Charter: 3
Black Magic Over Tea
It was at this point that Madam Bones, Head of the DLME, could no longer hold her peace. "Do you mean to tell me that many in this room knew vital information that could have lead to and early end or possible prevention of the war?!" Everyone stares at Amelia like they just remembered she was in the room. She looked ready to hex all of them into oblivion at any moment. August doesn't look far behind her in the cold stare she is giving. "Ladies, I believe that if you would allow me, I can hopefully put everything together and please feel free to input if I miss something." Marius states as comforting as possible. He too had the final piece he needed to understanding the similarities between Grindelwald and Voldemort. They had one very common enemy; Dumbledore. "I too had heard stories of my cousins time at Hogwarts. You must understand the strange happenings during those years. At one point the Chamber of Secrets had been opened and a girl was killed. Her name was Myrtle Elizabeth Warren. It was very difficult to get any information about how she died. From what I understand, it was in the Ladies room on the second floor. She didn't have a mark on her and it was blamed on a half giant named Rubeus John Hagrid who kept a pet achromantula in a cupboard somewhere near the maze in the dungeons of Hogwarts. It was Tom Riddle who turned him in. Mr. Hagrid was expelled but allowed to be trained as a grounds keeper at the school by then Headmaster Armondo Dippet. I understand that then Deputy Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was very influential in this decision. He retired in 1965. This information was even harder to come buy due to an information prevention ward that was put up around the school due to his embarrassment. To think that a mother lost her only child and never truly found out why. I only came buy this information from an associate who regularly does trade with Mr. Hagrid. He is very trusting. I assume the old headmaster forgot that Secrecy Wards don't work on those they are subject to what they are hiding. After this, there are no more issues with Mr. Riddle in school and his trail is lost in Albania a few years after he graduates. But I do know that he was apprenticing at Borgan & Burke's and was known for being able to procure rather impossible items. Several people went missing or were found murdered by their loved ones before he left. I say this because he was one of two people I truly believed to be Voldemort. Stop flinching he's dead... Well... Mostly dead." It is at this that everyone starts staring at him open mouths gaping. "Horcruxes... I think that is the plural term... Nobody who knows the price would dare make one, let alone six. Leonis had an incomplete Horcrux in his scar. I thought the Goblin Healer was going to go on a rampage. Luckily it hadn't settled and was quite easily removed. With enough time and more treatments of scar cream, any traces should disappear all together." It is at this moment everyone in the room is looking at Little Leonis' forehead. Leonis makes a small giggle and blushes, while shying away into Charis' arms. "Sirius let me know that Hagrid showed up on the night that Lilly and James were both murdered and was going to take Leonis to the healer on Dumbledore's orders. Sirius said that all he cared more about his Godson's wellbeing until Hagrid came to the door; then all he could think of was revenge. We all no the story from there since it was quite dramatically broadcasted in the Wizengamot Council chambers. Minister Fudge seems to be making a splash considering he had the WWN (Wireless Wizarding Network) broadcast the entire proceedings. I have actually received mostly pleasant posts and a few offers of marriage. I can't imagine the post the Minister is receiving over this laps of judgement. By the way Madam Bones, if you don't mind, I do have some rather suspicious packages sent from one Madam Dolores Jane Umbridge. I find her childish actions over my proving an incompetent Minister's errors amusing. Several of her jinxes, hexes, and curses couldn't even sustain themselves for owl post. Only the house elves have touched them and her magical signature should be on them still." Boggard delivers the bundled packages and letters the the Head of the DLME and leaves with a bow and a pop. "I hope that allowing you to rid yourself of her influence in the Ministry can be taken as an apology and peace offering." Madam Bones is exuberant at the chance to finally get that woman out of her hair. She tries to hide her contentment but everyone in the room knows that Marius is forgiven; for now.
"Azkaban wiped away any trace of residual magic due to the presence of the dementors." Pop. "Sorry, not you Dementa, Dementors of Azkaban, we were talking about Sirius." Marius says with slight amusement. "Sorry sir." With another pop Dementa is gone. "What you don't know is that Grindelwald and Dumbledore had a connection early on in life. After Grindelwald was expelled from Durmstrang; he moved to Godric's Hollow to live with his great aunt. None other than former Professor Bathilda Bagshot. She is a wonderful source of knowledge about the Dumbledore family as well." He slides a file across the table for the ladies to peruse. "The most interesting part is Aurelius Dumbledore, most of you that paid attention will know him as Credence Barbone." The women gasp and several clutch their pearls and breasts at the shock of it all. "The assassin was his own brother?!""Dumbledore's father had an affair?!" "Tried to get rid of the evidence by sending the child to America with a friend of the family." It is at this point that Sirius, who is once again free from his punishment walks into the room and states. "He is still alive actually uncle. You may know him better as Benjamin Aurelius Scamander. Uncle Alphard went to school with Aberforth Dumbledore and kept his herd of goats for him when his brother turned him in for preforming inappropriate spells on a goat. He set his own brother up for bestiality when all he was doing was breading the herd. The Dumbledore's were goat herders from Hamburg and it was the only life Aberforth knew after his sister's death. Abe doesn't like to talk about it and I don't blame him after my own experiences with Albus. I had Professor Scamander and his son take care of the herd once the war started. I found a lot of interesting information in a journal Uncle Alphard left me in the villa. He made sure I was taken care of in the event I was disowned. He was struck from the tapestry post mortem I understand...
