… August 1, 1991 (the day of the ritual)

… Office of the Deputy Headmistress, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Minerva McGonagall looked at the letter in front of her. She blinked in surprise and read it again. Young Mr. Potter had successfully re-opened the House of Potter. She was not sure how he accomplished that before his majority but was even more curious about his reasons.

According to the personal note portion of the letter she received from Gringotts, after learning of his family's history, he disagreed with both James' (and Charlus before him) decision to rebuild the family first. He had taken the opening of his house a step further and decided to see if any of the "old families" where willing to re-swear their oaths. His reason was that as a minor he needed trusted advisors to guide the House until his majority and prepare him for his duties when the time came.

Minerva had to admit that she could see the logic of his actions and she felt a small bit of shame that she had given up on her family so completely. There was a time where Clan McGonagall represented the Scottish wing of the Potter circle of influence.

While her family had been a Vassal house they were rarely treated that way and rather treated as an allied house. She decided that she would re-swear the oaths if for no other reason than so that the death of Clan McGonagall would not come before once more serving House Potter and making it stronger. Then the seed of a thought blossomed in her mind.

She had been in love once and thought she might have a family but the first war robbed her of her siblings and their children and Voldemort robbed her of her love. At 56, she could still bear children. As a magical she would be a viable parent well into her 90's. Dorea was 60 when she had James after all. The idea that her family might have purpose again re-ignited her wish for a daughter as her family was a matriarchal one.

She looked over at the mirror, she had definitely let herself go. The loss of Dougal had taken her desire for children and she had let herself slip into what she now recognized as a slight depression, focusing only on her work. Things would have to change. She composed her response to the letter and sent it off with an owl.

… Vector Manor, Wales

Osirus Vector smiled as looked at the letter in front of him. He had made the same recommendation to re-open the House to Charlus Potter but the man's pride had stopped him. He hadn't felt House Potter was strong enough to be deserving of the re-established oaths.

House Vector like Clan McGonagall had done well as a Vassal of House Potter. Most treated them as an allied House as that was how the Potter Heads had treated them. They had been luckier than Clan McGonagall in surviving the wars. They had survived much more intact a stable, but swearing the oaths would once again give them access to the Potter Family Magic and that would be very welcome.

He sent a reply to the Goblins as well as prepared a statement for the House to inform every one of his intention to re-swear the oaths and have the House of Vector become a Vassal of the House of Potter once more. Most of the old families were operational though none had re-sworn minor noble Houses. In the muggle world a Vassal house gained land and privileges by swearing the oath but in the magical world such things were easy to come by with the use of magic.

Becoming a Vassal in the magical world gained the minor House access to the Family Magic of the House to which they had foresworn. The Potters, The Longbottoms, the Notts and the Blacks were the undisputed top of that tree. The Prima Potentia Magicae. Osirus' loyalty had him believing the Potters were the best of that group.

Vassal Houses did not have access to all the family magic or the House Grimoire but they had access to the magic of the House specialty. The Potters started out as magical masons and their family magic was all about runecraft and warding. All the old rune stones were still around the Vector properties and re-swearing would secure his family one again under the famous Potter ward scheme. The Longbottoms magic was farming, the Notts was in raising animals and the Blacks were in rituals. Other families had similar specialties but those four were considered the strongest.

He recalled that he had a granddaughter working as a professor at Hogwarts. He pulled out another parchment and wrote her a letter. In it he told her that he intended to re-swear the oaths to the House of Potter on behalf of the House of Vector and that he intended to offer her as one of the re-emerged Lord's advisors as she was knowledgeable and closer in age to the young man.

He also instructed her to approach the Head of Clan McGonagall and tell her that the House of Vector would stand with her as our future Lord rebuilds. Their House was the most able right now and they would work to protect them all until young Potter could stand and lead them.

