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.
In reference to a review that appeared: My original plan was to have the period from 6 Jun 1994 to the end of third year done as a single chapter. The first four chapters are, in effect, the first chapter. Funnily enough, just before the review appeared, I was thinking that both plot and presentation were dry. I could have been more 'flowery', but I'd have double the word count and not have made as much progress. I address the death of Sirius in this chapter. Hermione is not pleased, no not at all and she'll return to the issue in future chapters. Ron's confession at the end of the chapter is not for fans of the Weasley family.
The great return to school involved fifth and seventh years as well as all those whose parents had pulled them out early. Dumbledore gazed out over the full benches on Monday morning. His threats still had power and the ability to force children to do his will. The governors meeting had not gone his way. There would be an audit conducted over the summer holidays. Madam Marchbanks would be the High Inquisitor conducting an audit of the standard of teaching in the new school year. Wizarding Etiquette would be taught to all pupils beginning with the new school year.
Dumbledore thought of himself as enlightened. He was never petty.
"Harry, stand," Dumbledore said. Lord Potter-Black didn't move. Dumbledore repeated himself. Finally, McGonagall rose and said," Lord Potter-Black, please stand."
Harry James Potter-Black stood.
"Why did you not rise, when I commanded you?"
"You know how to address me as per the Hogwarts rules. Yet you continually fail to address me properly. As for commanding me, you are from a House of inferior standing. I am also emancipated."
"You sold a basilisk to the Dwarves of Edinburgh. You will turn over the entire proceeds to Hogwarts," Dumbledore thundered.
"As the Dwarves of Edinburgh made clear to you, when they came to harvest it that the Chamber of Secrets is in Magical Scotland, somewhere your writ doesn't run. I killed it. I get to say what happens to the proceeds.
I do, as a Legacy student, get to chose my Hogwarts House." Harry looked at Hermione and mouthed Hufflepuff to her. She took a moment to think about it and nodded. "I choose Hufflepuff for myself and Hermione Jean Granger who is under the Protection of Houses Potter-Black." The trim on their robes changed to yellow and black and the crest changed from the griffin to the badger.
Harry and Hermione moved over to the Hufflepuff benches. Neville Longbottom rose and spoke, "I am a Legacy student and I, too, choose my Hogwarts House to be Hufflepuff." He too moved across to the Hufflepuff benches. His robe trim and crest changed. House-elves moved their personal belongings to their new House.
Breakfast had not gone as Dumbledore had expected or wanted. He still had an ace to play. He would summon Harry to his study to remove the mail redirect and obliviate him. He'd use the Elder Wand. He'd let Harry stew for a while, before he did that, though.
Harry had his letter requesting that he dropped Divination and take up Ancient Runes. He handed that into McGonagall after breakfast. McGonagall accepted Harry's letter with resignation. She knew there was nothing she could do to stop Harry, unless he failed the pick-up test. Since he had Hermione's help that would be unlikely. She watched Harry leave her office and felt as though she had been kicked in the gut. For Harry to leave her House, his parents' House felt like she had betrayed James and Lily.
Harry took a moment to look his year mates over. Of course, he was bunking with Neville Longbottom and so had yet to officially meet and greet them. He knew of them from last year, when they'd all thought him the Heir of Slytherin. The boys were Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie MacMillan, Zacharias Smith, Wayne Hopkins and Roger Malone. The girls Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, Sally Anne-Perks, Megan Jones and Oliver Rivers. Hermione was bunked with Oliver Rivers. Harry didn't know what the deal was with Miss Rivers, but he hoped Hermione would make a friend. Megan and Wayne were talking about becoming the Beaters on the House Quidditch team next year. Harry didn't have the heart to tell them that there would be no quidditch next year. If his name came out of the Goblet next year, he'd be in deep trouble, if Cedric were Hogwarts Champion.
Malfoy, Goyle and Crabbe were intercepted by Hufflepuff prefects before they got to Harry. Pomona Sprout exchanged word with those boys as well as Snape, before giving Harry, Neville and Hermione their timetables. Pomona was beaming. Whilst most thought she was doing that because Harry and Hermione had joined her House, Harry knew it was all down to Neville. Neville really was brilliant at Herbology. Pomona loved her subject to bits.
