Life Times Seven 2
A/N: See Chapter 1 (Starts and Stops) for disclaimer.
THIS STORY DOES NOT FOLLOW CANON AND MAY BASH SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS!
Chapter 2 - Shopping, Meetings, and Marriage
Harry shifted to Hooknose's apparation room and called Kreacher.
"Kreacher, as the heir of the House of Black if I were to trade you to Narcissa Malfoy nee Black you are still be required to keep my secrets is this true?" Harry asked the elf he hated.
"Yes Master"
"Very well I will try to trade you, so we both will be more comfortable. But first, I want you to bring me Master Regulus' locket so that I may destroy it. For that consideration, you may take Madam Black's portrait with you. If that's acceptable, bring me the locket in a lead container. I suggest you shrink the portrait and keep it in your quarters." Harry told the elf in a kind manner even though he wanted to strangle the little shit.
Kreacher disappeared with a pop then returned with the locket. Harry ordered the elf to give Dobby access to Malfoy Manor and to let him remove one dark item that belonged to the House of Black. Harry stated nothing else but a diary with the name T. M. Riddle would be removed. He also ordered Kreacher not to reveal any secrets of his or the House of Black. Kreacher agreed, and Harry said he would call him if the trade were approved. From the room Harry went to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"New Hogwarts student are you?" Madam Malkin asked.
"Yes, Ma'am starting in September." Harry replied neutrally.
"I'll only be a moment finishing with another young man." She stated.
"No hurry I'll look around if you don't mind. I could use some things other than school robes." Harry said with a smile.
Draco came out of the fitting room and said, "Going to Hogwarts are you, I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy. My father is on the Board of Governors."
"I, on the other hand, am Lord Potter-Gryffindor. You may call me Lord Potter or Sir. The Board of Governors will no longer exist after I take control of my school on 1 September. Mr. Malfoy I would like to meet your father and mother. I have a proposal for them to our mutual benefit. If it's acceptable, I'll buy lunch at Sandy's Restaurant at 1230h." Harry stated in the old formal manner.
They shook hands and Harry went to the loo and washed his hands four times, but they still felt dirty. He bought the required school robes plus six sets of formal robes with the five house crests on them. Glancing at his watch, he decided to go to Sandy's restaurant and sit at his reserved table. At 1225h, Lucy, Narcissa, and Draco were escorted to his private table in a small room.
"Welcome Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, and Mr. Draco Malfoy. I'm sure Draco has told you who I am since you are here, so I see no need to list all of my titles except that I am also the Heir of House of Black. Please sit, the server will be here shortly to take our order. It's amazing what benefits and amenities being a financial backer gets one." Harry said and shook hands with Lucy, then kissed the back of Narcissa's hand. He hoped he could still hold a fork, and then decided to go to the loo before he ate and wash his hands again several times.
"Lord Potter, Draco says you have a proposal for me to consider, please state it sir." Lucius said in a formal way.
"Yes Lord Malfoy, I have an elf named Kreacher that I believe helped raise your wife. He and I do not get along as he thinks my mother was a Muggleborn. Since she was descended from Helga Hufflepuff, she was a pureblood by definition. Since he knows and loves your wife, I would be willing to trade him for one of your elves, sir." Harry's formally replied, while trying hard not to show his distain at those sitting at the table.
"I have an elf named Dobby that is a bit excitable but still young enough to be trained properly. I would be willing to trade him for Kreacher. I have known Kreacher for years, and he's a fine servant Lord Potter." Lucius said keeping with the formality.
"Please call Dobby, and I'll call Kreacher, if they are both acceptable we will make the trade before lunch." Harry replied as he did an internal happy dance.
Lucy, being the dumb ass he was, didn't think to tell Dobby to keep his secrets. Both elves agreed to the trade and went to get their belongings. Harry told Dobby to join him at 1330h to carry his shopping supplies. They chatted about Hogwarts and the Wizengamot. Lucy was impressed with Harry's knowledge of both and decided Draco would learn, or suffer the Cruciatus Curse until he did. After lunch, Harry took Dobby to the bank and set him up so he could retrieve items from the vaults and carry messages to Hooknose. He sent Dobby to get his supplies other than his wand.
Harry entered Ollivanders and the old man greeted him saying, "Welcome to Ollivanders Lord Potter. I was wondering when you would come to retrieve your wand."
"Hello Ollie, I need it for school. My only question is will it stand the power I may have to throw through it? Ollie, please call me Harry or HJ when we're alone." Harry said in a friendly manner.
"May I measure your power Harry?"
Harry gave his permission and Ollivander said, "Bloody hell you're a 1280 on the Michelen scale and a 473 on the Merlin scale. I suppose the wand on your arm has at least two cores."
"Three actually, that includes the basilisk blood if you count that."
"Harry I suggest you let me glamour the Elder wand and place a tracking charm on it."
"No need for the trace, since I'm emancipated now, Ollie. I'd still like to purchase my old wand for sentimental reasons. That and I may need it against Voldemort since the core is a brother to his wand."
"May I see the one you now carry?"
"Of course, it is an heirloom that belonged to Godric Gryffindor. How did you know I had the Elder wand?" Harry asked letting his curiosity show.
"I felt the transfer and knew you took it from Dumbledore."
Harry showed Ollivander the Godric Gryffindor wand. To say the old man was impressed would be as if saying boiling water was hot. As Harry left, he shocked Ollivander by saying, "I'll see you later Merlin. Your act is great for those who don't know you. Have a good summer, and I appreciate your training more than I have the words to tell you." Harry said with a smile.
Harry went to Eyelops Owl Emporium and bought Hedwig then took Dobby home to meet his Aunt, Uncle, and Dudley. He bonded with Dobby that evening and sent him for the diary. Dobby left the secret chamber open but made it seem to be locked. Harry wrote a letter to Amelia Bones stating that Malfoy was hiding several black objects and their location. This would give her the excuse to have him tried using Veritaserum. Harry had high hopes of what the result would be. He decided since tomorrow was Wednesday, 1 August, he would visit Hermione. He knew Minerva would be busy with Albus in jail. He also figured she wouldn't delegate the task of visiting Muggleborns until at least the trial was over or 10 August whichever came first.
After dinner they watched a Star Wars movie they had all seen before then went to bed. The next morning Dobby had breakfast ready and in a warming charm. He also had a letter for Harry from Hooknose telling Harry about scholarships available through the Potter Scholastic Fund.
After breakfast, Harry sent Dobby with letters to the muggleborns announcing the Lily Potter Scholarship Fund that would pay 100 percent of their tuition, books, and supplies. Harry shifted to the Granger's back garden and knocked on the back door.
Jean Emma Granger answered the door and was surprised to see a young boy standing there.
"May I help you young man?" she asked with kindness in her voice.
Handing her a business card he had charmed Harry replied with a smile, "Actually if you are Mrs. Granger it is possible that I can help you Ma'am. I am one of the students who have been invited to attend Hogwarts. It is a tradition that those of us, from Most Ancient and Noble Houses visit first generation magical students to help smooth their way into a new environment. If your daughter Hermione has not received a letter from Hogwarts, she soon will, Ma'am. I can also explain how to apply for a scholarship that will pay 100 percent of all costs associated with her education."
