A/N: Well. This took less time than the previous chapter. :P

Enjoy.

Warning: Grammatical and spelling mistakes. Not beta'd.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Or anything really.

Chapter 43

Albus Dumbledore looked at the figure running towards the gates, carding his hand through his beard. A frown pulled at his brow, mind in turmoil. Everything had gone according to plan… and yet, it felt like nothing had gone to plan. The chamber was opened, one Horcrux was destroyed; and yet, Aurors had managed to get into Hogwarts and Harry was in a coma.

He had managed to keep the Board of Governors off his back and in the dark for the last few decades. He did not understand their sudden desire to be involved in the running of Hogwarts.

He moved away from the window, and sat back in his desk. Fawkes trilled from his perch.

Dumbledore wanted to smile at the success of his plans, but he could not muster up enough happiness. His brain refused to shut down. He had felt something was wrong ever since the younger twin was born. The boy had been a surprise to his parents. No one had known there were twins. The Potter line did not have twins, but the boys looked too much like their parents to be anyone but Potter's.

The second person to ruin all his plans had been Lucius. The man was one of the hardest to pin down, even harder than Tom had been. He had been so sure that Lucius was Tom's man through and through… and yet all his action pointed the opposite. He was too invested in protecting the Potters…..

And this situation; being possessed by a Horcrux was dangerous, but not enough to result in a coma. The moment the horcrux was destroyed, the boy should have woken up, healthy and safe, if a little traumatized. He would feel grateful for his brother for saving him, the Potters would be angry at Black, and Harry could have gone back home. The Potter family should have reunited after this.

He had been keeping watch all along. Hogwarts answered to him, the elves and portraits all. He had known everything that was happening, and pushing this along the direction he wanted had been no hardship.

But the boy.

Harry Potter.

The first Potter to ever be in Huffleuff.

The first Potter to leave his family, part of the first twin set ever in the Potter line, now in a coma.

Should he even save the boy?

He had caused nothing but worry and stress; his death could bring the Potters together, make them hate Black and also help Sebastian hate the Dark Lord further. He would want to destroy the man who killed his brother. Hmmmm.

Should he just … be late?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It took everything Marvolo had not to curse Black within an inch of his life, as he waited for McGonagall to grant him entrance into Hogwarts. Since he was entering legally-and no one knew his true identity- he had to use the front gate but the time it was taking, was making his skin inch.

Black had barged in his home, screaming 'Harry coma', and side apparated him without warning outside Hogwarts. Had it not been the combination of the two words he used and his own shock, Black would have been a smudge on the floor. Even now, anger and disgust practically oozed from Black's , making his magic twitch in displeasure.

If not for Rabastan and Harry, he would have dealt with Black long ago. Black was not a follower, his displeasure against the dark too deep to ever be removed completely. His first instinct was always anger and hatred. Marvolo had too many things to worry about than Harry's guardians sour disposition.

First of which was.. what on earth had Harry done?

Harry was never possessed. He was not under any curse. He should not even me magically drained, let alone a coma. Which meant Harry himself had done something… whatever it was, it was not good. Harry's powers were too powerful and out of his control. They ran mostly on his instinct, which was extremely dangerous.

Marvolo looked up as the door opened, barely forced himself to greet McGonagall before looking at Black,

"Please lead me to the hospital."

Black gave him the stink eye before running ahead, forcing him to run as well. Not that he would ever admit to being grateful to Black for speeding up.

The moment he was inside Hogwarts, his connection to Lucius flared.

What happened?!

I should be asking you this Marvolo? What the fuck happened in the chamber?

Nothing happened to Harry! He was not even unconscious! The basilisk and diary were killed and I woke up in my own body. I assumed you would find a safe and healthy Harry.

Then why was he under an immobulus spell?

He…..felt the pain when the basilisk's eyes were injured. He jumped up, I just froze him so that Potter would not notice.. I asked him to shut his powers and that is it!

….

….

What if he didn't shut his powers?

Lucius did not respond and Marvolo had reached the hospital by then.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lucius had not moved his hand away from Harry's foot, despite his parent's insistence that he leave. Pomfrey must have understood his reasoning for she did not attempt to remove him. She was busy reading Harry's brain waves, and had another image reading his heart beat; and was waving her wand every five minutes.

The bang of the door opening had him jolting in surprise, his hand rising away from the foot. The small line on the brain wave disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared, the heart monitor stopped and a red siren started ringing in the room.

