DISCLAIMER THE FIRST: It is by JKR's writing alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the grace of coffee that thoughts acquire speed, the back acquires strains, the strains become a warning. The warning is that I make no money from this. It is by JKR's writing alone I set my mind in motion.
PITHY STATEMENT RELATING TO THIS CHAPTER: "Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress." Martin Luther King Jr. – American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. (1929-1968)
LAST UPDATED: 11-02-2016
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CHAPTER SEVEN – LAWS AND LAWLESSNESS
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OFFICES OF KETTLERIDGE, CRESWELL & DIPPET, LONDON, UK – JULY 22nd 1996 – EARLY EVENING
Harry lounged in a large padded-leather chair and just enjoyed the sweet feeling of being clean. After weeks in Azkaban, the first hot shower had almost been a religious experience for him. Not itching or having to scrape the scum off his teeth with dirty fingernails was nice change of pace as well. Even more than that was being able to look out the window and see the dying rays of the setting sun; something he hadn't seen for a long time. In all his days in Azkaban, he'd only seen the sun a handful of times. While he waited, Harry idly flipped through a day old copy of the Times.
Given that his Aunt Petunia loved crime shows, both British and American, Harry had seen lots of lawyer offices on various shows. He was sort of surprised to find that the office he was currently in pretty much married up with what he'd seen on the telly. Mr. Creswell had the bookshelves filled with law books, the nice desk and all his certificates on the wall. He even had some family photos on his desk. One of those pictures had someone in it Harry actually recognized. Given how the Quidditch team spent a lot of time together meant that Harry recognized Leanne Creswell, Katie Bell's best friend and year-mate from Hufflepuff in one of the photos. She'd often taken team photos and she'd even had some of her shots of various matches get printed in the Daily Prophet and the Quibbler.
The door to the office opened and Martin Creswell came in talking with a junior partner about something regarding changes in the galleon to pound sterling ratio in overseas trade tariffs. Harry didn't understand a third of what was being said but it was interesting nonetheless. Finally Creswell was satisfied his associate could deal with the issue and dismissed him.
"Sorry about that Mr. Potter but unfortunately galleons never sleep as our goblin friends would say." Martin said apologetically.
"No worries, sir. After Azkaban, just sitting in this comfy chair and listening to voices which aren't screaming or laughing manically is fine by me," Harry said lightly. He was practically giddy after leaving the Wizarding prison behind.
Creswell's face darkened at the mention of Azkaban. "They had no right to put you in there! I knew Fudge couldn't find his foot if it wasn't in his mouth or up his arse but he's certainly put his foot into it this time! Never mind you are the Boy-Who-Lived but you are the last heir to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter! It's outrageous! What's worse is how so many of the old houses let it happened. You can bet your wand if you were Lucius's boy they would have been up in arms," Creswell fumed a bit before visibly calming himself.
Harry smiled. Whether or not he could trust House Greengrass, it was quite apparent Martin Creswell was on his side at least. Neville had been right that he was a conscientious solicitor who took his clients rights very seriously. He reminded Harry of Susan Bone's Aunt Amelia who was head of the DMLE. She hadn't let Fudge railroad him during his first hearing. Hopefully she'd do the same now when both Fudge and Dumbledore seemed aligned against him.
"Mr. Creswell, I appreciate everything you've done for me so far and I don't mean to insult you or your professionalism but I must ask; will what I tell you be held in the strictest of confidence?" Harry asked.
Creswell gave Harry a shrewd look as he sat down behind his desk which was covered with plenty of work. He didn't look angry, just taking Harry's measure. Finally he said, "Well I see young Lord Longbottom was correct in saying you tend to get right to the point. Considering what I know of your upbringing and certain things I have noticed since you arrived in the Wizarding world I won't take offense to the question. So let me tell you where I'm coming from and you can decide what you feel you can tell me."
Harry watched as Creswell leaned back in his expensive chair and looked at the ceiling as he gathered his thoughts. If one thing the office told Harry was the firm earned every expensive bit of frippery he had seen so far. The whole office screamed of hard work matched with cunning and not the cheap, dodgy shyster practices Harry had seen on the telly where the solicitor was just there to milk the last pound out of his client. He never was sure why Aunt Petunia loved those shows but now he was glad he at least had some exposure to the legal system.
Creswell let out a sigh and looked back at Harry. "First off, as a member of Kettleridge, Creswell and Dippet, I take my client's privacy very seriously. You don't get far in my business by being careless with secrets. This is an old firm and it is trusted because we have proven we can be trusted. Secondly while I tend to work primarily on cases for House Greengrass, our office does work with many of the major and minor house. For example, I did some work with House Diggory after young Cedric was killed. I've even worked on many cases which involved your own House, Harry. Can I call you Harry? You don't look comfortable being called Mr. Potter.
Harry made a dismissive gesture, "Well since most of the people who call me Mr. Potter are teachers and considering I've had at four of them try to kill me and one of them was one syllable away from hitting me with an Unforgivable Curse, I'm perfectly okay with Harry."
Creswell frowned at that but then just gave a quick shake of his head before continuing, "I don't know how much you know of your heritage given that everything we seem to know about you, publically at any rate, is wrong. I'm guessing not a lot considering you had to ask Neville Longbottom to go through Ms. Greengrass for help. If you had known more I'm sure you would have asked for our help directly."
"Why is that, Mr. Creswell" Harry interrupted. He knew Neville had said the Potters and the Greengrass family had had dealings before and even had intermarried but Daphne had never said anything about it at school and certainly Dumbledore or McGonagall hadn't said anything.