…The Burrow, Ottery St Catchpole

Arthur Weasley looked at the letter in his hand. It explained so much. The wards around his house had activated earlier and the only thing that could have done that was the opening of the House of Potter. His family lived on Potter lands and had been sworn Retainers to the Potters whose Castle was about 2 miles from them. The wards he felt was actually the Potter lands coming back alive.

Before the House of Potter was closed, his family, the Browns and the Prewitts had not had to pay rent. When the house was closed they and the Prewitts stayed and payed rent to be close if the house was ever re-opened. The Browns moved away to find somewhere cheaper. The Burrow was actually the combined property when he and Molly had married.

While Charlus Potter was away in the fight with Grindelwald, Abraxas Malfoy had attempted to grab some of the Potter properties. They chose land where they believed one of the ward stones were buried. The Malfoys believed that even if they couldn't hold the land forever, they could hold it long enough to unearth the ward stone and steal some of the Potter warding secrets.

Arthur and Molly's fathers though no longer sworn to the House of Potter had not lost their loyalty and fought the Malfoys off before they could establish enough of presence to create the necessary legal boondoggle and the attempt made everyone aware of the loophole and it was quickly closed.

In anger Abraxas was able to have the Weasleys and Prewitts charged with interfering with an unresolved business dealing between two noble houses. It was a pathetic case but with most of the honorable members of the Wizengamot fighting, the Weasley's and Prewitt's were forced to turn over their small fortunes to the Malfoys. Charlus had tried to get it overturned when he returned but was rebuffed and prevented from paying the loss back as that would "pervert justice." Charlus instead allowed the Prewitts and Weasleys to stay on their land in perpetuity rent free.

Arthur called his family for another meeting. They had become stronger in the wake of Ron's attempt to run away. The twins still pranked him but it was now playful and they were teaching him how to prank them back. Percy had learned some self-control after he witnessed the damage his words could do and even Ginny was happier as she was treated less like a china doll and more like a person.

Arthur shared the letter with his family before writing a replying stating that he would be there. All the kids helped write announcements to the various cousins and family members to inform them of Arthur's decision to re-swear allegiance to the House of Potter.

It would be a boon in all their lives especially as Arthur would be keeping the duty to the House of Potter himself. They did this for both the Weasley's and Prewitts as Charlie was the Prewitt family heir after the death of Molly's brothers and Arthur was the acting head till Charlie reached majority.

Arthur turned to Ron and said "Son you are Harry's age and I will be offering you in service to him. While we will all act as friends and advisors, you will be the closest to him and have the duty to protect him. Can you do that for me?" Ron was beyond Happy. His dream was being made real. He would be Harry Potter's friend and help him on his adventures. "Yes, sir, Ron replied seriously".

Arthur looked at him piercingly for a long moment and then nodded his head "Good, for the rest of the summer I and your older brothers will start teaching what you need to know. I am trusting you to take this seriously Ronald, I want you to be a friend and confidant to him but you must learn your lessons because there may come a moment when only your knowledge and bravery may save him." Ron gave another serious nod.

Ginny did not know how to feel. On the one hand Harry Potter was going to be part of their lives. But he would be Ron's friend and all her older brothers would get to advise and train him. What could she do? He would just think she was a baby.

Molly seemed to sense her concern and said, "don't worry Ginny, you are young but we will make a potions mistress and healer out of you and you will be able to aid him as well. For now, we'll start teaching you to cook. It will help later and maybe you could make him some cookies." Ginny smiled.

Arthur looked over at his family, lingering on his happy and content youngest son. The first lesson of magic was that there were rarely any coincidences. The fact the future Potter Lord would offer them such a boon shortly after they reconciled with the son they conceived under the power of blessing was not lost on him and when he met his wife eyes, she could see it as well. Offering Ron in service was not only because of their close age, it was a message to magic that they understood and accepted the blessing that their son truly was.

…Headmasters Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Albus Dumbledore was smiling at the letter in front of him. It was Harry Potter's acceptance of a place at the school. He had already sent Hagrid to fetch the boy and he was running through the details of his plan to try and account for every eventuality as to make the proper impression.