Lucius stood numb as he was pushed aside. Time seemed to slow as he watched Pomfrey put her hands on the small chest and press. Another man moved to the other side of the bed; a wave of magic, so familiar, enveloped Harry.

Harry gasped, eyes opening wide and body bowing up from the bed as a shock seemed to go through him. He fell back on the bed, eyes shut again, but breathing. He was breathing…. A beep of the screen had him looking up in a daze to see both his heart and brain wave working… Harry was fine… Harry was fine…

"cius"

"Lucius!"

Marvolo's voice had him snapping out of his shock as he looked to the man, his world still shaking for some reason.

"Lucius, can you make a portkey from Hogwarts?!"

Lucius almost asked him why he was not making one himself, before his surrounding rushed back to him in a wave. The sobbing from the Potters, the anger from Sirius.

Lucius pulled himself together, "Yes, where?" They did not have time to discuss the matter further.

"No!" Lily spoke from her place, tears still falling from her face, "Where are you taking my son? We need to get him to Mungo's!"

Marvolo had turned to the Potters by then, giving Lucius time to look at him. His wand was out and waving magic over Harry, a strain clear on his face, "Look! We don't have time! Your son has been attacked by the blackest magic I have ever seen. Mungo's does not have the resources to deal with this! Germany does. I need to take the boy there, if you want him to survive!"

Marvolo never raised his voice; for him to do so now, meant it was dire. Lucius turned to Black, "Black, as Harry's guardian, you can decide to allow us to take him, only you."

Lucius looked Black in the eye, making it clear what the decision should be; they did not have time.

Black's hand turned into fists, anger obvious in his countenance, his voice strained as he replied, "Take him, just save him."

Lucius did not need to hear more. He looked around the room, finding one of Harry's shoe on the ground. He picked it up, and turned towards Marvolo.

"Where?"

Marvolo, who had taken to focusing on Harry again, looked up from his position, eyes wide with a panic that had Lucius's insides turning icy cold with fear.

"Dunkles Hospital"

Lucius felt his eyes widen at the name, not letting himself think over the implications as he quickly turned the portkey.

Sound of footsteps could be heard and he quickly gave the portkey to Marvolo. Marvolo put it over Harry's chest. He touched it himself before turning to the people in the room, "I'll send you an update as soon as things are handled."

Lucius understood the meaning as both disappeared from sight just as the door opened and Dumbledore came in, eyes going wide.

"What is the meaning of this Lucius Malfoy?"

Lucius took a deep breath letting his masks fall back into place. He needed to be at full capacity. He let his anger at Dumbledore, who had started this whole mess fill him, eyes glinting as he let lose.

"Saving a boy's life. Would you rather we let him die Dumbledore?"

The flash of guilt and shock going through Dumbledore's face had Lucius narrowing his eyes, icy anger thrumming through him. He let it open his senses, pushing through when before he had always pulled himself back, too afraid. Dumbledore's surprise provided the needed break, as his magic lit up, giving him paths and ideas that had his brain aching. Too much, too quickly.

Dumbledore was quick to gain control. His face smoothing and his grandfatherly persona back on, but the damage was done. Lucius felt vicious glee fill him. He had him. He knew what to do. They would win this.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Marvolo landed in the emergency room of Dunkles Hospital, red lights flashing across the hospital as a healer in white robes ran towards them. Marvolo barely paid attention, putting all his effort into keeping Harry stable. Harry had no magic to heal himself. Marvolo had also used too much magic within the span of 12 hours, he could last another few hours feeding Harry his magic, but more than that could become dangerous. He needed Lucius.

"Don't touch him!" Marvolo almost barked at the healer who was reaching to take Harry from him.

He needed privacy.

Marvolo let his binding lose. Magic flooded the hospital, turning towards the wards themselves, tying the secrecy to them. No one in the hospital would be able to reveal what was going to happen. He would not let it. His eyes bled red, the frightened gasp of the healer had a sneer forming on his lips.

"Call your best curse breaker, and leave," his voice growled out.

He looked at the rise and fall of the chest beneath him and felt anger and anguish fill him, more than he had ever imagined was possible.

You brave, loyal, stupid child. What have you done?

XXXXXXXXXX

Pain, all he felt was pain. He tried to run from it, to escape, yet nothing worked. He sobbed, but no sound reached him. He was burning.

Someone help me!

Time lost all meaning to him as he twitched in agony, his very soul burning and searching; searching for something to cool it.

