AN: We don't own any of the character portrayed in the story below. All Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and characters are the property of their creators. Any likenesses are purely coincidental. The timeline is an AU since instead of starting Hogwarts at age 11 they started at 15. Also, make use of modern technology and current events. Takes place year 4. Please Read, Review and if you enjoy this story favorite and follow. Rated M for Violence and language. The story will pick up soon just introducing the main characters for now and backgrounds. *means mental statement not said out loud. Sorry for the delay.
Mayhem's Messenger
By: BROMBROS
Chapter 14
Sunday and Monday passed quickly at Potter Manor. Tonks' had joined the Household Sunday morning. She came with news of Sirius's marriage contract and Madame Bone's planes to keep him under surveillance. Harry wasn't surprised about the surveillance, the DMLE director would be anxious to know what he was up to. He told the woman to report what she thought was relevant; he wasn't going to risk something that she worked hard for just to keep people guessing.
The marriage contract threw him off, though. He hadn't been expecting Sirius to play that card. He had known about it from both of his parent's diaries. His mother, in particular, had much to say about the rivalry with the pureblood beauty. She almost seemed disappointed when she learned that the contract was canceled. Even though she was comfortable in her relationship with his father she enjoyed the woman's open flirtation. He himself wasn't bothered by the arrangement, it would bring new honor to the house of his Grandmother.
Both Luna and Tonks had quickly fallen into their own routine at the house, by Monday morning Harry had to deal with four attractive women who had apparently decided that walking around in just their knickers was fine. He wasn't foolish enough to complain, though. Each of the women had their own personality. Hermione's brilliance was enthralling. Luna was a bundle of questions, innocence, and mystery. Tonks' confidence was infectious. Emma possessed a warmth that was encompassing. Each woman thought that he was worth their time and energy.
Harry had spent Sunday morning with Tonks and the afternoon with Luna. He had shown the younger blond some of the Potter Collection on her request. She was surprised to learn that some of the vehicles were worth more than the homes of some of the wealthier purebloods. Harry enjoyed her presence; the Evans ring under his shirt had been feeling warmer with her around.
Monday was spent entirely with Nick; none of the ladies had seen him until he walked into the kitchen for dinner. He learned from Tonks that she had gotten an owl from Sirius telling her to be there for the announcement of her being the new Lady Black.
He nodded, "I'm going to try and show up before anyone else does. We're going to have to play like we don't know each other. Tell Padfoot the same thing. I can leave with the two of you after, under the guise of getting to know my Godfather, but we have to approach as strangers." Tonks nodded in agreement and the subject was dropped.
When Tuesday morning came about Harry changed his normal routine. Instead of going for a run with Max he slept in slightly. When he got out of bed he showered and got dressed. He hadn't shaved since Friday but decided to leave the line of hair that had collected on his jawline. He left the bedroom and followed his nose to the kitchen. On entering, he was greeted by cat-calls. From what he could see, Emma and Tonks had decided to make breakfast. When he sat down a plate was slid in front of him, they had decided on omelets.
Tonks plopped down on the stool next to him. "Looking good Harry. Who picked out your clothes?"
Harry snorted into his coffee, "Hermione did last night."
Black shoes, slacks, and vest. With a red tie and white dress shirt. He had rolled the sleeves of the shirt up just passed his elbows. With the combination of the clothes, exposed tattoos, and furry jawline he looked like a sophisticated rouge.
"What do you think will happen today?"
Harry turned to Emma at her question, "I'm not sure, not entirely at least. I know that Sirius intends to announce his decision in making Tonks, Lady Black. I'm sure Lucius Malfoy has his own agenda. I'm not sure what else is on the docket so I can't plan any grand speeches until I hear what's going on."
The women all nodded, each of them was confident that he would have the Wizengmot and the Ministry at large running around in circles. After clearing his plate and putting it in the sink he gave each of the women a kiss, receiving one in kind. He walked into the Foyer and called Tomy.
"Yes, Master Harry?"
He turned to the loyal Elf, "I want you to close the gate and reinforce the wards. I know that Tonks will be leaving but I don't wanting anyone entering, muggle or magical until I return!"
The Elf bowed deeply, "Yes Master Harry.", before disappearing.
Harry looked over his shoulder to where he could hear the girls talking, he smiled before walking out of the Manor. He stretched slightly before disappearing.
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London possessed a beautiful skyline. From his flat, Harry has a great view of the ancient city. Looking out of one window he could see the London Eye and the London Aquarium, both places he would have to take Luna. Looking towards Victoria Embankment he could see the Tower Gardens, Westminster Abbey, and St. James Park. Beyond that he could he could just make out Buckingham Palace, a place he would have to bring all of the girls. It would be politely demanded at some point.
