~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ Chapter XIX ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~
Dumbledore ground his teeth as he sat before what was basically a tribunal of Goblins, his own accountant at his side as the Minister, Madams Umbridge and Bones and the four reporters sat off to the side to witness this meeting. Griphook sat before a him at a single desk as the other Goblins sat in raised chairs behind him with a darkened alcove raised much higher and behind them.
"Hem, hem... as to why are we here?" Umbridge spoke up, smiling like she rather have her teeth ripped out with repair tools rather than talk to any of them.
"As I stated, Madam, Lord James Potter's orders were quite clear as are the current Lord Potter's. Mr. Dumbledore has overstepped his boundaries on multiple occasions, one of which resulted in Lord Potter vanishing for most of his life, presumed dead." Griphook tells her with a sneer so fierce it could curdle milk. "Not to mention that as the papers have stated, upon his return to British soil and attempting to exchange Muggle currency for Magical currency, we, the Goblins of Gringotts preformed an Identity Test. Upon learning that Lord Potter was indeed alive and well, we quickly preformed an Inheritance Test, to make sure we handed him everything he needed. However in doing so, it activated one of many contingency plans Lord James Potter had set into place before his death, one of which was a full in depth audit into all of his accounts."
"I fail to see what this has to do with the Headmaster other than that he claimed Magical Guardianship of Lord Potter and it turns out he never had permission to do so as well as the legal issues of him claiming Proxy to Wizengamont seats that were not his to claim either." Amelia speaks up politely. "May I have some clarification?"
"Certainly, Madam." Griphook nods at her, she was another one who had earned, if grudgingly, the Goblins respect for her unfailing beliefs that everyone deserves justice and respect until proven otherwise.
"May I, Manager Griphook?" A Goblin on the third right spoke up.
"You may while I get together my evidence." He nods and sets about shuffling papers around.
"To answer your question, we must first give a bit of history. While we believe and follow Lady Magic, Human and Creature alike, there are other Deities and even Entities at work. Lady Magic can only do so much and the others pick up the slack in her name. One such being had been summoned that fateful Samhain night. It would seem that Lady Lily Potter etched into the floorboards and the walls of the nursery around the crib in which then Heir Potter rested. Upon the deaths of herself and her husband, the being formed a powerful barrier which protected then Heir Potter. It is possible that in the resulting clash of magic, mortal verse Eldritch, a pocket of excess magic transported the toddler to safety. It certainly explains why he only recalls a forest." The Goblin explains.
"However what is not clear is if this happened before the Headmaster placed said child with his Muggle Relatives or after. As far as we were all led to believe, he was safe and being spoiled, raised to know he was a hero and would glorify in the public's affections. And yet the articles of late state otherwise. No offense to Ms. Skeeter and her credibility, but when similar articles began appearing, we were curious. And since Ms. Skeeter is very good about gathering information, it has aided us, even is she was unaware of it, in completing the audits. And it is most curious that when we used a ritual that only Goblins can use, to track the late Lady Potter's blood and magic, the blood led us to a Muggle home where Petunia Dursley nee Evans, Lady Potter's sister, lives.
We were quite confused when none of our scans showed any sign of Lady Potter's magic, but rather Mr. Dumbledore's. Nor did the scans show us any sign of then Heir Potter ever being on the property for the so called Blood Wards to be erected. In short, there are no Blood wards, never were. If indeed such powerful wards were erected, they must have formed around the home that Mr. Mors made for then Heir Potter once he came into his care. It is very possible the wards manifest wherever Lord Hadrian is. It is also possible that the wards, fueled by a mother's love and deep desire to protect her child, that caused the snake that found Lord Hadrian, to exhibit a much stronger maternal reaction than what would have normally happened."
"I do not understand... And what do you mean Dumbledore's magic was surrounding the Muggle's home and not Lady Potter's?" Fudge groused. He was by no means a stupid man, but his skill set laid in politics and the fine inner workings of legal matters, both legal and illegal.
"Then allow me to clarify." Griphook spoke up as he set folders before each person. "As was stated in the Wills of my late clients, Lord Hadrian was never to go to either the Headmaster or his Muggle Aunt. As you can see on the first page, in the late hours leading up to their untimely deaths, former Manager Gravelnook had moved several hundreds and thousands of galleons from the accounts into several others not pertaining to his clients under the orders of someone who has no authorization of any kind over these accounts or monies. Not to mention many ancient artifacts and books were also moved.
During the audit, we have looked for any documents or letters of authorization of any kind from the Late Lord Potter, but there were no to be found. Then not a full five minutes to an hour after their deaths, confirmed on the back of the first page by the family tapestry, their Wills were first attempted to be destroyed, which was logged in our Internal Affairs office, but for whatever reason was not looked into until the Audit began. As I said, when that could not be done, they were sealed and hidden away instead."
