Why?, the only thought running through Ezekiel's mind. And why them, of all the people?
During the war Bellatrix had left a trail of pain and misery in her wake. She had carved her legacy on the minds and souls of the families of her victims. There weren't any survivors when it came to her, those who 'survived' died a slow and painful death or slowly descended into insanity and then death. All in order to hurt just a bit more, to draw the agony for one more second. Ezekiel couldn't understand what Bellatrix could possibly get from all this. No, he couldn't comprehend it but he could certainly understand. It was a rancid feeling, to even acknowledge he had such connection to her, as faint as it was. It was as if she spoke a language he hadn't forgotten completely.
And given what you've been up to,the Black Magic giggled in his ear, I say you're starting to remember it.
Ezekiel closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. "Shut up."
"Excuse me?" Ted's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"Huh?" Ezekiel opened his eyes and looked around. He was still at the entrance, Ted and Dora staring at him. "No, Ted I was talking to..."
Carefull... people might think you're crazy if you start talking to yourself, Master. The black magic laughed.
"To whom?" Ted asked, confused.
"Nevermind." Ezekiel sighed, trying to ignore the knowing look Dora was giving him. "Are you sure they are the only one's left?"
"I had Gringotts give me a list of anybody even remotely related to wand wood when Dora told us about Ollivander." Ted replied. "I owled to all of them. So far almost everyone has replied and the answer is the same: no idea."
"Wait." Ezekiel said, raising his hand. "You said almost, which means some have yet to answer."
"I asked the world and the world answered." Ted replied. "The only ones left, the only ones serious enough are The Ancient and Noble House Of Longbottom."
"How bad is it?" Dora asked. "I mean..."
"They can't declare a Blood Feud." Ezekiel replied, defeated. "But they tried."
"But she wasn't part of the family, right?" Dora asked nervously. "They have no reason to..."
"Not here." Ezekiel cut her off. He leaned to see Harry behind her, trying to hide behind the furniture.
Harry shook as Ezekiel raised an eyebrow in a questioning look. He got up with a guilty look on his face and approached them.
"I didn't hear anything." Harry muttered.
"Mhmm, sure." Ezekiel said, nodding his head. "Aren't you going to say 'Hi' at least?"
"Hi." Harry said embarrassed.
"Harry, we were discussing some serious matters." Ted said. "You shouldn't eavesdrop."
"Riiiight," Dora said, rolling her eyes. "Because people usually discuss serious matters at the doorstep."
"She's right." Ezekiel said. "In any case, Harry, my two weeks are up, aren't they?"
"Two weeks?" Ted asked, confused.
"I..." Harry said before opening and closing his mouth like a fish.
"It's done." Ezekiel said proudly. "As promised."
"What promise?" Dora asked, glaring at him.
"You... did it?" Harry said, surprised. "All you promised?"
"Are you doubting my word, Harry Potter?" Ezekiel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"N-No, bu-!"
"I'm joking, Harry." Ezekiel said laughing. "Done as I promised and in time. I'm sorry you had to endure all that."
"And Diana and...?"
"I'll have to talk to the Queen and Charles about that." Ezekiel replied. "But as far as they are concerned, you'll be off the limits."
"Okay, what in the name of Merlin are you two talking about?" Dora said, fed up with being left out of the conversation.
"Ezekiel, what have you done?" Ted asked.
"He did what aunt Walburga always wanted." Andromeda's voice sounded from the doorway. "Didn't you, Ezekiel?"
"It wasn't like that, Andi." Ezekiel replied.
"WHAT!?" Ted and Dora asked in shock.
"Remus just told me about your little trip." Andromeda said, giving a mocking bow. "The Queen is dead, long live King Black."
"That's not what happened." Ezekiel replied annoyed.
"Could someone please explain what's going on?" Ted asked.
"Let's all sit down, okay?" Ezekiel said, raising his hand. "I'll explain everything."
And so they did, minus Remus who was still in the restroom. They moved to the living room, the group on one side and Ezekiel across them, alone.
"Just to be clear." Ezekiel began. "What I'm about to say it's the truth, okay?"
"And that truth is...?" Dora asked.
"I just had a meeting with the intelligence agencies of the United Kingdom, the USA and Russia."