That wasn't what had his attention, though. He was focused on Charing Cross station in Whitehall. There was a solitary phone booth there. He knew that dialing 62442 would grant him access to the Ministry of Magic through the guest entrance. There were other ways to get in but that would be the most convenient for him, he wasn't about to flush himself in the Lo.
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Harry left his flat and went to the lobby. He had already called for a mini-cab to meet him so it was just a matter of entering the car and directing the driver towards Charing Cross. After being let out he waited till the cab was out of sight before approaching the phone. Putting the receiver his ear he dialed and waited for the voice to his call of magic. "Name and purpose for entering?"
Harry snorted, "Classified for a Classified Mission." He almost laughed when he received a button saying "Mr. Classified for a Classified Potter Mission."
The Phonebooth sank into the ground and he exited it in the Ministry Atrium. He followed the instructions that Nick had given him and he made his way to the Wizengmot Chamber.
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He found a secluded corner and watched as people made their way to their seats, some stopping to converse with political allies. Malfoy Entered alongside the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, following behind them was a woman that looked vaguely toad-like. The Last to enter the chamber was Albus Dumbledore, wearing a blinding set of silver robes. It was a stark contrast to the black on the minister or the plum the Wizengmot members were wearing. The less said about the toad in pink the better.
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Albus Percival Brian Wulfric Dumbledore was weary; the past few years had not been kind to him. Losing track of Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived had cost him dearly. It was only due to his reputation that he hadn't been removed from his various positions. His idea to sponsor the upcoming Quidditch World Cup Finales had gained him some points. It had taken all of his considerable negotiating skill to gain use of the Holly Head Harpy's Home Stadium at the base of Holly Head Mountain in Wales. He'd received permission to use the stadium as a venue but the Holly Head Organization was getting a larger share of the profits than he had originally intended. Whoever was acting as owner in the absence of the Potter Heir, the organization owner, was making a killing for the organization on the deal.
Seeing everyone seated he spoke, "As Chief Warlock, I hear by call the Summer Session of this August Body to order." He banged his gavel signifying the start of the meeting. "The first order of business falls to Madame Bones acting as head of the DMLE."
He motioned to the woman who began speaking, "This concerns security at the world cup. At the start of the Cup, we'll be able to field Fifty Aurors with another Fifty on standby. St. Mungo's has agreed to lend us twenty-five Mediwitches and a fairly large stock of supplies. We'll be able to deal with any small emergency. Hopefully, it will be a peaceful evening with nothing more than a few drunken Irishmen." Having concluded her speech she retook her seat.
Harry watched the woman closely. She hadn't mentioned her Nieces prospective marriage or of even meeting him. She was a politician, but a shrewd one. He turned back to Dumbledore as he spoke again. "The Next order of business comes from House Black. Lord Black, if you would?"
Sirius stood and addressed his peers, hated or otherwise. "As many of you know due to my families' prolific use of inbreeding the line of House Black ends with me. I have no desire to see my house go extinct, as such I must name an heir." Sirius could see greed in the eyes of Lucius Malfoy; his wife was a daughter of house Black after all. He was looking forward to the look on Malfoy's face as his greed went out the window. "As such I name Nymphadora Tonks, daughter of Andromeda Tonks 'nee Black as my heir and the future Lady Black, Head of the Ancient House of Black."
Harry watched as Tonks stepped forward. She had changed her hair to match Sirius's. The Dress she had chosen showed those in the room the beauty of her natural form. Those that knew that she was a Metamorphmagus could see why she would change her appearance. She was a near twin of her mother, who was a near twin of her older sister Bellatrix Lestrange 'nee Black.
As Tonks stepped forward she let her eyes drift around the room. She could see the anger in her Uncles eyes. He must have expected to hear that his son Draco was going to be named Heir. She could feel Harry's magic in the air no matter how much he hid. She wondered when he would reveal himself. She turned her attention back towards her old Headmaster when he spoke.
"Are there any who would oppose this?" He was looking at Lucius Malfoy as he said this. Daring the man to speak out against something he had no claim to. Nymphadora was older than young Draco, just as Andromeda was older than Narcissa. "No? Very well then. Congratulations Lady Nymph... "
He was interrupted. "Just Tonks Professor, please. Tonks Black." She said. She hated her first name. Her mother was the only one who called her by it.
Albus smiled at his former student, "Very well. Congratulations Lady Tonks Black."
