DISCLAIMER – In this story I do not own anything except the plot. Harry Potter and its affiliates are the sole property of JK Rowling. The story is mine, the characters aren't.
DISCLAIMER 2 – The characters will be very OOC. So be warned. If you do not like polite Death Eaters or bad Weasleys and things like that, then this story is not for you. I know that many of you enjoy my slash stories, but this story will rarely mention it.
DISCLAIMER 3 – Please note that flaming me because you do not like this story will change nothing. All I will do is laugh at you and move on. If you have some constructive criticisms that will aide me and you are pointing out typos and what not, then I am all ears. HOWEVER, if you abuse my readers, you will earn a one flick of the wand to report abuse and then onto my blocked list. I absolutely, DESPISE someone who insults my readers. You have been warned.
Chapter 10 – You Are A Grown Man
Draco stood and walked over to Hermione. She smiled at him as the scene changed and he got his first glimpse of Atlantis.
"Fawkes," said Hermione. "I am sure that the King has information for you. If you would head over to the palace, I am sure that Harry will tell you what he needs to be passed on to Minerva."
"As you wish Crown Princess," said Fawkes before he disappeared in a flash of fire.
"I am a bit confused," said Draco as he stared at everything. "I thought that Fawkes was going to be with me during my tests."
"Oh he was," said Hermione. "You just didn't see him as I took on the role of being with you through the whole thing. As a former classmate, I knew where you were in your studies and such. Being the top of the year had its advantages. I knew what you were capable of and what you weren't."
"Where is Harry?" asked Draco nervously. "I have never met a king before and I am a bit nervous that he will be angry with me."
"Relax Draco," said Hermione with a laugh. "Harry has the means to watch each and every test that is given to someone. It is called the Gryphon's Eye. Merlin made it. When I came to Atlantis and took my tests, I was able to help one of the founders of Hogwarts. They are waiting for their replacements so that they may return to the arms of Merlin. Rowena Ravenclaw was the one that administered most of my tests and as you know, she was a HIGHLY intelligent woman. When I passed my tests, I became the Mistress of the Blue Tower and Harry gave me the title of Crown Princess. I am also one of the four Mystics of Atlantis now and Rowena has been given the opportunity to go to her next great adventure."
"Where are we going now?" asked Draco.
"We are heading to the White Tower," she answered pointing. "Lady Helga is waiting for us there and she will run a diagnostics on you to make sure that you are not suffering from any illnesses or improperly healed injuries."
"So is Fawkes the only magical creature here in Atlantis?" asked Draco as they walked to the tower.
"No," said Hermione with a smile. "We have all sorts here including Dragons of every species. Harry has been visiting them regularly and they are delighted to have another speaker in their midst. The reason that I am the one you are speaking with first is that Harry asked me to explain a few things to you. If you are ready, I can begin while Lady Helga does what she needs to do."
The two of them entered the White Tower and Helga had Draco take off his shirt and sit on the table. Together with Salazar Slytherin, they ran a diagnostics on him. They were able to heal the few minor things that they discovered with ease. When they were done, Hermione looked at Draco inquiringly and he nodded.
"Harry has a whole set plan of who is going to do what here in Atlantis," she said. "Each person that is being sent for is special in their own way. Each person will have their own job as it were here. It is our duty to teach and encourage others to work on the improvement of our land."
"What does he want me to do?" asked Draco. "Will my mother and father be told of my tests and such?"
"Yes," said Harry walking up and greeting him. "Fawkes is already on his way to Hogwarts with the information that we have. He is quite delighted that you have done so well. We have much to discuss with you and we need you to be patient for a few minutes."
Between Harry and Hermione, they explained the different Towers and their purposes. Draco listened with rapt attention as they explained the new Towers that were being built to accommodate the new people that were going to be taking over certain subjects.