Subjects with Ravenclaw were a lot less stressful than with Slytherin. The week went quickly. Hermione helped him with his runes. Harry had a week to get up to speed with Runes. He'd have to pass the third year exam. Hermione refused to tell him what the exam had been.
Zacharias Smith as Harry remembered him was the Hufflepuff version of Malfoy in that he was blond haired and had an equally insufferable father. He'd been Chaser on the Hufflepuff team. In fifth year he took over the commentator's job and cast aspirations on the reasons Ginny and Ron were on the Gryffindor team. Harry had seen him running from Hogwarts in the Battle of Hogwarts. He had joined the DA in fifth year. Harry remembered him as competent at Defence. Harry decided he'd try and befriend him to avoid whatever bad fate he'd endured or would endure, because he'd run from the Battle of Hogwarts.
On Saturday, Harry slipped out of Hogwarts and made his way to meet Amelia Bones.
"Hello, Lord Potter-Black."
"Hello, Regent Bones."
"Did you read the Daily Prophet today?"
"No, I came out early, before it had been delivered."
"The Dwarves to Gringotts. They slaughtered the Goblins that they didn't kill in combat. Your account is open again."
"My account being open again is good news. I have to accept my part in the fate of the Goblins."
"You know who is in charge of International Banking?"
"The Gnomes of Zurich."
"Correct," Amelia said, surprised. "Are you ready for your meeting with the Muggle solicitor?"
"Nervous about what I am going to learn."
The Muggle solicitor was eldery and not so keen on small chat. He handed over Lily's birth and marriage certificates. Harry found Lily's Hogwarts invitation letter folded up in the papers. Lily's Will left Harry a number of accounts to pay bills out of and her own share portfolio. There was a separate envelop for Harry. There was the address of Miss Bagshot and the day she liked to take tea with the Potters. The letter was double spaced. That gave Harry an idea. There was a PO Box number and a key.
Amelia and Harry went for morning tea with Miss Bagshot. She gave Harry the secret of Nurmengard. En route for the PO Boxes, Amelia confessed.
"When I first said Chamber of Secrets, 'Chamber' came out wrong."
"The residue of a spell, perhaps?" Harry suggested.
"That's a possibility," Amelia agreed.
At the PO Boxes, Harry opened his up and found two shrunken trunks. He took both out and locked the PO Box again. The trunks expanded.
"These aren't going to fit in there. Back to the drawing board," Harry said. A couple of unobtrusive featherlight charms cast by Amelia Bones and the pair wheeled the trunks out. A side-apparation later to Bones Manor and Harry had a pair of school trunks he had long wanted. These were the trunks belonging to James Potter and Lily Potter.
Harry used the 'I solemnly swear ' Marauder trick on the letter with the double spacing. More text appeared. A warning against following Dumbledore's suggestions followed. Harry would say that would depend on what Dumbledore was suggesting. The envelop had a letter from his father, James, inside. It wasn't what he thought it would be. James pretty much admitted to being a jerk. Definitely not what Harry had expected. It wasn't what Harry wanted. It wasn't wisdom handed down from the ancients. They were lessons that James had learnt. As if, dying so young wasn't lesson enough. The letter might be something else, too, but Harry was too emotionally affected to be able to take more from his parents.
Harry found he was paid for attending the Wizengamot. He liked that. That afternoon, he was able to go to the Dwarf owned Gringotts and deposit his 'loose change' into his Vault. The time-turner finally found its new temporary home. He talked to his new Dwarven account manager for the Black account and a list of properties and investments that House Black had. Harry had 'forgotten' about the Island paradise Sirius had sent him parrots from. He met the separate account manager's for the Crouch and Potter main accounts. The one for the ex-Crouch lands told him his steward had quit. He'd called Harry dirty blood and things had gone downhill from there. The Gaunt account had nothing in it and no account manager. There was a Vault key, but unless Harry decided he wanted to do something with the account, there really wasn't much point holding it himself.
Amelia Bones had borrowed Lily's birth certificate, marriage certificate and Hogwarts invitation letter to 'deal with something'. Harry and Amelia met up later that afternoon. Hedwig showed up, which meant Harry had letters to write. Hedwig always seemed to know, when that was the case. Harry had sent Dobby after the former Crouch steward to relieve him of anything that was the property of House Crouch, otherwise known as Harry's. Back at Bones Manor, Harry a letter to McGonagall thanking her for dealing with the matter of his account, so promptly. Harry wrote a letter to Remus Lupin asking him to be his steward. The pay would be 1000 galleons a month, wolfsbane monthly and room and board. Amelia Bones had thought that was a fair offer. Hedwig flew off to deliver the letters. The one to McGonagall would be first.
