DISCLAIMER; HP belongs to JKR. The story line and all new characters, new character development, new developments are my intellectual property.
A/N A few important clues in this chapter.
~~~*H*~~~~~~*D*~~~
At Hogwarts-
Dumbledore's Brand of Justice.
Approximately at the same time when the Healer Pixies were at work.
"Interesting village, it seems alive," Minerva commented.
A glass ball, not unlike a Muggle Christmas' scene, was contained within a half glass dome that sat on top of Dumbledore's desk. Inside, there was a small village with a forest around, and a small stream running on the side. There were several creatures living in the village, gnomes, elves, a couple half Giants, and a mix variety of the Magical world's inhabitants. The village was bursting with life. It was a particularly clean one, neither pleasant, just a village from the long gone past.
"You don't say." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Yes actually quite real, may I pic—"Dumbledore's wand tapped Minerva's fingers.
"Tut, tut, no, cannot. The residents could well be alive. And you picking them up would be kin of an earthquake."
"Ah, an old fashioned magical prison, I read about them, but I never had seen an active one, there are a couple inside our display cases, but they are nothing like this, the other two we have are cities. Here, who is this man?" Minerva inquired as she looked at Albus, hoping to question him and actually get an answer.
She had pointed out the heavy set man in the uncomfortable looking clothing, clean shaven and with a precise 20th century hair cut, and Albus nodded affirmatively. He appeared to be the husband of Lily's sister, the one at the funeral a few years ago, he looked horrified and rubbed his eyes non-stop, as if he wanted to wake-up from a nasty dream.
"Yes, it is a sort of magical containment except only one is real, the others are my creations. This one is the real one. I had a particular concern that the Muggle authorities might not properly punish Master Potter's guardians, specifically Dursley," he pointed to the man Minerva had shown him.
"Moreover, I didn't want to alert the Ministry to the neglect and cruelty the caretakers had inflicted upon Master Harry Potter. If I had done that, I would be remiss of my own future."
Albus was smug, quite satisfied with his actions, "Surely you agree dear girl, if I were found negligent, where would that leave the Order? We need to think of the greater good, and the Order needs me now. It was a slight error in judgment, right dear?"
Minerva wasn't sure that she approved of this kind of punishment. It was another instance of self-dispensing justice. However, to turn Lily's and James son's guardians into the Ministry would serve no purpose. And it would endanger Albus' Head Master's Position.
Why had Lily left the guardianship of her baby to her careless and uncaring sister? And why was Albus involved? Her thoughts were troubling her, and considering what Severus had told her about Sirius, she wanted to keep a close eye on her former lover.
Furthermore, she wasn't sure what kind of justice the Wizengamot could dispense to Muggles. At least, in this enclosed dome, the Magic hating Muggle would be exposed to fake magic all day long, something he hated and was afraid of, and he would have to do back braking work; it was a suitable punishment. He apparently was in charge of an old fashioned eating hall with rooms, a establishment for weary travelers...
This kind of devices would supply interminable stories, and if the purpose was to scare him silly, it would do its best. There was no escape, and he would never now this was entirely fantasy, or at least, Minerva hoped it was.
"And the son and the wife?"
"They are with his sister, Aunt Marge something or other. Harry's funds have been reimbursed, and whichever has not been returned, it will be when Dursley gets out. Apparently, he was supporting a young thing that still works at the company he headed. He will be in this village for exactly 28 months. I will check upon him occasionally." He stopped and looked at her, as if he were assesing her.
"Ah, now that you know if something happens to me, and his sentence wasn't finished, please release him to the Muggle authorities. I will also share his information with Severus. Tap it with your wand and cast the spell that is written under the enclosure, to release him and the same to put him back. If you need to, cast the spell adding your name and you can 'visit' him. Food and water will last for at least ten years and up to twice that much if recharged for at least one year."
Dumbledore appeared smug, and Minerva was now seriously questioning him. Since Sirius, and she no longer knew what to think.
"I think that he will never, ever, will be a danger to Harry again. Ah, I am planning to take him out during the children's vacations; he will help Hagrid with the care of the Hogwarts' magical creatures and to clean the grounds and greenhouses. Same for his wife, she will get to spend the summer sharing his burden. Their son will stay with the Aunt. Since he is a non-magical Muggle, some precautions must be taking around the castle."
