Post-Fuyuki War
Back to school Diantha went.
Waver's out traveling, Melvin dropped out for health issues for good.
Originally, he should have quit long ago, but alas, he stayed simply because he wanted excitement.
The second word to come out of his mouth is always Mama. The third is Women. The fourth is Money, but before he can get to his fifth, he'll start vomiting blood. Truly, from the bottom of his heart, a useless magus anyone knows. Heck at his state, he was no different from Waver. Perhaps its why they got along so well despite having a powerful third friend who has it lucky?
As a result, the proper use of his Magic Circuits was rather difficult, so even though he had the talent to reach the rank of Brand, he retired from the competitive life of a magus early. After that many people, including his own father, deserted him. His constants were his mother, and his two friends.
But as a result, perhaps as some strange coincidence, he learned of his extraordinary talent for manipulating the Magic Circuits and thus Magic Crests of others. The father that deserted him returned with nothing but smiles, and many times more people than left him flocked to his side.
She had a lot to say about that. Melvin too, was on guard with who he associates with since.
That shameless incident happened around the day Waver borrowed money from Melvin in exchange for a story, and Melvin got more than he bargained for thanks to a mirror Diantha lent Waver just so they can check on him. So yes, Melvin considered it a 'legendary bargain' as he even got to talk with an ancient king and witnessed incredible things.
Melvin had gone home and won't be seeing her for a while as she is under pressure from the Association to bring merits to her name, and begin forging her family crest.
And how?
Unlike most families, her Circuit Composition is so abnormal makes it impossible for her to form a Magic Crest. Its frigging abnormal that its a lost cause lest she gives up magecraft for life and there are many abnormal compositions before her, she was a case where its impossible to even begin forging one. So she aims to create a substitute.
And when Melvin tested his newfound tuning abilities on her?
She made him swear not to talk about its results on her ever again. She may not understand, but she found it too embarrassing despite lack of knowledge on what it was, so her feelings were instinctual, even if she DID get boosted by 10% on an experiment and he seeks to enhance his skills at home...and try it out on everybody.
Normal effects on 99% of everyone in the tower but he uses the Temporary Effect, not the permanent he had done on Diantha. She was the weird one among his test subjects and she threatened to turn him into a duck if he did again, both temporary and permanent.
That, and his abilities are rare and precious, but not Sealing Designate levels so he is forbidden to do it for free by both his mom and her. That's like, pouring all the world's dollars into a ravine instead of spending it on one's desires that the women of his life, is annoyed he nearly did it. Had he done that in public, dear lord...
...there's a reason Mrs. Weins was immensely respected by a LORD.
And they were trying to figure out why only Diantha had an embarrassing side-effect to his skills to no avail. Mrs. Weins is amused with it though, and teases her a lot, after giving her 'the talk', causing the poor kid to give up the ghost out of sheer mortification.
Diantha was now adjusting the levels of the three adults under her care. Sirius is doing well.
Diantha then appealed to the ICW Members during Easter, submitting letters and her copies of her memories of her talk with her godfather, appealing for a trial as considering how things went in year 1980, she could not trust British Court after getting wind of how it went.
And given what they had seen, this naturally reached Albus Dumbledore, the Supreme Mugwump of ICW and talked about during a called meeting.
A lady from a prominent house investigated and found many things lacking that she concluded she cannot trust her country to do legal court proceeds properly and appealed to ICW to 'do it right' and she had concrete evidence. Plus the man wouldn't have wasted thirteen years in Azkaban had they BOTHERED to check for a Familial Godbond Oath. Had Sirius really betrayed the Potters, he would be dying a slow and painful death as magic will charge for the betrayed oath while fulfilling the act of treachery! That should have been stock knowledge as everyone knows how close he was to the Potters. Yet he was condemned for simply, 'being a Black and you know what kind of people that family is'.
So yes, Britain did not do procedure regarding him well, yet all Death Eaters got a legal trial and some got away, pleading Imperius? Seriously?
Now that's intriguing.
It was debated upon and considering Diantha Potter has Sirius Black in custody, healing him even to prep him for trial just so nobody can make stupid health claims by making him reach peak health levels and even knows Mind Healers she could go to and afford them after she fixes his body.
Wow, no trust there huh?
Dumbledore was forced to weather the storm caused by absolute intrigue and incompetence back in year 1980 and having to call back the Previous Administration who handled court proceedings back then to explain themselves...so yes, his runaway student has deemed Sirius Black physically clear after a year of healing, but the duration of Mind-Healing will depend on the Healer, before a court session is arranged.