Suddenly a chill spread through his body; he embraced it, a sob escaping in relief. It lasted what seemed like a second before the fire was back again, and this time it took him away and he felt no more.

XXXX

The first thing he registered was a lack of pain, followed by an empty sensation, as if his insides had been scooped out by a spoon. He tried to open his eyes but they felt glued together. Even trying to move a finer seemed to exhaust him and he felt himself float away again. He tried to keep hold on his consciousness but it slipped without care.

No!

Xxxxxxxx

When he next came to, the first thing he registered was the furious whispering next to him. The conversation barely seemed coherent to him, a few words distinguishable,

"-long?!"

"don't_"

"We have to_"

He strained to hear, hoping to catch more but it was too much again. He sobbed in his mind, as the sounds moved further away and he lost awareness again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lucius held Harry's hand, letting his magic freely move over him. It was the only way to keep him calm and stable. It had been a month; an agonizing, horrible, 'I just want to die' month. He had barely been able to keep himself afloat. Dealing with the Dark Lords fall had been easier than this. Then, he had been prepared for all eventualities, even Marvolo's death. But this.

This…

This had not been expected. He had not been prepared; not for what happened and also for his own reaction. Harry had almost died. Lucius felt a shiver fall across his back, as just the words filled him with dread, worry and helplessness; a lead ball settling in his stomach.

He closed his eyes tightly to fight the burning behind his eyelids. When had he gotten so close to the child? When had just caring and liking the child turned into his awful fear for his life. He had always known Harry was important but the rage and fear, that still ran inside him was new…. It scared him.

No one knew if he would ever wake up; and even if he did, how he would be mentally, magically, skill wise. Nothing was certain. It was too much. Dealing with this fall out had almost strained him to the breaking point. They had achieved nothing from this entire debacle. The ward stone they had found had been useless. It was in working order; weak, but something else was charging it. They still had no idea what that was.

The only good thing that came out was that the public was on their side. Dumbledore had been in a tight spot with the entire story made public, after the Aurors intervention. Dumbledore's carelessness had resulted in a Dark Object entering Hogwarts. Hogwarts was not safe. The parents had been in an uproar.

When it became known that a pureblood child had informed his father, who was on the board of governers, what had been going on, with the help of his muggleborn friend, the children and parents had joined together in their anger towards Dumbledore. When it became known that the children were all muggleborns whose parents had not been informed… Well suffice to say, Dumbledore was going to be too busy to deal with them for a while.

They had not come out unscathed though; the Potters had petitioned for Harry's custody back, after finding out about Black's negligence. How could a godfather not know that something was wrong with his godson?

Lucius had people delaying and stalling the petition, not that anything could happen with Harry still unconscious.

The feeling of Marvolo entering the room had him relaxing his magic, as Marvolo covered Harry with his own. Marvolo came to stand above him, his hands falling on Lucius's shoulders, pressing and massaging the strained muscles.

Lucius groaned as the knots were pressed, head falling down. He squeezed his eyes tight, the burning getting intense. "Why?" he croaked, his voice breaking.

He wanted to be angry at Marvolo, to lash at everyone, but his rational mind would not let him. He had known of the dangers. He was as angry with himself as he was with Marvolo.

"Why did we let him go through with this stupid plan?" he strained out, voice coiled with stress.

Hands caressed his head, grabbing his hair in a soft grip and using it to push his head back. A soft kiss pressed on his forehead, as a tear slipped from his eye, falling down his cheek.

Lucius did not let it deter him. He continued, ignoring the break in his voice, "We…. We could have had Harry give the diary to Sirius. We could have had Draco notice his change in behaviour and informed me, and I could have taken the diary, before anything happened! We could have done anything other than just follow meekly along with Dumbledore's plan!"

Marvolo let him speak, both knowing that the only way to keep control was letting Dumbledore think he was in control. It had been vital. They had never thought Harry would be in danger. They had even made sure that the muggleborn's getting attacked were as safe as possible.

When Marvolo spoke, there was a strain of self-recrimination in his tone, "The fault lies with us. Not in the plan, but in treating Harry as we have-"

Marvolo broke off.

Lucius opened his eyes, looking up into sad crimson orbs, "We give him tasks, no eleven- twelve-year-old should even be given, yet we never inform him of the entire plan. We give him tasks of an adult while treating him like a child."

