This picks up where The Fall of 1990 Continued left off.
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
From The Fall of 1990 Continued
Neville decided this was something to ask Harry about, hoping Harry wouldn't think him a wimp. Although they just met Harry had already changed his life, and now there was a possibility that his parents could be helped.
Chapter 5 – Christmas 1990
Gringotts
When he reached the cart return area Nev saw Susan and yelled, "Sue, wait a minute, and I'll walk with you."
Susan and the goblin that was escorting her waited on Neville. Neville took one look at a happy Susan and said, "I take it your trip was successful."
"It definitely was, and I guess by your look yours was also," Sue replied and hooked her arm in his.
"Oh yes, the one that chose me once belonged to Neville Godricson, Godric Gryffindor first cousin." A beaming Neville said. Sue had known Neville for years and had never seen him this happy or confident.
"Mine belonged to my great grandmother a few times removed Minister Guinevere Emerson," Susan gushed. Neville had never seen Sue gush before, yes; she laughed occasionally but never gushed.
"I was thinking about how much that my life has changed since meeting Harry. He must be a powerful wizard to see auras and do wandless magic." Neville stated.
"Yes, but he also said he has been practicing wandless magic for around five years. If he can do it and has taught Luna and Hermione, I'm sure he can teach us also. It's something to work for since so few wizards can or will do the work it takes. We're lucky that we haven't used wand yet. Can you imagine using a wand for a year or more and then trying to learn wandless?" Susan asked her friend.
"You're right Sue. I'll bet it would be really hard. I would suspect that if we lost our wand, we could summon it wandlessly. It would be great to be able to cast a shield wandlessly while casting spell with a wand," Neville replied showing his excitement.
The two children arrived at the hospital wing and met their guardians. Both older women knew immediately their charges had found a wand that matched them.
"It's obvious you two were successful. I ask that you remember that a wand is a tool and a dangerous weapon and act accordingly. I also ask to the point of insisting that you follow Harry's directions and learn as much as you can. You two have an opportunity that few do so please take advantage of it. However, have fun while learning." Amelia told the two ten-year olds. She called Mitsy, and she arrived with an elf named Natty and popped them into the informal sitting room at Potter Manor.
Harry introduced the new guests to Dan, Emma, and Xeno. He invited the Bones and Longbottoms to dinner, and they agreed. He asked Hermione and Luna to take Neville and Sue and start them on wandless but keep it to no more than 20 minutes. He told them what books to start Neville and Sue reading. Then he asked Amelia and Augusta to join him in his office, and they agreed.
"Before we start unless I'm wrong about you both of you are good Occlumens. If not please stop me, if your mind is protected I need your word what I say here, stays here." Amelia knew she was about to get a lot more information than she received in her office. She gave her word, and Augusta followed.
"On 2 May 1998, I was killed by Voldemort, but the place to start is at the beginning so… and here we are." Harry said the only interruptions were for a bathroom break and tea.
"If I understand what you're doing, you want to keep things as close to the original time line that you know at least until Voldemort returns," Amelia stated and Harry nodded yes.
"So we need him to get the stone, and the Triwizard Tournament needs to go on as is being negotiated. Once that happens, Dumbledore can be taken down. Gussie I think you, and I should get involved with the Triwizard Tournament. We can offer to back Dumbledore with the Board of Governors if we're on the negotiating committee. We'll suggest that Minerva be added so Hogwarts has the Headmaster, Deputy, and two Board Members representing the school." Amelia told them her idea.
"If he doesn't go along let me know, and he and the Ministry will get letters from the heirs via Ted Tonks. The letters will demand tournament be canceled if Hogwarts doesn't have the proper mix of representation. It will also remind them that the heirs control who and what enters the boundaries of the school and what the students are exposed to. It will use words like private property, it's a school not a social experiment, big words no fourteen-year olds should know not even Ravenclaws." Harry said with a smile.
They agreed but were shocked when Harry asked for permission to tell Neville and Susan if they wanted to know. He told them how he protected the Grangers and Hermione minds, and that they could remove the shields once their Occlumency was up to the proper level. He requested that Neville and Sue be allowed to learn with them full time. He suggested portals between their manors and his. He reminded them that if things went wrong, they had a safe escape route. After hearing about the old timeline, they agreed to the portals.
Sue and Nev wanted to know even after Harry told them how he would secure their memory of what he said. They were shocked, awed, and amazed at what they learned. Sue told Harry and his wives what Amelia said about learning from Harry being an opportunity. She and Nev said at the time Amelia had no idea what an opportunity it turned out to be. They both wanted to learn the muggle subjects and almost begged Augusta and Amelia to let them stay at the manor.
They had an enjoyable meal then watched a modified version of Pretty Woman, which convinced the two older women they would be returning to Potter Manor as often as they could. Mitsy and Natty showed the Bones and Longbottoms to their rooms. They found muggle clothes that they liked and that fit. That helped convince the women that they had made a good decision to spend the night. The next morning they had a great breakfast. The two older women were surprised that the five children were up and dressed.
"We've already worked out and showered. We're up at 05:30 and work out an hour. We stretch then run and do aerobics, lift some light weights then stretch again and go shower. We usually spend the first hour on Occlumency then work twenty or thirty minutes on wandless magic and take a break. Then we read for an hour, do another wandless magic session then play until lunch. After lunch, we study our first-year materials for an hour while our lunch settles. Then it's more wandless magic, after that we usually fly, swim, or just goof around until dinner.
