Avada Kedavra's True Meaning Keeperoliver Chapter 21

Nick was still talking with Harry, when the group saw something that they never saw before. Two strange ghosts entered the dorm. Strange because one of them was quite young, around 17. The other was a very familiar figure. Albus Dumbledore took up the mantle to introduce themselves to the team, and to meet Sir Nicholas. "Hello Harry. I know it would seem strange to see me like this, considering I was looking forward to my next great adventure. However, I was given a chance for a much more interesting one back here with all of you. So, naturally I took it. I have been joined by someone else you may be acquainted with. Harry Potter may I introduce you to Tommy Riddle. Tommy, this is Harry."

"Professor Dumbledore, this certainly does come as a surprise. A bigger one comes from your companion. However, it does not seem to bother you too much, so, I will accept it for what it is worth. Now, could you please tell us why you and TOMMY are back?"

"I wish I could Harry, but to be honest, we don't really know why, just that our world needs help, and Tommy and I are here to assist. Our supervisor told us that we have to start with gaining your understanding. Then your parents and other adults. I did not think that would be too hard to accomplish, but she seems to think otherwise."

"She?"

Tommy spoke up at last, "Yes, she. Of all the people to be in charge, it had to be Moaning Myrtle. Not that I don't look forward to working with her, it's just that I think she may have something against me. Something about what happened decades ago. I am afraid she may hold a grudge."

Dudley stepped forward out of the crowd. He held his composure, but he spoke with a bite. "So, let me get this straight. You think this charming young lady, who would never hurt a fly, would hold a grudge against the person responsible for her premature death. Why on earth would you think that. OH Yeah, you tried it again some forty years later. And now she has been put in charge of you two while you are here. You are so lucky it is her. Myrtle is quite frankly the kindest person you could ever know. I am with someone right now, but if Myrtle were human and I was not dating, I would be proud to ask her out for a date, and hope for a second one."

Albus came between the two figures even though there was nothing he could do. Tommy could do nothing to Dudley, and Dudley could do nothing to Tommy. He was hoping his presence would calm things down, which they did. Then Tommy said something that surprised even Albus.

"I know you Dudley Dursley. I would like to take this time to say that I also respect you. But what I really wish to tell you is that I regretted what happened to Myrtle. Even though she was a half blood, I did not wish to see it happen to her. My targets were elsewhere. People I knew destined for greatness. My plan never took affect, as Myrtle's death ended it for me. I sent the basilisk back to his den to sleep. Yes, I used Hagrid to cover up my plan. I used quite a few people in my hate. But Myrtle was never one of them. I was not expecting her to be there in the Lav that evening. I was so sorry for what happened that night, if you can believe it. It was the last time I ever felt sorry for anything I did. Her death showed my how much it hurt to care about anything and then lose it."

"You cared for Myrtle? How could that be. You never even talked to her. No one took the time to talk to her. She died never having seen anyone take the time to get to know her. Now she has friends in all of us standing here before you. We have all shared time to get to know her, and her to get to know us as well. We have gained her friendship and trust, and if you do anything to lose that, I will find some way to make you pay."

Tommy started to laugh when he felt something pulling on his pants. He didn't know it was possible, but somehow he was getting a wedgie. He turned to see Sir Nicholas grinning. "There are many more of us who would like nothing better than to bring you down Mr. Riddle. It would behoove you to listen to the young sir. He has the backing of the entire ghost population here in Hogwarts."

Tom readjusted his clothing while saying, "I will keep that in mind Sir. But I must tell you all that I would never do anything to hurt Myrtle." Tom knew this was going to be tough, but, what he was looking at seemed impossible. No one was going to trust him, let alone like him.

AKTM-}

They were welcomed back with open arms as they came through the floo to enter the Ministry. Each man holding the arm of the women that came with them. James and Lily, Sirius and Selena, Remus and Tonks. They went to the security desk to present their wands to the guard and were told by him to report to the Minister's office before reporting to their work stations. They left the station still arm in arm and talking about what they each thought they were needed for.

The Minister's office changed from the last time they all saw it. It was much brighter and warm. The secretary welcomed them and announced their arrival to the Minister. She came back in and asked them to go on in.

Amelia Bones stood to welcome her guests and asked them to sit, while her secretary brought in some tea for comfort. "You don't know how glad I am that you all accepted my invitation to rejoin the Ministry in you previous spots, that is except for you Mr. Lupin. This is your first time working here I believe. Now before we go any further with my plans, I have to ask a very serious question, and if you say anything at all Mr. Black as to why I called you, I will fine you 100 Galleons for your bad humor."

"AH Amelia, it's good to see you remember me. I like the thought that I left a lasting impression."

