Chapter Sixty-Seven

The Quidditch Murders

THE QUIDDITCH MURDERS

By Rita Skeeter

The Three Chasers at approximately one o'clock came under threat. The pub was packed with supporters of Puddlemere United and Tutshill Tornadoes celebrating and commiserating. This changed in seconds in seconds when Sturgis Podmore, Auror, 42, and Dedalus Diggle, 101, retired Wardmaster arrived and started firing off Killing Curses – the worst of the Unforgivable curses.

The curses missed young Hadrian Slytherin and instead hitting Yolanda Scabior, 30, attending the Quidditch match with her young children; and Evaristus Herbert, 88, a life-long fan of the Tornadoes. In the chaos Alice Murray, 87 and Owen Coleman, 15 – grandmother was down to visit her grandson before he starts sixth year. This horrific unprovoked attack has left three families in turmoil after taking those they loved most from them.

"I don't understand why they would do this? They were just out enjoying themselves-"

Bernard Coleman, father of Owen found himself unable to go on, but he poses a good question; why would two highly successful individuals do this? Because Hadrian Slytherin formerly Harry Potter, was there with friends. Apparently, believing the unfounded rumours about Lord Slytherin's identity as You Know Who they chose to attempt to kill the boy they believed to be the Dark Lord's Heir with no apparent care for any other casualties which may occur.

The only question is whether they did it out of their own volition. Or if they were put up to it? Sources within the Ministry of Magic believe that Albus Dumbledore was the master mind of this crime. Both wizards were members of the Order of the Phoenix sixteen years ago and have been said to remain close friends with Albus Dumbledore.

Albus Dumbledore who has been accused of kidnapping, embezzlement, warmongering, slander and negligence by Lord Foma Slytherin and Heir Hadrian Slytherin. So, has Albus Dumbledore gone one step further and attempted to get rid of his claimant? Or did these two well thought of wizards do this heinous crime of their own volition.

'I don't care if Dumbledore put them up to it or not, they still murdered my child they should be given no allowances!' Bernard Coleman said angrily. 'And if Dumbledore was involved then he should get the same!'

This reporter completely agrees with Mr Coleman. There should be no mercy for anyone involved with this horrific act. Not when four people have been killed and many others have been injured when they were just there to have fun, enjoy the holidays and support their team.

There are those who feel it could have gone a lot worse if not for help from an unexpected source – Sirius Orion Black. Sirius Black regarded as one of the worst Death Eaters fought and defended the people at the Quidditch Match.

'He protected us,' Briana Ericson says. 'Soon as the attack started, he shielded us all and ordered us to evacuate.'

Unfortunately, Wardmaster Diggle had placed non-Apparation wards around the pub. Auror Podmore abused his privileges in the DMLE blocking the Floo network. This left them trapped with two homicidal wizards.

So, who is Sirius Black – is he really what he is painted as? Some might ask if this is evidence that Hadrian Slytherin is what Professor Albus Dumbledore painted him as, but it has been noted that Sirius Black stuck to non-lethal light and neutral spells aiming to incapacitate, not kill. Surely if Sirius Black really was a Death Eater defending his Lord's heir, he would be using the Darkest of magics?

Tom sighed as he read the article that had come with the morning post. It was a fairly fair and accurate article. Of course, she had kept out all of the juicier topics of Harry's pregnancy. But she had also sent a letter requesting an interview with Hadrian last night. Tom had delayed it due to Hadrian's health and the Wizengamot meeting, but Tom knew he would have to allow they would have to do it. Skeeter may be unable to post anything about Hadrian without their consent but there would be other reporters who would post. And now that people knew that Hadrian was pregnant it would only be a matter of time before somebody else reported it.

Tom made his way upstairs to his son's bedroom where he met Gregor on the way out. The Healer didn't look worried so Hadrian must be alright. The Healer bowed respectfully when he saw Tom. Tom wasn't interested at the moment.

'My Lord,' the Healer said.

'How is my son?' asked Tom.

'His magic is back to his normal levels,' Whitehead said seriously. 'And the baby's heartbeat looks normal and is unstressed. However, I would advise not using magic unnecessarily until the baby is born and avoiding stress at all costs. He might not be so lucky next time but apart from that he is fine to be up and about but do keep it easy.'