"Please come in Lord Potter." A shocked said.
"Please call me Harry or HJ except for formal occasions Mrs. Granger." He said as he followed her into the sitting room. When he saw Hermione, his heart skipped a beat. That action stopped when he saw her father sitting another chair.
"Lord Potter, this is my husband Doctor Daniel Granger and our daughter Hermione Jean. Dan, Hermione, Lord Potter is here to tell us about Hogwarts and a scholarship that would pay all cost for Hermione to attend. He has also asked to be called Harry or HJ."
"Mum, I thought we agreed this was some cruel joke perpetuated by one of my classmates." A frowning Hermione said giving Harry a dirty look.
"Miss Granger I assure magic is no joke. Witches and we wizards live in secret as we have for over 1000 years. It's kind of like two separate societies living on the same island where one is not known to the other. I am definitely a wizard, and your aura tells me you will become a powerful witch. Tell me Miss Granger, has anything happened around you that seemed strange, unexplainable, or very odd?
Maybe you wanted a book or toy that suddenly appeared in your hand or next to you. In my case when I was five, my cousin and I were playing tag, and I didn't want him to catch me. I ended up on the roof suddenly. Fortunately, my Aunt and Uncle knew about magic and could tell me how to get down without hurting myself." Harry almost gushed.
All three Grangers looked shocked, and Harry knew he had their attention. Hermione answered, "Actually in my case it was both wanting a book I couldn't reach, and my Teddy Bear that Mum put in the wash basket. Recently, at school one of the bullies tried to hit me and found himself thrown into a wall and receiving a broken arm. And please call me Hermione not Miss Granger."
"Do you practice Yoga or meditate, Hermione?" Harry asked kindly.
"Actually I do both why?" The curious Hermione asked.
Harry held his left hand out and his wand appeared in his right hand. He waved the wand and two feathers appeared one white, and the other black in his left hand. His wand disappeared as he said, "What I would like you to do is to find your center then imagine one of the feathers floating above the coffee table. Once you do that then imagine it flying around the room and back to the table. In my case, I find it easier and much quicker to find my center with my eyes closed."
He watched her try without success. "Hermione this is not a test. You're trying too hard, which causes your problem. Relax and let your magic flow then simply direct it to do what you want it to." Harry suggested.
He watched her stature change as she relaxed, then the white feather lifted from the table and began to move. Harry sent the black feather after it. He tagged the white one then shot ahead of it seeming to laugh at her by the tip of the feather wiggling. She took the challenge and chased him. He let her catch him then set his feather on the table.
"What you have been doing is what is called accidental magic which it is, but it is also wandless magic. I used my wand to conjure the feathers but don't actually need it. What's your favorite animal Hermione?" Harry told a shocked Hermione.
"I like cats HJ, all type of cats."
Harry smiled then waved his hand over the coffee table and changed it into a leopard, the leopard into a tiger, then a lion, then a Kneazle. The last change was a cat that looked exactly like Crookshanks then back to the coffee table.
"HJ what did you do?" Hermione asked with a bit of demand showing.
"It's called transfiguration meaning changing one thing into another within certain laws of nature." Harry stated giving the impression he liked to teach.
"Well that last cat was beautiful. What was it?" Hermione asked her curiosity running high.
"Part Kneazle and part house cat with traits of both but not the viciousness of a Kneazle."
Harry explained how to apply for a scholarship then invited them to lunch as his treat.
"Harry when Jean introduced you, she called you Lord Potter do wizards have royalty?" a curious Daniel Granger asked.
"Not really, my title was handed down from Arthur. I am the 37th Earl of Hogsmeade sir. When I'm thirty, I can take my seat in the House of Lords. We Potters are a Most Ancient and Noble House dating back before Camelot and Merlin. Actually, I'm Queen Elizabeth's third cousin on her father's side," Explained Harry.
"Harry you're saying Arthur, Merlin, and Camelot were real?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"Hermione, Sir Galahad is one of my ancestors through Godric Gryffindor. They were very real. Unfortunately, in your world their journals and writings were lost over time. However, that is not the case in the wizard world. After you meet him under his assumed name, I'll tell you who Merlin is today. I swear it's as if he is immortal." A cheerful Harry replied indicating he was still a bit of a child.
"Next you'll tell us dragons are real Harry." Hermione said her disbelief showing.
"Quite real, in fact, but it's illegal to have one in Britain, except for those at Gringotts. They're allowed because they guard high security vaults. Where the vaults are physically no human knows and the Goblins will never tell. There is a reserve in Romania where a former Hogwarts student by the name of Charlie Weasley works today. One of the most dangerous ones is a female Hungarian Horntail. She can throw fire from her nose nearly fifty feet. Her tail is spiked and dangerous, especially when protecting her nest. Yes, Unicorns are real and there is a small heard at Hogwarts. Centaurs are there also, as well as some other magical creatures. Centaurs are thinkers and stargazers, unfriendly blighters with no love for wizards.
Then there are house elves that live to serve their masters. Many first generation witches and wizards think they are slaves but the truth is they bind themselves to a master or house to maintain their magic. If they are freed, and remain unbound for a year or more, they usually die a painful death. After lunch I'll introduce you to an elf if you would like." Harry told them showing his enjoyment in sharing information about the wizard world.
"HJ how old are you if you don't mind me asking?" A very curious Jean Granger asked.
"Jean, my Aunt jokes and says I'm eleven going on thirty. My Cousin Dudley and I started reading when we were not quite four. We devour books, unfortunately D, as I call my Cousin, can't read the books my mother and father left me before they were killed. Some of those books explain the wizard world and our history. In the wizard world, I'm an emancipated youth with the rights and responsibilities of an adult wizard. One of the few things I cannot do is to take my seat on the Wizengamot, which is our legislative body and court all rolled into one. When I turn seventeen, I'll take full control of 22 seats out of 75.
Currently, the Director of Magical Law Enforcement holds my votes by proxy. That means although I'll attend trials, and legislative sessions, she will do the actual voting. My godmother's son holds six seats with his grandmother holding his proxy. My godfather holds seven seats currently without a proxy because he's in prison for a crime another committed. But, that's a story for another day." Harry told the shocked Grangers.
They talked as they ate pizza then went back to the Grangers. Harry called Dobby and introduced him to the Grangers. Harry about fell out of his seat when Dobby said, "It's a pleasure to meet Lord Harry Potter's Miss Grangey." The look on the Grangers faces was priceless. He asked Dobby to go home and tell Aunt Petunia that he would be home in about an hour.
"Dobby is a young not fully trained elf. I'd say he was a bit excitable but that would be an understatement. He means well, but he has never been around non-magicals before. Hermione I have a book for you to read before Saturday. It's only about 120 pages, please pay attention to the section on magical guardians and the differences in types of houses. I also suggest your parents read those sections. On Saturday, I will offer you the protection of the House of Potter. If accepted among other things it makes our houses allies. Mr. Granger, only you can accept or reject this offer until Hermione is seventeen." Harry's business tone now showed telling them is something important.
