JK Rowling owns Harry Potter, the star of the show. She is the creator of the world this story exists in.

FASA owns Earthdawn, who I borrow many ideas from.

I plan to focus on this and the next chapter in this story before going back to Casting Shadows. My goal is to wrap up through Sirius' trial before diverting any attention to my other story. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

Sirius Black is awaiting a trial in Britain, but he was cleared by an ICW hearing and now Britain is taking heat internationally for their treatment of him. Sirius Black has activated magical penalty clauses in a number of contracts Arcturus Black created that have caused a profound loss of wealth among many of the pureblood families, impacting their ability to support Voldemort. Wars aren't cheap, and now there's a lot less money.

Fudge is trying to weasel out of any personal lawsuits and is using the trial as a leverage point while also publicly siding with Sirius on his mistreatment. Amelia Bones has made public the outcome of her Peter Pettigrew's interrogation and it is now clear that the Marked Deatheaters willingly took the Mark and are guilty as sin. Sadly, they cannot be re-tried in court, but they have definitely been found guilty in public opinion. Fortunately for Fudge, it was the previous administration that cleared them. Fudge has been shrewd enough to publicly distance himself from the families he used to consort and trade favors with.

Harry finally recovered the 'Horcrux' containing his father's incarnation and was able to absorb James' incarnation into himself. In the process, he recovered and bonded with the Everliving Flower, an ancient rose that is somehow connected to an ancient Elder Elemental named Oakheart. Oakheart is working to rebuild and repair his magic, but it takes time.

Last Chapter Recap:

Harry started therapy and is beginning to realize it's not so bad. The Dursleys are also getting a bit of therapy as well. Harry was able to meet with both Ginny and Hermione before they caught the Hogwarts Express and he leant Ginny his Firebolt. Harry managed to reach his Dreamscape again, but his parent's incarnations told him that he couldn't visit too often as his core was under 'repair'. In six to eight months, he should be healed up enough to use magic, but full healing would take longer. Monthly visits would work, but more frequent would slow his healing. Home schooling has begun and Harry has no concerns about getting his OWLs. Harry faced one of his childhood tormentors and emerged with only a black eye. Unfortunately, the police became involved and Harry had to call his therapist to come and pick him up.

This is where we pick up.

Dance of Death—

Chapter 23. Stuff Happens

4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging, Surrey

Saturday, September 30, 1995

The ride back to #4 Privet Drive was quiet. Dr. Gaines didn't say much, but she gave Harry the occasional reassuring smile. Harry was mortified beyond belief. But he was also rather pumped. He took out Piers, a kid that was a lot bigger than him, without breaking a sweat. Piers had been a thorn in his side as long as Harry could remember. Had it not been for the other two goons, he'd have escaped without a scratch. As it was, he had a good bruise forming at the top of his cheek beside his left eye. What had really amazed him was the way the Bobbies had acted. They were fair and professional. Actually, they were pretty nice.

They pulled into the driveway and Harry brought Dr. Gaines inside. He prepared her a cup of tea and sat down at the table. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia would be home soon. Harry proceeded to tell Dr. Gaines all about the fight and the events leading up to it. She listened carefully, but didn't say much. When he wrapped up, she just said she was proud of him for trying not to fight and for standing up for himself when he had no choice.

Harry ran through the whole event again once Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia came home. Aunt Petunia was distraught and Uncle Vernon was enraged. Harry got a glimpse of the Uncle Vernon he once feared. Dr. Gaines spent more time calming them down than Harry. In the end, Uncle Vernon was back to a normal color and very proud of Harry. He hated that it happened, but he loved that Harry stood his ground and fought Piers. Putting the bully in the hospital was icing on the cake. Dr. Gaines wrote him a prescription for high blood pressure. It was the same strength he was taking, but had a diuretic component added to it. She privately told Petunia she was worried about him. She recommended a different general practitioner.

About an hour after she left, Bill came by. He had heard about the altercation and wanted to make sure Harry was alright. Apparently, the ministry tracks muggle police reports, and this one had Harry's name all over it. Dumbledore was trying to calm down the various 'interested parties', but at least it happened far from Harry's home. As it turned out, the address had been changed before anyone could get to the police report. Still, this was viewed as a huge security risk.

Bill didn't stay long, but Harry knew he'd say more tomorrow when they had their training. He did give Vernon and Petunia an address to use in Sunbury. Vernon didn't like it, but he recognized the need after what Harry had told him when he came home from school last year. Bill could sell snow to a penguin. Harry suspected memories would be altered to keep his residence safe.

Dance of Death—

4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging, Surrey

Sunday, October 1, 1995

The next day was Sunday, Harry woke up with a dark ring under his left eye. Great. Apparently the blood had pooled up while he slept. Well, he earned it fair and square. Hey, at least the swelling was mostly gone. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia took Harry in to give his statement. It took about an hour and a half. Sergeant Ambrose was there, but Constable Stewart was off. Piers had a lot of history with breaking the law and he was looking at more serious punishments. The other two boys had no prior infractions and were getting a slap on the wrist. The hardest part was seeing the faces of their parents. They were crushed. Harry actually felt bad for them. They made a point of coming over and apologizing. They forced their sons to do the same. It was awful.

