Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and I'll deny anything you accuse me of
A Gathering of Insanity
Dumbledore beamed at Harry from his seat in the Head Table. No one had overlooked the change in Harry Potter at the beginning of term. To all watching Harry seemed…happier. This was not the angry fifth year or the brooding sixth. This Harry seemed more like the sweet child that first came as an eleven year old except not as shy. Some of the older teachers could swear James Potter was walking amongst them once more when they saw the messy-haired teen in the hallways.
The Order was careful not to break the peace that had descended after Harry's rage. They were aware he had come into his inheritance but had decidedly not questioned him about it. Harry figured that as long as they didn't bring him up for an interrogation Harry couldn't question them on Order activities.
Besides, their scrutiny had been directed elsewhere ever since rumors of the rise of a new Lord had begun to surface.
Few of the clans had allied with him as of yet but Harry was aware that a larger number than should be expected had yet to declare an allegiance. They where waiting for the Lord Morrigan to make his move.
Harry lived to create mischief in the plans of those that thought him a piece in their chessboard.
According to Amos the nuntius charm birds had not dissipated. Amos had been quick to declare his allegiance; after all he alone knew who exactly he was offering support to. He had told Harry directly but done the formality of sending back the nuntius bird, his Ravenlight. Much to their surprise the bird had delivered the letter silently one night in the dorm room and flown back to Amos.
Both mortal and vampire had spent some time experimenting with his 'malfunctioning' charm birds. Harry was apparently able to call a specific bird to him but otherwise the messenger bird took on the added task of protecting the recipients of the letters. Amos theorized that because of the amount of power Harry wielded he had created a deeper impression than normal when he released the magic. Because he had created the messengers with his faithful Hedwig in mind the magic had then been shaped in such a way that the messenger birds became 'echoes' of Hedwig and where compelled to serve Harry and the 'master' Harry chose. Both were unsure on how long the magic would retain this shape before deteriorating into wild magic but since the birds still had the same power level as they did at the time of their creation Harry and Amos concluded that it would be a while before the birds faded.
Thus the phenomenon known as Harry's luck reared its head once more and the basis for his information network was created. A safe means to communicate that could not betray them voluntarily and would actively fight if intercepted. He wasn't fool enough to believe there wasn't a magical being out there that could overcome his charm but at least they would have to fight for it.
A few days after the first meeting with Amos since the nuntius birds had been sent out Harry found himself in the Chamber of Secrets with a couple dozen crystals with an inactive charm and no purpose.
After some thought he sprouted a decidedly wicked grin and unholy light in his eyes.
Harry wrote a similar message to people and wizarding families that operated in the fringes of the Dark or Light powerbases as well as Neutral parties. Remembering his solicitor Eleanor Gibbins, Harry also sent messages to outspoken critics of Dumbledore, Voldemort, Fudge or all three that held powerful positions within the Wizarding world.
After that was done Harry wrote a couple more messages to magical creatures that though not essential to his plans would definitely hinder him if they chose to support someone in this war. Unfortunately Harry could only write to species that had some form of structure group. The hardest part he decided later on was translating his message into the appropriate language. If he meant to contact the banshees of France he figured they would be more inclined to pay attention if the message was in French. It was only after he translated his message into the giants tongue that Harry remembered why the Death Eaters and Order of the Phoenix were such large support groups. Thankfully the giants note was simple, written in as few long words as possible. The most troublesome one was to the centaurs where Harry had to resort to his Astronomy book as he sprouted baffling passages about Mars and Jupiter.
Even if they didn't choose to support him, he implored them to take a stance of neutrality. This war would not end lightly and it would cost all parties involved. When it was over those that choose their allies wisely would reap the most obvious benefits. Harry offered most of the magical beings an option of passively supporting him. This was mostly a trade of information. He also requested the aid of select individuals for offensive and defensive purposes to be determined carefully.
This was war and if Harry wanted to win he had to choose his battles carefully. The Order ran themselves ragged trying to protect every Muggle and witch as the Ministry Aurors ran themselves into a hole trying to protect the most influential personal under Fudge. The Death Eaters had the advantage of choosing who to attack but even they were occupied with protecting the physical seat of Voldemort's power.
