AN: I would like to thank everyone for their reviews. I am taking any and all advice to heart and hopefully will improve the story as a whole.
As for a question I was asked; Harry didn't kill Draco because the headmaster stopped him, and Hermione needed him. That's all. Though, Draco will get his comeuppance. That will happen soon.
Disclaimer: Nope he belongs to JKR. And she refuses to share. Mean ole woman.
Harry Potter and the Change of Fate
By Uncle Potter
Chapter seven
An unused classroom was where the six teens met. Harry conjured a table and six chairs. Three on one side and three on the other for the Slytherins. The meeting was set up later that evening. This had the added bonus of keeping Hermione's focus on the matter at hand instead of one Draco Malfoy.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron waited in said classroom for fifteen minutes when their counterparts arrived. Pansy arrived first, followed by Blaise, and lastly, Daphne. Pansy looked at the table and chairs with the three Gryffindors sitting on the far side. She raised an eyebrow at the semiformal arrangement. Harry nodded and motioned for them to sit.
Once everyone was seated, Harry started, "So, Miss Parkinson, Why would three pureblood families wish to pledge loyalty to my families?"
Pansy nodded as if she was prepared for this question. "Not all Slytherin purebloods are bigots, Lord Potter." she said politely. "We act that way to prevent too much conflict in our house. My family, for instance, made our fortune by working with muggle wineries. Blaise's family owns several large muggle farms in Briton and South America, and Daphne's family is related to Princess Diana through a squib branch of her family."
Harry and Hermione nodded their heads, impressed. "I see." said Harry thoughtfully. "But why would you be siding with me now? It's not like you didn't have five years to decide not to ridicule us at every turn." Harry still remembered about pansy telling Skeeter that Hermione used love potions on himself and Krum.
Daphne spoke next. "We believe that this war will be ended by you, either a combination of the three of you, or the primary efforts of Lord Potter-Black. We also believe that you will not only end this war, but win it. We intend to be on the winning team."
"We can offer you support on a few different fronts." said Blaise said. "Between the three of us, we can teach you about wizarding politics, economy, and relations. We can help you prepare for you to take your seats on the Wizengamot, and help you understand what is expected of you as a lord of two ancient and noble houses. Not to mention, that I'm a damn fine dueler, Daphne has been studying to be a healer, and Pansy is the only person in the school who is better at potions than Miss Granger."
"I understand how you can be a benefit." said Harry thoughtfully. "But how do I know that you're telling the truth? And why do I get the feeling that you left something out?"
Pansy lowered her face for a moment. When she looked up, Harry could see tears threatening to make an appearance. She hid it well, but after the life Harry lived, he could see the signs of hidden pain.
"We are prepared to make wizards' oaths that we are being completely truthful, to answer your first question." She said, "And as to your second… well, I didn't want to tell you until after you had made a decision."
"Fair enough." said Harry.
They made their oaths worded perfectly so that they could not lie, omit information, or misdirect. Hermione wrote the oath and added that what was discussed between the six of them would not be uttered to another person without the support of the whole group.
Blaise, it turned out, was homosexual. His mother could not tolerate this and forced a marriage contract between him and Daphne. Neither was happy about this as they were both attracted to members of the Slytherin quiddich team. The only person in the room surprised by Blaise's admission was Ron. Ron couldn't think of any bloke with as many ex girlfriends as Blaise as anything but ladies' man. To Harry and Hermione, that was the first clue.
Pansy was a different story. It turns out that she exaggerated a bit when she was talking about her parents' tolerance of muggles and muggleborns. While Andrew Parkinson did indeed work with muggles, he did so only begrudgingly. He considered himself a true pureblood doing a necessary evil by dealing with the lower beings.
When they found out that Pansy was throwing her fate of fortune in with Harry Potter, they nearly exploded in rage. 'How dare you' they had said, 'consider noshing up with that mudblood lover'. They forbid her from speaking to Harry, however, when she outright refused to abide by their bigoted views, they expelled her from the family. The only reason she was at Hogwarts now, was due to the Potter scholarship fund that Edwin Potter established in 1824.