Tom nodded understandingly, 'the media has caught wind of the pregnancy. They want an interview with him. I want to know if that is appropriate.'

Whitehead frowned, 'ordinarily I would say no, but I do understand that refusing an interview would not help matters. If you are going to do it, I would suggest ask them to submit their questions ahead of time to avoid any shocks. And make it clear if anything happens to upset your heir – accidentally or not – the interview will be suspended.'

Tom nodded, 'thank you for the advice.'

Whitehead shrugged, 'it is an honour to help your heir.'

Tom headed into Hadrian's room where his son was awake and smiling as he chatted with Lucius. Lucius saw him as he came in and gave a short bow which caused Hadrian to roll his eyes. Tom was more surprised how undisturbed he was that Lucius had come back in the night.

'You should go back to Draco,' Hadrian said softly. 'I – we,' Harry said placing a hand on his stomach, 'are fine.'

'Hadrian is right,' Tom said. 'But before you go there is something we must discuss.'

'Has the Prophet caught wind of Harry's pregnancy?' asked Lucius seriously. 'I had hoped they would be wary to print.'

Hadrian groaned, 'is that what you've got there.'

Tom shook his head, 'no, just a report on the attack and questions about your godfather's guilt. But Hadrian … one of the mediwizard's was concerned about your condition so alerted the Healers to your condition. I understand that getting you appropriate care was important but other injured witches and wizards heard. Someone,' Tom's voice darkened – if he ever found out who it was, 'must have reported it to the Prophet because Skeeter has requested an interview about it.'

'I'm surprised that they decided to wait to publish news about me,' Hadrian snorted.

'They likely didn't want to get sued by myself or your father,' snorted Lucius.

'That won't keep them for long,' Hadrian said.

'No,' agreed Lucius with a sigh. 'Normally, I would say we should talk to them before they print their own version of events. But given that Gregor just told you to avoid stress it might not be for the best.'

'Healer Whitehead suggested to explain that after the incident you are to avoid stress on your Healer's orders so to submit questions beforehand. And to also make it clear that if you anything happens to upset you that the interview will be stopped,' Tom said. 'I don't like it.'

That put it mildly if it were up to Tom, he would keep Hadrian away from the world until he was ninety. However, if Hadrian and his child were to survive this relatively unscathed at least politically they would have to deal with the press. What they would do about Dumbledore was still a question.

'But it is necessary,' Hadrian said with a sigh. 'What about Lucius – do you think they know?'

'They might,' admitted Lucius blushing. 'I had an altercation with your Auror guard when you were in St. Mungo's who refused to let a Death Eater in to see the Boy Who Lived,' Lucius said sounding somewhere between amused and furious. 'So, it depends whether Auror Willerby decided to leak the news to press.'

'And if they don't know?' asked Hadrian.

'Then I don't see any point in lying,' Lucius said softly. 'And I don't want to. Nothing we did was illegal. It will be a huge scandal as I was married, and you are so incredibly young.'

Tom wanted to say something but bit his tongue. It stressed Hadrian out when Tom displayed his anger to the Malfoy Lord. And Hadrian did not need any more stress in his life. If Sirius had not been there … if Hadrian had stayed in the Castle where he was safe and protected. But no, it wasn't fair to keep Hadrian locked up for the rest of his life. He would just have to remove all threats to Hadrian's person before he came of age.

Lucius gave Tom a side long, 'and I don't want to pretend my child does not exist. And I don't want to leave you weather the storm on your own.'

'Probably for the best,' Harry admitted. 'If they don't know they'll guess and given I went to the Quidditch match with Draco they might make inferences. And Draco does not need that. Not that the truth will be much easier for Draco to bear.'

'No,' agreed Lucius. 'I will have to warn him.'

'Invite him and Narcissa around for lunch,' Tom said. 'I would feel comfortable if Hadrian were not here alone when we go to the Wizengamot today.'

Hadrian started with a hiss, 'that's today. What about Sirius? I thought Madam Bones would have settled things by now.'

'He is,' Lucius said gentle and careful. 'The Aurors overreacted to his presence and he was hit by several stunners.'

'Is he alright?' Hadrian asked.

'He will be,' Tom said quickly. 'Healer Whitehead doesn't seem to think there's anything to worry about, but he is on bed rest and rather strong painkillers. You can see him if you like?'