"It is one I wish could forget. However, I can always hope that you have outgrown you childhood, though I rather doubt it. As good as Selena is, I don't think she is that good. Once a rogue, always a rogue. Now, getting back to Selena, this also includes you Lily. Since I have taken office, I have examined past proposals, and came upon a very interesting one submitted by you two. It was rejected as being an attempt by the two of you for personal gain, with no chance of working. Yet, it was reported that you Lily and James were killed on 31 Oct. 1981. We buried you three days later. How do you explain this?"

Lily spoke up, "Minster, did you happen to read our recommendation?"

"Yes, something about the meaning of the death curse? However, there were missing pages from the report and I never got to see what your work found."

Selena then took over, "That was because Lily and I didn't want our findings to fall into the hands of the death eaters. I spelled them to destroy any pages that talked of the spell if it was rejected. It was our plan to use it for our own if it was rejected. We had no real proof that it worked, but that didn't stop us from preparing for such an eventuality. It was not long after this that Lily and James were attacked. Sirius and Remus did an amazing job by changing their bodies out with some sand and a couple of dummy heads and wigs spelled to look like their friends. I will explain later what steps need to be taken in order to make sure the bodies are safe. It is a long process and hard to explain in just words."

"I look forward to the way you all cheated death. I presume that Harry was included in this as well?"

"Yes he was, as well as Molly Weasley."

"I almost forgot about Molly. I now, more than ever, wish to here about this finding. I wish we knew about it long before this. Many lives would still be with us. Now, I think we should talk about what we all should expect, and why I chose Mr. Lupin as you Dept. Head."

James took this one, "No need to explain Madam Bones. You selection is well received by us all. Remus is a fine choice, and he is finally given the respect he is due. You will find no complaints from any of us. So, now that this is understood, what else can we expect?"

"Much rebuilding is needed to bring the Ministry back to the glory we once held. I need you all to help me find the right people to fill our major positions. I have asked Arthur Weasley to join us in this task. He is my most trusted confidant. Another task will be to fill the Wizengamut with trustworthy people. Heads of the old families in the past caused prejudice. We must do away with this. It must be mixed with an equal amount of mixed blood and new blood. In the future, we must also add rational thinking mixed breeds, such as Merpeople, Centaurs, Werewolves, Vampires and such. We can not have anyone forgotten or ignored. It is going to take a lot of work on all our parts."

So, the goals were set, and now we began the task of obtaining these goals. Like Amelia said, it was a long process and many hours would be spent. Many all nighters were asked of us all. The first part of the process was to fill the heads positions. The first of these was the DMLE. Amelia wanted Tonks to fill this, but she refused to take a job that would put her over her husband. There were very few names she trusted for this job, and so far, they all refused to take it. Arthur already had a heads job with the Muggle affairs. Tonks gave her a choice she hadn't thought of. Narcissa Black.

AKTM-}

Petunia and Marge were now alone in the large home. With the other adults all working now, and the children at school, they were left with nothing to do except find things to keep them busy. Marge still had the occasional visits from Deadalus, but they were not very often. With all the work needing done in the Ministry, the others seldom returned home before 8PM.

Marge also had her dogs to keep her company, but they did not get along well with Petunia. With Kreacher doing all the house work, it left her with nothing to do. It was time she started to look for a job, and earn her way of living if she continued to live with the others, which was what she wanted. She would be lost without family surrounding her. She picked up a copy of the times, and looked at the jobs available. She wasn't well trained for anything except motherhood, so the jobs were slim. One did look promising though. It was a nanny position for full time work. Live in was available, but not necessary.

She called the number for contact and reached a secretary, who passed her on to the person seeking the help. He needed to speed up the call because he was in a conference, but scheduled a time to meet the next day in his home.

The next morning, Lily let her borrow some of her clothes to give her a more modern appearance. She left the same time that the others did, so that she would not be late, and found the address quickly, so she sat in a diner and had a cuppa to pass the time. With 10 minutes left until the interview, she got up and went to the address given her, and approached the door. It took a minute for an answer, and then she was led in by a man of around her age, but very fit. He had sandy brown hair, and blue eyes. He was not too tall, but still taller than Petunia. He dressed impeccably, like he was use to no other to dress. A three piece suit, white shirt and a blue tie. There were no wrinkles in the suit, and the pants came down to touch his shoes, but did not break the crease. In all, he was a perfect gentleman in appearance.

Then he spoke. "Hello, you are Miss Evans I presume. Won't you please come in and have a seat. I hope you don't mind if I get to know you a little, before I introduce the children?"

"Not at all Sir. I think that would be best."

"First, would it be rude to ask if you were related to Harold and Loretta Evans?"

"Not rude, but it does bring back bitter memories. They were my father and mother. I was eighteen when they died."

