I don't own Harry Potter or any rights pertaining thereto. This story will start with Harry Potter in the King's Cross Waiting Room and be AU to canon. Pairings may or may not be canon. Events may not be as first published by JK Rowling and are not intended to suggest new canon.
The moon set at 18:30 on 6 June 1994 and was a waning, not full moon. For this story the date will be kept as published as a full moon in The Prisoner of Azkaban and moonrise will by 18:30, when Remus Lupin began to change into his werewolf form. The sunset at around 21:00 will be 21:40 in story to reflect Hogwarts northerly location.
One reviewer wanted me stop bashing Ron. I want to thank the reviewer for reading this story and to thank those who have reviewed it. This chapter will address why Harry is smearing Ron. In fact, Harry hasn't portrayed anything Ron has done in a favourable light. If Harry's going to forgive Hermione for taking his money because she's broke, you'd expect Harry to forgive Ron for the same reason.
Harry James Potter awoke Friday about 9:20 am, still on the sofa he'd fallen asleep on and still in his clothes. He must reek, he thought. A nice long soak in the bath would be just what the doctor ordered. He looked around. There was no sign of Amelia Bones or the house-elf, Mirrel. Hermione Granger was talking to Susan Bones.
"You know when I shut myself in that unused girls loo on Halloween in our first year, Ron Weasley not only caused me to flee there, but he also shut me in with the troll." Susan gasped.
Harry felt slightly bad about smearing Ron like that. He'd been the one to lock Hermione in and then they'd both heard her scream. In Harry's defence, Ron had thought it a good idea to lock the troll in. If he hadn't, Harry wouldn't have done it. The witch that should have been in the portrait wasn't there. Had no reason to be. The loo wasn't used.
It was done now. Before the evening feast of their fourth year everyone in Hogwarts would have heard what Ron had done. As the old adage put it, all is fair in love and war. Harry wasn't sure he was in love with Hermione Granger, but he was absolutely sure Ronald Bilius Weasley was not the right man for her.
Amelia Bones interrupted his train of though as she entered and noticed that Harry was awake.
"Finally decided to rejoin us, have you, Lord Potter-Black?"
"I have, Regent Bones. I thank you for your hospitality."
"You got that bit of Wizarding Etiquette correct," Amelia noted, amused.
"Only thing I read before passing out."
"Your owl delivered this for you." Amelia gave Harry an envelop with the seal of the Dwarves of Edinburgh.
"Hedwig likes bacon. She'll pester you until you give her some," Harry laughed, recalling some of the battles he and Hedwig had had.
Amelia handed Harry his wand and Invisibility Cloak. "I had Croaker remove the trace from the wand. It had another that it should not have had. He returns the cloak free of anything that should not be there. He wonders, if this cloak is what he thinks it is."
"Thank you for doing this for me and involving Croaker. If I understand his question correctly, it is." Harry tore open the letter and read what the Dwarves had said. They'd informed him that they and the Goblins had agreed a six million galleons fee for the basilisk of which 1 million would go to the Dwarves and 5 million to Harry Potter. They would need to access the Chamber at 10am Friday 10 June 1994.
"Madam Bones, is it possible for you to get me to Hogwarts for 10 am this morning?"
"It is."
"I believe you will be required to attend in your official capacity."
"I have some things to attend to at the office. Setting up your protective custody for one. I shall be back in half an hour. I'll have Mirrel prepare you a bath." Amelia smiled. Susan hadn't seen her Aunt this relaxed in, well, ever. Amelia gave Hedwig some bacon, before she left.
Harry had his bath, whilst Mirrel attended to his clothes. He wore the time-turner around his neck. As he bathed, Harry thought about what he'd done. He never lost his temper at the Dursleys. Since he'd been at Hogwarts, he'd nearly lost it every day, so many times, he'd lost count. Was what he'd done in the Goblin's office was terrible? Harry didn't believe any mortal had the power to kill that many people. That was it right there. Harry thought of Goblins as people, not magical creatures. Yes, his account had been ripped apart. It was something his parents had left him. He had nothing of them. Harry had never had anything, either. Not whilst he was growing up at the Dursleys. He wasn't going to let go of something that was his, ever again.
