The Contract

Chapter 96


Rabastan was struggling by the time they got to Harry's room. He had never been more grateful to see a hospital bed in his life. Harry was lightweight, but it was still difficult for him, it made him realize he was nowhere near as fit as he thought or wanted to be for that matter. Sliding Harry under the covers, but Harry wouldn't let go, he didn't even contemplate forcing him. Instead, he awkwardly clambered into the bed himself, before getting comfortable with a great deal of difficulty.

"Here, drink this," Rabastan said quietly, sounding a bit loud in the silent room. Fishing the potion out of his pocket, and coaxing Harry into drinking it. Which he reluctantly did before burying his head back in his chest. "We'll get through this, Harry, you'll get through this, you're the strongest person I've ever met." He'd been through so much, been to hell itself, and never let it get him down. He never let himself get beaten down by circumstance, he changed those circumstances and made life better for himself. Of course, he felt Harry was stronger than even the teen realized.

Harry had accepted help from a family with a formidable and dark reputation to get out. He'd come to them aware that they could help each other, along the way the Lestrange's had come to care for the teen, and Harry had built on those bonds uncaring about their reputation or what it would d to his own. Yes, they were free, yes everyone assumed they were innocent but Harry knew just what they were like. Knew they weren't innocent and still stayed.

Shifting a little, until he was flat out on the bed, Harry laying across his chest. It was probably quite improper, but they were fully dressed and it was nothing more than comfort. The healers must have been expecting it, he should have too, it took weeks for the reality of his incarceration to hit and he'd raged at the injustice of it. Bruised and broke the skin around his knuckles smashing his fists against the walls. It wasn't the same situation but similar enough that, yes, he should have realized this was coming.

Sighing softly, Rabastan closed his eyes, and meditated, strengthening his occlumency barriers as he did automatically every night. With all these setbacks, Harry's education in various subjects were being neglected. Luckily Occlumency wasn't one of them since it was for most part, a self-taught art except for the occasional attempt to penetrate the mind to see if the barriers were strong enough.

The next thing Rabastan came aware of was the soft murmuring of voices and came aware of the fact he and Harry had been tucked in. He knew his father would probably be the only one to do it, opening his eyes, he noticed his father sitting at the side of the bed, book in hand with a frown on his face, clearly worried but trying to distract himself.

"What time is it?" Rabastan asked groggily, trying to wake himself up.

"It's 2: 43," Corvus replied, giving his son a look that demanded answers, his gaze softening imperceptibly. Harry was becoming more and more like his grandmother, Dorea every year. A male version, naturally, Harry was by no means of an androgynous nature. "What happened?" keeping his tone low so as not to disturb Harry.

"The Healers haven't said?" Rabastan rasped out, shifting slightly, levitating Harry so he could sit up. Placing a few pillows strategically he sighed softly once he lowered him and he remained asleep.

"I did not ask…it involved the healers?" Corvus asked, worry niggling at him as he set the book aside. He'd been worried that Harry had been exhausted not concerned about an incident. Harry slept a lot; it was only normal given everything his body had been through.

"Yes," Rabastan murmured quietly, "He broke down." His father looked mighty relieved and saddened at the same time. "You were expecting it?"

"Yes," Corvus nodded, sighing sadly, "He was much too accepting of the whole thing, I…had wondered if he would finally get worked up about it. I was beginning to think he was…feeling nothing but apathy for the situation due to his upbringing." Feeling as if it were normal to be attacked because of the abuse. Despite the years he'd spent with them, normalized to the point of apathy. So, yes part of him was relieved Harry could see the situation for the unfairness of what it was, enough to get angry that it had happened to him.

"He seemed more upset that Lockhart managed to get close than the actual attack," Rabastan informed his father.

"Yes, that is not a surprise either," Corvus nodded, a faraway look on his face, "When Harry first came to Lestrange manor, he was always facing anyone he interacted with if he could. If he found anyone at his back, he'd turn, so that his back was never unguarded. He kept a close eye on everyone, even Millicent." A healer who swore a vow to do no harm.

"A habit he didn't lose?" Rabastan figured, most of his interactions with Harry had been in a prison. So, he had never noticed that, he'd assumed – wrongly – that it was a new occurrence.

"Less obvious over time, but no, he never lost the habit," Corvus said gently, "I do not think he ever will." especially not now, Lockhart had well and truly made things excruciatingly difficult for Harry. With a mind healer though, he was hopeful that Harry would recover mentally as well as physically.

"Even at home?" Rabastan asked disheartened to hear that.