Since Harry was muggle raised, Albus had changed into clothes that was more in keeping with the muggle interpretation of wizards. The robes he chose were a deep purple with gold five pointed stars decorated all up and down its length. It had a matching cone shaped hat similar to one that muggles might expect to see on Father Christmas.

He had a six foot walking cane that twisted around itself and had a crystal in the top. It was not a magical focus in anyway but to Harry's eyes it would seem mystical. His half-moon spectacles with patented eye twinkle and well-practiced grandfatherly voice would complete the picture.

He wanted to arrive early but not too early as he wanted the people in the ally to be seeing him for the first time as Harry saw him for the first time. He only had a limited ability in wandless magic but he would summon some items and perhaps do a minor transfiguration to awe the boy. Typically when he showed himself publically he would receive his due respect from admirers and that would only add to his stature in Harry's eyes.

He considered taking him to Gringotts himself but the goblins were not in awe of him at all and he couldn't risk having their attitudes influence the boy. He had to make sure that he didn't act as if he was afraid of taking him, just that he was too busy. Having Hagrid around would be beneficial because the man was never not in awe of him.

He looked over to Fawkes hopefully, but the creature seemed to convey "Not a chance in hell" with her warble and he cursed his inability to fully control the bird. Fawkes was bonded to the school but after 50 years and two wars most people figured Fawkes was his and ever since the bird found out he was giving that impression purposely, had refused to give him anything but the most mandatory aid. It was too bad; walking down Diagon Alley with a Phoenix would have definitely left and impression.

He lit his fireplace and flued to his home in Hogsmeade to get from under the Hogwarts wards. Arriving by flu did not present a dignified enough image and so he would aparate to Diagon Alley. He felt a charm on his wrist vibrate and new that Hagrid had reached the house and with a trip on the Night bus Harry should be arriving in 10 minutes. That would be enough to prime the Alley with his appearance. He would aparate close to Gringotts and walk toward the Leaky Cauldron probably meeting Harry close to the Quiditch supply store. Nodding to himself he disapperated.

For a few seconds after re-appearing in the Alley Albus Dumbledore believed that a crowd of people had seen him appear and started a spontaneous celebration. For him it was a marvelous few seconds. Pride and joy swelled inside of him and he floated on that moment till someone pushed by him as if he wasn't there. He looked around and noticed everyone's celebratory attention was looking toward a group of Aurors and his joy crashed.

Annoyed at his own foolishness he stomped over to the group to find out what was happening. He noticed Jacob Greengrass holding his crying daughter and figured if he could help the man, it might get him some influence with the family. One of the Aurors was Kingsley Shacklebolt so he approached him and said "Kingsley, how are you today? What seems to be the trouble?"

Appearing unconcerned in the midst of a tornado was another of Dumbledore's patented moves. Kingsley looked up and saw the Professor. He was a half-blood so he recognized the "Muggle Merlin" look but figured Albus just liked it and didn't assign it any ulterior motives. "Its amazing Professor, these men..." Kingsley pointed at the bloodied group of men being processed "…tried to kidnap Lord Greengrass' daughter and Harry Potter showed up and used a mix of muggle fighting and magic to beat them down".

Kingsley held up four vials all containing a smoky white material and said, "We collected copies of the memories from three witnesses and Lord Potter and we are going to go back and review them now. Director Bones already sent a patronus message to bring them directly to her. You should come to the ministry and see them for yourself. According to the witnesses it should be quite entertaining" Kingsley moved off to complete his work and missed the frown on Dumbledore's face.

When he came back to himself, he was alone. Well relatively, Jacob and his daughter had left and so had the Aurors with the prisoners but the Alley was still celebrating with some people trying to demonstrate what harry had apparently done.

"He had missed him" and "where was Hagrid?" were the two thoughts fighting for supremacy in his mind. He had to see what had happened. He apparated to the ministry and it wasn't till he reached Amelia Bones office that he realized Kingsley had called Harry, "Lord Potter". As the door opened to let him in all he could think was "oh shit". The boy already new more than he wanted him to know but how much was that.