That brought him back to the power levels needed to fuel that spell. The three supernatural entities had done what they had done though mortal agency. Not even Merlin could have done something like that. A weapon of war was what he had been called. He knew what Dumbledore thought him as. Harry could feel the anger building against Dumbledore. He controlled the anger as he had at the Dursleys. A teacher had suggested anger management courses. She had helped him with the basics after her good intentions had been thrown back in her face by Petunia Dursley. The Dursleys had liked that Harry was thought of as a violent boy.
Harry had to admit, even through gritted teeth, that he didn't need the money back in his account. He had enough money in there to see him through to when he had access to all his accounts. He could say it was principle. And to an extent it was. It was, perhaps, the straw that broke the camel's back – and Harry was going through his primary school clichés far too quickly.
Hermione's essays were always too long. She even marked and cited every reference. She was never marked down for overlength. Harry thought that was Dumbledore 'helping' Hermione. Since her exams were all that mattered, it didn't matter how long her school work was. He hadn't gotten to see any of her work and that bothered him. He'd only caught the odd glimpse of it. He'd read the local Surrey County newspaper, the Surrey Advertiser about his 11+ exam
The top two children in the country's 11+ exam results in 1991 were both from this county. Hermione Jean Granger beat Harry James Potter by half a mark. Both children are well above genius level IQ. Genius level IQ is an IQ of 140 and above.
The Sorting Hat put him Gryffindor, because he didn't want to go to Slytherin. The Head of House hated him and most of its members were the offspring of those who wanted to kill him. He would either have killed every Slytherin in the first week - considering what he'd done to the Goblins whom he didn't hate – that would have been a possibility or they would have killed him. Silly Hat. All because he'd hidden his intelligence from the Dursleys. The Hat hadn't let him finish the thought 'prove himself academically'. It was now a moot point. Half-goblin Flitwick would hardly be approachable, now.
Harry had no friends, which ruled out Hufflepuff. Did he try to work the Malfoy angle? Malfoy had tried to tell him, 'more children than they can afford' about the Weasleys. His account showed the truth of that statement. Well that gave him an 'in' with Slytherin. If Harry moved house, he'd never find out just where Ron's loyalties lay. He would also set himself up against Dumbledore. Dumbledore had to believe that Harry was listening to others rather than coming up with his own strategies. That meant that Harry had to return to the Dursleys. Harry knew the wardstone was dead. If Dumbledore was telling the truth about what the wardstone did, it would be dead. If he wasn't, it would still be doing its thing and trying to drain his magic. He would also get his gaolers described as protectors. He could also deal with Dudley and his gang. The primary school headmaster would get his just deserts. Harry hadn't decided how many fingers he would break.
Right at that moment the two girls, Hermione and Susan entered and got a full frontal of Harry Potter. Yes, thought Harry, he could demonstrate to Arthur Weasley the purpose of a rubber duck. Sadly, he didn't have one.
"My Aunt will be back in 5 minutes Harry. You should get out of the bath," Susan said. The girls didn't look like they were going to leave. Harry stood up, got out of the bath and grabbed the towel and started drying himself. The girls' faces turned crimson and they fled.
5 minutes later and Harry was dressed and waiting for Amelia Bones. She indicated that they would side-apparate to Hogsmeade. Harry hated side-apparition. He bore it with good grace. They were soon standing in Myrtle's loo. The Dwarves and Goblins were present. The goblins looked ill-disposed towards Harry.
The Dwarves read out what was going to happen. Just as Harry was about say "Open" in parseltongue, the Hogwarts delegation arrived. It consisted of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape.
"Ah Harry, I am pleased to see that you have returned to school. Please accompany Professor Snape to your double potions lesson."
"Albus, Lord Potter-Black is here to open the Dmaber of Secrets so that the Basilisk he killed can be harvested. He came to an agreement with the Dwarves of Edinburgh," Amelia Bones said.
Whilst Amelia was speaking Harry whispered to the master Dwarf that the Goblins might refuse to accept the coin into his account and would the Dwarves mind opening an account for him and putting all of it in that for him. The dwarf had smiled and said they'd be delighted.