After dinner, we watch TV or a movie with family and it's off to bed with a half-hour of meditation before sleeping. That helps clear our minds, and helps with the Occlumency and getting in tune with our magic. On the weekends, we take off and do something. Sometimes it's a movie in the muggle world, or a sightseeing trip. We may go to Diagon Alley to look around, or Hogsmeade. Now and then we may go over to Paris or take a portal to our villa near Carnes." Harry said surprising the two matrons.
"Bloody hell Augusta he's running this better than a school. Even when they're playing they're exposed to new things. Harry if I was younger I would join you in a heartbeat." Amelia stated with a smile and then told Susan she could stay at the manor. Augusta looked at Neville and quickly said he could stay. They both told Harry to expect to see a lot of them.
That pretty much set up their days for the next month, although Hannah Abbott did join them and her parents became part of the group. Lord Abbott added etiquette and politics one day a week to their lessons. He had started Hannah on Occlumency over a year ago so she could catch up with Neville and Susan. At the end of the first month, everyone was casting wandless shields with a thought. Harry thought it was funny that Sue and Hannah seemed to be in competition for Nev. Frank and Alice got better, but their magic would never fully recover. They weren't squibs, but they weren't strong either. Neville was just happy he had them back as was Augusta. They now had a suite at Potter Manor and gave Harry two photo albums of his parents and their friends.
On 19 September, they had a birthday party for Hermione, and she got to pick which moves they went to the coming weekend and where they went to visit or shop. Harry gave her a necklace that had several charms on it and was a portkey to the manor. She only got a few books, and they were mostly muggle books. She did get a three-compartment trunk from the Lovegoods. She said it was her best birthday ever.
On 10 October Frank, Amelia, and Howard Abbott called Neville, Susan, and Hannah into the Longbottom suite and told them they were betrothed. Poor Neville ended up with a lap full of girls and a red face.
"Well Howard, that went better than we expected," Frank told his friend.
"I agree Frank and the women didn't think we could carry this off," Howard Abbott said with a laugh.
Dinner that evening was a party with Nev red faced for most of it. He did recognize that it was all in good fun. However, he silently dedicated himself to learn as much from Harry as he could. Dan Granger had started them on hand-to-hand combat. He started with how to fall and roll. From that, he went on to how to regain your footing and then punching techniques. They were all lifting half of their body weight and working on their reflexes and speed.
Dan surprised them by telling them that rather than go at a man's privates first to go after his knees. They were harder to protect and a man automatically covered his privates. Once the knee was hurting then a kick to the bits was easier. If accompanied with a chop to the Adams apple it could take the fight out of most men.
Harry thought it was time to teach fading. That evening after dinner he had a session with the six as the adults called them. He told them where to find fading in the knowledge he had passed them, and how to bring it forward. Once everyone remembered it, he had them practice by fading around designated places in the training room.
Nev was the first to say, "This beats apparition, its silent and there is no squeezing feeling."
"Good point, another is that few know it and no wards can stop it. With that said, it doesn't make other wards less dangerous. If you want to surprise your parents, fade into your common rooms. We'll see you at 05:30," Harry said and he, Luna, and Hermione faded away.
"I swear he's a slave driver," Hannah stated but with a smile.
"He may be but how many ten or eleven-year olds know what we do?" Neville asked.
"We also have an advantage because there are only five of us learning from him. This mind transfer he did was bloody awesome," Susan added and the other two quickly agreed. The girls kissed Neville's cheeks and faded to their common rooms.
Nev shook his head and smiled then faded to his common room. Frank and Alice jumped when he suddenly appeared. That, of course, caused him to have to explain that I was fading and not apparition. The next-day Frank asked Harry if fading took as much magic as apparition. Harry said that it didn't and reminded Frank that they were only ten and Hermione was eleven. Harry transferred the knowledge of how to fade to Frank. It took Frank about ten minutes of trying before he was successful. Harry faded to Frank and Alice's common room and passed the knowledge to Alice and Augusta. Of course, Amelia and the Abbotts were next.
November 1990
On Sunday, 3 November, just after breakfast the Quibbler arrived, and the headline read:
Undersecretary Umbridge Arrested
Based on pictures and a tip from an unknown source the DMLE led by Director Bones arrested Dolores Umbridge, the Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic. The pictures on page 3 were anonymously mailed to Madam Bones along with some confidential information that was verified by Chief Ragnok at Gringotts. Madam Bones ordered a search of Umbridge's office and found seven blood quills. These are banned as Class 5 items on used for signing certain contracts and by Gringotts. The penalty for possession is 10 years per item. See page 3 for a description and whose blood appeared on the quills.
Minister Fudge and Lucius Malfoy Arrested
During questioning of Miss Umbridge, she confessed to being bribed by Lucius Malfoy and said Minister Fudge approved and introduced her to Malfoy. Based on that information and the evidence Gringotts bank cooperated with the DMLE providing records of the Malfoy withdrawal transactions and subsequent deposits by Miss Umbridge and Mr. Fudge. See the list of transactions and subsequent actions paid for by Lucius Malfoy on page 4. Malfoy, Fudge, and Umbridge vaults locked down. Mrs. Malfoy placed under house arrest not to exceed 96 hours.
"Harry, don't get shook up until you hear me out. Lucius will walk if he turns on Fudge and Umbridge. He'll be fined ₲5,000 and told to walk the straight and narrow for the next year. Then Arthur can raid his place, as we want. I had to get Fudge and Umbitch gone before they raped the DMLE budget again." Amelia told Harry, and he thought about it and then smiled.