Kingsley, who was there as both an Auror and a member of the Order, frowned as he read over the information his boss stiff in her seat as she did as well and he could see Moody from the corner of his eye frowning as well. The three asked to erect a privacy ward and the Goblins informed them that they would erect them, but to please note that everything in the bank is recorded for authenticity and to ensure no one client, guest or employee is trying to sabotage anyone else. Something that had been implemented when it was discovered that Gravelnook was embezzling money and was promptly executed via beheading by Griphook. He gladly pointed that information out on the bottom of page 2 and even set out a memory orb (that Death and Lady Magic doctored carefully to make sure no one knows the truth of what happened to Harry other than the small lies they told).
The Aurors quickly put up a ward, noting that indeed some ancient magic prevented total isolation, but still allowed them privacy. Moody grumped about double checking the paperwork and evidence, his paranoia kicking in almost full force, but also he was certain his long time friend surely did not do something so stupid. He bloody damn well warned Albus about playing with lives and meddling in things he shouldn't. It's what Grindelwald had done and look what happened to him!
"Alastor, I understand you are paranoid, but I've been running scans on these files and look." She handed him the slip of golden parchment, the rainbow lettering of Lady Magic's decree unmistakable, impossible to fake and even harder to refute.
"Ma'am, I do not know how I feel about this... I might be too close to this case... However I will be sure to hand you my Pensieve memories before I turn in my robe and badge for the duration of this fiasco... Alastor, you know me, I will not stand by nor support something that goes against my morals. I will always help where I can, but I cannot be as close as I am to this matter and still keep my morals without hexing someone into the afterlife and back, just to do it again." Kingsley states, meeting the grizzled former Auror in the eye.
He nodded with a deep grunt. He could not fault the man, he knew Kingsley and he's sure that clumsy girl Tonks will pull out of the Order or attempt to at least because as far as the two Greenies knew they were the good guys and were there to protect the people. But then again, their stay in the Order was very tentative at this point because of all the heavy fines and rather ugly fallouts in the public eye that has happened over the years. Moody was certain that several others would pull out as well, which will not sit well with Albus and Moody's seen what happens when things do not go Albus' way. People get hurt, reputations get ruined and they end up with another Dark Lord trying to take over.
Amelia was not stupid, she could hear the unspoken side convo, even if she did not know what it was about. However, she was a Badger and badgers were known for their dogged stubbornness, especially Honey Badgers. Both men sensed the icy tingle of her magic and knew they were not off the hook. When they could find nothing else to discuss, the barrier dropped and they were allowed to finally hear Dumbledore trying to play everything off as a misunderstanding, that he actually had permission from the Potters to authorize those payments and to remove those items. For 'safety reasons' and that he was unaware of the Wills being sealed or the embezzling. As for the whole Blood Wards issue, he again claimed ignorance.
He could not say anything about Harry since the child had gone missing before he had sent Hagrid, the bumbling oaf, to get the brat after his parents were murdered. And even then the Goblins confirmed that Harry was never brought to his aunt's home, which he now had to scramble for an explanation or a lie... maybe the baby vanished en route? But then they would question why he did not report it or some such. Shit.
"If we are ready to continue?" Griphook drawls and Dumbledore wanted to wring that smug bastard's little neck! "To answer your question, Minister; as I stated before. We tracked Lady Potter's blood and it led us to her sister's home, however the wards we found around the home did not have even a speck of her magic in them. They were registered to Mr. Dumbledore. At the time we did a quick scan looking for Heir Potter, we have a list of what the wards are, but have not looked at them." He hands over the list to Amelia, who begins reading and hardly a second later she is on her feet, looking like an avenging angel as she glares at Dumbledore.
"What is the meaning of this!? Obedience and Loyalty Wards!? Modified Submission and Aggression Wards!? Monitoring wards especially keyed to any child on the premises! And with visual and audio no less!?" She shouted and Griphook had to fight not to smile in glee. The implications alone were damning.
Why would any adult have monitoring wards, with visuals and audio, who was not an overly paranoid parent? He could see the reporters were writing furiously, shooting the Headmaster nasty glares. Rita in particular looked like a Shark about to go into a feeding frenzy with her vicious grin.
"Please explain yourself!? And don't you dare say it's a misunderstanding or that it is for the greater good! Clearly Lord Hadrian went missing sometime between his parents' murders and his supposed arrival with his Muggle Aunt! How did he get there if he ever did and certainly why would these wards be in place instead of the Blood Wards!? In fact, Mr. Griphook, was it? Could you please explain what exactly are Blood Wards and how they work please?" Amelia all but snarled, sitting down and glaring at everyone now.
"With pleasure, Madam Bones. Blood Wards are one of the oldest, most ancient and powerful wards to ever exist. In fact, Blood Wards have been used since the time of Merlin, if not invented by both him and Lady Morgana. Their duty is to create a near impenetrable barrier that acts like the Fidelius Charm, but unlike telling someone a location, the person it is keyed to must accept you as a close friend or even family for you to be able to find them or their location. It can be modified based on what is needed and is usually bound to the blood of either the person it is keyed to or familial blood." Griphook quickly explains.