Marvolo looked at the child lying on the bed, the beep of his heartbeat filling the room. Only the sound and the movement of Harry's chest told him that he was still alive.

"If we- no, if I had told him the plan, instead of just expecting him to obey, things could have turned out very different."

Marvolo let out a tired sigh, waving his hand as another chair materialised beside Lucius. He dropped down with a sigh.

Lucius took hold of his hand and pressed forward,

"How was today?"

"Tiring. Too tiring. Using the time turner this way is taking too much out of me. We need him to wake up soon so that we can plan what to do next."

Lucius turned to look at Harry, "He can't go back to Hogwarts, can he?"

Marvolo sighed, "No, it is too dangerous. He is reaching puberty, his skill will be maturing and bursting any time, and with him now being a Horcrux, I have no idea how it is going to turn out."

Lucius moved his mind away from Harry. There were too many things uncertain to make plans on that front, but some things could be moved ahead.

"Have you talked to the German Minister?"

Marvolo nodded his head, "I have his permission. Since I have locked all information leaking about Harry's condition, it was very easy to convince him. The brother of the Boy-Who- Lived healed in a German hospital is too big a deal. It was harder convincing him why I cared so much to go this far, but if there is something these people understand, it is ambition. He knows I'll probably be asking more questions than required, but sharing of information is after all expected."

Lucius looked at Marvolo and matched his smirk, "Of course we will share the information. We are fair after all."

They both turned towards Harry again, relaxing in their chairs.

"How has Black been?" Lucius hesitated to ask.

Black was a sour point. With his own son entering Hogwarts that year and the daughter the year after, they were busy, but that had not stopped Black from laying the blame entirely on their feet. He was being difficult. Lucius was actually surprised that Marvolo was letting him get away with it.

Marvolo let out a groan at the question, "Black is Black. He is Harry's godfather and the brat loves him…."

Lucius waited for more, but when nothing else was forthcoming, he decided it was enough.

One of them had been with Harry since the day he had come to the Hospital. As Lord Thanatos, Marvolo was a major shareholder of the private hospital. They had been provided a separate ward and complete privacy. His parents had been to see him, as had his friends; of which there were many, but a month in, and no news, had taken a toll on everyone. Marvolo had refused to let him be out of his sight unless it was Lucius watching, considering one of them was always using their magic to keep him calm and stable.

They fell in silence after that, both in their own thoughts.

Marvolo's magic picked up the motion before any of them could. A sound. The fluttering of the brows, and the twitch of the finger. Marvolo had jumped from his chair and was beside Harry before Lucius even knew what had happened.

"Harry?" Marvolo asked, holding Harry's hand. The gentle, barely there, squeeze had his breath leaving his chest in relief, his legs losing their energy for one moment before his steeled himself.

"Can you open your eyes?"

Marvolo waited with bated breath. Lucius coming to stand by Harry's other side. The eye lids moved slowly, "It's okay, Harry. We are here. Take your time" Lucius spoke just as softly.

Emeralds opened, hazy and slow, but there. A smile appeared on Harry's face, as he looked first at Lucius and then turned towards Marvolo.

"You're …. okay" Harry croaked out, relief stark on his face as he looked at Marvolo.

Marvolo felt something inside him move, coming alive; a connection newly formed, as Harry's magic stirred, moved and joined his own. Marvolo was unable to control the flash of something sweet move through him before anger took its place. They boy had been unconscious for more than a month and was more worried about him being okay. But now was not the time.

Marvolo rose up and poured some water to bring it to Harry. "Here, drink this, slowly."

Lucius moved the bed in a sitting position while Marvolo put a straw inside the cup to make it easy for Harry. Harry took a sip and it seemed exhaust him, as his eyes started to close again. He weakly raised his hand, and Marvolo took hold, sending calm through the newly forged bond, hoping it would help the boy. It seemed to work as Harry started slipping back to sleep.

A soft, "Stay", had him squeezing the hand. "It's okay Harry. I'm here. I'll stay."

Harry turned towards Lucius, a smile coming on his face again and he fell asleep, his own magic aware and thrumming; something more to it than ever before.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Harry rested against the pillow, taking a few bites from the food in front of him. He peeked up from his eyes to look at steady crimson, making a face, before trying another bite. The food was horrible. He wanted something from home. It had been a week since he had woken, his energy coming to him slowly and steadily, along with his magic. But something had changed inside him. He had tried to use his skill to figure out what, when Marvolo had somehow sensed it and stopped him. He was not allowed to use anything, not until they knew what he had done.

