Hey everyone! I am REALLY sorry about the long wait on this chapter, my laptop crashed, i had to re-install everything... blah blah blah...
I don't exactly know where my beta-reader is... So i'm just posting this chapter without having it checked... so its probably quite terrible.
Speaking of which, anyone interested in beta-reading the next few chapters i write up? (Just in case i cant get a hold of my usual beta? PM me if interested.)
Disclaimer: I dont own Harry Potter...
Please Review, it means a lot to hear your guys' thoughts on the development.
Chapter 10: Second chances Pt1.
Daphne awoke the next morning feeling unusually relaxed. That is until she remembered what she had planned for the day. She gave a sinister smile and couldn't wait to execute Hermione's plan. The thought of helping the man she'd started seriously falling for, filled her heart with an unfamiliar sort of happiness. Getting out of bed, she stretched and continued her morning routines. After she had changed and made her way to the common room, she caught up with Tracy and both girls made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Upon arrival, the two Slytherin girls made their way to their house table and began eating breakfast. They were soon joined by Luna who seemed to have missed the other Slytherins' reaction as she seated herself next to Daphne and proceeded to enjoy her breakfast. It wasn't long before the other members of the Potter Parade joined and they all sat together enjoying their breakfast. The other Slytherins simply ignored them, but Millicent Bulstrode was happy to throw in a comment or two at what the group was talking about.
Everyone was having fun talking and getting to know one another until Harry walked through the large double doors. Harry was dressed in very formal black and white robes, his hair was its messy but looked a little less unruly and he also wore dark leather gloves. The great hall suddenly went still as the 'boy-who-lived' made his way over to the Slytherin table for some food.
"Well, well, don't you look fancy," Tracy said with a small grin in place.
"What you all dressed up for?" Neville asked feeling the silky robes Harry was wearing.
"I didn't tell you guys?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. When they shook their heads, Harry explained.
"I've got some business to handle." Harry said simply.
"And you aren't sharing." It was more of a statement rather than a question. Harry looked up at Daphne and smiled.
"Trust me, you'll know by supper tonight."
"Supper?!" Hermione asked shocked that Harry won't be around for her plan to be revealed.
"Yeah, I'm sure you guys can handle one day without me." Harry replied with a small wink.
Just then the Great hall doors opened again, and in walked Sirius Black in his formal robes. Walking straight up to the head table, Sirius put a note in front of Dumbledore and turned without so much as a greeting. Harry's words of how his previous Headmaster almost allowed him to rot in Azkaban burned in his mind, and he couldn't face the man without the temptation of hexing him.
Sirius scanned the Great hall until his eyes fell on Harry, walking briskly towards his grandson; Sirius put a hand on his shoulder and nodded his head sharply.
"Lord Black, it is an honor to see you again." Daphne said from her place at the table. Her greeting was soon met by the others greeting the shaggy haired man with the same respect.
"Lady Greengrass and others, the honor is mine. I wish I could stay but as I'm certain my godson has informed you. We have some business to attend to."
"My apologies, Sirius, but I cannot allow young Harry to leave with you this morning." Dumbledore said as he approached the group.
"Well, my notice is in your hands, and if I remember correctly, Hogwarts rules say the parent/guardian of a student must provide a notice either before or on the day they wish to take a child from the school."
"Yes, well I believe Mr. Potter would appreciate some rest in the hospital wing following yesterday's events."
"I appreciate your concern Headmaster, but I feel fine. Sirius, lead the way." Harry said coolly.
"I am the Headmaster of this school and I forbid you to leave here!" Dumbledore's robes started blowing slightly by the amount of magical force he had been releasing. He knew inwardly grinned as Harry and Sirius stopped in their tracks, making it seem as though they would bow to his will. His ego was then doubled when he heard the students mutter around the castle in absolute awe at his power.
"Am I correct in assuming that you're refusing to allow me to escort my Godson on very important Potter business?" Sirius asked not turning towards the aged wizard.
"Also are you trying to increase your magical force to intimidate us?" Harry asked quietly, also not facing his Headmaster.