Was this how Dumbledore felt about the Deatheaters and their families? Did it explain some of his refusal to use lethal force? Harry shook that train of thought off. These were fifteen and sixteen year old kids. Deatheaters were adults who went around murdering people. Still, he couldn't help but wonder, did they start out that way? There was something weird about that mark Voldemort uses. Harry could tell it corrupted the bearer, but how much? If Dumbledore had been their teacher in school, would he have trouble seeing them as adults? The old man better wake up…

After giving his statement and leaving the station, Harry and Petunia worked in the garden and tended the rose bushes. Harry definitely had a stronger affinity now. It was scary how much he could tell from them. Amazing plants. The Oak tree in the back yard was looking healthy. In a few years it would be nice and strong. A central point in the back yard.

Dance of Death—

4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging, Surrey

Monday, October 2, 1995

The next morning, Harry had his 7AM training with Lou, but this time Uncle Vernon was with him. He wanted to discuss Harry's training before going into work. He instructed Lou to train Harry harder and faster, which put a confused look on Lou's face. Harry was already progressing at a blistering pace.

When Lou heard about the 'attempted mugging', he caught on and said, "Ya want him to learn ta street fight. Not just boxing." So, Harry's routine changed a little. He was still learning the same skills for when he was in the ring, but Lou hesitantly taught him a few other tricks.

He showed Harry how to use head butts, his knees, elbows, a few of the nastier things that get you disqualified in the ring. At the end of their session, Lou took Harry aside and said, "Normally, I'd neva teach this, but yer a good kid. Just don't use it in da ring." They would devote about a third of their time practicing these techniques, the rest would be standard boxing.

Harry preferred the normal Boxing training, but he could adjust. Had he simply kept his wits, that one goon never would have gotten his arms around him. Now he knew he could have thrown his head back and broken the kid's nose. Of course, in the heat of the moment, it's hard to think like that.

Harry insisted on keeping his schedule and jogging home. The distance wasn't that far and he refused to live afraid. In truth, he was nervous. One of the other gym members approached him as he prepared to leave. She was about 5'4" in height. Mid-twenties with brown hair and eyes. She had an athletic build, but was kind of clumsy. She had joined up about the same time he had a few weeks ago.

"Hiya sport! Nice shiner ya got there. Mind if I jog with you?" Harry looked her over carefully. This wasn't normal. People don't just ask to jog with other people. She was too old to be 'interested' in him and she didn't really even know him.

"I'm actually kind of a solo jogger. Sorry." He stretched a bit, waiting for her to leave. But she didn't.

Waiting a moment, she added, "Bill asked me to watch you."

Harry looked at her a moment and kind of chuckled. "Little late, aren't you?" Then Harry looked at her suspiciously. "Yeah, I'll take my chances. No offense, but I don't know you." Harry was thinking about his next steps in losing her when, with a smirk, she handed him a small note. Harry opened it and noted that it was in Bill's handwriting.

Harry, this is Nymphadora Tonks.

She is now assigned to you for security and will make sure you get home safely.

I'll explain later during your home schooling.

PS – Don't call her Nymphadora.

Bill

Harry read the letter twice. He opened his perceptions to see if it was enchanted. He may not be able to use magic, but he could certainly sense it. Yep, it was enchanted. It may be a trap, it may not be. It looked like Bill's handwriting. Still…

"Ok, Ms. Tonks. I need to use the restroom first. I'll be back in a minute." Harry noted she flinched when he called her 'Ms. Tonks'. Where had he heard that name before?

Harry went inside, walked toward the rest room, and then ducked out the side door. He was pleased with himself for all of three seconds, when he heard "Wotcher, Harry." And the side door clicked shut. It locked automatically.

She was waiting for him. Smiling. Maybe she was OK, maybe she wasn't. Tonks… Tonks… He knew that name. Figure it out later.

Harry tossed his bag in her face. It was a nice, smooth motion and he followed the bag up by charging at her, only to veer off at the last moment and hook her ankle with his foot. He heard a commotion, but he didn't look back. He sprinted full speed around the building and off toward his house. He knew plenty of back yards and side streets he could cut through. Still, sprinting that far was exhausting. He finally reached his back yard after climbing a fence and collapsed in a patio chair. Well inside the blood wards.

His heart was beating furiously as he struggled to catch his breath. His legs were burning and his lungs were too. Maybe he overreacted, but it's better to be safe than sorry. He had gotten so fast over the last few months, sure a few neighbors may complain, but he covered a lot of ground. A little scratched up from some bushes he ran through, but he learned not to let something like that slow him down.

"Wotcher, Harry."

Once again, he saw the smiling form of Nymphadora Tonks. Only now she had bright pink hair. Well, she got through the blood wards… She was probably OK. She held out a glass of water for him.

Harry focused on the glass, it was not magical. He took it and sniffed the water. No scent. He was thirsty, but not that thirsty. "Thanks." Nymphadora looked amused as he sniffing the water.

