Story notes: Okay, I know Lucius Malfoy in the books was more evil and dark than what I'm portraying him in this story. I just can't see letting him off and having him as dark as he was in the books. I also need him in the story. So, we are forgetting how he was portrayed in the story. It is fan fiction after all. Besides, I sort of like the actor that betrayed him, I thought he portrayed the aristocrat nicely. Non-Lucius Malfoy fans please forgive me. He is still going to be an over-powering prat, just not a killer like Bella.

Also, I have never been overseas. I have no idea what Paris looks like. I'm just using what I've watched on TV. So, please forgive me, if I get something wrong. Side note, thanks for not flaming me for the Dumbledore and Molly affair. ;-) I really appreciate it.

Chapter Nine

Deals, Arrests, and Tours

After making sure Susan was off with the Grangers and Tonks, Amelia Bones arrived at the Malfoy home. By Wizard law, she needed two votes beside hers to address the Wizengamot. By law, she couldn't just arrest Dumbledore, Fudge or Crouch. They were protected Members of the Wizengamot.

This meant that in order to actually make the arrest stick, she needed the support of the Wizengamot. This meant she would have to bring charges against the men at the meeting. Therefore, she needed people standing with her that were willing risk having the truth heard.

She already had Augusta Longbottom on her side. She had explained some of what she had on Dumbledore, Fudge and Crouch and what they had done. The moment Augusta heard everything she transferred Neville to another school for his protection and agreed to help bring the men down. Augusta would represent the light wizards. She would be a key person in bringing the others that supported Dumbledore to Amelia's side.

She knew she needed a dark wizard on her side as well. It was Sirius that suggested Lucius. Now, everyone, including Amelia, believed that Sirius was nuts. Lucius Malfoy was---well, he was a true Death Eater. Sirius agreed, but explained that Voldemort kept Lucius out of most of the darker raids. He picked Lucius as the leader of the dark wizards if anything happened to him. This meant that Lucius might be a complete--- well she wouldn't say exactly what Sirius had said but he promised that Lucius wasn't as much of a killer as the others.

This didn't make Amelia feel any better. It didn't matter to her if he was a killer or not. He was still a Death Eater. He was as guilty as the others. Sirius agreed with her, but he said he had something would guarantee his help. Sirius didn't tell her what it was but promised it would guarantee Lucius help.

Sirius wrote a letter to Lucius. The content of the letter was unknown to Amelia. The only thing Sirius had told her was that it would guarantee Lucius' help. Amelia was curious about what exactly in that letter could guarantee such a thing but she was unable to read it. Sirius had used his Black ring to seal the letter. Only the person the letter was intended for could open it. Amelia was forced to go by Sirius word and hand the letter over to Malfoy without knowing what was inside it. She might not have trusted Sirius so blindly if he didn't have so much to lose. If this didn't work, Sirius knew he was good as 'kissed'.

With this thought, Amelia walked up the Malfoy door and rang the doorbell. She was shocked when Narcissa answered the door. "Yes," Narcissia Malfoy said her nose high in the air.

"Narcissia, nice to see you again, is Lucius in?" Bone asked politely.

"He is in his office. This way," Narcissa said sighing deeply before turning around and walked down the hall.

Narcissia showed Amelia to Lucius office. He was his desk working paper work when they walked in. He looked up and sneered. "Another raid?" he asked coldly.

"No, I came to talk," Amelia said.

Lucius stood up and he walked to two chairs located in front of the fireplace. "Take a seat," he said calmly. He didn't know what the woman wanted to talk about but he was interested. It wasn't often that Amelia Bones paid him a visit.

Amelia took several deep breaths and then went over to sit down. She handed Lucius a letter. "This might help you understand what I want. I am to tell you that I don't know what he wrote," Bones said in a calm voice.

Lucius looked at her for a moment with a puzzled expression on his face then took the letter. He opened the letter and read it. As he read it, his eyes went wide. He looked Bones and asked, "So, Black didn't tell you what was in this?"

"No, he did not. He just said that this letter would help get you to work with us," Bones said.

Lucius walked to the fireplace and burnt the letter. "What is it that you want?" Lucius asked his face expressionless once again.

Lucius walked back to his chair sat down. He noticed that she was shocked that he wasn't arguing with her. Lucius knew just by looking into her eyes that she hadn't read the letter. It was good thing because it meant that Black would keep his word, at least for now. This alone gave him reason to hear Bones out. Besides, he really didn't have a choice. Black knew something that could destroy him not only personally but physically. He had taken a wizard's oath to protect Draco and at this moment, the wizard world knowing the secret of his parentage would place boy at risk. Therefore, Lucius was forced to help Sirius Black out in whatever scheme Bones and he was cooking up.

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Harry was nervous. He had never been on vacation before. The Dursley's had never taken him anywhere. So, walking into the hotel on the water front scared him. The hotel was crowded and he fought to stay close to the Tonks'. Harry had never seen so many different people from different places in his life. It was a bit unnerving for him. He never felt very comfortable around strangers. He always felt they were judging him for one reason or another.