"From what I'm hearing it seems the wizard world is stuck in the 1800's Harry." Dan stated shaking his head indicating he wasn't impressed with the idea.
"More like the early 1700's Dan. You'll understand my reasoning after reading the book." Harry said honestly and showing he didn't care for it either.
Harry left with an agreement to meet Saturday at the bank.
ooOOoo
The rest of the week went by quickly. On Saturday morning, Harry was in Hooknose's office at 0800h. Harry put ₲1 million in a vault under the name of Lily Potter's Scholarship fund. That got the pureblood tuition and discount rate at all of the shops and Hogwarts. Madam Bones, Susan, and the Grangers arrived. Harry sent Dobby with Susan and Hermione asking only that Hermione wait to get her wand last. He told Dobby to shrink all packages and take them to Hermione's room then enlarge them. Susan asked the elf to shrink her packages and her Aunt would take care of them when they got home.
"Mr. Granger did you read the book I left you?" Harry asked hoping for a positive answer.
"Yes, Lord Potter and found it quite interesting reading," Dan replied. A happy Harry nodded.
"Do you have any questions for me or Madam Bones?" Harry asked formally.
"None at the moment Lord Potter."
"Mr. Granger the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter offers you its protection and alliance. What say you sir?" Harry was all business now.
"I accept your offer Lord Potter, and offer the alliance of the House of Granger."
"Mr. Granger I accept your offer and from this day on you have the protection and alliance of the House of Potter, so mote it be." Amy, Jean, and Hooknose saw the flash of magic between Harry and Dan.
Amy smiled and said, "HJ that should set some purebloods on their arses. You do know Hermione is now considered a pureblood witch and part of your house."
"Yes Amy, that's why I suggested it, I also suggested the Grangers ask you to be her magical guardian. Dan I would like to talk to you about a betrothal contract between Hermione and me. I suggest it be worded such that ether Hermione or I can void it before I reach the age of 25. I would be less than honest if I didn't tell you that we would be married long before that. What we wizards call a soul bond you call a marriage made in heaven. Hermione is my soul mate, I felt it the instant I saw her. She doesn't know what it is, but most probably feels drawn to me." Harry said waiting for the explosion.
"Since you're all she has talked about after we met, I would say that is a possibility." Dan said with a neutral tone.
"A betrothal contract offers her certain protections that I cannot. Love potions, the Imperiuse curse, and some other things will not work on either of us. Also, if someone were to make such a move I have the right to kill them, since it's an attack against my future wife." Harry stated in his full business mode.
"Mr. Granger my advice is to take Harry's offer. It is usually the male, that recognizes the soul bond first and betrothal contracts have their own ancient magic that protects the betrothed and their relatives. Right now, you are allies of the House of Potter. With the contract, you become a part of the House of Potter while maintaining your house's identity. If it were me, I would ask that if there are two sons born that the second son be named Granger-Potter. This carries your bloodline into the next generation. If Susan was Harry's soul mate, that's exactly what I would do." Madam Bones stated wishing it had been Susan.
"While we Goblins are known to stay out of the affairs of wizards I must agree with Madam Bones. In effect, we would treat you as a Potter. This means you would pay taxes at the wizard rate, and we would forward a portion of that to the crown. Once the bond takes place, and they are married, your daughter would become Lady Countess Hermione Jean Granger a Countess in her own right. You and your wife would become Baron Daniel and Baroness Jean Granger in both worlds. Of course for you that would mean you would take a seat in the House of Lords." Hooknose told the shocked Grangers.
Dan looked at Jean and she nodded saying, "I see it as the best way to protect our daughter Dan. If they are soul mates they will marry regardless of our wishes, just as we did fifteen years ago."
"I'm glad you agree my lovely wife. Harry I accept your offer. What is our next step?" Happiness showed in Dan's question.
"We need to work out a bride price and a dowry. I'm sure Amy can tell us what the normal rates are. However, I suggest a difference of ₲1 or ₤50, as I sure don't need the money. If Hermione breaks the agreement, I keep the dowry, if I break it I return it. But, neither is going to happen." Harry told Dan while wanting to stick it to the pureblood bigots.
"That's rare Harry but not unheard of in our world." Amy stated.
They figured a Dowry of ₤5,000,010 and a bride price of ₲100,000 and the paperwork was signed. The Grangers went to join Hermione and Susan while Harry stayed with Madam Bones.
"You were right about Pettigrew. His trial is Monday followed by a trial for Sirius Black." A smiling Amelia told Harry.
"Thank you Amy, Dobby." Harry said with a smile that went from ear to ear.
The little elf appeared and Harry asked him to tell Amy about Malfoy's hidden room. Ragnok came in and provided her with Malfoy and Fudge's bank records that showed several bribes paid by Malfoy to Fudge and Umbridge.
"If you can get the use of Vertassium you could get a list of current Death Eaters that escaped justice. Barty Couch Jr. is alive and under the Imperiuse Curse at his father's. I believe you'll find him under an invisibility cloak in his bedroom." Harry told a shocked Amelia. This would give her a chance to take Fudge, Umbitch, Crouch, and Malfoy down,
"If we keep this up, if Voldemort returns, he will have to start over. That makes him vulnerable and angry," Amelia said with glee.
"With Dumbledore de-nutted, you can push for the death penalty. I would suggest the veil rather than a dementor's kiss. Strip them of their wealth but provide the unmarked family members with enough to send children to school, but not so much that they don't have to work. It will do a lot of them good to see how most wizards live. If Voldemort loses both his Death Eaters and his funds, he will have one hell of a time recruiting. Was I right about Snape's record for turning out qualified potions students?" The business like Harry reappeared.
"You were right and you know it, so don't pull that crap on me Harry. A search of his quarters found his Death Eater garb unhidden in his closet, so he has been arrested and isolated." Amelia said with a smile, her Auror background showing through.
"Amy, he's been taking small doses of Vertassium for years to build up immunity to it. His Occlumency skills are legendary. Since he was close to Voldemort, they had to be. I suggest you let Croaker and his Department of Mysteries Unspeakables question Snape and Dumbledore." Harry suggested.
"Speaking of Dumbledore, he told Croaker you were a dark lord that will follow in Voldemort's footsteps. Croaker agreed and said he was Superman, and Dumbledore was Wonder Woman in disguise based on his love of flashy robes. Croaker then threatened to question Dumbledore personally and the old bastard fainted. So that request has been made and approved," A smiling Amelia told a shocked Harry.
"Dobby"
"Yes Lord Harry Potter sir."
"Dobby has Hermione left Flourish and Blotts yet."
"Sir Harry Potter's Miss 'Mione was drug out by her father just minutes ago Harry Potter sir."
"Thank God for small favors. How many books did she buy?"
"Sir Harry Potter's Miss 'Mione is only buying thirty four sir."
Harry, Amy, and Dobby found Susan and the Grangers as they entered the ice cream parlor. Susan would look at Hermione, Harry, and Dobby then she would start giggling.
"Susan, what is wrong with you, you can't seem to quit giggling." Amelia asked her niece.