Amelia returned Harry to Hogsmeade about an hour before evening meal. Harry went to his Hufflepuff dorm and found Susan looking quite anxious.
"What is the matter, Heir Bones?"
"It's Hermione, Harry. She's been attacked and had to be taken to the Infirmary. We couldn't find you."
"I've been taking care of House business. Who attacked her, Susan? Should I notify your Aunt?"
"The school Owls were shut down, so nobody can inform the outside about what is happening. Hermione has yet to come round."
Susan and Harry hurried to the infirmary. Hannah Abbott was watching Hermione. Harry went to Hermione. Poppy tried to prevent him.
"What's her status Madam Pomphrey?"
"She took cutting spells to her shoulder and body. Her teeth were hit with an enlargement charm. She has had several blood replenishment packs. She was brought in unconscious and I didn't want to revive her, because she also had head injuries."
Harry held Hermione's hand, until those with him told him to go eat dinner with the early sitting. Harry went off to the Great Hall to eat. Harry requested a tray from the house-elves for Hermione. He served her Dudley Dursley worthy portions of her favourite soup, meat, potatoes and vegetables and treacle tart and cream. He made sure she had plenty of pumpkin juice. He ate quickly. He placed all the plates and the flask on the tray and used the sticking charm to make sure everything stayed where it was supposed to. The levitation charm allowed Harry to keep his hands free and close to his wand.
Those around Harry James Potter-Black noticed waves of magic cascading off Harry that was having an effect on items close by. This was one very angry young wizard. None of the Slytherins were eating early and so missed this sight.
Harry was back up to the infirmary before 8pm. He and Hermione were the only ones in there. Harry stroked her hair, gently. He spoke in a whisper.
"Last time I saw you like this was in the Department of Mysteries and you had a very nasty cursed gash from one hip to the other shoulder, courtesy of one nasty Death Eater. I was able to heal you to an extent. You still needed to take a whole concoction of potions for many weeks. I think I shall be able to do a better job on you this time."
Harry took Hermione's left hand in both of his and concentrated on healing Hermione's injuries. Harry felt he was reasonably successful. He felt starved. He finished off the meal he'd brought for Hermione.
"Prat," Hermione said weakly. "You've eaten my dinner." She'd actually heard what Harry had whispered to her. She couldn't say anything, ever.
"I was hungry. Healing you took a lot out of me."
"I can tell from the fact it took a lot of food going into you," Hermione joked.
"Are you hungry?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but I don't think I could keep anything down," Hermione confessed. She was startled to see the tray and now cleared plates and empty flask vanish.
"Did you see who did this?"
"Yes, Harry I did, but I'm not going to tell you. I don't want you getting into trouble on my behalf." Harry thought Hermione didn't understand that this attack was saying that Harry could not protect someone under his Protection. He had to send a message.
"I'll tell you, if you tell me the real reason you didn't save Sirius. It's illogical."
"Illogical? Spock? From you?" Harry said. They both laughed. "Wait whilst I get my shirt off?" More laughter. "Sirius free and Pettigrew caught would have meant Sirius could take up his seats in the Wizengamot and I could live with him, escaping my relatives who hate me. Of course, Sirius would have to heal mentally from the effects of Azkaban. I don't think there anything left of the vibrant, dynamic Sirius who was sent to Azkaban. He had to know Dumbledore had left him there to rot."
"But Dumbledore didn't send him to Azkaban," Hermione said.
"Crouch said that Dumbledore said he believed Sirius Black were the Secret Keeper. There are two things with that. The first is that it is what Sirius told us that he said everyone was to say to act as the decoy. The second is that if he had been the Secret Keeper, he couldn't have said that and nobody he told it to could say it either. The fact Dumbledore could say it, proved Sirius wasn't the Secret Keeper and could not have betrayed my parents. Did Barty Crouch not know how the Fidelius works or is it as you say that wizards just don't use logic?"
"That's not the reason."
"We didn't catch Pettigrew. Where does that leave Sirius? He can stay on some remote island paradise or he can try and be involved. He'd be a prisoner in his own home and not able to bring me up on his own. The advantage would be Dumbledore's. Sirius would have exchanged one prison for another. He'd have done something incredibly brave and stupid and got himself captured or killed.