"Well Harry your family comes from a long line of brewers. Your family predates the coming of the Romans which most of the elite families can't claim. The Potters have long been known for their brewing of spirits as well as potions. In fact I remember your father, who was a few years behind me, getting ribbed because you mother, a Muggleborn, was better in potions than he was. The Potters not only brew beer and spirits but also owned land to grow the hops and barley they used. They later branched out into dairies and other avenues. It is a fair bet, Harry, that the pumpkin juice you drank at Hogwarts came from a company you own." Martin smiled at the incredulous look which dawned on Harry's face.
"Surely you didn't think the Potters became an Ancient and Most Noble House just by being old, did you?" Creswell ask and then let out a chuckle, "Money talks and the Potters have been more than well off by Wizarding standards for centuries. Of course your ancestors did more than merely brew. They were traders, diplomats and great explorers. They were also great warriors when needed. Your family was critically involved in the crisis of 1066 which ended with the creation of the Wizengamot. So while your family has dwindled to just you, at one time the Potters were one of the most influential families in England. Like the Blacks, the Longbottoms, Davies, Abbotts and the Prewetts, your family name carried a lot of weight.
Harry's eyes narrowed at this. All of those families mentioned were now just shells of their former glory if Mr. Creswell's story was correct. It was a coincidence Harry didn't like.
Creswell frowned a bit at the look on Harry's face but continued, "Now as to why you might have come to me if you had known this is because our firm has often dealt with business deals between your house and those of House Greengrass. They have acted as shippers for your families goods throughout the United Kingdom since 1643. We've even done a little work involving House Zabini since their family, along with the Longbottoms, has been used to ship Potter goods overseas. As far as I know they still do."
Creswell gave a sad sigh, "After your parent's murder and grandparent's deaths, the Ministry swooped in and now I have practically no idea who is managing your families businesses other than it is probably being done directly by the goblins. So let me assure you that your friend Neville was perfectly correct in thinking of our firm to help you. While much of our work is business law, we've had more than enough experience dealing with the Ministry overreaching itself and meddling in the affairs of the Great Houses."
Harry nodded and was busy taking all of this in. He knew the Potter family had been respected but he had always assumed it was because they were fierce fighters against Voldemort. To find that he was probably heir to a moderately wealthy if not outright rich family was amazing. It made him being left on the steps of Privet Drive like the daily milk delivery even more daft! He was sure the Potter family had plenty of associates in their various businesses which would have happily raised him. Another thing to take up with the Old Man someday.
Creswell gave Harry some time to digest this before going on. So far he had been very impressed with the boy. Harry certainly didn't act like anything he had read about in the Prophet and he was amazed how little Azkaban seemed to have affected the young man. Creswell had known plenty of grown wizards who had been in for only a few days and been practically broken by it. Yet Harry seemed to take it as a minor inconvenience!
After Harry finally looked up, Creswell continued, "As for another reason why you can trust me is I'm sure you have a rather skewed view of things since most of what you know of the Wizarding world comes from Hogwarts, yes? Since you are a Gryffindor I'm sure you've been fed all the stories about the evils of Slytherin. Well let me tell you that while many are quite true for certain Slytherins, it isn't the full truth. I was a Ravenclaw myself but my wife was a Slytherin and in our day that House was filled with ambitious witches and wizards eager to prove themselves. In fact, I'm surprised more Muggleborn don't get sorted there since so many want to prove they are just as good as any Pureblood." Creswell paused for a moment before going on, "Do you know Ms. Greengrass, Harry?"
"Not really, sir. We've been teamed up a few times on different projects in class over the years. She's been polite but…well there is a reason she's called the Ice Queen of Slytherin even if I don't think she's really all that bad." Harry said with more than a hint of embarrassment.
Creswell laughed, "No need to be embarrassed, Harry. I've known Ms. Greengrass for most of her life as well as her sister. I can tell you she acts that way because right now Slytherin House is not a good place for the so called neutral houses…that and Daphne has a low opinion of many of her classmates," Creswell said with a sly grin.
"That makes two of us," Harry said with a grin of his own.
Creswell nodded, "I know full well that you and Draco Malfoy have been at odds from practically the moment you met. Considering the history between your two families, a history I'm sure no one has bothered to tell you, this doesn't surprise me. So I'm sure you are aware how much Mr. Malfoy and other children of families which were followers of the Dark Lord currently control Slytherin House. Ms. Greengrass and others such as young Zabini keep aloof and take no sides in order to protect themselves. Have you ever seen them join in with the now typical Gryffindor versus Slytherin feuding?"
Harry thought about it and had to admit he hadn't. In fact if Daphne wasn't so startling pretty it would be easy to miss her. Since she hung out with Tracey, Blaise sometimes Paul Runcorn who rarely spoke unless called on in class, it was easy for them to be overshadowed by the likes of Draco and Pansy.
In fact, when Harry thought about it, Millie didn't say much and neither did Crabbe and Goyle who usually just loyally chuckled dutifully when Draco said something he felt was funny. Theodore often made snide comments but in truth almost all of the vitriol coming from the Slytherins was predominately Malfoy and Parkinson's doing. Then again, the reverse was true given how much Ron and Seamus and to a lesser extent Lavender and Fay returned it in kind.
Seeing that Harry understood where he was coming from, Creswell continued, "You see Harry being put into Slytherin House isn't a stamp certifying you as evil. It's just been perverted by the Death Eaters and other bigoted Pureblood families. My wife has said if you take the time do some digging and look at what Salazar Slytherin actually wrote in the texts which survive instead of what people wrote about what they think he said that you will find he wasn't against Muggleborns at all but only felt they needed to be taken away from Muggles and raised in the Wizarding world."