He stopped to pick another lemon drop, and he offered one to Minerva who was equally hooked on them.
"As far as Harry is concerned, we still need to find him. As punishments go, this is the safest one for the uncle. Dursley made a big mistake when he disobeyed orders and stole from me, and he hurt the child as well."
Minerva smiled; however, she was bothered by his lack of accepting his role in the boy's tragedy. She noticed that the awful treatment of the child was the least of his concerns. She wished that she knew where the child was, and if he were alive. She had really cared about Lily,' oh, Albus, what are you doing,' she thought. And for the umpteenth time since Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy had come in, she wondered if Albus were right.
Albus wasn't in charge of dispensing justice, and now he was doing that as well. Minerva was worried. Maybe, Tom Riddle had been right back in 1941, when he'd told her that Albus was the other side of the Gellert's coin, and the coin was bad no matter what side you chose. Maybe she could had saved Tom...but Albus had seduced her, what a mistake, he just wanted Tom away from her.
Perhaps Albus was equally dangerous wanting to control with benevolence. If you thought about it, at the end of the day, he wanted to rule as well. And when you decide alone, you are bound to make a lot of mistakes. However, he was committed to defend the light, and he was the only one powerful enough to do so. At least he had led them all to believe this was the case.
She peered inside the dome and located the miniature heavy set man dressed in the dated garb. The living conditions would sure resemble the time period of his clothes. These old glass containers were akin to an entire realm except they didn't extend very far.
He would be doing-back-breaking labor without the use of magic, and would be living in appalling sanitary conditions. His clientele would be magic, and probably some of his hired help. But their magic would horrify him, and would make him wonder if he was in the midst of a nightmare; he was.
Minerva was deep in thought. At least this enclosure was benevolent, except for the living conditions. There were some horrible ones. Those, she had read, there were in museums and according to the literature, they were made in pairs. Amazing, ere actually real even though many thought that they were a hoax.
They had been made by very powerful fey. They'd been used to imprison wives, enemies, competitors, and even children during short periods of time without killing them. Some had used them as hide outs during invasions; the balls would be well protected in a secure place and with an open portal.
Whereas the concept was a good idea during war times, it wasn't for everyone. The powerful magic was extremely rare and very expensive. Besides the fake balls at Hogwarts, the closest she had been to another had been in picture books; as a matter of fact, she'd always thought that they were a legend.
"Albus, is there a pair to this one; I read they were made in pairs; I don't remember the reason behind it, wait, both were activated in order to something...hmm..."
Dumbledore decided to volunteer some information before she made further dangerous inquires, albeit she was a bit off track.
"Dear girl, no need to wonder any longer, this particular artifact has been in my family for more than 500 years. It was gifted by a grateful Sithe Queen that gave birth at my ancestors' home. It can only be occupied every thirty to fifty years or so, or less depending on the complexity." Albus assessed her, and yes, he had distracted her. He took another lemon drop. Of course he didn't elaborate as to why a Sithe Queen had been at his ancestral home.
"As I was saying, It takes that long to create sustainable magical environment to last the first couple of years, then it goes fast, they charge a year in months. You decide and cast what you wish for. I had wanted to visit an actual village with alchemist and magic shop and created it for my enjoyment. I will put it on this shelf." He waved his wand an the ball reappeared inside a glass caninet.
He showed her, and he proceeded to lock the display case with wards known to both.
A shiver ran down Minerva's back. She loved Albus as her good friend and mentor, and respected his choices, but the way that he had handled Harry Potter was a source of concern. She hoped that little Harry was okay; as for the Muggle, he surely deserved this and more. The ball was nagging her, if took from 30 to 50 years to reuse the magical balls, meant that he used it around that time; maybe during the time she had been a student at Hogwarts.
Privet Drive number 4, had been sealed and wards put around it, and the neighbors simply forgot there was a house there, as did the postman and others. At Vernon's company, the deputy was called by Marge who told them Vernon had taken ill and other arrangements would be made.
Petunia lived in fear of every shadow and the darkness. And afraid of two small hawks, who sat on the tree across her window and followed her every step. But she was even more afraid of Lily, or the shadow thing that reminded her of Lily. It would often come at night, sit across her bed, and look at her reproachfully.