…Office of the Director, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry of Magic

Amelia Bones' office was crowded. There was a pensieve in the middle of the room and with the recent addition of the Chief Warlock, she had the head of the Auror Office, Rufus Scrimgeour, the Head of the Improper Use of Magic Office, Magdalene Edgecombe and her assistant, Mafalda Hopkirk, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, Delores Umbridge, and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. There were also too Aurors present as Amelia refused to be in a room with Delores without witnesses.

She was the only person not talking other than the silent Aurors and she looked up as Albus approached her. "Amelia, always a pleasure, I would have expected Kingsley to be here already as he left the Alley before me." Amelia looked at him and frowned "Why were you going to a crime scene Albus?" Albus raised his hands in surrender "Nothing like that, dear, I just happened to be in the Alley and saw the commotion.

I was too late for the main event and Kingsley suggested I come here." Amelia's frown deepened at being called "dear" but moved on "The rumors are running rampant about what happened but I will not have procedure shirked just to appease curiosity. I told them to complete their report and then deliver it to me." Albus nodded though he noticed Delores' scowl when Amelia said curiosity.

Kingsley delivered the report with the copies of the memory and left quickly. There were too many people who could screw up his life, in one place, for his comfort. As he left the office, he smiled to himself. He had watched the memories and it was amazing. He would love to be a fly on the wall for the explosion that was bound to happen in Madam Bones' office.

Amelia took control of the situation. She scanned the report and held up a vial. This one has the clearest and most complete look at the entire event and, of course, Lord Potter's give the most detail. When the title rolled of her lips all the people in the room looked at her. They then all turned to Dumbledore and Fudge said "I thought you said he couldn't take the Lord's ring until he was at least 15".

Albus nodded "That is true Cornelius, not without approval from his magical guardian, which is me, so I am quite interested in how he circumvented that." Amelia's frown deepened and she filed away that bit of information. Moving on she poured the first vial into the pensieve. Everyone except the silent Aurors stuck a finger in and Amelia activated the memory.

45 seconds later they existed the pensieve all with looks of shock and horror. The two Aurors looked at each other in confusion. They had been on duty all day so all they knew was that Harry Potter had helped thwart a kidnap attempt. "What could he have done in less than a minute?" was the simultaneous thought from the two guards.

Rufus came back to himself first "I wonder if he wants to be an Auror?" he said and Amelia who had also recovered looked at him and nodded. At that moment Fudge started sputtering and Delores shrieked "He should be arrested". Fudge nodded; Lucius had already contacted him before this meeting and suggested that he would be very appreciative if this misunderstanding could be cleared up.

Albus spoke next "That was not Harry Potter" Albus was calm as he was sure there was some misunderstanding. Sure the boy looked like James but he had to be at least 14 or 15, that was no 11 year old. Fudged sighed in relief at Dumbledore's statement. Getting Lucius what he wanted would be much easier, if the kid was a nobody.

His relief was short lived when Amelia said "I'm sorry Albus, I made sure to look at the ring, it's the real deal and you know that cannot be worn by an imposter. That was definitely him." Fudge replied "It doesn't matter, he is underage and he cast magic. I also have it on good authority that those men where just trying to return the young girl to her parents after she ran away." Amelia pinned Edgecombe and Hopkirk with her eyes and said in a cold voice "ladies?"

If this had been done behind closed doors they could have, maybe been able to help the minister. They could get the process to the point where the Director could not stop it and it would be easier to pay political favors than deal with the Wizengamot, but with her standing right there and having witnessing the inciting incident herself…

Mafalda Hopkirk took the bullet for her boss "We're sorry Minister but the law is quite clear. He did not use any magic until a spell was shot at him and after that it was a reasonable belief that the last man would be dangerous to him" Before the minister or his undersecretary could say anything Amelia said "Thank You ladies, I believe the rest of the discussion is outside of your expertise and departmental responsibility". Taking their que and the opportunity Amelia had handed them, they fled the office.

