A/N : I've injured my bloody left little finger and it hurts like crap whenever I move it. Stupid Chanbara can go and jump into the sea itself.
Reply to a certain anonymous reviewer.
ev, I do appreciate your criticisms, but do polish up your English grammar before commenting on mine. "On the one hand" should be rephrased as "On one hand." I was typing that way because I happened to be reading the original version of some English classics, to get some of the terminology accurate for this story. As I've stated in the first chapter, my brain works in funny ways.
Chapter 9 : The Wizengamot, and What Not.
"HERMIONE!"
Harry panted while he chased after her. Curse the school, the floor was too slippery for him to imbue his magic and chase up with her. Of course, he silently smacked himself. He skidded to a stop, and ducked into a portrait, and emerged on the other side, effectively getting ahead of a certain brunette, and she smashed into him.
"Off!"
Hermione Granger shook her head moments later, trying to clear it. For what she was gathering, she was sitting on something comfortable. She glanced downwards and stood up while apologising to Harry, as he regained his bearings.
"Harry, I'm so sorry!"
"No problem Hermione… Just wait for a few seconds while I recover my bearings."
They had then trooped back to their Dormitory, deep in thought, and they sat next to the other, on the same couch.
"Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"Did we really…"
"Yeah, we did."
An awkward silence descended on them, and neither spoke for a long time, absorbed in their thoughts.
"Well, I do think I should go and see Dumbledore for a bit. I will be at the Great Hall for dinner after that. Meet you there."
With that, Harry Potter moved off, while Hermione Granger sat there, still deep in thought.
Harry approached the Gargoyle, guessing the password. Cockroach Cluster may have been changed. Now, he told me he hated Bertie Bott's…
The Gargoyle jumped aside as Harry approached. He was amazed, and he felt the ring on his finger heat up. Doubtlessly another perk of being the Heir. No more frustrating passwords to guess.
"Come in!" The cheery voice of Dumbledore penetrated through the door.
Harry opened the door, only to find himself in a room, which was in a mess. Really, what had happened here?
"You see the results of Fawkes being… cranky. Nothing a little magic cannot solve."
With a wave of his wand, the materials on the floor gathered and tidied themselves.
"Headmaster?"
"Ah yes. I am aware that you are the heir right now, as the goblins have informed me moments prior. Lucius would not like this, I assure you."
"Bad for him, then."
"Harry, promise me that you will not abuse the authority you have. Besides, you have… 8 seats in the Wizengamot awaiting ascension. The next Wizengamot meeting is tomorrow, an urgent one, and if you do not mind, I will arrange for you to have your Wizengamot robes the first thing tomorrow at Diagon Alley. After dinner, I will bring you to the Ministry of Magic, and we will then attend to the ascension. For today, would it be sufficient if you ate your dinner here and I brief you on the proceedings of the Wizengamot?"
"I would appreciate it Headmaster."
And for the next few hours, with the exception of Dobby suddenly appearing in the room with an insane amount of food, and being promptly sent off with a note to Hermione Granger, and most of the food he came with.
He arrived at the Head Prefects Dorm, few hours later, exhausted, and terribly confused after Dumbledore shoved all his Wizengamot knowledge into a few hours. He collapsed on a sofa and slept before his head even touched it.
----
He woke to Hermione Granger staring at him. Her face was too near for comfort, and he jolted up, scaring her in the process.
"Don't scare me like that again, Harry!"
And while Harry was still trying to formulate an comprehensible answer, a flash of fire marked the arrival of Albus Dumbledore. Hermione jumped again, and clutched her heart. Dumbledore just smiled serenely at them, and motioned for Harry to join him.
"We will be back later, Miss Granger."
And with another flash, they found themselves in front of Madam Malkins. Dumbledore went in, and immediately Madam Malkin was on Harry like a blood hound. One hour later, clutching a parcel underneath his arm, Harry and Dumbledore flashed back to Hogwarts. Hermione was not in the room, doubtlessly off to the Great Hall already. Dumbledore turned around to Harry, and spoke.