Harry thought for a few moments and looked around. Pansy looked confident. Blaise and Daphne looked stoic. Harry looked to either side of him. Ron looked pensive, while Hermione looked like she was near tears.
"Ya know, Pansy" Harry said after a few moments. "You almost had me fooled."
Pansy looked at him in shock and no small amount of anger. She had just poured her heart out to this man after making a vow of honesty. How dare he think she was being untruthful?
I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Lord Potter." she said stiffly.
"For a moment there, I almost thought that what you were saying didn't hurt you." he said as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "But coming from someone who knows pain better than most, you can't hide it from me. My question is; is this real reason you came to me? Because if it is, than I don't know what it is I can do."
Pansy smiled a sad smile. "You don't listen well, Do you, Potter?" Harry smiled when she stopped calling him 'Lord' "I told you that my siding with you is what lead to my expulsion. I truly came to you because I believed that you were going to win this war. I want to help you in any way I can."
"What will you do during the hols?" he asked out of the blue.
"I… I'm not sure. I hadn't thought that far ahead." she said shamefully.
Harry thought for a moment. "Excuse us for a moment." he said politely as he stood and motioned for Hermione and Ron to do the same.
In the corner Harry put up a silencing charm and asked, "What do you think?"
"Well you know they're telling the truth." Ron said, "Hermione wrote up the oath for them and it was flawless."
Hermione smiled brightly at Ron for the compliment and gave her opinion. "I think you should help them. They have much to gain if you succeed. And they seem to believe in you. Pansy seems most adamant about it."
"You also have their respect, Harry" Ron said. "Purebloods would never allow themselves to be humbled in front of someone unless they truly believed that they were worthy. As much as I hate the idea of helping Slytherins, I think you don't have any better options."
"I was thinking along those lines. I don't trust them with any secrets or to watch my back, but they will do what they think serves them. They want to be on the winning team." they other two nodded in agreement.
Harry smiled, "I wonder if they realize just how Gryffindor they're being right now." Hermione chuckled. Harry's smile brightened at the unexpected yet welcome sound. Together they turned and Harry dropped the silencing charm. They sat back at the table.
"We talked about it." said Harry, "And I am willing to help you three." The three Slytherins let out a relieved sigh. "We should let it be known that I really don't trust you three yet. That is something that you will have to earn."
The three teens nodded in understanding and in unison, dropped to one knee.
"What are you-" he started
"They're making their fealty pledge to you, Harry." Ron said. "It's tradition. If someone gains the protection from a noble house, they pledge fealty. They cannot betray you unless you release them from their oaths."
Harry nodded in understanding
One by one they each made their oaths of loyalty. When one was done, Harry would accept it and they would kiss his house ring. Harry was completely mortified. Six months ago he was a poor wizard who didn't even have cloths that fit properly. Now he was taking responsibility for the safety of people that he didn't really know.
"Go back to your dorm rooms. I'm going to talk to the headmaster to see about other accommodations." said Harry, "I don't think you'll find the Slytherin common room very welcoming after your show at breakfast."
Before they could leave he stopped them and pulled out a small mirror. "Headmaster Dumbledore" he said clearly into it.
Albus's face appeared after a moment. "Harry, what can I do for you?" the old man said politely.
"Headmaster, A threesome of students from Slytherin has come to me to ask for house protection, and I have accepted them. I am wondering if there might be other rooms for them as I don't believe that Slytherin house will be safe for them anymore and I can't see resorting them.
"Ahh, I see, Professor." Albus said amicably. "Why, I believe we have a set of rooms near your personal chambers that should do nicely. Please forgive me, but I took the liberty of having their belongings brought up after seeing the display this morning."
