in-law cannot be let out of Azkaban."
Before Harry could say anything, Hedwig flew into the Hospital wing.
"Hey girl, you're back early?" said Harry
He took the letter and read it quickly.
"Nev… can you wait until tomorrow to send a letter to your Gran?"
"Why?"
Harry handed Neville the reply from Madam Bones.
Dear Mr Potter
The accusations you and your associates communicated in your letter, are very serious and I shall be coming to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry tomorrow personally to talk to yourself and Professor Moody. I suggest that you think very carefully about what you have to say to me tomorrow, as your accusations have the potential to destabilise the government. Regardless of this you should not be deceitful or untruthful in you dealings with me. Should I discover you are, I will see that you suffer the full legal consequences.
This letter should not be considered as threatening or supporting of your current legal position. My aim is only to seek the truth. If your accusations prove valid then I shall act with every means at my disposal to seek justice.
I shall come and meet you tomorrow at 10am.
Yours faithfully
Madam Amelia Susan Bones, Order of Merlin Second Class
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement,
Ministry of Magic
Vice-chairman of Wizenagmot
"Bloody Hell Harry, you're about to get a very powerful friend." Said Neville
"Only if she believes me." Said Harry
"You've got all the proof you need." Said Neville "Crouch's form after the Dementor's Kiss. Even if you can't prove what happened in the Graveyard, worst case scenario she'll ask you under truth serum. Madam Bones will not rest until both Fudge and Voldemort are held accountable."
"You know Madam Bones?" asked Harry
"A little. Her niece Susan Bones is in our year. Hufflepuff. We sometime work on Herbology together. Madam Bones believes in the law and she believes in upholding it. She is probably the most apolitical person ever to hold a high office at the Ministry. She seeks neither power nor influence. She did not scheme or plot her way into the job she's in now. She got their by earning the respect of fellow witches and wizards and by proving herself during the war. She was never an Auror but she was a Law Officer and towards the end of the war she helped draft some new laws. She never gave up on trying to pursue justice, and she took strength from the massacre in her own family."
Harry suddenly remembered Hagrid mentioning the Bones were wiped out. "Hagrid told me the Bones family was wiped out."
"In a way it is." Said Neville "Susan, her mother and Madam Bones are the only ones left so if they marry or die then name will effectively be gone from history. The rest were all killed during the First War. If she thinks another is coming she'll do everything in her power to keep the rest of her family from dying. She's been round to my house a few times. Gran and her are both on the Wizenagmot and are support each other's points of view."
"Well if that's the case your gran might want to know more about what happens tomorrow. If you can wait then I'll tell you what I can after I've had my talk."
Neville nodded. "Do what you have to Harry, I'll help in any way I can. Crouch got out of Azkaban but there is no way in the name of Merlin I will take the Lestranges getting out lying down.