"The Wizengamot meeting is after six, so I will have you eat your dinner earlier. When you are done, dress in the robes and meet me in my office. I have a Portkey that will bring us to the meeting chambers."
And without another word, Dumbledore flashed away again. Harry shrugged and placed the parcel in his trunk, and moved off to train before he finally emerged in the Great Hall, where most were done with their breakfast, and were moving off to do their assignments. He squeezed between Ron and Hermione, to which Ron was wolfing down more food, and Hermione was reading and eating at the same time. He quickly filled his plate, and finished it, before Hermione was shocked out of her stupor and noticed his existence.
"Harry! Where did you and Headmaster go this morning?"
"We went to Madam Malkins to get some robes."
"But why?"
"Err… Tell you later."
Although Hermione was bursting at the seams with more questions, she resisted. After all, Harry always fulfilled his promises.
"Anyway Ron, who is the Quidditch Captain this year?"
Ron paused in the middle of ravaging his food, and pointed to a badge on his robes.
"So… when does the trials start?"
Ron's eyes seemingly bulged, as he quickly wolfed down the rest, and rushed out the hall screaming.
"DAMN! AM I SO LATE!"
Harry turned to Hermione for an explanation of Ron's weird behaviour.
"Trials are today… about now I think."
"I see. Did you patch up your friendship with Ron? You two seemed cordial between each other."
"We came to a mutual agreement this morning, that our ex-relationship was going to fail in the end, and we promised to remain friends."
"Oh, I see."
Harry stood up, and with a deft turn, Apparated to the Dorm, shocking the hell out of Hermione, to which she started mumbling about how Apparation was barred from Hogwarts due to the wards as per Hogwarts, A History.
----
Harry carried his Lightning Bolt to the Quidditch pitch, where there was already a long line in place. Heads turned as some gasped when they recognised the broom slung over his shoulders. He queued up in the Seeker line, which was ridiculously short as compared to other lines. There were only four people including Harry.
Ron was acting as Keeper, and was currently saving goals sent by those that want to take up Chaser positions. The Beaters were trying to distract the Chasers. Soon, a number was chosen, and the Seeker trials were finally up. Most of the rejected players stayed behind to see, and Ron grinned at Harry.
"Alright! I will release twelve Snitches into the air. The one that catches the most gets the position."
The seekers mounted their brooms, and Ron released the twelve Snitches, which disappeared immediately. Harry shot off like a bullet, and caught two unsuspecting Snitches immediately, while the others gave him glares. Nearly fifteen minutes later, Harry managed to catch all the snitches, with him using some tactics to mislead the others. The Lightning Bolt was awesome, that much could be said. It accelerated rapidly, going from nought to a hundred in six seconds, could reverse as fast as it accelerated, and it had a high top speed. Acceleration tapered of at around two hundred per hour, and was non-existent at three hundred. The rest gave him jealous looks at his broom, while Ron fawned over it.
"My god Harry, can I have a ride on it?"
"Sure thing, Ron, but don't crash it."
Ron proceeded to have fun for the next hour, and they were then chased off my Madam Hooch, as they had exceeded the allocated time. They went to the Great Hall to have some lunch. After that, Ron left to get some parchment and quills to do his homework, while Harry cooped himself in the Library reading up on the Wizengamot proceedings. When it was five thirty, he replaced the book he was reading, and left the library, and arrived at his Dormitory five minutes later.
He proceeded to unfurl the robe, and quickly wore it, and decided to see himself in the mirror. He brushed his fringe upwards, to notice that the scar was way more diminished than before, and if you were looking at him from far, you probably could not even see it. The Wizengamot robes were grand, with a wizard robe in grey beneath, a sleeveless jacket like clothing on top. Both were adorned with intricate patterns, and on the sleeveless jacket, were eight crests on the right breast area. He Apparated to the Great Hall, ate his dinner quickly, then Apparated to Dumbledore's office, as Dumbledore instructed him to keep his current status a secret. He disillusioned his ring, and he knocked on the door.