Snape said,"The Basilisk belongs to Hogwarts as does the proceeds."
"Nay, laddy," the Master Dwarf said. "As recognised by the Head of Magical Britain's Department for magical Law Enforcement, Regent Amelia Bones, the Chamber of Secrets is no part of Hogwarts. But is in fact part of Magical Scotland."
"Be that as it may," Dumbledore said. "Harry must return to school and the proceeds belong to Hogwarts. I am Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump."
"Laddy," the Master Dwarf said, "The Chamber of Secrets is in magical Scotland, somewhere you have nae authority. Magical Scotland is not in the ICW. So please clear off and let us be about our business."
"Professor McGonagall," Harry Potter said. "It was brought to my attention that 15000 galleons was deducted from my account to pre-pay my Hogwarts education. I'm a Legacy student. The Potters are a pureblood family. Hogwarts charged me 10000 galleons too much. An oversight to be sure. Please ensure that Amelia Bones receives this money care of the Ministry. Paperwork, you understand."
Albus Dumbledore made no move to leave. The goblins drew their weapons. The Hogwarts Party withdrew. Harry opened the sink up, put in stairs and lights. He figured that Salazar must have. The goblins were very quick about their work. It was lunchtime when they had finished. As Harry had expected the Goblins wouldn't bank his money. The dwarves were very happy to do so. They invited him and Amelia Bones to witness the paperwork.
Amelia was obstructed from leaving. "Lord Potter-Black, I shall show these people that you are in an approved protective custody. Try to stay out of trouble." Amelia went off with Albus and Minerva.
Harry went to sit on the seat by the front doors. He would have liked to go to lunch, but he had to avoid the Weasleys. He should have known he'd have no such luck. Coming towards him were Head Boy Percy Weasley, the twins Gred and Forge, Ron and Ginny. He hoped he'd left his anger in the bath.
"Wat's up mate," Ron began. (My wand up your nose)
"I'm not back. I'm just helping the Dwarves and Goblins with something. I'm in protective custody."
"You can tell us," Ginny entreated, flashing her eyelids at him or was it fluttering?
"I accept the life debt Ronald Bilius Weasley owed Sirius Orion Black. I accept the Life Debt Ginerva Molly Weasley owes me Harry James Potter-Black."
"I understand," Percy said. "That you are here to harvest the basilisk from the Chamber of Secrets."
"That has been done," Harry answered.
"We are entitled to a share," Ron said.
"What did you do to kill it?" Harry demanded to know.
"I was here," Ron said.
"You did nothing, you'll receive nothing," Harry said with finality. Five Weasleys made to confront Harry. For Harry it was like being confronted by Dudley and his gang about to do some Harry Hunting.
"You want to challenge me? Percy, I very much doubt you were top student in your year last year. Two of you stand here with your lives in the palm of my hand and seek to threaten me. The pranksters who seem to me to be more like bullies and I hate bullies. Too bad, you didn't try friendship."
Ginny saw Luna Lovegood approaching and said, "Looney's coming. Let's leave them together."
The Weasleys rushed off. "I see the wrackspurts are much in evidence around the Weasleys," Luna said.
"Yes," Harry said. "They wanted money from the sale of the basilisk. I said no. I notice you have two shoes of the same side on your feet. That must be painful."
"The nargles have taken my things. They usually start returning to me about now."
"How long has Ginny called you looney?"
"About as long as I have known her. I don't have any friends."
"You do, now, Luna Lovegood. Shall we go speak to your Ravenclaw housemates to see what light they can shed on the matter?"
Harry had found trouble. Up they went to the Ravenclaw portrait.
"I don't have time for riddles today," Harry said. He almost laughed at his own poor joke. The portrait let them both in.
"Listen up, Ravenclaw. My friend Luna Lovegood is missing her things. She's in pain from wearing two shoes for the same foot. I'd take it as a very big favour, if all her things turned up in the next 5 minutes and nothing like this ever happens again."
"What if we don't?" Marietta Edgecombe asked.