But before that, there's an International Inquiry. Not because a minor appealed for justice, its more because legal, formal procedures, ARE NOT FOLLOWED thus chucking a man to prison without a trial yet known Dark Lord Supporters got a trial and can plead Imperius after numerous crimes and simply get away with fines?
Now there's something that stinks! So the British Wizengamot found themselves IN trial before ICW Court. Because Dumbledore was British, he was made to temporarily step down for an impartial temporary Supreme Mugwump to head the proceedings...
xxx
Back at Hogwarts...Breakfast time...
'Now she did something real huge.' said Hermione as in the Daily Prophet, the headlines were 'ICW SCANDAL! BRITISH MINISTRY UNDER FIRE FOR 1980 IMPROPER COURT PROCEDURE!' they had just finished reading it and as it was a Special, it was about an inquiry regarding Sirius Black III who was thrown in prison without a trial and following legal procedure, yet Death Eaters enjoyed such privileges, except for the Lestranges.
Due to briberies and threatenings under duress and due to how valuable being Lord Black is, they had to get him out of the way while exploiting an emotional community that was just beginning to recover from war, through Lord Voldemort's demise in the hands of the Potters.
Many were suspended without pay and made to re-study Court Law and Legal Procedures and how to PROPERLY inquire and investigate, and unless they pass the ICW-Issued Exam, they cannot return to their jobs. Heck, they even made it a law now solely for Magical Britain. Anyone wanting to have a law-related job, must first pass exams. A written one, and an oral one. Must score at least minimum of 95% passing grade. Plus a strength of character test and won't be persuaded by bribery, or cowed by threats. And should they get the job, they must all swear Unbreakable Vows. The exams will be taken in their home country, sure, but proctored by ICW Overseers!
This, was international embarrassment for the British Ministry.
'No kidding, if she can rescue Ginny without much fanfare and heal my parents with less trouble, she can pull this off.' said Neville wryly.
'Wait...Dia? Heal your parents?' Ron blurted incredulously.
'Yeah. Makes me wonder what they teach in her new school but they clearly combine Muggle Science and Magic to great effect.' that got Hermione intrigued. '...and my parents are already improving when for fourteen years, nothing ever changed...' Neville shook in a pained voice. 'i get weekly reports from my family house elves...we compared records even. Within the year, they'll be ready for a Mind Healer we can go to. Our country doesn't have a single, licensed Mind Healer.' he said miserably.
'What did she say?' Hermione asked him. 'Combining Muggle Science...?' she croaked out in interest. Such a thing, was possible?!
'Yeah. She showed us a diagram of the Nervous System, a network of nerves that looked like tree roots linking to the spine and brain of a body.' said Neville what he said was familiar to her as well. 'And this is Aggressive Treatment to heal the nerves and help the hyperstimulated pain receptors from the damages they got from the Cruciatus Curse so they can move normally upon leaving their medical incubation.'
'Aggressive Treatment?'
'Fatal Overdosing,' Hermione's jaws dropped. 'Reinforced Body Absorption of the Vitamins and Minerals they have to take, and then help pour in healing potions before the side-effects of overdosing can kick in. Even I know Overdosing is bad, but before it can begin, the useful stuff is immediately forced to work through potions before the body can recognize overdosing, the magic within the potions begins consuming the nutrients to heal where it's supposed to go. In this case, Complete Vitamin B comes first.' he said. 'This absurd logic-breaking treatment any doctor worth their credentials would howl at is only possible because its nutrient supplements from muggles and magic potions kick in instantly.'
'B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12.' Hermione recited. 'By having a complete set of B-Vitamins,' she has to dumb this down. 'It will heal the body's muscles, improve heart health, replenish blood if you're anemic, heal the nerves and functions and normalize the sense of pain, improve brain health and improve good eyesight. But surely there's more than just B-Complex?'
Their dormmates found themselves lost now, as only two can comprehend this discussion. What the hell are these terms they know not? Muggles complicate too much!
'Yeah, the whole package, from A to K, then Minerals, plus Collagen good for both bone and skin. I don't understand those, so I spent some money to buy muggle health books and I got more than what I bargained for...its so complicated.' Neville shuddered. 'But my parents are improving great. And just so they won't get an ulcer since they're under incubation, we occasionally spell in some food and water to avoid dehydration too. I left that complicated stuff to her.'
'But still, a school that combines muggle and magic knowledge...where do I even sign up?' Hermione moaned longingly. She would thrive in logic as these people don't got any!
'Er, the price is criminally-heinous, I doubt you can afford it...its not a State School like Hogwarts where our only worries are school supplies, uniform and books.' said Neville with a shiver. 'When I got wind of the price, like hell we're willing to pay. She says 20000 pounds a year.' tuition aside, there's also how far they'll go for knowledge, evident in Diantha's Course. Hermione who's a rule-stickler with authority worship and runs her mouth while failing to detect danger sign with no social survival instinct, will not survive Diantha's new school. She will die within the day!