Dumbledore's small grin slowly faded and was replaced by a look no one had seen on his face for a long time… shock. As his magical force was now felt by the surrounding students, Dumbledore now felt two more forces joining the battle. Watching the pair in front of him closely, he noticed how they still hadn't turned to face him, but their hair and robes were now bellowing dangerously.
Harry and Sirius slowly turned to face the old fool, their hair masked behind their long hair. As soon as they made eye contact with Dumbledore, they released almost a third of their power which was gradually pushing the old man back, forcing him to stumble slightly.
"If your answer is yes to any of the questions we asked then I, Sirius Orion Black, challenge you to a wizard's duel, with Harry as my second!" Sirius yelled as his hair now raised off his shoulders and his magical force, continued to push Dumbledore further away from him until he stumbled into the Slytherin table behind him.
Dumbledore couldn't get his balance right. He was tempted to force more power out, but if he tried he was frightened he might destroy the castle. He was the great defender of the Wizarding world after all, he saved them from Grindelwald. So his power was obviously above everyone else's… or so he told himself. Before he could speak however, McGonagall arrived and put a hand on Sirius's shoulder as a sign of comfort.
"Siri- Lord Black, please forgive the Headmaster, he overstepped his boundaries and it shall not happen again. As Deputy Headmistress, I approve your request and shall see young Mr. Potter before supper tonight." The strict looking Transfiguration said while glaring daggers at her work colleague.
"Of course Professor, I thank you. Now, Harry and I will be going." Sirius said when his magical power returned to normal.
After the two left Dumbledore stared at his Deputy Head with something close to betrayal. How could she undermine him like that? It was imperative for Harry to go to the hospital wing where Dumbledore could start manipulating him. Harry needed to be placed under his thumb, by any means necessary. The boy had unrivaled potential of becoming the next Dark Lord. Even though Dumbledore knew it was such a far off chance, he would have to start implanting the idea in people's minds. If they wouldn't see reason, he would just have to use Legillimency to properly display it. Yes that was it, the more people assume Harry to be the next rising Dark Lord, the more they'll exile him. Making him feel alone and vulnerable. Yes, he would then step in as the only person who Harry can trust.
Turning to face the rest of the castle, Albus was only mildly aware the McGonagall was speaking to him. Dumbledore's eyes then fell on the youngest Weasley spawn. As an added bonus, he would make sure that Ginny was the one who would offer Harry a shoulder when he'll need it most. Making their feelings rise, and as he understood it, Molly had sent Ginny some powerful love potions that were keyed to her. With Harry's isolation and the potions, he'll be begging Ginny to marry him within the first week of their relationship, making her the sole Heiress to all the titles the boy was ignorant of. Turning a little more Dumbledore was now certain what he had to do when his eyes rested on the Potter Parade and he gave a sad smile.
"My apologies, I believe I have acted out of turn, but I do hope you see the reason behind my actions, I care about Mr. Potter and only wish to see him healthy."
The group nodded their heads but Dumbledore noticed the Slytherin girls eying him suspiciously, but so were Ms. Lovegood, Granger and Mr. Longbottom.
'Can't use Legillimus on the pure-bloods, they probably have Occlumency shields. Ms. Granger it is, but later.'The old man thought quickly.
"Well, let breakfast commence." McGonagall said, after she finally stopped yelling at the Headmaster.
o-00-o-00-o
Harry and Sirius made their way to the edge of the Hogwarts wards before apparating to their destination. With a small stumble, Harry straightened himself and walked over to a telephone booth in muggle London, closely followed by Sirius who squeezed in with him. After pulling, twisting, pushing and squeezing the correct instruments on the telephone, the booth slowly started descending and the muggle world disappeared above them. They were now being lowered into the Minister of Magic for a meeting Harry had requested with Amelia Bones and the new acting Minister, since Fudge retired, Jonathan Baldwin.
"Harry, are you sure about this? I mean, what if he turns on you?" Sirius asked quietly as they made their way towards the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"If he even considers it, I'll either kill him or have him thrown back to the Dementors, but one thing I am certain of is that his mother could be a major asset to the Potters. We need to make this alliance and the only way to start any type relationship with her, is to release her son. Besides, the last time I spoke to him, he seemed different."