Corvus smiled, "Only if someone he didn't know was there." Which didn't happen obvious, he didn't have the habit of opening his home to people after all, which meant that Harry was able to relax entirely there. Especially as Corvus always informed Harry if anyone was coming, even Tom.

Rabastan relaxed at that, at least there was somewhere Harry could go that he felt entirely safe. Being constantly on guard couldn't be good for anyone, mentally or physically, it could end up taking its toll. "Good," he declared. His stomach rumbling loudly, he had missed lunch after all.

Corvus flicked his wand, and levitated his son's lunch to him without removing his gaze from them. Pondering on whether Harry should reschedule the meeting with Madam Bones tomorrow. He might be still feeling a little raw after what happened. "Do you think he's in the right state of mind for that interview?" asking Rabastan for his opinion, after all Rabastan had been there.

"He'll be fine," Rabastan declared, lifting the lid off and the smell of soup swarmed around the room. Harry was the strongest person he knew, what he'd been through would have broken anyone less strong and determined. So, yes, he knew Harry could do this. He would do it; he wouldn't let it get the better of him. Harry didn't hide, he embraced, he may feel weak right now but that was just the emotional side…deep down he knew there was nothing he could have done to prevent it. "He's more pissed off that he let 'basically a squib' get the better of him."

"Well, there is less magic to feel," Corvus pointed out.

"Food!" came Harry's sleepy murmur, sniffing the air, "Smells good,"

Corvus and Rabastan chuckled, "It is," Rabastan declared, the food here was always amazing, not as good as Harry's or his family House-elves – in his grand opinion – but much better than anywhere else. The Leaky Cauldron despite its outward appearance actually made really good hearty soup of the days – especially their potato and leak – but this place employed the best.

Green eyes opened, there was no turmoil in them, just sleepy alertness.

"Care for your lunch?" Corvus enquired, watching Harry closely, without being obvious as he always did.

Harry nodded, licking his dry lips, the bed was swiftly raised so that Harry was comfortably reclined. The smell of the food making his stomach rumble hungrily, automatically flexing his feet, which was becoming easier but by no means anywhere near normal. His tray was levitated towards him, and Harry made grabby hands, he was starving.

Rabastan felt a little grateful for the beds support, sleeping with Harry's weight on him hadn't left him pain free, but he was not about to bring that up. Which did make him recall Harry saying he was sore and scared. Did Harry mean all the time and hiding it from them or just sore from PT? "How are you feeling? Any pain?" calming draughts had some muscle relaxant properties, which will have helped Harry's muscles some but he had to ask.

"I'm okay, promise," Harry said smiling sweetly, understanding where the question was coming from. "How long was I asleep?" he asked, before putting his cloth napkin under his top and beginning to greedily eat his soup.

"Five hours," Rabastan told him, as he dabbed his mouth, greedily reaching for and eating his sandwiches. Merlin, he felt as if he hadn't eaten in days not just a few hours. He'd slept through Sirius and Rodolphus eating their lunch here…unless they'd taken it elsewhere.

"So long?" Harry said, "I guess I must have needed it." he was sort of glad to have slept through the aches and pains that become present after PT.

"You definitely did," Corvus agreed, "Do you wish to see Sam today?" Sam was the mind healer that had been talking to Harry, their appointments were as always, private, even he wasn't privy to what went on, silencing wards were put up when he was there, and Corvus made himself scarce for an hour if he was there at the time.

Harry shook his head, no, he didn't need to see or speak to Sam. Actually, he felt better if he was entirely honest with himself. Not completely, but he did feel better, he didn't have this huge knot in his stomach anymore.

"And the interview tomorrow, are you still up for that?" Corvus asked, he wasn't about to start making decisions for Harry now. Not with things like this, he could make up his own mind…but health matters? Yes, he'd take charge of those to ensure Harry got the best treatment possible. He shuddered anew just thinking what would have become of Harry if they'd allowed him to remain at St. Mungo's.

"Yeah, I need to get it over with," Harry said thoughtfully, wiping his mouth, and claiming his sandwiches. They all know that the Ministry wasn't going to stop requesting interviews until they got him. At least this way, the Ministry didn't get to find out where he was…and he didn't…couldn't bear the thought of them seeing him weak. He was weak right now, vulnerable, but he wouldn't remain that way, he was going to put forth his best efforts and walk again unaided so help him Merlin. Which reminded him, "The Wizengamot meeting…how did it go?"

Corvus frowned, "Not very well," darkly recalling what had been heavily implied and outright stated by some. He'd never had to bite his tongue so much during a wizengamot meeting to prevent himself from saying something.

"They didn't like my new legislation?" Harry asked innocently enough, but the grin on his face ruined that 'innocence' he was trying to pull off.