Harry smiled at the old man. He didn't fully trust him, but he wanted so much for Albus to be the old grandfather substitute that he used to be. "Thank you, headmaster. That is better than I had hoped. Shall I have dobby escort them to their new rooms?"
"That would be fine, Professor." Albus said and the mirror went blank.
After having the hyper active house elf take the Slytherins to their rooms, Harry looked over to Ron.
"Hey, mate." he said quietly, "D'ya mind if I have a bit of a talk with Hermione? She's still a bit bothered."
"Yeah, Harry." said Ron, "I'm going to see if I can find myself a bird, as well."
Harry chuckled and turned back to Hermione, who was looking over the notes that she had been making regarding the meeting. She was concentrating on the parchment; however he could tell that her heart wasn't in it.
"Love," he started. "Do you want to talk about it?"
She looked up from the parchment and into his eyes. "Oh, Harry." she said, "It's nothing important."
"Bollocks." Harry said "You've gone through something awful, Hermione. I want to help you."
"Harry, its nothing." she started, but saw the look of concern in her boyfriend's eyes and gave in. "I just can't believe that I let that… thing touch me."
"Well, Mione, there were four others there to help him." Harry said placatingly, "I'm certain you didn't let him do anything."
"But, Harry, they took my wand!" she exclaimed nearly in tears of frustration. "I should have been able to stop them."
"Love, you weren't ready for Malfoy to be stupid enough to attack you in a corridor." Harry soothed, "but I can protect you now."
"Harry, You can't be with me all of the time." she said, "And I don't want that, I don't want to depend on someone else all of the time."
"I know, Hermione." Harry started, "But I can help you train and prepare for problems, should they arise."
Hermione continued to look at him. Finally she said "Alright. When should we start?"
"Why not now?" he said as he took her wand away. "Summon your wand to you."
She narrowed her eyes. "You know that I can't"
"I know no such thing." Harry said. "All you need is the will to do it." her eyes narrowed further.
"Fine, maybe I should give you a bit of theory, yeah?"
"That would be nice." she answered
"Right then," Harry started. "Magic itself is just energy that we can manipulate and shape how we see fit. In its raw state, it works like electricity."
Hermione was paying rapt attention. Not only was what Harry teaching her incredibly important and extremely interesting, but he was using muggle means to teach advanced magic. Also she found Professor Harry to be very sexy.
"Now" Harry continued, "You know that electricity needs a conductor in order to be manipulated. This is what wizards and witches use wands for. Many will tell you that your wand makes your spells more powerful. This is not true. All a wand does is focusing the spell to a smaller area so that it appears more powerful.
However at this point we're talking about magical conductors. Wood is generally NOT a good conductor for energy. It is in fact just a casing for the real conductor; the core. Wand cores make a connection to the witch or wizard which allows for us to channel our magic through them. Now before I go any further I want to ask you, what are some good conductors for energy?"
Hermione thought for a few moments, "Water is an obvious one." Harry nodded. She continued, "There are steel, and iron and various metals."
"Go on." Harry coaxed
"And graphite. That's all I can think of at the moment." Hermione said.
"Right," lectured Harry, "And the one thing those last few have in common is carbon. Carbon is the best conductor for energy, whether it is electrical or magical. Can you think of anything else that has a good amount of carbon and water in it." he smiled.
Hermione immediately brightened. "We do." she said. "We are all carbon based. Humans, animals and plants. Plus our bodies have over 70% water which is also highly conductive, so anyone can do wandless magic if they wanted."
"Ten points to Gryffindor." Harry said brightly. "Our bodies are created as the perfect focal tool for our magic. All we need to do is teach ourselves to will the magic without a wand. In fact, wands were originally used as teaching tools for young magicals."
Hermione stood up excitedly. "Harry this is incredible. If I can mentally train myself to work without a wand, I never have to worry about being disarmed. I'll always be able to defend myself!"
"That's kind of the point, you know." said Harry.