"Who is going to finish out Fudge's term?" Harry asked.
"I saw that look on James more than enough to know you have something wicked planned." Amelia stated.
"Well if the temporary Minister sat on the school's Board, she would be in a position to influence who was on the Triwizard Tournament negotiation team. She would also have a reason to be there especially if the other Ministers are." Harry said with an evil smile.
"I feel like I've been screwed and not kissed, you little shit. However, I'll be in a position to do the most good. I suppose you have a recommendation for Director of the DMLE." Amelia said knowing she wouldn't like the answer.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt is honest and hates Death Eaters almost as much as Mad Eye does. Push Dumbledore out of the ICW and put Scridgemore in it. Dumbledore takes a small hit. Scridgemore is placated, and in a place where his bigotry doesn't go over well. Kingsley is a walking advertisement of why graduates should join the DMLE. You're a hero and can start marking Death Eaters within the Ministry for removal, preferably through the veil.
Sirius can be sent to St. Mungo's long-term care ward since he's nuts. In less than three years, he can escape from there. If it's kept quiet, no one knows where he is and everyone thinks he's in Azkaban. Alternatively, we can capture the rat. He escaped in April of 1994, and the timeline is close. I've been thinking that Voldemort doesn't have to get a body. What has to happen, is that Peter gets him back here and his soul pieces are destroyed. Then given a quick trip through the veil in whatever form he's in won't matter, dead is dead." Harry told a now shocked Amelia.
"The hat will put you in Slytherin Harry with suggestions like that," She replied.
"Alfred wouldn't dare. If he evens suggests it, I'll threaten to burn him with Fiendfyre," Harry retorted, and Amelia laughed.
"Most eleven year olds don't know that you can tell Alfred what house you want to be put in. The founders never sorted students except the females slept in one place and the males in another. The founders did separate by skill, and what the students desired to learn. Alfred was meant to be an advisor to the Headmaster, Yes the founders made him sentient, but he wasn't meant to divide the school. Unfortunately, they didn't ward him so that he couldn't be changed. Sometime around 1260, a long-forgotten headmaster decided to split the school into four houses. He named the houses after the founders, and charmed Alfred to sort the students as equally as possible into the houses.
It's believed that he started the rumor about Salazar and Godric with Sal leaving the school. That's dragon dung, Sal left to gain new knowledge and was supposed to return after a year. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on his way back from Greece," Harry told them, and the others showed their shock that the history they knew was so wrong.
He continued with a slight smile, "If there should be any separation of the students it should be by age and skill. Within those three or four groups, students who share common interests will migrate together. However, they will also get to know others of their age and make friends with those of different interests. Why can't someone be cunning and brave? Does being loyal and hardworking stop me from having a thirst to gain knowledge? The house system really doesn't make sense if looked at closely."
"That idea is hard to argue against. Something did happen at Hogwarts that has the majority of the Board in a tither. The Potions Professor Severus Snape stood up at the end of the opening feast and apologized to the students of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. He said his past treatment was abdominal, and he was reminded by his Potions Master that one of his duties was to teach others. He lowered this NEWT class requirement to Exceed Expectations and offered tutoring to those that wanted it.
He publicly warned the members of his house that the bullying would stop, or they would suffer his wrath before serving detention with one of the other heads of house. He admitted to the board that his Master reminded him that his own Mastery was in jeopardy if he didn't change his ways. Snape was also warned that he was damaging the British wizard world and could easily be thought of as a traitor." Augusta said closely watching Harry's smile grow.
She added, "Harry your smile causes me to think you had something to do with this."
"Well he fudged a bit saying it was his Master, who warned him but that makes sense. I made those suggestions in Ragnok's office on my tenth birthday. I also reminded him my father was dead, and I was not James. I told him that I was as much my mother's son as Dad's. I left him wondering what his first friend would think of the path he was taking and the damage he was doing. I showed him a note in her diary that said how disappointed she was in him." Harry replied and the adults looked at him and just shook their heads. They knew he was special and had come back to change things, but they didn't think Harry did subtle, so they were surprised at his handling of Snape.
Amelia said, "There is a rumor that Snape told his Quidditch team that if they couldn't win by playing fair and with honor, they deserved to lose. Apparently, he told them if they reverted to their former ways he would stop the match and forfeit it and the rest of the matches. He told the captain to field the best team, and if included witches so be it. So far, he's taken more points from Slytherin than Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff combined."
The Daily Prophet arrived, and the mood at the table changed immediately upon seeing the headline.
Lord Harry Potter Married at Ten
By Rita Skeeter
This reporter heard a rumor about the Boy-Who-Lived being married. Needless to say, I was shocked to say the least. However, a trip to the Department of Records verified Harry Potter is married to two girls. Yes, dear readers he is married not to one but two. My initial thought was that dark forces were a work. Alas, I was incorrect the entry shows that the Boy-Who-Lived is soul bonded to both girls. In addition, the records show both girls were subjects of betrothal contracts dated in 1980. These contracts were signed by James and Lily Potter and the fathers of the girls. I made a trip to Gringotts, and their words were, "both contracts are legal."
Dear readers, a soul bond at age ten is a marriage according to the old laws that cannot be changed. It also automatically makes these children adults under the law. Lord Potter claimed his right as an adult. During that ceremony, it was discovered the mass murderer Sirius Black had blood adopted Lord Potter as a babe. One wife is Lady Potter, and the other is Lady Black. If this is true which it definitely is, how could Sirius Black betray the Potters and still live? Checking further Sirius Black is Lord Potter's godfather, and that oath is recorded. How does he still live if he's guilty of betraying his godson? Digging further this reporter found no record of Sirius Black ever having been tried by the Wizengamot.