Creswell gestured to a print Harry recognized as a reproduction of a famous Wizarding painting of the Witch Hunt of Bamberg, one of the few which was successful in Europe due to help from disgruntled Squibs. "In light of a lot of the problems wizards and Muggles were having back then it makes perfect sense from Salazar's point in history. He never said wizard blood was better, Slytherin merely felt that the pure blood, which is to say magical blood, bonded us to those born to Muggles and thus we had a duty to them. All this later Pureblood supremacy came much later and definitely got worse under old Grindelwald."
Creswell let out a harsh chuckle, "I'm sure if Salazar were here today he would be the first to denounce your average Pureblood like the Malfoys as fools. In fact your relations, the Blacks family motto 'Fortitudinepuritas' translates as Strength through Purity but the purity involved had nothing to do with blood. Magical scholars have long felt intent, pure and focused intent leads to more powerful magic. This is often cited for the reasons Dark Lords rarely last given that the Dark Arts always cause you to lose part of yourself and thus lose the ability to fully understand the ramifications of the magic being attempted. Thus to House Black, always pure originally meant keeping one's intent pure and focused which in turn would bring strength and power."
Creswell frowned, "Harry, you have to understand that Slytherin valued ambition because he felt it was the mark of any sentient creature to try to rise above the station they were born into. He lived in a time where life was very stratified. Who you were born of or where you were born often ruled your life. Slytherin himself was born of a lowly family in what is now the Basque region of Spain but he refused to stay in poverty or be put into servitude to Lords who were above him only because they had been born into wealth."
Creswell leaned forward and Harry could tell he was trying to get across an important point, "You see Harry, cunning and ambition are not evil by themselves. It is the intent on how you use it. It's the same with bravery. While it is a noble thing, it often can be manipulated so the person is tricked into doing things they think are just and good when they are not. Sadly many in Gryffindor House down through the centuries have been led astray because they think their bravery and selflessness somehow is inherently noble. This makes them very easy to manipulate. I'm sure you've heard that said. I know the Ravenclaws in my day certainly said it often enough."
Harry nodded. He'd often heard disparaging remarks from the Ravenclaws, even Luna at times, about how Gryffindors would charge ahead with little thoughts or plans. Given his own head-long flight into the trap at the DoM did little to disprove this view since even Hermione had gone along.
"So being sorted in Slytherin isn't what people think it is. Slytherin wanted students who wanted to shine and be more than society wanted them to be. It used to be Muggleborns were quite often sorted in Slytherin. Sadly the Sorting Hat's magic is an extension of Hogwarts itself. The more blood purity beliefs took hold, the more the Sorting Hat sorted people who believed that is what Slytherin wanted in his House." Creswell explained.
"I know Ms. Greengrass has never said anything to you about all this, but please look at it from her perspective: she has to survive in Slytherin House. However, it doesn't take away the connection between your two families." Creswell got up and went to a cabinet and started rooting around for something. "You see Harry, you and House Greengrass have blood in common as well. It's obvious no one has told you anything of your family history other than young Longbottom so I'm not sure you if you know about your own connection with House Greengrass. Tell me, has anyone told you why you're named Harry?"
Harry looked blank, "No." Harry thought about it for a second, "Come to think of it, I don't recall some friends of my father I know ever telling me about anyone named Harry."
Creswell chuckled, "Well if you're talking about who I'm thinking you are, I'm not surprised. Anyway take a look at this." Creswell pulled out a lineage chart of House Potter and laid it down in front of Harry.
Creswell pointed towards the bottom of the chart, "Your father was a bit of a miracle baby if you will. Old Charlus and Dorea had been trying for years for a son and it wasn't till very late in their life that you father was born. But, as you can see here, his brother Charles didn't have such problems."
Harry looked towards where Creswell was pointing and immediately started to get where the lawyer was coming from. His father's uncle, someone Harry had never even heard of, had married a Samantha Greengrass and their son was named Harold. Harry noticed that he had married a Caroline Davis and that their daughter was named Astoria.
Harry looked up, "Is the Slytherin Tracey Davis, Daphne's friend, related to this Caroline Davis? And what about Astoria?"
Creswell made a face as he thought for a moment, "Let's see…hmmm. If I remember right Tracey's father was Caroline's brother. He's somewhat persona non grata because he married a Squib. I'm sure Daphne uses her own status to protect her given the current political situation in Slytherin House."
Harry nodded at that. Tracey was often called Daphne's Shadow as she seemed to always be near the pretty blonde.
Creswell made a gesture at the chart, "As for Astoria, well that's a name long associated with House Greengrass so it's not surprising that Samantha pushed for it. Now, as you can see, even though your father and Harold Potter were cousins, Harry was 20 years older than James. But given that his own father was old enough to be his grandfather, well you can probably see why growing up how James and Harry might bond."
Harry looked at the chart some more. He was surprised to find his grandmother was a Black of all things. He was surprised Sirius hadn't mentioned it when he was pointing out various names which got blasted of the family tapestry back at Grimmauld Place. He turned back to Creswell, "How did they all die? I mean they have to be all dead for me to end up with the Dursleys."
Creswell sighed, "Well except for Samantha, they all died due to Death Eater activity. Samantha died in the same Dragonpox epidemic which took your grandparents. Harry and his son Corwin were killed while attending a funeral of all things. Harold died fighting Fenrir Greyback and almost killed him. Not that I probably have to say this but if you ever meet him, know Greyback has it in for your family."