Hadrian nodded, 'yes.'

'Lucius, you should go back home – talk to your Narcissa and your son,' instructed Tom.

'You will be there when I talk to Skeeter,' Hadrian said sounding vulnerable.

'Of course, I will, Harry,' Lucius promised.

They made their way down the corridor finding Sirius' room. The Black man was fast asleep – he had after all not gotten back until two in the morning and was still in recovery. As well as being on pain killers which had the side effect of making you dozy.

'He wasn't released until the two,' Tom said. 'Jodkey will alert you when he wakes.'

Hadrian nodded, 'of course.'

'What are we going to do about Dumbledore?' asked Hadrian.

Tom sighed, 'we will have to warn Severus. Before we make any concrete plans, we need to know what we are facing.'

Hadrian nodded, 'and the Death Eaters?'

'I will make an announcement,' Tom said. 'After what happened to you, they will not fault you for keeping the pregnancy quiet. It is Lucius who will get the ire – anyone who is not married and some who are not or have marriageable children have been trying to convince me to let you court them. Do not worry Lucius will be able to handle them. We will also have to hold a ball to celebrate – maybe at the four-month mark.'

-0-

Lucius Flooed back to Malfoy Manor making his way to the breakfast room where Narcissa and Draco were having breakfast. Just like it was any other morning where Lucius had not spent the night at home. Draco never asked where he had been. Narcissa did teasingly when Draco was not around.

'How's Harry?' asked Draco.

'Back to his normal self,' Lucius said with a smile.

'Good,' Narcissa said.

'Do you think it would be okay if I saw him later?' asked Draco quietly.

'Of course, you can,' Lucius said smiling. 'You were both invited to lunch, anyway. The Dark Lord wondered if you would stay with him when we're at the Ministry, Narcissa.'

'It would be an honour,' Narcissa said quickly.

'Draco, you can either come with me or stay with Harry and your mother,' Lucius said.

Draco frowned, 'I think I'll go with you, father.'

Lucius nodded, 'there is something else we have to talk about. Skeeter has got hold of the news of Harry's pregnancy. We're not sure if they know about my involvement,' Lucius said delicately.

'It will come out sooner or later,' Narcissa said. 'It would look better to be open about it now.'

Lucius nodded, 'it would. And now that the world knows about our son, I do not want to hide my relationship with Harry. Draco, it will be difficult for you especially when you go back to Hogwarts. The scandal of our affair will have everyone talking and I wish I could protect you from it. But I cannot, I'm sorry, that my choices will affect you so heavily.'

'But you don't regret them,' Draco said quietly.

'No,' agreed Lucius. 'I don't. I love him. And the baby as much as I do you.'

Narcissa smiled sadly, 'at least we'll have a month for the news to die down before you have to return to Hogwarts.'

Draco snorted, 'you're forgetting who we're talking about. It's been almost sixteen years since the Dark Lord fell and they're still talking about it!'

Albus Dumbledore arrived exactly on time to the Wizengamot meeting. Usually, he would arrive a minute or so late so he could make an entrance. But now he was no longer the Chief Warlock they would not wait for him. And if he arrived after Fudge locked the doors there would be no getting in – and Fudge would take great joy in making sure he was not there.

Albus took his seat at the front of the right-hand side beside Elphias who had already arrived. He spotted Voldemort who was looking cool and calm beside Lucius Malfoy. Naturally, uncaring that his son had been almost killed just the day before. Any decent parent would have chosen to stay home with their injured child. It was just further proof that Voldemort had always cared more for power than those who thought loved him.

It was just a shame that neither Sturgis nor Dedalus had succeeded in killing the Slytherin brat. Albus had not been able to believe his luck when Mundungnus Flectcher reported seeing both Hadrian Slytherin and Draco Malfoy alone at the pub that morning. They had been discussing meeting up with Oliver Wood and Molly's traitorous twins afterwards. Albus, knew it was the perfect place to assassinate the Slytherin brat without outing Severus as a spy.

Albus sent letters to Sturgis and Dedalus knowing they would be the best to handle it without the brat fleeing to safety. Albus was sure they would not betray Albus to the Ministry believing in everything Albus stood for too much. And given that the day after the two had been arrested Albus was still walking free it did seem to say as such. Albus could only hope the two would get the Kiss which would nicely close those loose ends.