Bill then stepped outside as well. "Harry, didn't you get my note?" He looked both amused and confused.

Seeing Bill brought an immense relief. "Yeah, but it was enchanted. So, I thought it might have a compulsion or something." Harry broke into laughter and settled back in the chair. "So I guess I can drink this without having a Bezoar in hand."

After drinking almost the entire glass, Harry wiped his mouth and, imitating Mad-Eye Moody, he proclaimed, "Constant Vigilance!"

Nymphadora laughed hard at that. Bill just groaned. "I didn't know you could still do that. The enchantment made it so only you could read it. We should work on training you to recognize different enchantment signatures."

Nymphadora did a double take, "Wait, you can do that? Sense magic?"

Harry stared at her for a minute. "Yeah. I've always been able to. Since my accident, it's a lot more sensitive." Looking at the woman, Harry suddenly recognized the hair. "So, Ms. Tonks, were you at my fight Saturday? And how do I recognize your name?"

"First of all, you can just call me Tonks. Everyone else does. And yes, I had a ring side seat to your 'prize fight'. I would have prevented the whole thing, but you're pretty fast and it took me too long to catch up. Then you were kicking tail and I thought I'd let you finish up. The Bobbies got there right before I stepped in." Remembering the other question, "You may know my name from my dad. Ted Tonks."

Harry groaned loudly. "Arrrggg. If you had led with that…" Damn. He could have had a leisurely jog. She was the 'psychotic about her name' daughter of Ted and Andromeda Tonks.

Bill interrupted, "Come on inside, Harry. We need to talk."

Uncle Vernon was at work and Aunt Petunia was at a garden club meeting. It wasn't unusual for them to be out when Harry had his home schooling. They settled in at the kitchen table and Tonks was looking through his Ancient Runes study book. She was obviously impressed. She should be. Harry knew he could get an 'Outstanding' on his Ancient Runes NEWT tomorrow if he took it. Well, if he could power up the runes, that is. Soon.

Bill passed Harry yesterday's edition of the 'Daily Prophet'. With a groan, Harry looked at it. 'Boy-Who-Lived Attacked by Vicious Muggles!' Oh, no. No-no-no-no-no. Reading a bit further, the article detailed how poor Harry Potter was outside trying to get in a bit of physical therapy, when three vicious muggles attacked and beat him. Apparently, he had been bedridden all summer and this was his first time out of the house.

Harry looked up, "What the hell? I was publicly seen in Diagon Alley weeks ago! Bill, you were with me… Who prints this garbage?"

"It gets worse, Harry. Apparently, they beat you to within an inch of your life and you barely survived. You're recovering with 'around the clock care' from healers."

Harry knew Hedwig would be back in a few hours with correspondence from Ginny and his friends. Great. Just great. He would be inundated with mail. Crappy-ass 'pity mail'.

"Ok, so people think I'm battered and beaten, I've had worse." Seeing the grim expressions on everyone's faces, he added, "Really, who cares what people think? As long as they leave me alone, then I'm happy."

Bill caught Harry's eye and explained, "There are factions that are lobbying to take you into protected care. What with you being so damaged and all. Unable to defend yourself." Letting that sink in, he added, "The same factions are lobbying for the removal of laws designed to protect muggles."

Harry had a bright idea, "Why not just go for a stroll down Diagon Alley? Let people see I'm whole and healthy? Every time I go there people stop and point."

Bill made a small noise, "That was one possible option we considered. But the Deatheaters will probably be expecting that. If they were to trick you into touching a portkey, or just attack at random… It's just not worth the risk."

"Well, when the hell is Sirius getting his trial? That will end this craziness."

Bill gently proceeded. "So, Sirius' trial was pushed back a third time. He is now scheduled to have his trial on October 31." Knowing what that date meant to Harry, Bill just waited. And waited….

Harry sat silently. This can't be happening. Not that day. Any day but that…

Tonks reached out and rested her hand on his arm to calm him. It didn't work.

Harry began looking at them both. "You're not telling me everything. What else?"

"Sirius is scheduled to have his trial presided over by Octavius Rowle. The man is not a Deatheater, but he is a sympathizer. Unfortunately, he was the judge that cleared most of the Deatheaters that used the 'Imperious Defense'. Now, we know the darker families have lost much of their fortunes thanks to Sirius' law suites. Hell, by most estimates, Lucius Malfoy has lost almost half his wealth. Most of his liquid funds are depleted and he's having to sell off his assets. Assets he desperately needs to rebuild his funds. No doubt You-Know-Who is burning through what's left. The Deatheaters can't bribe as many officials as in the past. They're all twisting."

"Shite! Bill, you and I both know that 'Octavius' guys is crooked! He'll throw Sirius through the veil just for fun. Wait…" Harry remembered the first point. "Who wants to house me in protective custody? Not the Bones family, I hope."

Tonks softly said, "No, not the Bones family, although they offered. The primary candidate… would be the Malfoy's"

The room was silent as death. You could hear a pin drop.