"I'll get angry and you wouldn't like me when I'm angry," Harry deadpanned. He was sure he couldn't morph into the Hulk, but he'd try.
In less than 5 minutes. Luna had all her things returned. Flitwick entered. He glared at Harry.
"What are you doing here, Potter?"
"Your job. Dealing with bullies." Harry wheeled and exited. He found Amelia stamping her feet. "Trouble found me. Luna Lovegood had her things taken. I encouraged her housemates to return them. I also encouraged Flitwick to do his job."
"We can make your appointment with the Dwarves, if we hurry."
They hurried and half an hour later, Harry Potter was the proud owner of a Vault with 5 million galleons in it. Amelia Bones was the first British Magical to be well received in Magical Scotland. They returned to Bones Manor and ate. The girls wanted to know what happened.
After lunch, Amelia and Harry told the girls what had happened. Amelia had frowned when Harry had said he didn't think Percy was top student in his sixth year. Amelia would have words with Madam Marchbanks. Madam Marchbanks confirmed the Percy Weasley was not the top rated male student in the sixth year. Dumbledore should not have chosen him for head boy. It was one of the Slytherins.
Harry was studying the genealogy book. It was trying to tell him something.
"Finite Incantatem," Harry shouted. The genealogy book changed. The spellings changed to American and the American Potter crest appeared. Harry couldn't make out what the crest was or what the motto was. Inside the front cover was a message.
Howdy, Pardners the American Potter self-updating book of genealogy. If you're a Potter, bear in mind we American Potters got wiped out by Dumbledore's gay lover Gellert Grindelwald. We'd thought we'd get that right out there. If you're a Brit, you own Potter Inc., just the best company in the United States of America. Want a special Potter page, just ask.
"I'm Harry James Potter, show me the Potters link to Gryffindor." Another book with attitude. At least this one didn't try to attack him when he opened it.
The book displayed from Godric Gryffindor at the top of the page to Harry James Potter at the bottom. Harry saw the Gaunt links with the Peverells and then with the Potters a few generations later. Harry saw the name Tom Marvolo Riddle appear under the name Merope Gaunt. Hermione and Susan saw the titles Lord appear against Harry's name for the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Potter, Black and Gaunt and Lord against Peverell, Gryffindor and Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Harry already knew about his titles. He realised the daughter of Helga Hufflepuff was adopted by her. Harry had already seen the word adopted under his mother's name. He asked for a page showing her links to Gryffindor, not really expecting a direct link. He was shocked as he saw a direct line of single girl squibs going all the way back to a squib daughter of Godric Gryffindor. That proved Petunia wasn't a blood relative. Harry grinned. The grin of a predator.
Susan told her Aunt all about the titles Harry had. She asked about Tom Marvolo Riddle. Harry demonstrated this swish and flick for I am Lord Voldemort. Susan whimpered at the name. Harry remembered that she too was an orphan.
"He lives off the fear his name inspires," Harry said. Harry wondered, if that were literally true. He'd ask next time they met. Amelia kind of agreed, but wanted Susan to overcome her fears. "Of course, I'm a Gryffindor and we're naturally brave, but most of us don't say his name either. Something about a taboo, whatever that is."
"A taboo is something that You-Know-Who set up during the First War, on the verge of victory that anyone saying his name would get a visit from his henchmen."
Harry did know about the taboo. He'd been caught be it or though he had. Ron had rejoined them and the next morning, as Harry remembered something that hadn't happened in this timeline. The question Harry had asked himself was, "Had Ron set them up?" 200000 galleons was a lot of money. Hermione had got tortured; Ron hadn't. Harry had organised the escape that cost Dobby his life. It wasn't a question Harry could ask or he could make it hypothetical, but would veritaserum cover that? Harry remembered Ron's story that Snape had brought the Sword of Gryffindor to him. Snape was no true Gryffindor and Harry didn't believe Ron was either. Yet Ron had used the sword on the locket. What had they said about the Goblet of Fire; a magical artefact could be confunded? Harry could concede that Snape was powerful enough, but Ron? The only year Ron had taken exams and Harry hadn't was Fourth year. Next year, now. There was no way Harry could see Ron's results from those exams. Harry knew Hermione hadn't helped Ron, because she'd been taking all her time to do her own study and help him with the final task. Harry was convinced she'd made him cram the entire curriculum of Hogwarts into himself.