"Enter!"
Harry opened the door to find Dumbledore decked in similar robes, save for him having only one crest, and a hat perched on top of his head.
"What is that hat for, Headmaster?"
"Call me Albus, for now you are of equal footing with me, as members of the Wizengamot. Or Chief Warlock. The hat is what is required of the Chief Warlock to wear, as a sign of status. Grab hold of this lemon drop."
Harry grasped one end, and Dumbledore grabbed the other, and mumbled beneath his breath. The familiar jerking of his navel reminded him why he hated Portkeys. He arrived in front of two wooden doors, their frame gold. Dumbledore turned to him, and whispered instructions.
"When I mention your name, you will enter. If other people are also behind this door, they are also the same as you, awaiting ascension."
Dumbledore briskly went into another door at the side, and Harry casted a spell to make his ears very sensitive to sound, and he could hear people drawing into the room, and seating on the chairs. No one paid much attention to him, as they entered from other doors. Harry turned around when he heard someone coming towards him. What is Draco Malfoy, amazing bouncing Ferret doing here? Don't tell me that because his father is in Azkaban, he has ascended as the Lord of the House of Malfoy? This sucks. Big time."
Draco seemed surprised to find Harry there, but ignored Harry and continued to stand in front of the door. Harry could hear the noise stop, and heard the voice of Dumbledore ring out.
"Attention please! This meeting of the Wizengamot has officially begun."
The room finally quietened down.
"Firstly, there are two matters of ascension we are required to take care of. The first, the ascension to one seat, the seat of Malfoy laid claim to by Draco Malfoy, current Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy. Are there any objections?"
By the silence, there were none, and Draco fiddled with his ring. Harry smirked, and leant back onto the wall.
"Since there are none, Mr Malfoy, you may enter and take your seat."
The doors opened automatically, and Draco's entrance was met with warm applause.
"The second, the ascension to eight seats…"
Dumbledore's voice was buried deep beneath the sound of people talking to their neighbours about it. After all, Dumbledore had warned him that from the creation of the Wizengamot, no one actually claimed more than two seats. His eight seats was considered a miracle.
"SILENCE!"
One thing Harry had to credit Dumbledore was his voice. He was able to speak in a normal voice and make adults flinch like children being caught red-handed, and when he roared like just now, everyone would listen. Harry had a sneaking suspicion that if Dumbledore roared like that at Tom Riddle, even the Dark Lord would flinch.
"As I was saying, the ascension to eight seats, the seat of Pendragon, Le Fey, Merlin, Potter, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw laid claim to by Harry James Potter, current King of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Pendragon, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Le Fey, Merlin, Potter, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. The goblins have verified his Kingship and Lordships. Are there any objections?"
"I have, Chief Warlock."
"State your objection, Lord Zambini."
"Harry Potter is too young to take any important role in the fate of the Wizarding World!"
At that, Harry thought he could hear a few people back up Zambini's claim.
"If you remember, Lord Zambini, he already stuck his hand into the fate of our world at the tender age of one."
That silenced the protestors, but Zambini spoke again.
"He is merely but a child, Chief Warlock. Surely you are not serious."
"If you realise, Lord Zambini, he is over the legal age of seventeen. He is an adult now."
"But he has no experience!"
"I do not think meeting the Dark Lord a few times do not count."
There was a great uproar at that, and there were a few discussions amongst the rest. Zambini cleared his throat, effectively silencing the rest as he spoke again.
"As you have said, he is merely seventeen. In fact, we are not even sure if he was not hiding away with his Dark Lord in the two years he was missing!"
Harry nearly emptied his stomach at the thought of that.
"You have a fertile imagination Lord Zambini. The Dark Lord will not allow such a powerful person near him."