"Auntie it's Dobby's fault he keeps calling Hermione 'Sir Harry Potter sir's Miss 'Mione, and she turns as red as a beet. It doesn't help that when she asks a question the answer is always yes Sir Harry Potter's Miss 'Mione, or No Sir Harry Potter's Miss 'Mione." Susan said trying hard not to giggle.
"Well when I asked him if she was finished in Flourish and Blotts he answered Yes Lord Harry Potter sir." Harry replied staying neutral.
Harry noticed a beetle on the table next to them and froze it, then floated it to their table.
"Madam Bones suppose a person caught a reporter who used an unregistered Animagus form to spy then report what she heard in the Daily Prophet?" Harry asked as if making conversation.
"Well the person that caught the reporter would get 75 percent of her fine, which would be large." Came the business like reply from Madam Bones.
"Suppose both the paper's editor and owner knew of her action and approved. Add to that some of the stories included state secrets that could have affected the outcome of the last war." Harry expanded the scope of the original question.
"The fines would be huge. The reporter, editor, and owner would be sentenced to death. In addition, the person who discovered this would end up owning 75 percent of the paper. Most probably there would be an option to purchase the remaining 25 percent for small change." Amelia Bones replied wondering where this conversation was going.
Harry floated the beetle above the table then changed her into a human.
"My, my, my, Madam Bones I do believe this is Rita Skeeter. I discovered spying on us. An unregistered beetle I believe. One that wrote stories in the Daily Prophet between 1972 and 1981 that included certain state secrets." Harry said not trying to suppress his delight of catching Rita Skeeter.
Amelia sent a patronus and three Aurors apparated into the alley. Harry said he would take the Daily Prophet, 50 percent of the fines, and the owners seats on the Wizengamot if that was acceptable.
Amelia and Susan left for home, and Harry put up silencing wards, so they could talk in private. The two Grangers told Hermione about the betrothal contract, and then Harry explained his side of it.
"Hermione what do you think about it?" Harry asked.
"Well from what the book says, and how Dad says the contract is written it's probably much better protection than I could have expected. Obviously, my parents and Madam Bones can't be at school, but you'll be there with me. Besides Harry, I happen to like you. You were honorable enough to tell us about the soul bond before Dad signed the contract. If what the book says is correct once we bond, we'll share not only magic but much more." Hermione replied showing a relieved Harry that she wasn't against the idea.
"Hermione you seem bothered by something though. What is it?" Harry asked with a frown.
"I keep feeling like I've known you for years or in another life Harry. It feels like we've always been friends but both wanted more. Does that make any sense?" Hermione replied with a faraway look in her eyes.
"In a way it does make sense, but I need your permission to do something to be sure. Did you read the chapter on mind magic?" Harry asked suppressing his delight.
"Yes Harry and I have been practicing for the last two days. I practice first thing in the morning, then just before falling asleep. Actually, the first time I really thought I knew you before was last night, and the feeling was stronger after I practiced this morning." Hermione replied wanting to know what was going on.
"May I check your shields and something in your mind, and I'm not after your secrets? They are none of my business." Harry asked hoping she said yes.
She thought for a while then agreed. She felt a slight breeze in her mind but nothing more than that.
"Shit, oops sorry. We need to go home before I explain this to you and your parents."
"Dan, would you mind taking us to your place?" Harry asked his shock showing.
When they arrived after introductions, Harry asked his Aunt and Uncle to tell them how he had protected their minds.
"After telling you what I have to say, you'll want some things locked away forever, and I can do that or simply remove the memories. If this wasn't so important I wouldn't even suggest it," Harry's voice indicated the remorse he felt.
The Grangers all agreed and Harry told his story from the beginning.
"Now here's what I found out from Hermione. After I died, Voldemort destroyed Hogwarts then went on a rampage. The women who survived were turned over to the victors while the men were roasted over an open fire forced to watch the women raped, tortured, cured, then revived and the cycle repeated. Hermione lasted eleven days until she was turned over to the trolls. Two trolls fought over her and literally tore her apart during the fight. For whatever reasons her memories came back including that.
We were best friends from Halloween 1991 through 2 May 1998. Since I had never known love, I didn't recognize she loved me, so we never bonded. I sealed her memories from 1 May 1998 to the end, and she can't get to them now. What I need you to do is to decide how you want me to handle what I told you. The part about me needs to be kept secret from others at least until I destroy Voldemort. I've already started working on that. I hope to have it accomplished by Christmas or before."
Before anyone could answer, Harry found Hermione's lips locked firmly on his. With no hesitation, he returned her kiss and the others saw a gold aura surround them until they broke apart. Harry had a goofy grin on his face and Hermione was smiling from ear to ear.
"Welcome home Lady Countess Hermione Jane Potter. That sure shot the betrothal contract in the ass." A delighted Harry said.
"What?" Dan Granger asked.
"What my husband is trying to say Daddy is that we are married and the bond has been completed." A smiling Hermione stated.
"Hermione Jean Granger you're only eleven and cannot be married," Dan sputtered.
"Dan, I'm sure within minutes you'll find out, she is right as usual. What she didn't consider is that we need to be in physical contact at least thirteen hours a day for the next three months while our bond and magic settles." Harry stated.
"Hermione why did you kiss him if you knew you would be married at this age?" A less than happy Dan asked.
"Dad, why did you enter into a betrothal contract without asking me what I wanted?"
"I thought it was best for you Princess."
"Well you have my answer. I did what I thought was best for all of us.
Two regal eagle owls flew in the open kitchen window and dropped letters in front of Harry and Hermione. They were from Ragnok congratulating them on their marriage and saying that the record was sealed in the Ministry until they chose to unlock it. A postscript reminded them the need for close physical contact for the first three months and offered them the use of a time chamber.
The time chamber would allow the three months to occur on the inside while only a day passed on the outside. He suggested bringing the Grangers and doing this on Sunday. After a family conference, they agreed, and Harry sent Dobby with a positive response but asked if they could begin this evening at 1900h. Dobby returned with a yes answer, so he and Harry popped the Grangers to Hooknose's office.
While they were in the chamber, Harry spent most of his time with Hermione teaching her how to control wandless magic. At the halfway point, their mind link completed and Harry was able to transfer Hermione his knowledge. Their big concern had been how they were going to get food for seven people for that long. Ragnok put that aside when he said both Goblin and Elf magic allowed them to come and go without a problem. Harry asked for his family wands, so Hermione could find one to use while she was in the chamber.
He also asked that the Potter rings be brought into the chamber so Hermione could pick the set she wanted. Hooknose brought in nearly 100 wands and showed Hermione how to detect a compatible one. The one she found was elder with a Griffin feather, basilisk heartstring, and Hungarian Horntail blood core. Then she picked the same rings Lily wore. As Harry placed the rings on her finger, they resized. When she placed his ring, it not only resized but the magic flared around them.
Harry smiled and told his new wife, "Hermione, the Potter vaults and properties have recognized you as Lady Potter. The rings will now become invisible until we announce our betrothal and later our engagement and marriage."
That got him a toe curling kiss and the thought, damn this young body."
Hermione lifted her wand and said, "Lumos."
A bright light flooded the chamber, and Harry said, "Down girl less power please."
"Nox, damn that hurt my eyes."