"That was a big point of contention, they believe that Antonio is…pushing through legislation to suit his own purposes without your input." Corvus said, barely refraining from scowling, irritation at the meeting still ever present.

"It's not the first time, won't be the last time," Harry pointed out, rolling his eyes, not truly caring one way or another. "I really don't care what they think I just hope that it goes through." Otherwise, he would need to keep making new legislations until they gave in, because he certainly wasn't going to stop.

"What new Legislation?" Rabastan asked, reclining back, full and content.

"I want a healer employed in Azkaban," Harry said, "So that those who are sick or injured can be seen to. All I have to do is wave around the 'innocent' victims of Bartemius Crouch Seniors depravity in their faces."

Corvus couldn't help but smirk at Harry's sly deft ways, he truly had a way of getting under everyone's skin. He was so very proud to be able to see Harry's Slytherin nature in all it's glory. It often led to him forgetting that Harry was a Ravenclaw. He was exactly like Tom, he reckoned it was just their Slytherin heritage. "Once again, I remark, how idiotic the hat was to put you in Ravenclaw."

Harry laughed, "I don't know…I love to read," he does think his Ravenclaw qualities far outweighed his cunning…at least in the beginning. With Corvus, Rabastan, Rodolphus and Voldemort…was there ever a chance he wouldn't end up bending the rules or just outright manipulating people to get what he wanted.

"That you do, how goes the translation?" gesturing towards the book.

"It's…difficult, some of the hieroglyphs are smudged…faded a bit, it was written by a cousin of the main royal line…best I can figure of what it says…the book of coming forth by day?" Harry shrugged, before biting into his last sandwich, as Rabastan who had put a straw into the orange juice startled slightly at his words.

Corvus was staring at Harry intently, as if expecting Harry to claim he was kidding. Harry did like to tease occasionally, but he somehow doubted he would joke about something like this.

"How far are you into it?" Rabastan asked, mind reeling, could it be?

"Not far," Harry's brow wrinkled, digging into his box to find it, "There's a few illustrations I want to copy when I have time. So far its about the underworld? I'm not proficient enough yet to understand every hieroglyph…they're so similar sometimes it takes me hours to figure out a single one. It was far easier to do the rune one." Showing one of the illustrations in particular that he liked.

"Understandably, there are only so many runes," Corvus agreed, "The book of coming forth by day…has a universal title amongst both Muggle and Magical society as 'The book of the dead' the title PERT-EM HRU is it's literal translation as 'manifest into the light' or 'making strong the blessed dead' and it was written on papyri scrolls from the Middle and New Kingdoms. It was translated and interpreted in the eighteen hundred's."

"Oh, so I could just buy it? I don't need to translate this?" Harry asked, slightly disappointed but excited too.

"This…if it was written by a member of the royal family from the original texts…it's probably worth more than the Potter and Lestrange fortunes combined." Corvus confessed reverentially, "Especially if it's not just copied from the scrolls but information on their day-to-day life back in those days…it's quite frankly…priceless." Not as priceless as the original, obviously.

"Probably stolen from its resting place by grave robbers or curse breakers, and with the end of the Royal line it wouldn't have been considered worth much by novices, if they even realized what they had, and when they couldn't open it…it just passed from pillar to post. Muggles probably had it for the most part, and when it was unable to be opened…well, somehow it must have ended up back in the hands of wizards…who apparently didn't think of Parselmouth's being able to crack it." Rabastan said reverentially. There were more Parselmouth's in Egypt than anywhere else in the world. "It's a miracle it's still whole." Even with unbreakable charms imbedded within it. Touching the box with his fingertips he could feel the magic still as strong as ever within it. Whistling in admiration, he'd never focused on it before, despite having quite often fetched it for Harry while he translated what he could.

"A very rare find," Corvus conceded, "You should consider still translating it, I believe you'll be able to read it soon enough." Harry was very good at languages, he was already a polyglot, only two nearly three years in, and he was doing very well. Fluent in Italian and French, and here he was already well on his way to being able to speak Arabic and read an ancient language. Even with the interruptions to his education, yes, he was doing so well and Corvus was proud of him. The only thing that was really suffering as of late, was his inability to play musical instruments, he knew the basic of playing a piano but that was all. it was something he should have learned as a young child, if his education had been seen to…he could have been prodigious. Instead, his talents instead of being nurtured were smothered almost completely.

"You should also consider publishing the handwritten book you gave to me," Rabastan suggested.

"But that was for you," Harry said vehemently, aghast at Rabastan's mere suggestion. He'd gone out of his way to do something entirely unique, to publish it…would make it just another book. "It will lose it's value," almost pouting over the fact Rabastan had suggested to publish the book.

