Chapter 21
Author's Note: This is a rather long chapter. I didn't know quite where to stop it, so i just kept on writing. It is sub-divided into sub sections. this first sub section is to give you a brief look into the future but, not entirely so. It's just a 'tease'. Please keep on reading. The enjoyment is the 'Journey', not the 'destination'. I've already got the final chapter written, so hang on to your broomstick. Just as a reminder, I write for myself and there are times I get a 'writers block' but this time, the words just flowed out and it 'wrote itself'. Something like that. Read and enjoy. It's only a story.
The Mark of the Light
The Effects, a brief look into the Future
Starting at the End of the Trial, or simply 'The Trial' as people began calling it, almost all out chaos ensued. Those who were 'marked' by the Lady Hogwarts were as different from those who weren't, as Day is to Night. Friendships that had developed over many generations dissolved as horefrost melts on window panes in the winter when the Light shines on it. Families who were together from the start of the trial, found that some had differing opinions and thus they split, and went their separate ways. For some, it was a very sad occasion, but for others, it was a great relief from the familial infighting and daily struggle to keep peace within the family who lived under the same roof.
The interesting part was that those who didn't carry the Mark of the Light were of two camps: Those who were marked by Voldemort and those who weren't. Those who carried the Dark Mark were at the top of the food chain, whereas the others were at the bottom. Known only but to a bare few, there were those who's choice, to Support Harry and the Light, they changed sides and when they once had not been Marked by the Lady Hogwarts, they now were. And in so doing found their life much easier. But, it came at a cost, a terrible price had to be paid. In short, this was a Civil War, with all that came with it. It was a Time for both Survival and for standing up for your Principles, for that which you believed.
What none knew, except for the Lady Hogwarts, that if you believed Harry and supported him, though you have lost everything, in the end, at the very end, you'll have been given it back. Many found this to be true, all tears were wiped away. But this was the future, and they all had to live through these harrowing times. None forgot them. They learned both Charity, and Principles.
The businesses had a difficult time, they split along the same lines as the two different 'Marks': the Dark Mark and The Mark of the Light. Patrons, as they were marked, attended only those businesses that were marked like they were. Of course, there were those individuals on both sides of the Marks who tried to trade with each other. This was called the Underground Market and there was much profit to be made. The Goblins, of course, made much profit from this trade. They bought from both sides and sold to both sides, wondering just how they could divide themselves so easily whereas the Goblins were always banded together. There was a Goblin 'saying' that went 'A house divided falls'. Of course, the Witches and Wizards who were Muggle raised/born had an idea that the Goblins got that from the Muggles themselves. No one ever said anything about this, though. Just to keep the peace.
But, for the most part, the Goblins acted as middlemen in the market conflict, and it was here that much profit was made. All three sides (Those who carried the Mark of the Light, those who either didn't or carried the Dark Mark and the Goblins) knew of the profit the Goblins made, but, it was a necessary evil and most were glad of it. It was a small price to pay for each side having to deal with the other.
Of course, some businesses sold items that were needed by others and that put a strain on many, on both sides. There were those few who tried to make peace with both sides, but, it was to no avail. Each side had the theory that as long as your enemy lived, there'd be no real peace, or something like that. Neither side, as long as they were thinking like this, really matured. They were like small kids fighting over a toy. The Lady Hogwarts knew this as she watched them from afar off and just shook her head in sadness.
Her abilities were astounding, though no one really did conceive of even her, let alone what she could do. That was before 'The Trial'. Outside of her Heirs, of course. But, that all changed with 'The Trial' as it was forever called. Many generations later, the elderly who were there, in person, as proved by the photographs and what the Muggles would call 'videos', would tell their families about what it was like, to see the actual persons as the Historic Events unfolded. In later years, the Elderly Witches and Wizards would thrillingly engage the children about stories of 'The Toad' or 'The Pink Toad', some would even attempt to 'scare' them, but all it would do would cause the little ones to laugh with glee, mostly because they all knew it was something that happened in the past and that their living Elderly survived the Historic Events. Sometimes, when people would get into arguments or fights with one another, which invariably happened, one of the Absolute Worst Names that could be called would be, 'You Toad!' or 'You Pink Toad!' When that name was used, a hush would fall over everyone assembled, a hush ensued and the name caller would be shunned for quite a while, backs would be turned on them, people would walk away, for it was the knowledge of what they'd been told of what she'd done, to both innocent students, her attitudes towards the children that she hated and innocent Law Makers both in the Ministry and those who sat in the Wizengamot, that she hurt so badly and by extension, that some said, with much proof, the deaths of many an innocent.
For Magical Persons in these later generations and centuries, Human or Not, the real 'Monsters' were named 'Dumbledore' and of course, 'The Toad'. Voldemort was lower on the list, but, he was still there. Voldemort was seen by these later generations as 'the Puppet Monster'. True, he was a terrible One, but, he was seen as controlled and corrupted by the 'Master Manipulator' who would be called 'The Dumbledore'. No one really knew him except for the outward persona that his projected image showed: That 'Grandfatherly elderly man with the long flowing white beard (which, by the way, he didn't really like as it just got in the way!) and those damnably twinkling eyes! In Harry's later years with his own descendents, he'd sometimes scare them by 'twinkling' his eyes, which sent them into screams and causing them to run to their mothers, who'd then comfort them and THEN those same mothers would go to their dad/grand dad, etc., who'd be Harry, and harry would have to face the wrath of his daughters/granddaughters for scaring their kids, his own grand kids. Of course, after a while, everyone knew what Harry'd be up to and it didn't scare them anymore, but, still, if you ran into Harry in the dead of night without a light on and you'd see those damnable twinkling green glowing eyes, your heart would skip a couple of beats! Still, folks did wonder about his disturbed sense of humor. Many just chalked it up to Harry not having had a real childhood. Otherwise, Harry was the perfect dad and granddad, he'd spoil his kids rotten and their mothers would have to straightened them out, but still, Harry would be the one who'd teach them how to use their Wand, long before they were to get one. All of his descendents were absolute prodigies in the use of wands, charms, Transfiguration, and defense. And it was all due to Harry teaching them long before normal Wizarding kids were taught. Minerva often looked at them and seriously wondered just why Harry's descendents even bothered to go to Hogwarts as they could and often did, just take the end of year test and tested out of so many subjects that she was hard pressed in what to teach them. So, as a result, she had to institute advanced classes at Hogwarts just to solve that problem. As a result of these Advanced Classes, Minerva took the example of Muggles and allowed those who were no longer students, to come back to school and learn and thus receive Certificates of Advanced Studies in various disciplines. In doing this, she found their job skills clearly advanced and defined and productivity increased. Of course, more faculty had to be hired. Hogwarts, she found, and her, were the envy of the Magical World.
No one really bothered Harry's Descendents, though, no matter how young they were, 'cause they knew just how to defend themselves with some of the most awful curses and defense mechanisms that magic could be used for. After some of the dark families tried to extract their revenge on some of Harry's kids, they ended up in St. Mungo's permanent spell damage ward and some just wondered why they just didn't die to be relieved of their suffering. Horror stories thus were perpetuated which did a lot of good for them not having to really use their knowledge they'd received from Harry for their own self defense.
Society had changed considerably and drastically. Since so many were of Muggle birth or raised by Muggles, the expression 'Mudblood' left the Magical Lexicon of everyday usage. They all knew it, but out of courtesy no one remarked on it, and in centuries to come, even their knowledge left the living memories of Magical Persons.