Harry scowled, "Well that's just another reason to want him dead. He was the one that infected my father's friend, Professor Lupin."
Creswell looked surprised for a moment, "Oh yes, I'd forgotten that. Yes well anyway, the only reason Caroline and Astoria weren't killed was Astoria was sick that day and were both at home. Sadly Astoria died the next year in a fire started by Death Eaters in Hogsmeade and Caroline was killed during a terror strike in Diagon Alley only about two weeks after her daughters death."
Harry looked at the chart some more, "So did my great-grandmother Euphemia die at the funeral Harold died in?"
Creswell nodded. "Between the war and the Dragonpox epidemic, the late Seventies was a bad time for Magical Britain. There is a reason so many people can't say the Dark Lord's name, even now so many years after the end of the war."
Harry looked at the chart and noted lots of various connections to people he knew. His mind was a jumble of thoughts. All this time he thought he was an orphan with no one other than the Dursleys as blood relatives. From the chart he could see he was related to many of his schoolmates. He had known of his relation to Tonks and even Draco but this chart even showed how he was tangentially related to the Weasleys through House Black.
But even though it was through a dead grand-uncle, it was clear that House Potter and Greengrass were on good enough terms that they had married into each other recently. So why hadn't he been raised with them or the Tonks? With House Greengrass being an avowed neutral house with long business ties to House Potter and Andromeda being tossed out for holding similar views as Sirius, both would seem to have been ideal over being left with the Dursleys!
After a moment, Creswell went on, "So Harry while I can understand your unwillingness to trust me due to what you know and what is obvious you haven't been told. The truth is you are part of the extended family of House Greengrass and such are part of my business. House Creswell was originally a client house of the Greengrasses when magic first came into our family. In fact I think somewhere back about 200 years ago a Potter daughter married into our family. So don't think my helping you is going to result in you owing something to House Greengrass you don't feel comfortable with. Besides, Daniel Greengrass as well as old Theodore Greengrass, Goddess rest his soul, has had plenty of experience facing down questions about their actions. Helping you is strictly business in a way. I'm sure you'd do the same if Daphne came to you for help, correct?"
Harry just nodded a bit woodenly. It was a lot to take in. Azkaban had been difficult but it had given him time to order his thoughts, deal with the memories from Voldemort and look at things with a different perspective. Harry thought he had had a better handle on things. Now another door into another huge room filled with information had been opened. It was so much to take in at once!
Creswell knew his young client was getting overwhelmed. "Look Harry, I know this is a lot to take in so before we get into what needs to be done and any dark secrets you feel you need me to know, how about you sleep on it? You did just get out of Azkaban."
Harry sighed, "Yeah well there is that."
Again the older wizard marveled at how little the stint in the Wizarding hellhole of a prison seemed to have affected the young man. "As for now, you'll be staying here as part of your parole in a room we keep clients in. While it will prevent you from escaping, know that we do this as part of our agreement with the Ministry to ensure you don't escape. It has nothing to do with trust or whether or not we feel you are innocent or guilty. However I'm sure you'll find this room much more to your liking than your old cell."
Harry snorted at this, "I'm pretty sure of that!"
Creswell chuckled, "Quite! I suggest I take you down there now and one of our elves can prepare you some food. They have lots of experience in getting people back up to speed after all that trash they feed prisoners at Azkaban. So get fed and get some sleep and think on this and we can talk tomorrow. I'd rather talk to you when you feel more comfortable telling me your side of the story. Morgana knows this case has enough weirdness as it is." Creswell said with a slight roll of his eyes.
Harry nodded, "I'd like that Mr. Creswell. I am a bit knackered; I don't think I've had a decent night sleep in weeks. Till tomorrow then."
"Till tomorrow," Creswell agreed.
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KRÄFTIGSEGLERHAUS, SASSNITZ, GERMANY – JULY 20th 1996 – EARLY MORNING
Regina looked out onto the grounds of her family's estate and wondered how her life could come to this? Growing up, Regina had wanted for nothing. Her family lived in a palatial estate which was once the Muggle Dwasieden Castle. While the Muggles thought it mostly demolished in 1947, the truth was grandfather had bought the property and warded it so everyone thought the old place was gone.
Regina snorted. Her grandfather. The thought made her stomach clench.
Was dear Klaus Heimark still her grandfather even if there was no blood relationship? Would Caroline always be her mother even if Regina left for fabled Vanaheim to live with her real mother? And what of her own life? To be taken off like a cloak for the Boy-Who-Lived to wear in some cosmic battle between higher powers?
Regina sighed. For all her strength and determination at school, Durmstrang had not prepared her for meeting a Goddess of the Vanir. Nor had her time there made the decision of what to do any easier. But she was running out of time for her to make that decision. The letter in her hand was evidence of that.
The message was short and to the point. She was to go to Herthaburg in the nearby Jasmund National Park and wait to be contacted. Regina knew that the legends regarding the earth goddess Nerthus bathing there was more than mere Muggle legend. Yet she had always assumed the legends spoke of an ancient and powerful witch.
Now, Regina had to wonder is she might meet the actual Nerthus?
Regina shivered and with a sigh turned to her wardrobe so as to get ready to go meet her destiny. A destiny she flip-flopped on every hour or so. Did she stay and spend the next few years in hiding why the famous Harry Potter lived her life? Or did she leave her friends, family and everything she knew to travel to another realm entirely?
These thoughts kept going through her mind as she mechanically dressed for riding. The park was within easy riding distance. Even though Durmstrang taught apparition earlier than Beauxbatons or Hogwarts, Regina didn't like apparating into areas travelled by Muggles. There could be plenty of tourists on a nice day like this. She didn't want to run after them so as to obliviate them.