"Hermione, remember a wand focuses and amplifies your power so, unless you want to destroy something keep it down love." Harry said teasing her.
While Harry and Hermione practiced magic. The Granger adults were entertained with movies and were able to work out to keep in shape. They also had access to thousands of books. Their first issue had been sleeping arrangements. Dan wasn't happy with Hermione sleeping with Harry.
"Daniel Granger, they are eleven not fourteen or worse sixteen. Their bodies are not ready for that yet," Jean said and slapped Dan's shoulder.
He mumbled about not wanting to be a young grandfather but agreed they needed to sleep together. Harry wore shorts to bed. Hermione wore a halter-top and shorts which satisfied her father. Dan would have shit himself if he knew Hermione put up a Muggle repelling ward on their bedroom door when the parents left. With that done, they both quickly got naked because they normally slept that way. They spent nearly twenty-two hours in physical contact and by day 75, the bond had completed. They were enjoying themselves, so they said nothing, and the Goblins or Dobby weren't about to give the kids away.
On the last time chamber day, Dobby brought a photo album with pictures of Potter Manor.
"Harry that's not a Manor it's a bloody palace." Dan exclaimed and the others agreed.
"The note says its three miles from the entry gate to the Manor. It is eleven miles from the Manor to the sea, and six miles to both the eastern and western borders. If it was square, then its 14 by 12 miles, bloody hell that's over 165 sq. miles." Harry exclaimed.
"Love, does it say where it is?" Hermione as showing she was just curious.
"It's on the Isle of Wight Hermione, and the main gate is south of Brook."
They decided it was time for a family meeting to decide what to do about living and working arrangements.
Trials and Decisions
They elected Harry to run the meeting, since he was head of House of Potter, although everyone would have a vote.
"The problem as I see it is maintaining what looks like a normal life. I don't know what the Grangers neighbors are like but mine are too damn nosey for their own good. Dan and Jean have their dental practice to consider when we decide where to live. If you wanted to live in the Manor, you could open up an office on the Isle. One possible solution is portals between your current home and the Manor. One thing to consider is money is no object. It's a matter of what you want to do. We kids are all going off to school from 1 September through 12 June next year."
"Harry, Jean, and I have talked about taking a year off and traveling around the world on a second honeymoon. While we love our work, patients are just that, we have no emotional ties with them. As for our neighbors, none of us is unfriendly, but we're not close either. We have no living relatives we know of. I guess what I'm saying is that we could sell the practice and move easily." Dan said and Jean agreed with her husband.
Harry pulled a long piece of parchment from a folder and waved his hand over it. Copies of the parchment appeared in front of the others.
"This is a list of the properties that I own. If you touch one with your finger, it will give you a mental picture of the place along with a description. The description includes what is close to the property. Close means the surrounding 25 miles. Ragnok, Hooknose, and Dobby say all the places are safe and well maintained. Each place has at least two elves, or will have, when the wards are crossed. I'll need to know where you want to go so I can key you into the wards, and set a portal to the Manor. Portal travel is neat… you simply walk through an arch or door and into the other end. Their limitation is that I must have been at both locations. This is old magic long lost to wizards," Harry explained to his new family.
"Harry if I understand you correctly, you could go to Marauder Isle in the Bahamas and set up portals between the cottage and here. We walk through and are there in the nice warm climate. No long flights and expense are needed." Dan said looking delighted at the possibility.
"Exactly Dan."
"I'm learning to really love magic Jean. Not but a day or so ago we had Hermione, and now we have a son." Dan said as he wiped tears from his eyes. He was not alone as the others did as well. Dan simply said what they all had been thinking.
Ragnok entered the chamber and told Harry that once he took control of the Manor and the wards all the others would be updated and refreshed. He also told them this ability was quite rare but not unheard of in the Goblin Nation.
"Harry your bond is complete, and you may leave at any time. However, you are now back in real time so consider that." Ragnok told them.
"Ragnok what time is it and is Ollivander's open?" Harry asked.
"It's 1852h and Ollivander's is open until 2000h."
"May I set up a portal between the room next to Hooknose's office and the Granger home?" Harry asked hoping for a yes.
"Yes Lord Potter."
"Thank you Master Ragnok," Harry said with a smile that showed no teeth. "If you have a moment, I have important business to discuss."
"What do you need Lord Potter?"
Harry showed Ragnok a list that read:
Tom Marvolo Riddle a.k.a. Voldemort's Horcruxes
Harry scar – gone in the afterlife
T. M. Riddle's diary – in the possession of Harry Potter
Salazar Slytherin's locket – in the possession of Harry Potter
Salazar Slytherin's Ring – Gaunt shack Little Hangleton
Helga Hufflepuff's Cup – LeStrange vault Gringotts Bank on center beam
Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem – Hogwarts Room of Requirement (Come and Go Room)
Voldemort's snake Nagini - ? It may not be one yet as he has no body.
"Two questions, can you destroy these and what would it cost me?" Harry asked expecting the worst.
"Yes we can destroy them without harming the container. If the cup is there, the vault is yours by right of discovery. We will take care of these for one-half of the money in the vault plus any Goblin made items except those you have listed here." Ragnok stated in full business mode.
"Agreed," Harry said and handed Ragnok two lead boxes and indicated they contained the diary and the locket.
Ragnok sent them to Hooknose's room and Harry quickly set up the portals then took Hermione to Ollivander's.
The old man said, "Welcome Lord and Lady Potter. I suspect you have come for Hermione's wand."
Harry sealed the shop and pulled the shades then said, "Hermione meet Myrddin Ambrosius Emrys also known as Merlin. Merlin we're fully bonded so don't screw around, measure her power, and let her pick a wand. Her primary wand is elder with a Griffin feather, basilisk heartstring, and Hungarian Horntail blood core."
"I'm going to kick Godric ass all over the place. I told him not to make you a smart ass young snot." The man known as Garrick Ollivander retorted.
"Give him a break, I'm the son of a Marauder what else should you expect," Harry smirked.
"Alright Harry," Merlin said and waved his hand over Hermione. "Bloody hell girl you're a 932 on the Michelen scale and a 421 on the Merlin scale. I'll be back in a moment."
"Well I promised you'd meet Merlin. What do you think?" Harry asked, being curious.
"He's a bit strange but I like him. Why didn't he put Voldemort down in the last war?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"He's here but not here really. He can provide wands, but cannot interfere with us other than that, love." Harry answered truthfully and she knew it.
"I guess that makes sense but what a waste of power."
Harry doubled over in laughter until she slapped him on the shoulder.
"Hermione the Michelen scale tops out at 1000 and the Merlin scale at 500. These are nonlinear scales meaning you're eleven and nearly as powerful as Merlin ever was. Although I'm more powerful, when you factor in skill and experience he would clean my clock. Remember these two things, what you read is the author's opinion and teachers never teach all they know." Harry stated firmly.
"But Harry text book must be accurate and therefore right."
"Not only no, but hell no, they are not always right! Read your first year Charms book again and think about the levitation charm. The book gives you the incantation Wingardium Leviosa and the swish and flick wand movement. Now tell me it's the only way to levitate something." A frustrated Harry replied,
She ducked her head and replied, "You're right of course. I guess what you're saying is that the books give us an idea of what we can do, and one way it can be done."