But, the Names of 'Dumbledore' and 'the Toad' never did leave the living memories of all Magical Persons, but their Houses and all their Descendents – all of them– vanished.
Of all the Ancient and Noble Houses that continued to exist, that of Potter, Black and the Four Founders were at the top of the List. Of course, all the descendents of the Founders were sired by Harry, so, they Six of the Noblest Families were, essentially, one Family, the Family of Harry James Potter, the Boy Who Lived and if you were a member of any of these six Ancient and Noble Families, then you could trace yourself directly back to Harry as his literal Descendent. If your sire name was one of these six, especially that of 'Potter', you were granted entry and Most Honor into any organization, for the general Wizarding Public knew of your families background and their place in the Historical Events that Freed them from Absolute Bondage and Slavery.
The Witches who survived those terrible times knew absolutely what would have happened to them, especially the Most Ancient Matriarch's of the Houses of Potter, Black and the Founders: Lady Daphne and Lady Hermione. The Most Ancient Vassals, the Ladies Amelia Bones, Susan Bones and Rita Skeeter, knew personally what would have been their fate had their Husband and Lord had Lost. Death would have been a blessing for these five Witches. It was their example of what they five went through that freed many a Witch, no matter their age or Station in Society, from harm and Social Embarrassment.
And to think, that all these Grand Changes happened because of one small boy, an Orphan, who'd been mistreated, abused, had been the Tool of Change.
In Later Years, Harry, as he loved to be called, would sit in the three Broomsticks, or the Leaky Cauldron, drinking a Butterbeer, and contemplate on his life. He always wondered, 'Why Me?', why not some other more deserving Wizard, or Witch, one who'd had more Magical Power and Knowledge than he. Many a time, he'd be seen walking either on the grounds of Hogwarts or Diagon Alley, or Hogsmeade, with a very young Witch, incredibly beautiful. Of course, the people knew who she was and never questioned it. In fact, as long as they both could be seen in public or nearby, they considered themselves safe. As old as Harry became, some said that he was older than even that of the reputed Wizard who'd created the Philosopher's Stone that It's said that Harry had rescued. Of course, they were right about his age, approximately, but of that red stone, no one really knew whether or not it still existed. Only one person knew THAT secret and Harry wasn't about to divulge that one. Not even his wives, vassals, or many children knew and they KNEW BETTER than to even ask. There were times that some of them would approach Harry with that question on their mind, and Harry would tell them right away, before they'd even got a chance to open their mouth to even begin to ask, that Harry would tell them not to even bother asking, that it was a secret he will carry to his grave and beyond, and even THEN, He wasn't gonna tell! Period. The danger that it's misuse carried was just too great, and the inherent Greed of others' was even greater. Best, then, to just let 'sleeping dogs' lie undisturbed. Forever.
But, all this was in the extreme future, so far ahead into the future that even the Lady Hogwarts wouldn't tell Harry about it, except to say that all that those who fought for the Light, would be repaid and that even the Dead would have a second chance. Both Magical and Muggle. When Hermione, the 'walking Encyclopedia' heard this, even she was stumped. No one, not even Harry, nor Daphne nor Hermione could even fathom a thought nor theory how that would be. And for Hermione to be so stumped, that was a question for the ages. Harry always needled her about that one question she couldn't find an answer to, and Harry would Laugh with her. It was their own private joke and they both enjoyed it. But, it was when all was over on the field of Battle that the Lady Hogwarts disclosed her secret that Hermione found it so simple, as she later said. "I should have thought of it first. Harkums' Razor – the simplest answer is probably the right answer.
This is the eventual fallout of that one Trial, some took effect immediately, some happened much later, but it all hinged on that One Trial.
The Present
later the same day after the Trial
Harrywas back in his apartments, looking out the window, just staring and thinking. Daphne came up beside him and wrapped her arms around him.
"Knut for your thoughts, dear."
Harry smiled briefly, "It's a 'Penny for your thoughts', the magical people got it from the Muggles, and it's an American expression."
"You sound like Hermione when you do that."
"Do what?"
"You know what I mean. You try to explain what people say."
"Oh, that. Well, yea, I guess I do. I've been around Hermione since our first day on the Hogwarts' Express, so, I guess some of her does rub off on me."
Harry felt another set of arms on him. "I would hope that more than just some of me rubs off on you, dear." It was Hermione. Naturally.
"Hmm, that must be Hermione."
Harry felt a hand swat him on his shoulder. "Well, it'd better be me that you'd expect to come up and wrap their arms around you!" She laid her head on his shoulder.
"Just kidding you, dear, just kidding you. I always know your touch, even without looking. I can even feel your presence before you announce yourself."
"What about me?" It was Daphne.
"You too."
"How do you do that?" Hermione asked.
"Do what?"
"Ok, here we go again, you two. You know what she means, Dear. Answer her question. I'm also interested in knowing how you know when either of us is in your presence." Daphne asked.
"I don't know how to answer your question." Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I just do. I can 'feel' you, it's just 'who' you are."
"Are you using Legilimency?" Daphne asked.
"No."
"You sure?" Hermione asked.
"Yea, absolutely. I just know who's near me."
"What about the other three, Amelia, Susan and Rita?" Daphne asked.
"Same for them. No difference. I just know."
"Even in the dark?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, even in the dark. I can walk in a room and if you're there, I'll know. I can just feel you. I've been able to do this since I was very small, all my life when I was living with the Dursley's. I guess it's some form of protection that I've somehow developed with my magic that then I didn't know I had. I've never told anyone."
Harry turned from the window and paced some in their apartment. "I've done and been involved with enough freaky stuff that I didn't want to add to it by telling anyone else." Harry walked towards the fireplace and just looked at the fire that sprang up with his approach.
Hermione noticed that.
"Harry, how'd you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Ok, here we go again with that same question. We're gonna have to be more precise in asking our questions." Daphne said.
"You know what I mean, the fire, when you approached it, it just sprang up. I didn't see you use your wand nor waive your hand. How'd you do it? I'm just curious." Hermione asked.
"Dunno. I just looked at it. Thought I'd like a little warmth and it just sprang up. Easy. Anyone can do that. At least I think they can. Why?"
"Hermione, I think that's a combination of wandless and nonverbal magic combined with Transfiguration in some form. Plus you'd have to have an incredible amount of Magic to even begin to do something like that. And that's just a small thing to do." Daphne was trying to find an answer.
Hermione just stood there, thinking. She'd found a puzzle and wanted to solve it. "You know something, dear? With that ability, with some practice you could probably do a lot more. It'd certainly come in handy in a tight situation."
"Yea, you're probably right. In fact, I know you're right. But, enough of this, for now, anyway. I was thinking about the trial. It just didn't go like it should. I don't know what'll happen now. Dumbledore has obviously changed sides. When I saw him, there was something inside me, I just can't explain it, something inside me revolted at his 'presence' for a lack of a better word or description. Something about him just seemed 'wrong'."
"Well, the memories that the Lady Hogwarts showed of him practicing Dark Magic may have been it. Wouldn't it?" Daphne asked.
Harry thought for a moment.
Daphne walked over to him and took his hands in hers. "Dear, I want you to try something for me, an experiment."
Harry looked up at her and over at Hermione. She just shrugged her shoulders. She didn't know what Daphne was up to.