"If I may, cousin?" a Goblin center left spoke up. At Griphook's nod, he continued, "Based off of what we saw of the rune work, Lady Liliana Potter modded the wards to prevent those who wish her child harm in any fashion to be unable to find him and should they somehow manage to do so, her love and magic are infused into his very flesh and makes his touch deadly to those who carry ill will toward him. The Barrier function would settle around wherever Lord Hadrian deems home and would create a protection on par with that of Gringotts. As long as he is safe and happy, the wards hold fast and will even strengthen with each person he sees as a close friend or family.
So if the Dark Lord were to attack Lord Potter, if he got passed the barrier and were to touch him, he would burst into flames or turn to dust. It is uncertain what will happen, but his death would be quick and it would be painful." The Goblin said. "As the Master Warder of Gringotts it was my duty to study and research the array Lady Liliana used and it is one of the most impressive ones I've seen in my long years, it is a pity a brilliant woman perished. I would have enjoyed a talk with her."
This shocked them, a Goblin admitting a Magical impressed them!? Even singing praise!?
"I see..." Amelia croaks out, getting over her shock.
"The Array is on page 6 if you wish to see it and have the Unspeakables study it further. I do not think such wards can be replicated without similar parameters as these were originally made. However I believe a similar set can be made to better protect one's home and and family." The Master Warder said once more before he sits back and goes quiet.
She nodded and quickly flipped to the Array and read the notes on it as did the others, impressed by the simple design, but complex layout and that the woman had carved them all in just a handful of seconds before her death. Dumbledore on the other hand was mentally cursing. He should have kept the woman alive, she'd be useful for creating powerful and devastating wards. He was also cursing because he's unsure if he would be killed if he touched her brat. He certainly had plenty of ill will for all, not just the brat. He could find a way around it if he needed to, especially in order to get the boy pregnant once he finally confirms if he is an Omega or not.
He also needed to quickly end this meeting and deal with the Reporters before they published anything! He needed to also deal with Bones and Shacklebolt, Oblivate them if he needed to. Umbridge was corrupt enough to delude herself into whatever fantasies her mind conjures up on her own. Fudge is pretty easy to manipulate with the right words, coins and a few well placed spells and potions. And he also needed to do something about this damned Goblin before he ruined even more of his plans!
"Now then, not only have you taken money that is not yours, you have also been in control of several seats that were never yours to begin with either, Mr. Dumbledore. Lady Magic will be invoked to see if you truly had permission-"
"Now, that's a bit dramatic is it not!?" He cut off the Goblin who looked sourly at being interrupted.
"It is upon my request." Harry's voice cut in and they all turned to see the new Lord Potter and his Elvin shadow walking into the room. "Sorry for being so late. I learned quite a bit just now and needed time to recover." He apologizes and they can see his eyes are red rimmed and he still had tear tracks on his cheeks. "I would feel better if I double checked. If you did have permission to use my seats, then you have nothing to fear. But I believe we had this discussion once before. I am merely confirming things. Also I would like to know who do you think you are to meddle in the affairs of others. From what I'm am learning and have learned, you almost seem to be setting people up to be killed for one reason or another."
"My dear boy--"
"I am not your boy nor am I dear to you, sir." Harry cut him off coolly.
"We were at war and even if the war ended that night it was a mess for a few years to sort things out after. Do you know how many were lost, how many children were like you, suddenly without parents?" Dumbledore went for guilt and manipulation, but Harry did not even look at him, instead he was greeting Kingsley and Madam Bones. Alastor grunted at the boy, eyeing him up and down confused.
"According to the Laws of the Round Table, any and all monies and properties belonging to the deceased are to go to the closest living relative unless expressly given away by the deceased prior to their death. Written authorization and at least five witnesses are needed to confirm these proceedings. This law is the base for even Muggle Inheritances As such, it is your word over what is fact. The fact is, my parents wrote out a will and it was sealed away illegally. It begs the question if you are responsible for it since you seem to be the one who has any knowledge of what happened with my accounts and money. Not to mention that during the audit, I was informed of who all took money from me and why. Most of it was you and the reasonings are beyond me, but I will note that thankfully Manager Griphook has been quick and efficient in preventing further issues." Harry stated.
Dumbledore wanted to scream at that moment. This boy was destroying years of hard work all because he can't leave well enough alone! Oh whoever Mors is, had better be glad he is dead because Dumbledore would kill him 1000 times over if he were not! Damn that bastard!!
Somewhere in the Divine Realm, Death gives a strange shudder, a weird rattling noise reminiscent of a sneeze and Chaos looks at him.
Brother?
I~am~well~sister...~I~believe~I~pissed~off~that~idiotic~Nanny~Goat.
Oh~joy!
The pair laugh as they plot some fun in another universe, Death eager to see what they could bring about when messing with either the World's Mightiest or perhaps breaking and recreating the Magical Timeline... maybe they should go see Chrono, he might kill them if they do not warn him...
Harry glared at the Headmaster, even if he sensed Death's amusement wherever his Papa Mors was, he would not tolerate any disrespect to his only parent. He could read the old goat's thoughts and he found them very disrespectful.
"I'm sure this is all an misunderstanding!" he tried and Amelia looked ready to scream.