Did former Minister Bagnold, and the Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore, sweep this under the carpet? What role did Minister Fudge play? Bartemius Crouch Sr. refused to answer questions about Sirius Black. He was the head of the DMLE at the time and should have insured Black was tried. He is known to have sent Death Eaters straight to Azkaban with no trial. After nearly ten years in Azkaban, is Sirius Black sane enough to testify in his defense?
There may be hope, dear readers we have a temporary Minister for Magic that is well-known for her honesty and no-nonsense attitude. She was as Senior Auror working on another case at the time Black was incarcerated and was not involved with it in any way. We hope with this new information that Minister Bones will do what is right which she has in the past.
"Well she laid it on a bit thick but then that's her style. I now have the reason I needed to move Sirius to St. Mungo's. Of course, he will have to be under guard until he's tried. In addition, after the situation with Frank and Alice there will be no problem with only Goblin healers seeing him. Well, it's time for me to get to work. I'm moving Scridgemore to the ICW today. I've let him bitch about not getting the Head slot long enough," Amelia said then hugged Susan and left via the floo.
Two days later Sirius Black was in St. Mungo's. The announcement in the paper assured people that he was in bad shape. His head healer stated, "Lord Black, will likely take years to recover if he can at all. Obviously, he is better off and more comfortable here than in Azkaban. Our estimate is that it will take us a year to get his body healthy enough that we can start working on his mind. Our wards keep him in and all but authorized healers out."
The Six continued their training and on 3 December, began their GSCEs. This took them all week, and it would be two weeks before they received their scores. Between trips to the muggle world and movies, they were picking up both British and American slang. Alice voiced her concern that they were maturing too fast. Frank said that they still took time to be children and asked if she would have Neville any other way than how he was. She said no but didn't like that they were preparing for war and weren't even in school yet. She smacked Frank when he laughed and said they already had a better education than their parents.
The Six were well above average in knowledge and in physical shape. They could hold their own in hand to hand fighting with most kids a couple of years older. Their muscles were well defined but not overly developed. Their hand-eye coordination was amazing. On the magic side, they were moving from shields and learning to cast wandless Stinging Hexes. They had good control of their magic and could vary the power of what they cast.
They were still children, so they didn't have vast amounts of power yet. Amelia charmed several dummies to indicate the amount of power a stinging hex that hit the dummy. All six tested in the range you would expect from most fourteen year olds. Their biggest boon was their Occlumency level as all six were masters and now working on Legilimency to read surface thoughts. This would be an advantage in a duel or fight.
All six were more than comfortable on a broom, and they enjoyed flying. Hermione didn't like heights at first but seeing the farm from the air while disillusioned gave her a reason to overcome that slight fear. The fact that her bond mates stuck to her like glue helped. In the spring, they planned to set up a racing course.
The six had seen three Quidditch matches, and weren't all that impressed when the better teams lost because the opposing Seeker caught the Snitch. Harry and Nev did have to try some Seeker moves, including a Wronski Feint that got both smacked by their ladies then Alice. Emma took different approach and did hers with words. While that didn't stop the two boys, it did cause them to be careful where they practiced.
+++OOO+++
On Christmas Eve, Harry, Hermione and Luna faded into Sirius' room. Fortunately, he had been warned. They knew he was in fair shape but were surprised just how good he looked. Harry introduced the girls and Sirius hugged them close. He asked about their backgrounds and gave a barking laugh when Hermione said she was considered Muggleborn until she became Lady Ravenclaw.
"Hermione it's priceless that you are Lady Black. Most of my family was blood purist bigots, and my dear mother was the worst of the lot. The bitch must be rolling over in her grave at your being Lady Black." Sirius told them then laughed again.
Harry was dejected when told he couldn't enter the House of Black until Sirius took over as master of the house. He told them while his mother threw him out of the family, his father and more importantly, his grandfather did not. He told them the Most Ancient and Noble Houses each had their own rules. The Black family was fraternal, and the male who wore the family ring ruled the House of Black. The unusual thing was that all males were titled as Lord Black rather than the young one being known as the Heir. He added only the head of house, or his proxy could vote on the Wizengamot.
Harry asked Sirius how his mind shields were and Sirius told him to check them. Harry did and ended up on his arse, causing Sirius to laugh again. Harry then gave him an overview of why his staying in St. Mungo's was necessary.
Sirius got a gleam in his eyes and said, "What if…"
Harry thought for a bit then looked at his wives. They smiled and nodded so Harry answered, "We believe that would work plus its poetic justice."
They gave Sirius his Christmas presents, and he was amazed that the small TV and video player worked in St. Mungo's.
"We finished Mum's work on charming the electronics. This TV is battery operated so the battery is charmed to maintain a full charge. The inside of the box has a Magic Null ward so that ambient magic doesn't destroy the electronics. The outside has a cushioning charm in case it gets dropped or knocked off the stand. The video player and tapes are similarly charmed. The two beautiful ladies came up with those ideas, and I did the charm work. The small trunk has about 300 muggle novels and some non-fiction worth reading. The movies range from comedy to science fiction. The Star Wars movies are marked in the order you need to watch them." Harry told a shocked Sirius and there were more hugs before the three had to fade home.
Christmas at Potter Manor was a joyous affair. Gifts were exchanged after breakfast and ranged from useful to funny. Garrick Ollivander was invited since he was Alice's grandfather. He presented Frank and Alice with new wands.