"But if you only make ten copies it will be worth it," Rabastan pointed out, yes, the family had more money than they'd likely ever spend. The thing was they were taught to add to the coffers, to keep building onto the estate for their children and grandchildren, using well known broken families who had just lived on their family's money until there was nothing left. He knew exactly the kind of people who would be interested. "The bidding wars that would erupt would be fantastic."

"Bidding wars?" Harry perked up, "At Gringotts?"

"No," Rabastan informed him, "There are more Ancient Rune Masters in France than anywhere else in the world. I'd set up a convention there where people can come and sell and buy items and generally just have a good time. Including bidding, its usually companies that do it, it's how they earn a great deal of money. All the old families invest in companies that set up conventions, it allows an influx of money."

Harry deflated a little, "And we wouldn't be able to go together," he said, his tone resigned.

"Haven't you heard? Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange are innocent," Rabastan said with a pointed look. Smirking at Harry, "It probably won't garner a second look, from most people." He conceded, he knew regardless that there would be a few unhappy people to see their hero making 'nice' with the likes of such a 'dark' family regardless of their status innocent or not. Not to mention those that honestly believed they were still guilty, and they wouldn't be wrong…but there wasn't a damn thing they could do about it he thought smugly.

Harry grinned widely, "Alright, ten copies! And we get to go to one, this summer…" he declared, rather excited at the prospect. What would people sell? What would they buy? It all sounded like a lot of fun. Eyeing the diary, he had with a thoughtful look, he could sell a copy of it…it was a rather fascinating find…he would look forward to seeing how much it would go for.

"I'll set it up," Rabastan promised, anything to see that look of glee remain on Harry's face. Having something to look forward to could only help as well. Glancing at his father, conveying his surprise at Harry's willingness to be in a crowded area…was it a bad idea?

Corvus commented, "That sounds like a wonderful idea, I have plenty of items that would fetch a rather large amount…" mostly willingly given animal parts that would be excellent for experimental potions or potions themselves. It would increase the coffers for the sanctuary he ran, which could always do with being topped up. He normally used Gringotts, but it would be lovely for a family outing, spend some money, return back to society, "But it means that you'll have to attend a few proper functions and return to society before that event." He warned his son.

Harry frowned, "Why?" glancing between Corvus and the resigned but sulky look on Rabastan's face.

"Rabastan never got to foray into society before he was arrested and incarcerated in Azkaban prison." Corvus informed Harry, a little more bluntly than he normally would be. He still felt a great deal of animosity towards the Ministry for their actions and disappointment towards his sons for joining Bellatrix on such a stupid mission in the first place. "Normally there would have been a grand ball hosted sometime after his seventeenth birthday to celebrate him officially becoming an adult. He was however, seventeen just before the return to Hogwarts which wasn't great timing. In the end, I made a date but before we could celebrate…the incident happened."

"I thought only girls had coming out parties?" Harry asked rather confused.

Corvus chuckled, "Debutant season," he explained for his rather offended and confused son. There were still things that Harry didn't know, as much as he was learning, and doing so well, there was still more to learn. "Everyone celebrates becoming an adult with an amazing party, a ball. The more extravagant the higher regard you have in society. Of course, it has to be the perfect day, so that everyone can attend…snubbing people isn't done lightly. The second born son, if he is not betrothed yet, uses this to build connections and find a suitable potential bride. Hundreds of people attend these things, all of them eager to attend to functions in high society. Not just from Britain but all over."

"That sounds horrifying," Harry grimaced, "Imagine having a party with mostly a load of people your parents know."

Rabastan barked out an amused laugh, grinning widely, "That's exactly what it is. Dolphus hid as often as he could during his, luckily he didn't have girls nipping at his heels, his betrothal to Bellatrix No-Last-Name was well spread by then."

"No, they just went after you," Corvus teased lightly, lips twitching as he recalled his vexation at having to make excuses for his son that night.

Harry scowled, biting back the 'He's mine' that was on the tip of his tongue. "What was the issue on the wizengamot?" changing the subject, not noticing the gleaming of Corvus' and Rabastan's eyes at the delight they took in teasing him. "Were there a lot of people doubting me?" rather dismayed at the thought, he put a lot of effort into his work…part of him was offended. Did they think teens were unable to do anything for the good of society?

"Truthfully there were only a few naysayers, there was a few reserved judgements, but I do believe many recalled your handwriting and know it's legitimate." Corvus allowed the change in subject gracefully. "The Wizengamot were riled up but not particularly about you."