Dead and Sirius can provide me with the advantage. I banked on him granting me emancipation. I can leave my hateful relatives. I can take up the Wizengamot seats that are mine and begin to use the fame that the wizarding world has granted me. If I'd done that from the start, I am convinced I could have got Sirius freed. Posthumously freed, doesn't bring Sirius back to life."
"Your advantage?" Hermione was disbelieving.
"Where you-know-who is concerned it is down to me … and me to face him. Don't look at me like that. I know you'll do everything you can to prepare me for that meeting, but whatever else is happening, it'll be him against me."
"That's not the whole story, is it Harry?"
"Sirius could have escaped Azkaban at any time and come for me. He knew where I was. He cared for that bloody rat than he did for me. That hurt, Hermione. That hurt so very much."
"So much for feeling tight?"
"Oh no, Hermione. It did and still does feel right. He left me to my fate. I left him to his. That felt right. Sirius' death gives me a platform that his life would never have had. Not soon enough to win a war before it starts, at any rate."
"We must fight for peace."
"And second chances, no doubt. And third. And fourth. Where are the consequences for their actions? I got dragged into this war aged 15 months. I didn't volunteer. We're lead, and I use that word in the widest possible sense, by an armchair general who doesn't want persons of quality killed. I'm expected to save a wizarding world I know nothing about.
I have few friends. Whenever I have some free time, I'm grabbed by Ron Weasley. Why has nothing been done about his table manners? I feel I'm going to be sick when I watch how he eats. He even takes food off other students' plates. We're well out of there."
"Peace must come," Hermione said.
"At the cost of how many lives? Without change, people of quality will not face time in prison. There will be another dark wizard pretending to care about Pureblood rights/supremacy."
"What about me?"
"I'm not going to tell you. You'd just attack them."
"Oh, I wouldn't just attack them. I'll find out who attacked you and then hold them to account. They violated my Protection of you and they shall pay."
"Where do I stay?" Hermione asked.
"Here is probably the safest, for a week at least. Have Poppy declare you in need of rest and I'll bring you notes and books from the library."
"That sounds good."
"Where were you attacked?"
"Out by the greenhouses. I just needed to speak with Professor Sprout. Then I got attacked."
Harry left the infirmary and went back to the Hufflepuff dorms.
"Dobby," Harry called.
"Dobby is here Great Wizard Harry Potter."
"I'm not a great wizard, though it's nice to hear you say so. Hermione Granger was attacked. Please find out who attacked her and in the meantime guard her, in case her attackers return to complete the job."
"Dobby can do that Lord Potter." Dobby popped out.
"Hermione name competent teachers at Hogwarts who can teach."
"McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, Vector and Babbling."
"That leaves Snape, Binns, DADA professor, Burbage, Trelawny, Hagrid and Sinistra."
"Burbage is a pureblood teaching muggle studies so that pureblood sensibilities don't get upset," Harry said. "Sinistra teaches astronomy in a way that is even more out of date than muggle studies."
"I can write a lesson plan for Hagrid."
"Why is your job to write lesson plans, Hermione?" Harry asked.
"It isn't, but Hagrid is your friend, Harry."
"He's got a new wand and can complete his studies. His Mastery of Care of Magical Creatures should not take him too long to complete. There's no shortage of Masters willing to train him."
"I don't trust your reasons for abandoning Sirius."
"It is done now. Hermione, what has been done to you must have a response from me."
"Non-lethal."
"If those who attacked you attempt to finish the job, I will be firing lethal spells."
Harry did what he'd promised and took books to the library for Hermione. They worked on their essays and Harry worked on his Runes. He took the third year Ancient Runes exam and scored Acceptable. He'd made a mistake, which meant he didn't get an Exceeds Expectations. Hermione hugged him. He kissed her, by way of thanks.
Harry met up with Remus Lupin on Saturday afternoon. Lupin took the job. Harry was delighted and told him what had happened to Hermione. Remus would make contact with Amelia Bones.