But how was he to know that Sirius Black was there. It still shocked him that Black who despised all things Dark, Slytherin and Death Eater had chosen to abandon the Order. Had he always been a traitor like James Potter? Or did he know that Albus was responsible for James' death?

Not that it mattered either way he had been arrested and would be getting the Kiss any day now as he always should have done. Albus should have pressed for it sixteen years ago but he had feared that someone might notice the irregular – non-existent – paperwork and kick up a fuss. Albus consoled himself that Sirius Black would be serving life in Azkaban and few people survived more than fifteen years. After losing everyone he cared about Black would have little left to keep fighting for.

That was until he broke out of Azkaban two years ago. Albus had to admit he was scared that Black would begin to figure things out. Fortunately, for Albus the man had no idea about anything and had two priorities – protecting the Slytherin brat and murdering Wormtail. Albus helping him escape served to earn the trust of both Black and the young Slytherin. Useful because it meant that if the Slytherin brat went to Black Albus would hear about it anyway.

Things quieted down when Cornelius Fudge stood up effectively starting the session. Albus tried to hide his bitterness at Fudge performing such a duty; it was usually not the Minister of Magic beginning proceedings. But thanks to Voldemort ousting Albus as Chief Warlock he would be acting as the interim Chief Warlock until a new one was elected.

Hopefully, it would Elphias who Albus knew he could count on. McGonagall would not be a bad second choice, but he wasn't always completely certain of the wizard's loyalties – he was something of a free thinker. Smith would be a pest but as long as it wasn't a dark-sider or worse the self-titled Dark Lord himself he could deal with it!

Albus hid a shudder at the idea of Lord Voldemort managing to gain the highest title in all the land. And if he gained the position of Chief Warlock, he would also be the British representative in the ICW. The damage to the Light he could do in such an office was ghastly.

'Commencing, the 7520th Wizengamot meeting,' Fudge began. 'Firstly, are there any present who wish to claim a seat?'

Albus was not really expecting anyone to stand. Outside of the last Wizarding War it was exceedingly rare for unexpected changes to occur in the Wizengamot. Wizards lived long so when one of their members died everyone knew about and usually knew who was going to take their place. To nobody's surprise no one stood up.

'Now first order of business – who wishes to nominate themselves for the position of Chief Warlock?' Cornelius began.

Voldemort unsurprisingly stood up, 'I nominate myself for position of Chief Warlock. I want to put in place protections of magical children living within the Muggle world – too many of them are abused by magic-fearing Muggles. This leads onto my second point – for the past fifty years Hogwarts school scores have been dropping!'

'Hogwarts is the best school in the world!' Albus said.

Of course, Albus knew that was not the case but he could not risk the sheep that made up the Wizarding World to wise up. Or they would begin to discover other darker and more dangerous branches of magic. Or they understand more about the world where they would be capable of making their own decisions.

'Maybe fifty years ago that was true,' agreed Voldemort. 'But much has changed – we offer the third lowest number of subjects in the world. Less than half of that of Iskastallin, Mahoutokoro, and Drakos. Our closest neighbour – Beauxbatons offers no less than thirty-three subjects including Latin, Elemental and Light magic! Yet, he we offer none of that!'

'Elemental Magic is dangerous – would we really offer it to eleven-year-olds?' asked Albus softly.

'No, but that the sixth and seventh years who if they are Heirs may have a seat on the Wizengamot should have that choice,' Lucius said silkily. 'And, as for Latin it is an essential skill for young witches and wizards to have. Not only the practical need in spellcasting but our laws are written in Latin – useful for any witch or wizard.'

'Thank you, Lord Malfoy,' Voldemort said. 'In the exams we do sit we rank in the bottom five. Less than half of OWLs are passed and only Herbology ranks in the top ten world-wide; only Astronomy, Herbology and Transfiguration rank an average above an Acceptable grade. So, tell me that Hogwarts is the best school in the world. Something has to be done to fix the appalling grades or we will end up failing the ICW inspection and you will have to either start a new school or work out a deal with France or Germany to send your children overseas.

'Aside from that I want to propose overhauling the child protection department! My son was abused and stolen due to the actions of prejudiced Muggles and one manipulator! And I strongly doubt that my son is the only one who has suffered thusly!' Tom finished and sat down.