"We currently have the Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, White, Gold, Silver, Brown, Purple, and Black Towers," said Harry pointing to each in turn. "We decided that each person that was going to be a Master in a certain field was going to have their own place to work. Currently all of the Mystics are the ones in charge of teaching and educating those that are coming to and living in Atlantis. I decided that it was too much work for just four people to do in addition to their Mystics job. So I am going to appoint one person to work each tower. I am adding a Grey, Orange, Tan, Peach, Teal, Olive, and Rose Tower for those that are going to specialize in a certain field."
"I take it that you have something that will be for me in there somewhere," remarked Draco.
"Oh yes," said Harry with a laugh. "Hermione is the Mistress of the Blue Tower. She will eventually be in charge of only teaching Charms along with her duties as Mystic. Neville is the Master of the Brown Tower as we all know in school he was years ahead of us in Herbology. The Gold Tower is the palace and the Silver Tower is the Bank. Now that you are here, we can help Salazar by eliminating the spot of Potions Master from his work load. Luna has already begun her training as a Seer and she will be the Divinations Mistress as well as Mistress of the Yellow Tower. Now that you are done with Lady Helga shall we head out to the Palace? Fawkes is waiting to hear what we are going to pass on to the next person and those that are waiting on information. The Eye of the Dragon lets me look in places around Britain. So I have some knowledge of what is going on. Those of us that are here are in class for six hours a day to learn all that we can from those that are ready to retire from this plane of existence."
"This is really awesome," said Draco in wonder. "When will the new towers be finished?"
"Within the next few days," said Hermione. "We have a team of builders working on them as we speak. Here in Atlantis, things work out better and easier as the concentration of magic is higher. We discovered that Harry has elemental abilities. Cedric does as well. They are teaching those of us that have the ability how to use them. You will be tested later to see if you have any."
The group arrived at the palace and those that were waiting for them stood in attendance. Luna, Cedric, and Neville and gave the courtesy of bowing to Harry as a brother and equal while the Longbottoms, Grangers, and Lovegood all gave them the Royal bow and respect. Draco stood for a moment shocked to the core at seeing Frank and Alice Longbottom standing there. Harry stopped long enough to laugh at the expression on his face.
"The healers here in Atlantis are the best in the world," said Harry. "It was a relatively simple process to heal them. They were not insane as we all thought. They merely were locked in their own minds to escape the pain and torture. They were out of the White Tower in a week and on the advisory panel. As you will notice, there are four thrones on the main dais. Those thrones are for me, Cedric, Hermione, and Neville. To the right of that dais is the panel of parental advisors. To the left of the main dais are the Royal advisors."
Harry ascended the dais and stood in front of his throne. Cedric, Hermione, and Neville all gave him his bow as per respect for his rank and then stood in front of their own thrones. Luna stood up from her throne and did the same while the parents all dropped to one knee and bowed their heads. Draco took one look around and knew that he should do the same.
"We have watched you as you went through your tests," said Harry with his voice ringing with authority. "We have listened to your words and they have touched us in our hearts. You have done many things when we were younger that was immature and down right stupid. You are forgiven for all of that. Your loyalty to me and the fact that you have been keeping your eyes and ears open when it comes to my safety is endearing to the four of us standing in front of you. You are a Potions Prodigy. There is no question about that. Therefore, we are going to appoint you Potions Master of Atlantis on the provision that should you need assistance that you asked Severus when he finally arrives or Hermione. Do you accept this position?"
"Yes my Liege," said Draco humbly. "I accept with gratitude."
"When the Gray Tower is complete, you will be the Master of that Tower," said Cedric. "When the tests call for one to be tested in potions, you will provide the tests needed for the individuals seeking refuge or shelter in Atlantis."
"I am honored," said Draco humbly. "I will not fail you again. You have my word on that."
"I know you won't," said Harry with a smirk. "Therefore in addition to your titles of Potions Master and Master of the Gray Tower I am making you an official Lord of Atlantis. You will take your spot on the dais to my left in the throne that matches your Tower in color. Grand Duchess, will you do the honor of crowning Draco Malfoy as Lord Malfoy of Atlantis?"
"I would be delighted Sire," said a very formal but giggling Luna.