"These wands are special. With a drop of blood, they will detect your current and former level of magic. After about ten minutes give or take a few, they will adjust to amplify your current level to your former level. No, you won't be a Mage, but you will have the power you once had. Don't even ask Lord Potter the answer is no. I cannot produce a wand to amplify the power above what it should be naturally. The best any wand maker can do is to tune the wand to your magic. However few people want to pay ₲50 or more for a wand if an off-the-shelf wand chooses them." Garrick said shocking every wizard in the room except Harry.
"I have an ancestor's wand that came to me when I first visited my family vault. When I caught it, I passed out for several minutes. The goblin that was with me couldn't enter the vault and was almost panicking when I came around. He said that I was glowing as was the wand. I asked what color the glow was because I was curious. He said it was the color of a Galleon. Can you tell me what happened and why the wand did what it did?" Harry asked hoping Ollivander knew the answer.
The old man smiled and replied, "The fact you glowed is not unusual and the gold says you're a light, but not totally light, wizard. Why you passed out is not really understood. It's rare but not unheard of. Most of us think the wand was bonding to you and perhaps passing family secrets and knowledge of family magic. If this is true, the knowledge will come to you when you're ready to handle it, or if it's needed to defend yourself or your family.
However, as I said no one is sure about that. The wand you took from Dumbledore bonded with you the instant you caught it. You didn't pass out then, and I believe that is because it was not from your major bloodline. That is just my opinion Harry. May I see both wands please?" Ollivander asked, and Harry handed him the one he took from Dumbledore first.
"This is most unexpected. The wood is a hybrid wood, which includes Ash, Holly, and Black Iron wood. It has multiple cores of, oh my, Griffin hair, Basilisk blood, and Phoenix tail feather. This is a powerful combination for a powerful wizard. This wand was thought to be the fabled Elder wand, but it is not." Garrick stated and saw the satisfied look on Harry's face. He handed the wand back to Harry and Harry passed him the second wand.
"Oh my, this is surprising. This wand once was used by Godric Gryffindor. Another hybrid wood that blended Holly and the Tree of Life or Adams Tree as it is called. The core is hummmm an unknown feather, Phoenix tears, and human hair. This is a very unusual wand in not only the material but also its construction. Most cores stop about two inches from the butt. This wand the core runs from tip to butt. If it were not for the unknown feather and human hair, I would think this wand takes less power than the other to achieve the same result. My earlier statement about not multiplying power may be wrong. Lumos." Ollivander said, and nothing happened. The old man frowned and tried again. He handed the wand to Harry and asked him to try.
"Lumos," Harry said and a bright light flooded the room, Harry quickly said, "Nox."
"The wand has definitely bonded to you, and you seem to be the only one who can use it…"
"No Sir Hermione and Luna can also use it and the one I took from Dumbledore. I can also use theirs, and they can use each other's wands. However, we can't use Neville, Susan, or Hannah's wands, and they can't use any of ours." Harry said cutting Ollivander off. Harry continued, "Our own wands seem to take less power to achieve the same result as when we use a bond mate's wand."
Augusta changed the subject to a notice about the black plague victim being found aboard a ship. Amelia changed it again saying the Ministry was having an open house on the 28th for employees and their families. She invited The Six and said they would even get to tour the Department of Mysteries and meet Croaker and some others. She admitted it was also a chance to give a sales pitch about working at the Ministry.
"Before I forget, you're also welcome to bring a pet or familiar with you for a free health checkup," Amelia added with a sly smile.
The rest of the day was spent playing games with the adults. Dan in his infinite wisdom decided to teach the kids poker playing for match sticks. He thought seven card stud would be easy to teach the magicals. It didn't dawn on him that he may be in trouble when Harry said, "there are 13 cards in each suit, and aces are either high or low in a straight. There are four of each numbered or face card in the deck. The only thing that beats a straight flush is a higher straight flush. Four of a kind, ranks after a straight flush, then the rankings are; a full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pairs, a pair, and last is the high card. I understand, obviously some luck is involved but also a lot of skill. I would guess that the ability to read people is a must."
Emma whispered to Alice, "the kids are about to wipe Dan out. He can't hide his emotions when playing this stupid game. I don't mind when he plays in charity events, but I take his money and debit cards if we go to a casino, or we would end up broke."
In less than an hour Dan had no matches then the real game began between Frank and Howard vs. The Six. Harry sniggered when he felt someone scan his surface thought and set a trap by indicating he had two pairs, which he did. What was buried is that with the two kings, and two jacks was an ace, queen and a ten. Howard had three nines, which would beat any two pair. He was shocked when Harry called his all in bet. Harry laid down the two pair, and then put the ace, queen, and ten to make his straight and smirked at Howard.
Howard sat with his mouth open, in shock then laughed. Frank was the next to go broke, The Six counted matchsticks, and it was almost even. Luna giggled and said, "The Six one, adults zero." Then they did a high five knowing Luna thought that was cool, having seen in it one of the movies they watched.
That night in bed Emma said, "Daniel Granger, I'm surprised at you. Your son and two daughters spent a lot of time teaching us to protect our minds, and you forget everything at the poker table. It took Alice three hands to read the fact that you had a good or bad hand. The six children, Frank, and Howard might as well have been statutes the way their faces looked once the cards started being dealt."
The next morning the six agreed they would go to the Ministry but show no interest above what children their age should. They also agreed this wasn't going to be a coming-out party for the Ministry. If it turned out that way, they would leave.