"Please forgive me. They were very good friends of my mother and father. Harold and father worked together in the same law office. Mum and Loretta would meet occasionally for tea after we children were off to school. They met socially on occasion for dinner, or social events, but never bothered each other at home, so us kids never met."

"Lily and I often wondered where they went on those nights out. We made up all kinds of stories about their adventures. It seems they were as boring as I am. However, I still do not know your name, and I think we should be on equal terms if this is to continue."

Petunia was surprised when a deep rumbling laugh shook through his body. "You mean to say that I didn't give you my name yesterday? What an idiot I am. Please forgive me, as I would forget my own name if wasn't sewn into my Handkerchief. My name is William Alonzo Powell. Now you said you have a sister as well?"

"Yes. But you know, I do remember mum and dad talking about Robert and Emily Powell. I remember dad saying that he wished he could bring them over for a visit, but the distance between homes was too great and it was risky to be seen together too often because of the enemies they made, and us children would be put at too much of a risk."

"I often wondered why we never met them. They always talked about them when they didn't think we were around. Being kids made Geraldine, my sister and I curious, and we often listened in on their private conversations. That was how I knew of your parents. Mum and dad were overcome with grief when they learned of their deaths. But still they never talked about them in front of us, and now I know why. How did you escape being injured, if I might ask?"

"Lily and I were off to school."

"That was a very lucky circumstance for you both then. Dad told mum that there were some very weird events behind the whole thing."

"We were told the same thing by the investigator in charge. But please, could we please get back to our purpose of being here. I don't like to think back on this."

"Of course, and once again I am very sorry for bringing it up. But now this brings up another question. Why are you here to apply for this position? It would seem to me that you would have been left in a fine financial standing."

"Both my sister and I have never touched a shilling of what we were left, in order to leave it to our children. I don't really need the money, but I am doing it because I like to keep busy. I also enjoy children. Now, if you do not mind, I have a question for you. If you are married, why am I here?"

"Well, It seems my ex wife enjoys life with people on the other side of the law, and she took off with one of my clients. This happened just last week. I had to take some time off until I found someone to watch the kids until I found a nanny. She had been telling me to find one fast, because she had other things that needed to get done. I have tried three other applicants, but my children did not get along to well with them. I think this is a good time for you to meet them." And William left for the second floor to call his children. He came back down with a boy and a girl that looked like twins of about five years old.

"Petunia, I would like you to meet Frederick and Georgina, my children. Kids this is Petunia Evans, an old friend of the family." William almost fell when Petunia let out a laugh when he mentioned the names. "What is so funny Petunia?"

"Please William, let me catch my breath before I continue. Whew." and once again she went into a fit of laughter. "I am so sorry about that, it is just that My friend has a set of twins whose name are Fred and George, and they are as mischievous as two kids can get. They are in school right now, probably wrecking havoc with the other students."

Williams kids started to laugh as well, "Do you think we could get to meet these twins Miss Petunia? They sound like fun." Frederick was still laughing.

Georgina then said, "Dad from now on we want to be called Fred and George."

"Petunia, it sounds like you got yourself a job. All I can say, is GOOD LUCK. You are going to need it. These two are a handful. But if the other twins are as bad as them, then you should know how to handle them."

"I never said I could handle them, I just said I knew them. No one can handle them, except my son and my nephew."

"Well, you know how your friend handled them, don't you?"

"Yes, but I am not as strong as she is. I'm not saying she beat them, but she did scare the stuffing out of them."

William then had a thought, "Maybe you could get your friend to come over and help you at times."

Fred and George shivered when he said that, "We promise to be good Miss Petunia, honest." Fred squeaked.

George just nodded her head.

William and Petunia just laughed. However, it did give Petunia an idea.

AKTM-}

Harry and Ginny walked to breakfast the next morning, and were joined on the way by Colin. He asked if he could walk with them, and neither said no, so he joined them. However, Harry and Ginny were talking to each other and it was like Colin wasn't even with them. He tried cutting in, but to no avail.

They made it to the Great Hall and took a seat next to each other, and Colin took a seat next to Ginny, but once again was ignored. He watched the two as they went on and on about nothing. Just what ever popped into their heads and it took off from there for the two of them.

Colin was getting upset, and was about to say something to Harry, when he saw Romilda walk in and take a seat next to Harry and try to ask him something, but she received the same treatment as he did. But rather than scream at Harry, she screamed at Ginny. "WHY WON'T YOU LET ME TALK TO HARRY?"

Ginny calmly responded, "Harry can talk to whoever he wants to. I won't stop him. If he doesn't want to talk to you, then that is his decision. But in all fairness, we were talking and you rudely interrupted. It is no wonder he didn't wish to talk to you."

Romilda left the table in a huff, talking under her breath so no one would hear her cussing Ginny. Ginny just smiled as she walked off. "I'm sorry Harry, but I had to tell her off. I didn't mean to become offensive, but she just rubbed me the wrong way."