Hermione smiled brightly. "Harry, this is simply amazing!" she gushed. "If other magical theories can be explained by using science, a whole new field of research opens up for us."
"I don't know, 'Mione." Harry said thoughtfully, "The Dept. of Mysteries might be working on this thought process as well."
"Maybe, Harry, but they aren't sharing any of the findings with the general public are they?" Hermione countered.
Harry thought about it for a moment. "True, just promise me something, please."
"What is it, Harry?" she asked worriedly
"Promise me that you won't forget food, drink, or your boyfriend while doing your research." he said half jokingly.
Hermione saw the worry in his eyes. "I promise, Harry." she said consolingly. "I love you too much to let something as trivial as books get in the way."
Harry smiled and her heart melted. It was rare for her to see a true, unhindered smile from Harry. True, he smiled often enough, especially these last few months. However, his smiles were usually tempered with a hint of apprehension. As though he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Always prepared for whatever happiness to be taken away from him. It made Hermione's heart break.
She also thought about Harry's 'relatives'. Those monsters that he is forced to call family. Over the last few months, she learned a little about Harry's upbringing, and she couldn't believe theses people were not in prison for what they did to this kind, brave, loving young man.
She kissed Harry and they walked to the library. Hermione knew that Harry had a busy schedule, so she had made arrangements for an escort beck to the common room. Upon reaching the library they noticed Neville and Luna waiting. Harry smiled in relief at his friends. He gave her another kiss and excused himself so that he could take care of a some of his many responsibilities.
"Hello, Hermione." said Luna as Hermione reached the couple. "Does Harry realize that he has rumpletubs surrounding him? You seem to be hosting quite a few, as well."
Hermione was going to let the question go. But she simply had to know, "Luna, what exactly IS a rumpletub?
"They are tiny creatures that eat negative feelings." Luna said dreamily. "They usually leave a person feeling happy or at least very content."
Hermione smiled at the fifth year Ravenclaw. "We weren't aware of them." she said "But, I know that I am definitely feeling the effects."
Luna seemed to focus on Hermione for a moment. She then smiled a knowing smile. "That is really good news, Hermione." she said without a hint of dreaminess. "You and Harry deserve to be happy."
"Thank you, Luna." Hermione said. Her face then took on an excited look. "Harry spoke to me earlier today, and it made me think. Luna are you in the mood to help me with a project that might make magical history?"
Luna perked up at this. "What are you thinking?" she asked quickly
Hermione smiled "What do you know about muggle science, particularly physics?"
Luna looked at Hermione and a new wave of giddy joy ran through her at the thought of new knowledge.
Meanwhile Neville watched the conversation, only understanding every few sentences. 'lucky I brought my herbology homework.' he thought as the three friends went into the library.
While Hermione, Luna, and Neville were in the library, Harry went to the headmaster's office. After whispering the password (Jawbreaker) to the gargoyle, Harry stepped past the sentinel and onto the moving staircase. Harry knocked on the headmaster's door once he stepped off of the staircase and heard Dumbledore admit him.
"You asked to see me, Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"Yes Harry, and please call me Albus." he said yet again.
"Sorry, Albus." Harry said sheepishly, "Old Habits."
"Understandable, Your parents also had a difficult time adjusting to the change in status." Albus said. "However, I summoned you here to let you know that in three days time, you are to be at the ministry to claim your seats on the Wizengamot. You will also be able to make your case against Mister Malfoy."
"I see." said Harry thoughtfully, "What are the chances of Malfoy actually facing justice?"
"It is difficult to say, Harry." said Albus, "On one hand the, Cornelius wishes to stay in your good graces, on the other, Lucius Malfoy has recently been 'exonerated' and still holds much influence in the ministry. It could go either way."
Harry thought for a few moments. "Well, I guess that I'm lucky that I know two people who can help me with pureblood laws and customs." he said. "I can find a way to make sure the little bastard pays for what he did to Hermione."