He had been too exhausted then to question much, but now he wanted answers.

He pushed his food away before turning to Marvolo, "What happened?" he questioned softly.

Marvolo leaned back in his chair, a hand rubbing at his chin as he hummed in reply.

"The question Harry, is, what did you do?"

Harry frowned at the non-answer.

"Me..? I didn't-"

Heat, pain.

Harry gasped as the sensation returned. A hand took his own as a chill spread inside him, cooling the heat. He tried to grasp Marvolo's magic to calm himself as he used to, but stopped in shock when he did not have to.

The feeling … it was inside him.

Harry looked at Marvolo, wide eyed and confused, "Wh-What is this?"

Marvolo closed his eyes, as anger he had been trying to control, broke free of his restrain, "Harry. Tell me what happened in the chamber. Everything."

Harry moved away from Marvolo, sad and confused, as a spike of anger went through his mind. What was happening?

So Harry told him. Everything.

By the time he was finished, he realised that he had done something wrong. He had hoped for a 'well done' like first year but Marvolo was not happy. He looked up to see Marvolo with his eyes closed and fingers pinching his brows. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse, "Harry… there is a reason I asked you to close your skill. Your skill is too dangerous for you."

Harry did not understand.

"But.. But the soul-"

Marvolo cut him off, "Harry I had known what I was doing. I knew I could lose the diary. It was a risk I was willing to take. A body can live with less than a full soul, but a human body cannot handle more than a full soul, the body would start breaking down. The only reason you are okay, is because you are young. Your soul is still growing with your body, and the soul piece in the diary was too small, just enough for me to make a connection to it. What you did could have left you dead or worse!"

Marvolo took a deep breath to control his frustration. He should not scold the boy over what had passed, but Harry needed to know, to avoid a repeat in the future.

He opened his eyes to wounded greens, misted with tears, "but it was your soul."

Marvolo felt his breath hitch, his chest tight, "But what you did risked your soul."

Harry felt tears fall as he tried to understand what Marvolo was trying to tell him. He should have.. he should have… let .. no. no…he could not even think it. Even if it hurt him and it had.

He looked at Marvolo again, unsure how to convey to him, how something inside him just rebelled at the idea of something happening to Marvolo's soul. He had no words other than, "But it was your soul," he whispered again.

Marvolo put his head down in defeat. A wet chuckle escaping him. He had always wanted Harry's loyalty. He Had known that with the true Boy-Who-Lived on his side, nothing could stop him. But this … this he had not even dreamed of. He had done nothing to garner this much loyalty. Even Lucius might think twice about messing with his soul for Marvolo, having refused his own Horcrux for the very reason. Maybe the child was too small to understand… Although, this was the same child that cried over flowers death, but burnt a man alive for him. A child who felt the souls around him and knew their worth.

You stupid, loyal child. Why? Why do I have so much value in your eyes? What did I ever do to deserve it?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Daily Prophet

Dark Atrifact makes its way into Hogwarts!

By Reeta Skeeter

Dear readers, what I am about to tell you may shock you. After the debacle of last year where a troll had gotten inside Hogwarts, we thought it could not get worse. We were wrong. A student, who we have been forbidden from naming, was possessed by a dark object and opened the fabled Chamber of Secrets. Thankfully the Board of Governers involved the Aurors, and the culprit was found, but it was too late for the possessed student. The child is now in a coma! We, the people should come together and demand how this happened? Where was Dumbledore?!

OoO

Boy-Who Lived Saved the day! Again!

By Reeta Skeeter

Dear Readers, it has come to our attention that it was our very own Boy-Who-Lived who saved the day and the possessed child. I, Reeta Skeeter, have been looking for more information to give you dear readers. Imagine my surprise when the Boy-Who-Lived agreed to give me an interview over what happened.

Me: Are you sure you want to tell us everything that happened?

SP: Yes. People need to know the truth.

Me: Can you start from the beginning? How did you get involved?

SP: Well it all started during the summer. I had not received a single letter from my friends or fans. I knew something was wrong. When we got to Hogwarts, I was stopped from going because the barrier was blocked and had to use other means. We got into loads of trouble for it, but no one would believe me that it was not my fault. It was a house elf. It was a fan and did not want me to go to Hogwarts because it said it's Master had a plan, and it was dangerous for me.

Me: A house elf you say.. Did it say who it's Master was?