Harry became concerned as Dobby hadn't come to him to tell him who had attacked Hermione. The last Friday night and Harry was under his cloak in the Infirmary and Malfoy and his bodyguard Crabbe and Goyle got injured. Madame Pomphrey had given them some potions and had gone back into her office. About 1am Saturday, Dobby woke Harry. The Slytherin three had been joined by Bulstrode, Parkinson and Addie Runcorn. Nott arrived to lock the doors. The seven advanced on a terrified Hermione. She didn't see Harry. Had he abandoned her?
"Now we finish what we started," Malfoy declared. Seven wands raised.
"Expulso," rang out, blue light flashed and the seven were hurled back across the Infirmary. Harry followed that up with Confringo, Diffindo, Reducto, Expulso, Impedimenta, Stupefy, Petrificus Totalis and 7 Expelliarmus spells. The Slytherin seven were trying to hit Harry with offensive spells of their own. Malfoy, Bulstrode and Parkinson were still in the fight. They were trying wandless magic against Harry. Harry finished off the fight with another Expulso and 3 Diffindo spells. He was using 8 wands. Malfoy was groaning, sank against the Infirmary wall. He was bleeding in a number of places. Harry went over to him and kicked him in the head. He kicked Malfoy's head again and heard Malfoy's neck snap.
Pomfrey came running out of her office and took in the wreckage of her Infirmary. Dobby had protected Hermione, which also protected her bed. The other beds and medical cabinets were destroyed. There were 7 dead Slytherins. Pomphrey looked aghast at Lord Potter-Black.
"They came to finish what they started and murder Hermione," Harry explained to Pomphrey as Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape burst into the Infirmary. Harry repeated his explanation. Pomona Sprout entered as Harry had finished his repeat of his statement to Pomfrey. He repeated it a third time.
"I'm expelling both you, Harry and Miss Granger from Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, his eyes full of tears.
"Deputy Headmistress McGonagall this is a formal reminder that Legacy students cannot be expelled from Hogwarts and both I and Hermione are such. Where was the security for Hermione? Albus Dumbledore watched my mother get murdered and Tom attempt to murder me. I have dealt with House matters as is my absolute right."
"I was never in your parents' house, Harry," Dumbledore swore. He had no time-turner to sort this mess out. "You're going Dark, Harry. You must return to your relatives. I will brook no opposition. There you will benefit from your mother's sacrifice." Harry had his own reasons for visiting the Dursleys, none of them beneficial to them. He was now emancipated. Harry awaited Snape's outburst.
"The attention seeking brat gets away with murder. Laws mean nothing to the almighty Harry James Potter. Just like his father. Headmaster he must be expelled. The mudblood, too." Hermione gasped.
"Levicorpus," Harry cast windlessly. Harry noted that Snape's choice of underwear had not improved in two decades. "These 7 made a cowardly attack on Hermione and came here to finish the job and murder her. I shall arrange for my own Potions Master to teach Hermione and I potions next year."
As Harry had expected there was no reaction to Hermione being called mudblood. Sprout had decided to say her piece when children were not present. Harry saw her open her mouth and then close it again. Dumbledore cast reparo all over the room. The cabinets and bottles were repaired. The contents were lost.
Harry was sent back to the Gryffindor dorm. Either Dumbledore was trying to provoke him or he was going senile. Harry went to the Room of Requirement and finished off the real diadem using the Sword of Gryffindor. Harry would be keeping the Sword. He then made his way to the Hufflepuff dorms. Neville was a light sleeper. Harry explained what had happened.
Back in the staff room, Sprout had her say. "I arranged for the Infirmary to be guarded by my Prefects. Where were they, Albus?"
"I determined that they weren't needed," Albus said.
"Judging from the state of the Infirmary and 7 dead bodies, you made the wrong call, Albus. Accusing Harry Potter of going Dark is a low blow. He'd never go Dark. Forcing a boy to return to magic hating muggles is beyond stupid, Albus."
"Pomona, I have the welfare of all the students of Hogwarts to consider and Harry is better off with his muggle relatives. I will allow him to stay at the Burrow and go to the Quidditch World Cup. The murder of seven prominent heirs is ample evidence that Harry is going dark. Severus, dear boy, please stay at Hogwarts over the summer and replace the potions lost in that unpleasantness."
"Unpleasantness, Albus. There are 7 dead heirs of Noble families and 6 are members of the Wizengamot. That insolent brat has just started a war, Albus. That reckless Gryffindor. 700 points from Gryffindor."