Harry hadn't liked Divination, but everything Trelawny said had come true. Everything. In its own way. Interpretation mattered, perhaps more than Seeing. Harry could cast a tarot reading about Ron, but he had no skill in interpreting the cards. Unless he had good help, it was going to remain an unanswered question.
"Harry, Harry," Susan kept repeating his name.
"Sorry, Susan, I got caught up in a Divination question. How are you at tarot readings?"
"Pretty good, really," Susan said. Harry smiled. Perhaps he could get answers? Was he overinvesting time in Ron? He just wanted answers.
"That's good, because I need someone who is good at Divination. I'm not and never should have taken it. I think I'm going to swap with Ancient runes."
"Will they let you swap, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I really hope so, Hermione," Harry answered.
The four some more, but of lighter topics and Harry went to bed, feeling happy. What did he want? To kill Dumbledore. Where had that come from? He wanted to know Wizarding Etiquette. He had to understand the Wizarding World. Right now, he was fighting because his parents had and not for reasons of his own. If he wanted his Wizengamot seats, and he did, it had to be because he believed the Wizarding World had a better future than the one he'd come from – but right now, he didn't think it was worth saving. Harry wanted what was his, because it was rightfully his. He wanted Dudley and his gang Piers, Malcolm, Dennis and Gordon to pay for their Harry Hunting. He wanted Vernon and Petunia to pay for stealing from him and ruining his childhood. He wanted his Primary Headmaster to pay for encouraging bullying. There were similarities between him and Dumbledore. Similarities, too, between Dudley and Ron.
He wanted Mrs Figg to pay for never reporting his relatives. For her to never tell him about his parents was unforgiveable. To spy on him for Dumbledore was a betrayal. Harry had something special planned for Marge Dursley and Ripper. He'd been planning that since he was 8 years old. Harry wanted to go on a killing spree of all the Death Eaters he knew about. Instead, he'd stay here, get to know Hermione and Susan better and learn Wizarding Etiquette and what he had to do to reclaim his seats.
Rita Skeeter had done an article on how the Boy-Who-Lived was under Protective custody and had been withdrawn early from Hogwarts. Harry thought the article was unusually factual for Rita. Lord Abbott withdrew Hannah early. His daughter had been pushing for this, so she could spend more time with her best friend, Susan Bones.
Harry was able to place Hannah under a Sacred 28 ban, once she'd visited. He and his girls, Harry liked the sound of that. He could really wind Ron up with his 'harem'. Harry and the girls learned Wizarding Etiquette. They all agreed it was something Hogwarts had to teach. They had the support of Madam Marchbanks, Tiberius Ogden and Amelia Bones. It was something that also had the support of the Minister and Senior Undersecretary. Harry was learning about the Wizengamot. He was looking forward to hitting House Crouch for line theft. This was a big deal in the Wizarding World. Perfect Percy was acting as Crouch's intern. He was also the named representative of Hogwarts to the Wizengamot.
Hogwarts had repaid his 10000 galleons. Harry had reasons to be thankful. 2000 of that went on appropriate clothing. Another 3000 on paperwork to join the Wizengamot. He spent another 500 on Hermione's clothing, because she was under his protection. Harry could not trace Remus Lupin. Not even Dobby could find him. Dobby did have a humorous tale of Miss Kitty's visit to the Grangers to tell them that their daughter was under the Protection of a thirteen year old boy. Mr Granger's service in the Army had given him a command of invective such that he could fill entire sentences with swearwords.
The first of July rolled around and the Wizengamot would start its meeting at 2pm sharp. Harry learnt the sonorous charm. Harry felt nervous. He had been prepared as well as he could be. As Dumbledore completed the rote 'Let all who business before the Wizengamot come forward', Harry was ready to say, "I, Harry James Potter-Black do hereby claim all the Wizengamot seats to which my Houses entitle me, by right of inheritance and by right of conquest."