"There is nothing to misunderstand. Former Manager Gravelnook allowed you to remove monies and items from the vaults, none of which belong to you and we can only assume it was you who attempted to destroy the Wills and when that failed, ordered them sealed and lost. Many people's reputations have been ruined due to you messing with money that was never yours. You have been fined, as well as them, but most of the items have not yet been returned and if they are not returned within the week, we will seize all of your accounts and any items of equal or greater value than the missing ones."
"You- you can't!"
"We can and we will." Harry tells him. "Headmaster, I will make this perfectly clear: I had very little respect for you before all of this, and now I have none. My parents did not trust you as far as they could spit and made it abundantly clear that you were to have very limited, if any at all, access to me outside of schooling and even then if I had done something that would land me in your office. I also do not appreciate you harassing me at school and I certainly hope you will have the good grace to back down.
If you force the issue or cause me further issues, I will enforce the Blood Feud decrees. My seats are to remain where I placed them with my approved Proxy in control. They know exactly what I want and how I want to vote. Anything and everything dealing with me and my seats, my investments, my life will be magically sealed from you regardless if you are the Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock. Furthermore, I will be preforming my duties as Lord Gryffindor and have the school thoroughly examined top to bottom by a team of Goblin Warding and Cursebreaker experts."
"There is nothing wrong with the wards!" Dumbledore nearly shouts, looking wild eyed.
"I felt something breech them O'Hallow's Eve, something my fiance felt the need to dispatch. If the Madam would like confirmation, I have Legolas' memories right here in this jar and the memories of two professors who double checked the breech and confirmed the Creature's death." He pulled three vials out and handed them only to Amelia, despite Moody reaching for them. "Once you see what it was, you will understand my concerns. And Headmaster, you can protest all you like, can poster all you wish, but it will not stop what needs to be done. Welcome to the new world order where you are not King." Harry smiles sweetly, but it does not meet his eyes and and Dumbledore can only sputter. "My friends, if you would please execute the contingency plans and of course take the pay from the main account, I would be most thankful. Your Majesty, thank you for presiding over this meeting and thank you for allowing me to have your time."
He bowed to the darkened alcove where a deep voice echoed out in a chuckle as the Goblin King assured Harry that he was providing him fascinating entertainment and information. Legolas stood and bowed as well and they left.
"Wait, where is he going!?" Fudge sputtered.
"Lord Potter does not need to be here since we are nearly finished." Griphook states. "Your are all witnesses and enforcers to make sure that this grievous miscarriage of power is corrected. In doing so, some of you will save yourselves from a similar fate." He smirks and Fudge gulps. "Now then shall we finish?"
Dumbledore was going to murder everyone and make that brat pay when he finally got everything back under control...
Harry sat at the vanity in his and Legolas' joint room, he was idly playing with his hair as he let his mind process the day's events. He got to hear his mother and father's voices, see paper imitations of their real forms. He felt glad, but his heart ached something fierce. Regardless of seeing their ghosts, speaking to them, it was not the same as hearing them alive and full of love. Time was stolen from them and every reminder made the ache in his heart resurface. But he was glad his parents weren't as blindly faithful to their murderer, regardless if he got someone else to do it for him. The vault his mother had mentioned was actually the Emrys and LeFey Vaults. He had to pass three tests and got to speak to Merlin himself, Morgana and Mordred, the most powerful Witch and Wizards of their age.
It turns out that Merlin set up seemingly impossible parameters to name his heir since he was never able to have children with his husband, Arthur. Morgana was his direct ancestor with Mordred being his other Ancestor since he was the son of Arthur and Morgana. They spent days talking, even if in reality it was mere minutes. He learned so much about himself and his position as a Devi, his role to rule and balance out Magic once more. Couple that with his status as Master of Death, he was essentially the second coming of Merlin. Which made said man laugh good naturedly.
They bestowed him with knowledge long lost and the magics of their respective titles along with making a Trifold ring to protect him. They promised if he needed them they would come when he summoned them with the Stone. He had wandered the vault and found so much and yet nothing. But then he saw the letter from his mother meant for him when he turned 13.
To my darling Hadrian,
Happy birthday, sweetheart! Today you are turning 13 and today is where you will step into your role as Heir to the Families your are to inherit, but not yet. As well as taking your first step as Lord to the Families that need a Lord. If our Wills were obeyed, then that means you know exactly what I am talking about and are ready, even if you still have someone holding your hand. First and foremost, your father and I are very proud of you! We are watching over you always and will love you no matter what.
Now then, if you got a letter From Gringotts stating that they wish to speak to a Lord Emrys, that is you, sweetpea. You see, your father had me tested after we had finally gotten pregnant with you with help from a geneticist. We discovered that the Evans family are from a cadet branch to the Slytherin line that went Squib 5 generations ago on your grandfather's side. However on your grandmother's side of the family, they were descendant of the LeFey Line through Mordred. Do not, I repeat, do not, tell anyone this! Do not reveal this unless it is absolutely dire. Besides the Peverell Family, everyone has been trying to get their hands on the Vaults, monies and knowledge within the Emrys, Pendragon and LeFey vaults for generations!