Pomona Sprout smirked. "I challenge that point deduction, Severus. You must be under considerable stress to forget that Lord Potter-Black is now in Hufflepuff. Is 100 house points what a child's life is worth to you, Severus? You've never given much value to human life, have you?"
Have a laugh at my expense while you can, Professor Sprout," Severus Snape snarled. "That reckless young fool has shattered the peace we've all done our best to sustain."
"You would sacrifice the life of the brightest witch of her age, would you, to keep this sham of a so-called peace continuing?" Pomona said.
"You are too quick to trust the word of a marauder and a wolf, to boot, Pomona." Snape stormed off, cloak billowing around him.
Minerva and Pomona went off to McGonagall's office for a wee dram. This left Albus Dumbledore trying to get his mind ordered. Was Tom taking possession of Harry? Everything pointed to that and it was much too early for that to happen. He was still getting his thoughts under control, when 7 sets of parents stormed into his office.
When they were coherent enough to answer, he did: "Harry Potter had done it." "There was nothing he could do." "Hermione Granger was under the Protection of Houses Potter-Black". The 7 couples took the bodies of their dead children away.
Harry sat on the Hogwarts Express with Hermione, Neville, Susan, Hannah and Luna. They chatted about what had happened. Ron Weasley was the only one who dared open their carriage door and shout murderer at Harry.
That was an instance of Gryffindor bravery. From what Harry could remember that was a first. The more Harry thought about it, the more he wondered about the enigma that was Ron Weasley. The Ron Weasley he'd known was a coward, had disgusting table manners and kept the dorm awake more than half the night with his snores. Harry and the others had complained, until an exasperated McGonagall had told them to use the appropriate spells. They'd been in the restricted section of the Library. Harry had found them thanks to the note Lockhart had signed. He'd not had to use his cloak to sneak in.
Ron had setting been Hermione up to die. Of that Harry was convinced. Hermione had confessed. Ron had not. Ron, too, had been familiar with the Cloak. Ron had used Charlie's wand for two years. One memory stuck. Ron had known his way around the Slytherin Common Room. Harry had seen Ron look around, as though he were expecting to see someone. Nott had been in the corner where Ron had looked. Ron's glance had kept Nott from coming over. Ron was the perfect Slytherin. He'd adopted the perfect cover. Was it really reasonable to believe that in a family of 7 gifted, accomplished and fairly powerful wizards and witch that one would be thick and not that powerful?
Had Dumbledore told the Hat to place Ron Weasley in Gryffindor? If he, Harry, had gone into Slytherin would Ron have told the Hat to put him in Slytherin, too, despite all the negative things he'd said about the House? Harry needed veritaserum. Harry had mentioned that need to Snape. Ron would now be warned. Could Harry ever think before opening his mouth?
Harry explained that he had some matters to attend to at 4 Privet Drive, but would spend as much time as he could at Bones Manor, which was where Hermione would be staying. Her home wasn't deemed safe enough. Susan was disappointed. Hannah whispered something to Susan that had the girl's face go crimson. Harry felt happy that Ron wouldn't be spending any time with Hermione this summer. There'd be no phone call with Ron snatching the 'felytone' off Hermione and yelling down the line. Harry's trunk and Hedwig would be going to Bones Manor, too.
All of the six spoke about the Quidditch World Cup. They were all going. Luna would be writing a piece for the Quibbler. Hermione was going because Harry would be. Susan explained that Harry would be having a top seat with the Minister and Senior Undersecretary. Harry took a moment to remember that in this version of the Universe, he was actually on the good side of the Minister and his Senior Undersecretary.
The train pulled into King's Cross Station. It was a few minutes to 7pm. 8 hours on the train was far, far too many. The muggles had long since abandoned steam powered trains. The only advantage this train had was not needing to stop to take on coal and water. A new train, even if steam, could cut the time in half. No could about it. It would halve the journey time.
Harry said his goodbyes. Then he spotted Vernon Dursley. Remus, Tonks and Mad-Eye were bearing down on them. Harry yelled, "Remus, Tonks, Moody, wait up."
The three stopped. Merlin, this event was two years early. What had he done to trigger this, now? Arthur Weasley was heading for Vernon as well. Vernon wouldn't take a conversation about plugs, rubber ducks and 'ekelicity' very well and that was assuming that's what Arthur was going to talk about. Harry was saved from intervening, when Amelia Bones invited Ron to come with her for a few words. Arthur diverted to her. Words were exchanged. Arthur looked angry. Harry had now caught up with Remus.