Harry wasn't in the mind of surrounding himself with such obvious flunkies. This was war and Harry knew people would die. He couldn't be out protecting every person that met their end unjustly; he had to go for the head of the serpent so to speak.
Voldemort and Dumbledore both held worthwhile ideals even if said parties were more than a little insane. But Harry wasn't either of them no matter what they believed. Like Voldemort, Harry understood the dark aspects of society Dumbledore just would not see but he also knew the destruction of life was not the means to achieve the end.
Society would never truly change unless there was a spark somewhere to incite the change, a spark that would incite people to change of their own free will.
He could see the future that lay before them. Dumbledore fought for the status quo, the preservation of the bigoted wizards. Voldemort fought for the preservation of blood and of a pure world. If either won as they were now the world would still be segregated, the matter of blood still an issue, the magical beings still pushed to the fringes of the governing body that was supposed to offer some protection if not reasonable council.
Perhaps because Harry was muggle born and indoctrinated in the ways of the Light for such a long time he was able to choose to fight for an idealistic world that was greater than just the wizards who hounded him.
If he truly had no choice but to fight, he choose to fight for all the mythical creatures he had once upon a time dreamt about in a dreary cupboard.
The messenger birds were released collectively farther into the Forbidden Forest to avoid detection. Watching them fly off Harry smiled.
Mischief managed.
The morning meal brought news of an attack on Beauxbatons, the French wizarding school. Because the wizarding world was for lack of a better word inbreed there wasn't a pureblooded there that didn't have some connection to the French sector of magic and consequently to students there.
On the wings of owls the Daily Prophet came depicting the ruined fields of Beauxbatons. The paper went on to give preliminary estimates. The attack had come just after the evening meal. The attackers had decimated the outside grounds, consequently killing a group of students that had gathered for an impromptu Quittich game. They fought their way into the school's Main Hall where they killed or injured another number of students as well as two teachers. The suspected Death Eaters then left but not before shooting a Dark Mark over the school.
His heart clenched uncomfortably and his throat tightened. The sweet face of Gabrielle Delacour floated in his mind, a young third year by now.
Harry frowned pensively over the paper. As sad as it was the loss of life at the French school wasn't important. This was a message to the wizarding world. Voldemort could attack where he pleased when he pleased. And there wasn't a strong enough safeguard that would stop him once he marked a target. Beauxbatons was a prominent enough school that it could have easily been Hogwarts in people's mind. The only difference was Hogwarts housed the Light's Albus Dumbledore, the Only-One-He-Ever-Feared.
Voldemort was playing a smarter game than before. Let the Light wear down Dumbledore with their pleas and hopes and when they finally met the old man would be too burdened with fears of failure to effectively fight him.
He was so lost in thought he didn't even realize the Great Hall had begun to fill till Neville, Seamus, and Dean sat around him effectively shielding him from curious eyes. Their faces where openly curious and Harry couldn't help but smile at them with appreciation.
He knew if he so much as lifted his head from his meal he would meet the gazes of other students. Normally that wasn't a problem but today their eyes would hold accusations.
'You're the Boy-Who-Lived. Why couldn't you save them?'
Dumbledore didn't have the luxury of looking away.
His friends might not know what happened but they had read the general mood and shifted into protect-Harry-from-everyone-else mode.
Their faces where pale as they read the paper. Quietly the boys finished their meal. They understood Harry didn't want to talk about the attack, openly mulling over it like it was something he could have stopped.
It wasn't his responsibility or his desire to save them from their Monsters. Those were witches and wizards that died, they could have used magic to fight back. If they didn't have the knowledge it was their mistake to be caught of guard during a time of war. And still the innocent face of Gabrielle drifted into his thoughts, her face a little older than when last he saw her three years ago.
Too young.
Much too young.
Thoughtfully Harry glanced at the discarded paper to Neville's side. Voldemort had made his first move against a magical institution. The time of waiting was over; the magical war had begun in earnest.
September was almost over when Quittich tryouts began. There were three new positions open, a large number but certainly not a record. Gryffindor captains would shutter whenever mention was made of the season of 1996 when only one veteran player returned. Many players had graduated the year prior, the Weasley twins had been expelled and Harry Potter had been banned. Any hope gained when Harry was reinstated as Seeker was quickly extinguished when he quit the team….loudly.