Of course oblivation wasn't something taught at Durmstrang but her family made sure she knew how to do it given how close to the Muggle world they lived and interacted. Sadly it was too easy to slip and either do some incidental magic, leave traces of the same or use a charmed item in front of a Muggle. Better to teach the spell than constantly involve the authorities.
Regina went down the stairs and out through the servant area. The Heimarks, like many European Wizarding families, did not use house-elves and thus preferred to employ squibs instead. It kept them in the society and away from Muggles. Her father had often ranted at the stupidity of nations like the English who kicked their squibs out almost as a matter of course. He felt those squibs were going to come back to haunt them if the Muggles ever got wind of the Wizarding world.
She made her way to the stables and was able to saddle up her horse Ivan and ride off the property with no one seeing her. Luckily her father was off teaching her younger brother a bit of the business so he wouldn't be idle over the summer. Her mother and younger sister were off shopping. The servants were probably out getting supplies for the upcoming Remembrance Day ritual and accompanying festival her family had the honor of hosting this year. It was a somber ritual remembering those who fell in the Grindelwald War followed by the exuberant festival which celebrated life and mimicked the outpourings of joy that had erupted all over Europe after Grindelwald was put down.
Many of the town folk waved as she rode by. She had forgotten to ask something Helga had asked her about just last month: where did the townspeople think her family lived? Regina honestly had no idea given how the family estate was hidden behind the illusion of the ruins of Dwasieden Castle. She thought the spell kept Muggles fuzzy on where her family lived but she couldn't be sure.
Whether they ever wondered where Regina lived, she did know a great many in the town. It was easy in a town of just under 10,000 people. Plus while her home was hidden, the family shipping business was not. It was just the Muggles never realized that her family had other ships they could not see which plied the Wizarding shipping lanes. Thus her family was well known around town.
Regina was happy to find that the park didn't seem as busy as she expected given the time of year. She made her way to the Herthaburg. The Muggles thought it the ruins of a Slavic refuge castle but it actually the remains of one of the bastions of the Order of the Eye, a Wizarding group who had once helped keep the sea lanes safe from magical beasts and pirates. The Order had disbanded as the modern magical states began to form and took over such duties.
Thankfully there were no local or tourists at the ruins when she rode up. She cast a covert spell to detect if there was anyone around she couldn't see but the area was clear. Satisfied, Regina dismounted and led Ivan to a wall with an old mosaic still visible. A few taps and the air shimmered in the ghostly form of a doorway. Regina quickly led her horse through.
She quickly tied up her horse after summoning some water into the basin provided for riders. Ivan quickly began to drink and seemed unaffected by the odd charge in the air. Regina felt it the moment she had passed through the barrier. The old castle always had a lingering feeling of ancient power but today was different.
Regina shivered. The power felt similar to how the Goddess Sigyn's power felt. Yet what filled her with dread was the aura was much more powerful. So powerful, in fact, Regina had no trouble allowing it to lead her down one of the paths to the fable pool of Nerthus. She could tell whatever was radiating the power was there.
She wasn't sure what she expected but a naked, green-haired, buxom woman lounging in the pool certainly wasn't it. The being watched as Regina made her way down to the pool. Whoever the being was, it was obvious she had heated up the pool as whiffs of steam drifted off the water.
Regina noticed that the woman was facing an outcropping on the opposite side of the pool. So she felt that would be a good place to go. She almost felt like she was walking to the Headmistress's office back in Durmstrang after the time she had punched Jerzy Polikoff when he'd copped a feel during after Quidditch victory party.
"Oh don't look so put out, my dear. You look like you are going to the gallows," the woman said with a warmth in her voice which oddly made Regina think of newly turned soil.
Regina nodded as she came up by the outcropping and went to a knee and bowed in the manner of Durmstrang whenever meeting with any of the staff teacher alone.
"Oh get off you knees, my dear. While I do like respect from my children, there is no need to do any posturing of obedience. Your family has always honored me properly as good children should," the Goddess (for she had to be one) said pleasantly.
Regina obligingly stood but kept her eyes downcast, "Forgive me, my lady, for I know not who you are. I mean no disrespect and apologize for my ignorance."
The Goddess laughed. It was a sound filled with the fluttering of winds, the call of wild animals and the wind all at once. It seemed to fill the grotto with energy and for a moment Regina felt like every color became more intense just as every scent sharpened.
"Of course you know me. Everyone knows me even if they often ignore me. I'm known by countless of names but for the moment I think Jörd is the most appropriate," the Goddess said with a wide smile.
Even with all her years of training at Durmstrang, Regina was hard-pressed not to gasp. Jörd! It was the Norse name for Goddess of Earth. Mother Nature herself. The living embodiment of all life on the planet…or at least that's what the legends said. Sigyn had said there were forces moving which were higher than hers. Now Regina was beginning to understand what that really entailed.
"I see my reputation precedes me. Now sit girl before you fall over. I realize it's not every day you get to meet beings like me but you are Völvaborn. I would have thought you'd have a little more tolerance for the unusual," Jörd said lightly.
"Yes my lady," Regina said demurely before carefully sitting while being sure to keep her eyes down.
"What are you doing? Are you averting your eyes? Well don't. I cannot abide it when I need to talk to my children and all I get is groveling and 'sorry this' and 'sorry that' and all the 'We're not worthy' so just stop it already," Jörd said with a tinge of exasperation.
"Yes, my Lady," Regina quickly said again and looked back towards the Goddess.