Three seats made themselves available. Dumbledore had been seated in the Potter seat and had been thrown to the floor, to much laughter. Harry sat in the Potter seat.
Dumbledore said, "I recuse myself from Chairing this meeting, for a moment, due to a matter I have to put before this Chamber. Regent Longbottom took over as Acting Chief Warlock. "I move a motion to deny the Petition of Harry Potter for emancipation." This motion was seconded by House Crouch.
"The Chief Warlock is out of Order. He should be aware that the Wizengamot cannot deny emancipation performed by a Noble and Most Ancient House. Magic herself recognizes my right to these seats. The Chief Warlock cannot even name me correctly. Something which also afflicts his memory at Hogwarts. He can never remember my surname."
"The motion is struck, Chief Warlock," Acting Chief Warlock Augusta Longbottom said, banging her gavel against the lectern. "Lord Potter-Black."
"I file the charge of line theft against Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Crouch on behalf of my late blood-adoptive father Sirius Orion Black."
"The charge is put," Acting Chief Warlock Longbottom said. "How do you respond, Lord Crouch?"
"Preposterous," Barty said. "Everyone here knows my attachment to the rules and procedures of this Chamber."
"Sure, the four who mounted that cowardly attack on the Longbottoms had their day, tried before the full Wigengamot: Sirius Black just got thrown into Azkaban. He was then the heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. He had the right to a full trial before the Wizengamot. You denied him that."
"Dumbledore said that he believed Sirius Black was the Potters secret keeper."
"So if Albus Dumbledore told you he believed it would be a good idea to throw yourself off a high tower so you would be able to fly, you'd do it?"
"Of course not."
"But you and Dumbledore, having sent Sirius Black to Azkaban without trial then spent the next decade denying Lord Arcturus Black's petitions to have Sirius Black have his day in court as the rules of this Chamber required.
Yes, you let your son be sent to Azkaban, but you rescued him as quickly as possible, leaving your sick wife polyjuiced as him to quickly die. Your son was recently found in your manor and Kissed by A Dementor. Whilst you visited you son, with your wife, illegally, you refused every request of Lord Arcturus Black to visit his grandson and heir."
Crouch was not supported by Dumbledore. In the vernacular, Dumbledore had thrown Crouch under the bus. Crouch's possessions were granted to Lord Potter-Black and Crouch himself was sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban. Harry voted with the traditionalists in most votes. Harry noticed that Dumbledore controlled his own Order of Merlin seat and the seats of Ollivander, Shacklebolt, Slugthorn, Prewett and Weasley. Harry couldn't understand how the muggleborn, creatures and squibs had done so badly when Dumbledore had controlled so many seats. He was the self-proclaimed champion of such groups, wasn't he? Harry noticed that as the votes continued more votes were coming his way. He soon had a solid group of votes with Longbottom, Bones, Marchbanks, Ogden and Abbott added to his own. The Fawley, MacMillan and Shafiq holders voted with him towards the end of the session. Percy had solidly voted with Dumbledore as Hogwarts.
Harry couldn't go straight after the session ended. He had to speak with those in his group. They shared their views with each other and found many common positions. Rita Skeeter asked Harry about Hogwarts.
"When I came back into the wizarding world, I knew nothing about Wizarding Etiquette or which family was what. Three years on and I still don't know anything. Foolishly, I spurned the opportunity with Draco Malfoy to find out. Madam Bones has ensured I've studied hard, whilst I've been in Protective Custody, to correct those missing social graces."
"What do you say to Dumbledore claiming that Hogwarts can't afford this."
"There aren't any library books on the subject and believe me, I've looked. I believe several governors would help Hogwarts out, if they knew what Hogwarts needed. I am a Legacy student and too much money was taken out of my account. That money has now been returned to me. Governors have a duty to ensure that the mandated audits are carried out. It is not enough for Dumbledore to say, trust me. It's not a matter of trust. Governors can assign a High Inquisitor to assess the standard of teaching. As the school has been 11th out of 11 in the rankings of International schools for every year in the last decade, some review of the teaching staff would be prudent."