"I want you to just stand here, and raise your arms some, like you're trying to reach out and touch something. I want you to close your eyes, and think of what it was that was bothering you when you approached Dumbledore in the Ministry Atrium, when you got so angry at him. Try to recall those feelings and find out, reach out with your Magic, all of it, Dear, and find the answer. It's out there, you can find it if you really try. You're the Leader of the Light now, dear. You have the Right to know that answer!" Daphne stressed this upon her, their, Husband. "Harry, we're both right here beside you. We'll protect you."
"I've an idea, 'Lady Hogwarts, We Need you!'" Hermione asked out loud.
The castle's Lady Hogwarts appeared beside Hermione. "I'm here as you've requested."
"We need Harry's Vassals. Could you go get them and bring them here, please? We want to try something and Harry, I feel, will need them." Hermione explained. "I really feel bad for asking you to go to all this trouble, but you are quite fast and understanding." Hermione tried to smile some. She was anxious about this. She just didn't know why.
The Lady Hogwarts dissapparated and went first to the Bones Residence. "Madam Bones, your company has been requested by the Lady Hermione for you to be with her and Lord Harry. Can you come with me, please?"
Amelia had just arrived home after putting out 'fires' all around the Ministry. Her Job now was in jeopardy due to the two trials that she's brought against both Lucius and Albus. The only good thing about this was that she was Harry's Vassal, and that she'd be personally protected. It looks like that protection will be needed now. She looked at the Lady and nodded her head, and with her hand touching the Lady Hogwarts arm, they were gone. No sound, no displaced feeling, just gone.
Lady Hogwarts brought Amelia to the Apartments and left again. She then appeared beside Rita, who, as is said in the publishing business, putting the next days' Edition 'to bed', it being printed that evening. Normally the printing would just take a few hours, but, they'll be printing it all during the night and probably have to go into a second printing. That was what truly scared her. What would happen.
"Madam Skeeter? My Heir, Lord Harry Potter-Hogwarts has need of you. You've been requested by Lady Hermione. Can you come with me? It may be for the rest of the evening."
Rita just looked at her, and smiling, she nodded her head. "Yes, I'm available for Harry anytime he or his wives need me."
The Lady Hogwarts extended her arm, Rita taking it gently in her hand and they both left, very quietly, from her office. No one saw her leave.
After that, they appeared in Harry's living room, with Daphne, Hermione, and Amelia present, along with Harry. Rita immediately took in the situation. "I'm here, how do you need me, my Lord?" Rita asked as she approached Harry. As they all began talking, Lady Hogwarts again left to go pick up one more, Susan.
She was in her dorm, Hufflepuff Tower, in the common room when the Lady Hogwarts appeared in front of her. "Lady Bones, can you come with me, please?" Susan looked up at the Lady, as did everyone else in the Common Room. All of her classmates had questions, not knowing what the reason was nor the fact that Susan Bones was the very willing Vassal of the most Powerful Lord in the entire Magical World. Nodding her head and getting up to stand in front of the Lady Hogwarts, and hold her arm with her hand, they both Disapparated away and to the apartments.
Susan appeared in Harry's presence, and saw that they all were there. 'Something's up, and I guess it's due to the Trial. I wonder what's happened?' Susan thought to herself. "My Lord, Harry, I'm here as requested. How can I help you?"
It was Hermione who next spoke up. "Susan, I requested all of you here. There's much we need to discuss, though you are the only one who doesn't know fully, what happened at the trial today. Amelia and Rita can fill you in with the details, but the bottom line is that Harry lost both cases against Lucius and Albus. Right now, I want to try something that I found out just this evening that Harry can do. I don't know if I'll be successful, but I feel it'd be better if we all were here with him for the entire time, and probably the night. The elves can bring you all fresh clothes for the morning. Susan, you need not answer any of your Dorm Mates' questions. Just say it was family business."
Turning to Harry, Hermione began again, "Remember what I first instructed you to do, dear. Just reach out with your Magic and your Mind. Search for the memory of this afternoon and look for what you felt then, but couldn't 'See'. It's there and don't take 'No' for an answer."
The Lady Hogwarts spoke up. "My Heir, Harry, be careful of what you seek. The answer you're looking for IS there, but it may be more than what you expect. Much more! But, take comfort in the fact that both your wives and your chosen and very willing Vassals are here to love you and sustain you. Please, my Heir, rely on their Love, you will definitely need it."
All the women looked at the Lady Hogwarts, not really knowing why she said that, but they all gathered around Harry.
Harry closed his eyes, and reached out with his Mind and Magic. He recalled his afternoon's accidental meeting in the Ministry's Atrium with Albus Dumbledore, that 'Old Liar' as Harry had called him. What perplexed Harry immediately was just WHY that particular nomenclature, that Title, came to Harry's mind. Harry knew, deep down, and later after he'd attained his multiple Lordship's, that he'd been lied to, used and robbed and many other items of theft perpetuated by Albus, but, Harry just didn't know why he felt so adamant on using that particular name.
Harry continued looking at this past meeting and locking it in his mind he looked at the events and as he did so, he noticed a very dark cloud coming towards him. Harry saw that the direction of that dark cloud was from where Albus was approaching. It caught his attention.
The closer Harry got to Albus the darker the cloud became. It reminded him of that night in the graveyard when Voldemort was rising from that old cauldron and saw that Voldemort was enveloped in a black swirl of clouds and virtually clothed in them as they formed themselves into his robes. Harry saw that this same thing was being applied to Albus. What Harry noted and realized was that the color of that cloud, that mist that surrounded Voldemort when he arose from the cauldron was a symbol of he himself – a practitioner of not just Dark Magic, but of Black Magic and so Harry attached this Darkness that began to surround Albus, he then labeled Albus as a Black Magic Practitioner. That which you Willingly surround yourself with, you therefore, Are!
Then, it was that Harry saw Albus. Albus looked directly at him, not at where Harry was standing in the memory, but at where Harry was NOW, standing as he was searching his memory! This surprised and scared Harry, he thought he knew what he was doing, but now, he had second thoughts. So he recalled what both Hermione and the Lady Hogwarts told him, his wives and Vassals were there to sustain him. He reached out for them and felt them, but, in so doing there was something about them that was 'different', not bad different, just 'different'. They seemed more powerful, 'larger', stronger than what he'd remembered them being. And they were brighter!With Harry's attention back on Albus he noticed the anger on Albus' face was apparent. Harry was being enveloped by that same Black Cloud, it was swirling all around him, trying to 'take' him and make him 'its own'.
The pain that Harry felt was like nothing he'd ever felt previously, not even when his Scar was searing with the touch of Voldemort's finger. He began screaming in searing, burning pain. The pain tore at his throat and he began thrashing around, but his women, wives and vassals, held on to him, wrapping him in their arms and pressing their wonderful bodies against his own. Harry felt the coolness of them as opposed to the burning heat, the almost real feeling of the Fire that was trying to actually burn him up and take him away. The blackness, the actual Living Black Fire raged against Harry, but, surprisingly, it could not touch him now, but still, the pain persisted. And Harry never gave in to it. He endured it.
The struggle was immense. Albus, in the memory, was trying to dominate harry, trying to take him and crush his very spirit down into death itself, but Harry fought back and never quit, he continued to hold his ground and hold onto that Love that his Wives and Vassals gave him. In his struggles against the Darkness, Harry noticed that the Darkness could not touch the Ladies, the Women who were in his life and were sustaining him with their undeniable Love that, to Harry at that moment, seem bottomless.