Chapter 6 - Changes for a New Year
The Ministry
The Six arrived in the Ministry Atrium, via floo, with Frank, Alice, and Augusta. Several reporters looked at them then turned back to what they were doing. The guidelines were clear. The reporters would not interview anyone under the age of 17 unless given specific permission. Kingsley Shacklebolt was to be their escort for the visit.
"Normally you would have to check in at the desk and surrender your wand for registration. However, the families of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses are passed through as members of the Wizengamot. In ancient times, the Houses made up the Council of Wizards, which made laws and acted as the court. As the population grew the Wizengamot was formed and from it, the Ministry. Lord Potter…
"Excuse me for interrupting sir, but if we are going to be together for a while, please call us by our given names. I'm Harry. These two are Luna and Hermione." Harry said and Neville continued, "I'm Neville and this is Susan or Sue, and Hannah."
"Darn it, I owe Amy a Galleon. The wager was it would take ten or more minutes of me calling you by titles before you said anything. I should have known better than to say it would take that long. Fortunately, I'm still using her money." Kingsley said with a snigger causing the others to laugh.
He showed them the Minister Office complex then took them down a floor, telling them most of the Ministry was underground. He was showing them the DMLE when they heard, "What the hell," followed by a yelp. Kingsley arrived at where the sound came from to see a man in old clothes laying on the floor stunned. He was hit with two more charms.
"Sir, this man is an unregistered Animagi and looks like Peter Pettigrew." An Auror said, keeping his wand pointed on the downed Pettigrew. Three Aurors took Peter Pettigrew away, and two more took Arthur, Percy, and Ron into a conference room.
The one that had stunned Peter first said, "Director, Arthur brought the rat in for a health inspection when it was discovered he was an Animagi. I forced him to change into his human form and stunned him, with help from Johnston and Smythe. When Pettigrew fell, he landed on Ronald, who yelped. He wasn't hurt, just frightened at what happened."
"Thanks for the report Gerald, please notify Minister Bones and then have everyone write their reports. I want every 'I" dotted and 'T' crossed, this will have repercussions. Just do it by the numbers and make sure nothing falls through a crack," Kingsley told his Auror.
Kingsley felt the magic rolling off of Harry and saw his wives hugging him. Harry looked at the tall Auror and said, "That bastard betrayed my parents, not Sirius. It's in both their journals as well as Mum's diary that he was their secret keeper. He roamed doing whatever for ten years while my godfather was in Azkaban." The magic receded as Harry relaxed.
"Harry, do you want to continue or go home?" Luna asked.
"The rat has spoiled enough things for me. We'll stay and try to enjoy the rest of the day. Actually, I'm happy he has been caught but sad it wasn't me who did it." Harry said and sighed then grinned and kissed Luna and Hermione on the cheek.
Harry's aura reading was on full as Kingsley showed them around and introduced them to a few people. When he detected the presence of darkness, Harry would ask what someone did, just like most youngsters would. Kingsley gave him names, and job and a brief description of what they did.
At lunch, they met Ted and Andromeda Tonks. "Harry this is our daughter Nymphadora…"
"Call me that at your own risk, I go by Tonks. Any mother who would name their daughter that can't be right in the head. Plus, any father who would allow it needs stunned in the bits. Dad was going to tell you I'm a sixth year Hufflepuff and want to be an Auror. I'm also a Metamorphmagus, which means I can change my features, but it makes me clumsy as hell. Harry we're fourth cousins, so I'll consider you family unless you call me that name." Dora said in a rush.
"If you have a minute after we eat I'd like to talk to you about something that will benefit both of us. We've heard rumors that Professor Snape has changed, are they true?" Harry asked changing the subject.
"He's totally different, some are saying he met the angel of death, and it scared him. However, his class is now one of the top three at school. And I'll be happy to listen to you cousin," She replied then cycled her hair.
After lunch, Harry took Dora aside and put up a privacy ward, which caused her eyes to widen. "What I say, no one but you needs to hear. I want you to get detention with Filch. In the top drawer of his filing cabinet is a folder labeled the Marauders. Inside the folder, you'll find an old piece of parchment. When you're alone tap it with your wand and say 'I solemnly swear I am up to no good.' To clear the map say 'mischief managed'. If anyone else tries to use it, they'll get insulted. The parchment will change into a map of Hogwarts, including Hagrid's hut and show where everyone is in real time. Dad's journal described the map in detail, and said Pettigrew lost it to Filch and saw where Filch filed it. You can use it this year and next but on the return trip, next year give it to me Ok?"
"Cousin we have a deal," she said then offered to shake hands, and they did but she kissed his cheek also.
On the way to join the others, Dora said she would send him an owl telling him it was nice meeting him if she was successful. If she didn't get the map, there would be no owl. Three days after Dora returned to school Harry got an owl saying it was nice meeting him and his ladies. When the letter was held a certain way, the capital letters read, Mischief Managed.
The first place they visited after lunch was the Department of Mysteries. Acting as typical children, they didn't seem impressed, but they actually were. They met with Croaker, and his Deputy named Rockwood, which Harry picked up as dark as any he had met. This man was a Death Eater no doubt about it.
"Lord Potter what do you think of our operation in the Department of Mysteries." Croaker asked hoping for a positive response.