He could see the stirrings and mutterings of the Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. He saw many of the Neutrals and even some Lights nod along with what he was saying. Dumbledore was frowning unhappily in a very obvious way. It was in this atmosphere that Malcom McGonagall stood up.

'I would also like to put my name forward for Chief Warlock,' McGonagall said. 'I concur with my colleague that the situation at Hogwarts has gone on for long enough. However, should it really be the traditional party who are historically resistant to change who should be spearheading the change? And, although, I am sorry that your son suffered as he did, we should be very careful … the last thing we should be doing is talking about further restricting Muggle parental rights.'

Tom stood up, 'the Progressives have been in charge for the past fifty years and they have changed much to the detriment of our children and our society as a whole. It is not change that the Traditionals take issue with; it is change that weakens us! How many of our traditions have been banned for the only reason that it makes those new to our world uncomfortable? How many magics are no longer taught for no reason than one man dislikes them! And those that are still taught, are taught so poorly they may as well not be!'

'And as for protecting the children – I never mentioned restricting parental rights, I mentioned protecting children from parents – whether magical or not! Or do you believe that Muggles are more likely to abuse their magical children than us? And if that is the case should more not be done to prevent it?' Tom finished sitting down.

McGonagall floundered, 'so you admit that you will be going after Muggle parents?'

'I admit I will be going after any adult who abuses a child in their care!' Tom said simply. 'If that is Muggles then it is Muggles. If that is Magicals then that is Magicals.'

McGonagall scowled, 'I commit to protecting the rights of Muggleborns and their parents.'

'Those are not always the same thing,' Tom said calmly. 'And I will always choose the child over their abuser! If that is not true of you, then you have no business saying you are protecting Muggleborns but protecting abusers.'

McGonagall floundered, 'I will not let the Traditionals use abused children to further their anti-Muggle agenda!'

'No, instead the Progressives use abused children to fund themselves!' Tom said harshly.

'That is unproven accusation,' Dumbledore said.

Tom gave the old man one look, 'yet.'

'Would anyone else like to put their name forward?' asked Fudge.

'I would put my name forward,' Lord Smith said stepping forwards. 'Lord Slytherin is correct our complacency has allowed education to slide – that has to be addressed. However, to keep the British Isles safe, secure and stable we should remember that change is not always needed – we need to keep our tariffs in place in order to secure financial stability.'

Tom didn't say anything, but he disagreed heavily – the tariffs were what was keeping Britain from competing on an international stage. It kept them from gaining access to many products that would be useful to them. It kept British inventors back because they had no reason to push when they had already secured their spot. However, he knew many of the business owners and the financial backers would not want to deal with somebody who wanted to revolutionise Britain, so he kept quiet. He would push this point when he had become Chief Warlock.

'I too put my name forward,' Elphias Doge. 'Lord Smith is right to speak about complacency – we have become complacent in the threat of growing Darkness. We need a strong Light leader to hold back the tide of else we may all be destroyed.'

'War mongering to achieve your goals,' Tom said harshly. 'I am sure the good Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot can see right through that.'

'They'll see right through you, eventually,' Doge said.

'What are you implying?' asked Tom delicately.

'Oh, nothing, I'm sure my Lord,' Doge replied.

'Are there any other points that need to be addressed?' questioned Fudge.

Madam Bones stood up, 'Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot I am sure we are all well aware of the terrible crimes committed by Sturgis Podmore and Dedalus Diggle. I do not believe that they were acting alone. I believe that they were involved in a conspiracy to kill Heir Hadrian Slytherin. They are refusing to answer any questions – I would like to petition the Wizengamot for the use of Veritserum upon the suspects which they are refused.'

Dumbledore stood, 'they have already confessed willingly. I doubt there is any need for the dangerous potion Veritserum to be used when they are cooperating.'

'I disagree,' Tom said. 'If someone else involved is still at large they should be brought to justice before they can do further damage.'

'I put it to the vote,' Fudge said.

Bolts of red and white lights were sent to the bowl in the middle. Once every vote was cast numbers floated above the bowl – only forty red against eighty-four white. Tom could see the disgruntled look that Dumbledore quickly masked. Tom couldn't help but send the old man a smirk before he departed back home to see his son and prepare for the revelations that were to come.