Zambini was silent for a moment, but he spoke moments later, with an edge in his voice.
"He is too young. It would be an insult to the rest of us if someone so fresh was admitted, and given eight seats."
"Then may I ask, Lord Zambini, why did you not disapprove of young Lord Malfoy's claim?"
That shut the man up, and when he spoke, Harry could hear the defeat in the man's voice.
"I have no further objections, Chief Warlock."
"Very well. Since there are no further objections, Mr Harry Potter, you may enter and claim your seat."
Harry strode through the opening doors. The Wizengamot room was grand, grandeur at it's finest. There were fifty seats, all labelled on the back. The room was circular, and topped off with a dome. There was a balcony, where the non-members could watch the proceedings. The people seated there were the Department Heads, and Harry could see Mr Weasley looking as though he had been Stupefied. Harry froze Fudge's face in his memory, and he thought he would earn quite a sum if he sold Umbridge's photo where she had a fish-out-of-water look, which she was sporting now. He turned towards where Dumbledore was seated, and he could see two chairs behind Dumbledore. Dumbledore was seated on a raised platform, and there was a step with five chairs on it. There was another empty chair in the middle of the members. He glanced at Dumbledore, questioning him.
"Lord Potter. If you will show your ring to these chairs, they will join and form your chair."
Harry raised his arms, and the chairs shone. The two chairs behind Dumbledore shone Merlin and Pendragon, the chair in the midst of the members Potter, and those on the steps Le Fey, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. The chairs seemed to suddenly jump and they merged into a chair, just behind Dumbledore, who was looking at Harry with a twinge of amusement on his face.
"It seems that your combined power is greater than mine. Only Pendragon and Merlin can override my… ultimatums."
There was a row at this, for it was rude to be actually seated behind the Chief Warlock. Harry tried to lift the accursed chair up, but failed. It was most securely locked to the floor, and neither the Levitating charm nor Lift could make it move.
"Do not bother, Harry. It cannot be removed by any means I know off, inclusive of levitation, chopping the floorboards, and many other methods."
So, Harry sat resignedly on the chair, while the tall hat Dumbledore wore obstructed his view. The meeting had proceeded pretty smoothly, taking into consideration a boy claiming eight seats and was seated behind the Chief Warlock.
----
"How was it, Harry?"
"Confusing."
"It will pass with time. Do not worry, why, even I was confused when I attended for the first time."
"And that coming from the most intelligent man in the world currently does not soothe my addled brains."
"Well, do I need to call Poppy?"
Harry Potter was out of the office as quick as he could, while Dumbledore laughed, and Fawkes trilled in amusement.
----
"Harry, would you mind telling me what is going on?"
Hermione had managed to latch to him rather like a leech as he entered his sanctuary.
"Err… this is a long tale. Do you mind if I get comfortable first?"
After finally finishing in his endeavour to tell her about him being the Heir, which lead to her looking flabbergasted. He left her alone to process the information, and he relaxed on his bed, and promptly drifted off to sleep.
----
The sight of two hooting owls perched on the bedposts woke Harry Potter out of his stupor quickly.
It was a nice Monday morning, the birds were chattering in the forest. There was a calm breeze, the sky was clear, devoid of any clouds, and the sun shine on the earth while Harry Potter was temporarily stunned.
He moved clumsily, and undid the parchment on the owls' foot. One bore the crest of the Ministry, the other the crest of Gringotts.
He opened the Ministry letter apprehensively, and his eyes widened as he read, and he let off a whoop of celebration.
The Ministry Of Magic,
Wizarding Examinations Authority,
Head Examiner,
Griselda Marchbanks.
RE: O.W.L.s Results.
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you of your O.W.L.s results are as follows. Please send a reply to confirm your N.E.W.T.s subjects.