If you think your life is hectic now because your a handsome young man with a title or two, imagine the living nightmare it would be if anyone found out you were related to the Morgana LeFey! Though I should warn you, if you somehow meet certain expectations and pass certain tests, that I was not informed of, but simply told I would know when it happens, you might find yourself with the lovely title of Lord Emrys... Yes, baby, Merlin himself, the most powerful Wizard in all of history. Lord Slytherin must be so proud of one his greatest pupils. Yes, sweetie, this means if you are in Slytherin, I am proud of you! Your father is pouting, but he's also proud of you.
Well I left a few journals and I'm sure if you look around you might find a few enchanted knickknacks that will allow you to talk to your grandma Morgana and grandpa Mordred somewhere around here, and if you pass those prerequisites, then expect to find something that allows you to chat with your Grandpa Merlin as well. Be safe and I love you my dear Harry.
Love,
Lily Potter(Mummy)
It had been very interesting talking to them indeed, but now he had more power and say. He was effectively the Queen of all Magicals(he had to chase away naughty fantasies of climbing into Legolas' lap and calling him his King before it devolved into passion's territory). What was he going to do? How would he do it?
"You've gone where I cannot follow..." Legolas' smooth voice startles him and he blinks back into the world around him, feeling dizzy as colorful spots dance about his vision.
"I'm sorry... I'm still reeling from today." He admits. "I feel like I've fallen into the sky and have no way to stop myself nor can I find land or something to grab onto." Harry admits, letting his hair go as Legolas begins to comb it, something seen as very intimate between Elves and Dwarves alike.
"You are tethered, beloved... You are tethered to me and I shall hold you to earth with all that I am. You need not fear." He promises, leaning in to kiss Harry's neck and nibble it a bit.
Harry shivers and mewls, turning his head away in submission to allow his mate further access. They had been slowly progressing into such acts, before they had to worry about Sauron and his ilk, and then arriving here had been planning, setting up, more planning and school work. But they did not mind, they were finding that not only were they emotionally compatible, but physically as well as mentally. Harry turns to seal their lips in a kiss and moans as Legolas grabs him close and tight, the feel of the Alpha encircling him was dizzying in such a primal way, he felt weak kneed and wanted to drop to his knees then and there.
However, the rose tinted mood abruptly vanished with a knock on their door. Harry whines in displeasure and tries to ignore the person, but when they knock again, he gives up and allows Legolas to go see who it is since he's still in his dressing gown. Legolas was going to kill whoever was on the other side of the door for interrupting them. Though he was unsure where it would have led or how far they would have gone, but now they would never know! He opened the door enough to be seen, but not enough to allow entry or much space to force entry. However, he blinked as he saw Madam Bones. He opened the door a bit wider and leaned on the door frame.
"My lady?" He asks, giving a polite bow of the head to the titled official.
"Forgive me, your highness, I know it is nearly bedtime, but I needed to speak with Lord Potter and mayhaps yourself if he does not mind you being present."
"I do not mind, Legolas, please allow her in." Harry says, wrapped in a bathrobe and with warm slippers on, his hair was braided and pinned in a loose bun on his head, his dressing gown replaced with soft cotton sleep pants and one of Legolas' casual tunics.
They moved to the sitting area and Legolas set up the fireplace as Harry asked if she would like anything, tea or a snack?
"Tea if you do not mind..."
"Milly, rose and lavender tea please?" Harry asks and soon enough a service tray is sitting on the coffee table with three cups, some nibbles, a full teapot and the fixings. "Here you are..."
She accepts the cup and quickly doctors it as the couple do the same to theirs.
"I know today has been a very trying day, emotional for everyone... However, I need to speak with you about what was learned today about Dumbledore and thus the stories and rumors surrounding you. I know you did that interview, but this is for legal purposes, so could you please clarify the following questions?"
"Of course, a moment please." Harry gets up and fetches his Pensieve and gets it ready before sitting it off to the side. "Just in case if you need better understanding and I cannot explain it any better."
"I understand. Alright, as far as everyone has been led to believe, you were taken to your Muggle Aunt and were being raised by her and her family. We were told you would know everything you needed to know about the Wizarding world, including your duties as an Heir and later a Lord. We were led to believe that you were spoiled, a mini James Potter. Not to be disrespectful to you or the dead, but your father was a real right prat in school and was one of the biggest bullies there." She says seriously.
"I know... Uncle Sev told me about their confrontations and fights, but he also tried to add in something nice. I know it took my dad getting married and my parents having me to finally help him mature. While I am sad he was a bully, it does not change the fact he went toe to toe with Voldemort and died protecting me and my mom. That is the man I know and love, not the him from before."
"Very well spoken." Amelia nods with a small proud smile on her lips. "Back on topic: we were expecting another James. While indeed you look like him with your mother's eyes and her softness, you are nothing like what we were led to believe. In fact the whole Wizarding world went into hysteria when you did not arrive for your First year or the years to follow, we had to declare that you were presumed dead." She explains further. "This in turn granted Dumbledore more power since as far as we knew, he was your legal Magical Guardian and that your parents had set things up so he could take care of everything while you lived a nice life. But now that had been completely tossed on its head and the ramifications will be far reaching if we do not do something now and clear the air."
