Shifting the Balance

by tracyannie2000

The Battle of Hogwarts has ended but the cost is more than Harry can bear. He has lost every member of his family and only now does he realize that the one girl, that knows him and is willing to marry him, he loves only as a sister. Will Harry insist on settling down with Ginny or will he fall into a self-destructive depression? Can anyone save Harry from sacrificing his happiness?

10. Starting Preparations

Starting Preparations

Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley

Early the next morning saw the Malfoy and the Lovegood families arriving at Gringotts Bank to put their plans into action. In short order Luna was emancipated, her parents had signed waivers surrendering all titles to which they were eligible over to her, a Heritage test had been performed on her to see which titles she was eligible to claim, and the girl had been seen by a goblin healer to ensure that she was prepared and capable of heading a house. When everything was in order little Luna Lovegood became Luna Celeste Lovegood Lady of house Lovegood, Lady of house Ravenclaw, Lady of house Le Fay, and Lady of house Maestro, Lady of House Moody, Lady of House Quintin.

The Malfoy's took a little longer at the bank because of the blood adoption of Lucius's nephew and having Draco name his little brother Hydrus as his heir. When he finally left the bank Draco was now; Lord Draco Lucius Malfoy, Lord of House Malfoy, Lord of House Hufflepuff, Lord of House Agrippa, Lord of House Nostradamus, Lord of House Lestrange, Lord of House Loxias, Lord of House Carrow, Lord of House Deverill, Lord of House Gamp, and Lord of House Kneen

Florean Fortesque's; Diagon Alley

It wasn't that Harry didn't trust the ministry of magic that had him requesting that Amelia meet him in Diagon Alley; so much as that he didn't trust Dumbledore not to cause trouble there, or at least to try. So it was that at ten am on Tuesday, Madam Amelia Bones sat outside of the ice-cream shop waiting for him to arrive. As she was trying to look for him Madam Bones naturally did not see him arrive. It wasn't until Harry said, "Greetings Madam Bones, thank you for meeting with me," that she realized he was even there. Harry explained to her that he was now Emancipated and that he had chosen her as one of his advisors. He also informed her that the Quibbler would be releasing the full explanation in the next issue with an explanation of the Wizengamot seats, of which more were likely to appear today. When Harry finished talking she stared at him for a moment in shock, finally blurting out, "Why did you pick me as an advisor?"

Harry laughs, and replies, "Madam Bones, I have two children, two goblins, and a werewolf as advisors, the Lord I chose is currently in Azkaban prison, and I felt that you would give me honest advice. I also think you might want to look into the Sirius Black case, at least start looking into it, I am still working on figuring out how to get you the proof you need to show you that Sirius Black is innocent, although you might be able to help me with that as well."

Amelia's eyes widen again and she asks, "How can I help with that?"

In reply Harry grins and says, "Well… before I can tell you that, I have much that I will have to tell you, and I don't think this is the place to do that. I have yet to have my house connected to the flew network; however I would like to invite you and your family to dinner at my house. If you would not be opposed, I could have one of my house-elves pick you up and bring you over. The wards will prevent anyone not keyed in from apparating in."

After considering for a moment, Amelia replies, "I would be honored to accept your invitation, and no, I would not be opposed to a house-elf picking us up. If you have the time however, I could escort you to the Ministry to have your flew connected."

With a shake of his head, Harry replies, "No. I think I would like to wait until tomorrow as we may have more business at the Ministry at that time. For the moment, read Sirius' file and my house-elf can pick you up at… five-thirty if that is acceptable. There are some other people that I am inviting. This will be a business dinner but I am sure that we should all find some time to relax and enjoy the company as well. As I said, you are more than welcome to bring your family. I am sorry, but I am going to have to leave now, it looks as though someone is sending his people to look for me again and I don't have time to be dealing with nosey old men. Have a great day Madam Bones, Dinky will pick you up at five-thirty" Then before she can reply he has disappeared.

Ollivander's Wand Shop, Diagon Alley

Harry was just passing Gringotts when Draco reached out and grabbed him, pulling him inside the shop with the Malfoys. As Ollivander came out, Lucius and Draco were both sneering, Narcissa was rocking the baby with her face composed in a mask of indifference, causing the old wizard to jump before he managed to ask, and "How can I help you?"