Finally with a look of horror, Harry asked, "What. The. Hell?" He wondered if this was a prank. It had to be a prank.

Bill bit his lip. "They need gold. We're guessing they want to access the Potter vaults. Compared to the Malfoy or Black Vaults, the Potter Vault was small, but Lucius is desperate. He probably really wants to ransom you back to Sirius as well. Likely, you would be returned in… rough shape."

Harry was shocked. My god, he hated the Malfoys. He wished he could just wipe them all out.

Like Lou always says, timing is critical, "When would they try to take me?"

Tonks assured him, "Well, you're under ministry protection until the trial. As a trained auror and a cousin, I was able to get on your protection detail. Amelia and Dumbledore helped." Harry scoffed at the idea of those two helping, but Tonks chose to ignore it, "Then, once Sirius is found innocent, you should be placed in his care. And Harry, he will be found innocent, no matter who is presiding over the trial. It really is an open and shut case."

Harry thought about her words. "So, why the fear? What's the problem?"

Bill answered quietly. "The concern is that a hostile judge presiding over the trial might prevent you from being put in Sirius' care. Sirius would have to pass a mental exam before he would be seen competent and the presiding judge would have final say." Bill was trying hard to present a calm and quiet facade. Otherwise, Harry might freak out.

Harry was amazed at how convoluted this all was. "So, Sirius would be… what?"

Bill calmly continued, "Sirius could be deemed unfit and you would be placed with another family. Unfortunately, it looks like the Malfoy's are in a good position to be that family. Ted is planning to step in and have Andromeda, Tonk's mother, claim guardianship. Albus has already agreed to the transferal, but it's all up to the presiding official. Apparently, much of the detail Ted found, regarding Dumbledore's failure as a Magical Guardian, was also found by the Malfoy attorneys. The Black attorneys are legendary, but it all comes down to the trial. And the presiding judge."

Harry knew he was in hot water, but what about Sirius? "Bill, if Sirius is found mentally unfit, what else could they do to him?"

"Theoretically, they could toss him into a state run mental health facility. But the Black Lawyers would reign havoc down on Britain. Also, it would look horrible internationally. Realistically, they would block his ability to vote in the Wizengamot. His votes would be managed by an appointed third party related to him." After considering it moment, Bill decided to tell it all, "Likely the Malfoy family, due to Narcissa and Draco having blood ties to the Black family."

"Wait, Andromeda has just as close ties. And if she were my guardian, she would have the heir backing her…"

Bill smiled, Harry was catching on. "Right. Which is why the Malfoy's need a presiding judge who would rule in their favor. You bring a lot of votes plus the ability to ransom a fortune from the Black Vaults."

"What if I just move to Switzerland? Leave Great Britain for good. Hasta la Vista…"

Bill nodded a bit, "If you left now, Sirius could never come back as it would look like he was avoiding a trial. And you would always be a target. No matter where you were. At least in Great Britain, the Order can protect you. But in Switzerland? It'd be tough. And again, the Deatheater families are likely making plans for that to occur. Let's call that, the final option. And Harry, there's no way you will ever fall into Lucius Malfoy's hands. Dumbledore has already agreed to a massive offensive if that happened. We'd get you to Switzerland and hope for the best."

Tonks caught his eye, "So, for now, I'm your security detail. Trust me when I tell you, the alternative to me is far more restrictive. No more giving me the slip." Waiting for Harry to nod, she added, "Where you go, I go. For the next month, I'm like your shadow. And I plan to teach you a few extra skills to stay alive. Especially now that I know you can sense magic."

Tonks didn't see any point in sharing how close Dawlish came to being Harry's 'keeper'. That would have amount to little more than house arrest.

Harry quietly asked, "Maybe we can skip today's class."

"Sure, Harry. If you change your mind or want to talk, we'll still be here." Bill knew anything they covered today would be quickly forgotten.

Harry got up and went upstairs.

Tonks looked at Bill and said, "Well, that went better than expected. The warming charms helped. It must be near freezing in here now. And what's with the piney-roses? Not a bad smell, but unexpected."

Bill considered her question as he had been wondering the same. "No idea. The piney smell's not new, but the roses are. Little bit of oakiness there, too."

"You don't seem very surprised, Bill. He's supposed to be a squib now, how's he doing this? The temperature drop alone is amazing."

"I'm used to Harry doing wild stuff no one could predict. When I first met Harry, he had just turned 11 and had transformed his eyes to have night vision. According to the eye doctor, he had managed to partially transform his eyes to that of an owl. Probably around four or five years old."

"Bill, he wears glasses. Owls have excellent vision…" Now Tonks was smirking.

"Nope. Owls are far sighted. Extremely so. Harry had 'Owl Eyes' so long he soaked it up a bit. He needs glasses to read comfortably. Have you ever seen him play quidditch? He finds the snitch first every single time. Ever notice how he moves his neck more than his eyes? He doesn't even know he's doing it. And that magic sensing? Brilliant. I had no idea it was still working."

"But, he's a squib, right?"