There was scattered applause from around the room. In many heads, schemes of marriage and controlling the Black name ran rampant. As if sensing their thoughts a sudden fleeing pressure crushed them. The Chief Warlock looked around at the faces trying to guess the source while Tonks and Sirius smirked having already guessed its origins. They retook their seats as silence reigned.
Albus looked around the room trying to find the source of the pressure that had silenced the chamber. He didn't personally think that the source was a threat. It didn't feel malicious just the promise of violence. He shrugged putting it out of his mind for the time being and spoke again, "Now that the scheduled business has been concluded is there anyone who would like to speak?" He was surprised when the Minister stood.
Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic, Order of Merlin First Class. An Ambitious man with a thirst for galleons. He'd started his career in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. He'd risen quickly through the rank and file thanks to friends he had made. When those friends asked him to endorse certain Bills or vote against others he did so. His dear friend Lucius Malfoy who was also one of his closest advisers and a large patron of his reelection campaign had asked him to bring up the subject of the Noble Houses. As it was approaching the eighteenth birthday of the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter the Lord of two of the Noble Houses, House Potter, and House Evans. Lucius had asked him to address the issue of the still missing young Lord. The missing boy controlled twelve votes on the Wizengmot. As he wasn't able to claim his seat because of his absence and because of his upcoming birthday it was, unfortunately, time to commence dispensation of the seats. And the seats of the other Ancient and Noble Houses, the extinct ones at least. The Bones were still strong politically even if they had been reduced in number. The votes of the other Houses were held in limbo pending the action of House Potter, it being the senior House.
"My Lords and Ladies." He spoke. "It is my unfortunate duty to bring up the absence of the noblest among us. Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, Lord of our Noblest of Families continues to be absent from our world. His eighteenth birthday is nearly upon us. It is my belief that the time has come to vote new families into the seat of the extinct Houses. I make this suggestion with a heavy heart. These are the families that laid the foundation for everything we are. They've influenced everything from our government to the education system. Four Potters have been Minister of Magic including one who told the King of England where to go." There was scattered chuckling from the crowd. "I must ask that you take a vote so that we may continue what they started." His speech ended he returned to his seat behind the Chief Warlock.
Albus looked around the hall, he hadn't been expecting that. He should have, though. He sighed before speaking. "Very well. And who would second this proposal?"
He wasn't surprised to see Lucius stand, "House Malfoy seconds it!"
He sighed again. "Very well we'll bring it to a..." He was stopped by a new voice. "I object Chief Warlock."
He looked to see where the voice had come from. "Step forward and be recognized." His eyes went wide at the young man that emerged from a corner.
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Harry walked into the center of the chamber ignoring the muttering amongst its walls. He stopped in front of the Chief Warlock, calm green eyes locking onto gray wide ones. "Your name young man?" Albus asked, already knowing it.
The response echoed in the room. "Lord Harry James Potter, of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter and of the Ancient and Noble House of Evans. I'm here to claim the seats and votes entitled to my family." After a moment of silence, pandemonium erupted, voices trying to out scream each other.
Albus was about to speak when Harry motioned him to be quiet. He watched the now present Potter turn to the crowd. "SILENCE!" Said noise level was dropped promptly at his raised voice. Harry turned to face him before speaking again. "May I address the Wizengmot, Chief Warlock?" He turned to face the gathered congregation on receiving the older man's permission. "I am Harry Potter. If one of you were to lend me your wand I would swear to it."
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Augusta was wondering when Lord Potter was going to introduce himself. She was glad that Neville had come along, even if he did stop her from strangling that twit of a Minister for his greed fueled monolog. She wasn't surprised when Malfoy seconded his motion; it was probably his bloody idea. She hid a smirk when the young Potter Lord stepped forward to object. She elbowed her Grandson when Lord Potter asked for a wand to prove his claim. He glared at her before making his way down to where the Potter Heir stood.
Harry smirked slightly when Neville stood and approached him. "Your name sir?"
Neville stuck his hand out before answering, "Neville Franklin Longbottom, newly appointed Lord of the Ancient House of Longbottom." He held out his wand, handle first. "You can use my wand to prove your claim."
Harry shook the offered hand before taking the offered wand. "Thank you, Lord Longbottom."
Harry held the wand loosely in his hand; he could feel the innate magic curiously reaching out to his own. He had to get the oath over with before the thing decided it wanted to go home with him, "I Harry James Potter hereby swear on my magic and my life that I am Lord Harry James Potter, of the blood of Kings and Knights. So mote it be." He pointed the wand towards the ceiling and cast the first spell that came to mind, "Expecto Patronum!" A glowing silver stag burst from the borrowed wand and raced towards the ceiling before returning to the floor in front of Harry. When it stopped moving it bowed its head to him. Those present could see that the stag's antlers were wrapped in some type of flower. The guardian spirit stood there for a minute looking around the room before disappearing.