SP: No, I never got around to ask it. It also disappeared. It came to me before we reached Hogwarts but never came to me in Hogwarts. Maybe the school protected me.

Me: Hmmm, this is an interesting dilemma. (Dear readers, we wanted to give a description of the elf in question, but it was impossible for the Boy-Who-Lived to give any definite character traits.)

Then what happened?

SP: So we went to Hogwarts and soon people started getting petrified. It was going to attack muggleborns. So we thought it would be a Slytherin, but we could never prove it. I heard from Dumbledore that the Chamber had been opened before and a girl died.

(My dear readers, this did shock me. Dumbledore had information that he kept from the general public and Aurors. This must be investigated.)

So Ron and I wanted to find out more, but then the Governors got involved and everything got messy. After that I heard from a few teachers that my brother had been taken to the Chamber. I also heard an Auror talking about the ghost being the dead girl, so we ran to find out more.

Me: You ran to find the culprit yourself. Were you not afraid for yourself?

SP: They had my brother! I had to save him! My brother is so weak, of course I had to save him!

Me: Then what happened? (My dear readers, the Boy-Who- Lived had to visibly gather himself for what he said next.)

SP: We got a teacher and ran to the chamber. Only the teacher tried to remove our memories. We managed to save ourselves, but the tunnel was blocked. I left Ron and went ahead.

(What happened next is a story worthy of the tale and legend of the Boy-Who-Lived!)

SP: My brother was on the floor, unconscious and a teenager boy was standing above him. I asked him to help me save Harry. But he said he was waiting for me. He wanted to know who the boy was, who defeated V*******t. Anyway he waved his hand and this statue started moving and a basilisk attacked. I tried to run, but could not. Then Fawkes, the pheonix came and stabbed its eyes out. It brought the sorting hat, I pulled Godric Gryffindors sword from the hat and defeated the basilisk.

There was a diary there, that I had seen my brother carry around with him the whole year. I figured out that the diary was the reason my brother was unconscious so I stabbed the diary with a basilisk fang that had fallen out. The the teenager screamed….. and just disappeared.

(I have to say, I needed a few moments to gather myself, after that amazing tale)

Me: You are one brave and strong boy aren't you.

SP: Hahaa. I try. I just can't see people get hurt. Anyway, the aurors had come by then, along with Malfoy's dad. They started to gather everything and picked my brother up to take us to the hospital. My parents and Sirius came there, but they were too worried about Harry. I was fine, but Harry was in a coma. There were so many noises and they asked to bring some guy who knew dark curses. He came and did something with his wand and Harry woke up. But then he fell unconscious again, so he took my brother somewhere.

(I have found through a reliable source that the German Ambassador, Lord Thanatos Dionysis took the brother to Germany, because research is being done abroad regarding dark curses that can cause possessions.)

Me: That is an amazing story. Do you know how your brother is doing right now?

SP: Not really. Last I heard, he was still unconscious. Not that I can blame him. I know my brother is weak, and could not fight the possession off. I did some research and found that people who are strong can always get someone to help them, if they ever get possessed. He must not have any friends either, no one noticed he was possessed.

(That does bode a problem Dear Readers, no one…not the child's parents, sibling, friends, teachers, and headmaster noticed that the Boy was possessed. What if it was your child?)

OoO

Fight over custody of Harry Potter (Brother of Boy-Who-Lived)!

By Andy Smudgley

An alteration between Sirius Black and James Potter outside Diagon alley gave us a startling information. It would seem that custody of Harry Potter had been granted to Sirius Black when said child was 4 years old. Due to recent events at Hogwarts, the Potters are questioning the care of Sirius Black, who has two children of his own. We tried to get an interview of all parties involved but our questions were unanswered. Now, the Potters have decided to accuse Sirius Black of neglect to gain custody of their son back.

OoO

Harry Potter (Brother of Boy Who Lived) a squib!

By Reeta Skeeter

My dear readers, it has come to my attention that Harry Potter is now a squib! After being possessed by a dark object, the boy had been in a coma. The German Ambassador and healers at an undisclosed hospital in Germany worked together to cure the child but the boy was still unconscious. Upon his recent awakening the Potters went to visit him and found that he is almost without magic now. James Potter had this to say when we questioned him, "My son is not a squib. His magic was used to save him. They don't know when it will come back, so we are leaving him Germany for now, where they can better take care of him. He will be taking a year off from Hogwarts or until his magic comes back and then he will join us in Britain again."