Harry starts laughing as Ollivander's eyes settle on him and Draco announces, "I am here to buy a wand."

Ollivander looks from Harry to Draco and back before asking Harry, "Should I even bother measuring?"

With a calm expression Harry replies, "Have you gotten a new measuring tape? In all seriousness, I'd just take him to the back."

With a shake of his head, Ollivander turns to Draco and announces, "Follow me please, if you are anything like your friend then we will have much better luck with a custom wand."

Lucius and Narcissa both look as if they are about to protest when Harry announces, "It's all good. I'll follow Draco. You two just wait here for a few minutes. I'll cover his back and Dinky will be with us but the baby's magic could interfere with what Ollivander will be doing."

Draco and Harry follow Ollivander back to the workshop, leaving Lucius and Narcissa to wait for them.

Just outside the workshop Ollivander stops to wait for the two boys. Harry whispers to Draco "Just open your magic to the room and summon anything that calls out to you."

Draco takes a deep breath and calmly steps into the room. Just like with Harry and Luna he stands still for a few moments and then catches the items that fly towards him. When the items are in his hand Ollivander shakes his head and walks to the workbench before looking at Draco and stating, "Place the materials here please."

Draco does as instructed and Mr. Ollivander casts his spells. When he is finished he turns to Draco and presents his wand as he announces, "As with your friends this is an interesting combination Spruce and Willow with Dragon Heartstring and Phoenix Feather. I would say that you have incredible potential and tend to be more flamboyant and dramatic than you friend. I dare say that you have a bold sense of humor. Now as with your friend your wand is intended to work with your staff," Draco takes the wand and Ollivander picks up the staff looks at it a moment and adds, "Rowan and Yew with Dragon Heartstring and Unicorn Hair, this is the staff of a great wizard, who is extremely loyal and protective of his friends. You have a clear-head and pure-heart. I think you will find that your defensive spells are rather strong with this as a focus."

As Draco takes the staff, Ollivander adds, "Your wand will join with your staff, for extra power should the need arise." The two boys then follow Ollivander to the front of the shop and after paying. The group leaves the store, with the two boys smiling happily.

Lupin's Apartment; London, England

Moony apperates in and looks around his flat for a few moments before he casts the spells that will pack all of his belongings. All of his belongings shrink to miniature size and pack into two trunks. Just as he is locking the trunks the fire crackles, and Dumbledore's head appears and asks, "Remus, my boy, might I step through and have a word with you?"

Remus plasters a smile on his face and replies, "Certainly Albus, I was about to stop by your office anyway."

A moment later Albus Dumbledore steps out of the fireplace and looks around the room, raising an eyebrow in question he turns to the younger man. Remus continues to smile as he indicates the trunks before saying, "As you haven't changed your mind about Harry, I thought I would ask for another assignment. If you don't have anything than I think I'll go visit my parents for a while. I haven't seen them in a few years and mum's letters say that dad's health has taken a turn."

Albus considers the younger man a moment then shakes his head and with a twinkle in his eye announces, "Well, I have had some rumors but if your parents need you it can wait until I have something a bit more concrete. Give your parents my regards and let me know when you are available, hopefully I'll have something for you then."

With a nod of his head Remus replies, "I'll do that. Thank you Albus. Are you sure I can't just check on Harry before I go?"

Dumbledore shakes his head firmly as he adds, "No, it is safer for him if no one knows where he is. He is doing just fine, I assure you. Have a nice visit with your family. I must be going now. Have a good-day, Remus." Then he turns and steps back into the fire.

Remus tosses a note into the flames, a moment later the fire goes out and Remus walks from the apartment to inform the landlady that he will not be staying any longer. When he has finished, he finds an empty alley and apperates away.

The Rook; Ottery St. Catchpole

After completing their business at Gringotts the Lovegood family apperated home, where Celeste set about making them some lunch and Xeno disappeared up to his office. Sensing that her mother wanted to ask her some questions Luna seated herself at the table to wait. After a few moments Celeste joins her and asks, "If I ask, will you tell me the answer?"