"Right. Well Regina, daughter now of two worlds, you have a choice to make now don't you?" Jörd asked pleasantly. "Whatever that choice is, I'm here to help make it happen as a favor to Lady Sigyn. Given the poor dear has had to put up with Loptur all these years, well given all the grief my son Thor has done to that poor boy over the years, how could I not help her?"
Regina blinked as she swallowed thickly. Mother Nature was sitting naked in a pool not 3 meters away and talking of Gods like Thor as if she was gossiping with other mothers down at the market. Yet she kept her wits from flying away. "Yes my Lady, I have made my decision."
Jörd leaned forward in the water, her full breasts bobbing a bit in the water, "And?"
Regina swallowed again before answering the most important question in her life.
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OFFICES OF KETTLERIDGE, CRESWELL & DIPPET, LONDON, UK – JULY 23rd 1996 – EARLY EVENING
Harry quietly hummed to himself to the sound of Anne Lennox singing about wondering about who some girl was. Harry had been surprised to see that the building was wired for electricity and to find a working radio in Creswell's office. He had asked Healer Edwards about it when she had looked in on him before he had bedded down. She had kindly explained that unlike Hogwarts, most places didn't have enough ambient magic to interfere with most technology.
It was just tradition and fear of change which kept so many families using only magic in their homes. She had asked him if he had wanted a telly brought in and he had readily agreed. Harry had rarely got to watch TV by himself at the Dursleys so it was nice to be the hand which held the remote for a change.
Harry went back to reviewing his written statement he had just finished regarding the events that led to the death of his godfather and his subsequent arrest. Before he had left briefly to get some documents from the Ministry, Creswell had told him not to gloss over anything if he could avoid it. He had warned it was better to be truthful on the stand and give out info that might hurt one's case than to be caught in a lie. While he didn't expect Fudge to allow veritaserum to be used, Creswell couldn't rule it out so that was another reason for Harry to be as honest as possible.
Harry's anger had returned as he went through the document. Reliving the events just got him fuming again at the injustice of it all. At least he would finally have his day in court regarding Umbridge's use of a Blood Quill on him. Healer Edwards had gone rather spare when she had examined the scar on his hand.
Her spell-work confirmed what had been done to him. Harry hadn't realized there was a legitimate use for the Blood Quill and there were even a few in this room to be used when signing certain important legal documents. To be used to writes lines with as a punishment was something Umbridge would be hard pressed to explain.
Other than that, there wasn't a lot to be happy about. Harry had looked at the morning's Daily Prophet and was only moderately surprised to see all the articles, op-eds and letters to the editor regarding him ranged from him being a deranged, attention-seeking boy to a budding Dark Lord. Funny how fast he could go from being The Boy Who Lived to up-and-coming Number One menace to society! As sad as it was, this was nothing new for Harry.
It had taken a bit to find someone in the office who had the latest Quibbler but at least when he finally got one Harry found he wasn't being pilloried there as well. True most of the stories related to him were filled with dark conspiracy theories and the occasional fantastical creature element. Hah! If they only knew the real story, Harry had thought grimly. That story would shock Magical Britain more than an invading army of Heliopaths riding Crumpled Horned Snorkacks!
Martin Creswell came in while busily talking on a cell phone. Harry was surprised; he could hear him speaking just fine but Harry couldn't understand a thing which was being said. He tried to make sense of it till Creswell hung-up.
The older man smiled at the look of confusion on Harry's face. "Lawyer charm, Harry. It keeps anyone from understanding what I'm saying so I can be talking with a client and no one will hear any privileged information. That way I don't have to always duck into a private room to take my calls. I must say, why so many of our magical brethren seem okay with getting on their knees to make floo calls is something I can never quite fathom." Creswell said with a shake of his head.
"Well I think people like Draco Malfoy would rather be eaten slowly by a dragon with blunt teeth than admit that the Muggle world has anything to offer," Harry said with a slight smirk.
"To true, my boy, to true," Creswell said as he sat down and pulled out some forms from his briefcase and laid them across his desk. "Now then before we get into any dark secrets, let me just go over what I know and what I think is happening. Is that alright with you, Harry?"
Harry nodded, "Yes, sir. Considering I've been out of the loop I probably need to know what has been said and done in regards to all this."
"Quite!" Creswell looked at the table next to Harry where his statement and the Daily Prophet lay. "If that is your statement and it's done, I'll take it. I see you've seen today's Prophet. Good because today's stories are pretty much what has been the talk since you were arrested. Say what you want about Fudge but when it comes to trying to ruin a person's reputation, he's rather good at it."
Harry sighed, "I'm very well aware of that, Mr. Creswell."
Creswell look up at Harry's tone before looking sad, 'Yes, I'm sure you do. Well there has been an almost universal condemnation of you from all sources Fudge has power or influence over. Worse, Dumbledore seems unwilling or unable to counter it. In the past he has always backed you up directly or had his allies and teachers like Professor McGonagall make statements refuting what is being said about you. So far except for bland statements like, 'I'm waiting for the trial to prove or disprove the allegations against Mr. Potter' Dumbledore has been silent.
Creswell smiled at Harry's derisive snort. "Yes I agree. By making such statements he is practically condemning you. However, regardless of the fickle will of the masses, the facts of this case are hard to dispute. Most of the charges will be dropped simply because of the facts around the case. Facts that Fudge doesn't want aired publically. Yes it is true that you and your friends, the so called Ministry 6, were trespassing in the Ministry and worse the Department of Mysteries but that you were fighting actual Death Eaters is something the Ministry is desperate to downplay." Creswell fingered his well-trimmed beard for a moment. "Let me assure you that if you didn't notice how there is no mention of the Dark Lord in the Prophet today is because there hasn't been one since the incident."