"Riled up about what?" Rabastan asked, it was rather rare for the wizengamot to get all up in arms enough for his father to mention it. Surely, a legislation drawn up about a healer working at St. Mungo's wouldn't have them acting up?

"Ms. Granger making a nuisance of herself," Corvus said in amusement. The child was determined to ruin her name forever.

"Granger…isn't that the child who ended up in St. Mungo's after the troll attack?" Rabastan questioned, perplexed.

"She also tried to get someone to take on her case to sue me," Harry added, not surprised that Granger would barely blip on Rabastan's radar.

"Oh, the accidental magic, why is she still going down that road?" Rabastan asked, still perplexed than anything at the moment. "And why is she bothering the Wizengamot with her idiocy?"

"She's actually quite smart," Harry told them, "Rather talented in Transfiguration and Charms. Although, I've noticed she struggles if the instructions aren't exactly right…which means she'll really struggle in fifth and sixth year. She relies too heavily on the text books…she'll struggle with Potions too since they deviate, don't they? They try to trip you up?"

"Yes, N.E.W.T year is the worst for that, steps are entirely missing, I, at the advice of my brother would actually read the potion we would be doing next and add in what steps are missing so I don't have to worry about that during class." Rabastan agreed entirely, they did try to trip you up. Surprised that Harry didn't feel any animosity towards her. Then again…what was she other than an irritating fly to be swatted away when it was irritating and then forgotten? "It is not smart to try and attempt to hoodwink the governing body!"

"I feel a little sorry for her…" Harry confessed, "I know what it's like not to have friends." Recalling those friendless years at primary school, desperate for a friend, just one, just someone for himself. He'd thought that high school might be his time with Dudley attending a different school…then Hogwarts came along and he tried not to look back.

"It sounds as though she's bringing it on herself," Corvus stated calmly, rather surprised. "All Muggle-borns tend to think they have a point to prove, unaware that we just do not care how well they do." They just wanted to do well at school themselves, and get out into society. Things were changing now though, Muggle-borns may well pave the way for long forgotten bloodlines to re-emerge into society. They need to be properly educated before they find out though, that was something him and Tom had discussed.

They were just unsure of how to proceed with that particular matter.

"I might not have made friends if things had been different," Harry said thoughtfully, leaning into the soft caress' Rabastan offered.

"You would have done," Corvus nodded, "But it would have been debatable on whether they were friends because of your fame of because they genuinely liked you." not beating around the bush on that matter.

"It doesn't matter regardless," Rabastan said, "You do have friends, and really, there's no point to debating 'what if's'. Father might have introduced you, but heirs tend to do whatever they please regardless of their families wishes." Harry was smart, devious, there was little doubt he would have found it easier than he assumed to make friends.

Harry conceded the point gracefully, it was true enough, he couldn't see Draco doing something his father told him if he didn't like it. Despite how much his friend loved his father…he was rather spoiled but much more down to earth these days.

"Have they at least decided what to do with her?" Rabastan asked his father.

"Ogden intends to go and have a private word with her, for all the good it will do. She's even been informed by the Aurors that she just doesn't have a case." Corvus said wryly, although, he did wonder what on earth Tom could need of Bill Weasley, he had seen them leaving together, Tom had even had a hand on the wizard, guiding him. That had left him floundering for a good couple of seconds.

"I'm surprised she's still alive," Rabastan muttered mostly to himself, the Dark Lord couldn't stand shit like that on a good day.


Next Day

Despite the door being open, Antonio respectfully knocked on it, giving Harry a genuine smile. Pleased to see how looking so well, there was a lively flush to his face, he didn't look quite so pale and solemn today. "Good afternoon, Harry, may I?"

Corvus, Rabastan, Sirius, Harry and Rodolphus all called out their own greetings.

Harry nodded, pointing towards the empty seat that had been placed there for him. It would give Bones a view of both sides, with Antonio and Sirius clearly visible from each side of the mirror. He would be the main focus, and Harry despite himself was feeling rather nervous. "Is Helena not coming today?" disappointed that she wasn't there.

"I'm afraid not, she's got a touch of the Wizarding Flu and is bedbound for a few days," Antonio said apologetically but very pleased that Harry liked his wife. "I shall let her know you were asking about her."

"Tell her I said get well soon," Harry told Antonio. Wondering if Wizarding Flu was like Muggle Flu, he'd ask Rabastan later. Everyone was feeling a little tense over this video conference.

"Certainly," Antonio said, giving him a smile, refraining from informing Harry that regardless of whether she had the Flu or not, she wouldn't have been able to come. He kept his work very separate from his family, and this was work regardless of how well he got on with everyone. "Now, if any of the questions make you feel uncomfortable and you don't want to answer…you are not obligated to do so." Getting straight to business.