After much pleating by the House Harry reminded them once more that he would not rejoin the team….violently.
It took some of the students at the receiving end of his tirade weeks to find the counter to the hexes Harry threw at them. After that pretty much everyone accepted his decision.
Which is why everyone was dumbstruck when Harry showed up at the Quittich field for tryouts, a Comet 520 in his hand and a smirk on his face.
Comet 520 was a relatively new broom, fast and agile but no where near the Firebolts series. It wasn't that Harry couldn't afford a Firebolt; he saw no reason to purchase one. Even with a Comet 520 he still had the best broom in Gryffindor. Besides there wasn't a soul alive that would convince him to risk his Firebolt, not when it was the first gift Sirius ever gave him. One of the precious few he was ever given as a matter of fact.
"Mate….you're trying out?" asked Ron nervously. As one of the most vocal protesters of last year he was hit with a particularly nasty hex that gave him Medusa snakes on his head. The fact that Harry later talked to the snakes and was seen laughing as he walked away further traumatized Ron. I took Hermione a week and half to find the counter-curse.
Harry just gave him a lopsided grin.
"I figure I should test out any skill I might still have after nearly two years of inactivity."
"Are you sure you want to tryout?" Ron asked once more. He vividly remembered those snake-filled days with barely a wink of sleep.
Harry's grin didn't change but a glint of annoyance entered the brilliant emerald eyes.
"I'm sure Ron. You shouldn't hold up everyone because me. There's a tryout that needs to take place, no?"
Ron wisely decided to retreat.
"Listen here! Tryouts are about to begin. We're looking for two Chasers and a Beater—"
"Ron! If Harry's trying out I want to try out for Chaser!", Ginny yelled over her brother. "No offense Harry, I'm sure you're a decent Chaser but you're a brilliant Seeker. Besides I prefer Chaser myself."
Harry smiled at the redhead, tilting his head in her direction.
"Ehh…Fine then. To be fair then, we're looking for two Chasers, a Beater, and a Seeker. Beaters are up first. To the air mates!"
To be fair they did have some unrefined talent. Last year had been a disaster for the team in general. They did make an effort and eventually came out in third place. If the Gryffindors were disappointed they made sure not to mention it in Harry's hearing.
Stance Allenmere, the returning Beater was a fair enough player who worked easily with all the others paired with him for the tryouts. Unfortunately none matched the Weasley twins' glory. Their legacy was secure for many years to come.
As a Chaser Ginny was marvelous, it helped that she was also familiar with the returning Chaser, a fourth year girl he vaguely recognized and could therefore easily read her body language.
His tryout as a Seeker was more a farce than anything else. Ginny gave him the courtesy of going up against him but even he knew she was already slated in as the next Gryffindor Chaser. Ten minutes later and the snitch in hand tryouts ended.
Tomorrow when his Housemates patted him on the back during breakfast, Quittich players everywhere would swallow nervously and Snape's scowl would deepen just a little more.
The full Wizengamot Council traditionally was called into session on the day of the Autumnal Equinox that fell on September 21st . The particular date symbolize balance within the Council, emphasizing the twelve hours of night and twelve hours of light to remind everyone that things where rarely one-sided.
Ironically it had been many a year since the Council actually opened on that particular date.
It was two weeks into October before the 20th of October was confirmed as the first session.
Neville had been a walking bundle of nerves since the news came out. As the last male Longbottom and the incapacitation of his father Neville was officially Lord Longbottom. When Neville walked into the Wizengamot he would do so without the council of his father or anyone else. For all purposes he was a walking target to the power hungry politicians. And Neville was smart enough to know it.
Harry would be operating under a different standard. Most lobbyist would leave him alone, believing him to be the prodigy or pawn of Dumbledore depending on who they where. It would be with the Headmaster that they would deal with, incorrectly thinking that Harry would follow where Dumbledore should point. However, his main objective would be to prove one thing…his sanity.
Politicians where wise never to fall under the complete sway of printed words but even they knew every fable usually had a kernel of truth. The stories that no doubt floated among them would depict Harry as an attention-seeking rash immature child.