There was one guy that caught his attention he most. He was a tall man with a goofy hat and a strange colored shirt. Harry found out that guy was from Texas. He and his wife were on vacation. Harry knew this because they rode up in the elevator together. The man was a bit too friendly for Harry. The man had slapped Harry on the back after telling the boy a dirty joke that got him dirty looks from the women. Thankfully Andi moved between Harry and the man after this and kept a close eye on the stranger until the couple exited the elevator on the fifth floor, while the others continued on two more flights.

Harry and Neville were sharing a room. Their room was at the end of the hall. Andi and Teds room was right next door. Hermione, Susan and Tonks were across the hall with Hermione's parents next to them. Scarlett had taken Hedwig and the other animals with her. The adults felt it was for the best as they would cause too much attention in the muggle world. So, the only thing Harry had with him was his trunk.

Harry had just put his trunk in corner of the room when the door that connected the two rooms opened up. Ted walked in with a smile on his face. "You settled in yet boys?" he asked.

"Just a bit," Harry said as he helped Neville put his trunk next to his.

"What's first?" Neville asked.

"Lunch and then we are going sight seeing in the muggle world. I want to take Andi to the Eiffel Tower and maybe to several of the museums around," Ted said.

"That's fine with me," Harry said. He couldn't wait to see the Eiffel Tower. He saw it on TV but never thought he would see it up close. So, Harry grabbed the new magical camera that Tonks had given to him for this trip and followed Ted into the hall.

They went back down the elevator and hit the streets. They found a small café nearby and enjoyed a meal. Harry had to laugh as Neville ate escargot. He wouldn't dream of trying anything that crawled on the ground. Tonks called him a coward. He said he was smart. This caused everyone to laugh and everyone finished up their meal.

They went to the Wax Museum and other sights around the city along with the Eiffel Tower. Andi had bought him a shirt at the Wax Museum and Ted had paid extra for the magical broom flights around the tower. Harry was delight as he touched the top of it and looked down at the city. It was one of the best days of Harry's life.

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You couldn't say that for Dumbledore, it was the worst days of his life. He had meeting late in the afternoon with the Wizengamot. They were putting the final touches on the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He was running late and he was rushing to the floo as Minerva entered his office, "Albus, I need to talk to you," she said.

"Can it wait, I'm running late," Albus said heading towards the fireplace.

"No, it can't. I received three more transfer requests. They came for Susan Bones, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter," Minerva said just as Dumbledore was about to throw floo powder into the fireplace.

"What?" Dumbledore said shocked turning around to face Minerva.

"You heard me. Andi and Ted Tonks removed Harry from Hogwarts. They are his legal guardians after all," Minerva said adding the last part because she felt that Dumbledore had forgotten that detail. He was still acting like he could control Harry's life. She knew he had tried several times to get into the Potter vaults but the Goblins were denying him access. Dumbledore hadn't been happy about it and spent the last three days trying to figure a way around it.

"I know they are but they can't remove Harry from Hogwarts. He is…" Albus stopped himself and grabbed the letter. "Let me read it."

Minerva handed the letter over and said, "Here read it all you want but it isn't going to change things. Harry is no longer a member of this school. I told you it was going to happen, but you didn't listen to me. Then again, you never listen to me. If you did, you wouldn't be having this blasted contest. Where are you getting the funds to have it anyways? I know good and well we weren't budgeted for this," Minerva said.

Albus ignored her and turned still reading the letter. "I'll take care of this and don't worry about the budget. I have everything planned out," Dumbledore said as he threw the floo powder into the fireplace and vanished in a flash of green flame.

"I bet," Minerva said coldly as she turned to leave. She saw Fawkes watching. She walked over and petted the bird. "Why do you stay with him? I know he isn't as good as everyone thinks he is. So, why?"

Fawkes cried and rubbed her hand. "He isn't staying with Albus," said a voice from above her.

Minerva looked up to see the sorting hat looking at her. "What?"

"Fawkes like me belongs to Hogwarts. He stays because this is his home. And you are right, he isn't good. He isn't gray. I'm afraid Albus as slipped to the dark side but no one realizes it," the hat said.

Deep down this news didn't shock Minerva because over these past ten years she had started to see a different side of the Headmaster that she never saw before. It wasn't anything she could point out but there something about how he acted behind close doors that told her something was off. She knew several of the other staff members felt that way as well. They had longs talks about it on nights that Dumbledore was away from the castle or busy with other projects. They were careful not to saying anything in the hallways.

"Is he really that gone?" she asked.

"Sadly, yes. He crossed a long time ago. I can't tell you what he has done because I'm bound to keep the Headmaster's secrets. I can tell you that his days are numbered. Hogwarts foresees his down fall," the hat said.