Delores turned sharply toward Madam Bones with fury in her eyes and opened her mouth to speak but was once again beaten to the punch. "As for the four men, Gregory Goyle Sr. is dead as is Walden McNair. Goyle Sr. was the man hit by the knife, it severed his brain stem completely and McNair was the man stabbed in the eye. The wand pieces were struck through his eye with enough force to pierce his brain.

Vincent Crabbe Sr. is the man who had his elbow shattered. Normally he would be OK with some skelligrow but apparently his magic is unstable and they have to wait for that to normalize. They fear too much time will have passed at that point and he will lose the arm. The last man is concerning for multiple reasons. It was Fenrir Greyback."

The whole room who had already had shocked faces, completely paled at that revelation. Amelia continued with the report she was holding. "I want to know why the Ministry of Magic's executioner was in the company of the only person on the kill on site list and chasing a little girl instead of doing his job and I want to know how an 11 year old wizard dropped a werewolf 3 days before the full moon with a stunner from an unmatched wand."

Cornelius put his hand on Delores' shoulder causing her to swallow what she was about to say. The Minister was not as stupid as many people believed; he was just corrupt. He had pure blood leanings but even then he was more interested in money. He was a commoner, holding no nobility. He was a true Slytherin and had a multigenerational plan to elevate his family. He would allow himself to be bought and raise the wealth of the family. His daughter was a slut and was currently blackmailing 3 of the minor house Lords.

All of this effort was meant to finance his grandson who would use the money and information his aunt and grandfather had gathered to get the family name ennobled. This cockup was too risky even for the amount Lucius would undoubtedly be willing to pay for it. The entire Alley had witnessed the event and the boy was seen as the second coming of Merlin and had claimed his Lord's ring.

Also while he was the boss of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, he had a feeling he was currently looking into the face of the Regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones and the victim was the daughter of the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass.

"Madam Bones, I am sure that you and your staff do not need the Minister's office telling you how to do your job. Thank for allowing us to satisfy our curiosity, Come Delores." He then turned and left the office with Delores trailing after him.

Amelia handed the file to Rufus and said "You know what to do" He took the file with a grunt and left the office. Amelia took a deep breath moved around her desk and sat down before looking into the face of Albus Dumbledore. "Are you here as the headmaster, the Chief Warlock or the Supreme Mugwump"

Albus did not like Amelia Bones. Like the goblins and many of the Ancient and Noble Families, she was not in awe of him nor impressed with him. Her statement was one that they all constantly used with him letting him know that his influence with them went no further than the titles he held.

His actions during the war with Grindelwald should have earned him a hereditary seat but they all knew of his relationship with Gellert and denied it to him. He told himself it was because he was gay but even he, in a rare honest moment, would admit it was likely because he had helped author Grindelwald's strategy to take over the wizarding world. They all acknowledged that it was an academic pursuit only but they still denied him elevation.

"As the Chief Warlock, I am a Justice of the Court…" He winced as she looked at him. He knew it was a stupid thing to say. The Judicial system was very robust. It was true that the Wizengamot was the Supreme Court and Final Court of Appeal and as Chief Warlock he held the title Justice of the Court when in judicial session, but it was a mistake to suggest he would be involved so far down the procedural ladder.

He thought that maybe as the headmaster he would have standing to discuss his future student and then he realized that he had earlier told them that he was the boy's magical guardian. Looking in her face he saw that she was aware of her omission, which meant that she was challenging his assertion.

This is why he hated them. With anyone else he would tell them it was for the greater good and they would give him what he wanted but saying "greater good" to an old family might sooner find you in a blood feud than not, as it was Gellert's rallying cry. He sighed and realized that Cornelius had seen the writing on the wall earlier than he had.

He decided he needed more information and thanked Amelia for allowing him to join in and left. The three remaining people looked at each other and one of the Auror guards said "wow". That got everyone laughing. She waved her hands and the two men left and closed her office door.