Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Harry Potter story or characters. I do, however, reserve the rights for any characters I develop and the plot of this story.
AN: In the last chapter, some of the minor details have been revised in response to reviews.
AN2: Again, due to the recent change in Fan Fiction's review system, if you have Private Messaging turned off, you can no longer receive review replies.
Harry Potter and the Veela Life Debts
By Jojobevco
Chapter 25
Domicile and Duchy
When they arrived, Fleur gave Gabrielle a look, Gabrielle then promptly dragged Tonks away while Fleur turned to face Harry.
"I, I could have died today, when I was facing McNair I almost froze. I would have froze except for some instinct that told me what to do, what you wanted me to do. And when it was all over, I realized that if I had died, without you, without having you, without serving you, I would have regretted it.
Fleur took a deep breath here and handed Harry a Pepper-Up Potion, "Harry, Master, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm ready."
Harry did nothing but look at her for a moment, seeming to take a moment to pull himself together, drink the potion and, for lack of a better term, pounce.
He picked her up as Fleur, knowing what he was thinking wrapped her legs around him as they started heading into the bedroom, snogging and tearing their clothes, slamming the door behind them.
A short time later, Winky popped in and looked at the clothes, sighed and started picking them up. As she was finishing she heard the loud scream of, "Yes, Yes, YES!" Winky rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers putting a silencing charm on the room before heading off to bake cakes with Dobby.
November 1, 1995
6:45 AM
Harry woke up and turned to the beautiful woman next to him, gently shaking her away, "Fleur, dear, it's time to wake up."
Fleur mumbled as she started stretching, her lattice scarred arms reaching for the ceiling, "What time is it?"
Harry glanced at the clock, "6:45." Harry looked around and came to a startling conclusion, "Where are we, this isn't my room?" He then did the next think that came to mind, "TONKS!"
A few seconds later, Tonks came bursting into the room wand drawn before turning to see Harry, stopping and tripping over the floor.
"Ow!"
Harry came running over, still in his boxers, and squatted down next to her, "Tonks are you okay?"
Tonks looked at him and smiled dreamily, "Yeah, great."
"Tonks, where are we?"
"Hm, oh, New Potter Mansion."
"What, really, I thought it was in stasis?"
Tonks sat up, putting her rather ample chest inches from Harry's face, "No, we've been renovating it."
Now, it was Harry's turn to fall on his arse, until Tonks tried to pull him up, leading to her falling on him and them ending up a pile of legs.
Fleur was on the bed, laughing and jiggling, "Do you need help down there or is this some complicated mating ritual?"
Both Tonks and Harry blushed before grabbing on the bed and standing up.
"Come on Harry, we have to be at Headquarters in a half hour!" Tonks gave Harry one more glance before leaving.
7:20 AM
Atrium
Level 8, Duchy of Magic Headquarters
London, UK
As Harry and Fleur stepped out of the Floo into his offices, a scene of control chaos greeted them. A combined group of French Aurors and British Special Ops, now all dressed like Ministry Aurors were taking up subtly defensive positions around the lobby. They all, even the muggles, wands in holsters; the muggles had their guns concealed within their robes. They were ready for action and on their marks.
Gabrielle was in the center coordinating all this chaos, they walked up to her.
"So, did you two have fun last night?"
"Oh yes, Harry is definitely not a 'little boy.'"
"Can we not discuss my sex life in the middle of the atrium?"
Both Fleur and Gabrielle looked down at their feet blushing, Tonks was smirking.
"Thank you, now Gabrielle what do you need from me today?"
Gabrielle looked at her clipboard and flipped to the top page. "You have a restructuring meeting in an hour, a press conference at 10:00 and a cabinet meeting after that, then we have prep for the trip to the US in two days and the one to Russia in four."
"They got back to us that fast?"
"The US gave us full diplomatic recognition at 6:30 PM GMT yesterday. The Russians have not gotten around to it yet but the magical and muggle portions of their government have expressed interest in meeting, separately."
Fleur pinched her nose, "We don't have time to play peacemaker for a conflict that has lasted for over 80 years."
"We may not have a choice."
Harry put his arms around them, "We have a lot to do before then, ladies, let's get to it."
"Yes, master."
Harry turned toward the elevators, Fleur and Tonks in tow. Gabrielle turned back and started yelling at a group of Aurors out of position in rapid French.