Harry turned his attention back to the mumbling mass that was now staring at him. "As you can see I'm still capable of using magic and I'm very much alive. As such my claim is valid." He handed Neville his wand back, "Thank you again, Lord Longbottom."
Neville nodded accepting the thanks and retook his seat. His Gran was smiling down at him from her seat. His wand felt strangely light in his hand, warmer. He let his magic seep into the cherry and unicorn hair 13'' Ollivander creation. There was none of the resistance he usually felt from it. He was brought from his thoughts by his Grandmother. "Are you alright Neville?" She was looking at him concernedly.
He blinked before responding, "Yeah, I'm okay Gran." She looked at him closely before turning her attention back to the spectacle on the chamber floor.
Albus shook himself to regain control of his own faculties, before trying to regain control of the Wizengmot. "Very well then Lord Potter, your objection is noted. What is your counter argument?"
Harry looked at Albus, "As the Minister stated; the Noble Houses, with the Potters at the head, established the very foundation of Wizarding England. We've been teachers, politicians, and Aurors. If you can think of it at some point a Potter has been a part of it. When this Ministry was formed one of the tenants put into place was that if any of the Noble Families should go extinct their votes and seats on this council would revert to the Potters and their fortunes would be split amongst the surviving families. Unfortunately, due to the actions of a lunatic and his cowardly minions, there are only three people left who can trace their lineage to Arterius or his Knights, myself, Madame Bones and Lady Susan Amelia Bones. By those tenants, that our ancestors agreed on, the votes and seats fall to me to deal with. As such I feel that this esteemed body should allow me to do so." He bowed slightly, "Thank you for your time." He scanned the crowd and then took an empty seat next to a man he recognized from Nicks pictures as Cygnus Greengrass, son of suspected Death Eater, Merton Greengrass. He nodded to the man as he sat.
Albus retook control of the meeting as he watched Harry Potter take a seat. It was imperative that he speak to the boy after the meeting. He needed to get him to Hogwarts so that he could test his ability and get him ready to face Tom upon his eventual return. "You've heard Lord Potters side of the argument. Is there anyone who would second it?" He watched young Neville Longbottom stand.
"House Longbottom seconds it."
He nodded, "Very well let's put it to a vote."
A few minutes he was handed the results of the vote by the Under Sectary taking the session minutes. He looked at them before passing them back. "The vote is in favor Lord Potter with the majority vote." There was scattered applause from around the room. Lucius looked like he had eaten something foul. "Lord Potter, would you care to share how you plan to deal with the seats and votes?" He sat as the young Lord made his way back towards the center of the chamber.
Harry stood from his seat and made his way to the center when he was beckoned by the Chief Warlock. "I thank you for your vote of confidence in this matter. I plan to leave it up to all of you to decide who should fill the seats. You can reach me through Gringotts. Simply recommend a family and give me a brief family history. I'll go through them and submit my picks to this body at the next full session." He could practically hear the schemes taking root throughout the room. "My plan for the votes is much simpler. As the families that controlled them are dead, then so too are they. The new families that join this body will have the standard one vote." He stayed silent as some of the Wizengmot members protested that decision. When the Chief Warlock got them back under control he continued speaking. "Some of you may not like my choice, but it is mine to make! By your own vote you gave me that right even though it was mine, to begin with!" He retook his seat next to Lord Greengrass ignoring everyone around him.
The meeting continued quickly after Harry's speech. There were no other voting matters just announcements, Neville officially becoming Lord Longbottom among them. When the meeting was concluded Harry approached Sirius. "Godfather I would like to invite you and Lady Black as well as her parents to dinner this evening. I believe you're familiar with the house by the sea?"
Sirius raised his eyebrow before replying, "I am." Tonks had said that Harry would be approaching as a stranger. His Godson was certainly a good actor.
Harry smiled. "Good then, I'll see you this evening." He paused before walking away, "Oh and if you know where Remus Lupin is let him know that the invitation is extended to him as well." With that, he walked away. He could see Dumbledore from the corner of his eye trying to get his attention but ignored him and left the chamber.
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Harry quickly made his way to the main floor avoiding any large groups of people. When he entered the atrium he began to see faces that he knew belonged to Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix. Seeing that they were blocking the exits he stopped and let them approach. The man that approached him was pale and in possession of a very large facial beak. Harry knew who it was, the Potions Professor and Head of House Slytherin at Hogwarts; Severus Snape.