"What?!" Harry cried, practically jumping out of his seat. "That's impossible! There must have been at least twelve aurors that saw Voldemort before he disapparated! Fudge himself admitted to seeing him!"
"All too true, my boy, but these are aurors that work for the Ministry. While I will admit I am very surprised at this considering Director Bone's reputation, I am hardly shocked. Of course Director Bones is still in St. Mungo's after surviving that attack on her house by Death Eaters so perhaps Fudge has gotten to one of her subordinates."
Creswell paused and twirled his pen (a Muggle pen Harry noticed) for a second or two before continuing. "If I were to hazard a guess, I would speculate that Fudge issued some sort of decree keeping everything which happened at the Ministry that night a state secret. While it saves them some face, it does mean they will almost certainly have to drop the Ministry related charges against you since we would be able to have them unsealed for your defense. From what I've already seen, this is something the Ministry does not want." Creswell said.
"So," Harry said slowly, "If that is the case, then what am I really being charged with? They can't be serious about the attempted assassination of Umbridge can they?"
"Oh I assure you that they are." Creswell said with disgust evident in his tone. "They will also be painting you as a dangerous boy who put easily misled youngsters into danger. Now depending on how the case goes, I'm confident we can get you off of many of those charges or at the very least have them reduced to a monetary fine. Yes it is true that you rode Thestrals, technically stealing them from Hogwarts, but since they came willingly and you were not seen by any Muggles it will be hard for them to make a criminal charge stick. The fact that you broke into the house of a relative of Mr. Longbottom to use their floo to get to London from Hogsmeade is another one that will be a bit dicey for the Ministry since they have to admit to where you where going. I, for one, will certainly be showcasing the why of how you felt you needed to get to London. This of course is what Fudge wants to avoid."
Harry frowned, "Mr. Creswell, While I was in Azkaban I got to wondering about that night at the Ministry and there are some things which really bothered me about what went down. How was it we were able to floo into the Ministry with no one noticing? I mean it is the seat of Britain's magical government yet a bunch of school kids pretty much just walked in undetected! Why was there no security? How come there wasn't anyone working that night? I can't believe there isn't some part of the Ministry which works the night shift. I also know we passed some portraits along the way. If I was in charge of security of the Ministry, I'd certainly make it so the portraits knew to raise an alarm if they saw intruders."
Creswell smiled nastily, "Yes it does seem impossible doesn't it? Sort of like if you just walked into Parliament and then wandering into the offices of MI-5, eh? Well apparently there was a security drill in progress that night so none of the night shift was anywhere near where you and your friends appeared. Apparently there was a mix-up and none of the different auror teams got assigned to do the security sweep through the building and instead were doubled-up on ensuring everyone was accounted for at the rally points. Apparently this was all just a coincidence. Never mind the fact half-way through the drill the call came in about a 'criminal element' attacking Director Bones' residence so there was that added level of confusion."
Seeing the look dawning on Harry's face, he chuckled, "So yes, Fudge, has a lot of reasons to keep the press and members of the Wizengamot from finding out what happened that night since it shows how badly security at the Ministry was compromised. He can't even scapegoat Director Bones since I know almost for a fact she knew nothing of the security drill since she would have been there overseeing it. Yes, there are layers upon layers of failure here."
Creswell looked down at his desk and found a piece of parchment. "So all Fudge has which to use against you are the charges that you colluded with the centaurs to kill High Inquisitor Umbridge. As ludicrous as this charge sounds, it does have the potential to hurt you, Harry." Seeing the unbelieving look on Harry's face, Creswell gave a sad smile, "You must understand Harry that in a world where wizard's born of Muggles are looked down upon, and someone like a centaur is seen in a rather poor light. While I'm sure you slept mostly through old Binn's class, I would have hoped you'd picked up enough by reading between the lines as to why the goblin's keep revolting."
Creswell sighed and looked disappointed, "The sad truth is the magical world, at least here in the UK and Europe, treat non-humans like dirt even as we use them for our own ends. Centaurs are not native to Britain but were asked to come here around 1,200 years ago to act as tutors and astronomers. There was a time when famous centaurs like Chiron were renown for their teaching skills. Sadly those days are past and we practically pen them up as if they were a disease. So there will be plenty in the court who are ready to believe the worst about the centaurs and their motives.
Creswell tapped the parchment in front of him. "I'm not quite sure what the original plan for you was since almost nothing had been done regarding your case while you were in Azkaban. However now that you are out on parole, suddenly you have a court date which has jumped to the head of the queue. Your court date is set for this Friday. This tells me they expect it to be a fast trial. Normally big, showy trials starts on Monday. A Friday date implies they either want the weekend to break people's attention away from it or it will be done in one day."
Creswell nodded thoughtfully, "There is also the fact the next Quibbler will not come out for another week so the Daily Prophet will be the main info about the trial. Considering the Quibbler is the only publication which has been even remotely accurate, the Ministry is obviously trying to down-play the trial. There is also the fact Friday night is the first game of the inter-mural Quidditch finals which will mean there are plenty of distractions from what could be a big embarrassment for Fudge. Of course for us this means we have little time to gather witnesses and evidence which I'm sure just is part of the over-all plan."
Harry narrowed his eyes, "So does this mean I have a real chance of being put back in Azkaban?"