Dobby stepped forward with a circlet in bronze with a garnet embedded in it. Luna placed in tenderly on Draco's head. Draco then lifted his head and looked at Harry who waved his hand in gesture. Draco understood the silent request and took his seat after formally bowing to the assembled people.
When everyone was seated, Harry looked around the room and smiled.
"I so hate all the formality that we use," he said with a laugh. "I don't want anyone bowing to me, but we have to use protocol for the citizens of Atlantis."
"During a crowning ceremony," explained Neville. "We use the formalities. However when it's like now, we use first names and we all get along great. We are a family and that is how we are to behave here. So with that being said, welcome to the family Draco."
Everyone greeted the young man with welcomes and congratulations. Draco blushed under all the praise, but deep inside he was delighted with all of the attention. He knew that Harry had bestowed upon him a great honor and he was going to fulfill that trust to the best of his ability.
"So let me see if I have all of this right," said Draco thoughtfully. "Harry and Cedric are the king and his consort. They sit in thrones with gold workings. Hermione and Neville are the Crown Prince and Princess and they sit in thrones with silver workings. Luna is the Mistress of the yellow tower and thus her throne is yellow. I am the Master of the Grey Tower and my throne as it were is gray in color. There are eight other thrones on this side of the room. Does this mean that each of the people that will be filling them is going to be given a Royal Title?"
"You are one hundred percent correct in all of your musings," said Hermione with a grin. "The Orange, Tan, Peach, Teal, and Olive thrones as well as a silver style colored one are going to be with the regular advisors. Those made of wood are for the parents. Only Harry knows who will receive what title and such."
"Fawkes," said Harry looking over at the phoenix. "It is time for you to head out to Hogwarts and find out what is going on as well as inform the Malfoys that Draco has superseded himself with his knowledge and character."
"As you wish," said Fawkes. "Who is to receive the book next?"
"It is time to get some more adults here," said Harry looking around. "With Dumbledore still on the loose and the Weasleys still after what money they can get their grubby hands on, I am starting to worry more about Sirius. I have a feeling that his life is in some kind of danger. Luna what are you picking up if anything?"
"Your feelings and intuition is correct Harry," she said with a gazed look on her face. "Sirius is actually in danger. Molly Weasley and her two youngest are after his blood. He is the one that started the feud and now that Arthur has kicked them out of their home, they are working on a plan to kill him. We best get him here before they succeed in their plan to do so."
Harry looked to Cedric who nodded in agreement. Hermione also voted in favor while Neville nodded his head in shock at the information given. The three remaining founders also nodded in agreement. Lastly, Harry looked to Draco.
"I am not going to doubt Luna's abilities," said Draco. "Nor am I going to doubt your intelligence and intuition Harry. You have my vote as well. I know my mother and father are going to be safe. Aunt Andromeda, Dora, Ted, and Aunt Bellatrix are all together and they make a good fighting force. I agree to get Sirius to safety."
Harry turned to Fawkes and nodded his head.
"Make it so," he said in a whisper and watched as the phoenix flashed out.
It had been three days since Draco had left. Narcissa and Lucius were constantly pacing back and forth in Minerva's office. Minerva finally had enough and sent Narcissa to brush up on her healing abilities with Poppy and had Lucius temporarily take over History of Magic. Bellatrix was always found in the library. When she wasn't brushing up on her subjects, she was assisting students with their studies. Andromeda was also working with other students with tutoring and such. Dora was currently teaching DADA and Sirius was with Hagrid on the grounds when Fawkes flashed in looking a bit tired.
"Fawkes," said Minerva. "Are you ok, you look a bit peaked?"
"I had a burning day yesterday," said the phoenix. "Of course all of the magic that I am using to hold the human look is draining on me. I am a little tired, but I come with news."
Minerva quickly sent out multiple patronuses to get the attention of those that were needed. She also sent a floo call to Amelia who asked to step through immediately. Twenty minutes later, the entire group was seated and waiting for the phoenix to begin his information.
"The Princess has totally outdone herself in the testing of Lord Malfoy," said Fawkes. "She took on the image of me in my human form and she tested young Draconis. His words hit both the King and the Consort hard. They now have a better understanding of what Dumbledore and the Dark Lord are up to."