Luna considers for a moment as she stares into space, and then turning to her mother she replies, "I can tell you that a Druid's circle convened about eleven years from now and successfully performed the time travel ritual. It worked better than I expected. I had believed that Harry would be the only one that would receive all of his future memories and magic so that he could change things. As it turns out Mother Nature, fate, and magic decided that it would take Harry, Draco, and I because we all three came back. Mum, I ask you to trust that I am working to bring peace and balance back to the land and prevent well, before we performed the ritual there was a 95% chance of the human race coming to an end within two or three generations. There was a 4% chance of it happening sooner than that. I am sorry but I will not tell you about the future because as you know that future is now gone. I will also tell you that the boys need me, so I am going to stay at Harry's so that we can train and be prepared for what we have to do."

Celeste stares into space for a moment as if trying to figure out what to say, then sighs and asks, "Can you at least commit to a family dinner once a week? I can't help feeling as though we are all being robbed, you are losing your childhood, your father and I…"

With a laugh Luna jumps to her feet and hugs her mother before announcing, "I promise that I will still have fun and I will include you and daddy in as many of the major milestones as I can. I also promise that I will come have dinner with you and daddy once a week, but I might bring the boys with me. I will have to talk to them before we specify which day."

The older witch smiles at her daughter, sighs, and moves to serve lunch as she nods and says, "That seems fair to me. After lunch, would you like me to help you pack?"

The blonde-haired girl doesn't even hesitate as she announces, "That would be nice. I think I will take a selection of clothing and some personal items. I'd like to keep my things here for when I come home rather than packing and unpacking it all. At least until we get the trunks that Harry ordered and then I will only have to move the trunk, if that is alright. The good news is that when I do move my belongings into my trunk you and Daddy will be able to have an actual bedroom."

DMLE; Ministry of Magic

As Amelia walks into the DMLE she is obviously distracted, running over the conversation she just had with Harry Potter. As she reaches her office her assistant, Jackson, greets her with her messages. Amelia takes the stack of memos and says, "Bring me everything we have on Sirius Black. I want the entire file," then steps into her office and closes the door behind her.

At her desk, Amelia forces herself to concentrate on the tasks before her. By the time her assistant knocks on her door, she has responded to all the memos and sent a patronus message to inform her niece of their dinner plans. When Jackson enters Mad-Eye and Kingsley are following him. Amelia accepts the file with a nod and mumbles, "Thank you Jackson, that will be all for now," and the young man leaves.

Amelia opens the file and looks inside before saying, "This can't be all. Where is the rest of the file?" Then she remembers that Kingsley and Mad-Eye are there and looks up at the two men to ask, "How can I help you gentlemen?"

Moody's magical eye wanders to the file in Amelia's hand before he announces, "I have a funny feeling that our news may be linked to what you are doing. More seats have shown up in the Wizengamot chamber. One of them is the seat for house Moody, which by the way has traditionally been held by a woman. I may be able to find out who is head of my own house, but the Goblin's won't tell us who has claimed the other Houses. Considering the file you are looking through, as I doubt Dumbledore asked you to, it would have to be the Potter boy. The problem is how do we get him to come and talk to us?"

Amelia blushes and Moody barks out a laugh, "You have a way to talk to the boy do you Amelia? Dumbledore has everybody and their brother out looking for him in their spare time and you have a way to contact him."

With a shake of her head Amelia protests, "No. I don't actually have a way to contact him but I have had contact with him and I have plans to see him, again. Evidentially, the young man has gotten himself emancipated and has listed me as one of his advisors. As he is not doing anything illegal that I am aware of I agreed to meet with him this evening, to get to know him. I know you both are loyal to Dumbledore and will probably tell him but for the moment I don't see as how it is any of his business."

Kingsley seems to be brooding on what she said and after a moment he asks, "When you saw him, how was he? I mean was he healthy or did he look as if he was being coerced into doing things that he doesn't want to?"