Diantha described it as highly-functional, logic-operating sociopaths running the show. They are all highly-intelligent, versatile and creative, especially in how they want you DEAD if you annoy them, and unlike wizarding society where they grow in magical strength, power and capacity the more they train, the magicals in her new school are 'older is stronger, younger is weaker' in terms of bloodlines, in terms of magic power. The more ancient the better. So they are VERY SELECTIVE with marriage partners, in hopes of an heir stronger than the parents.
That's the weird part, but Diantha never told even her friends at that school about the true nature of her magic or she'll find herself a lab rat in a heartbeat. Hell, if Neville put the effort, he'd be stronger in ten years.
However, she felt it may lie in her 'extremely abnormal' so-called Magic Circuits. When her Od strength was measured, it came out as A in quality and quantity. Yet when her circuit composition was checked, it was abnormal among abnormals but at least, not enough to slap her a Designation but also, turned off her suitors as she cannot contribute to the forging of a Crest and may cause future descendants to be possibly born with her...traits, thus can no longer expand the family crest through children and grandchildren. Heck, she was even a subject of pity as she can never engrave the history of her family unless she finds a way around that soon.
This was because unlike the psychos in the Association, she and wizarding societies, are magicals closer to magic than they ever were as their origins were curious scientists dabbling in where they should not and exposure to magic over time caused them to mutate magic circuits over the years, leading to births of Magi. The original users of Magecraft were magical beings like her kind who married humans, and they were descended from them. Thus unlike Magi, they are closer to magic in their own way. Mostly human they may be now, but the magic trait in their so-called 'abnormal circuits', were a result of their kind's history.
Bad enough Diantha's sought as bride material for her money, there's that. And she has yet to figure out why and how and when.
At the mention of the price, Hermione went ashen-white, deeply-shaken.
'My parents can't afford that and per year?!' she squeaked in an increasingly high-pitched voice but the volume was decreasing to squeak levels in horror.
'Tuition, plus dorm expenses, plus uniform and school supplies...almost 26000 pounds or 5220 galleons and 15 sickles.'
That was what Neville told Hermione to deter her from asking any more.
'I know Dia made my family rich, but trying to think of spending that amount will freak my parents out.' Ron deadpanned, shivering at the costs. Hermione looked like a ghost by this point. 'We've been poor for years that trying to spend that much will make dad throw up blood.'
The Weasleys lived poor all their lives. In his dad's time, back when he was Bill's age, they were somewhat well-off, until a moron of a relative got into gambling, fell into debt and ran away...and someone HAS to shoulder it...soooo yeah. Their furious grandparents disowned that relative in both name and magic as retaliation for making everyone pay for a debt that wasn't even theirs. That was a tale they all grew up in why they're poor that if they ever get into bad vices, they'll be disowned on the spot to protect the family in time before they are made to shoulder a debt again!
His dad did better. Upon telling them that story when they reach ten years old, they were all made to swear Unbreakables. Oh, and he's still ANGRY about the memory so if a 'certain person' ever approached them or any of their progeny in the future trying to appeal to them for help, it's a HELL NO. Give an inch, they'll take miles for sure!
His parents, while understanding it's out of spite towards the culprit, were grateful their runaway friend made them rich by selling the beast that nearly cost them Ginny.
Culprit just by checking House Elf Registry? Fucking Malfoy. Sooo yes, Dia was spiteful indeed. The Weasleys are now richer than the Malfoys. a fact they privately enjoy in vengeful glee. Thus when third year came, everyone was surprised that all Weasleys have brand new uniforms and school goods, and brand new clothes!
'So what is she studying there?' Hermione wondered. 'I wonder if I can do it on my own here in Hogwarts. She seems focused on medicine.'
'Well, medicine is what they study first. Her course focuses in Potions first, before Witchcraft like we do.' said Neville. 'They studied the human body and how potions affect the body after a year of ingredients, preservation and prep lessons. And they must have had a good teacher, if Dia found a way to quickly and efficiently fix my parents.'
He dare not say what studying in Diantha's school is like. It'll cause an uproar and a hunt for Dia and she will NOT be amused, even if she worries him considering what her school is like. Heck, the family ladies were wondering if to survive such a school, she too, will be no different just to graduate...
'Wow, wish Snape teaches like that, instead of writing a recipe on the board and tells us to get on with it.' Ron snarked. 'And I swear even a three year old had better handwriting...'