"So what happened?" asked an agitated Narcissa. "How did Draco do?"
"Draco will now be the Potions Master of Atlantis," said Fawkes simply. "He will be the Master of the Gray Tower. He was also crowned as Lord of Atlantis. He now sits on the Royal Panel."
"He passed his tests then," asked Lucius impatiently confirming the results.
"He did not know that it wasn't me," said Fawkes. "His tests were some of the most honest that we have ever encountered. The information that he learned from YOU, Lucius, is very valuable to the monarchs of Atlantis. The current monarch has a way of looking out on the world. They use the Eye of the Dragon to see and hear what is going on with those that are either close to them or once were. So to ease our agitation, YES he passed easily enough. We have other issues that we need to discuss. Your son is safe in the Palace until the Gray Tower is complete."
"So who is being asked for next?" inquired Minerva. "I would assume that it would be either Mr. Zabini or Mr. Creevey."
"Neither," said Fawkes to the astonishment of the presented people. "Lord Potter has been feeling very uneasy since the Weasleys are now fighting amongst themselves. As you all know Lady Luna is a true seer and her gift along with the acknowledgement of Lady Helga have told her that another is in more danger and his death is being planned as we speak."
"That would explain why Arthur Weasley has just arrived at the gates," said Minerva looking at Severus. "He wants to come in. Should I grant him the privilege?"
"Let's hear what he has to say," stated Severus leaving the room to go and escort the man.
"Who is being sent for?" asked Narcissa. "Whose life is in danger?"
"Lord Potter and the panel are sending for Sirius Black," said the Phoenix to the astonishment of the room. "Molly Weasley and her two children are planning on murdering him. If he doesn't leave soon, they will succeed."
"Lucius," said Sirius handing him a scroll. "This is a document stating that you can act as my proxy until the goblins of Gringotts are finished selling all of my homes and getting my affairs in order. I had this drawn up the other day. I trust you to take care of my family."
"You have my word on that," said Lucius grabbing the man and giving him a brief hug. "Will you stay long enough to hear what Arthur Weasley has to say?"
"Yes, but I will be holding the book so that I can disappear in a flash should this be some sort of trick," said Sirius grabbing the book. "I already carry my possessions shrunken and in my pockets on a daily basis."
Severus returned with a meek looking Arthur Weasley. When the patriarch of the Weasley clan looked around, he saw that the room was full of people holding wands pointed at him. He pulled his own wand out of his pocket and handed it to Amelia. From there, he knelt on the floor and looked at Sirius and Minerva.
"I have dissolved my marriage to Molly," he began. "She is still plotting on ways of getting to the Potter family fortune. She is under the mind set, thanks to my former daughter that if they kill Sirius then the blood feud will stop. I am a fraud and a weakling. I should have stopped this nonsense years ago when they first started it. I was so desperate for money that I allowed Molly and Dumbledore to convince me that it was for the betterment of my family. I was wrong. I don't want to die because my wife and some of my children are greedy and think that the world owes them. They have been thrown out of the house and are not allowed to return. They are plotting on the demise of Sirius. It is my belief that he should go to where ever Harry is and be safe. If it is my turn to die by being out of the safety of the wards of my home, then so be it. I just want to clear the air by saying that for those of my children that you have placed in the protection of Houses Potter and Black, that you have my gratitude. I have stated what I came to say and I will be returning home now."
Arthur stood up and accepted his wand back from Amelia. She patted the man gently on the arm and Minerva allowed him to use her floo to return safely home.
"There is no time like the present," said Amelia pointing to the book. "Go Sirius. We will take care of things for you on this end until your whole family is with you. Go to Atlantis and be safe. Britain owes you so much already. It is time that you got to live without constantly looking over your shoulder."
Sirius looked at Lucius with a sad look on his face.
"Go Sirius," replied the blond. "Severus and I will protect your family. You are leaving them in good hands."
With one final nod of his head, Sirius opened the book and disappeared in a flash of fire.