With a glare, Amelia replies, "He was perfectly fine, he seemed eager to avoid someone that might be looking for him, I'm leaning toward that being Dumbledore as for the moment at least Voldemort still seems to be out of commission. He is sending a house-elf to pick me and Susan up to have dinner at his house this evening, and before you ask, No, I will not be taking anyone else. I will take Susan and meet with him. I will meet with the two of you first thing tomorrow morning to discuss what I find out and to decide on the best course of action if any action is required." Then with a shrug she changes the subject, "Moody, you were there when Black was arrested. What can you tell me because it seems that the file is missing a number of things, for instance where is the court record and where is the transcript of his interrogation?"

Both of Moody's eyes snap to her face as he considers for a moment before replying, "I don't think there ever was a trial. He went straight to Azkaban, and all of the muggles in the area were obliviated. He probably was never even questioned as he was caught red handed."

Amelia nods and asks, "What of his wand, there is no record of the priori Incantatum saying which spells he had cast."

This time Kingsley supplies, "When I was going through training, I read through all of the death eater cases, Black was an odd one as he literally went straight to Azkaban, no wand reading, no interrogation, and no trial record. I pointed it out to Bagnold, but was told to not meddle in things that didn't concern me."

After a moment of consideration, Amelia shakes her head and announces, "I want all the records brought up. Put a group together Kingsley, I want all those files reviewed, let's do a full internal audit, we can chalk it up to the change in management, after all I've only been here for about a month. We've been running at half capacity since the war and I intend to petition the Wizengamot for funding to bring us back up to full working capacity. I think a full audit will be helpful for that. Also, I want one or both of you to go bring Black from Azkaban tonight; I will question him myself first thing in the morning with the two of you as witnesses. I don't want anyone talking to him other than the two of you before that. I'm also asking you to hold off on reporting to Albus until we have all the details, and I don't want Black to know what is happening either, just tell him the new head of the DMLE is tying up some loose ends and leave it at that."

Alastor looks at Kingsley then turns to Amelia and replies, "As I said, there seems to be more to this than we can see at the moment, I will agree not to report anything until I have some more facts but I am due to report to the old man tomorrow so that's no hardship."

Kingsley looks thoughtful for a moment then says, "I'm due to report tonight, I'll tell him you are calling for an audit and that I have to make sure my files are ready, that should buy me a day or two, before I have to tell him something more. As for getting Black, I'll report to Albus and then I'll stand guard over the cells tonight after we get him here."

Draco's Suite, Malfoy Manor

Harry accompanied the Malfoy's back to their manor at Draco's request. When they arrive, Draco drags Harry to his suite of rooms, and closes the door before turning to look at the smaller boy and saying, "Harry, I know you said that we could put the past behind us, but there are some things I need to get off my chest, so I need to tell you some things and I need you to just listen, because I want to be on the right side this time and I'm not sure… no, I know that I can't do it on my own. My parents have provided a safe way for me to choose which side I want to be on and I have chosen, but, I still have to get everything out in the open. I don't think we can actually be friends if we are keeping secrets from each other and if I am going to be on your side then…"

With a laugh Harry states, "Draco, you are rambling, just take a deep breath and we can figure it out." When the blonde had taken a few deep breathes he adds, "Now, just say what you need to say."

With a nod, Draco announces, "Before, I started out being your enemy simply because you refused my hand on the train, but it was more than that. I don't really understand it but I was… drawn to you. Over time it became almost an obsession for me to try to hurt you like you hurt me, because if you weren't my friend then you deserved to suffer. I couldn't understand it and to be honest, I didn't try to. I had to know what was happening with you, which is why I was always showing up where you were. It wasn't that I was told to, I mean yeah, I was told to but that wasn't until later."

Harry looks confused for a moment but then says, "Draco, I'm not into blokes."

With a laugh and a shake of his head Draco insists, "That's not what I mean, it wasn't that I wanted to be involved romantically, it was more like I thought I needed to be there to help you and I know that I went about things the wrong way, but we were given a second chance and I want to do it right this time. I truly want to help you to destroy the dark lord once and for all. I want us to be friends, or even more like cousins."