"True, but it's limiting if that's all you rely on. Bombardia is one way to cause something to explode. Another way is to picture the effect you want and let your magic do the rest. The second way uses less magic, and using a wand provides a better focus. You also need to consider that textbooks are approved by the teacher, school board, and Ministry. That is three different and sometime opposing views that make a compromise that is not always in the best interest of the student. However, it allows them more control over what you learn, unless you research. That is another problem since the Ministry can control what book stores sell and what public libraries can provide, unless you have access to old family libraries."
Merlin returned and handed Hermione a wand. Hermione used Lumos and got a light not quite a bright as her original wand.
"That should do nicely for school. I suggest you use it in your off hand. That will help you learn to use two wands at the same time. Grandson, Rick says you're doing fine so it may be awhile before a review. Your parents are happy to have their daughter finally, and your children are getting excited about coming here. Fate is happy but she can get bitchy in a hurry. Destiny said to remind you to ask about Voldemort's vault since you conquered him. Seizing it will make it difficult for him to recruit Death Eaters. I'd tell you to be good but there is no sense wasting the breath to say something that is impossible for you to do." Merlin said in a haughty way showing he could be a prankster if he wanted.
Harry and Hermione went back to the bank and asked about Voldemort's vault. The records showed it was Harry's by right of conquest. Harry sent Madam Bones a note stating the Aurors now had ₲5 million for armor and other equipment and said that is all it could be used for. From the bank, they went to Potter Manor and Harry set a portal to the Grangers.
They walked through the portal and told the adult Grangers where they had been. As a family, they decided to go back and check out the Manor while Harry took care of the wards. The head elf, Missy, introduced herself and agreed to show them around saying they could have any apartment except the master suite.
Harry was shown the door that lead to the primary ward stone. He wasn't sure how far he walked, but it seemed close to ¼ mile. Missy told him to place both hands on the stone, and he saw the indentations and did as she said. Upstairs the lights flickered then went off for several seconds. When they came back on, they were much brighter.
"Master Harry has taken control of his heritage, including this home and all of his wards throughout the world. Lady Potter, I will bring Master Harry to your suite. He will need your magic to help him recover. The wards haven't had Potter magic to refresh them in over ten years," Missy said almost sobbing.
Hermione went to the Master suite and turned back the covers and top sheet on the large canopy bed. Missy appeared, carrying a sleeping Harry. She placed him gently on the bed.
"Mistress he is just asleep and is otherwise fine. You need to get undressed and cuddle him, so he can feel your magic. I'll lock the door and tell the parents what is happening. He'll be hungry when he wakes up. If you'll tell me what he likes to eat, I'll have it under a warming charm in your dining room."
Hermione told the elf Harry like Pizza, Kidney Pie, and Treacle Tart. She cuddled up to Harry's back and held him close blending her body to his to provide maximum skin contact. She felt her magic being drawn into her husband. Since it didn't seem to drain her or make her tired so she didn't worry about it and closed her eyes.
She felt Harry move her arm that was wrapped around him.
"HJ you need rest."
"Unless I want to sleep in a wet bed, I need the loo, and I'm starving." A sleepy Harry replied.
She kissed his cheek and unwrapped herself from around him. Naked as a Jaybird Harry almost ran into the bathroom. After doing his business, he slipped on a bathrobe. Hermione showed him where the food was.
"Remind me to thank Missy in the morning love," Harry said and shared his food with his wife.
She talked him into going back to bed since it was midnight, and he agreed. This time he spooned up to her bare back, which was how Missy found them at 0600.
"Master Harry it is time to get up sir. Breakfast will be ready in thirty minutes. If you wish to attend the trials and see Madam Bones first you need to be at the Ministry by 0730h sir."
"Thank you Missy and thanks for dinner last night it was excellent and just what I wanted and needed." A grateful but tired Harry said.
"You also need a large breakfast sir."
"Yes little mother," Harry said and sniggered as the little elf blushed before she disappeared.
"Harry you shouldn't embarrass her. She is only looking out for you." Hermione chastised her husband.
"Hermione I was teasing and I'm sure she knew it. I'm sure she went through the same thing with Dad. From what I've been able to tell, he was a little hellion and a brat until his sixth year at school. Well, we had better get showers. I believe yours is through that door past the walk-in closet. Mine is on the other side." Harry finished eating and told his wife.
"What if I want to shower with my husband?"
"Yours or mine it doesn't matter to me. You wash my back and I'll wash your front that seems fair to me." Harry replied causing her to blush.
"Maybe later you prat," Hermione said and stuck her tongue out then swayed her hips as she walked away from him.
Damn I can't wait until our bodies get older. Oh well, no use having these kinds of thoughts when your body is too young to do anything about it, Harry thought.
After breakfast, they walked through a portal to Madam Bones' office.
"Good morning Madam Bones," A cheerful Harry said.
"Good morning HJ it looks like you're ready to set the Wizengamot on its ear." A grinning Madam Bones replied.
"Did you get the word I have both the Lestranges seats now?" Harry asked his business manner showing.
"Yes, when we get Sirius freed there will be two more. Do you have your paperwork from Ragnok?" Madam Bones said, returning his business manner back at him.
"Yes, Ma'am, do you need it now?"
"No Harry, we'll let Croaker ask for it. Since Dumbledore is incarcerated, Croaker is the senior Warlock. He will also act as the prosecutor so things could get interesting, since he is the head of the Department of Mysteries. It said that he is more powerful than Dumbledore but doesn't flaunt it. I do know he stays in the background, and no one knows what he does." She reverted to her informational manner.
"I suppose you've asked?" Harry asked indicating he was just curious.
"Actually I haven't it's just not done with Unspeakables. It's time to head to the courtroom, and present your letters. The first trial is scheduled for 0830h, and it will be Pettigrew, followed by Sirius Black. There will probably be a break then Snape's trial," Amy informed the two preteens.
"Fawkes!"
The Phoenix flashed in and landed on Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled and said, "We might as well make an entrance," Hermione rolled her eyes and smacked him on the shoulder then called him a show off.
"Actually it's a symbol that I stand for the light not dark Hermione," Harry told his wife.
Amelia led them into the courtroom and sat with Harry, Hermione, and the Grangers on her right. The Grangers were asked to sit on her left for the first session.
The Bomb Drops
"Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the 5 August 1991, session of the Wizengamot. As some of you may not know, our current Chief Warlock is incarcerated and therefore, is ineligible for attending this session. Since I am the Senior Warlock, the Chief Warlock's duties fall to me. For those who do not know me I am called Croaker, Head of the Department of Mysteries. I see Madam Bones is here with several guests and ask that she introduce them." Croaker stated bringing the session to order.
"Thank you Croaker, to my immediate right is Lord Harry James Potter, the 37th Earl of Hogsmeade. Next to him is his betrothed, Countess in her own right Hermione Jean Granger. To my left is Baron Daniel Granger and his wife Baroness Jane Granger, Lady Hermione's parents. All are under the protection of the House of Potter. I am Lord Potter's magical guardian and hold his proxy for the Potter seats on this body. As such, they have every right to attend and speak, but not to vote. At this time, I present to you the paperwork to prove my words Croaker, and to have Lord Earl Potter installed as is his right."