Molly and Ginny were busy working on the ritual that they would use to bring Sirius to his knees.
"Ronald has decided that he is better off on his own," said Molly. "Maybe he is right. Together we can create something that will tell the goblins that we belong in a Potter property. If we can kill Sirius, we can even hide out in one of the Black Family Properties. They are some of the most well protected houses in England."
"I can't believe that Fred and George hexed us," said Ginny angrily. "They even went so far as to have the Ministry invoke a protection clause against us for them. Those two have a whole lot of nerve doing that to us. We are family after all."
"Do not worry about that," said Molly with a smirk. "Those two little bastards will get theirs as well. When I am done with them, they will not think twice about what hit them. We need to go to Gringotts. As I am their mother, we can tap into their vault."
"That is a good idea mum," said Ginny. "Lets wipe it clean. They owe us for all of the years that we spent dealing with their pranks and jokes."
The two of them looked at each other in malicious pleasure and Molly apparated them to the front steps of Gringotts. She entered the bank with Ginny next to her and approached the goblin teller.
"My name is Molly Weasley," she said loudly causing many to stare in shock. "I want to talk to the Weasley twins account manager and I want to speak to him right now."
"First off Madam," said the goblin testily. "DO lower your voice. My hearing is far better than yours. Secondly, DON'T come in here making demands of anyone. Now please, sit over there and wait while I get the manager of the WWW vaults."
Molly was angry at the goblin for telling her what to do. She stomped over to the seats indicated and sat down. Ginny followed her a little more sedately. Meanwhile the goblin had already had the file out and was looking at it. It seemed to him that Griphook was the manager of said account. Stonehammer knew that this would be good as he went and spoke to Griphook about the situation. It was not long before Ragnok, Griphook, and the twins were settled in the office. Both twins were under an invisibility spell as Molly and Ginny were settled in front of the desk.
"My name is Griphook," said the goblin. "This is my manager Ragnok. We understand that you have some questions about the WWW vault."
"I am the mother of the twins and I would like to make a withdrawal," said Molly. "Also my daughter has a grievance against Harry Potter for attempting to rape her. As payment, we are demanding one million galleons to be deposited into her account for the attempt and another two million for pain and suffering. As her mother, I am insisting on a sum of three million galleons for my anguish at watching my child go through all of her torment."
"Let me take care of the WWW vault in question first," said Griphook. "As the vault in question is also part owned by Lord Harry James Potter Emrys, I am afraid that you are not allowed to withdraw any funds from that vault."
"WHAT?" Molly yelled. "I demand that you deal with this stupidity right away. That vault is for my sons who happen to be Weasleys."
"Madam," said Griphook in a threatening manner. "You have been warned once already about making demands that you have no place making. You have also been warned about yelling here. Your loud and obnoxious attitude will get you killed if you keep on insulting us. As Messrs George and Fredrick Weasley are under the protection of House Potter, we can not allow you anywhere near that vault. It says in this file that only three people are allowed to withdraw funds from that particular vault. Those would be the three owners of the Vault. Namely, Frederick and George Weasley Potter and Lord Harry Potter himself are the ones listed. No one else is allowed any kind of access to the said vault. Therefore, you are denied your request and there isn't anything that you can do about it."
"No," said Molly stubbornly. "I am the mother of Fred and George and I demand satisfaction. I want to withdraw money from that vault. If you do not comply, I will get the Ministry of Magic involved."
"Be my guest," said Griphook closing the folder. "The vault is under lockdown by the three owners. Messrs Weasley have asked that we clear up their financial obligations as they will be joining Lord Potter in his new residence soon enough. So your answer to that is NO. You can't draw any funds from that vault. Shall we deal with your grievance against Lord Potter now?"
"Yes," said Ginny. "Harry tried to rape me. I demand that I be given a stipend for my pain and suffering."
"We have ways of being able to tell if a person has been raped or even had the attempt tried," said Ragnok taking over. "If you would be willing, we can get this cleared up in a matter of minutes. Should your accusation be correct, then we will transfer the funds immediately."