"Remus Lupin, thank you for agreeing to become my Steward. Has the famous ex-Auror agreed to overhaul our security. A delight to see Auror Tonks, as always." Harry went for the charm offensive."
"Lord Potter-Black, I am overjoyed to be able to serve as your Steward. Your house-elf's name is Kreacher," Remus said. No change there, Harry would still have to deal with one crazy house-elf.
"I'd be delighted to consult," Moody said.
"Well that's settled. Remus why don't you take Moody back and negotiate terms and sign contracts," Harry pushed.
"Auror Tonks, has Director Bones assigned you to be my bodyguard?" Harry hoped she had been. She had curves in all the right places. Perhaps he could get Remus and Tonks to hook up earlier.
"She has," Tonks said.
"As you can see, I'm off to my relatives tonight. I hope to see you tomorrow, Remus at the Manor."
Remus and Moody went off to 12 Grimmauld Place. Tonks accompanied Harry to Vernon and then walked with them to the car. This would be her first car trip. Vernon hadn't said a word. Tonks had blonde hair. Fitting in and looking normal. They both sat in the back seat. Tonks was nervous. Harry just had to hold her hand all the way to Privet Drive. He was such a gentleman. Tonks didn't come in. Harry thought he say Dung.
"Vernon, I thought I saw a man sizing up number 2. Would it be alright, if I phoned the police?"
"Go ahead," Vernon said, shocked that his nephew was acting so normal. Harry got through to the local police station. Vernon mentioned that a stag had been seen around the park. He was being friendly. Harry thought the world would end.
"Yes, hello. I've just returned for my summer holidays and I saw a man sizing up number 2 Privet Drive. I'm Harry Potter. I live at number 4. My Uncle was keeping his eyes on the road, where they should be."
The police officer noted the address and name. Harry Potter. That was the kid who attended that Junior Offenders Institute. It must be having a positive effect. At around 2am the alarms sounded at number 2. The police already had a patrol car in the area. Mundungus Fletcher had been arrested. Later that morning, the police would thank Harry, personally for the tip.
Ron Weasley had been invited by Amelia Bones to help the Department for Magical Law Enforcement with their enquiries as soon as he had stepped off the train. His father had been unable to change Amelia Bones' mind. He was soon sitting in an interrogation room. The room was bare apart from a light, magical, of course, a small table and chair and 4 larger chairs. A scribe would record the interrogation and had a quick quotes quill poised to record. 2 Aurors, Dawlish and Robards were standing in the room. Amelia Bones began the interrogation by having Dawlish feed Ron three drops of veritaserum. Ron was panicking. He'd asked for the antidote and had been promised it.
"Name," Director Bones asked.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley," Ron said in the flat monotone indicative of someone under the influence of the truth serum.
"What House are you in at Hogwarts?"
"Gryffindor."
"Why did the Hat put you in that House?"
"Coz Dumbledore told it to. The Hat said I was a natural Slytherin. It said I had no loyalty to anyone and wasn't brave. It said I was too lazy to use my mind."
"When you shook hands with Harry James Potter what did you want?"
"Everything he had. We'd met him on the platform as Dumbledore had told us and mum was shouting Hogwarts Express, Platform 9 and three quarters and Muggles at the top of her lungs. I didn't realise just how thick Potty is. He believed my lie that all the other carriage were full.
I tried some magic. I made sure it wouldn't work on Scabbers. I knew Hermione was on the train. Dumbledore had said we'd meet. A right bossy little cow. She brought the squib Longbottom along. Harry did not recognize him. Dumbledore's memory alterations had taken hold. He was quite clear that we had to check on that."
"Did Hermione remain Dumbledore's spy."
"Nah. She wanted out. Not before she'd prevented him from reading the History of Magic and Hogwarts: A History. Little bitch did me too and Dumbledore refused to remove the spell."
"What was your job?"
"To keep Harry occupied and away from anyone who could tell him about the wizarding world."
"Who was there in particular you wanted Harry to keep away from?"
"Draco Malfoy. Snape. I could not believe it when Snape told Harry to watch out for Neville. I'd go to the Slytherin Common room under Harry's cloak of invisibility to see Nott to co-ordinate strategies to keep Malfoy and Potty at odds. Dumbledore gave it back as a Christmas gift. Harry's so stupid he didn't even realise you don't loan out family heirlooms.