All that was heard were gasps then silence as Amelia's statement sunk in while Croaker reviewed the paperwork.
"Madam Bones, as I'm sure you know. Everything is in order. However, you failed to state Lord Potter's full title, which I am required to do at this time. Lord Earl Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Slytherin welcome to this August body. Would you like to say anything or ask a question at this time, sir?" Croaker asked in the formal way.
Harry stood and said, "Actually Croaker, I am wondering where our magical brethren are. I have read all seven books of law and studied the first three closely. Book one, page three grants seats on this body to all magical beings. I see no centaurs, werewolves, vampires, or any other of our magical brethren. IF there is a non-magical representative as is required, would you identify yourself please? Book 3, the last page, in fact, states clearly that no law may be added to the first three books that conflict with them.
Yes, laws may be brought up to modern standards. The last four books conflict with this statement, with the laws passed since Minister Fudge took over being the worst and most restrictive. The endmost statement in book three clearly says, this body now may only act as a court until the offending laws are stricken from the books, sir." Harry announced, effectively neutering the Wizengamot as a legislative body.
Croaker looked at Harry with a new respect then said, "Lord Potter is correct in what he says, so mote it be. Madam Bones, Lady Longbottom, I ask you to form a committee and review the last four books of law, and this committee will have seven members. I recommend you start with the book seven, and work back to book three, and then recommend to this court which laws should be stricken. I volunteer to be one of the committee's members. Lord Potter, I must say it gives me great satisfaction to see young people take an interest in the law is there anything you wish to add?"
"Yes sir, as heir to the four Hogwarts Founders, I declare the Hogwarts Board of Governors null and void. Their service is appreciated but no longer required, since I own the school and am the Earl of Hogsmeade. Thank you for your time and giving me a chance to speak." Harry smiled and sat down thinking take that you bastards.
"You are quite welcome sir. It has been most enlightening. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak? Lord Potter you are hereby installed as a member of this body. As you know, you may attend any, and all, sessions, but you may not vote until you reach the age of seventeen, so mote it be. In my opinion, you have made a wise decision in choosing your proxy holder. Now we have trials to judge, too many, in fact, for one session. I will act as the prosecutor, and all trials will involve the use of a truth serum developed by the Department of Mysteries. Some trials may use memory projection developed by the same Department."
Trial of Peter Pettigrew
An obviously scared Peter Pettigrew was dragged into the courtroom and chained in the defendant's chair. Croaker nodded, and a wizard forced Peter Pettigrew's mouth open and poured a potion in, then he stepped back.
Croaker began the questioning, "What is your name?"
"Peter Marcus Pettigrew."
"Were you the Potter's secret keeper?"
Yes"
"Are you a Death Eater?"
"Yes"
"Was Sirius Black a part of the plot to kill the Potters?"
"No"
"Did Sirius Black kill the twelve Muggles?"
"No"
"Who did?"
"I did."
"Why?"
"Sirius found me and I knew he wanted to kill me. I accused him of killing James and Lily, knowing this would cause him to hesitate since making me the secret keeper was his idea. I cut off a finger, and then blew a gas line. I changed into my rat animagus form and escaped through the sewers."
"Where have you been living since then?"
"I wandered around for three years looking for a light family that was poor enough to want a rat for a child's pet. I settled at the Burrow and let Percy Weasley find me. His parents said he could keep me."
"Did any of the Weasleys know who you were?"
"I don't think so, but Arthur was getting suspicious, since I lived longer than most rats but showed no magical abilities."
"Is Voldemort dead?"
"No"
What happened to his wand?"
"I have it hidden."
"Where?"
"In Lord Voldemort's vault at Gringotts, only he or I can access that vault."
"He is dead why keep it?"
"The dark lord is not dead he is immortal and cannot be killed."
Hoping to trip him up, Croaker asked, "Was Sirius Black a Death Eater?"
"No but his brother Regulus was until he was killed by the dark lord."
"Is it possible to be Imperiused into becoming a Death Eater?"
"No, you must accept the dark lord and the mark willingly."
"How do you gain your mark?"
"You must torture, rape, and kill at least three Muggles or wizards."
"Who else do you know that are Death Eaters?"
"Alecto Carrow, Amycus Carrow, Antonin Dolohov, Avery, Bartemius Crouch Jr., Bellatrix Lestrange, Crabbe Senior, Gibbon, Goyle Senior, Igor Karkaroff, the LeStrange brothers, Lucius Malfoy, Nott, Regulus Black, Severus Snape, Thorfinn Rowle, Travers, Walden Macnair, and Yaxley."
"Do you know others that refused to serve Voldemort?"
"Yes"
"Who?"
"Davis, Greengrass, Zabini, and others refused Malfoy, but escaped before the dark lord could kill them."
Croaker then stated, "My Lords and Ladies I have no further questions of this piece of trash Death Eater. Please vote his innocence or guilt, a vote of guilty requires a death sentence in accordance to law book two."
The guilty vote was unanimous with no one abstaining.
"Peter Pettigrew you have been found guilty by this court and are sentenced to the Veil. You will be removed from this court, and the sentence will be carried out immediately. A projection of your execution will be available for ten days to those who wish to view it. I feel the next case is a waste of time but an innocent man deserves his day before this court, and he will have it."
Trial of Sirius Black
After a five minute break during which Harry asked to speak to Croaker during lunch, he watched as his godfather was led in and asked to sit in a comfortable chair.
Croaker announced, "This court is now in session, and once again I will act as the prosecutor. Mr. Sirius Black will you willingly submit to a Department of Mysteries developed truth serum?"
"Yes sir, I will." Sirius said and opened his mouth and accepted the potion.
"Please state your name."
"Sirius Orion Black"
"Were you the Potter's secret keeper?"
"No"
"Who was?"
"Peter Pettigrew"
"Do you know why he was chosen?"
"Everyone would expect it to be me or Remus Lupin, so I suggested Peter."
"Why were you arrested?"
"I went after Peter Pettigrew and found him… When the Aurors found me, I was laughing at the audacity of a weak wizard besting a qualified Auror. The next thing I remember is waking up in Azkaban."
"Are you Harry Potter's godfather?"
"Yes"
"Why didn't you take care of him first?"
"When I arrived Hagrid already had Harry saying he was under Dumbledore's orders to retrieve him if he was alive. I couldn't fight Hagrid without hurting Harry. Hagrid isn't known for performing much magic, so I offered him my motorcycle and took off hunting Peter. That night I made the biggest mistake of my life and one I will never forgive myself for. Although I was grieving and angry with Peter and myself, I should have taken care of Harry first. But I wasn't thinking straight, and never had a trial. If I had, the fact I am Harry's godfather would have proven I could not betray him or James and Lily."
"What do you want to do if you are set free?"