"I will not be tested by a goblin," said Ginny angrily. "I am a pureblood witch and that half blood owes me for what he has tried to do to me. I demand satisfaction."
"I think we have heard enough," said George cancelling the spell. "For the record, Ginny is nothing but a whore. She has slept with half of Gryffindor Tower. She has also slept with half of Ravenclaw Tower. Lord Potter has not now nor has he ever tried to rape her. This tramp is just making the accusation so that she and that greedy harpy we call a mother, can get their hands on Harry's money."
"I will make this perfectly clear," said Fred. "Stay away from us and stay away from what we own. You are not welcome near anything that belongs to us or to Lord Potter. If you try it again, I will see to it that you are sent to a cell buried under Azkaban."
"We happen to know the situation between the two of you and Lord Potter," said Griphook with a nasty grin. "We do not take kindly to false accusations, nor do we take kindly to demands from people like you. We do NOT fall under the law of the Ministry of Magic. We are a different entity all together. If either of you step foot in this establishment ever again, your lives will be forfeit. Lord Potter is our top client and he has been adopted by the goblin nation as a whole. If you ever attempt to bribe, lie, or steal anything that belongs to a family member of the goblins again, your lives will be forfeit. For the record, Lord Potter is not now nor has he ever been a half blood. This is common knowledge, but you two seem to let that small tidbit leave your mind too frequently. Now kindly remove yourselves from the bank before I forget my manners and have you killed right here and now."
Molly started to bluster again but before she could utter two words, she was met with a phalanx of swords and axes. She and Ginny were unceremoniously brought to the front door. To add insult to injury, both were bent over and literally kicked out of the bank.
Back in Atlantis, Harry and Cedric were rolling around with tears in their eyes. That was the funniest scene that they had witnessed in a long time. Neville was laughing so hard that Helga had to run a wand over him as he started to turn blue. As Harry gazed back into the crystal, Griphook and Ragnok gave him a bow and a salute and the vision changed.
"Those two are really something aren't they?" Alice asked. "I can't believe that she tried the rape card. What a bunch of losers."
"I have to go," said Godric nodding to Hermione. "Sirius has just arrived and it is time for us to begin his tests. Is there anything that you wanted him tested on specifically?"
"It is time that Sirius acts like a mature adult," said Harry after a moment of thought. "So if you can throw in a scenario for his maturity level that would be great. Just remember that the man spent twelve years in Azkaban for a murder that he didn't commit."
"Don't worry Harry," said Hermione. "We will take care of it for you. I think I have a good idea of what to do for him. Salazar, would you care to assist me in pranking the biggest prankster of Hogwarts?"
"Oh this is going to be fun," said Neville looking eagerly into the other crystal at Sirius who was pacing back and forth in front of Fawkes.
With that, the Mystics left the palace and headed to the area designed for the tests.
"I think that the time for your tests is beginning," said Fawkes cocking his head to the side listening to something only he could hear. "If I am to understand this correctly, you are going to be tested on your skills from your days at Hogwarts."
"I am ready," said Sirius looking around wearily. "This is not going to be pleasant. I can only hope that Harry doesn't allow them to make things to difficult for me."
"Just know that no matter what happens, you will not be in any danger of being killed," said Fawkes. "It is not our ways to put people in that predicament to prove something. You will be tested on what you know and can handle. The better you do the more you will be tested. It is the way of Atlantis."
"Very well," said Sirius. "What do I do?"
"Just walk through the archway and your tests will begin," said Fawkes. "When and if you see the King or the Mystics, you will know that your tests are done."
Sirius looked at the bird for a moment and then stepped through the archway. Instantly he was back in his school days. He watched as James was busy tormenting Severus.
"What in the hell?" asked Sirius looking around in confusion. "I left before Severus. Why would he be here and why is James here? This is not making any sense. We stopped tormenting Severus a long time ago."
Sirius winced as he saw a pretty painful hex fly at Severus' head. Sirius pulled out his own wand and interfered.
"James," he said. "What in the hell are you doing? You can't do this to Severus. Harry needs him here. He is part of the key in helping Harry to win the war against Voldemort and Dumbledore."