With a shake of his head Harry states, "In the other time, I had a cousin, well, I still do, but… I don't want that. I think maybe we should just start out as friends and if anything it will develop into more like being brothers, kind of like my dads; brothers in all but blood, but it has to start as friends, and Draco, to be honest, there are a few things we will have to discuss because some of the beliefs that Lucius has drilled into your head in both times… well, I find them offensive and to be honest, they will tick me off every time. We are off to a good start, work on eliminating words like mudblood and blood-traitor from your vocabulary and we will do a lot better."

Harry wanders over to Draco's desk and picks up a silver letter opener then turns and looks at Draco and says, "Tell me, what the difference between you and me is?"

Draco considers and then shakes his head before replying, "I don't know."

Harry nods, "Your family has no muggle-born witches or wizards in it in more generations than you can count. My mother had wizarding blood in her family tree but to be honest she had just as much if not more muggle ancestors." Harry cuts his hand open and allows some blood to flow into his palm then holds the knife out to Draco and says, "Cut your hand, I want to show you something." Draco cuts his hand and Harry moves their hands closer together before adding, "See, it looks the same, so what is the difference between us. Well for one, I am Lord of more families. Two, I have muggle blood in my family tree, and three, I believe that if you were to cast a spell to measure your magic, it is large but if you cast the spell to measure mine, well, consider the fact that I did defeat Voldemort in the other time with my magic bound to only one percent capacity."

Draco's eyes widen and he asks, "How… I mean, how come no one noticed the binding?"

Harry smirks and replies, "Oh, I have no doubt that Dumbledore knew about it, but to be honest, I believe that he intentionally was keeping me weak because he believes that I am meant to sacrifices myself for the greater good so he obliviated anyone that found out, so they couldn't tell me. I mean it wasn't as if my muggle relatives ever took me to St. Mungo's, heck they never even took me to a muggle doctor. When I was four, my uncle beat me half to death; they left on vacation for two weeks, leaving me, literally dying with a list of chores to complete before they returned home! I've had more broken bones go unattended then you could ever imagine."

With a look of serious confusion, Draco stammers, "I… we… that… I mean, everyone was told that you were being raised by muggle relatives that treated you like royalty."

The small brunette boy cracks up laughing so hard that he is nearly rolling on the floor with mirth. Finally, when he is able to stop himself he straightens up and says, "Draco, I'd be willing to bet that I was treated worse than… well, then Dobby. My normal chore list for a day included cleaning the house, scrubbing the floors with my own toothbrush, scrubbing the windows, scrubbing the walls with my shirt, washing every dish and utensil in the kitchen, polishing the silver, scrubbing the toilets, mowing the lawns, pulling the weeds, washing uncle's car inside and out, doing the laundry, cooking the meals for my relatives, whitewashing the fence, power washing the house, scrubbing the cellar, and dusting the attic, plus whatever else my uncle could think to add. If I didn't finish my list I would get nothing to eat until it was. If I did manage to finish everything Aunt would permit me to have a piece of stale bread for breakfast and I could eat anything leftover on their plates. If I didn't finish the list then the bread and the leftovers would be thrown into the scrap bin. If I did something wrong, or asked a question or mentioned something unusual, then Uncle would… physically punish me… To be honest part of the reason I refused your hand that day is that you reminded me of Dudley. I was sure you were a spoilt little brat and I had just found out that there was hope I could one day escape from them permanently and I had no intention of opening myself to another bully."

The two boys stare at each other in silence for a moment before Harry shakes his head and says, "Draco, do you think you can get your dad to do something? In the other time, his house-elf Dobby was very noble and helpful. I tricked your dad into freeing him then. The little guy died for us. I'd like to…"

Draco thinks for a few moments then says, "I don't know. I will see what I can do. If he wants Dobby tied to the family I will tell him that I want him for my personal house-elf. As I will be living with you, he'll be there too. Will that work?"

Harry nods and says, "Thanks that would be great. Wait, you'll be living with me?"

Draco nods, "You said, I could have one of the suites next to you and this place has too many bad memories from the other time. I'll keep a few things here just for when I visit but I don't want to live here. Would it be okay if I have Dobby take my belongings over?"