"First I want to see Harry and explain what happened. Hopefully, he will not shun me for not doing right by him. Then I plan to get the best possible attorney's and sue Crouch, Dumbledore, and the Ministry. While in Azkaban, my cousin Bellatrix constantly taunted me with the fact that she and others had a trial, and I didn't. Her other favorite, was how so many Death Eaters bought their freedom from Fudge and Umbridge."
"What about Pettigrew?"
"I overheard Aurors saying he was sentenced to the veil. If that had not happened, it is a job for the Aurors not me."
"Lords and Ladies I have no further questions for this man. I ask that you now vote for his innocence or guilt."
The innocence vote was unanimous with no one abstaining. So Croaker continued, "Mr. Sirius Black you are found innocent and awarded ₲12,000 per year plus ₲36,000 per year in treble damages totaling ₲480,000. However, if you accept this amount you will be unable to sue the Ministry. This does not mean that you cannot sue individuals."
"I accept the award and the condition you named," Sirius replied.
"Very well Mr. Black you may take the Black seat on this court. You are your father's sole heir, and head of the House of Black."
Harry smiled and asked that they make room for Sirius to sit between him and Amelia.
"Sirius no apology is necessary. What happened to you was done by one manipulative old bastard in an attempt to see me broken and weak, so he could come to my rescue. I suggest you get your suit filed this afternoon, as I intend to take him for everything he has. I see Remus in the audience so take him with you after lunch. When you're finished, call for my elf Dobby, he'll lead the two of you to Potter Manor. Now I need to I need to introduce you to my betrothed and her parents. Sirius this is my lovely betrothed Countess Hermione Jean Potter, her parents Baron Daniel Granger and Baroness Jean Granger are on Lady Amelia Bones' left." Harry said with a lopsided smile James wore when he was pulling a prank.
"What, Harry you're only eleven?" Sirius stated the obvious.
"I'll explain this evening after dinner, Croker is calling the next case so hush you old dog."
Sirius frowned but shut up deciding he would get the answers he wanted later.
Snape's Trial
Snape was brought in and chained to the chair then given the truth serum and Croaker began the questioning.
"What is your name?" "Severus Tobias Snape"
"Are you a Death Eater?" "Yes"
"Are you a spy?" "Yes"
"For which side?" "The dark lord's"
"What is your mission?"
"I was to provide Dumbledore information too late to act on, and to reduce the number of potions NEWT students to weaken the Aurors and St. Mungo's. When Potter came to school, I was to weaken him by raping his mind using Legilimency under the guise of teaching Occlumency."
"Are you saying Voldemort knew he would be killed since he expected to kill Harry Potter?"
"No, he left me a letter telling me what to do if the Potter brat survived."
"How did you fool Dumbledore?"
"I told him I was sorry for giving the dark lord the prophecy since he chose to go after Lily Potter. I told him Lily and I were friends as children, and that I loved her, as if I could love the mudblood slut that married Potter."
"This man has admitted to being a traitor so no vote is necessary. Aurors remove him from my sight and send him through the veil. This court will is in recess until 1300, Lord Potter, and party please join me for lunch in the Department of Mysteries." Croaker said as everyone felt his aura and the coldness it brought.
"Yes sir, but I have one more guest I would like to add, Mr. Remus Lupin." Harry said gently.
"Very well Lord Potter, I have no problem with that." Croaker replied.
An Enlightening Lunch
After a short reunion with Remus, they followed Croaker to the Department of Mysteries. In his office, Croaker gave them lunch menus, as they sat around his conference table. Harry stood and told his story from the last time line. He included the prophecy and Dumbledore's manipulations. There were tears in everyone's eyes when he reached the part about the final battle.
Authors Note: For those who want to know the prophecy read The Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 37 (I think) by Joann Rowling.
"Croaker could you have Sirius and Remus checked for memory modification by Dumbledore. If what I believe is true, then everyone who works at Hogwarts also needs checked. I will be willing to pay for this service. Actually, Madam Bones needs checked as does Lady Longbottom, since they were on my parents list as people meant to raise me." Harry replied, trying hard to keep his anger in check.
"There will be no payment Lord Potter I have been trying to build a case against Dumbledore for over ten years. If what you suspect is true, he will damn sure go down hard. Now I have an offer for you, your wife, Sirius, and Remus. How would you four like to become Unspeakables? Remember as an Unspeakable the Ministry cannot touch you, and you have more authority than an Auror without their limitations. You will still go to Hogwarts, but will receive additional training in a hidden wing of the castle. You will set your OWLs the end of first year, and NEWTs the end of the second year."
Harry looked at Hermione and she nodded. He answered Croaker, "We'll set our OWLs in December and NEWTs in June instead if that's alright with you."
"Agreed, welcome to the club what about you two?" Croaker asked Sirius and Remus.
Both men agreed. They had been Aurors in the first war. However, they didn't like the fact that they couldn't put down Death Eaters permanently until the last six months before the war was over. The adults except Amelia were sent to the medical facility while Harry and Hermione joined Amy in the courtroom.
Malfoys, Fudge, and Umbitch trials
"This court will now come to order. The first trial on the docket is that of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, please escort Mr. Malfoy in."
Once Malfoy was in the chair and the truth serum administered Croaker began his questions.
"What is your name?" "Lucius Araxes Malfoy."
"Are you a Death Eater?" "Yes"
"Did you take the mark willingly?" "Yes that is the only way to earn it."
"How did you escape justice after Voldemort was killed?" "I gave Fudge ₲1 million to free me, Crabbe, and Goyle."
"You bribed the Minister?" "Yes, the greedy bastard."
"Who else did you bribe and why?" "Fudge, and Umbridge to get restrictive legislation passed and cut the DMLE's budget. The dark lord will return, and it will be easier to take down the Ministry next time. I used bribes to entice Umbridge to kill some people who were opposed to certain legislation."
"Is your wife a Death Eater?" "No, she is little more than a nice looking toy. She is not smart enough to be a Death Eater but was needed to produce an heir."
"What are your plans for your son?" "To train him to be a Death Eater if the dumb ass can learn to keep his mouth shut and develop at least mediocre skills."
"That is all the questions I have for this man and now call for a vote."
A unanimous vote sent Lucy through the veil. After a five-minute break, Fudge's trial was called to order.
"What is your name?" "Cornelius Oswald Fudge?"
"Are you a Death Eater?" "Yes, and I still support the dark lord."
"Did you knowingly take bribes?" "Of course, it's one of the nicer perks of being Minister."
"Did you know it was treason to do so?" "Yes"
"Did Voldemort give you a mission?" "Yes, to weaken the Ministry, so he could walk in and take over when the time is right."
"This man has confessed to being a traitor so no vote is necessary. Aurors take this traitor straight to the veil."
Umbridge's trial went as fast as the other two. She admitted to killing three Wizengamot members, as well as being a Death Eater, and she was sent through the veil.
"We now have several marked Death Eaters to provide trials for. I suggest we break into three 9 person courts led by Madam Bones, Lady Longbottom, and me." Croaker stated and it was seconded by Lady Longbottom. The vote was once again unanimous and Croaker declared today's session over.
Croaker led Harry, Hermione, and Amy through a back door into his office. Harry and Hermione were curious as to what the Department of Mysteries healers had found.
End Chapter 2