Albus looked at Harry apprehensively. "Harry, revenge resides on a slippery slope." he said. "It could be argued that Tom Riddle started his reign of terror on the platform of revenge."
Harry shook his head. "This isn't revenge, Albus. If the ministry does their job, Malfoy has nothing to fear from me personally." He looked into the headmaster's eyes. "However, if Malfoy money can keep him from Azkaban, then I will take matters into my own hands. I will not have someone attack someone that I love and walk away unpunished simply because of how much gold they have I their vaults."
This seemed to mollify Albus. "I understand, Harry. More so, I agree. However it is unfortunate that Mister Malfoy could not be swayed from the dark."
Harry nodded his understanding. "Unfortunately, Albus, in order to save someone from that kind of darkness, one has to want to be saved. They can't be forced or coerced."
"Alas, Harry, you are absolutely correct." the old wizard said sadly.
Friday came almost too quickly for Harry. As he walked into the Wizengamot chamber, he felt that something big was going to happen. Today Malfoy was going to pay for what he did to Hermione, one way or the other.
The chamber was almost barren. There were one hundred seats in a half circle taking up most of the east, north, and west walls. On the south wall there was a raise dais with seats for the chief warlock, the minister, and the Director of the DMLE. Harry looked among the seats for his house crest. Finally finding it towards the front of the west wing, he took his seat and waited.
Soon after the other members of the Wizengamot flooded into the chamber and it no longer looked so barren. It took nearly ten minutes, but everyone found their seats. Moments later, Dumbledore, Fudge, and madam Bones took their seats as well. The hall went silent as Dumbledore banged his gavel.
"I, Chief Warlock Albus Percival, Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, now call into session this 4,992nd meeting of the Wizengamot. Let us speak of old business." he said.
The session went on in vain mostly for about an hour. They spoke about the death eaters and what should be done about them. During this time it was easy to point out death eaters and sympathizers. They were the ones who either meticulously shot down any proposition regarding punishment for death eaters, or said nothing. Out of the hundred members, Harry counted thirty. Nearly a third of the Wizengamot was filled with death eaters. There was no wonder that the purebloods were ruling Wizarding Briton with an iron fist.
Harry was pissed. It took a lot of his will to keep from just cursing the lot of them. Thirty death eaters in seats with this much power. How many of them had high power positions in the ministry. Harry was willing to bet a sizable amount that all of them did. How in the hell was Harry supposed to save the wizarding world with the deck stacked against him so badly. 'The answer,' Harry thought with a marauder's smile 'is to remove the offending cards.
"And now for new business." announced Dumbledore. "Bringing a legal matter to our attention is our newest member. Taking his seat today, The Wizengamot recognizes Lord Harry James Potter-Black."
Harry stood. "Thank you, Chief Warlock." He said as he walked to the center of the room. He was extremely grateful to Pansy and Daphne for their tutelage.
"I have penseive memories from three witnesses showing that one Draco Lucian Malfoy attempted to rape and cause further harm to Hermione Jane granger, a muggle born witch under the protection of two ancient and noble houses. I move for immediate conviction."
The chamber got quiet. No one said anything at all. Harry was waiting for an argument, but none came. Dumbledore was going to ask for examination of the defendant until Fudge spoke up.
"My apologies, Lord Potter, but it was the decision of the ministry, that there was not enough evidence to warrant a trial against scion Malfoy. The case was dropped."
Harry was expecting this. He looked to the side where Malfoy smirked at him. "I see." he said. "Well, I guess that if the ministry isn't going to punish criminals, then it falls to me."
Fudge's face turned red with anger at those words from Harry. But before he could voice his outrage Harry spoke loudly and clearly.
"DRACO LUCIAN MALFOY!" he called "I LORD HARRY JAMES POTTER-BLACK CHALLENGE YOU TO a DUAL OF HONOUR AGAINST BOTH OF MY HOUSES!"