Harry grumbled to himself. It was alright for Dumbledore and Voldemort to be considered insane. One was far too respected and the other too feared to overly worry anyone about little things like their sanity. Unfortunately most wizards didn't know enough about him to do either.
It rained the Saturday the Wizengamot met.
Neville had been up since dawn, his robes neatly spread out on his bed and he himself pacing back and forth in front of them. His eyes flickering between the robes and his Family ring that lay on his left middle finger.
Harry woke some time after and amusedly watched Neville. He even offered the nervous seventh year to stun him till it was time to change. Neville only refused because he feared the enervate would fail.
Both boys just quit their torture and changed careful to not wake their sleeping doormats.
Neville's inner robe was a beautiful shade of burgundy while his outer robe was soft brown, his House colors. On his breast and back the shield of Longbottom was displayed. A dove proudly flared its wings, at its feet devil's snare shot vines all around forever caught in a strangely serpentine dance. Harry was stumped with all the possible symbolism. The dove, a bird of peace and sacrifice; devil's snare, used to guard against intruders, a fierce opponent but easily combated if you knew how. It was gentle and fierce, much like Neville Longbottom Harry supposed.
His hands shook as he buttoned his inner robe, the first visible sign that he was nervous about today. Under the inner robe, Harry wore a light T-shirt and some black trousers. The inner robe was designed with mobility in mind, the idea probably stemming from impromptu duels born when Lords disagreed. The inner robe was long, two slits born at mid-thigh on both sides and extending to the ground. It had no sleeves and it clipped snugly at the side of the neck under a silver Celtic knot to signify full membership of the Wizengamot. Heirs and appointees where distinguished from Lords by bearing a silver button in place. The outer robe was made of the same soft material but it was made to impress. The border was outlined deeply; deep sleeves could hide the wearers hands easily. The robe was full enough that Harry supposed with enough practice one could create the billowing effect Snape had perfected.
A deep breath later, Harry slipped two rings on his left hand.
They glowed faintly as they interacted with the charmed robes.
Harry closed his eyes tightly. A moment later he opened them and studied his robes. The inner robe was black with a border of purple while the outer robe was ruby red, like Voldemort's eyes Harry thought uneasily. On his breast was a shield that was clearly divided in half. On the left the golden lion of Potter reared in defiance. Inlaid over that image was a crossed sword and distaff. The background was a deep purple, befitting the red and purple house colors of Potter. On the right side a thestral reared in the opposite direction of the lion, its body a soft grey that contrasted nicely to the black in the background. A wand was on the right while a sword was on the left.
Harry sighed in relief. While Potter was represented with purple and red, Black used black and red. Harry had feared he'd end up looking like a blood covered figure. He could only shutter at the rainbow he would make when he publicly acknowledged his full inheritance. Morrigan like a true parent of Ravenclaw used blue and silver while Slytherin favored green and silver.
The final image of his robes was surprisingly tasteful, the colors emphasizing each other nicely.
Neville eyed Harry curiously. Even he knew most wizarding families tended to steer away from a consolidation of power. It was therefore rare to see an heir to more than one bloodline.
Harry just shrugged not all that intent on explaining.
They walked the almost deserted halls. It was early enough that only a Ravenclaw would think to get up. The occasional student they passes just gapped at the two Lords.
Harry smiled wryly. Must everything he do be such a spectacle?
The other Heirs had prearranged to meet at the Entrance Hall where Dumbledore would later escort them of the grounds. Arriving Harry was surprised by the gathering, naturally Draco Malfoy was there as were two other Slytherins, Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott. From Ravenclaw came Anthony Goldstein and a boy he vaguely recognized as Hermes Hornfield. The lone Huffelpuff turned out to be the only girl as well, Hannah Abbott. Perhaps there was some truth in pureblood elitist congregating in Slytherin House.
"This everyone?" Harry asked in wonder. Eight students out of more than fifty seventh years. It was peculiar that the largest House in Hogwarts also had the least Heirs.
Unfortunately Malfoy heard Harry's comment and promptly reacted in a predicted manor.
"It's not every decent wizard that can become an Heir. Unfortunately time has introduced bad blood into the lines." Malfoy sneered with a pointed look in Harry's direction.