Bill raised his eyebrows and said, "I wouldn't count him out. Honestly, the accidental magic started up about a month ago and it tends to happen a lot. He's not even aware of it most of the time. His Aunt and Uncle say its better when he's had a good workout. Stress tends to bring it on. How many squibs can say that?"

Tonks considered what Bill told her. "Well, he needs to be prepared for what's coming. From what I saw yesterday and this morning in the gym, he can hold his own physically. Most wizards don't have a clue how to use their fists. We can also train him up on other useful skills. You know, how to tell if someone is lying. How to read a room, and how to use the magic sensing."

Bill thought about it, then winced. "Maybe we can cover a few extras. When Fillius and I were training him to duel, part of it was sensing incoming attacks. We can pick that back up. But he has a pretty full schedule already."

Tonks laughed. She pointed to Harry's book on Ancient Runes. "Bill, this is the same book mum had when she was considering a mastery in Ancient Runes. One of the reasons she went the healer route was how brutally difficult this book was. That and she's a gifted healer. Still, this is way beyond NEWT level. How on earth did he learn to this point? Seriously, can you say you aren't struggling with this too?"

"I steer clear of the Nordic and Hittite stuff. He knows that better than me. I know enough of the Babylonian and Egyptian material to keep ahead of him. Barely. But yeah, we're really in the 'Mastery' department. Most of his writing is in Demotic and Acadian. And he likes to switch hands. Someone trained him to be ambidextrous. His writing script 'leans' toward whichever hand is writing, but the right hand is slightly better. He also favored his right hand for attacks and his left hand for defense, but he can go either way. Both hands are decent at rune carvings, but he could use a little work. He could pass the curse-breaker journeyman exam tomorrow if he had access to his magic. We still throw in a bit of curse breaking to keep things interesting for him."

Tonks looked shocked, "What about Arithmancy?"

Bill smiled, "Remus is loving the higher level Arithmancy, but he's collaborating with Professor Vector. Sinistra has been giving us guidance and training material. Remus thinks she's going to approach him about a mastery when he graduates. I think she'll offer it after the OWLs."

"How is he doing in his other studies?"

"Well, Harry doesn't know as much about Magical History and while his Astronomy is good enough to pass, he could use a bit of work to get an 'E' or an 'O'. He is surprisingly good at Herbology. I'd say he would have an easy 'E' there. No point wasting time in Muggle Studies. He lives it every day. Honestly, he could take his OWLs tomorrow and be just fine.

"Bill, don't you think we should be training him to survive more than this… busy work? If he's already good for the OWLs, let's focus on the life and death stuff. The runes and Arithmancy might come in handy at this insane level, but Herbology? Astronomy? Circle up with Remus and adjust. I'll make myself available for Auror skills. Seriously Bill, If he's ready for his OWLs, why are you training him to ace his NEWTs?"

Bill thought about what she was saying. It made sense. He could shift over to more of the curse-breaker stuff and hope his magic came back enough to use it one day. Also, curse sensing and… something.

"Bill, I can provide an Auror handbook. Maybe that would help in his development. We'd have to make sure he doesn't get caught with it, but it's full of great information. I'd bet Harry doesn't know squat about the Knockturn Alley. Or any of the other shady spots in London. It's time he learns a bit more about the people he may be fighting."

"I'll talk to Remus." Thinking a moment, he rolled his eyes and laughed. He then added, "You know, Owls have great night vision, but their hearing is even better. Harry, come on down."

A few moments later, Harry sheepishly came down the stairs.

Tonk's immediately noted the teen had no poker face. "Eavesdropping, Harry?"

Harry just shrugged. Tonks immediately felt protective of the little rascal. He was a bit of a sneak, but a lousy liar.

Bill asked, "So Harry, what do we have to work with? Magically speaking."

Harry took a cleansing breath and listed his abilities. "I can still do the owl thing with my eyes and speed up my perception and reactions. The perception changes kick in automatically. My hearing is also owl-like, sensitive and directional. I can sense magic, but it's almost too sensitive now. Hard to stare at a bright light, you know? So I need to re-learn that. I think I'm still a Parselmouth. I haven't seen a snake to test it yet. My magic is healing, but I'm about a year away from accessing it. Maybe 7-8 months, but that's optimistic." Harry paused a moment, then added, "And, I'd rather no one find out about that. Especially Dumbledore."

Tonks nodded, "Well, we can work with that. How do you feel about just skipping the busy work and training in survival?"

"I'd like that. But I still want to learn more about Ancient Runes and Curse-Breaking. And Arithmancy. Let's chuck the Herbology, Astronomy, History, and learn the gritty stuff. The Auror skills Tonks can teach. If possible, I'd love to review names and photos so I know who I'm up against. Right now, I wouldn't know a Deatheater from a mailman if I met him in the street. Also, what they're good at. That kind of stuff."

Bill thought a moment, "I'll talk to Remus. But you may need a bit more History before you can pass that one."