9:59 AM
Atrium
Level 8, Duchy of Magic Headquarters
London, UK
Harry was backstage collecting his thoughts while waiting for Percy, his Junior Undersecretary for Public Relations to introduce him. The restructuring meeting had gone well, everyone they had thought would be onboard with the transition was. So it was pretty much putting people in a flow chart.
Now though, he had to speak to the wizarding public, and the people who may not like such a change, he was naturally nervous, but it came with the job.
On the stage that had been set up, Percy walked up to the podum and cleared his throat, flashbulbs started going off, the reporters were poised to take notes, and the ex-ministry workers waited with bated breath.
"Good Morning everyone, I'm going to read a short statement and then introduce the main speaker. I will not be taking any questions."
"At about 6:00 PM last night, forces of the self-stylized Dark Lord Tom Marvolo Riddle, commonly known as "Voldemort" (shudder) invaded this building in an attempt to steal classified information. Leading them was Mr. Riddle himself."
Blink. Blink. Head scratching. Huh?
"In other words, He's back, Voldemort is Back."
Gasps, screaming, panic.
Backstage, Tonks started dancing and singing, "'Cause he's back, from outer space, I just walked in to find him, OW."
Gabrielle had just headslapped her, "Now is not the time for singing or dancing, and those aren't even the right lyrics."
Tonks pouted, "I adapted."
On stage, Percy held out his hands for calm before continuing.
"There is no need for panic, as I was saying, Voldemort attacked the building with his inner circle of Death Eaters and was soundly and totally defeated by a joint force of French Aurors and British Military personnel, lead by none other than Harry Potter, who is not as dead as reported."
More muttering, as pensive projections dropped down from the ceiling. The lights dimmed as an edited version of last night's events were shown, not only edited for time, but edited to increase the appearance of Voldemort's forces being soundly trounced. Harry insisted leaving in the part where Dobby blew Voldemort into the phone booth, which everyone laughed at. In the coming weeks, Dobby would be interviewed by no less than ten international and national wizarding publications and wireless stations, he would do more for the rights of House-elves than Hermione Granger ever could.
The muggle's role was also enhanced to make them seem even more dominant over Voldemort. This was crucial for the next part of the press conference.
A spotlight came up over the podium where Percy was standing, "After Voldemort was defeated and his forces were taken into custody, elements of Her Majesty's Armed Forces moved in to secure the Ministry. It became rather clear that the corrupt and weak ministry of Cornelius Fudge could not serve us well during war time. After all, the idiot buried his head in the sand for a year, giving Voldemort an advantage.
"And so, in great wisdom, Her Majesty used a loophole in the legality of the Ministry and the original Charter of the Wizards Council of 1215 to remove Minister Fudge from power."
Backstage Harry whispered to Fleur, "Laying it on a bit thick isn't he?"
"Doesn't have a choice, how do you think 'Muggle Queen chops off Minister's Head' would play in the media unless she made him look like an incompetent fool"
"Well I don't like it."
Back on stage, Percy put on a perfect sad face, although he was practically bursting on the inside with laughter, "Regrettably, Forces of Fudge, under command of Senior Undersecretary Umbridge, attempted to assassinate the Queen while carrying out this perfectly legal transition. The forces were dealt with swiftly and decisively. Cornelius Fudge was executed for his crimes and his role in the attempt."
There was no reaction to this news; everyone was too busy hanging on to Percy's every word.
Harry whispered to Fleur, "Why does this sound a lot like North Korean propaganda?"
"It's not, it actually is mostly true, with just a bit of reframing, no more harmful than any press secretary around the world. Although, Percy is getting a bit gratuitous with is praise of the Queen."
"Ah."
Percy continued onstage, reaching a crescendo, "At this point, in her noble wisdom" ("Ok, seriously, this is getting annoying.") "Her Majesty decided to tear down and do away with the corruption of the illegal Ministry and create a new government, a duchy, with one wise and brave ruler to lead us through these dark times. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Harry, Duke of Magic."
The music that oddly reminded Harry of Hedwig started playing again, as Harry performed a Spongify on the ground in front of him, leaped on it and somersaulted over the curtain, sticking a perfect landing on the stage, while in his dress Duchy Robes. He then calmly walked over to the podium.
"Good morning everyone, I'm just going to briefly go over what has happened and what will happen from here."