Minerva looked at the hat suspiciously and said, "How is that possible? How could Hogwarts see into the future?"

The hat laughed and said, "Professor, look around you. There are representatives from almost every powerful family in the wizarding world hanging on the walls around you. They have several frames outside these walls in several locations all over the wizarding world. I assure you, they tell Hogwarts everything that is going on out there. She knows what is going to happen to Dumbledore. It might take a few weeks or a few months but it will happen. It will also bring dark days to halls of Hogwarts. It will take the strength of all to survive the upcoming months. It will be a rocky road for everyone here at Hogwarts. It will get better, that I can promise."

Minerva was about to ask what he was talking about, but Severus Snape walked into the room. "Oh, Minerva, I was thinking the Headmaster was still here."

"He went to a meeting. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked the potion master.

"No, he just wanted me to brew something for him," Severus said in a tight voice and turned to leave.

"Strange," Minerva muttered and turned her attention back to the hat. The hat she noticed was asleep. She figured that she had learned everything it was willing to tell her so, she left. She had lesson plans to work on and a new term to prepare for. It was going to be a sad year for her. She had lost several of her brightest students and their presence was going to be missed.

*****************************************

Charlie Weasley was standing watching two yearling dragons play fight in their pens. He knew should head to the hotel to visit his family but… but he couldn't. How could he face his family knowing that he knew before any of them about his mother's betrayal?

He had found out completely by accident. It was right before graduation. He had forgotten his broom down at in the Gryffindor locker room. He went to grab it before heading to the ceremony. He was walking behind the bleacher when he heard them talking, his mother was in his arms. He was kissing her and reassuring her about how much he cared about her. She wanted leave their father, but he wanted her to stay a bit longer. He said something about not being the right time. The sight sickened him. He was tempted to curse them both but he couldn't move. He just stood there as they talked and Dumbledore convinced his mother into staying a bit longer with his father.

Charlie was tempted to tell his father the truth, but then chickened out. He couldn't destroy his family. Ginny was little girl. She needed her mother as did the others. So, he never said a word about what he had seen. He just took a job as far away from his mother as he could get. He couldn't face her any more and not say something. The dragons gave him a reason not to come home for Christmas or other holidays. He was the one that agreed to work during those times, allowing the others to go home. It hurt but it would hurt more if they learned the truth.

The truth was out now and Charlie still didn't want to face them. How could he. The twins weren't plotting to prank anyone. They just sat around not speaking to anyone. Ginny just sits in a corner crying every time she looks at their father. Bill is so angry that he bites everyone's head off and their father… Charlie hasn't seen him look so old all of a sudden. He didn't care they were living a muggle hotel. He just sat there watching his children and not saying a word.

Charlie sighed deeply at this thought and turned to leave. He stopped then for standing behind him watching him was his father. "Hello, father, what are you doing here?"

"I came to talk," Arthur said walking over and joining Charlie at the fence. The two leaned against it watching the dragons. "You haven't said much since we arrived. Are you okay?"

"I should be asking you that. It hasn't been the best vacation this family has had," Charlie said.

"No, it hasn't. I was hoping coming here would get away from the pain, but you can't out run that can you," Arthur said looking at Charlie intently.

Charlie realized he knew and, "No, you can't. How long have you known?" he asked.

"Your reaction when I told you about your mother. I can guess why you never said anything and I understand. I don't think I could do it if I was in your place. I mean who wants to be the one that destroyed everyone's world," Arthur said sadly.

"Yeah, and thanks to Ron the secret is out. I wonder if he regrets what he said?" Charlie asked.

"Knowing your brother-and spite what the twins might think right now-he is your brother. I say he does regret what he said even if it is deep down," Arthur said.

"Do you regret anything?" Charlie asked.

"Are you asking if I regret marrying your mother?" Arthur asked.

"No, I know you well enough to know you don't regret that. What I'm asking is do you regret throwing them out. Percy and Ron?" Charlie asked.

Arthur nodded and said, "Yes, I do. I still love them. I can't change that inside me. I did raise them after all, but I know they wouldn't have stayed. They are their mother's sons. I know this and I have to accept it. I won't disown them though. If they choose Dumbledore's name, it will be their choice."

"You are more a man than I. I don't think I could be that accepting. I guess that is why I left. I didn't want to spend my time thinking who is Weasley and who wasn't," Charlie said.

"Did you do test on yourself?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, once arrived here. I didn't do it until then. I was too afraid someone would find out. I guess I don't have to worry about that any more do I?" Charlie said.

"No, and I think we go home all of us. It is time this family stops hiding and starts living again," Arthur said.

Charlie nodded his head. He knew what father was saying and he realized that he was right. He couldn't stay here any longer. There was no reason too. He didn't worry about the truth coming out because the truth was out. He could go home and be with his family. He didn't know what he was going to do with his life but he knew where he was going to live. He was going to live near home. It was where he belonged and figured he stayed away long enough.