Harry even accepted me as a second to a duel. I know what that means, but Harry hasn't a clue. Dumbles told me he'd removed all books from the library that might help Harry figure out who he is."
"Was the intent to kill Hermione Granger in the girl's bathroom?"
"Sure was. I couldn't believe it when Harry asked if we should lock the troll in there. I knew the bitch was there. Harry was on the troll's shoulders. I used Wingardium Leviosa perfectly and they never noticed. Troll threw Potty off its shoulders. I knocked out the troll instead of killing first Potty and then Granger."
"Did you know what Scabbers was?"
"Sure did. I overheard mum and dad saying that Dumbledore wanted us to look after an animagus that had nowhere else to go. Dumbeldore said it would be worth their while. Percy claimed he found Scabbers and that Scabbers was his. In a family of seven kids, ownership's overrated. Bill had the owl and Charles took Scabbers to Hogwarts. When Percy went to Hogwarts, he insisted on having Scabbers. Scabbers would head off as soon as he could to be with Charlie. The twins found the Marauders Map, another of Potty's heirlooms. They explained they'd seen Pettigrew in bed with Charlie and blackmailed Dumbledore to give them free reign with their pranks. Dumbledore made them give the Map back to Potty this year. They were furious.
Once I knew what Pettigrew had been doing with Charlie, I told him that man-boy sex wasn't my things. Pettigrew went off to find his own fun at night. He was scared Harry would recognize him, but he was too stupid.
The twins knew Ginny was being possessed. They'd see her name alongside seventh years. I asked what she was doing one time. They said she was being a slut and servicing the men. They had tried to get Dumbledore to stop that, but he wouldn't. She was being paid and bought a hideous Valentines for Harry. She has the complete 'Young Harry Potter' series. She'd marry Harry Potter at 16, produce a son and then tragically Potty would die. Then she'd marry Dumbledore and have an accident of her own and the Weasleys would be revenged on House Potter, splitting the money with Dumbledore, whose House had it own beef with House Potter.
I knew Granger had a time-turner. Dumbledore said he'd stolen it from Charlus Potter during his duel with Gellert. He was furious Granger gave it back to Potty. She'd been blackmailed into helping Dumbledore after the Polyjuice potion she'd made us turned her into a cat. Crookshanks has been a real menace to Pettigrew this year."
"What do you know about Sirius Black?"
"I knew he was innocent. I knew I had to be brave. I was losing credibility as a Gryffindor. I let Black drag me off. I helped the other two disarming Snape and I stood my ground against the werewolf. I saw Granger and Potty use the time-turned. I thought they'd save Black for sure. I could believe Potty had failed. He'd killed the 60 foot 1000 year old Basilisk that I'd trapped him in with.
Since Black died, Harry's been like a different person. I've seen that Harry before after Granger got petrified last year. I tried to warn Nott that Harry wouldn't let a violation of his Protection slip. Not had said they were counting on it. Then Harry let it slide and they went to finish off the job. Got themselves finished off.
What changes in Lord Potter-Black have you noticed?"
"He suddenly knows what to do. I don't know who could have told him. Changing House caught me by surprise. Hufflepuff was a good choice. From my point of view. He wasn't going into Slytherin where he'd have learnt what he needed to about the Wizarding World. Potty's a duffer alright. It's a real pain pretending to be thicker than him. Malfoy's dead, which means Malfoy senior will be trying to kill Potty.
That's your lot Bones. You can't charge me not without implicating others including the Golden Boy. You can't hold me either without my father challenging you." Ron was feeling good. There was nothing Bones could say to Potty that would make him drop him as a friend. The handshake ensured it.
"You are mistaken Mister Weasley. I can hold you overnight. Your father works for me, not Dumbledore or he's not going to have a job. The Sorting Hat was right, Mister Weasley, you have no loyalty to anyone other than yourself. Take him away." Robards and Dawlish escorted Ron Weasley to a holding cell.
Amelia Bones was left reading the transcript. She didn't know how she was going to tell Harry that Hermione was still spying for Dumbledore. She decided she wouldn't. In fact, she couldn't as it was information she had learnt during the course of her enquiries. She felt she was failing Harry, in some way.