Study of Ancient Runes – O
Arithmancy – O
Astronomy – O
Care of Magical Creatures – O
Charms – O
Defence Against the Dark Arts – O
Divination – E
Herbology – O
History of Magic – O
Muggle Studies – O
Potions – O
Transfiguration – O
Yours,
Griselda Marchbanks.
Harry immediately scribbled his reply on some spare parchment, and sent it off, confirming that besides Divination, he was taking the 11 subjects for his N.E.W.T.s. He opened the Gringotts letter, and something fell out. While bending over to retrieve the object, he quickly read the letter.
Gringotts Bank,
London Division,
Diagon Alley,
Head Goblin,
Ragnok.
Dear Mr Potter,
Our Scottish counterparts have unearthed the latest Will and Testament of Merlin in his old haunt. This has been verified and checked with the Merlin that resides in the caverns of Gringotts. In the Will, Merlin has labelled you the receiver of his knowledge. Kindly pick up the mirror and allow it to transfer the memories and knowledge to you. The soul of Merlin in the statue has also requested to speak to you, via the Mirror.
May your Vaults fill with Galleons,
Ragnok.
Harry picked up the Mirror, and he felt a searing pain in his head as centuries of knowledge and memories flooded his brain. He collapsed on the floor, and managed to retrieve a Headache Potion from his personal store and down it before his brain would explode.
Life fled from Harry Potter as he quickly went through the life of Merlin.Good gods. There was such carnage even in those days?! This is bad, really really bad.
He picked up the Mirror, and the statue of Merlin peered at him.
"Do not feel disgusted of me when you view my memories. I was but a foolish young man back then."
"But…"
"And Arthur has asked me to relay a message to you. Caledfwlch survives."
"What is that?"
"Check your memories—No, MY memories, Harry."
"EXCALIBUR? I thought it was tossed back into the lake!"
"And therein it lies, waiting for you to claim it."
The face disappeared, and King Arthur appeared in the Mirror.
"Dear Harry, I feel that the sword will be infinitely useful for you. Remain wary, for Tom Riddle has powerful friends."
And the face too, disappeared, and the mirror cracked. The memories soared to him, and he paled. Was the old seer true? What am I going to do? His mind flittered to the memory when the old seer suddenly jerked and spoke in the very same voice that Trelawney had when she made a true prediction. Would I one day rise and rule over Britain?
The day will come where King Arthur shall return. With his return comes peace, and the War will be quelled.
This fitted into his life like a jigsaw puzzle piece. Perfect fit. After all, he did return, so to speak, and the war was supposed to end by his hands. Bloody hell, this is not good. I wonder if Dumbledore is still up? I could do with his advice. But first, Excalibur.
He twirled and Disapparated.
----
"Stupid Bedevere. Where in the lake is the sword?"
Harry muttered impatiently as he scoured the lake bed. It was bare, too bare for his liking. No inkling of the sword was visible. Of course, maybe the sword was only visible when the lake was full. With a swish of his hand, the lake's water flowed back in, emptying out the mine hole he drained it to. The lake filled up quickly, and soon, the mine hole was empty.
Harry grew frustrated, and was soon yelling various passwords he thought it to have, in order for the damned arm to rise up.
"King Potter, Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Pendragon commands you to deliver my sword to me!"
"King Arthur's Heir requires his sword!"
"Damn this to hell! Accio Caledfwlch! Accio Excalibur! Accio Caliburns!"
All three spells produced no visible effect.
"I summon Caledfwlch!"
There was a great roar, the water churned, and out of the lake bed a calamite hand rose, with the sword in it's grip. The wind resembled a gale, the leaves rustled and broke off the branches. Harry stood firm, and a woman appeared out of the lake.
"Nimue."
"Welcome, Harry James Potter."
End of Chapter 9
A/N : While it may seem that Harry is becoming the Destroyer of Worlds power type, I wouldn't go so far. My imagination can only stretch so much. Voldemort has some tricks up his sleeves, so, if you start quitting off this story as Voldemort seems like such a puny push over, there will be a twist. In the near future.