There were gasps from all members of the Wizengamot. They all knew that if Harry were to win he would take half of the Malfoy family fortune. And Harry called for recompense for TWO houses. The Malfoy could conceivably walk out with one fourth of their fortune.
"NOW SEE HERE," The minister bellowed "I TOLD YOU THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE. YOU CANNOT JUST CHALLENGE PEOPLE FOR NO REASON!"
Harry calmly looked to Fudge. "I believe that you no longer have any say in the fate of scion Malfoy." he said. "I tried to do this your way. YOU denied justice. I saw what the accused was doing along with the chief warlock. It was your decision to allow him to get away with attempted rape. However if he weren't wealthy or a pureblood, Well, then I'm sure justice would have been served. However now that you have just told us that the ministry isn't going to punish the accused, you have no authority over what happens now. I claimed full line protection a month ago. I made sure that it was posted for all to see. I am well within my legal rights to kill him if I so choose."
"I WILL NOT HAVE IT! Fudge said. He really didn't like the idea of someone flouting his authority. It never crossed his mind that Harry was absolutely correct. He had no jurisdiction. "I WILL NOT HAVE SOME GLORY SEEKING-"
"Careful, Minister." said Dumbledore. "That line of thought could end with you facing Lord Potter-Black in an honour dual."
Fudge said no more.
"So, Scion Malfoy, do you accept my challenges. Or will you yield three quarters of your family fortune?"
Malfoy walked to the center. "What are the terms?" he asked angrily
"I will duel you on behalf of the house of Potter. We will choose a second to duel for the house of Black." Harry replied politely. "First blood, submission, or incapacitation. No unforgivables."
"Very well, Potter." Malfoy said as he raised his wand in salute.
Harry saluted as well and the two wizards bowed slightly. Malfoy started with a cutting curse. Harry easily avoided it and returned fire with a bludgeoning hex. The hex blasted through Malfoy's hurriedly conjured shield but didn't reach the blond boy, however, it did allow for Harry's summoning spell to hit his wand. Harry caught the foreign wand and cast two silent slightly overpowered cutting hexes. One took off the blond boy's right arm, while the other left a deep gash in his cheek.
Harry walked over to Malfoy, dropped his wand and said, "I understand that they can reattach your arm for you. But the scar on your face will remind you who your betters are." he walked to the side of the dueling area to wait for the final part of the 'trial'.
Lucius Malfoy stepped onto the platform and pulled his wand from his walking stick. He was that his idiotic whelp of a son would put him in this position. The brat had lost him half the family fortune to Potter, and now he had to defend half of what was left abruptly and with no idea as to whom he would be facing.
His eyes widened when he saw his former wife step upon the platform and bring her wand to salute. Quickly regaining his composure, he returned the salute. He understood that the rules remained from the last duel so he cast a slicing curse before bringing up his protego.
Narcissa pirouetted around the curse, and sent a powerful reducto at her ex-husband's shield, followed by three rapid fire bludgeoning hexes. These hexes caused the shield to shatter and she sent a cutting curse of her own. Lucius evaded her curse and sent a powerful bludgeoning hex at her followed by another. She was able to dodge the first; however the second knocked her to the ground, where she lay sprawled.
Lucius never thought that Narcissa was a very powerful witch. In fact the only reason he kept her after Draco was born was because of her pure blood and her increasingly good looks. He knew that she was a weakling and attacked her with overpowered spells. He wanted her to submit, to yield. Draco may have cost him half his remaining fortune, but he would get his satisfaction of hearing his former Lady beg for mercy. He walked over to her confidently and pointed his wand at her chest.
"Yield, Black." he said superiorly. "Lest I harm that pretty face."
Narcissa looked at Lucius with as much hate as she could muster. His wand was already pointing to the wizard's left leg as that was where her right hand landed when she fell. "Reducto!" she said angrily.