•●◊ PIXIES◊●•
~~~*H*~~~~~~*D*~~~
More Healings
Unknown to Minerva and Dumbledore, Harry was well, had found parents, and working as a Healing Pixie, and readying for the next customer.
At Rabastan's request to be the next customer Jeanie jumped in," I think you go next, they might learn a little more and be warmed up for the big case." They all agreed nodding their heads.
Jeanie was a bit afraid and concerned for her daughter; indeed, she was concerned for the children, but she knew that as long as they thought of it as a game, they would be fine.
When Severus went into Rabastan's mind, he thought it was very cold; it was a dank, dark place with many walls, and hidden alcoves. Sadness and hopelessness permeated the space, and small Dementor like shapes floated around.
There was little light inside Rab's mind until Healer Pixie tapped Rabastan on his forehead, and then a bright light spread around the area. She started the now familiar ritual, and the dark vapor seeping out was even darker and stained with red. Rabastan was also crying, and his body was visibly trembling.
"Miss Mommy nurse, please bring me a blanket and maybe a hot water bottle, he has the chills." The healer requested and Jeanie threw an extra blanket on the patient; and Remus cast a warm water bottle since most everyone else drew a blank.
Later during the healing, Severus saw a large vineyard forming inside the 'room' in Rabastan's brain. As the vines grew the walls fell down turning into rows of grapevines, as the exercise progressed. Severus felt as the pain in his own aching heart melted away, the treasons inflicted by so many, no longer hurt, and his dislike for Harry was nearly forgotten.
The lights around Rabastan were brighter, very close to the lights created during Harry's healing. The spirals formed around the body actually lifted him higher from the bed, around maybe six to seven inches. Everyone was quiet, Muctis Sr. who had arrived in the midst of the healing was bedazzled.
The stuff pulled out Rabastan's ears was even darker than all the ones before, and was pulsating as if 'it' were alive. Nothing to worry about because Light and Shadow were ready, and the house-elves were right at the foot of the bed. Meanwhile, everyone could feel happiness and well being taking a hold of them.
Remus' eyes were moist, he was remembering all the lonely times and by remembering them, they were all going away. It was as is one was sorting out rubbish, and after making sure it was rubbish, it all went right into the bin.
Shadow sent a net with the intent to catch the mess as it came out; Light casted the light as soon as he finished pulling. The net made crackling sounds that made the kids giggle with delight, but scared the adults. Healer Pixie continued repeating her ditty of the colors, and a little one made for Rabastan.
As before, Severus opened his eyes. Lucius immediately noticed that Snape's scowl was gone for the first time ever. There were no smiles, oh well, that would be expecting too much. Severus promptly picked up the insect in another vial, already labeled RL.
Severus wanted to go out the room to look at his arm; he had felt a strange tingling right by the area of the dark mark. He wondered and wanted to ask the Pixies to have a go at him. Maybe at the end, or even later, he had wondered if it would look bad to request for a healing, for assistance.
The kids were all a little shy with Rabastan since they didn't know him. When he came back from his induced sleep, he said nothing; he got out of bed and just grabbed the children, kissed each them on their forehead, and then twirled each one a couple times in the air, and looked at them with pure, undiluted love.
Cissy was transported to a time long ago, Rabastan was smiling, and his eyes shone with delight. "Thank you healers, I am at your disposal for the rest of my life. Everyone who is here is a witness to my vow, I am honored to serve you Healer Pixie Granger and you Pixie Shadow and Pixie Light. I am at your service for as long as you shall need me. I am your forever knight."
He bowed to them, in a courtly gesture, falling on one knee, and a circle of light went all around them, sealing his vow, he was bound to them, voluntarily.
Hermione hugged him and also kissed his forehead. "I am also ornored to be your healer, and my helpers are too. And is okay dear, you don't have to dispose yourself for me, but you can twirl me anytime." And kissed him once again, and the helpers did the same, well several times, and he twirled them while they screamed happily.
Nobody was talking. The implications were too great. What had happened here had to remain here. The children needed to grow up and have a life. Serpens knew Healer Pixie wasn't a Magic instructional book, it was a children's story, part of a series to teach magical children good comportment, basic magic rules, they were educational. Lucius had also read Healer Pixie when he was little, and surely Narcissa had as well.
The young witch and the two young wizards had obviously channeled some sort of energy, transforming it into a powerful healing charm, affecting all around, it was that strong. The beauty was that neither one of them was aware and thought it a game. And if they were aware, it was not in a conscious level. It sounded as the stories of mages and enchantresses that he used to read as a child.