"I understand and do not wish to make your job harder on you. So if you are ready, ask away." Harry agrees.
She nods and looks down at the roll of parchment that had her questions and space to write her notes with his answers. When she was ready she looked up again and began.
"I do not wish to dredge up traumatic memories, but what do you recall of that fateful night, if anything at all?" She began. "Do you recall ever being placed at or living with your maternal aunt?"
"As I said to the reporters, I do not remember, at least consciously what happened that night. I can only assume that my parents were getting me ready for bed when the attack happened. I sometimes see it in my dreams, my mother crying. There's crashes and shouting. I can hear my mother begging to spare me before she lets out one last piercing scream before a flash of green light. After that my first memory is waking up in the forest, Aldeztaile curling around me and pushing some fruit at me to eat. I do not recall what actually happened nor do I ever recall anyone besides Aldez and Papa after he found me." Harry tells her as she jots down his reply and a few quick notes.
"Alright. So since you do not recall that, you certainly have never met with Albus Dumbledore?"
"Ma'am, the first time I met him was when he called me up to his office my first night in the castle to try and coerce me into re-sorting from Slytherin to Gryffindor. He implied someone hexed or jinxed the Hat to not place me in my 'rightful House.' While I admit I am not aware of a lot of things, but I read and pick things up quickly. This so-called Inter House Rivalry, if it was indeed started by the Founders, should be more of a team building, friendly competition. From what I've seen, heard and learned since arriving, it's anything but friendly, it has led to Blood Feuds between families, stereotyping and worse of all, Slytherin's reputation is all but salvageable because of one man.
Did people honestly forget that if Salazar was so anti Muggle, would Merlin, who everyone worships, have remained his student? Merlin was born from a Muggle mother and a Dragonlord, a very powerful Wizard. Morgana was a Gryffindor, and we all know what happened to her when she strayed. So this whole dogma of Slytherin being evil and Gryffindor being good, makes no sense. Even so I fail to see why my being in Slytherin would make me evil or that it is the 'wrong House' as the Headmaster claims just because my mother and father were Gryffindors."
"Huh, I forgot about that... we do not bring up which House the Three are from because we focus on what they did, accomplished..."
"Exactly! Voldemort for all the trouble he caused, is a brilliant man! From what I learned of him through hearsay, mind you, he was the youngest to get a masters in every subject before he strayed and began his reign of terror, Professor Snape beat the Dark Lord's record by being only 20 when he got his mastery! Voldemort, if from what I heard is true, was 24. Before that no one under the age of 30 ever got their Mastery in Potions." Harry pointed out. "And they are both Slytherins! Professor Snape's works are heralded the world over, everyone is vying for his skills, his attention. I've only been reading the Potions Monthly since I arrived in Britain and I've noticed Professor Snape's always on the cover and his research or inventions are always the highlights of the magazine The Dark Lord actually made it possible for most of the laws that many use today, right this moment, because they help to protect us. The revision of the Statute before the First Wizarding war was his accomplishment!"
"What?!" Amelia chokes as Harry nods. "You should read over all the documents before the First War finally broke out, you will find a few interesting things. The raised requirements for Mediwitches and Mediwizards was also his idea, the laws that state Potioneers need a Mastery in Healing as well as a Basic Healer's license to brew? His idea. There are things he came up with or helped revise and we use them. So I believe that if I should cross his path, I will try for diplomacy before I am forced to draw my wand and blade."
"You would talk it out?" She wonders, completely forgetting about her planned questions for the moment.
"If you were expecting me to simply attack and kill him unprovoked, that makes me the bad guy. Think about it, if this 'Madman' as he is often called, truly was insane and only wanted death and destruction, why go through so much trouble to try and improve our laws, to set up bills and proposals to locate Magical children in the Muggle world and get them tutors at the very least to teach them about our world, to properly train Muggle parents to handle their child and the surprises that come with accidental magic, just to kill off the people you are trying to save? Did you know I am not the first one to propose the Orphanage idea? Voldemort actually had several bills and proposals implementing a foster care and adoption agency for Magical children who are being abused or abandoned.
If he came up with these ideas that never saw the light of day until I found them, revised them and set them up in a way that no one could argue or risk becoming a Pariah at large, then certainly if I were to extend the olive branch, I see no reason why we could not sit down and talk it out. If we could end this war with as little bloodshed as possible, could come to an agreement, a truce, something to spare us the devastation of the last war, would you not take it? That is what I am not understanding when others ask me if I'm ready to avenge my parents' deaths. Telling me to make sure I cast first and hard so he cannot possibly defend himself and kill him so we can finally be at peace.
My parents chose to fight. They chose a side and made themselves targets, when they pulled out, it was already too late. Their choice ended up costing them their lives and leaving me to deal with the consequences. However that does not mean I want Voldemort dead. I will certainly ask him for an Honor Duel and fight him fairly. I will not kill him just because he killed my parents. He could have gone after anyone that night, you, the Weasleys, the Malfoys! He could have gone after anyone and it would be that child in my place now. They have choices: peace, vengeance or nothing at all. They do not have to do what others order or even expect of them." Harry tells her and she sits back thinking.