'Ron!' Hermione scolded. As she ranted about proper manners, yep, Neville thought, she will not last a day in Dia's new school. How the hell did her parents raise her? In a rose-colored world where everything must be proper and perfect? Good person and friend she may be, but she must learn flexibility...or else.
xxx
'Heee? This is interesting~' Diantha snickered as she got the British Wizengamot into Hot Soup. She's currently in her flat, enjoying a breakfast of a steamed fish fillet with homemade sauce, and a wholewheat egg sandwich she cooked for herself.
Dobby brought her the newspaper. Poor guy had to get medicine from her every two days as long as she hired him, and food every other three weeks. Hungry elves are useless elves after all. He had permission to take bruise, burns, bone-mendings and wound-healing from her home shelves when he and his fellow elves need it as he can't exactly ask her in class and when she's doing her projects...and distractions make things go boom. She also treats him well on their spare time as she knows full well what it was like, to be an abused servant.
She had her revenge as soon as she could after all.
But the fact remains that mistreated elves...retaliate subtly. There are three elves in Malfoy Manor. One cleaning the house, one tending to the vast gardens and taking care of the family Peacock Collection, and Dobby does everything else. Cook, Laundry, and being a chewtoy in general his colleagues were luckier.
'This should kick them out of their comfortable high horses. If it had to take international shaming to do their damn jobs right, I think I might do it again~' she giggled. 'This is fun!' she giggled as she ate her fish with a spoon. It was tender enough for a spoon all for the sake of getting a large dollop of healthy homemade sauce she made out of spices that the taste became savory-sweet, close to the taste of BBQ, but a looot healthier than BBQ.
She finished her breakfast and went to school.
xxx
Months later...
Sirius found himself awake and feeling fresh and clean, and wearing clothes. And that shitty thing in his precious is gone!
He got up, but still skinny as ever though. But as soon as he did, he heard a bell chime and seconds later, Diantha came in.
'Dia, am I alright now?' Sirius groaned as he sat up in just boxers. But hey, his skin and nails don't look so bad now. They're a healthy pink and neatly-trimmed...he also has no facial hair nor body hair. his mouth feels gross though. How long has he slept?
'You're almost there. Your body may be better but you need a vacation with a Mind Healer till end of the year.' she said. 'I let you out as you're unrecognizable enough...for the Quidditch World Cup.'
Sirius squawked.
'THE WHAT?!' he cried in delight. Did his goddaughter seriously say she woke him up for the Quidditch World Cup?!
'So yes, go take a shower and a thorough gargle with mouthwash before brushing. We'll buy some clothes as I already bought tickets.'
'Holy cow Dia, this is awesome!' Sirius practically bounced off the bed and rushed to the bathroom like a child told he'd go to Disneyland, making Diantha smile in amusement. She felt that may have been the first time the man smiled in thirteen years.
Melvin began traveling again for some reason with a body like that. What a whimsical guy. And Waver has yet to come home anyway...she sighed.
Well, its not like her life revolves around her friends anyway. She's her own woman dammit and she wanted a life worth living. Enjoy being a young woman while accomplishing a lot.
Two things she cannot do in Hogwarts.
xxx
For Sirius, he knew its been a year since he was in that tank.
Dia had shaved him bald to clear his head of lice and skin problems on his scalp. So his hair will grow back properly and a lot healthier. A year after the tank, his hair is at a decent length, but not going past his shoulders.
He now felt stronger, cleaner and better compared to what he had been post-Azkaban. He's lanky like a normal man 'who never did any form of physical activity all his life', well, he atrophied in Azkaban dammit, days of being an Auror gave him a Runner's Build that he lost in a decade and some. His 'diet' in Azkaban is watery, tasteless oatmeal, a piece of bread and just water. Sometimes he goes hungry as wardens 'sometimes' forget to feed high-security people.
His eyesight also changed. It's clearer. A lot clearer.
After a bath and brushing his teeth that's now pearly-white and in perfect condition, he got to wear clean clothes befitting an aristocrat like himself.
Then again, Dia also dresses the same way.
'OK, have you gotten a tent and everything?' Sirius asked her.
'Of course~' Diantha smirked. 'I am overly-prepared! Our tent is a luxurious Hotel Suite, complete with a shower and a bathtub! Its a little tricky to work on, but I managed!'
Wizarding Tents, were a subject of bafflement to the Magi and to this day, they're STILL trying to figure out how to do it. But every magus lacks what their kind has. Belief.
These high-functioning sociopaths are too logical despite experimenting with magic. Making a Tent, was NEWT-level for students.