"They'd think I'm hiding something though…right?" Harry pointed out.

"No, they know what's happened, its why you've been given a lot of leeway when it comes to happened to you." Antonio replied, "You are the…survivor in this, she understands that." Refraining from victimising him, there would be plenty other people doing that, he didn't need it from those closest to him.

Corvus opened his case and handed Harry a few letters, "These are for you, giving details about the meeting." He always sent out a detailed report, either with Corvus or by mail, this time though, he just brought them with him since he was visiting.

Harry nodded and stacked them up with the rest of his post, he hadn't opened the mail for two days. He'd been sleeping for the majority of yesterday and had forgotten. He would need to read them today though. After the meeting with Bones, he didn't have anything else to do after it anyway. "Thank you," he knew most of what happened, but there was still a surprise to be found, after all he had yet to find out about the Lockhart fortune which he would do soon enough.

"You're welcome," Antonio replied, "How are you?" genuinely concerned.

"I'm able to move my toes and feet," Harry said staring at them as they moved with a feeling of accomplishment. A week ago, he hadn't been able to do that, he was trying to see the upside. It was most times difficult, but he was trying.

Antonio glanced down at the wiggling appendages, "I am pleased that you're recovering well," considering the trauma he'd been through he was doing good, although he was by no means a healer and he only had rudimental healing knowledge. Most wizards and witches with children did have rudimentary knowledge.

Harry opened his mouth to say 'not as well as he'd like' but he was distracted.

"It's time," Corvus declared, standing up, he moved to the front of the room. Claiming a seat there, his sons automatically matching him, as they too left Harry's side. Giving the room a clinical once over, before flicking his wand and the throw with the Lestrange insignias rolled up and folded neatly at the end of his bed away from the view of the mirror. Only then did he give a satisfied nod that there was nothing of note that would rouse Madam Bones' curiosity.

"Sirius Black," Harry said wryly, into the mirror, activating Sirius' end, it didn't take long at all before Madam Bones' face appeared in the mirror.

"Well, this is…unprecedented," Madam Bones declared dryly, but there was a note of utter fascination and wonder in her voice. "Much tidier and exceedingly more comfortable I must say than Floo." Cushions and cushioning charms could only do so much for one's knees when they used them.

Sirius smirked, "I'll bet it is," he agreed.

"Do you intend to sell these? Mr. Black? For I do find myself utterly fascinated," watching through the mirror seeing everything she could. Very unprofessional but she just couldn't help herself. "The Ministry would definitely order these in bulk." For each office definitely, and not to mention every wizard and witch. "The Floo powder companies will feel the pinch." They used a 'pinch' of Floo powder after all.

Sirius laughed, enjoying her sassiness, "That they will, if you really are interested, I'll send Arthur Weasley with a contract." As expected, due to bulk buying, they would get them for a far cheaper price than buying just a pair at a time. They would attempt to negotiate on the price and he and Arthur could come up with a price they refused to go under.

"As soon as possible if you can," Amelia said, the mirror propped up, this was just unprecedented, she could not wait to inform the others of this new invention.

"I will do," Sirius told her, "I'll have Arthur come this evening with a sample pair, I do want that one back." He told her, it was his after all, and it required his name to talk to over it.

"Shall I owl it to your destination or shall I hand it back to Lord Abbott?" Amelia asked, not even attempting to find out their location, no doubt they were much too savvy for her.

"I shall collect it," Antonio declared, "Now shall we get to the purpose of this meeting?" he could see that Harry wasn't relaxing, no, he was tensing more as if utterly dreading this oncoming conversation. He really should have gone over everything with Harry but he hadn't had the time.

Harry didn't know whether to be grateful to Antonio or not. His nerves were getting the better of him. He'd never had to really deal with law enforcement, everything had been done through his lawyer, the wizengamot, anything Ministry related. He didn't want to let Corvus or the others down.

"My apologies, of course, it was rather unprofessional of me, I hope you can forgive me, heir Potter." She said sincerely, giving the young boy a concerned look. You could clearly see that he was in a hospital setting, and she knew through members of the Wizengamot he was going through PT to relearn to walk again.

"It's already forgiven," Harry replied, giving a tense smile.

"Everything we speak about is now being recorded, in the room is Madam Bones Head of the Magical Law Enforcement office, Sirius Black Heir Potters godfather and lawyer Lord Antonio Abbott." The scribbling of the words on parchment could be heard even through the mirror.

Harry felt like he was about to be sick as Madam Bones recited the date, 10th March. Then the time was mentioned, which wasn't accurate where they were but Harry said nothing. It was a mere technicality.