Harry just took her hand and answered, "I thought you handled it quite well, Gin. You stayed calm and didn't scream like she did. You weren't rude or mean in your statement. She just took it the wrong way. However, I don't think you have heard the last of her. I could make out some of the words she was muttering as she walked off, and they were not nice."

"I'll get by. Now, are you ready to find your first class. I believe you have Potions, and it is a long walk to the lower level, and Professor Snape doesn't like anyone to be late. Then I have to make it all the way back up here for Charms. Professor Flitwick is much more forgiving if the reason is a good one."

"I'm ready when you are Gin. See you Colin, nice talking to you." and the two left Colin sitting there.

Ginny never did say goodbye to him. And Harry having the nerve to say what he did, as if hew actually talked to him. He made plans to talk to a certain young lady later on in the day. He would make plans with her to try and get Harry and Ginny separated so that they could move in.

Severus Snape was in the best mood of his life. He was free of the mark. He no longer feared the nights like he use to. He could walk the streets and not be shunned like he had in the past. He made a promise to himself that he would now teach the way he should have been doing it all along. The students needed to learn the correct way to brew potions. It was just a coincidence that his first class would have Harry Potter in it. The person he had to thank for giving him this feeling of security and safety. He was thinking all this when his class started to enter the classroom. This new him was also beginning to get a sense of humor. He thought he would ease the class into his changed outlook slowly. He stood up and spread his cloak. "Put all wands away, as there will be no silly wand waving in this class. Open you books to page 465 and begin reading up on the potion you will be brewing for this class. Miss Granger, will you join me up front. You will be teaching this class Miss Granger, and I expect you to do it correctly. For the rest of you dunderheads, you will follow Miss Grangers directions to the letter. I will be listening on closely, so I will know who was right and who was wrong in case of any mistakes. Begin Miss Granger."

Hermione stood there shocked at what she was supposed to be doing. She never thought that the year was going to start off like this. She stuttered at first, trying to gather her senses and try to make this work. As she went along, she became more sure of herself, and took to walking through the class looking at the other students work. She stopped Seamus from adding too much Bitter Root to the potion. It asked for a teaspoon and he was about to add a tablespoon. Hermione looked up to see Severus writing on his parchment. She wanted to cry, as the old Severus only wrote when something bad took place. She guessed she was not suppose to stop anyone from making a fool of him or her self. However, she continued on with her looking. She saw Harry was just about done with his, and it was a perfect brew. "Harry, that's perfect. Does this mean I will no longer be tops in class?"

"NO Teach. You are still tops. I will be right behind you though, so don't stop suddenly, or we will both be embarrassed."

"I will be watching out for you. DRACO, did you follow what Harry was doing? Yours is perfect as well. Good job. Professor, I think you can take over now, as most of the students are finished."

"Very Well Miss Granger, please see me after the class. You may take you seat. The rest of you stop where you are, and bring me what you have. If you finished your potion, then please put a stopper in it to keep it fresh so that I could examine it."

No one in the class ever heard that asked before. They did what they were asked to do, and Severus got capped potions from over half the class. Severus never got that many completed potions from a class before. This had been a day of many firsts. Not only were they stopped, but the majority of them were more than acceptable, and like Miss Granger said, Harry and Draco's were perfect.

Once all the potions were placed on the desk, the students filed out of the class, but Harry and Draco were asked to remain behind with Hermione. The three looked to each other with concern. They didn't know what they did wrong.

Severus saw the look on their faces, and almost broke down in laughter. He managed to maintain his stern look, though it almost hurt his face to do it. Once the door closed behind the last student, he turned back to the three. "Mr. Black did you copy Mr. Potters work?"

"No sir, I swear I didn't."

"Mr. Potter did you copy Mr. Blacks work?"

"NO sir, I did not."

"Very well then, all I can say is, Miss Granger, as a teacher, you were outstanding. I wish to tell you this was just a little experiment I wanted to try. I wish to get more of you up here to teach the class, and it looks like you Mr. Black and Mr. Potter will be the next to teach the class. I am doing this to give the students a sense of accomplishment, while still learning. What happened last year set us free to concentrate on becoming better at what we are. As students, we ware looking for our future Professors, and the only way to do this is to give each the ability to stand in front of your peers and lead them in becoming what we need. Well qualified and trained members of society. I will be bringing this up to the other Professors to see of they will also try this. But even if they do not, we will continue to do it in this class. Congratulations to you all, as you have shown me that this can work. Just be yourselves, and continue to excel. The rest will fall into place. Now, run along, as you do not wish to be lat for your next class."

The three left feeling relieved and proud. They didn't know why he changed, but they all liked this new Severus Snape.