"OK. By the way, I need a few favors. Can I get six copies of 'Beyond Dueling, How to Fight' from Flourish and Botts? Also, I need to go to Hogsmeade next Saturday. Bill, do you think Fleur can bring a French reporter? I'm tired of the Daily Prophet always getting the scoop on me and always getting it wrong. If Fudge is so concerned about 'International opinion', let's use that against the man."

Bill considered the idea. It made sense. "Where did this idea come from?"

Harry held up a letter from Luna and said, "The Quibbler wants an interview. Why not give it and include a few other publications."

Tonks liked the idea. It would take some prep, but it could make a difference. Fudge is doing everything to kill the idea that Voldemort is back. A little international pressure could go a long way. Force an investigation. Maybe get Pettigrew back on the stand.

Bill looked at Harry and said, "I'll see what I can do."

Dance of Death—

Hogsmeade

The Three Broomsticks

October 7, 1995

Saturday Morning

8:45 AM

Harry was sitting in a private room at the Three Broomsticks with Bill and Tonks. Currently, no one knew he was there. He floo'd in from Mrs. Figg's house and used his invisibility cloak to get to the private room. He had practiced this interview and had dozens of bullet points on topics to address and topics to avoid. Materials had been collected by the various Order Members to support his stories and give credence to the fact that Voldemort was back. Apparently, the politically savvy members of the order had scripted most of what he could and couldn't say.

At first, Harry had refused to exclude anything, saying he planned to just tell the truth - consequences be damned. Remus and Bill made him listen to reason. He couldn't go directly after Fudge or there could be reprisals against Sirius. Good bye trial and hello Malfoy's. He also had to be careful to prevent reprisals on Mr. Weasley. He would stick to the graveyard and his desire to be with his Godfather. He would also highlight the fact that he was the heir of two Houses and various 'self-interested' families were trying to gain access to his legacies – Both Potter and Black.

On the record, he would only give support for the ministry and the challenges it had gone through. He would discuss how he was coping with his magical injuries and how the Daily Prophet had greatly exaggerated his recent encounter with muggles for the purpose of selling more papers. Harry also made a point to share that the muggle authorities were quick to respond and were very professional. Overall, he would down play the event to three angry kids that he had a minor scuffle with. Basically, the truth. Harry planned to make a joke over it by comparing the scene to the Dragon he outmaneuvered and the Acromantula he fought in the tournament.

He also promised not to talk bad about Hogwarts. This was stressed. No going after students or faculty. Harry decided to focus on the strength of his relationship with Fillius and Hagrid. He planned to also mention how much he missed his close friends and was looking forward to seeing them when he came back for his OWLs. Harry desperately wanted to oust Voldemort as Tom Riddle, but Dumbledore forbade it, saying whoever reported that would meet a horrific death. Harry decided he didn't want that on his conscience.

Off the record, he would share transcripts of the lawsuits Sirius had filed and let the journalists do their thing. The Malfoy family would have a hard time making a legitimate claim on him once it was clear they were no longer allied with the Black family and had to pay enormous restitutions for breaking magical contracts and alliances. In addition, he had copies of the transcripts from Peter Pettigrew's interrogation under Veritaserum. How that had been obtained, he had no idea. After reading it, he realized how relentlessly Amelia Bones had gone after Pettigrew. Maybe Mme. Bones wasn't so bad after all. The Deatheater families were called out and the 'Imperious defense' was shot down. Harry would also mention that a number of ministry employees have accumulated a great deal of wealth on a Ministry salary and suggest the journalists look into it. Maybe something would come of it, maybe not.

The Quibbler was already prepared to go to press, a reporter from the New York Ghost and a French freelance reporter were due to arrive in a few minutes. Neither knew he would be here, so this would be a surprise. They were expecting a simple follow up from Fleur on the tri-wizard tournament. A fluff piece. Dumbledore had apparently called in a few favors to an ICW publication and a reporter was showing up from there as well. Also without knowing who he was interviewing or what the topic really was. Apparently, when Albus Dumbledore talks, people listen.

The quibbler would most likely print first, followed closely by other publications. Harry really wanted the Quibbler to get the scoop. This was primarily to annoy the Daily Prophet. Fleur's idea to bring a freelancer reporter was brilliant as she would sell the story to as many publications as she could. After today, everyone would know.

Dance of Death—

Hogsmeade

The Three Broomsticks

October 7, 1995

Saturday Morning

11:45 AM

Harry wrapped up the interview, but it ran over. Overall, it had gone exceptionally well. Xenophilius Lovegood may be quirky, but he was very shrewd. The other journalists took notes furiously and asked all the right questions. Now it was time to sit back and wait to see the result. Bill and Tonk's were pleased with the interviews, noting that Harry hit most of the key points and only twice did Bill have to cut him off when he went toward a 'forbidden' topic.

Amelia Bones had assured Tonks that she would not be reassigned if Harry spoke publicly, but she made a point of not knowing any more about the interview than the bare minimum. Plausible deniability. Still, the transcripts that somehow found their way to Harry said a lot. Harry would send word that he would like to meet and formally accept the rapprochement from House Bones. She had tried to make things right.