Then, a change began in Albus, his body seemed to distort, his legs became hooves, bent in an odd shape, much like that of an old goat. His head and face changed, distorted into that of a gargoyle of the worst visage in any human nightmare. Horns appeared, large, long, sharp. A tail appeared at the base of his spine, complete with a pointed barb that was strong and twitching. His hands became claws. And, if that wasn't horrid enough, he grew fangs, great long sharp fangs with a tongue like a whip. And the SMELL!, was like nothing harry had ever smelt. No body excrement could even come close to comparing. In fact, to Harry, the smell of excrement would be like flowers or perfume compared to what Harry was smelling that emanated from Albus! His wand transformed into that of a trident and his colors were that of red and black with flames of intense fire coming off of his very body. And there was one other part, Albus, if you could even call him by that name, his 'manhood' was not extended, red, large.
'He' looked at Harry, hatred burning in his eyes. "I'm going to Take you Harry, and make you mind just like I'm going to take these five. Just like I've made Voldemort mind, all of you will be MIND to USE and control as I please!" Albus struck out at Harry, but he'd never reached Harry.
Harry looked on in horror. He'd never expected anything like this and he suspected that this wasn't just a simple transfiguration, Harry felt that this was what Albus' True Appearance was really like!
This, was the True Albus Dumbledore.
He reached out to grab Harry by his body when there appeared beside him a being of the most glorious visage, a woman with long flowing hair the color of red and eyes of Emerald Green. Her appearance had a white light surrounding her that soon engulfed Harry himself and he felt an immediate coolness, a feeling of total Love and acceptance, that he'd only felt with his two wives and three Vassals!
Harry looked up at her and immediate recognition came to him: She was his Mum!
No questions were asked, no answers were given, she just enveloped him in her protecting presence of her Absolute Grace and Love.
In back of her there appeared five other Graces, two of them were of Immense size while the other two were of smaller size. They five approached them and stood by Harry and his Mum where she then hugged him, "My Son, I will always love you, for Worlds without End. You have done well, my Beloved Son and have exceeded my expectations. You will always be Loved and Protected by both me and them, your wives and vassals. They have the Absolute Power to do so." With that, she withdrew.
The Demon that was Albus, as Harry had now labeled him, upon seeing the Greater Light receding, began to approach Harry at phenomenal speed, but the Five Lights, the Five Graces stood by Harry, the two greater Lights in front of him and the three somewhat lessor Lights behind him.
The Trident that the Demon held struck at Harry, hard and fast, but it was met by Harry's protectors. The Trident began to melt, burning up and dissolving away, after the extreme flash of fire at meeting the Grace of Light that totally surrounded Harry. The two Greater Lights reached out towards the Demon and struck him, it, with their Power and Albus fell to the ground, screaming in absolute pain, a white mark appearing on his face, long, broad and white. He was grabbing his face, shaking in unbearable, indescribable unstoppable pain.
One of the Greater Lights, the one who also struck Albus, spoke: "Leave Harry alone! The next time we meet will be your Death!, Demon, your absolute Death!"
Harry just looked at the Demon who stood there, immeasurably powerless and impotent, just beyond arms reach so that Harry could not be touched. He raged against the Shield of Love that protected Harry, and beat against it, again and again fruitlessly and this time, a visual show of total Impotence engulfed the surly Demon who's countenance fell when one of the Greater Lights extended her arm and struck that Old Liar, the Demon, and again he fell screaming in pain that took his breath away. He lay there on the ground at the feet of two of the Greatest Protectors outside of the Greatest Light that proclaimed herself as Harry's Mum. This second Mark on the Old Liar was almost a death blow and distorted his features permanently. While he was still on the ground bleeding, broken Wand in hand, She extended her arm again, and proclaimed in a loud voice with Authority: "Leave!", and so he did, painfully, crawling away, wandless.
Again, they five surrounded Harry with him feeling their arms around him, as he closed his eyes in total exhaustion, and slept the sleep of the Just, in the arms of those who truly loved him. He stirred not for the rest of the night as he was watched over by his Loves.
Morning – the Second Day
The Old Liar
Somewhere, in a building, nondescript, lay an elderly man on a bed, he was in terrible pain, his robes were burned off of him, he had an immense Scar on the left side of his face that was broad, white and extended down from his scalp to below his neckline. His once long, flowing and immaculate white beard was half burned off and a Smell, a horrid Smell emanated from him. It burned his nostrils, causing him to gag and vomit all over himself. He rolled over onto and into, the vomit he'd just puked up and tried to sit up. Everything was dizzy, fuzzy and he just held himself, barely able to form a coherent thought, let alone speak a sensible sentence that could becomprehended.
Picking up his wand, or trying to, he notice a lot of ash around where it once was. It had lain on the floor next to the broken down bed where he'd been. His wand was totally burned up, gone, destroyed.
"Humph! I don't know how that brat did what he did, destroying my wand, the ELDER wand, the DEATH STICK!, but it was impossible! No one is more powerful than me, NO ONE! I WAS PROMISED!" Albus got up on shaky legs and grabbed hold of a chair to steady himself. He shuffled around the deserted building for a while, thinking and contemplating his next move and what'd happened during the night. "What Harry did was not possible. And those blasted whores he keeps around himself with, I've got to do something about them, but for the life of me, I just don't know WHAT!"
Albus found a discarded set of robes that he transfigured into a new set that resembled his former nicer set of robes. "Damn, that whore! She even destroyed my best set of robes. I don't know how I'll get her but when we go to war at that cheap school potter took away from me, she'll know what it means to serve a powerful Wizard, I'll make sure she's mine for all the trouble she's caused me!" Albus slowly walked around, still limp and impotent from his battle the night previous.
"Time to gather my forces and get that damned snake faced troublemaker to get up off his scaly arse and start doing something to support my ideology. I didn't create him for nothing! Shite, where's my other spare wand! Damn thing keeps slipping. And that SMELL! I didn't agree to THAT! Smells worst than shite! Wait'll I get my hands on them! They take everything and then lie to you and not keep their promises. Why can't the most powerful Dark Lord have any decent help?"
HARRY
Harry was still sleeping, peacefully, when Daphne woke up. She was well rested and looked around and found her dear lover, Harry was still sleeping. 'Harry, my dear, how do you ever do it? Every time I think I know you and your limits and abilities, I find that you've already leapt ahead of me so far I can barely reach you. Your limits on your Magical abilities must be truly without precedence." She leaned over and kissed him on his lips, and covered him and then got up and went to clean up. She felt a mess after all she felt she went through last night, and speaking of that, 'Just HOW, did I do THAT! Must've been Harry. There's no other explanation. And did I see Harry's Mum? The Power she was wielding! I've never seen nor heard of anything like it. She defeated that demon or whatever it was. I just can't believe what Albus truly is and was for all these years!'
"Daphne? Is that you?" Hermione was awake.
"Yes, it's me."
"I heard you talking."
"Well, yea, I was just going over in my mind what'd happened during the night."
"Yea, I know. I can remember it all. Seems you and I are the principle Defenders of our Husband." Hermione said.
"Uh huh. And Amelia, Susan and Rita are the minor defenders of Harry." Daphne replied.