"I have been named Duke of Magic by Her Majesty. This was done as a swift solution to the corruption, discrimination, and security problems that have been plaguing our society. I intend to eventually restore portions of our former governing structure, after the emergency has passed. In the meantime, we have restructured our government to better serve the people. I would like to introduce you to our new cabinet.
"First is the Director of Magical Law Enforcement which will still be headed by Madame Amelia Bones. Madame Bones has served as a paragon of justice against the corruption of the former government. Under her purview will be the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol, Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, Improper Use of Magic Office, the MLE Dispatcher and Azkaban Prison.
"Next is the Department of Magical Counterterrorism and Security, which will be led by veteran Auror of both the British and French services, Sirius Black. Under this department will be the Auror Office, the Former Witch Watcher and Hit Wizard Squads, now combined into the Magical Fugitive Force, Ministry of Defense Liaison, Foreign Law Enforcement Liaison, Metropolitan Police and Security Service Liaison, Special Operations Command, and the Broom and Vehicular Assault Force.
"Rounding out the Law and Order aspects of our government is the Department of Justice under Augusta Longbottom. This department will be responsible for the judicial responsibilities of the former Wizgamot.
"The Department of International Magical Cooperation will continue as it has, with a greater emphasis on international relations.
"The Department of Non-Magical Affairs headed jointly by Hermione Granger and Arthur Weasley, will be responsible for protecting the International Statute of Secrecy as well as actively working with our counterparts in the Muggle Government, Under this Department is the Obliviator Headquarters, Alternative Explanation Office, which combines the former Muggle-Worthy Excuse Commission, Department of Misinformation, and an expert team of Muggles and Squibs with knowledge about the wizarding world. Also involved is the Muggle Liaison Office, responsible for working with all levels and departments of Government outside of Defense and Law Enforcement.
"The Department of Health, under Remus Lupin, is responsible for the Werewolf Assistance and Control Office, St. Mungo's Hospital Oversight, Public Health, and Emergency Medimagic Response.
"The Department of Inter-Sentience cooperation and Affairs, led by Dirk Cresswell holds the offices of Sentient beings, those beings that the former ministry, in a show of idiocy, classified as 'near human sentience.' Offices rolled into this department include the Office of the Centuar Representative, Firenze of the Dark Forest Clan, the Office of the Goblin Representative, Griphook of Gringotts London, House-Elf Welfare and Operations Office, headed by the now famous Mr. Dobby. We are also adding Veela, Vampire, and Merperson Liaison Offices
"The Department of Magical Creature Regulation and Control headed jointly by Magizoologist Prodegy Rolf Scamander and Adjunct Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank will handle all non-sentient creatures.
"Most other departments will stay the same with the exception of the Magical Catastrophe department, which has been given the additional role of Research Oversight over independent researches outside of the Department of Mysteries."
"I promise you all that I will continue to strive and work for better society for all of us. Now, are there any questions?"
Harry had just done away with any doubts about how much better he was than the old ministry by showing how good his plan was. Now, the questions were all, actually useful.
"Seamus O'Donald, Irish Magical Times, Your Grace, what about Ireland?"
Harry sighed and looked at Donaldson, "We are aware of the problems of having a government under the Crown over Ireland. We are working with our Muggle counterparts in both the UK and Ireland, the ICW, and the UN Magical Liaison to find a solution. However, we expect that the situation will not change for the duration of the emergency."
"Xenophilius Lovegood, The Quibbler, Your Grace, what is this Emergency, is it the Rotfang Conspiracy?"
"Xeno, the Rotfang Conspiracy was taken out along with the rest of the Ministry trash. The emergency is our current war against Mr. Riddle's forces, the Death Eaters. The Government of the UK and my Duchy has issued a death warrant against Mr. Riddle himself and authorized the use of all necessary force and actions to defeat his organizations. The gloves are off, Tom Riddle, Voldemort, will die and his forces will become nothing more than an unpleasant memory. In last night's battle we've already captured most of his elite forces. The intolerance and hypocrisy of the Death Eaters will not be tolerated anymore."
"Luc Dumont, Sorcière Hebdomadaire and Le Magic Monde, what will you see as your relationship with France moving forward?"