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Severus had been having a great day, there were no dunderheads around, and school was out. Then he got the message from Minerva. Harry Potter had been sighted at the Ministry and they had no means to get touch with Albus. Apparently, he had shown up even before Albus had left for the Wizengmot, but no one had been around to stop him. They had found out that he was there by accident; Sturgis Podmore had done his morning check of the surveillance wards on all of the entrances. Potter had apparently entered through the phone booth entrance by claiming to be "Classified on a Classified mission", with no one around to challenge him he'd entered the Ministry unchallenged. Now they couldn't reach Albus because magic was traditionally not permitted in the Wizengmot chamber. So he stood there with the members of the Order of the Phoenix that they had been able to get in contact with, waiting to see either Albus or Potter. They were going to try and stall Potter if they saw him first. And sure enough, the boy entered the atrium first. He stopped when he saw that his way was blocked. *Good this might go smoothly.*
Harry watched the faces of the people facing him. More than a few looked nervous, Snape looked upset. As they weren't moving he guessed that they were waiting for Dumbledore. He took a step forward and saw wands appear in a few hands. He smirked; getting pass them without hurting them would be easy. They wouldn't want to hurt him. "Infumo." -In Smoke-. The room quickly filled with thick smoke. When he heard walking behind him he turned to see Neville approaching with his Grandmother.
Augusta looked at the smirking, Lord Potter. "Awfully smoky in here don't you think Madame Longbottom?"
She gave a very unladylike like snort, surprising her Grandson. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about it would you?"
Harry smirked wider at the older woman. Apparently strict didn't mean boring. "Something about roast turkeys Madame." He looked at her and Neville. "Do either of you have any plans this evening?" Receiving a, "No." From each, he continued, "Then how about you join me for dinner this evening?"
Augusta was looking at him closely now. "Correct me if I'm wrong Lord Potter, but aren't you already having dinner with Your Godfather and Lady Black?"
Harry nodded, "You're not wrong. But I would enjoy both of your company."
Augusta nodded, "Very well then Lord Potter, dinner sounds lovely."
Harry smiled before conjuring a watch to use as a portkey. "This is timed. It'll drop you in the foyer of Potter Manor for 6:00 pm; wear whatever you're comfortable in. I think fish is on the table this evening." He looked over his shoulder to see that the smoke had been cleared but his guests were too busy clearing their lungs to be an issue. "If you'll excuse me I have to be getting home." He apparated away just as Albus walked into the atrium.
Once Albus had finally made his way through the Wizengmot members, leaving a quickly as decency would allow he headed to the atrium. It was the only place that Harry could exit the Ministry. When he got there he was greeted by the sight of Harry apparating through the wards of the Ministry. He also saw the smirking face of Augusta Longbottom and a sizable portion of his order coughing their lungs up. He turned to Augusta hoping to get a civil answer, she hadn't been a fan of his since her son and daughter-in-law had been tortured to insanity. "Augusta what happened?"
Augusta just gave Albus a look before replying, "I have no idea, Albus. Perhaps you should talk to your companions about smoking indoors or smoking in general. It doesn't seem to agree with them. If you'll excuse us Neville and I have to get ready for dinner." She led her Grandson away without bothering to hear his reply. He was left waiting for one of his Order members to be able to tell him what was going on.
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When Harry returned to Potter Manor Max was waiting for him. He gave the dog a scratch before calling, "Tomy."
The elf was quick to respond. "Welcome home Master Harry."
He nodded making his way into the office, "We'll be having a number of guest for dinner, Augusta and Neville Longbottom, Sirius, Remus, Tonks, and her parents. Would you have Mindy make sure that the Formal dining room is ready? And I want you to relax the wards and open the gate. Just keep an eye on the intruder ward." The elf bowed deeply before leaving.
Harry gave Max a finale scratch before walking upstairs to find the girls. He found them in the second story of the library. Emma was the first to see him. "How did the meeting go Harry?"
He gave the older woman a kiss before responding. "Went well. Tonks should be back in a couple of hours with her Parents, Sirius, and Remus. I invited them over for dinner. Before I left the Ministry I bumped into Neville Longbottom and his Grandmother so I invited them over too, they won't be here till six." He paused and turned to Hermione, "The Order of the Phoenix was there when I was leaving. I managed to distract them and Apparate away." Hermione nodded before folding her legs under her. "So that was my morning. What have you lot been up to?" Harry smiled as Luna filled him in on their collective morning. There were worse ways to spend an afternoon.