Hermione got up and walked over to where Daphne stood; She took her hands, held them, "Daphne, I saw what happened. I was there as were you and Amelia, Susan, and Rita. You were the one who struck Albus that blow that permanently marked him for who and what he is. Daphne, we five women are the defenders who protected Harry in his vision. It is our love for him that totally protects him. Remember that shield that the demon tried to get past, and beat on, and failed? That shield was composed of our love for Harry, and Love is the Greatest Force." Hermione looked into Daphne's eyes and proclaimed, "We will win!"
"I know, Hermione. I know. I think I've always known. I just didn't admit it, not until now when I was there and saw what Harry was truly up against. I'll always stand by his side and protect him, as will the rest of you. We are one, now. We always will be."
"Thank you, dear, thank you."
Daphne smiled at Hermione, "Did you see Harry's Mum! The Power she had. Albus could not do anything against her. It was her total love for her son that protected him. I think that she's the example that we go by to protect him. We may be his wives, but she's his Mum!"
"I know, Hermione, I know. He certainly picked right when he chose us, didn't he?" Daphne smiled as she held and hugged Hermione.
There was a small noise where the other three were awake and shuffling in. It was Amelia who first spoke. "Hi, what happened last night? Is what I think happened, really true?"
"Yes, we really are Harry's Guardian's and Protectors, and That awful looking Gargoyle was, no, is, Albus' true appearance and form. I want to thank you three for being here and helping Harry."
"It was you two who did the protecting and fought that Demon who tried to take Harry from us. And those two blows you hit him with, I think they left permanent marks on his face. He'll be recognized anywhere. I didn't think you'd had it in you, Daphne." Susan said.
"Thanks, Susan. All I wanted was to strike out at Dumbledore and hurt him. He wanted to take Harry from me and I wasn't gonna let that happen! I wanted him to feel the pain that he'd caused Harry all these years, and I think I accomplished that." Daphne said. "Oh, that second blow was Hermione's. Thanks, hon."
Hermione smiled a bit and blushed. "You're welcome, sweetie. I felt the same way you did."
"What else can we do?" Rita asked.
"What we can do is what we've been doing. But, for now, I think it'd be prudent for all of us to stay here with Harry, day and night. I don't want him to be alone for any reason. I heard at the trial what the Lady Hogwarts said, within seven days Albus will be dead, and we're going to have to gather all our forces and defend not just Harry, but ourselves. Things will be coming to a head now." Daphne announced their tentative plans.
"Ok, I'll go get my things from my place and bring them here. I can continue to do some of my column here, but I will need to go out and talk with my contacts and see what's happening." Rita said.
"And, I'll need to be at the Ministry. Things will be starting to get out of hand quickly." Amelia thought. "But, I'll forward all I hear to you so you'll know what's happening. "If Albus is truly that powerful and deranged, we're going to have to get some protection here. Voldemort, if he's being controlled by Albus, will be coming here. This castle will need to be protected. Can the Lady Hogwarts do that?"
Harry had woken up, still groggy, but aware of what was being said.
"Harry, Darling. How do you feel? Are you ok?" It was Hermione. Susan also came and sat by him and held on to him.
"Yea, I'm ok, just tired." He looked at Hermione. "That was some idea of yours. You know that, don't you?" He aimed his question at Hermione.
"Dear, I know. But, I didn't know exactly what was going to happen. I didn't know about Albus and what he became. I'm sorry for all this."
"Don't worry about it. It's best we found out now. At least we know what we're up against."
"Can I do anything for you, dear?" It was Susan. She was smiling.
"How about a hug? I remember you hugging me in that 'whatever' it was we were doing, before I passed out. I love your hugs, Susan."
She smiled and reached out and put her arms around Harry, pulling him tightly against her. She still had on her sleeping clothes that barely covered anything, but she didn't care. She belonged to Harry and if he wanted her here and now, she'd submit to him and Love him totally. That's what she really desired. But, that was for another time. Right now, Harry got up and kissed Susan on her lips, "I do love you, dear, you know that, don't you?"
"Yes, Harry, I do. I really do. Just remember, that anytime you need me, Just call for me. I need you." Susan said.
Harry just smiled, "It won't be too long, let me go get a shower. I'm a mess." Harry went to the bathroom and began his shower. But as Harry almost got to the bathroom, he stopped and just stood there. He could feel the women in his life still there, behind him, looking at him. He turned around and while looking at each of them, said, more like a prophecy, "You've all, each one of you, were chosen not necessarily BY me, but FOR me. I can't explain how I know this, probably the Lady Hogwarts can." Harry took his breath and finished: "Each of you will be a mother. You will be the Mothers of an extrodinary family. Your children, each of you will have many, and they will love you, respect you, for your love and support of me during this terrible time of need in my, our, lives. Each of you will eventually be the Matriarch's of my home and children, forever. Your example will never be forgotten." Harry just looked at each of them, smiled and walked into the bathroom to shower. The Five women were stunned.
Susan looked around, shrugged her shoulders and stripped off her pajamas in front of the other ladies and walked nude into the shower with Harry. She stopped at the door, "You all make plans, I've got something that needs to be taken care of!" She winked and smiled and walked into the shower and didn't close the door.
"Any of you think she'll be the first of us to be in the 'Family Way'?" Amelia asked.
"I'd be surprised if she wasn't!" It was Daphne who said this, and she laughed. "You heard what our husband said, each one of us will be mothers by him! So, lets get going and do our jobs. All of you be prepared to stay here for the duration. Harry is NOT to be left alone, not for any reason, even if he's to shower or anything like that!"
"Oh? You mean we can shower with him? I'd love that!" it was Rita, smiling and laughing.
"Please, lets not wear out our husband, he's got five women who dearly love him, but he does get tired." It was Hermione speaking logically.
"Yea, I'm sure there's a lot of young men Harry's age, who'd really complain about having to service five attractive and desirable women!" Rita said.
They all laughed while in the meantime, they heard Susan moaning loudly!
Later that same day after the Trial
Rita work at the The Daily Prophet newspaper and Amelia went back to the Ministry where both women found total Chaos.
When Rita got to her office she heard rumors and almost immediately saw the proof: Many she saw had a mark on either their forehead or the back of their right hand that was a lightning Bolt that resembled Harry's Scar that was on his forehead. Others had a Mark that looked like the Dark Mark in a similar fashion, but, the main thing was that those who were Marked by the Light showed it proudly and those who supported Albus didn't show their mark.
"What's this about? These Marks?" Rita asked one of her co-workers.
"They've just appeared. Some have that lightening bolt that Potter has and others have that Dark Mark! It's either on your hand or forehead."
Rita looked down on her hand and saw nothing, but she dug out a mirror from her purse and looked at her head. Sure enough, on her forehead was a Lightening Bolt, just like Harry's!
"Shite! She was right! It's all true!" Rita said mostly to herself, but other's overheard her.
"What do you mean, Rita?"
"The Lady Hogwarts, she inferred about this, something about seven day from the day of the Trial, Albus will be dead. We'll all divided up between the Light and the Dark. There's no middle ground!"
Rita gathered up all her things and scrambled outside taking her photographer with her to get interviews and witnesses of the events, not that it'll be 'news' to anyone by tomorrow.
She got to Diagon Alley and it was complete chaos. People were avoiding each other, gathering in groups.
One of the Witches came up to her, "Where's your Mark?"
Rita looked at her, perplexed. "Mark? I don't know what you mean."