Creswell gave a rather predatory smile, "Of course not, my dear boy! You have retained Kettleridge, Creswell & Dippet and after dealing with they ever-changing world of business issues, the Ministry is a rather poor match for our skills. I've already lined up a surprise witness and gotten some rather impeccable testimony from your centaur friends. I must say they were eager to help you. I'm sure you won't be surprised that the stars seem to say a lot about you according to the centaurs."
Harry rolled his eyes at this, "Yes I found that out first year when Professor Firenze saved me from Voldemort in Professor Quirrell's body. I'm rather sick of the stars and prophecies and who-knows-what-else being made about me. Until recently, I seemed to be the last to know anything about my life."
"Prophecy you say? I take it that was why you were in the Department of Mysteries that night?" Creswell asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes. I share a mental connection with Voldemort through my curse scar," Harry said with a tap of his finger to his scar. "We can't read each other's minds but we can often see what the other is doing, or at least I've seen Voldemort's. I can't be sure if the same is true for me. Voldemort used this link to show me what I thought was Sirius Black being tortured so I'd come to rescue him. It was just a plot to get the prophecy. If I had known prophecies were stored in the Ministry and that only he or I could retrieve it…well I would have been more cautious."
Creswell's eyes had narrowed, "Rescue Sirius Black? So I take it then he was innocent of betraying your parents? The interview you gave to the Quibbler implied it but you didn't go into much detail."
Harry sighed, "Well I didn't want to because it sort of implicated me and my friend Hermione Granger in a crime. You see after Sirius escaped Azkaban he came to Hogwarts to protect me from Pettigrew."
"How did he manage that, Harry?" Creswell interrupted, leaning forward eagerly.
"Sirius, like Pettigrew and my father, were unlicensed Animagi. They did that to help their friend, my old teacher Professor Lupin when he was in his werewolf form. Because Sirius could remain in his dog form a lot, the Dementors didn't affect him as much. He was able to escape his cell in that form and then off the island as well."
"Ah, well then I don't see too many convicts having that option. That does make me feel a bit better about security at the prison. If what you said about Barty Crouch Jr. being true, he at least had help to escape." Creswell said in a relieved tone. "Please continue, Harry."
"So Sirius had figured out that Pettigrew was hiding in plain sight as the pet rat of my friend Ron Weasley. However in the fight that exposed him, things went pear-shaped when Sirius and I got jumped by a hundred or so Dementors and he was caught. My friend Hermione and I used a time-turner to rescue him as well as the hippogriff Buckbeak that was to be wrongly executed by the Ministry. So we helped Sirius escape on Buckbeak after I drove off the Dementors with my Patronus charm. I didn't think if that story came out that Fudge or the DMLE would have been too happy with me or Hermione." Harry concluded.
"I should say not! My word Harry, you have certainly lived an interesting life. Escaped murderers, disguised traitors, Dementors and hippogriffs. Plus I guess one could lump in that dragon from last year." Creswell said laughing.
"Don't forget the basilisk I killed in my second year," Harry deadpanned.
"Good Heavens! Do you mean to tell me the legendary beast from the Chamber of Secrets was a basilisk?" Creswell said in amazement.
Harry nodded and pulled his shirt sleeve up to show a nasty scar. "Yes, you can see where it put a fang through my arm. If it hadn't been for the tears of Dumbledore's phoenix Fawkes, I'd have died. Luckily I was able to stab through its mouth into its brain as it bit me."
"Stab it? With what, Harry? Basilisk hide is almost as impenetrable as dragon hide. It should have been impossible for a twelve year old boy to kill such a beast with a blade!" Creswell asked.
Harry smiled crookedly, "Tell that to the Sword of Gryffindor. I was able to pull it out of the Sorting Hat which Fawkes had brought with him."
Creswell just shook his head in amazement. "I must say the real Harry Potter is even more amazing than the fanciful Boy-Who-Lived! Well now, I can see why you wanted to know about trust. If slaying a basilisk and using a proscribed time altering device to help a wanted criminal escape is just your normal adventure, I shudder to think what more you have to tell me!"
"You have no idea, sir, no idea at all," Harry said darkly.
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A/N: This chapter brings to a close the back and forth as most things are in place so that everything synchs up time-wise. Also the first bit about not seeing the sun? When I got stationed to Bamberg in Germany on October 17th 1993, I didn't see the sun till January 9th 1994. So yeah, I know what it feels like to finally see the sun after so long without it.
It Can't Be Helped: The Monty Python homage was too good not to pass up. MP fans will know what I'm talking about.
Changes to Canon: In my personal canon, the Blacks have been in England for a long time and definitely predate the French Invasion of 1066. Thus why would their motto be in French? Did a little checking and the etymology of the word Black could have it brought in during the 5th Century with the Anglo-Saxon invasions. This, of course, would still have the Potter family being older since they had been in England and brewing when the Romans ruled. I'm starting to think, though, the Potters changed their names as the etymology of Potter is late Old English so they may have changed their name from something more Latinized. That and even after the Romans left, the elite often had Romanized names in addition to their 'British' name.
Breaking into Parliament: Ever wonder how the Ministry 6 just sort of sauntered into the offices of Magical Britain and there wasn't even a night clerk to greet them? No portrait telling them they were trespassing, no charms, no wards or even a house elf cleaning the floors? Then to compound this, Harry and Co. walked into "Area 51" with nary a problem? JKR laid many a whoppers on us, the readers, but this has got to be the biggest "WTF?!" after the whole RW/HG ship. I'm glad it dawned on me that in paving over that plot hole gave me more ammo for why Fudge couldn't bring up anything regarding the Ministry break-in at the trial. The level of incompetence is staggering and would get Fudge booted if it got out.