"What are you talking about Sirius," snapped James. "Snape is a greasy git who deserves to die. He is the one that told Voldemort about the first part of the prophecy to begin with. He deserves to be hung by his ankles over the fires of hell for the rest of his life. It is because of him that our family was torn apart."
"Be that as it may," said Sirius pulling out his wand and firing a hex at James. "He is an important part of Harry's life now and your son needs him. It is time for us to put the past in the past and let bygones be bygones. Severus made a mistake. We all did when it came to dealing with Voldemort. Severus has made it his entire life's work to atone for the mistake he made as a young man. We all know how manipulative both Albus and Voldemort are. I will not allow you to interfere with this. Your son needs Severus and I will see to it that he gets him. Now step down before I make you."
The look in Sirius' eyes was enough to make those that were watching flinch. Everyone knew how close Sirius and James were. To Harry, he felt the sadness. He knew that Hermione had her hand in this part of the test. The group watched as the two men battled head on. Sirius was doing his best to keep James as far away as possible from Severus. Then the scene changed slightly.
"Hello Sirius," said a pretty blonde woman. "What are you up to today?"
"No time to talk," said Sirius barely even giving her a look. "I have to get Severus to safety. His life is in danger. I need to get him to a healer."
"Get away from him Sirius," yelled James. "I don't want to hurt you. He is a traitor and he must be brought down."
"I am your equal in every way James," said Sirius. "I will not let you or her interrupt something that needs to be done. Lily will not thank you for hurting her best friend growing up. You need to see reason. If you won't do this for yourself, then you need to do it for your wife and son. Severus is needed and he is important. Please James, stop this. I don't want to have to hurt you. You are like a brother to me and I am grateful that you and I have been friends for all of these years, but enough is enough."
James shot a particularly nasty hex at Sirius who deftly avoided it. Sadly, Sirius saw his opening and took a shot back at James which incapacitated his brother and friend.
"I am really sorry James," said Sirius with tears in his eyes. "I failed you when Harry was left with your in-laws. I have failed you as a friend and I have failed to get Pettigrew captured. I will NOT fail your son again. He needs all of us working on the same page so that this stupid war can end. If it means that I have to hurt you so that he has the chance to live, then so be it. Fight me and I will have no choice but to hurt you."
Harry sat there and cried. He knew how much this was hurting Sirius. He also knew that this was the most painful thing in the world to the man that was like a second father to him. He could only hope that Sirius would forgive them when this test was done. Harry sat there with Cedric's arms wrapped around him comforting him when Neville gave a strangled gasp and pointed to the orb. Harry wiped his eyes quickly to see what was going on. Sirius was now standing there in a pink tutu with curlers in his hair. He was holding onto a wand that looked like it came from a fairy tale book. Harry's tears of sadness turned to tears of mirth as he started chocking due to laughing so hard. Helga had to magically open his airway as he started having trouble breathing.
"OK," said Sirius loudly. "Whoever did this to me had better turn me back this instant. Pink is NOT my color."
"Say it," said a mysterious voice. "Say what I want to hear and you will be returned to normal. Drag it out and it gets worse."
No sooner were the words done, then Sirius found himself in point shoes from a ballet studio and he was starting to dance Swan Lake.
"Second chance," said the voice. "Tell me what I want to hear and I will stop."
"Whoever you are," said Sirius doing a pirouette. "This is a prank worthy of a marauder. You win. Is that what you wanted to hear?"
"Of course it is," said Hermione coming out of the shadows and showing herself. "Everyone always called me the book worm with no sense of fun. How was that for a prank, oh Master Marauder?"
"Devilishly delightful," said Sirius as his clothes and hair returned to normal. "You are definantly marauder material."
Sirius took one look at her and then gave her the bow that her rank deserved. She gave him a friendly nod of the head and took him by the arm.