The interview wrapped up and Harry was apparated alongside Bill to a spot near the Hogs Head Inn. He had planned to meet Hermione there at eleven, but his interview ran long. She was forming a Defense study group and he said he would support her. Harry quietly walked in to see Hermione taking signatures on a piece of paper. No one noticed him at first, but that didn't last.

Luna looked back at him as waved. "Hello, Harry." Hopefully she wouldn't mention the interview.

"Hi, Luna. Hermione. Hey, Ginny." He also gave a nod to Neville. Ginny came over and hugged him.

Hermione beamed, "Harry, thank you for coming. We were just talking about you and your fictitious injuries." Hermione was as direct as ever.

Katie looked back and said, "See, fit as a fiddle! I told you I saw him months ago and he looked fine."

Harry smiled a little. "Yeah. The Daily Prophet is not a very reliable source."

The other students moved toward him and started asking questions. They were all the standard type of how are you? Are you doing better? When will you be back? Etc. Harry answered most as vaguely as he could, but made it clear he would be back for a mid-year check in and for the end of year OWLs. He was fine, but his ability to use magic had still not healed. Yes, he got in a fist fight, but he won the fight and emerged without a scratch. Fortunately, his Black eye was fully healed up with a little help from Tonks and an 'Episkey'.

Then, Katie asked the big question, "So Harry, is it true? Is You-Know-Who back?"

"Yeah, he is. And the Prophet is doing everything they can to cover it up."

Some blonde Hufflepuff scoffed, "So you say. I want proof before I believe that."

Harry struggled to place the boy. Zack or Zachary something… "Well, how about this? I disappeared for a very long period of time. My magic was shredded in the ritual that brought him back. Peter Pettigrew was unconscious when I managed to escape and return. According to the prophet, Pettigrew was the lone perpetrator. So how could he do all that, then fall over unconscious. Keep in mind, according to the prophet, I'm bed ridden and near death. They don't have the best track record with reporting the truth. But whether you choose to believe me or not, you owe it to yourself to get decent training in Defense. Hermione helped me prepare for the Tri-Wizard Tournament and she can help all of you pass your Defense OWLs."

Even the students that seemed to doubt his story agreed to that point. Ron, Fred, and George eagerly supported him. Why hadn't they support him last year? Yeah, he was still a little bitter. But, for Ginny and Bill's sake, but he hid it. Katie, Luna, and Neville were supporting him all the way. So was Colin, but that was to be expected. Angelina and Alicia gave their support. But in their case, it was probably just guilt. Susan and Hannah did too, but not Ernie. He was surprised Susan looked so supportive. He had sent her last letter back to her after using it to line Hedwig's cage for a week. Forget Hannah, he still remembered her smirking at him in the courtyard.

"Hermione, I picked out this book." He held up a copy of 'Beyond Dueling, How to Fight'. "I think it's the best out there for learning and using… standard defensive spells." Bill walked over and placed the other five copies on the table.

Cedric came over and looked at it. "Thanks, Harry. This'll help." Cedric had plenty of confidence. He kept making eye contact. He seemed to be trying to… be nice? Who knows? Harry made a point not to look at Cho.

Being around so many people… So many of which had turned on him, made Harry realize how much he wanted to leave. Horcrux or not, they made him nervous. With the adrenaline spike came shaky hands. His body was reacting the way it did before an attack. He didn't feel safe. Time to leave.

Harry managed a simple excuse for leaving, "I hate to go, but I'm already late. It was… good seeing you all." He gave Ginny a brief hug. "I have to run. We'll get together soon."

Ginny could tell the attention was freaking him out a little. She knew the signs. His hands had begun to tremble. Cedric and Katie had seen it too, she knew Harry would be embarrassed if anyone said anything.

Ginny smiled, saying, "It was great seeing you, Harry." With a small kiss, she walked him out and said goodbye.

Harry quickly exited the building where Bill and Tonks Apparated him away.

Dance of Death—

4 Privet Drive

October 21, 1995

Saturday Morning

The last two weeks had been tumultuous. The Quibbler printed the interview first and got everyone's attention. In response, the Ministry actually threatened to ban the sale of the quibbler, but that only served to greatly increase its circulation. Within three days, numerous foreign newspapers were running the story. Fudge was forced to publicly recognize that the Daily Prophet had made 'mistakes in Harry Potter's condition'. Because Harry never spoke out against him or the Ministry, Fudge was able to say he was 'on Harry's side'. However, he still claimed 'You-Know-Who' hadn't returned and there was no need to panic.

Public sentiment now believed either Voldemort had returned or there was a new Dark Lord. Peter Pettigrew's transcript is what really pushed it over the top. Amelia Bones claimed to have no idea how foreign publications got the transcripts, but she noted that they were intended to be public record. The Malfoy's and the other dark families were under international scrutiny now. Many of their business partners were hesitant to do business with them. Sirius had dropped his legal action against Fudge, but made it clear that if his trial was pushed back one more time… He'd turn loose the dogs.