Other members of his group pitched in to say their piece and agree with Harry. Lord Greengrass and Regent Zabini expressed their support for many of the positions that Harry and his group had put forward.
Amelia Bones was impressed and said so, when they got back to Bones Manor. Hermione drew Harry aside and said, "You're attacking Dumbledore."
"Excuse me, I'm not attacking Dumbledore. I'm retaking what belongs to my family. Do you think if I'd played the Boy-Who-Lived card that Sirius might still be alive?"
"Yes, Harry."
"I didn't want my celebrity. I wanted my parents. I'll have to live with the fact I couldn't help Sirius. Dumbledore and Snape lied to the Minister. They knew Sirius was innocent. Snape helped Pettigrew get away. No doubt to help bolster his case that he's Moldie's loyal spy."
"Dumbledore provided us with an out and you didn't take it."
"What good would Sirius on the run been to either himself or us? We needed Pettigrew and we didn't have him. Dumbledore's the guy who would return an heirloom he should never have had as a Christmas gift. He'd hold on to a vault key to which he had no right instead of letting it remain at Gringotts. I'm not attacking him; he's attacking me. He insists I have return to a place where I am hated, that I don't regard as home and people who are not my relatives. Why? What right does a headmaster have to decide where I live. I have Snape's life in the palm of my hand. One insult and he's dead."
"Dumbledore is there to help us."
"He's got to prove that, Hermione. You've already seen the difference Wizarding Etiquette has made to our behaviour. It has to be taught at Hogwarts. It's our way of life and needs to be known."
"Wizarding society is so far behind our, Harry. It has to change."
"Wizarding society is our society, now, Hermione. If it is to change, it must do so at its own pace. It won't change just because you yell at it."
"It must change or die," Hermione said and stamped her foot down and ran off.
Harry frowned. Amelia came over.
"What do you want to do tomorrow?"
"Go read the prophecy and then go see my house."
"We can do that."
The following day, Harry went to the Department of Mysteries and heard the prophesy in Croaker's office with him and Amelia Bones in attendance. In the first place, the voice was Trelawny's and there were gaps in it.
"I can't say that Trelawny didn't give that prophesy to Dumbledore elsewhere, but I can say with absolute certainty that she did not say that to him. I've heard a Trelawny prophecy and it's given in full, without breaks in a different voice to her own."
Croaker looked disgusted. Amelia Bones looked like it meant a ton of paperwork.
"We'll have to do a validation," Croaker said. "They wouldn't have done one, when it first came in, because 'Dumbledore' said."
"Arrange a time and place," Amelia said.
They had lunch, in silence. Amelia took Harry to the site of his house. Harry took in the queues of people, the plinth noting that the house had been turned over to the nation and then went inside. The stairs were missing. Both Hagrid and Sirius had said they'd met on the stairs. A third of his house was missing. Harry went looking for a loose floorboard. He found one. There, written in biro on paper, were three spells. One to end the Fidelius and one to make the house unplottable and one to make it untrackable. Harry growled out the words. He spoke words of power. He found a letter to a local solicitor Carstairs. Amelia wondered why they were in Godric's Hollow. The plinth met a Bombarda Maxima and shattered into a myriad of pieces. Harry held Amelia's hand and then she saw the house. Harry showed her the house. She levitated both of them to the upper floor.
Harry saw a letter Lily had been writing as they were leaving the property. He showed Amelia the letter. The part of the letter where Lily must have talked about Snape was missing, meaning he had been in the house.
The solicitor confirmed Lily had left a Will and instructions to rebuild the House. Lily had also left Harry's birth certificate and James and Lily's marriage licence. He set a time a week's hence for a full meeting. He said he would see to the repairs.
Harry and Amelia had to go file a claim of return of property with the Minister. The Minister was overjoyed to sign it, having had his ear bent by Dumbledore for two hours straight. Dumbledore addressed Harry on his way out. "Lord Potter-Black return to school on Monday or Legacy student or not, you will be in breach of contract and you will be expelled."
Harry suggested that all students who had withdrawn return. Harry wasn't going to risk anything to his Legacy student status. He knew he was trapped into staying in school, once he returned, even if the legal team said he didn't have to.