Remus looked at them with awe and pride, he didn't have to make a vow, he'd already given them his heart and his loyalty.
Lucius had already decided that everyone in this room had to make an unbreakable vow to never disclose this evening; it was not even a request. He would demand it, if it came to that. The children were working some strange magic and could be target of those without scruples. People like Dumbledore, Voldemort and many others, should never find out about this.
"Severus, since you helped the children, let me help Rodolphus," Lucius started.
Serpens interrupted, "No, I am as good as, or better than of you, and I have known the Lestrange brothers since the day they were born. I will work with the Pixies; I really want to do so. However, I would suggest that everyone of you stands around the bed ready to assist."
He didn't want to scare the children but he had noticed how much larger and stronger the last mess, pulled out Rabastan's ears, had been. It was the dark magic curses, all gathering strength inside the sick adult wizards, and knowing what Rodolphus must have gone through, he would rather be ready.
The children were eating chocolate biscuits that Dobby had just brought from the kitchen, and a glass of milk. As good as their promises, they were sharing with Rabastan, and Harry gave half of a biscuit to Sirius.
"You were naughty, but you also need some." Sirius nodded his head and hugged him.
Dobby and Axel knew the children needed to refill their energy. The humans hadn't realized that the house-elves had sent them waves of magic to stay calmer and not scared. Axel had told them the gooey mess was darkness and sickness, and could enter someone else if not destroyed on time.
If Harry and Draco, or Severus had not been able to destroy it on time, any of the adults could have taken care of it. The entity was visible and had a form, because the children had read that in a book, their imagination was practical, it helped to give shape to bad things and make them visible, it made it easier to get rid of them.
"I want to go out to play before we go to visit my Grandparents, so let's finish ok. Mommy is our next is the next pachient (patient) ready?"
Mimi was playing surgery; her parents would ask Miss Frances or Mrs. Julia that question.
"Yes, Healer Pixie Granger and Pixies Light and Shadow, your next patient is ready." She enunciated patient to teach Mimi the correct pronunciation. Jeanie let out a little laugh.
Hermione was stern, "Don't laugh Miss Mommy, I am working here." Grant would tell Jeanie that when he made a joke.
The children were getting in position and climbed on the bed. Mimi paused before she started.
Rodolphus eyes were opened. He had been awake since Sirius, on and off. There were some Healers in the room. He had scanned the room, and it was full of people he didn't know. Where was he? Where was Rab? "Rab, Rab?" he sounded upset, and Rabastan ran to his side.
"Dolphus, thank god, we are at Lucius and Cissy's home."
"Where is Cissy? Is Bella here as well?" He sounded scared.
"Only Cissy and Lucius, all is well. Calm down, all will be well, Relax, go to sleep." Using wandless magic he put his brother in a light sleep, because he didn't want to scare the children.
Hermione looked apprehensive and not real sure if she wanted to do this. She was a little scared; this was no longer a lot of fun. She had touched Rodolphus' forehead when she tapped him to make him relax. Right away, she felt something nasty, something scaring Traco's uncle. "Oh, no!" she exclaimed a bit reluctant.
Jeanie could see inside Hermione and generally inside other people. She already had seen that Remus had a big dog he talked to. His name was Moony, in his mind Moony talked to him as well. It was funny; Moony must have been a dog from his youth, a little big and scary.
There was something between Sirius and Severus, it could be felt across the room, interesting. And now she could see apprehension rising from Hermione, and she was wondering if she had transferred her own anxiety to her daughter.
Serpens went in Rodolphus's mind, just as soon as Hermione had put him to sleep, and tapped her fingers on his forehead. He was inside a very cold room that smelled bad, and he could hear nasty laughter. He worried for the children, he had been all night. They were too precious and everyone shared his feelings. Thus, he would make sure no harm would come to them. What to do? He wasn't sure this was a good idea.
•●◊
My thanks to every one. I love this story, I cry, laugh etc while writing. A notice, the story line is already changing from the original. I do listen to you all's comments and ideas. As far as Dumbledore goes, I think he made many mistakes, but this is just a take.
next chapter: Rodolphus Healing, poor Pixies, this might have been too much. If I were in that room I'd excused myself...