Amelia Bones met with Harry and had tea. It was very cordial and she seemed greatly relieved when Harry formally accepted her rapprochement. Harry said he would consider an alliance once he was of age and looked forward to better relations. He didn't bother bringing up the past. He may never forgive Hannah, but Susan wasn't any worse than the rest of the school. And Amelia was giving him a great deal of support now. Harry did make it clear that he wasn't giving up his magic and any future alliance would not be a tier one. Amelia accepted this and vowed to continue supporting him. Harry knew she really had no choice given the termination clauses in the ancient alliance, but he accepted her at her word. At least she wasn't trying to get out of it.

Harry met the Tonks' family and immediately liked Ted. With news of the Malfoy family petitioning for guardianship, Albus had been the one to ask Ted to counter petition. Now that everything was out in the open, Harry was finally able to meet the family that he was hopefully going to join. Ted was really cool, but Andromeda came across less cool and more cold. Not a mean person, just extremely conservative. She insisted on meeting regularly and starting on the training she felt Harry was sorely lacking. Estate management, etiquette, social behavior and negotiation skills. Tonks tried to bail him out, saying Harry was getting more important training. That got an icy response from Andromeda who proclaimed, "Hadrian is the heir of two houses, this is more important." Harry didn't even know his first name was Hadrian.

In the end, Harry agreed to three hours of training and two formal dinners each week. Pipsey and Dobby purchased clothes to fit him and the dinners mostly consisted of Andromeda telling Harry he was using the wrong fork and such. Tonks seemed to love watching the spectacle. After Dinner, Ted would walk Harry through a bit of law and estate management. He also told Harry a bit about what he knew of the Potter Family.

When not at the Tonks', Harry's training shifted to survival tactics. His Boxing training had taken a darker turn and it felt more like street fighting. He threw himself into it completely. He didn't bother with golf any more, and his tennis was more focused on volleying. This was in anticipation of his magic returning. His home study still included Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, but he didn't bother with the other topics. Instead, he was learning less noble skills and strategies. How to break into or out of a house. How to evaluate a dangerous setting. How to sense magic being cast at you. How to be ignored by various wards, Etc. In some ways, it was like last year, but not as much self-study. Tonks was training him on Auror tactics and what goes on in Knockturn Alley. Bill was training him to recognize curses and wards – same as before, but more focused on modern designs. Remus was adding in information of werewolves, Dementors, Acromantula, and other potential followers of Voldemort. And how to fight them.

Harry and Tonks had just gotten back from the gym and Bill met them. He looked concerned. After quickly ushering them in, he led them into the main sitting room. Uncle Vernon and Petunia were looking tense. Something was definitely up.

Remus was standing in the room as well. "Harry, there's been a development."

"Octavius Rowle was found dead."

Dance of Death—

Next Chapter will run to the trial of Sirius Black and beyond. Also, what happened to Octavius Rowle and how will the darker families react? How is Lucius holding up with the drain on his assets?

Harry is now learning skills that will help him stay alive. It just seemed silly to keep training him for OWLs when he had most of his mother's knowledge, and she was a brilliant witch. The Ancient Runes and Arithmancy are a passion of his and he doesn't plan to give it up. He still loves curse-breaking and ward setting. Tonks was trained by Mad-Eye Moody himself, now she is passing on that knowledge to Harry.

Harry will go back to Hogwarts for a mid-term evaluation and his OWLs. I see home schooling in the magical world as likely common. Many pureblood kids and their families likely take that option. Maybe they don't want their kids to be exposed to the whole Slytherin/Gryffindor feud. Perhaps thier kids have special needs of some sort. physical handicaps, learning impairments, squibs, social anxiety, whatever. Hogwarts does not seem to be well equipped for that.

I have home schooled children required to take a mid term review and a final exam each year with OWLs and NEWTs mandatory at the end of years 5 and 7. This is to ensure they are progressing in their education at an acceptable speed. This is similar to a lot of on-line schools in this regard. Harry will also get to meet a few home schooled kids. While there are likely a few test sites, the ICW determines where OWLs and NEWTs are taken. This is to prevent dishonesty on an internationally recognized test. So, the designated test sites for OWLs and NEWTs for the UK is Hogwarts. Being Harry's 5th year, he needs to be reviewed and test at Hogwarts. Technically, he could go to Beauxbatons or Ilvermorny, but that would ruin the story...

Andromeda Tonks is introduced and this relationship will grow over time. In the beginning, Harry is a bit put out with her adherence to pureblood customs, but he understands the need if he is to one day lead two houses. I decided not to write all the dinners and interactions, but let's just say she recognizes that he has had no real training. There, we just saved about ten thousand words.

Yes, the DA formed without Harry, but Hermione was the main driver in canon as well. Now she will lean on Cedric the same way she leaned on Harry to demonstrate and train in the Order of the Phoenix. Per canon, he would be a seventh year. Eventually, Ron and Neville will step up.

The interview happened just as it did in canon, but being outside of Hogwarts, I had Harry pull in a few extra newspapers. With help from the order, he had plenty of material to work with. Having Bill act as his advocate in Order meetings is a huge boost.