James Potter refused to answer any more of our questions, but one thing is clear. The boy will have to learn to live without magic. Maybe he should be sent to the muggle world, safe from danger, if his magic never comes back. No one has ever survived a coma. With dark magic being legal in Germany, many are wondering what magic it has taken to save the boy, and maybe losing his magic was the punishment. We will see, my dear readers, we will see.

OoO

Custody of Harry Potter dropped!

By Simon Smithson

It would seem the Potters have given up on one of their sons. After news broke of Harry Potter becoming a squib, the Potters have decided to drop the custody battle for him. They have decided to let him remain in Germany, where they will periodically visit him, during the school year. James Potter, Head Auror cannot leave his job to move to Germany to be with the boy, where he is being kept to recover. Sirius Black on the other hand had this to say,

"I know a lot of nonsense is going around about me neglecting Harry, but that's not true. A lot of parents don't want to hound their kids when they go to Hogwarts, knowing how busy everything is. I couldn't have known Harry was being possessed. The real people at fault are the teachers and the Headmaster. A dark Object got inside Hogwarts and possessed a child. Where were they? Why did they not notice, when the child lives with them. Also, I don't care if Harry becomes a squib, I'll still be with him. Actually, my husband and I will be moving to Germany with our daughter, after my son starts Hogwarts, to be closer to Harry and give him a home as he recovers. So to the people who care and worry about him, don't be. He is a strong boy. He will be back."

After that big news, one has to wonder why the parents of said child are not willing to make even a small sacrifice to be with the hurt child….. We will keep you updated on this story as it develops.

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Ministry of Magic employee scoops grand prize

By Simon Smithson

Arthus Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office at the Ministry of Magic, has won the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw. A delighted Mr. Weasley told the Daily Prophet, "We will be spending the gold on the summer holiday in Egypt, where our eldest son, Bill, works as a curse breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Back."

The Weasley family will be spending a month in Egypt, returning for the start of the new school year at Hogwarts, which five of the Weasley Children currently attend.

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Peter Pettigrew spotted! Lived as Weasley's Rat!

By Andy Smudgley

James Potter and Sirius Black recognised the rat on the Weasley child's shoulder in our previous edition of the Daily Prophet. The Weasley's are facing persecution over having an animagus for a pet and not recognising it; especially since the Potters had made it known far and wide Pettigrew's form, when the initial investigation had started. The Auror squad ran towards Egypt to apprehend the rat, but were too late. Pettigrew stole the Weasley child's wand and disappeared. A man hunt has begun in Egypt with the help of the Egyptian ministry. Let us hope we can catch the traitor this time.

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Dementors to be stationed at Hogwarts!

By Reeta Skeeter

My dear Readers, I bring you news of a great travesty. The Ministry of magic has decided to station Dementors at Hogwarts! It is suspected that Peter Pettigrew will try to get to Hogwarts to harm Sebastian Potter. For this protection and to catch the rat, the Ministry has decided to place Dementors in the school of children. What do you think dear readers? Is our Minister right?!

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Governors of Hogwarts ban Dementors!

By Reeta Skeeter

My dear readers, Lord Lucius Malfoy, Head of the Governors at Hogwarts has forbidden the dementors from being anywhere near the school. He has put in a request for Aurors guards to patrol the school. Anti- Animagus wards are to be erected by curse breakers around the entire school and Lord Potter has said that he will personally be in charge of security to stop Pettigrew from getting anywhere near his son.

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Pettigrew's case gone cold.

By Andy Smudgley

It has been nine months since Pettigrew escaped in Egypt, and there has not been a single sighting of the wizard in Egypt or England. It is suspected that he has been in contact with hidden supporters of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and they have helped Pettigrew to flee. The case has fallen cold, and aurors have left Hogwarts security to the animagus wards, which are strong enough to stop Pettigrew if he ever decides to go for Sebastian Potter.

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Sebastain Potter top ten at Hogwarts!

By Reeta Skeeter

The Boy-Who-Lived is officially one of the top ten students of his year! You heard that ladies, the boy who lived is one of the ten best Hogwarts has to offer. We asked Sebastian Potter to spare us some time and he was honoured to:

Me: Congratulations! How does it feel?

SP: It feels amazing to have be in this position. I am honoured to show the world that I deserve the faith they have put in me.

Me: Oh, I always thought so dear boy. You are the epitome of what a true hero should be. Tell your fans how your year has been.