The scene that followed was one for the ages. Lucius Malfoy, the epitome of pureblood WIZARD superiority was just beaten soundly by the woman he had used as a whore for nearly twenty years. As his lower leg exploded, the pureblood lords were apoplectic at the scene, while the Ladies who knew about her treatment (some of their husbands were clients of the Malfoys, while others had the same treatment) were proud, though they were smart enough not to show it. Lucius screamed in rage and agony and lost his own composure.
"I'll see you in hell for this, whore! The Dark Lord will feed you to Greyback's pack!" he screamed as he raised his wand. "CRUCIO!"
Narcissa fell to the floor convulsing in complete and total agony as the curse struck her. The pain lasted for six seconds before Lucius's arm met the same fate as his leg thanks to Sirius Black. This was the last that Lucius knew as the blood loss and pain caused him to lose consciousness.
"Please see that he is healed before we set his trial, scribe." Dumbledore said calmly before looking at the minister. "Perhaps it would have been a good idea to allow the DMLE to investigate before signing off against prosecution."
As the platform lowered and the Wizengamot members calmed themselves, Dumbledore banged his gavel. He looked around at the faces of the people in attendance. The spectators were wide eyed and seemed to be in shock. The members had just settled back into their seats to continue the meeting wondering what else today would bring.
"Is their any more new business?" he asked the assembly.
Harry was about to stand when another lord beat him to it. "I move that Cornelius Oswald fudge be put on probation as Minister for Magic pending a full investigation into his administration, on the grounds that he has been circumventing the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to apparently protect his friends. How many other friends did the minister protect in this manner?"
There were gasps in the spectator's section. The members however were looking thoughtful. Dumbledore said, "Minister, do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Cornelius could only shake his head as he thought about how he had completely misjudged Lucius.
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "In favor of Probation?" almost all wands lit up. "All opposed?" three wands lit. "Abstained?"
None.
"Very well, Minister it is the decision of this body that you are to be under investigation regarding any possible misdeeds while you held the office of Minister for Magic. Upon the completion of this investigation, we shall convene once again to decide your fate." he banged his gavel. "Is there any more new business?"
Harry went back to his quarters that afternoon, tired and a bit sore. After he left Sirius as proxy for the Black vote, and Andromeda Tonks for the Potter vote, he decided to go to Grimmauld place for a workout. He then flood directly from his home to his quarters where he fell into what was becoming his favorite chair.
He sat there for several minutes relaxing his muscles before going to his work desk. His class started the next day and he wanted to be prepared. He looked over his schedule to make sure he had it memorized. On Tuesdays he would hold two classes for third years the first being Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, the second being Ravenclaws and Slytherins. Beyond that he would have to more classes for the fifth years with the same distinctions. Fifth years would be double sessions due to OWLS.
Wednesday he would take on the sixth years. Gryffindor and Slytherin first, then Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. That grouping actually worried him. Malfoy may not be there to cause trouble, but there were plenty of other Slytherins with a grudge to bear. The 'Puffs and 'Claws had a bit of a rivalry as well, but it was more academic, that violent. These classes were both double classes.
He had seventh years come Thursday. Each of his two classes were to be two and three quarter hours long due to NEWTs. Ravenclaws and Gryffindor in the morning, Slytherin and Hufflepuff after lunch. He had been sitting in on seventh year DADA to see how they were getting on. From there he was able to decide the proper course of action.
After reviewing his lesson plans for the following day, he heard the portrait open and close. There were only two people who knew the password other than Albus. And the headmaster would always announce himself before coming to his suite. That left either Hermione or…"
"Please tell me that the Ferret is in Azkaban where he belongs." Ron said with an intensity Harry had never heard before.
Harry sighed. "Unfortunately he was never tried for what he did to Hermione." Harry said. Before he could finish Ron yelled.
"What?! Both you and Professor Dumbledore caught him! How could he get away with that? The bloody corrupt-"
Harry stopped his rant before he got on a roll. "WAIT, RON!" he yelled to get the red head's attention. He grinned and said "I said he wasn't tried. I never said he wasn't punished."