"I understand that this is going to be difficult for you, heir Potter, and I apologise in advance." Madam Bones spoke with a light sympathetic but strong voice. "Do you understand your rights?" not wishing to go through them, although technically she should, with a lawyer there though, it was unlikely that he hadn't been informed. She definitely had to get the Ministry to buy these mirrors, the time it was going to save! It was amazing, truly, Mr. Black had outdone himself here.

"I'm well aware of my rights as an underage wizard being interviewed at this time," Harry said firmly, after receiving a firm proud nod from Corvus, it was all the reassurance he needed to relax a bit. He was by no means fully relaxed and wouldn't until this was over. He honestly didn't understand their need to ask, they knew everything that happened.

"Can you tell me in your own words what happened on…" Madam Bones, glancing down at the paperwork adding the date to the sentence, before glancing back up. "On January 14th?"

Harry barely refrained from rolling his eyes, who's else words was he going to use? "It was Hogsmeade Weekend, I went with my friends, Vincent, Greg, Draco, Pansy and Daphne."

"That is Heir Vincent Crabbe, Heir Gregory Goyle, Heir Draco Malfoy, Heiress Pansy Parkinson and Heiress Greengrass, is that correct?" Madam Bones asked, seeing the judgemental look on the teens face she added, "I know, unfortunately, I do need it for the record, Heir Potter."

"Yes, and Blaise Zabini," Harry added, recalling another friend that had been there. "I asked Greg to get me a few cauldron cakes." Pausing, he refrained from saying more, he was to keep it to the bare minimum at Corvus' suggestion.

"Can you tell me what happened next?" the only sound except their breathing was the quill etching the words they were speaking into parchment.

"Daphne and I decided to go to Flourish and Blots, we were just about to enter the shop I do recall Daphne falling but that is it." Harry declared.

Madam Bones was surprised by how concise and precise his answers were. Most teens couldn't help but get side-tracked. They reveal more than they should, which was sometimes helpful, especially if they were the culprit. Then again, not all teens had Lord Antonio Abbott as their lawyer on retainer and sitting at his seats within the Wizengamot.

"What is the next thing you remember?" Madam Bones then asked, steeling herself, an image of her own niece flashing before her eyes.

"Waking up locked in a cell in a damp underground setting," Harry said bluntly, his features entirely blank.

Rabastan's hands were curled into fists, eyes gleaming coldly as he listened.

"Can you tell me what happened next?" Madam Bones enquired.

Harry glanced away for a few seconds, before forcing himself to stare back at Madam Bones. "He was rather upset that I didn't recognize him after I asked who he was. He told me he had written twelve books and the most recent one had been a best seller. I informed him that I didn't care, to either let me go or leave me alone."

"Take your time," Madam Bones said quietly, Harry was speaking very quickly.

"Apparently, he was insulted that I appeared in the newspaper, that he alone had been in the news every day until I came along and he hated that nobody was talking about him anymore. He went on to list his virtues, his Order of Merlin's and his charming smile awards." His tone dry as bone dust. "He felt threatened by me…for reasons I just don't understand. I told him I had no desire to be an Author and that I was going to study to be a lawyer…but he wasn't listening. He was manic, on the edge of going feral, he cast an Obliviate at me. The last thing I can really remember is the spell coming towards me then pain unlike anything I'd ever experienced before I blacked out."

The Lestrange's were seething in a stormy rage that they didn't dare put to voice. They hadn't heard exactly what had happened like they were now.

"Do you recall anything else?" Madam Bones asked, "Anything you did in those ten days?"

Harry inhaled sharply, "Of course, I do." He croaked out.

"That's enough! There is no need for this!" Sirius retorted sharply, moving to stand. To put an end to Bones' curiosity and the digging that mattered to nobody. Lockhart was dead! That was all there was to it. "Antonio!" he added as if expecting the lawyer to immediately back him up.

"Harry?" Antonio questioned, "Would you prefer to stop the interview?" this would be good for Harry long term. To talk about it with more than just his mind healer. He knew from personal experience. He knew exactly what Harry was going through. The hurt, the anger, the embarrassment, the rage, the resignation. He hadn't been through the exact same thing. He hadn't been stuck for ten days and endured a horror that no child should.

Corvus had to grasp his son, to stop him charging over to see to Harry himself. In the end he cast a silencing spell around the area, stopping any sound from getting out. He was not about to risk Madam Bones finding out who was there, and she would recall their voices, it hadn't been all that long ago since Rabastan and Rodolphus had been before her themselves.