I would like to apologize to you all. I have hated this family for years. I thought you were all thought like my mother. I remember reading about our family and what we stood for in the beginning. I used to wonder how we strayed so far from the path. I see now that we have kept to the shadows and it seems like things truly haven't changed... Yes Cissa, I can read... I want to be a member of this family for the first time in living memory. I want us to be like we were during the true Knights of Walpurgis. The Blacks, The Potters, The Bones, The Greengrasses, The Flints, The Longbottoms, The Crouches, The Abbots, and The Weasleys. Those were the nine sacred families of the Knights of Walpurgis. We protected the secret of magic before the council was ever founded. We used our talents to put and end to muggle hunting; while insuring the innocent remained free. We fought for Justice. Not all Wizards and Witches are good; just like not all muggles are either. I think we have a good start at getting the families together again. I know that the Flints and the Greengrasses stayed neutral during the war. I thought that our family had betrayed our sacred oaths. We became the villains in children's stories. We were the only ones looking out for those new to magic; but in the end we failed. Haven't we?" Everyone in the room was taken aback by Sirius' rant. There was so much distrust in the magical world. The families had separated centuries ago due to the mistrust of the community. It angers all of them in the room that these Dark Lords so modeled themselves after something that was purely good. The oaths the families originally took insured it. "Is there anything you can do to free my husband? Lucius, the real Lucius always cared for children, no matter birth, and the true good of the magical community. He tried so hard to relieve the tarnish of his name. Please..." A single tear fell from eye that she could not hold back any longer. "Let's see what the book says dear." Cassiopeia says as she reaches her whole arm into her handbag... Here it is. Secrets of the Darkest Art. You must find an original or otherwise you are compelled to do the rituals with the worst prices. Probably how much of this came about. I originally purchased it because it has the best potion ingredients supplementary. You have to be careful, but you would be surprised what you can do with basic potions when you know a more powerful ingredient you can add to strengthen the effects. That tonic I made for Cedrella could probably do wonders for your son and daughter in law Augusta dear. Her nervous system is twenty years younger. Not the effect I was working toward, but worked in the end. Oh... Here we are." She says as she fully opens the tome for everyone to see.
Narcissa fainted after reading just a portion of the ritual. "I did tell you it was shocking dear." Cassiopeia says after reviving Narcissa with a light rennervate. Everyone paled when they went over the ritual. "Write a letter to your husband and we will get Marius to send it with his owl. I am sure Lucius is getting worried and will do anything he can to get here. We really should end this as soon as possible. Cedrella, do you think you could get Authur here without Molly. She does tend to over react the sweet dear." Cassiopeia continues.
It takes an hour for Lord Malfoy to arrive. It is rather impressive timing considering international portkeys are rather difficult to get a hold of last minute. Lord Black once again finds himself answering the door and thinking he should have went for the largest flat size. "Lord Malfoy, it is a pleasure to have you in my home. Narcissa and Draco are fine but I am going to need you to calm down and look me in the eyes for a moment." Lucius is suspicious but complies. "I want you to remember yourself as a young child and when you and Narcissa were younger. I need you to remember that young man." Lucius starts shaking and Marius help him to a near chair. "That's it Lucius. You know something is wrong. Remember." Marius continues. Lucius looks like he is going through extreme pain. "That's it. I know this is extremely difficult for you. This is for the good of your family and your name. If you don't fight it then you will never be free. Lucius tightens his hands on the arm rest so hard that the fabric is starting to rip. "Good. I want you to concentrate for a moment while I go and get the door. We are almost through. Will you trust me?" Lucius through the strain and pain nods; he knows that something isn't right. He has known it for years. No matter how much it hurts at the moment, this is the most relief he has felt in a long time. Marius answers the door and quickly closes it behind him so that neither man can see the other. "Authur, I am clad to see you. Your mother is in the sitting room. I do need you to do something first however, and then I will explain everything. Lucius is just beyond the door. I need you to embrace him in a brotherly hug and forgive him. He has been under a curse ever since his father died. I promise that he means your family no harm and everything will be explained. You are his only hope. He is in a lot of pain at the moment resisting the curse. Best move quickly." Authur and Lord Black walk through the door and Lucius doubles over in even more pain and begins retching violently. "Lucius, you need to give Authur a brotherly hug and ask for his forgiveness. Best be quick about it and this will all be over." Lucius fought back comments and his hatred for Authur. They really didn't communicate very much and school and had never done anything against him personally or his family. Lucius almost knocks Authur over and startles him quite a lot when he forcefully heaves himself toward Author and hugs him tightly. "Author Septimius Weasley, I have besmirched your good name and have been horrible towards you and your family. Please forgive me?" Lucius asks desperately and quickly. It is a rather impressive apology considering the amount of pain he is in. Authur can see that something is extremely wrong and has seen people fight off curses before. He also prays that Lucius isn't being tortured into this. Nobody deserves that. "I forgive you Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, I forgive you." Lucius feel relief almost instantly and then a brilliant light can be seen along with shaking and rattling. Then a black sickly smoke escapes from Lucius' orifices. "Help me get him to the sitting room Authur. He needs to sit down."