"It is ok I guess, but that room with the brains or whatever they were, seemed off. The sign warning us that they are dangerous, but they're uncovered and the glass on the containers looks quite thin. I've seen thicker glass on a garden snake container at London Zoo. That makes me wonder how safe this place actually is. Then the library we saw didn't seem very extensive…" Harry felt his Occlumency outer alarm trip, so he set his trap and continued. "the library being that small can't contain much. The veil room is creepy, and I would think that there would be a railing or something around it to keep people away from it. I got ya!" Harry suddenly almost yelled as Rockwood went stiff.
"Mr. Croaker is it normal for your Deputy to try to mind rape a ten-year-old visitor and a Head of a Most Ancient and Noble House? I have him trapped in my Occlumency shields and am ready to lay waste to his mind. The man is a Death Eater and was a member of Voldemort's inner circle. He was so confident in raiding my mind that he lowered his shields to do it. I used his path, and I'm downloading information as we speak.
This piece of shit lives to rape six to eight-year-old girls. He will now leave us and walk through the veil as punishment for attacking me. Anyone trying to stop him will have to kill him to do so. I'll go to Gringotts and download all I've learned into certified crystals for you and Madam Bones to review. There are several Death Eaters working here at the Ministry. However, his memory about Severus Snape is wrong. Rockwood didn't know Snape was a spy for the light." Harry told the shocked and silent group in Croaker's office.
Harry released Rockwood and they followed him to the veil room and watched as he walked through it not hesitating for a second. It was agreed that Rockwood was showing them the veil room, and he tripped and fell through the veil. Harry did offer Croaker a bone saying that the Department of Mysteries was one of two places in the Ministry he would consider working and the DMLE was the other.
They flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and went to the bank where Harry asked Ragnok to certify his memories of what he retrieved from Rockwood. He then sent them to Amelia and Croaker with copies of the certification. Harry took Rockwood's vault by right of conquest. He turned the vault contents into a scholarship fund sponsored by the founders' heirs. Using the reasoning that Arthur Weasley had provided a service to the wizard world, they refunded the Weasley's tuition and granted scholarships to Ron and Ginny.
+++OOO+++
Amelia requested help from Gringotts curse breakers to assist in raiding several Death Eater homes. Kingsley led the raid on Malfoy Manor, Lucius raised his wand, and was hit with several stunners. The curse breakers started at the top and worked down identifying several objects as illegal. However, the real treasure was in a hidden door that his desk sat on. The head of the team stopped an Auror from touching a diary marked T M R. He conjured a lead box and floated the diary into the box saying it contained a dark soul piece and that Gringotts would cleanse it. Kingsley said there were things far more valuable than an old diary to worry about. He looked at the head of the curse breaker team and winked, the old goblin nodded slightly.
Narcissa Malfoy was in a snit. She wasn't a marked Death Eater and didn't support his cause or her husband's beliefs. Her problem was that no one would believe her. She had managed to hoard about a half million Galleons from their account over the years that she had banked with the dwarves. She couldn't divorce Lucius and only Lord Black could annul her marriage. The problem was that Sirius Black was Lord Black and he was in Azkaban. Another problem was her son was a copy of his father and believed in the Pureblood bullshit. As a wizard, he was weak, and as a human, he had no skills. He though he was a prince, not knowing that he was from a new house with no title or real standing but those bought with bribes. She knew this time Lucius would be tried under Veritaserum and be forced to tell the truth.
An elf suddenly appeared.
"Missus Malfoy I is being Logan Lord Black's personal elf. Master is offering youse an annulments of youse marriage to bad wizard. Master has condition youse will trade youse elf Dobby for elf Kreacher and youse is to leave country for J-pan wif son. If youse agree Lord Black will giving youse ₲500,000. If youse return to this country youse loose everythin including name of Black. Youse is having one day to be deciding. Youse call Logan and I bees coming to get youse letter saying youse accept." The elf called Logan said then popped away.
"Dobby"
"Yes Mistress"
"Dobby the new Lord Black requires your service. You are to be the best elf ever. You may give Lucius secrets to Lord Black but no one else. Do you understand?"
"Yes Mistress"
"Alright when it's time to go I'll call you, in the meantime please prepare dinner and put in under a warming charm." Narcissa told Dobby, then she sat down and wrote her acceptance. When she finished she called Logan.
He popped in with Kreacher and the annulment papers already signed. With a single drop of her blood, she would be free of Lucius. She called Dobby and told him to follow Logan to Lord Black. She told Kreacher to pack the house they were leaving. When she told Draco they were leaving the first words out of his mouth were "when my father…" SMACK.
"You listen to me and you listen well Draco Black-Malfoy. Your father is headed to Azkaban, if not for a Dementor's kiss he'll probably be sent through the veil of death. You will do what I tell you and do it immediately without argument and I just may be able to save our lives. You will not give our new elf orders in fact I'll solve that now. Kreacher."
Pop "Yes Miss Cissy."
"This is my son Draco, you will not do what he tells you to do without asking me first. Do you understand Kreacher?"
"Yes Miss Cissy, Kreacher be good for Miss Cissy Black."
"Yes Kreacher you're a very good elf. Do you know who the new Lord Black is Kreacher?"
"Lord Black be Master Sirius Miss Cissy. Other Lord Black be Lord Potter-Black Master Sirius son."
Narcissa quickly pricked her finger, and placed a drop of blood on the paperwork in the correct square. She opened the safe and took the ₲100,000 and her jewelry and Kreacher popped her and Draco to Nice France. From there she took a wizard cruise ship to Yokohama, Japan. They ended up in Gotenba, Japan not far from a good magical school. She bought a two-bedroom house not far from the school for five million yen. By selling the Galleons as gold, it cost her less than ₲20,000 and left her with over 22 million yen. Narcissa enrolled Draco in a school that spoke English but the students were required to learn Japanese.