SP: It has been amazing. My brother was not there to be jealous of me and my fame, constantly sabotaging my work, and putting me in bad position. I had fun and I studied, it was a normal year. No attacks, nothing. As if my brother took everything negative away from this place. So I had a wonderful time.

Me: Can you explain what you mean by your brother? Was he the one causing problems for you at school?

SP: Well, he did make it hard for me to make friends. He was in Hufflepuff and all the puffs believed his lies about me. He had friends in Ravenclaw and Slytherin as well, so even those years started being cruel to me and bullying me. But this year, since my brother was not there, they saw through his lies and finally saw the real me. It helped me focus on myself and my studies, so I guess what happened could have been one the best things to happen. I mean, my brother was so weak and stupid, he got possessed by a dark object. Mom and dad have been teaching me how to recognise dark objects since I was a baby. I guess he is safer being far away from the magical world. I don't want him to be hurt because he is my brother and the weak link..

Harry Potter watched the latest edition of the daily Prophet burn, his hand outstretched, eyes glinting with anger. The blue flames started from the bottom of the paper until the ashes floated away.

A smooth voice drawled from behind him, "What did the paper ever do to you?"

Harry failed to muster up a smile as he turned towards the doorway, the calm figure of Lucius Malfoy a stark contrast to the boiling fury mounting inside him. Cool blue eyes observed him and waited. It was a test. Everything was always a test. He did not blame them. He had to be ready. Harry snuffed the fire within him, shrugging his shoulder,

"My brother has had a lot of time to damage my goals and reputation. It will be a daunting task getting them back."

A smirk spread upon pink lips; a flash of heat, barely controlled, flashing through him. He had had the last year to get used to the two men; To face his puberty and powers head on, knowing they would catch him, but now he needed to move away from them. He was fourteen now, no longer a child. He needed to make his own path now. He could not keep relying on them his whole life. He needed to prove his worth. He could not even think about facing them until he was their equal. He had to do this on his own.

"Draco tells me the situation is not as dire as you fear."

Harry ignored Lucius's words. The other man tried but he could not understand. His very name had people sitting up and listening. He had entered Hogwarts as the son of Abraxas Malfoy, and left with his own name being praised in all circles; even his enemies admired him. Marvolo understood best. He had entered with a smudged slate as a muggleborn in Slytherin but had left as the Heir of Salazar Slytherin and a Dark Lord. Nobody had hindered them in their path.

Harry, on the other hand, entered as the dumb, weak, brother of the Boy-Who-Lived. Every time he made something of himself, being the top student in his first year in Hogwarts, he had to pretend to be something else; always seen as weak and pathetic. The poor squib, weak, possessed, brother of the Boy-Who-Lived!

He had spent the last year learning, practicing, training; Marvolo teaching him control of his magic and mind, Lucius teaching him how to control his persona and manipulate. Sirius teaching him when to follow his instincts. Teachers from Dumstrang covering all his subjects so that he would not be behind. Learning to close his mind from Marvolo and Lucius, so that they would never know his darkest secrets. He worked himself to the bone so that he could move away from Dumbledore's thumb. He would not do as Dumbledore wanted anymore. He wanted to forge his own path now. He wanted to own Hogwarts. Wanted to prove to everyone; his parents, the Daily Prophet, Hogwarts and his brother, that he was more than what they always thought. He was special, more than the Boy-Who-lived, and he would prove it.

"You are ready."

It was Marvolo, who had followed behind Lucius.

Harry let a smirk curl his own lips. He had a long and tough journey ahead, but finally; He was ready.

"Yes, I am ready."

XXX

A/N: This chapter felt all over the place. I realised if you take Sirius from Azkaban, then nothing really happens in the third book. I had to cover my basics though. Now, next is IMPORTANT.

I had the story in mind till here. Going forward I only have ideas, nothing concrete. So if you guys want to read anything in this story, let me know and I might add it. If you want any clarifications, any characters POV, let me know. Also, the story can take two paths from here. I can do both, am more inclined towards one, but I wanted to know what you guys thought.

Scenario 1: Fourth year and ahead is almost same as canon. Harry and co build their connections in secret.

Scenario 2: An original take on the Triwizard Tournament.

Won't give anything more to avoid spoilers for both scenarios. This is not a voting, but depending on what the readers want to see, I might be compelled towards one scenario. Also, Reviews feed me and motivate me.