"Everyone's got a mark, either on their forehead or on the back of your hand. Lets see your hands!" The old Hag grabbed Rita's Hands and looked at them, finding nothing. She then looked at Rita's head and still saw nothing.
"What's wrong with you? You've not got either Mark!"
A wizard and another witch came up to Rita and looked at her. Finally, it was the Witch who noticed it, "She's with Potter!"
"How can you tell?"
"Easy. Look at her robes, see the emblem on her? She protected by Lord Potter-Hogwarts! That's his Emblem! She's with us." The young witch looked at Rita, smiling. "You're one lucky Witch, Rita. You're the only one I've seen with one of those Emblems on their robes. The rest of us Witches would do just about anything to have one of those." She was pointing to her emblem that declared her and her House to be under the direct Protection of Harry AND the Goblins. "No one will touch you, you need not worry."
"Can I ask you a few questions? For my column?" Rita asked.
The Witch looked around, she looked afraid. "Yes, but make it quick."
"What's it like? Having the different Marks?"
"Well, we're all afraid. Those like me and you, the supporters of Potter, we're in the minority. We know he's the 'boy-Who-Lived and all that, but the others, those with the Dark Mark, they control most of the business's. We've found out today, that if we trade with the Goblins, we can get most of what we need to survive, but at a very high cost. Those Goblins are Gold hungry and most of us are very poor." She looked around quickly. Afraid.
"When did you and the others' notice the Mark?"
"I'm not sure about the others, but for me, I noticed it this morning when I got up."
"Have you any idea how you got it?"
"No. None at all. All I know is that if the Potter boy defeated You-know-who, then he's the one for me. I've never doubted him from the start. Everything he's said has proven true even in the face of everyone who's opposed him. I'll never doubt him."
"Thank you."
Rita looked as the witch and her friends all left looking over their shoulders. Rita continued interviewing others, some with the Dark Mark and it was those that really scared Rita. They were like sharks looking for their prey.
A scruffy looking short wizard came up to Rita, he was dirty looking which made Rita uncomfortable. "Miss Skeeter?"
She turned around, "Yes?"
"Gonna make this short. It's best you be getting out of here. There's a lot of those with the Dark Mark and they know you're asking questions and they don't like it. Some are Death Eaters. I know who you are, with that Emblem on your Robes, but don't test them. Please, get out of here and don't tell anyone you talked to me." With that said, he melted into the crowd wondering who he was. When he got a good distance from her, he looked around and saw her leaving, going back towards the Daily Prophet. Mundungus Fletcher had done at least one good turn, hoping it'd keep his Lightening Bolt Mark on his hand. He'd worked for Dumbledore and knew what kind of Wizard he was and it scared him. 'Best I support Potter. He's never lied. I can't say the same for old Dumbledore.' Dung Fletcher thought to himself as he scurried off to hide away from prying eyes.
Back in the Ministry
Fudge was having a rather tough day. He woke up and when he looked in the mirror, he saw the Dark Mark on his forehead, right in the middle, big, black and ugly as hell. After he'd screamed, fainted and cursed so many times he'd ran out of curses, he tried every concealment charm and beauty cream he could find and think of but it just came right back.
Umbridge was getting up, and no one wanted to see what she looked like first thing in the morning. Her reaction was the same as Fudges'. While she was trying to cover it up, she got a floo call. It was Fudge.
"Dolores! You there?"
She scrambled to the fireplace trying to wrap a towel around her head. "Yes, dear, it's me. What'd you want? I'm busy."
Fudge looked at her and this time, there was no learing, lustful look at her rear like he normally did.
"What'd you got that towel around your head for?"
"What's it to you? I've got problems!"
"You and me both. You've got that hideous mark on you, don't you? I've got one and it won't come off and I can't cover it up!"
Umbridge sighed and took off her towel. "We're both screwed, dear. If we show up at the Ministry today looking like this, we'll be arrested by that bitch Bones! And I for one will not be going to that shite hole we put prisoners in! You've got to do something!" Umbridge was panting so hard her 'bosom's were heaving' causing Fudge to drool.
"What's wrong with you? You're drooling? You looking at me again?"
"Well, you're not exactly innocent, now, are you? Remember all we've done? Lucius does a good job of getting us 'invites' to those parties of his, the ones that his special friends are there and they do take good care of our 'needs', now, don't they? Looks like 'play time' is over now that we now have that same Mark as they do! We'll just have to be more open about it and use our Political Power to push our mutual adjenda more closer, now, don't we?"
"Yes, dear. We do."
"Good, glad you understand, now, get your arse in to the Ministry immediately. We're gonna push some special reforms through now. Marshal Law is the first."
Umbridge's eyes lite up. She was smiling."
"You've got my complete support, dear. I'll do exactly what you ask of me."
"Good, 'cause I'm gonna need you as my reformer. My Muscle along side Lucius. Oh, and if you can find Albus, get him. He's with us now, I believe."
Malfoy Manor – the same morning after the Trial
Lucius was up and since he'd already had his own Mark, he didn't know, not immediately, that is, what'd happened that day with the rest of the Magical World. He was at the table, eating and reading when Fudge appeared in the Floo Fire. "Lucius! You there? I need you now! Something's happened."
Lucius looked around and saw his friend in the fire. "Oh. My dear Fudge. Why, Hello, there. How are you this fine morning?"
"Cut the crap and get your head out of your arse! I woke up this morning . . ." and before he could finish his statement Lucius cut in, "and how is dear Dolores this morning? I'm sure she's 'taken care' of your needs already as she usually does since our memorable 'Parties'?!" Lucius was smiling. "Our mutual friends really enjoyed her the last time. They've been asking about her and when the next Party is. I told them that maybe this weekend."
"Lucius, that's not the problem! I and Dolores have the Dark Mark on our foreheads! That's!, the Problem! We both woke up and it was just THERE! Neither of us knows how it got there. I'm sure it has something to do with that darn Potter brat at that Subversive school that that old coot Albus was running. I knew I should have had him replaced long ago and put in Dolores! Anyway, we've got to meet and institute Marshal Law and put down the coming Rebellion, before it gets out of hand. We've only got so many Auror's and even they'd not be enough. Get your arse over here NOW! We've got fires to put out here at the Ministry and I can't do it alone." With that edict stated, Fudge signed off and was gone.
Lucius sat there, thinking. 'How'd fudge and Umbridge get the Mark? I'd have known about it had it'd been given."
While he was thinking, an elf popped in. He was rather disturbed.
"Master Malfoy, I's have very disturbing news for you."
"Oh, what is it this time? It's too early in the morning."
"I's was at Diagon Alley for my usual morning purchases for the Manor when I found out that all the Witches and Wizards have been Marked! Some have the same mark you have and others have that Mark that looks like a Lightening Bolt. It's either on their forehead or on their hands. There's total Chaos! Some business's have closed up, and there's fighting in the streets. Though you should know."
Lucius just looked at the Elf. "You sure about this?"
The poor elf cringed at the hard stare his Master gave him. He remembered what'd happened to the previous elf who gave him bad news. "Yes, Master Malfoy. I's couldn't even make my usual purchases! Some were firing curses at me and I's left!"
"Go. Do something else. I don't want to be bothered." With that happy statement, the elf nodded and disapparated.