Draco decided to do as he was told after getting his ass kicked a few times. A detention after class with the old instructor and Draco was a changed youngster. All he would ever tell Narcissa was that he saw the light. Years later, he would say the old man threatened to have an accident with Draco involving a bull with the larges bits Draco had ever seen. It seems like the old sensei took Draco out to the pen and rubbed something on a cow's backside. The bull mounted the cow and started humping. The old man said, "Straighten up or your next and the bull won't care that you're not a cow." Draco ended up in the top 25 percent of a class of over four hundred students.
+++OOO+++
On 10 January 1991 the Daily Prophet headline read:
Peter Pettigrew Guilty, Sirius Black Free
The Wizengamot took less than ten minutes to declare Peter Pettigrew guilty, after listening to his testimony under Veritaserum. Sirius Black was never the Potter's secret keeper and had tried to arrest Pettigrew. Pettigrew cut off his left little finger and blew a gas main killing 12 Muggles. Pettigrew then turned into his rat form and escaped through the sewers.
Lucius Malfoy Death Eater
Lucius Malfoy who has been in trouble several times this year was arrested for harboring and using banned dark items. A raid on his home with a curse breaking team from Gringotts under the direction of Director Kingsley Shacklebolt found several items. One of particular interest was a list of Death Eater names including the now deceased Rockwood from the Department of Mysteries. Malfoy was sentenced to the Dementor's kiss then thrown through the veil.
Twenty Seven Death Eaters Working in the Ministry of Magic
Eight directors and nineteen other employees arrested as Death Eaters and charged with treason. In a sweeping move, DMLE Director Kingsley Shacklebolt leads Aurors on a trip through the Ministry arresting Death Eaters listed by Lucius Malfoy.
In an unprecedented move, Gringotts has locked down all accounts and vaults. Minister Bones has closed down all forms of international travel. Chief Ragnok stated that his action came at the request of Madam Bones and DMLE Director Kingsley Shacklebolt to keep Death Eaters from removing funds and fleeing. European nations within floo and portkey distances close border to United Kingdom magicals in cooperation with policy of Madam Bones.
DMLE Director Kingsley Shacklebolt states Death Eaters that surrender will be treated well and Death Eaters that chose to fight will be taken down hard. He stated the days of Aurors using stunners against unforgivable curses are over. Minister Bones approves use of lethal force against the Death Eaters and anyone who uses deadly force first.
"Well it seems Amelia went after the Death Eaters top dogs first catching them unaware. I doubt the vault lock down or travel restrictions will last long. The Death Eaters are bullying cowards preying on the weak. Now that they face the Killing Curse or messier curses being sent back at them more than a few will give up. She has no hope of finding them all, but she has broken their back. When Voldemort returns, all that will be left are the weak soldiers that were too afraid of turning themselves in. Most probably, he'll be angry and kill some of them. A few will flee and Voldemort will kill some more of them. That's why he has to be stopped." Harry said solemnly while thinking, I'm too young for this bullshit, and tired of fighting the bastard and he isn't even here.
Harry wrote to Nicholas Flamel and asked to meet him. Surprisingly his request was granted and they met in Ragnok's office to Harry's great shock. Harry told Nicholas the truth and he agreed to provide a fake stone and laughed saying, "the one in the other time line had to have been a fake because I would never give it up or break the Fidelius charm it was under."
"Mr. Flamel have you ever ran across a metal that was a good conductor of magic as in good enough for a wand?" Harry asked and saw the surprise on Flamel's face for an instant.
"Harry that question surprised me mostly because I looked for such a metal three hundred or so years ago. I haven't thought of it in years. But the answer you seek is no I have not. However, there are many new blended metals the mundanes use I haven't tried. May I ask why the question." Nicholas asked in return.
"I've been thinking about Ollivander saying that wands didn't amplify magic and finding that hard to believe. We three do a lot of wandless magic and a levitation charm to lift a book with a wand takes less power that a wandless lifting of the same book. But on the other side of the coin is the fact that if you push too much power into a wand you can burn out its core. I was thinking a metal like maybe titanium might amplify magic and not burn out if you pushed too much power into it. Of course, wood as a container wouldn't work because you might set it on fire. Ceramic may work because it will withstand high heat." Harry replied and saw Nicholas was thinking about his answer.
"You might be on to something there Harry. Like I said, I've not thought about it in years and I just might play around with it again. Tungsten is another possibility since electrons flowing through it cause it to heat and give off light. If I find anything I'll write you through our friend Ragnok." The old man said then excused himself and left with a spring in his step.
Ragnok laughed and said, "You've just given him a long dead project Harry. He'll love you for that even if he doesn't find what he's looking for."
Harry and his wives liked the old man and they had agreed to meet again. Nicholas was right about tungsten it and titanium both had very high melting points.
The Six were now using wands and finishing their third year charms and transfigurations workbooks. They celebrated Hannah's eleventh birthday on the 18th of March 1991. Harry made a crack about Nev and him liking older women since Hanna and Sue were older than Nev while Hermione was older than Harry. That got him smacked on the head by all four girls, Alice, and Emma. Frank and Dan just sniggered at him while shaking their heads.
A/N: According to the file dates this was being worked on around the time my youngest brother passed away and Dad sat it aside. Unfortunately it's highly doubtful he will ever be able to continue it but has indicated that he wanted it posted.