"I believe... you have given me plenty to think about and I believe from what you have said I do not need to ask you anything further... well pertaining to the years you have been missing. From what was learned today, what are your plans moving forward?"
"Well I'm sure Griphook has given you copies of the audits, lists of the money and items stole or still missing as well as lists of names. Those who did not realize they were stealing as well as those who knew full well and chose not to care. I will be pressing charges, I will be claiming back what was stolen because if it was you in my place, your family's money and history being stolen, I'm sure you'd do the same."
"I'd hunt them down myself and take it back by force or take it out of their hide... I am not the Head of the DMLE because of my charm. I've a wicked spell list and dueling your father certainly honed my skills." Amelia nods in agreement.
"You'll have to tell me about those some time. As for my relatives, they are not your concern since I was never in their care and have met only them once. They left much to be desired, but oh well, they are not in my life and I am not in theirs, they have nothing to do with me anymore and that is how it will stay. As for the Headmaster, I have already informed him that as Lord Gryffindor, I will be issuing changes and implementing them. I've heard of how wonderful Hogwarts was, but now that I am here, it pales to the stories.
Once upon a time she was a grand castle and her students legendary, but with Headmasters like Dumbledore coming in every few generations, she's fallen out of grace and right now we are the laughing stock of the Wizarding Schools. I plan to change that as soon as I am able. And with the recent discovery of my fellow Founders' Lords, I am certain we can correct what we can, offer extra courses for those who graduated but wish for further education either in general or in a specific class, while making this school much better for the students still attending and for those coming in."
"Very well. You realize that pressing charges means that this will be brought up before the Wizengamont?" She asks to be certain.
"I am. I will impress upon them that I may be young, but I am no fool. Papa Mors did not raise me to be one and if push comes to shove, I'm sure I can destroy you with a few words and a gesture. My family holds a lot of say and that is only the Potter Family, nevermind the Gryffindor name or even the Peverell name. Not mention I'm also Heir Black and Heir Slytherin."
"Indeed... I would rather stand with you or at least to the side rather than be in your path... You remind me of Lily, she was always very calculating in her revenge. Something she passed to you, I always thought she should have been a Slytherin with how she behaved at times..." Amelia laughs before she quickly finishes her notes, her tea and stands. "I believe I've taken enough of your time, I apologize again and look forward to an invite to the Yule Ball."
"No problem, you needed to make sure everything is going through the right channels and that I did not suddenly change my mind or lie. And of course, I look forward to seeing you and Susan." He smiles as he guides her to the door and bid her a good night.
He walks back over to the sofa and flops onto Legolas' lap as the Elf laughs and kisses him.
"Ugh, when I came back I half expected to be fighting, not playing chess!" Harry grouses before he gasps and sits up. "Chess! That's it!! This is all one big chess game to Dumbledore! He's been playing both sides of the field this whole time and now that his key Pawn is no longer his, but now the person sitting across from him and moving the pieces out of his reach or control, he's not happy! Why didn't I see it sooner!! Legolas!!" He kisses his mate and then runs out of the rooms heading for Severus' chambers. The Elf blinks but shakes his head and grabs his homework to finish it while he waits for Harry to get back...
Severus will admit that very few things shock him anymore, most things do not rile his anger nor is he easily fooled, but after spending the last hour listening to his nephew's epiphany with Tom at his side. He can admit he felt like an idiot and it pissed him off to know he had been nothing more than a chess piece and was shocked he did not see it sooner. Tom was no different from him. They sat stock still in their ire as Harry paced, thinking.
"Alright, nephew, what is it you are thinking?" Tom asks.
"Well we are already dismantling Dumbledore's carefully constructed palace of lies and false light. His support base has been severely shaken, but has not been fully compromised yet so he still has some power and say, but how much is what we need to focus on. I also pointed things out to Madam Bones, things that you set up and fought tooth and nail for before your fall into madness. She looked rocked, but not so much as to abandon anything or anyone.
She looked determined. Do not be surprised if you receive an official summons or a personal letter from her. I know at some point my history is going to be brought up again and asked about again, but by that point, I hope we've at least left Dumbledore with the bare minimum so that when he does try something, not only will everyone finally see him for the monster he is , but also that it is not something we cannot handle." Harry muses, pausing as he thinks.
"He's already pissed with you for being at the Will reading and has been demanding I bring you to heel, reminded me of all the pain and torture I suffered under James, but also stabbed at me with mentions of how Lily would feel if I bullied you too much." Severus sneers. "I am also to plant this at the next Death Eater meeting, I had Minty look it over and she said it was so heavily soaked in dark magics, it was a wonder it did not come alive. Compulsions, mind altering spells, bindings and number of other nasty things, Keyed to specific people as well. Most of them are aimed at you, Tom."
Tom gives a wry laugh, glaring at the seeming innocent box of bonbons. As if Severus would ever do something so out of character as to bring treats to a meeting. Severus was more likely to bring in prisoners as well as a bottle of Shade Wine for only the Inner Circle. It is as if the old man was trying to set his mate up as well.