Of course everyone was looking through the door. They heard and saw everything. Tissues and pearl clutching is what the three men entering the sitting room find. Narcissa and Andromeda help Marius with Lucius as Authur is swept away in hugs and complements on what a sweet young man he is. Both men are rather clueless until everything calms down and Lord Black explains exactly what happened. Lucius stays quite and trying to come to grips with what he has done since he became Lord Malfoy. Authur returns to Lucius' side and speaks quietly to him. "You are not your father Lord Malfoy. You are a good man who has been forced to do terrible things. You are a victim in this as well as I. Forgive yourself. And be the better man you know you are." Lucius stares at Authur dumbfounded. He can see that he actually cares. "Lucius if you please, you more than deserve the right to call me by my first name. "Authur then." Mr. Weasley returns with an offered hand. Both men shake hands. Marius is very pleased at the sight. It will be for the best if everyone can get along. They will be living together quite a few years.
Everyone sits back at the table and both Lucius and Authur are filled in on what is happening. Lucius is uncomfortable being told that he will not be able to return home because the wards are still active and he would not be able to escape them so easily again. They would have to dissipate naturally and he would have the elves put the manner in lockdown for the time being. It really was a small price to pay for all the wrong he has done. Authur tried to refuse the invitation of his family, but gave in eventually. He never likes being a burden on anyone and the family has always managed. He gives in when they say 'that when it is family, it isn't charity'. He takes the return portkey and heads out to collect his things and family. Cassiopeia is already packed, along with Cedrella, Charis, and Callidora. They even brought magical tents that they could set up in some of the rooms to make them suites for each family. The smirks on their faces lead Marius to wonder if they have had this planned for years. They seemed far to prepared. Knowing late uncle Arcturus, he probably gave everyone their own parts in the plan. Seems like something he would do anyway. Augusta and Amelia were quite uncomfortable with the offer of shelter. It took Callidora, Charis, Cassiopeia, and Cedrella only five minutes to make them both feel guilty for not accepting their offer. Both needed regular babysitters and they were both technically family. Amelia was taken aback until Charis explained that her mother was a Crouch and her sister in law. That made her Amelia's Auntie and she expected to be called such. Amelia had know this, but most people thought the Bones family were muggle mixed and most were called halfbloods. Amelia was pretty sure she was listed as one on her personnel file at the Ministry. That book of the Knot family really did cause a lot of problems. It truly had done it's job. It had divided up families and allies. This has to end, Amelia thought to herself.