They thus lack belief and imagination required to create a magical tent. Because Magical effects, are powered by FANTASY like how their ancestors fuckin' dunnit.
Hedwig was entrusted to Dobby as usual so she can stretch her wings at the Weasley's place, and brush up on her hunting skills.
They left the dorms and made their way to the camp site. No reservations of course. They were also near the stadium where the event would be, so they can come 'right on time'.
They spent the day wandering around together, exploring some stalls.
Because Sirius looks too young for his age, nobody who knew him recognized him. He looked like he'd be Diantha's older brother.
'The Quidditch World Cup is every four years.' said Sirius. 'Countries take turns hosting it. After that embarrassment of a 1980 Scandal, Britain still managed to host this, huh?' he was amazed with such audacity as it is. He got a lot of intel from Dia that the British Ministry is overhauled by the ICW, seeing it as an embarrassment of a government office, run by self-serving fools, bringing great shame to the prestige of the offices that they serve.
Because pro-pureblood corruption ran so deep that even Dumbledore failed to detect, he had to step down as Supreme Mugwump and 'clean up his backyard' and government offices starting next year, will be filled with witches and wizards who will do their job impartially and non-corrupt, so this year was everyone else's last year in their offices. New hires will be taking their places. They who graduated with merit, and skill and swore oaths that they won't be easily-bribable, easily-threatened, weak officials or worse, corrupt officials.
A Temporary Minister will be sent by the ICW who will guide the new hires until they are used to their jobs and some promotions MUST be made, before the citizens of Britain elect a new Minister.
'Well, money, time and resources are already poured in, no backing out now.' Diantha shrugged. 'So yes, we're hosting.'
It's Bulgaria VS Ireland.
'Only the wealthy can truly enjoy this event.' said Sirius as they got to their seats. they were seated with foreigners, and there's hardly a rich British who can afford the topmost Top Box seats. He even spotted the Malfoy Family who prolly did a lotta lobbying to get to sit with Fudge.
But even then, their box still isn't high enough they still have to tilt their necks up while he and Diantha are VERY COMFORTABLE!
'Yeah, by the air of our seatmates, they are indeed, 'kin' in a term of social status.' Diantha chuckled. 'I don't see the Malfoys around~probably too shy to go out in public.' she purred in dark amusement as she didn't see the overly-gelled or hair-sprayed head of her former adversary. 'Dobby would tell me things about the Malfoy Household...for all their derision at everyone else and holding fast to their beliefs, as well as cruelty to their House Elves...the one thing that made them human compared to their so-called allies was the fact that they're actually a loving family.' she said. 'Sickeningly-sweetheart parents, and doting on their only son who in turn looks at them highly with reverence and respect. An unusual thing for dark wizards. Yet other dark families aren't so nice.'
'They believe their lord will return, so their sons and daughters are cruelly and harshly groomed to be great servants if he ever comes back.' Sirius tut-tutted in disgust. 'Well, they're in jail now. The lot of them while their kids are under Snape's Loco Parentis. May as well be freedom and permanent vacation from a life like that. It pays you have eyes in enemy camp, huh?'
'Of course.' said Diantha smugly. 'I'm doing my part too you know, so I can enjoy my life without worries. Sometimes if you want something done and done right, you do it yourself.'
They enjoyed the show, making full use of reinforcement spell on their eyes as buying Omniculars is a waste of money anyway. And they can see better!
'Dia this is so amazing...I never thought that Quidditch World Cup Matches got so advanced while I was gone for so long!' Sirius gushed out, highly enjoying his time with the matches and high-speed brooms. 'Why when I was your age, it wasn't this good and flashy!'
'Well, it's the ICW who made all this possible. You seriously think Magical Britain can pull this off? Highly unlikely. They can't think outside the box, forever happy in their stagnant situation.' Diantha sneered. 'Well, it's almost over. Ireland has done well. Too bad for Scotland, England and Wales, highly embarrassing...Ireland did right in training their Chasers and Goalkeeper more than the Seeker. The Seeker isn't always the bringer of victory after all. It's a well-oiled Chaser Team and a talented Goalkeeper.'
Sirius them wore a look of nostalgia.
'...that's what Prongs once said about chasers, as he was on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team...' said Sirius as he looked back in his memories. 'You held similar beliefs.'
'...I used to be the Seeker for Gryffindor until I left.' said Diantha bitterly. 'I thought life in Hogwarts is bliss compared to the Dursleys but in the end, useless teachers and a fickle, fair-weather student body following the loudest sheep bleat made me reconsider.'
Her words made Sirius worry. If he and his friends enjoyed life in Hogwarts, why didn't she?
'...I'd like to hear that story over dinner tonight.'
'Mm.'