Harry hadn't missed the fact that he was the only half-blood there either.
"Pity, I know. Thankfully for you marrying your own cousin doesn't always lead to defective children but I must wonder if your father ever bothered to wonder how closely he was related to your mother before you were born, or was it only after that he had the incentive to investigate?" drawled Harry, his face calm even if his voice was mocking and disdainful.
Malfoy turned light pink and Harry had to really wonder how closely the two elder blonds were related.
Any further discussion was interrupted as Dumbledore in his own manner appeared silently next to them.
"Good morning gentlemen and lady. Any of you care for a lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked with a far too jolly tone.
"Ahh…Mr. Potter, I didn't expect you to be here." The Headmasters tone was courteous but twinkling eyes spoke of many things neither could voice in public.
"Really?" Harry blandly answered. "How odd. But the day is far from ending and we have much to do. I'm very excited about seeing the first gathering of the Wizengamot that isn't putting me on trial."
Dumbledore chuckled.
"Yes my dear boy, a most unfortunate occurrence. I hope there isn't any task you children are neglecting in favor of attending?" Dumbledore spoke to the group but his eyes pointedly shifted to Harry.
Harry gave the old coot a lazy grin that was more than a little predatory.
Theodore Nott who could have very well been a Ravenclaw had not stopped studying Harry under disturbing pale eyes.
"Potter…whose crest to you wear? That not just one Family."
Harry's eyes flickered to the pale-eyed boy, his grin never fading.
"I'm surprised Malfoy didn't recognize it immediately. The Lion marks me as Potter and the Thestral as a Black."
Harry didn't know that the already pale boy could pale anymore. Malfoy's eyes were wide, the implications that Lord Black was none other than Harry Potter were slowly sinking into his very veins. Harry hadn't missed the fact Malfoy wore the Celtic knot on his collar either. His father was a fugitive for the last two years.
"I think Malfoy's going into shock." He commented to Nott who only gave him a Slytherin grin.
"Poor chap", murmured Neville near his ear. "He finds that the Boy-Who-Lived is a Brother Lord."
Harry frowned lightly. He really hated being muggle raised at times like this.
"Honestly Potter, there's a reason the Wizengamot is composed of old pureblooded Families." Muttered Zabini.
Harry gave the seventh year a predatory grin that promised nothing good.
"Then my success is all the more impressive when I go head to head with 'old pureblooded Families'" Although he pointed out to himself he didn't have as much Muggle blood as everyone would like to think.
Hannah Abbott in true Huffelpuff fashion tried to regain the peace.
"As you were saying, a Brother Lords or in my case Lady have close ties of blood that in times of great need can be called upon within the Wizengamot. However this power is carefully used because a boon is later owed between the parties, one that when called upon must be fulfilled. There are a few restrictions but I'm unfamiliar with the specifications. Traditionally blood bound nobles are great allies within the Council."
Harry and Neville shared an incredulous look before laughing freely.
How unfair was that, the Black Brother Lords where none other than Malfoy and Snape.
"How wonderful! One should always learn to explore and appreciate the intrigues that make up our marvelous world." Dumbledore really was too jolly this early in the morning.
With one last baffled glance at the Headmaster the group started down the grounds toward the edge of the wards toward the apparation point. He hadn't missed the fact that had Dumbledore wore a silver button on his collar either; identifying him as an appointee in his brother's stead
Thankfully apparation was one mode of travel Harry could deal with. It was also coincidently the last wizarding method that hadn't tried to kill him as of yet. What joy that he was now at least licensed if it did.
TBC…….
S
AN: I got good news and bad news.
Good news is I updated fast this week. Bad news is I'm going on Spring break and I'm not sure if I'll be able to post. I will write on paper but I won't be able to post often.
To all those that still want to hunt me down – I have a 12 pound cat and I'm not afraid to use her! (meow….)
I want to thank everyone who reviewed….thanks for showing me your love!
Thanks for your ideas also! Gave me pointers on where I'm going.
By the way why are there so many more people on my author alert list than actual reviewers? As a first time writer, is that normal?
REVIEW!...If Review where dollars bills I'd gather them together and roll around in them. That said, thank goodness no one knows my real name.