Once everyone was seated and Authur and his family returned hours later the entire gathering sat for dinner. It is a smorgasbord of food and almost nobody has room for the delicious looking desserts; bet everyone makes an attempt. "I would like to make an announcement." Marius states as he waits for silence. "I would like to let you know that there is a plan and we will be going over it in detail in the next few months. We will focus on Barty Jr. first since he is in the most apparent peril. But it will take time Charis." She nods in understanding but is relieved that her once sweet grandson may be rescued. "First, All the children will be attending Durmstrang and will be paid for by the Black family. Do not worry if your children are already paid for Hogwarts. We will insist that an underprivileged magical child of our selection is given the opportunity to attend. There are many muggleborn that are not afforded an education as well as first generation witches and wizards living in the poorer districts. Here are some pamphlets on the school that are given to interested parents. I have been a professor there for just over ten years and took a sabbatical for 'research' purposes. I will be returning in the fall. The primary language has been Bulgarian for over a hundred years, but most professors speak English as well. The children will be taught Bulgarian before attending. I also expect for them to learn at least one more language that is French, German, or Russian. They are the primary languages that will only help the children in future. I also expect for you all to make an attempt as well if you do not already speak another language. The children will all be taught etiquette and will be required to play at least one instrument. They will be taught their primary schooling together. They will also be taught rudimentary potions, basic runes, basic herbology, and basic arithmancy. The children will have a loose schedule at first that will get more strict as they get older. This will help them in school. I understand that we have once child who will be starting this fall. William, I will work with you personally to make sure you are prepaired." Molly wants to ask why her William would be starting this year but refrains. William nods, excited about learning magic early. "It will be difficult, but I promise that you will have plenty of free time to play. I do expect you to try however." Again William nods. "Durmstrang starts at age ten. The propose of this is so that the children learn grooming and hygiene charms, as well as rudimentary subjects. It gives those without privilege a chance to catch up so that everyone starts out on the same level. Those who's families can afford early on education are expected to provide them to their children so that they can assist others. Each year group is housed together. As they age they are given more and more privileges that can be taken at a moments notice. The school is very strict, but fair. There is Quidditch. We have six teams that you each can be selected for during your second year. Everyone is expected to try out then; but no longer required after your second year. There is one tryout that all six teams recruit from." The older children seemed excited about not being separated in different houses and with six teams there was a better chance to get selected. "The children will be expected to attend at least once social club. I don't care which, as long as they enjoy it. In their third year, they will be mentored on their talents and an advisor will be selected for them. They will be their mentor for the remainder of their time at Durmstrang. I don't care if their talent is Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, or Dark Arts; we will support them equally." Molly looked like she was going to faint at Dark Arts. "Molly. I assure you that the Dark Arts at Durmstrang are not what you think. Aurors learn the same things Durmstrang teaches. I am sure you know many that you just don't know are Dark. If one of your children has a talent for the Dark Arts, then you will support them. Dark does not mean evil; just as Light does not mean good. It is our intentions and actions that make us who we are. It is important, however, to know about the Dark Arts because of the risk involved. Say you read a book and it tells you a handy spell for getting rid of household pests. Seems fine. However, it could be a Dark spell and if you try it at the advice of a book, you may not know the consequences. Ignorance often costs lives in the magical world. Please understand that we are trying to prevent future Dark Lords; not create them." Molly calms down a little at that. She had seen the file on Dumbledore and through and absolute fit. Her voice actually penetrated the silencing wards around the apartment complex and several neighbors knocked to check if everything was alright. Impressive if it didn't make everyone temporarily deaf for a few moments. Molly is trying, she just wants what is best for her family and children. "It seems you have all the children's interests at heart. It has been a rough week. I apologize if I go too far. Thank you Lord Black." Marius is impressed with her restraint and can see she really is trying. He didn't expect this to go over well and decides he will do his best to quell her fears later. "Now, I have spoken with Boggard and all the house elves seem to be getting on rather nicely. We have plenty to help manage the household and children. In this country we expect our house elves to be educated and well mannered. We also treat them like a member of the family; not a pet or slave. You may find your personal elves hesitant but I ask that you encourage a dialogue between each other. They are incredibly intelligent and are extremely loyal when treated well. As many of you have seen earlier with Sirius; I do not tolerate bigotry from either side and neither does Boggard. I promise that I will start working on getting the manner rebuilt tomorrow back in England. It was located in Brockwook Park of Hampshire. I am told that the wards are still intact and that it would only take a month to get built and ready at the right price. Each of you will be given a spending allowance for you and the children weekly. The children will learn to share and take care of their things. Allowance is a privilege, not a right. Food, Clothes, Shelter, and other necessities will come from the family budget directly and Boggard will manage it. Spoiled children make terrible adults, but they are children and should not be expected to earn their keep either. Birthdays will be celebrated individually but cannot be expected to be on the same day as their actual birthday every year. Several children have the birthdays very close together. We will take turns to spread them out and the children will be told when their party is to be at least four months in advanced with exception of this year. This will be difficult at first; but I think we can get the system down in time. Does this sound acceptable?" The only ones at the table with a child completely happy is the Tonkes, Amelia Bones, and Augusta Longbottom. Everyone else felt it was a good compromise over all. Sirius is actually grumbling the loudest when Marius gets him with a light stinging hex. Most of the adults at the table and children laugh. Sirius is a good sport about it and everyone decides it is time to tuck in. The tents were impressive and housed each family comfortably. For the first time for many of the families it feels like everything is going to be ok. Many tears are shed in relief of the help they are getting and many in that they are no longer alone.
Marius lays in bed wondering how he ended up with not only Leonis, but also Sirius in his canine form in his room. He laughs to himself before falling asleep. He had always been somewhat alone and self reliant. It is nice having company.