"I don't want to do this again," Harry said, his body trembling but his voice strong and stubborn. "I want this over with." squeezing Sirius' arm and tugging him down, giving him a small strained smile. Grateful that he would defend him, but he needed to do this.

"Are you sure?" Sirius asked quietly, grey eyes filled with nothing but concern for his godson. He looked like he wanted to commit murder with extreme prejudice, a look that was prevalent in the lines of the bodies of the Lestrange's.

Harry nodded, "It's the law, I know that," they had to do this, regardless of how hard it was. He was lucky, really, people don't normally get as long as he did to be interviewed.

The look on Madam Bones' face would have been funny any other time. It was contorted between sadness, helplessness and determination.

Once Sirius sat back down, Harry spoke, "I'd woken up without my wand…I couldn't summon it no matter how desperate I was. He'd removed my wand holster, and my wand was still in it." recalling that desperation he felt.

It was a very good thing that Corvus had cast the silencing charm, the snarl of rage Rabastan let loose knowing that Lockhart had touched his betrothed when he was unconscious was ferocious as any wolf.

"Dragon-hide?" it was the most popular material for a wand holster.

Harry nodded curtly, impervious to magic, and added with the charm to prevent anyone summoning his wand…he hadn't stood a chance.

"I was…unable to move anything but my head…he was alive…I begged for him to die right there and then. Prayed that he would…terrified that he'd wake up…I…I…" clearing his throat, trying to be clear and concise as he'd been taught. "Things after that are fuzzy, I was mostly in and out of unconsciousness. The moving of time marked only by increasing thirst and hunger." Something so hauntingly familiar to him during his childhood.

Madam Bones couldn't meet Harry's gaze, staring down at her desk instead.

"I vaguely remember scraping my finger against the cement floor every time I roused. Again, and again and again and again until it bled." Harry informed her, "I cannot say I remotely remember even performing the Runes…not consciously. The next thing I was aware of was being here at the hospital and being informed of my injuries." If she thought for a second, he regretted it then she was completely doolally.

"Do you have any other questions for my client?" Antonio asked, now Harry was definitely done with the questioning. "He's told you everything he can remember there is no reason to prolong this interview."

"No, I can't say I do," Madam Bones said simply, staring back up at the mirror having regained her composure. Flicking her wand, the writing ceased as she stopped it, "Do you have any questions regarding the procedure for claiming the right of conquest for the Lockhart estate?"

Harry barely missed a beat, "No, ma'am, but thank you," she would be the last person he'd turn to about personal affairs. Corvus would always be his first stop, then Rabastan before the goblins. "Deactivate, right of conquest?" praying they wouldn't trying to continue discussing what happened with Lockhart or dwell on it.

"I am afraid I must depart for a meeting I cannot miss, I apologise for my hasty departure," Antonio said with genuine regret. "Rest assured my wife and I will come by at the weekend perhaps for a visit?"

Harry smiled widely, "I'd love that," he declared.

"Then so shall it be," Antonio replied, "No, no, you stay here, I know the way." Giving Corvus a formal nod before he departed.

Rabastan wasted no time at all before he was at Harry's side, barely suppressing his trembles of rage. "Has there been nothing on the Wizengamot agenda regarding Dumbledore being held responsible for this?" Rabastan gritted his teeth, there was only three people he could really blame. Flicking through Harry's mail until he found the letters from Gringotts and the Ministry, they probably pertained to Harry's question about the rights of conquest. He handed it over to Harry with gentle restraint, just relishing in being close to him. It curtailed his rage, dampened it, allowed him to think clearly.

"Not as yet," Corvus informed them, "I'll bring it to their attention if something isn't done. With Harry's statement, the case will be considered closed."

"Even with Dumbledore's involvement?" Sirius asked scowling darkly, sometimes he really hated the Ministry and all they represented.

"That will be considered a new case," Corvus confessed, "That's if they decide to go ahead and open it, they might decide they don't have the evidence to pursue any leads. They might also decide that it isn't worth the time, money or effort to charge him with additional crimes given his life sentence." He was never going to get out of there alive.


A/n – there we go! Another chapter hmm I think I covered everything that was needed which means another time jump will we jump straight to Harry returning for his fourth year at Hogwarts? With mere mentions of the balls and such? Or will Harry have had to put that off for another year due to his injuries? Move the story along and still get to see Harry emerge in society just a year older? Or will we see Harry attend every function this summer? With Sirius finally opening his shop and the advancement of Sirius/Rodolphus' relationship…I doubt they would dance around each other for another year…they understand the preciousness of time having lost so much of it while in Azkaban 😉 I wonder if I'm better off putting it to a Facebook poll? R&R please