"Different?"
"Yeah, like he was regretting his decision, if he does, then hey, maybe I can get a friend out of this whole deal." Harry replied with a small grin.
"Yeah, I noticed you were a bit short on the male side of the friends list." Sirius commented with a grin.
"If you don't shut it I'll tell Gwen you tried flirting with a bunch of seventh year Claws."
Sirius tried to retaliate until he noticed they were standing outside of Madam Bones' office. With a light knock, they heard a reply on the other side and entered the room.
"Ah, Mister Potter, Lord Black, please come in, take a seat. Minister Baldwin, this is Harry Potter and his Guardian and Godfather, Lord Black. Gentlemen this is acting Minister Baldwin. He will be taking the place of Cornelius until the next Ministry election." Madam Bones said professionally.
Jonathan Baldwin was a tall man with salt and pepper hair. His face was hard, but clean shaven and had the signs of wrinkles that had only started appearing. His body build was about average with large strong hands and a scar on his right index finger.
After quick exchanges the men all took their seats but no one spoke.
"Are we going to be discussing something, or have we gathered for a spot of tea?" The Minister joked lightly, which brought a smile to Harry's face.
"Yes, we shall be Minister, but before we begin, I have invited one other person to join us in our meeting, I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, my dear boy, so long as we can have that tea afterwards." The minister replied with a small grin.
Harry already liked this guy for the next seat as Minister. He wasn't sure if it was because he hadn't tried roping Harry with the Ministry like Fudge had, or if it was simply for the fact that he didn't mind letting off a joke or two to ease a room of all tension.
Just then there was a knock at the door and Harry quickly stood to introduce his guest to the others involved in the meeting.
"Yes, thank you for coming."
"What is it you want, Potter? Ruining my son's future not enough for you? Now you want to try and get something on me too?!" The woman snarled at the young man, who to everyone's surprised had a smile on his face.
"No not at all, actually I've asked you to come so we may discuss your son's withdrawal from prison."
This shocked the woman into silence as she stared at the young man in front of her.
"Why would you do something like that." She asked suspiciously. She knew all about the 'favors' young men and Lords like Potter wanted in return for something like this. But she was a dignified woman would never be used like some rag.
"I want to establish an alliance between our families." Harry answered simply, which even possible, stunned the woman further.
"Come inside, I will explain everything then." Harry said leading the woman into the office and closing the door behind her.
o-00-o-00-o
At Hogwarts Hermione, Daphne and Tracy had just received what they had wanted from the Weasley twins. 'Extendable Ears' they called them, it simply a piece of string with a fake ear attached to either side. The purpose of this particular item was to eavesdrop on conversations. The sound went through one ear and the message travelled along the magically enchanted and enlarged string and out the other ear. The irony that the twins developed something that would go in one ear and come out the other wasn't lost on Hermione.
Getting everything set-up the Lioness and two Snakes simply waited for the perfect moment to execute their plan, unfortunately Lunch was still an hour and a half away. So until then the three girls sat under the tree near the lake and watched as the Giant Squid juggled a few startled looking second years while some older Ravenclaw boys laughed. The sight was quite funny. After a few minutes the squid placed the third years back on to the ground gently and swam away mysteriously.
"Why is there a Giant Squid in the lake anyway?" Hermione asked absentmindedly.
"How did it get here?" Tracey added, also wondering about the odd creature.
"I heard it's a vegetarian…" Daphne said randomly as they continued looking out onto the lake.
"What do you think his doing?" Tracey said first snapping the others out of their musings.
"Probably just swimming around." Hermione answered.
"What? No, not the Squid! Harry!"
"Well he said we'd see tonight, and it sounded serious. Maybe he's buying Hogsmaede?" Hermione said shrugging.
The other two girls gave her a confused look before continuing.
"Luna's rubbing off on you." Daphne stated with a hint of humor in her tone.
"Oh shut it! Speaking of which; where are the others?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Not sure but we might as well go look for them, besides it's almost show time." Tracey said happily.