"I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be a double edge sword. When someone realized they were somehow poisoned, they would try to find out who brought the contraband and if they are smart enough, would realize it was you. Thus painting you a traitor and you would die, leaving Harry without protection in Slytherin."
"You insult me, Uncle Tom." Harry says as the man looks at him confused but then Harry smiles and croons lowly. Tom is suddenly in snake form curled around Harry and snuggling. He even gave the snake equivalent to a purr. "See?"
Tom blinks and jumps off, landing back on the sofa as a Naga, glaring at Harry balefully. Said raven haired young man almost giggles himself silly.
"Alright so what are we going to do? What can we do?" Severus asks as Harry begins pacing again, thinking.
"Well Dumbles has always been a greedy fool and since we revealed ourselves as the Founder's Heirs, he will do whatever he can to get us in his web. He has easier access to Hadrian and Neville Longbottom, but that does not mean he will not attempt to get his hands on Enperadorea and Verasev. Already I've seen three letters, though they are untampered with for now, but it will not be long before he tries something. And because we all have our Lord and Heir Rings, he would have to go full on Dark, boarding on Black Magic to even hope getting even one of us under his thumb."
"If he uses that, then he has no defense since 89% of Dark Magic and all of Black Magic is still banned."
"Huh?"
"Oh... did I not tell you?" Harry smiles evilly, "I may or may not have found several treasures while looking for the Diadem and gave them to Lulu who may or may not have sent them to our four favorite reporters who have been doing lovely articles about so called 'Evil Dark Arts' as we've been taught in the last 50 or so years. And did I also not mention that I got this lovely letter as Lord Gryffindor telling me what spells and potions can now be taught, what ingredients can now be purchased in bulk for my resident Potions Master to begin working on to find out how strong or deadly they could be. After all I did request the man with the most skill to test them out." Harry holds up a letter and Severus all but snatches it from him.
As the man reads, Tom begins laughing deep and gaily, it was pitched high and reedy and then at a sudden interval, it bleated out. It reminded Harry of the Muggle character from the American cartoon about a sea sponge. Tom slapped his hands over his mouth and Harry laughs, choking on air as he does so, making Tom glare at him.
"Your laugh is so cute, Uncle Tom!" Harry grins and Tom points at him with his tail, a silent, 'tell anyone and I will end you' being glared at him.
"...I have not seen this, Lord Gryffindor... care to hazard a guess as to why?"
"Because the Headmaster wants to keep you to himself." Harry says, "If you manage to get these potions made and tested, prove that they are not harmful and that they work just as well as 'light' potions or even better, then you will have a sudden influx of customers, so much so that you will have to resign as Potion's Professor and open your own Apothecary. And as we all know Dumbles cannot have that. Since I'm sure he's taking a percentage of your wages as is because you are 'using school supplies' to meet your orders that you can fill out that do not require constant attention. It also means that the ICW will also force the matter, and Dumbledore thinks himself a King, both Merlin and King Arthur rolled into one."
"... How soon can I start?" Severus asks. While he enjoys teaching, he would prefer teaching smaller classes and even then students who actually wanted to learn Potions. While Potions is needed for almost every job, they need at the very least the OWL Level Potions skills. If Severus can do this and get his freedom from the old man, maybe in a few years, he will come back and teach only OWL and NEWT level students.
"The ingredients will be arriving tomorrow evening via Goblin courier. As well as the needed items from the vault that Dad left for you. Have fun, oh and be sure someone covers your detentions. Maybe Professor Nubia? She seems sweet, but she can be brutal. Her defense lessons are brilliant actually." Harry grins. "If she can teach first years 100 ways to kill a man with a quill, imagine the punishments she's able to cook up!"
"..." Tom looks at Severus with puppy eyes and Severus scowls at him.
"No! You are not recruiting her!" Severus states.
"Besides, I do think if you did ask, she is more likely to dress you up in drag and make you sing popular Muggle songs." Harry warns before he looks at the clock.
"It's past curfew and I left Leggy alone in the room. I better go. Night Uncle Sev, Uncle Tom!" He hugs them both, pecks their cheeks and then pulling his Invisibility cloak out of his pocket, he vanishes under it and is soon out the door. Severus and Tom head into his room to get ready for bed, Severus reading over the official letter again, itching with excitement. Tomorrow was the last day of class before Midterms and Mock Exams, so he had a week to at least do his preliminary round and a few days after that was Winter Hols and that gave him a month to do in-depth testing! Tom took the letter to read for himself, even as he wrapped his coils about his husband and shushed him to sleep.
"We will have fun tomorrow night, I'm curious to find out what toys you get to play with, beloved."
"Just don't be surprised if I do not eat or sleep much and sex will be all but nonexistent as well."
"I'm certain." Tom chuckles and kisses his queen. "I only need the piece from Nagini and we can try the spell..."
"Of course... I will have to see if it or the potion works for my Arda cousins, though it is too late for Arwen... she's given up her immortality to live with Aragorn." Severus muses as the excitement dies down and sleepiness begins to muddle his thoughts. "I hope it works... watching one's mate grow old and die sucks..."