Albus walked in. "Good morning, Lucius. How are you this fine day? Seems things are working out well for us. Have you been outside and seen the results this morning? The sheep are stating their displeasure and need our assistance." Albus sat down. "Ah, tea and biscuits! I love it when your elves make them using that delicious American receipe, what do they call them? Oh yes, 'Yeast Rolls', I believe." Albus just sat there, eating and enjoying Lucius' hospitality. "How'd you ever get here past my Wards!"
"Oh, that! Don't worry. I'm a Wizard of many talents, shall we say? We've got work to do, so, lets get going. Oh, thank your elves for the 'Yeast Rolls'. You've got some very good kitchen help here. Narcissa must be very proud of them."
"Yea, oh, yea, good kitchen help. Rioting in the streets, the Minister yelling for me, cursing me, my elf not being able to make our needed purchases and my Lord Voldemort will be meading out his displeasure on my skin for what's happened, and you like the Rolls!" Lucius's day was just starting.
"Don't worry about Tom. I'll be talking with him. He and I will gather our united forces and later this week, we'll be paying Harry a 'visit'. Seems he's got something that we both want. Tom can have our dear Harry, I'll be taking back Hogwarts, plus, how shall I put it? Oh, Yes, Dear Daphne and Hermione. Seems I owe them a little 'something'?, for their 'hospitality they showed me this previous evening. You and Tom can have the rest, the Ministry, the people, I just want those two items: the Magical School and those two delightful Witches. Everything else you and him can have. Well, have a good day, give my regards to Corneilus and Dolores. I'm off to see Tom and arrange 'hospitality'." Albus smiled, and those eyes, twinkling, as he disapparated.
'How's he ever do it! There's supposed to be anti-apparation Wards all around this place!'
The Ministry
Fudge, Umbridge and Malfoy walked in to the Ministry that morning, scowls on their faces. The first thing Fudge did was call a press conference and announce that due to the rioting in the streets and due to causes inflicted upon the general population Marshall Law was now instituted. Law was now to be enforced by Lord Lucius Malfoy and Madam Dolores Jane Umbridge, together. All Madam Bones could do was, well, nothing. She was relagated to pushing her quill at her desk and keeping her Auror's in line according to the edicts put out by Malfoy and Umbridge. And, grit her teeth while doing so.
Ministry personal who had the Lightening Bolt Mark on them were fired outright due to being subversive elements in the Government's Ministry and were thrown out. Amelia was able to keep her job because no mark, of either kind could be found on her, although the Emblem was there for all to see, no one said a word. Something about 'Goblins' and 'Gold' and terrible retribution. Best to just leave some alone. 'She'll get hers when we straightened things out.' Lucius whispered to Umbridge, who grinned and nodded her head.
Umbridge went throughout the Ministry, asserting her new found Authority, pushing herself on the Personnel who were declaired 'Subversive Elements as shown be their Mark. One example was Arther Weasley.
"Hem, hem!" Dolores cleared her throat, trying to get the man's attention. Arther looked up. "Yes, Dolores?"
"The Minister, Cornelius Fudge has declared Marshall Law due to the Subversive Elements in our Society. This has been demonstrated by those undesirable's carrying that disgusting Mark, the Lightening Bolt. They are summarily Fired from the Ministry and are to be gathered up in the Atrium immediately. YOU – are one of them! Come with me, now, you disgusting piece of filth!" Umbridge motioned with her hands and fingers directing Arthur to go with her.
"Is this some kind of joke, Dolores? I'm a very busy man and I've no time for you pathetic sense of humor." Arthur continued to work, ignoring her.
Umbridge's temper was not to be humored, so, she drew her wand, whereupon, Arthur cast the Expelerimus charm and took her wand away. A Toad with no wand has only her mouth as a weapon, so she used it, screaming, waving her arms and hands cursing Arthur and generally drawing attention, an audience, which is what she wanted.
"Arthur Weasley! You attacked me! Without provocation. You took my Wand away. I demand you be arrested on charges of attacking the Senior UnderSecretary to the Minister of Magic!" Her shrill voice sounded like chalk scraping across an old black slate chalkboard. Auror's came, along with Amelia and, of course, Lucius. Dolores picked up her wand that Arthur threw at her. "You have no right treating me this way, Dolores! There are ways to deal with people without resorting to degrading them. What else did you expect to happen when you degrade people and curse them?" Arthur knew he was going out, but he wasn't going to be humiliated; He was going to show that he had 'spirit' and Damned be the consequences!
Amelia came up to Arthur and whispered in his ear, something that caused Arthur to nod his head in acquiescence. They both walked away, noticing that quite a few ministry workers were also leaving. Arthur was not alone! How the Ministry would ever survive, Arthur didn't know. Entire Departments were closing down. It was almost like a Muggle strike.
Percy was seen walking up to Umbridge, no wand in his hand. He was different. He worked faithfully with Fudge, but, he had Harry's Mark on his Hand, and Dolores didn't know how to react.
"Umbridge, you piece of Shite!" Percy said this quite loud so that everyone would hear him, there was no doubt in anyone's mind now just which side Percy was on! Percy walked up to his father, no, his DAD, "Come on, Dad, I'm your Son and I'll always stand by your side, and Harry's, too! I've seen too much of what goes on behind the scenes with this corrupt bunch of Death Eaters! They do carry his Mark!" With that said, both men, father and son, proudly walked out of the Ministry, side by side.
"Well, we've seen the last of that bunch of Blood Traitors! Now that the Ministry is cleaned up of their filth and others like them here, we can get on with business Proper!" Umbridge said and walked away. She didn't hear someone saying, "Something tells me we've not seen the last of them." They melted into the dwindling crowd.
"Lucius, you mentioned a party this weekend at your place? From what you said, is it still on? Dolores and I would love to attend. It's time for us to 'relax' some." Fudge said while looking at Dolores, 'appreciatively' for her work in rooting out who they considered 'undesirable'.
Lucius stood there, thinking, 'Ah, yes, yes. Why I do think I can arrange something at Malfoy Manor. You can Dolores can relax some, have your enjoyment with each other and with a few others there, and at the same time, maybe stretch yourselves into a little something more, shall we say, 'interesting', since you may not like, too much, some of the undesirable's in our world. No one, after all will ever know."
Fudge and Umbridge looked at one another, smiled and nodding their heads, "Why, yes, Lucius, we'd both love to attend. Both Cornelius and I will be there, fully ready to enjoy ourselves" Umbridge said, with a certain amount of firmness in her voice that Fudge didn't miss and for a moment it terrified him. For a very good reason, as it turned out.
Fudge walked away, tending to other Ministry business, but Umbridge stayed with Lucius. "Lucius, dear, if I may be so, shall I say 'familiar'?" Umbridge looked at Lucius with a predatory look in her eyes that Lucius didn't miss. He kinda felt what was coming.
He wasn't disappointed.
"Lucius, as the Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and the Senior Enforcer of Marshall Law, I want you to gather up as many 'Undesirables', those who carry Potter's Damning Mark and take them to your Manor. I'd like to have them there for my personal entertainment. You may join me, if you're so inclined, which I've no doubt you are." Umbridge turned to Lucius and reached out her hand to his robes, smoothing them down, and stepping a half step closer so that her bosom's were actually touching him, "And, afterwards I'd like to be with you for the rest of the evening, enjoying you, just you and me, very intimately." She looked up at him, smiling and running her tongue over her lips, seductively.
Lucius smiled, knowingly. "You do realized what you're asking? You and I 'together'?"
