Harry woke up early the next morning. The war had inculcated some habits in him that were hard to break. Even though he would have like to have a bit of a lie-in, his body clock saw him opening his eyes at 6 a.m, which was already late by his usual standards. Stretching thoroughly, he put on his clothes again. He knew he'd have to go to Diagon Alley some time soon, to get himself some new clothes. Cleaning charms only helped a little, and wore out the fabric pretty quickly. He had only the clothes on his back and his chest armor. He no longer had need of spectacles, having undergone the magical equivalent of laser surgery. It had been Hermione who had worked with the healers in , to replicate the effects of the laser using magic. It had been hailed as a great advancement in magical optometry. Of course, given the political climate, it wasn't as celebrated as it should have been.
Aside from his attire, the only thing that he had with him was his wand.
His wand was not the eleven inch Holly and Phoenix feather core beauty that he had bought from Ollivander. That wand had been broken in a skirmish with Lucius Malfoy in the last timeline. Harry had overcome him at last after a vicious duel, using the sword to decapitate him much the same way as he had done to Quirrell.
It was a jet-black thirteen inch Ebony wand with the tail hair of a magnificent black thestral as the core.
It had been crafted by a descendant of James Steward, one of the founders of Illvermony School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Matthew Steward had been one of the foremost wandmakers in the US. He had been married to one of the American Aurors who had volunteered to help during the final months of the war. He had crafted this wand for Harry at Hogwarts, after his Holly wand had been destroyed. He claimed that generations of his family had studied wandlore, with secrets being passed down from father to son.
They had gone into the Forbidden Forest together, and had spent almost three days trying to find a tree from which to craft the wand. They had finally come across an ancient Ebony, from whose twisted and gnarled branches the had removed the wood they needed, careful to appease the bowtruckles that had made it home with a nice offering of wood lice. They had begun their discussion about what to use as a core as they walked back, and were both stunned when a regal looking black thestral stallion had walked into the clearing, and had bowed to Harry. Matthew said that in all his years of research and studies of generations of work, he had only once come across an example of a living creature offering a wand core. It had been a Horned Serpent that had offered a core to his great-great-grandmother, Isolt Sayre.
Harry had been fascinated by the story, and had spent hours discussing Illvermony and the legends that surrounded it with Matthew. In the course of their discussion, he discovered that Matthew was also a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, and was actually related to Voldemort through the Gaunt family. He smiled a little as he recalled Matthew's horror-struck face when he had made the connection. It was not something that he wanted everybody to know about.
This wand suited Harry much better than his Holly wand, as it had been attuned to his magic through a blood ritual during it's crafting. It could not be used by anyone else. It was also extremely hard for people to reverse spells that he cast with this wand. He had a feeling that only Dumbledore would be able to do it with ease.
He donned his clothes and re-cast the glamour charm that had faded in the night. He placed his wand into the holster that was concealed along his forearm, and went out to begin his usual exercise routine. A few laps around the lake, and several hundred push-ups, sit-ups and chin-ups on a conjured bar later, he walked back to his quarters feeling refreshed. He took a long hot shower and scourgified his clothes, before heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. He was quite early, but he preferred to be seated when the students came in, instead of generating the usual whispers and speculation.
The enchanted ceiling showed that it was going to be a glorious, clear day. They were quite uncommon in Scotland, so he appreciated the clear blue sky as he walked to the Head table. Dumbledore was already in his golden chair, and Severus Snape was also seated. They had both not yet started their breakfast. Harry nodded at the two of them, and took the chair to Dumbledore's left, knowing that McGonagall usually sat at his right hand.
"Good Morning, Regulus." said Albus, as he took his seat. "I trust you slept well?" Regulus shrugged. "After so many years of war, a peaceful night of sleep was a gift." He smiled. A few early rising students made their way into the Great Hall, sitting at their respective house tables. The staff began walking in as well, many of them talking to their colleagues about their summers. Regulus recognized Professors Vector and Babbage, talking animatedly as they took their seats at the Head table. Professor McGonagall gave a nod in their direction as she settled herself into her customary seat on the other side of Dumbledore. Flitwick and Sprout walked in together, apparently in the midst of sharing an amusing story. Regulus smiled at the cheerful Charms Master. He knew that the man was a deadly duelist, and could hold his own against some of the most powerful wizards out there. He had fought valiantly with the Order of the Phoenix in the last timeline, though he had only joined their ranks at the end.
Soon the chatter of hundreds of students filled the Great Hall. Regulus helped himself to eggs and kippers and some bread. By the end of the war food was difficult to come by thanks to Voldemort and his cohorts destroying shops and farms alike. They had had to get their food from muggles, and logistics had been a nightmare. Now he looked around at the breakfast tables, laden with the hearty English and Scottish fare. Students were chatting with their friends, catching up over the summer, while the new students were talking to each other, no doubt trying to find common ground.