With that Harry explained to his best mate everything that happened at the Wizengamot. Ron laughed loudly when he was told that the Weasleys were almost as rich as the Malfoys now. He laughed even harder when he found out what Harry did with the money. Ten percent went into a vault for Hermione, another ten went into the Weasley family vault on the grounds that they had been tormented by the vile family for two generations and this was comeuppance, the rest went into a charitable organization that Harry started that's sole purpose was to acclimate the families of muggleborns to the Wizarding world. He aptly named it the Lily foundation.
The agonized screams failed to abate the rage of the being formerly known as Tom Riddle. Not only is the Potter brat alive, he's healthier than before and magically stronger. This made Voldemort nervous because he had noticed that his own power had significantly weakened. Not that any of his minions would ever know of this.
But the real reason for this particular bout of fury was the whelp writhing before him. Voldemort was originally pleased that Draco would take the initiative and attack Potter's mudblood bitch. However, he was unaware that Potter knew what it meant to be the head of two Most Noble and Ancient houses. Thus the Malfoy spawn had cost him not only a good death eater in Lucius, but the majority of the Malfoy fortune as well.
Lucius was, of course, worthless to him now. With no real money and lacking to appendages, he was more of a liability. The Blond was once a valued member of his ranks; however he always had a tendency to put his own ego before the fight ahead of him. He had failed the Dark Lord more than once due to this.
Draco, however, had promise. There was a ruthlessness that Voldemort liked to see in one so young. Perhaps if the boy could be trained to keep his ego in check, and make rational decisions in a fight than he could take the place of his father in his inner circle. Thus why the boy was writhing under the effects of the cruciatus curse. Hopefully this would teach the boy to be more careful in the future.
Voldemort lifted the curse after thirty seconds. It would not due to overtax the boy before he took the mark. To punish him too harshly would render him as useless as his father. He watched the whelp lie catching his breath. The boy eventually rolled off of his back and onto one knee.
"My apologies, My Lord." he said breathlessly, "I shall not fail you again."
Voldemort stared down at the Malfoy scion. "I shall forgive you this time, Draco. However you need training. I shall leave you with Dolohov. He is one of my most dangerous servants and shall teach you well." he looked to Anton Dolohov, "Take him away. Feed him and heal him. He shall begin his training tomorrow."
As the two walked out of his throne room, Voldemort sat back in deep thought. Potter had shown a great deal of patience in his duel with Malfoy. Also he had shown that he was adept with non-verbal casting. Severus had not mentioned that. Perhaps he should force the potions master to reveal his true allegiance. But not yet, no let Severus keep on as he has been. It would seem that he was living up to his Slytherin background and playing both sides, hoping to stand with the winner at the end. While Voldemort respected the traditions of his ancestor, one could not abide disloyalty. No he would allow Severus to play his game until he left himself no choice but to show where his loyalties truly lie.
Now, what to do about Potter? Voldemort understood that if allowed to progress at the currant rate the boy might be able to defeat him in a duel someday. This could not be allowed. No something would have to be done to stop his magical growth. However first he would have to figure out what caused the sudden spike in magical prowess that was lacking at the Ministry. This would require much thought.
AN: So there it is another chapter done. One thing I want to say is I'm going to stop using italics altogether. It seems that when I use them for one or two words, they take over the chapter once it's uploaded.
That being said, I'm sorry for the long delay in posting. Like I said in the beginning, I had no clue what was going to happen in this story. Now I know what I want to do with the characters, but I'm still trying to decide how to get them to that point, so it's taking a little longer than I originally thought.
For those who are upset about my grammar or spelling, I am truly sorry. I am dyslexic and doing my best. I have yet to hear from any of the betas that I have contacted but once I do, my writing shall improve.
Thank all of you who are enjoying this story. And for all of your reviews. I should also say that I will not be begging for reviews in my writing, but I will thank you all at the end of each chapter. I just want you to enjoy my work.