"Yes, dear. It's time I 'traded up' from Cornelius to someone who really has the power and is not just a puppet. I want a Wizard who knows how to use his wand when he's with me, if you follow my meaning. Cornelius' Wand just isn't powerful enough for this upwardly mobile Witch! And, don't forget, I do know exactly how to take care of 'My Wizard'! In any way he wants!"
"So, I'm to be 'your Wizard'?"
"Yes, you are, and you'll have complete access to me and my special talents for your exclusive use – anytime." Dolores smiled. "I'll be with the most powerful Wizard in our world and I intend to make you very happy."
"Yes, well, that's all well and good, my dear, but there are two other Wizards that may be more powerful."
"Oh?"
"Yes, our Lord Voldemort and Albus. Did you forget them?"
"Oh, no, not at all. The first, well, in order for him to get the magical power and knowledge he has, he had to give up something and what he gave up, well, lets just say that some witches just can't do without THAT particular ability in their Wizard. So, that first candidate is off the list."
"And what about the second?"
"Albus? Surely you're joking?"
"Why, no, I'm not. He's very powerful."
"Yes, he is, but, well," Dolores looked up at Lucius, searching his eyes for truthfulness. "Have you not heard? About Albus?"
"No, I don't follow you. What about him? His age?"
"Oh, Merlin, NO! Why, our dear Albus 'Swings differently'. As much as I detest Muggles, sometimes they have their uses and in this case they have a rather delightful way of putting it. Albus 'bats for the other team'. If you get him just right, well, we'll just let it go for now. I just don't want him. YOU are the top choice for me: magical power, position, social standing, a wife who knows her place and doesn't ask questions and knows quite enough to not ask questions and you have considerable political power. Old Fudge will be bowing to you by this time next week. Unless something happens to him."
"You know something, my dear, I do think you're a witch after my own heart. You're just like me, and I like that. Before the party is over at Malfoy Manor you'll be my witch after I take you completely in every way."
"Yes, my dear Wizard. I certainly will!"
Riddle Manor
Voldemort was sitting in his chair, contemplating what he'd heard from Wormtail. He wasn't much of a Wizard, afraid of everything, but he did have some magical power but he wasn't quick enough and he just didn't take up any opportunities. He was a good servant, though. Barely.
"Master, Albus Dumbledore is here to see you."
"Well, let him in."
Albus walked in, "Hello, I've got some interesting news for you. Care for a chat?" He sat down and conjoured up a tea service and some of those delightful Yeast Rolls he had a Lucius' Manor earlier.
"I've heard from wormtail about the rioting and unrest."
"Yes, yes, but has Peter mentioned to you that there are those who have your Mark on them? Quite a few, I might add. The magical world here is divided between you and the Potter boy. Those who support him have his Mark, in the shape of a Lightening Bolt. I'm sure you're familiar with that." Albus smiled as he partook of the food and drink.
Voldemort got up and paced the floor. "How did that happened? I've not put my Mark on anyone in quite a long time now."
"Easily answered. The Lady Hogwarts, she is the physical manifestation of the Schools' Founders and she's become more active recently since Harry has been named her Heir. I don't know, precisely, how she did it, but all those who support me, and are against Harry, have your Mark. It's divided our World, completely, I might add and this makes it much easier for us to completely subdue it and pervert it to our ways. As I mentioned to Lucius earlier, all I want is Headmastery of Hogwarts and the two witches Daphne and Hermione and you can have everything else. We'll work together. Lucius can run the Ministry in it's Day to Day operations with Dolores Umbridge assisting him. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, They three have cleaned out the undesirables from the Ministry, the ones who carry Potter's Mark."
"Good, very good. What'll happen to the Undesirables? We may need them for creating more pure blooded Magicals, or at the very least, part pure bloods. Our numbers for that are quite small. I don't want to go to the squibs, Muggle Borns, or Muggles! There's enough Mud in our World now, as it is."
"I fully agree with you, Voldemort. Oh, before I forget, Lucius will be having a party at the Malfoy Manor this weekend. He and Dolores will be having some of the Undesirable's gathered up for their entertainment."
Voldemort nodded his head. "I'll gather up the rest of my supporters and by the end of the week, we'll take the Ministry. It'll not be a problem."
"Very well, I shall see you when needed." With that said and plans made, Albus took his leave, leaving some of the Yeast Rolls for Voldemort to try.
Malfoy Manor
That weekend, at Malfoy Manor, a party was in full swing. All those in attendance carried the Dark Mark. Some, had it by Voldemorts' own hand, others' had it by their desire to support Albus and thusly the Lady Hogwarts Magic impressed it into them by their own desires and willingness.
Of course, the 'guest of honor' being Voldemort himself, sitting in attendance and having Wormtail tending to his every whim and desire.
Down in the Manor's Dungeons were scores of 'Undesirable's' plus a few Muggles, all gathered up by Umbridge's followers who worked at the Ministry. Bellatrix was there, sizing up Umbridge as an almost worthy opponent.
"Bellatrix, nice to see you here. Would you care to join me in some mutually satisfying entertainment?"
Bellatrix nodded her head in agreement. "Of course I would, but first, lets get something straight, first. My Lord and Master, Voldemort is MINE! Not yours! Keep your wand off of him."
"I fully agree with you, Bellatrix. My Wizard is Lucius. This evening, I'm here for my own entertainment and yours if you are so inclined, and later, I will be joining Lucius privately. I'm giving myself to him tonight. He will be making me his witch. After I leave, they're all yours." Dolores waved her wand at the prisoners.
"I'm glad we each know where the other stands. Now, shall we?" Bellatrix waved her wand and they commenced. For many hours the prisoners endured much painful tortures, a few survived, many didn't. After the two left, a few prisoners escaped and thus began the stories of the true horrors that Umbridge, together with Bellatrix, perpetuated on the innocents. None were exaggerated, they were supported by full medical evidence and Memories extracted and shared in a Magical History Museum. The Horror was beyond anything ever seen.
Morning broke at the Manor and deep in the Dungeons there was seen a beautiful young woman, gathering up the survivors, both the living and the dead and transported them all away. No one in the Manor even asked what'd happened nor who did the 'cleaning'. Everyone assumed someone else did it and was glad they didn't have to. What no one knew, then, was that the Lady Hogwarts took them all back, those who didn't escape, and tended to them, bringing many back by use of Time Turners of her own design. Life, for her was just too importance and rare to just throw away. These 'survivors' were the ones who provided the basis for all the descendents knowledge of what'd happened and the true nature of their oppressors. In later generations, those who were there and treated by the Lady Hogwarts were treated lovingly by the magical world for the rest of their days. They were the true Hero's.
The next morning found Umbridge and Lucius in the same bed, sans clothing, all tangled up in the sheets. She was definitely the worst for wear. She'd accomplished all her goals, but at a terrible price. The Mark she carried, wasn't just a slightly visible one that most carried, but was dark, Blacker than any black she'd ever seen, it was exactly like Lucius' Mark, in that it actually MOVED! Just like Lucius' Mark!
Narcissa was no where to be found. She'd left the Manor with the clothes on her back and a Gringott's Expandable pouch. Her Mark was that of Potters'. She was headed to see the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black - one Lord Harry James Potter-Hogwarts. Seems under certain conditions, she was eligible for a dissolution and reinstatement back into the House of Black carrying her maiden name. She was now Lady Narcissa Black and forever free of the Malfoy name, and responsibilities.