The Weasley twins were regaling the Gryffindor table with some story or the other, that had everyone laughing, much to Percy's chagrin. He probably expected his brothers to behave with more decorum. Regulus smiled softly as he watched his erstwhile friends. Over at the Slytherin table, Draco was holding court over the first year students. No doubt trying to impress them with the Malfoy wealth and influence. Regulus was determined to keep him away from the dark this time around. He had been a reluctant Death Eater, and by the end, he and Narcissa had gone into hiding. They were never found, even after the end of the war. Regulus had a feeling that they had moved to France, to live with the French branch of the Malfoy family from which their was an offshoot.
The rustle of wings disturbed him from his ruminations. Hundreds of owls flew into the Great Hall, and began searching for the recipients of their messages and packages. Several of the staff received their copies of the Daily Prophet, and Regulus couldn't wait to see what had been written about the events of yesterday. A magnificent looking barn owl flew to Dumbledore and stuck out it's leg. It was an official looking letter on purple parchment that bore the seal of both the Ministry as well as the Wizengamot. It was probably the summons. Another owl flew up to Dumbledore, with a small envelope that had "Regulus Black" written on it. Dumbledore and Regulus exchanged a glance with raised eyebrows.
Snape had finished reading the front page, and held it over to Regulus with a blank look on his face. Regulus quickly scanned the headlines.
YOU-KNOW-WHO POSSESES PROFESSOR AT HOGWARTS!
BOY-WHO-LIVED SAID TO BE WITH GUARDIAN
REGULUS BLACK, ALIVE?
He took a moment to read the articles under them, giving them a once over since he knew everything that was sure to be there. He still wanted to check the slant of the articles.
YOU-KNOW-WHO POSSESES PROFESSOR AT HOGWARTS!
Rita Skeeter
It came as a shock yesterday, when Headmaster Dumbledore summoned the Head of the Department of
of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, 65, as well as Yours Truly (Rita Skeeter, 31), to accompany him to apprehend Professor Quinerus Quirrell, on the suspicion of him being possessed.
This reporter is unsure of what tipped the Headmaster and his staff off about the possibility of the possession. Upon confronting the erstwhile defense professor, a duel broke out with the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, Madam Bones, and a man who claims to be Regulus Black (See next article) on one side, against Quinerus Quirrell, the Possessed Professor. It was an epic duel, with amazing magic being cast by both sides. Quirrell was eventually defeated, and beheaded by the man who claims to be Black. Shortly before his defeat, it was revealed that he was possessed by the spirit of none other that You-Know-Who, who although defeated and banished, is clearly alive in some spirit form. His wraith escaped the school, with the blood-chilling cry of "I shall return!"
This reporter humbly asks the Ministry for a statement, and an assurance that He-who-must-not-be-named will NOT come back. We turn towards our Ministry for security, after the troubling events of last night.
For a spell-by-spell account of the duel, turn to page 3
For information on You-Know-Who, turn to page 4
Regulus nodded slowly while reading the article. It was succinct and gave most of the information they wanted it to. He was unsure what they were going to write about him though, both as Harry and as Regulus. He continued reading
BOY-WHO-LIVED SAID TO BE WITH GUARDIAN
David McGuff
The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge stopped by at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry last evening, to get to the bottom of rumors that Harry Potter, the Boy-who-lived had disappeared from the Great Hall during the Welcome feast. He was accompanied by Madam Augusta Longbottom and Mr. Lucius Malfoy of the school Board of Governors, as well as Madam Griselda Marchbanks, the Head of the Department of Magical Education.
A man who claims to be Regulus Black, who is believed to be deceased, has said that he was charged by convicted felon Sirius Black, to ensure the safety of Harry Potter. Sirius Black was named the boy's Godfather by the late James Potter, who was supported in this move by his late wife, Lily Potter. Questions have been raised as to the veracity of this man's identity, as well as the claim that Sirius Black was looking out for his Godson, when he was the one who betrayed the Potters to You-Know-who.
Unsatisfied with the answers provided by the Headmaster, the Minister has decided to get the Wizengamot together and conduct a hearing where Albus Dumbledore will be questioned on his running of the school, the disappearance of Harry Potter, as well as the apparently resurrected Regulus Black. The hearing is scheduled for later this afternoon, with the majority of the Wizengamot to be in attendance. As Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock is to be questioned, it has been decided that Dexter Greengrass shall preside as Chief Warlock over the hearing. We shall update our reader's as soon as possible, with a special evening edition of the Daily Prophet.
For more information on Sirius Black, turn to page 5
For more information on Regulus Black turn to page 6
For more information on the Wizengamot members, turn to page 7
Regulus was quite surprised at the accurate reporting. He supposed that Skeeter had got a huge shock and the inner journalist was actually out to get answers for once, instead of fabricating them herself. It was a pleasant change from her usual style of reporting. Then he checked the byline, and realized that it was written by some other reporter that he had never heard of. He turned in trepidation to the article on Regulus Black.
REGULUS BLACK, ALIVE?
Rita Skeeter
In a surprising twist of events, a man appeared at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the welcome feast. The man has claimed to be Regulus Black.
Regulus Black was suspected of being a Death Eater, and was rumored to have been killed by the Dark Lord himself. The man has claimed to have been in hiding for the last thirteen years, and has resurfaced to ensure the safety of his brother's Godson, Harry Potter.