The girls made their way towards the castle. Unbeknownst to them was a figure silently watching the three girls headed back. With a small pop the figure vanished.
o-00-o-00-o
"Mr. Potter, are you sure you would like to retract your claims against him? I know my job is to simply hear you out and say what is best, but I must ask you if you are certain." Minister Baldwin asked Harry seriously.
"Minister, I appreciate your concern but I am certain that he will not try anything. I have faith in my decision to release him and I am sure he'll be a great companion for the future of the Potter, Zabini alliance. What say you Miranda?" Harry asked turning to the lady who was berating him an hour ago.
"Well, Harry, now that I understand your reasoning and given it some thought, I would be more than happy to form an alliance with the house of Potter and Black." Miranda Zabini said smiling at the two men in front of her.
Miranda was a tall woman with dark olive skin and black hair. Her Italian roots were strong, but since she lived in England from the time she was 11 her accent wasn't as strong as it had been. Miranda, being raised by pure-blood rituals had been married off to her Death-Eater husband, Thomas Zabini. Thomas was something of a prince from an African country and his family had moved him here at the same time Miranda arrived. The name Zabini was actually a combination of their last names. Since Miranda's family had more wealth and power they demanded Thomas take their last name, but since Miranda was just a female, she had to take her husband's name. It took the better part of three months before the family had finally decided to combine their names into one.
Their birth names were Thomas Xholani Zama and Miranda Carla Binigna.
Miranda spoke about her ignorance in her husband's Death-Eater activity and swore she would get their marriage annulled.
Harry smiled secretively, that's the second time his made a wife leave her husband. Maybe he should cool it before someone starts targeting him for that. Speaking of single woman, Harry wondered how Narcissa was holding up, he hadn't seen her in a while and it would be nice to speak to her, maybe get some blackmail material against Sirius from his childhood days. He made a mental note to write her later on tonight.
For now his arrangements with the soon to be Ms. Binigna, were currently in full swing and he told her he would be back later on today to speak to Blaise about his proposition. Harry formed a plan after everything that happened in the Great hall two days ago, Harry would need to build up a sort of gang, one where he could trust the people around him. He noticed Millicent Bulstrode talking to the others this morning. Now he just needed to cast his net a little further and hook some more people. But that thought would have to wait until later, since it was lunch time Harry and Sirius made their way to Diagon Alley for some lunch and also his second appointment for the day.
o-00-o-00-o
Meanwhile three girls were running over everything in their heads to make sure there was no flaw in their plan. Hermione had made it certain that Ron would find the love potions on his bed but they were charmed to look like something else, Ginny sat in the common room waiting for the bushy haired witch who had long since sneaked out of the common room.
Daphne made sure that all the students were in the Great hall for lunch, when several students frowned at her and asked her for an explanation she gave a coy smile and simply stated that they would see and that they wouldn't want to miss the show. Certain that all the students were sitting at their desks Daphne gave a short nod at Tracey who smiled and executed her part of the plan.
Tracey walked briskly up to the teachers table and requested permission to perform a silencing spell on all the students.
"Ms. Davis, why may I ask would you want to do that?" Professor Flitwick asked in his squeaky tone.
"Oh trust me Professor you are going to be thankful I did it." Tracey replied seriously.
"Professor Sinatra, since she is from your house, what would you say? Trust a cunning Slytherin?" Professor McGonagall asked turning to the teacher on her right.
"Sure so long as nothing terrible happens, and besides I don't see anything wrong with it. I mean the twins have done much worse." Sinatra said shuddering slightly.
Dumbledore sat wondering what this girl had planned and where the hell those two red headed buggers had gone now. When Dumbledore looked up he noticed Hermione and Daphne staring intently on Tracey. He got a really bad feeling about this. Before he could voice his concerns McGonagall nodded her head and with a wave of her hand the entire hall fell silent. Nothing was heard; the students looked around confused by what was happening until the saw Hermione standing in front of the large double doors carrying what seemed to be an ear. With a small grin Hermione pointed her wand at it and thanks to her advanced knowledge had mastered speechless magic, the sounds from the ear suddenly boomed through the Great hall and everyone jumped at the sudden noise assault. That is until they heard voices coming through the ear.