With a thoughtful expression, Harry says, "Have him stack it in my room for the moment, when we go home later, you and Luna can pick which rooms you want. I was thinking that you two could take the suites to either side of mine but you don't have to. You can take any room you want, well, aside from mine or Moony's"

It didn't take the two boys long to gather the items Draco wanted to take with him; most of it was personal keepsakes and clothes. He decided to leave the room basically as it was and to buy any furniture he needed to for at Harry's house so that his room would be waiting anytime he chose to visit. When they had everything gathered Draco had Dobby take the items ti Nottingham Castle.

Lucius' Office, Malfoy Manor

When the boys had finished packing they went in search of the Draco's parents finding them in Lucius' office. Rather than asking to speak to Lucius in private Draco decided he wasn't going to hide things from his friend and upon entering the room announces, "Father, I would like to speak with you and mother. As part of what I wish to discuss concerns Harry, I ask that he be included in the conversation."

Lucius glances at his wife who shrugs before he turns to his eldest son and replies, "Alright Draco, what is on your mind?"

With a smile the two boys take seats before Draco states, "I am aware that you have passed the title of Lord of House Malfoy to me in name, but I believe it is in our best interests for you to continue to run things until I learn more about running a noble family. As Harry has no one to train him, I am requesting that you and mother teach us what you can. I am aware that there are things concerning our family that should be taught to just me but there are things that Harry should be taught about the house of Black that mother can teach him when you and I need to be alone. As Harry's house is safer than ours, I am requesting that lessons occur there, although I will come here for primate lessons with you regarding house Malfoy. I will be moving to Harry's because I believe that he has much to teach me as well that I will be unable to learn here besides, it is my belief that a war is coming and my place is at Harry's side. I will keep my suite of rooms for when I visit. I will be leaving the house-elves with you, however, I would like to request to have Dobby for my own. I have grown rather attached to the little guy. I will provide fabric to the house-elves and expect to see them properly dressed. Further, I do not believe that the house-elves should be punished unnecessarily; from now on all punishments must be for a valid reason not an assumed one. They will be punished like you would punish a child, if the issue is truly an accident there will be no punishment. That is my opinion."

Lucius and Narcissa consider for a moment and Narcissa is the one to state, "Draco, I can accept the reasons you are giving for the lessons and I will gladly teach the both of you. Trips to Harry's house would be much simpler if we could simply use the flew rather than relying on the house-elves for transportation to and from which your father and I are neither one comfortable with for repeated trips."

With a smile Harry says, "I intend to visit the ministry and have the flew connected but I have some other business to attend to first and I will be taking care of that at dinner this evening, which reminds me, if you would care to join us, I believe that Narcissa may be interested in attending tonight when Madam Bones has dinner at my house. Madam Bones will be bringing her niece and Luna's family as well as Professor Lupin will be in attendance, so you are more than welcome to join us and turn this into a family affair. I am sure the ladies would love the chance to dote on Hydrus as well. Considering that it may take the Ministry a few days to connect the flew I recommend that we begin our lessons next week."

This time Lucius is the one to smile and reply, "We will consent to the requests for lessons to begin after the flew is connected and we will join you for dinner. Draco, I will even consent to the house-elves change of attire as I find their rags offensive to my own sensibilities as well. I am hesitant on relinquishing Dobby as I have just gotten him trained to my own satisfaction; however, on the other hand if you will consent to allowing Dobby to give me weekly updates on your personal health and well-being, I believe that with the lessons you will be having it makes more sense for me to train a new house-elf as I will have more time to attend to its training."

After a moment's hesitation Lucius adds, "I recommend, considering our beliefs that war is coming, that… the three of you consider hiring tutors to train you in magic and combat or at least combat magic, Narcissa can teach you basic lessons such as reading and writing, I will train you in the ways of the Noble houses and business, Narcissa will teach you specifics of house Black and the ways of the Ancient and Noble houses. You should probably hire tutors to teach you potions and basic healing as well. As for dinner tonight, we will accept your offer, but I believe that it would be better if we not be seen to be associating regularly in public although that should maybe be a gradual falling out rather than a clean cut break. We have some time to decide on that still."