Several questions have been raised by these outrageous claims. Why would Sirius Black, the man known to have betrayed the Potters to the Dark Lord, be looking out for the safety of their son?
"Regulus Black" has claimed that he had no knowledge of the whereabouts of Harry Potter, until Potter rejoined the wizarding world when he accepted his place at Hogwarts for this term. Harry Potter has disappeared, apparently into the custody of this man. The Wizengamot shall be questioning Headmaster Dumbledore about the same.
Old photographs of Regulus Black show that this man does indeed bear striking resemblance to the secondary heir to the House of Black. Perhaps the DMLE will look into this matter and either verify or refute his claims with evidence. We shall update our readers in the Evening edition.
Regulus exhaled a breath he didn't know that he was holding. All in all it wasn't as bad as it could have been. He was surprised that he wasn't being summoned before the Wizengamot himself to answer questions. He knew that his glamour charm would not hold up against intense scrutiny. His cover story was thin as well.
He saw that Dumbledore was also done reading the paper, and was now turning to the missive from the Ministry. He scanned it, and passed it to Regulus.
Albus Brian Percival Wulfric Dumbledore
Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
You are hereby summoned to the Ministry of Magic, to answer questions about the whereabouts of Harry James Potter, as well as the appearance of "Regulus Black." As you have vouched for the man, please provide the Ministry and the Wizengamot with proof of these claims.
Furthermore, we request the presence of the man claiming to be Regulus Black, so that the veracity of these claims can be ascertained. Your presence is requested at Courtroom Ten at Three PM.
Failure to comply with this summons shall be seen as a criminal act, and punitive measures shall be taken by the DMLE.
Sincerely,
Dexter Greengrass
Acting Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.
"Short and to the point." Said Regulus dryly, handing the letter back to Dumbledore. The other letter was addressed to him, and so Dumbledore handed it over, with a questioning glance.
Mr. Black,
For the time being, let us assume that I believe that you are indeed Regulus Black. After asking around among some of the top Aurors, Hitwizards as well as Unspeakables, I accept that Quirrell would have died as soon as the spirit possessing him was banished. I will not seek to press charges against you for your acts yesterday. While I disagree with your methods, I must accept their efficiency. You are being summoned by the Wizengamot to explain yourself, I hope you have your answers ready. Curiously, the owl that I addressed to Regulus Black returned to me, in much the same manner as owls do when a letter is sent to someone who is deceased. I have sent this to Albus Dumbledore, in full confidence that it will reach you. Did I mention that the owl's behavior was curious?
Looking forward to learning more,
Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
He handed the letter to Dumbledore with a wry smile. "Doesn't miss a trick, Madam Bones. I must admit that I didn't even think about owl post." He scratched his chin. "Looks like the two of us are going to London this afternoon, Albus." The Headmaster nodded. He had a few announcements to make before they could go to his office and plan their strategy for the hearing.
McGonagall had finished her breakfast, and was about to go around to the Gryffindor table to hand out the timetables when she was stopped by Professor Dumbledore. "A short announcement first, Minerva." She nodded and retook her seat. Noticing Professor Dumbledore standing at the podium, the Great Hall slowly fell silent, as the prefects asked their peers to pay attention to the Headmaster. The older students had been excitedly talking about the newspapers, and all the surprising information revealed. They now looked hopefully at the Headmaster, who could perhaps answer some of the many questions they all had.
"Good morning students, and once again, welcome back to Hogwarts!" he beamed at them. He truly loved his students. "First off, let me assure you all that Harry Potter is safe, and is currently with his guardian, Regulus Black" He gestured towards Regulus, ignoring the whispers that broke out among the students. Most of them had grown up hearing tales of how the baby boy had defeated the darkest wizard of modern times, and had been looking forward to seeing him around the school. "Harry may or may not join us for this term, pending discussions with his guardian and the Ministry of Magic. I would also like to put your minds at ease about Regulus Black, who appeared here during the Welcome Feast.
He shall pose no danger to anyone in the castle, and will soon be discussing his situation with the Ministry."
He told them enough to speculate, but nothing that actually meant anything. "You'll probably see him around the castle, and will treat our guest with respect and do our school proud." he smiled, to take away from the severity of his warning. He knew that most of his students were exceptionally well-behaved, and even the pranksters like the twins knew not to cross too many lines. The noise level was rising, so he raised his arms. "Due to an act of aggression by Voldemort, Professor Quirrell was killed during a confrontation with myself and other persons." he paused, to allow them to gasp and get over his use of the name before dropping his next bombshell. "I shall be taking over the duties of the DADA Professor until a more permanent replacement can be found."
There were excited whispers around the room, as they realized that they were going to be taught by Albus Dumbledore, who was renowned as one of the most powerful and capable wizards alive today. They all felt privileged that he would be teaching them one of their core subjects. "I hope you all have a wonderful first day, and a learning filled year ahead." He smiled, gesturing to the Heads of houses to distribute the timetables.
"My office in half an hour." He said, looking meaningfully at Professors Snape and McGonagall as they headed towards their house tables. They both gave imperceptible nods. Gesturing for Regulus to come with him, the Headmaster swept out of the Great Hall before the exodus to the first classes of the day began.