"Honestly, where is that stupid mudblood?" the voice Dumbledore feared most echoed through the room; Ginny Weasley. He paled when he heard the next voice speak.
"G-Ginny you're still here!" Ron said, sounding quite happy and nervous about something.
"Of course I'm still here; I'm waiting on that stupid muggle trash to hurry the hell up!" Ginny responded irritably.
"Hey Gi-Gin, I was wondering… how do you feel about me?"
"The hell you mean?"
"Well I know this is sudden Ginny, and I know that under no circumstances is this normal, but I love you Ginny, more… more than anything on Earth and I just want to be with you. Forever!"
At that moment, everything went still. No one could believe what they were hearing; Ronald Weasley wanted to have an incestuous relationship with his sister? Many students blanched and others roared with laughter, even though it wasn't heard.
"Ron, What the hell is the matter with you?!" Ginny's voice sounded mortified and disgusted.
"I got the chocolates you left on my bed and well, now I'm here. I've always wanted you Ginny, but the timing was never right." Ron said, not many people noticed but his voiced slurred ever so slightly when he spoke now.
"I didn't give you any… Oh Merlin! Were the chocolates in a brown package?!" Ginny asked desperately.
"Yeah, they tasted delicious by the way."
"Those weren't chocolates you moron! Those were the love potions I was supposed to give Potter!"
"Potter this, Potter that! What about me huh?! He doesn't want you Ginny but I do, and I want you nowwww."
"No Ron I am not sleeping with you! Get away from me!"
"Why not? I heard you gave it up for D- um…Dean, Seamus, Wood! Hell even some of the guys in the other h-hou-houses say you're a good ride… L-let me sh-sh-show you I l-lov- I love you."
"Ron, No!"
"Did… did you know, S-S-Seamus and I j-joined those s-stupid Snakes to scare P-Potter shitless? I-I-I did it for you… Ginny, so YOU wouldn't marry h-him! I did it s-s-so Potter coul-could finally get taken care of and we could be together! Now come over here and show me how you appreciate your brother's efforts, you worthless whore!"
This was followed by a large thud and everything went quiet as the students and teachers in the Great hall feared the worst; that Ron was about to rape his little sister. That is until they heard Ginny's voice again, this time sounding much more panicked than before.
"Ron, wake up… wake up this isn't funny! Ron, how many potions did you have?! Ron! Help me, please someone help!" That is when the Professor McGonagall released the spell and went briskly towards the Gryffindor common room followed closely by the twins who were called by her.
o-00-o-00-o
After a delicious lunch, at a local restaurant, Harry and Sirius made their way to Gringotts. It had so far been a pretty successful day for Harry and Sirius, they had quite a bit to celebrate, but Harry knew you had to finish all your vegetables before you could have dessert, a lesson Remus had drilled into his mind.
Walking through the bank doors Harry nodded at the Goblins he passed as he made his way to the front desk.
"Hello Master RipTail, how have you been?"
The goblin gave a small grin; only two wizards had actually taken the time to learn his name, looking up at his two favorite clients RipTail gave a short bow to the two men.
"Master Potter, Lord Black, it is a pleasure to see you. Am I correct in assuming you are here to discuss the mysterious withdrawals from your accounts?"
"As inquisitive as always." Sirius said with a smile at the tiny creature.
"Yes well, follow me I will lead you to the meeting room while I fetch Master Griphook."
The two men followed the goblin to the back and were placed in a very official looking room. Smiling, Harry and Sirius thanked RipTail for his cooperation.
Just as the two sat down, a loud pop was heard next to Harry.
"Master Potty! Master Potty!"
"Calm down, Jinky, now tell me what's wrong."
Harry, Remus and Sirius's house elf Jinky looked at Harry with so much fear in her eyes it made Harry's blood run cold for a minute until she started speaking again.
"Master Potty ask Jinky to protect Master Potty's friends. Headmaster Dumblydore took the Grangy lady to his office! He plans to read Ms. Grangy's mind sir! She bee's in danger!"
"Alright calm down, Jinky, I suspected something like this would happen, here's what I need you to do…"