"Let me start by saying how grateful my government is to the French people and Government, especially Minister Delacour during this transition and the past year. Right now, about half of the Aurors and security forces protecting us and prosecuting this war are from the French Magical Gendarme. We do not see those numbers decreasing anytime soon. However, now that the governments have transitioned, we are much more open to the assistance of other countries which has previously been offered and was then rebuffed. I have a meetings arranged with US and Russian leaders over the next week."
"Follow up; you previously have not been that comfortable speaking to the press and in public, often letting spokesmen do it for you. What's changed?"
"When two of the hottest women in the world, who happen to be my Bound Companions, give you public speaking lessons naked, you tend to learn quickly."
Everyone laughed and a man in the most expensive suit in the room raised his hand, Harry called on him.
"Aeternum Purus, Mr. Potter-" Dumbledore paled significantly and drew his wand, but he couldn't hit him because there were too many other people in the way.
"It's Duke Harry, or Your Grace to you."
The reporter snarked, "Very well, Your Grace. How do you defend your fake government, mudblood cabinet, and hiring of beasts and half-breeds, and the fact that your people now answer to a filthy muggle, to the true rulers of the wizarding world?"
Harry drew his wand and pointed it at the "Death Eater!" who was surrounded by the rest of the crowd. Harry couldn't try to hit him for fear of hitting the rest of the crowd.
The man pointed his own wand at Harry and screamed, "Kánontas katharó aíma!"
Harry followed the Epic Class Dueling procedure for facing an unknown spell, "A Last Resort: Getting the Fuck out of the Way." He mentally flipped a coin and dove off the stage to the left. The spell passed through where his head was moments before and the curtain behind the stage before hitting Louis Lafleur. In a flash of gold light he transformed into a single giant drop of blood. The Drop floated to the center of the ceiling, before it started acting like a sprinkler, spraying a fine mist of blood all over the Atrium.
Chaos ensued; the reporters ran toward the exits to get away from the blood, Aurors dragged Harry and the rest of his staff toward the elevators. In the commotion, the man who shot off the spell disappeared in a flash of gold light.
10:27 AM
Duchy Operations auXillarY Center (DOXY Center)
Level 11, Duchy of Magic Headquarters
London, UK
Formerly known as the Corneilus Fudge Underground Command Center (CFUCK), the DOXY Center was modeled after Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBRa) used by their opposite numbers in the Muggle Government. Inside was a map of the UK and Ireland tied to the Duchy Magical Detection Grid, a large mirror and series of smaller mirrors, a specially hardened TV and radio kept in metal cages, and a wireless set. There was a single fireplace that acted as a dedicated route between New Potter Mansion and the DOXY Center.
As Harry took his seat at the head of the table he asked, "What was that?"
Amelia Bones started polishing her monocle, "The Aeternum Purus or Forever Pure were allied with Grindenwald during World War II. Their goals were much the same as the Death Eaters, but they were much more experienced, they'd been around since the time of the Romans, and had access to spells and magic that Death Eaters can only drool over. They made our Death Eaters look like pussycats."
"What's with all the past tense?"
Dumbledore spoke up, his voice was trembling between anger and fear, "They were thought to have been destroyed with the end of World War II and Grindenwald's Defeat. They haven't been heard from since then."
"The Spell?"
Dumbledore ran his hand through is beard, "It sounded like a variation of the Blood Maker Curse. A curse of Ancient Greek design, it's the Signature Spell of the Aeternum Purus, almost impossible to block, but it uses a lot of power."
"How did he escape?"
Sirius shook his head, "We don't know, it wasn't apparition or portkey, The wards didn't detect anything. I'm having our forces inside the building conduct a security sweep in case he's still here."
Harry turned to Albus, "Go to Nurmenguard and find out what our favorite consulting Dark Lord has to say."
Dumbledore nodded and left to go to the "portkey shack" behind the building to make a portkey to Germany.
"Fleur, coordinate with the French government to get us a new liaison officer and make arrangements for Colonel Lafleur's Memorial."
Fleur nodded, trying to stem the emotions of losing her mentor.
Harry then turned to Gabrielle, "So, what's next?"
AN: Please review, thanks to those who have
AN 2: Many of you were wondering what the fallout would be for the coup. Forever Pure is that fallout.
AN 3: These are the titles of the next few chapters
Chapter 26: The Happiest and Saddest Places on Earth
Chapter 27: The Russian Resolution and Research
Chapter 28: Voldemort's Volley