"Harry will be around soon to see you," she said. "I know that these tests were just as hard on him as they were on you. Your tests were designed to show you that maturity is sometimes essential when it comes to being part of the world. Life is not always about fun and games. It is also about being a part of the world and making a difference. You stood up for a once known enemy and you did it against one you love as a brother. By doing so and reacting the way that you did, you have shown us that it is within you to be mature and knowledgeable. Harry specifically asked us to not do anything that would remind you of Azkaban. It was not easy, but we finally figured out how to put you through your tests so that you can come out a victor. I do hope that you will forgive us for what we have done to you."
"Princess," said Sirius. "You have nothing to ask forgiveness for. Sometimes in life, you have to grow up. I know that Severus and I had a history along with James. That is in the past. We are not children anymore and we need to understand that if we are going to win the war away from the master manipulators, then we need all of our players on the same page. My regret is that James and Lily are dead and can't be a part of this."
"They were allowed here long enough to crown both Harry and Cedric," said Hermione with a smile. "I think they are happier knowing that Harry is in good hands."
"I can tell you that the former Lord and Lady Potter have dealt with their issues and are at peace," said Helga coming up. "I am afraid, Lord Black, that you will be in our medical ward for at least a few days. We have to undo the damage caused by the Dementors. The King will see you when you are free from the medical tower. For now, I suggest that you allow the Crown Princess to take your possessions to your suite in the palace. Until the King decides what to do next, you will reside there."
For three days, Harry and company watched as the healers of Atlantis slowly and methodically took away all of the damage done by his years of imprisonment in Azkaban. When Sirius left the White Tower on his third evening, he was met by Harry and the rest in the throne room.
"Welcome to Atlantis," called Harry as Sirius stepped through the doors and immediately bowed to those assembled. "We have a few important things that need to be discussed. Why don't you step forward so that we can get things done?"
"Of course my liege," said Sirius.
"We have watched everything that you went through," said Cedric speaking. "You may not know it, but your tests took three days. Your course subjects were brought into play and you did well on them. Your last test was the one test that each person feels is the hardest. It was the test against your self."
"It is never easy to look at the skeletons in your own closet," said Neville wisely. "Sometimes, there are things there that we all wish we could just forget. However, to be the best that we can be, we have to meet these demons and put a stop to them. It's in our best interest to show ourselves that we are better than that. You have done very well in your tests."
"You have multiple rewards coming your way for this," said Harry. "Before we get to them, I have one other issue to deal with. Salazar, please step forward. I still need you to work with those in COMC as well as Languages and Wards. Is this acceptable to you? When your replacement gets here for that, I can grant you the release that you have asked for. I am going to allow Sirius to take over as Mystic of Atlantis. He has skills in many subjects, so you just have to supervise as it were."
"That will be acceptable," said Salazar with a bow.
"Then I hereby declare the following," said Harry. "Sirius Black, for your undying loyalty to my family, I award you the title of Mystic of Atlantis. For your love for me, I award you the title of Master of the Green Tower. Finally for your dedication to our cause, I give you the title of Grand Duke of Atlantis. Do you accept these responsibilities and promise to do them to the best of your ability?"
"I accept all three and I swear on my magic that I will not let you down," said Sirius holding his wand up.
When the glow finished flowing around Sirius, Harry beckoned to Dobby. The elf bowed to Sirius and held up the pillow that held a bronze circlet with an onyx embedded in it. Harry turned to Neville who nodded his head with a smile. He left the dais and gently placed the circlet upon Sirius' head. When he returned to his throne, Sirius stood proudly and waited for his final instructions.
"When it is just us, we don't use all of the formality," said Harry with a cheeky grin. "We are family here. Yours will be the green throne. Welcome to Atlantis Grand Duke Black."
Sirius bowed deeply to the four monarchs and then to the other Royalty before he ascended the dais upon which his own throne stood. With one last smile at everyone, he sat down and waited until the business at hand was to be dealt with.
"We need to start getting more people here that belongs with us," said Harry taking his seat. "We need to send for the next Scion of Atlantis."
AUTHOR'S NOTE – I will stop this right here. I get so involved with the continuation that I go on and on. The next chapter will tell you at the beginning who is being sent for next. Thank you for understanding.