The room was engulfed in silence as soon as the words left his mouth. Ezekiel watched as their eyes widened and waited for questions that never came.
"The United States and Russia already know about witches and wizards. Apparently only our community decided to isolate ourselves from the Muggle government."
"And you just went ahead and decided to throw the Statute Of Secrecy down the drain." Dora said in disbelief.
"Yes." Ezekiel nodded. "But given the fact that two parts already knew, I was just letting the MI6 catch up with the rest."
"How comforting."
"Ezekiel, why did you do that?" Ted asked.
"Because while the Muggle government might know about magic, few people know about me." Ezekiel replied. "I've been used as a deterrent for many things and a tool for others. The truth is the Queen was contacted by the Goblin King, he wanted to bring her and the Crown back to active duty and get some favour for him and his people. It didn't go as planned."
"That part I know." Andromeda said harshly. "Skip to the part where you and your new friends stage a coup d' etat."
"I'm getting there." Ezekiel said patiently. "Now the Queen has no intention of listening to the Goblin King. Matter of fact, she won't listen to anything anybody has to say. She doesn't know about Aurors, so she told me she planned to gather her own law enforcers."
"What?"
"I talked to her, but I don't think I dissuaded her." Ezekiel continued. "She'll also need her Court, never mind that many of those families no longer exist as long as she has Harry."
"Because he'll be the next Lord Protector." Ted said.
"Yes, her idea was to have Harry educated as she saw fit, by then her new group of enforcers would be ready..."
"Ready for what?" Harry asked, scared.
"For you to lead them." Andromeda said.
"Don't worry, Harry." Ezekiel assured him. "She can't do anything anymore."
"Because you made her." Dora accused him. "What's the point of bringing the Muggles in?"
"It's my way to make sure I'm free to live my life as I want." Ezekiel replied. "They now know who I am and what I'm capable of. They know the consequence of trying to control me."
"And what's stopping them to convince the Queen from ordering you to hand over whatever leverage you have on them?" Ted asked.
"I have information." Ezekiel said. "Enough to bring all of them to their knees. As long as they keep the Crown under control, I'll remain silent."
"Again." Ted said. "What's stopping them to get the Queen and have her order to surrender it?"
"None of them want the information in the hands of anybody." Ezekiel replied confidently. "They'll keep the Crown in check as well as each other."
"And if they don't?" Andromeda asked.
"You're not listening." Ezekiel said, running his hand through his hair. "Nobody wants what I got to go public or to each other. I'm the perfect secret keeper."
"So long the only people who can order you around stay put." Dora summarized.
"Finally." Ezekiel said relieved. "Yes."
"And you took measures, I imagine, to have said information released into the public in case they try to do something." Andromeda said.
"Of course." Ezekiel said, nodding proudly.
"Don't be so smug, I'm just making sure a bunch of men in balaclavas don't and take us into the night." Andromeda chastised him.
"I've given those men plenty of reasons not to." Ezekiel assured her.
"Have you now..." Dora said, leaving her words float in the air.
"And what about that man?" Andromeda asked innocently. "Cracknell, wasn't it? What have you done to keep him under control?"
"He had him gunned down." Remus said, appearing from the bathroom. "He made him go to the meeting and made those people shoot his head off."
"Hi, Remus!" Ezekiel greeted him with a false glee. "Thank you for sharing that detail with everyone. I'm sure Harry here will have a good night's sleep after hearing it."
"Harry deserves to know about this." Remus said, turning to Harry who had been left open-mouthed at the revelation. "Harry, this man is a killer. You aren't safe with him!"
"You killed him?" Harry asked, stunned.
"He was dead the second he threatened you and Andi." Ezekiel calmly replied. "And so will anyone who thinks to make this family a target."
"Harry, you can't stay with this murderer!" Remus begged.
Their conversation was cut short as a swan came through the window, leaving everyone silent in anticipation. The bird carried a letter which spat at Ezekiel's direction, who caught it mid-air.
"I'm being summoned." Ezekiel said, reading the letter in a mocking fashion. "I guess it's time I fulfill the rest of my promise."
"This isn't something to laugh, Ezekiel." Ted said.
"I'm going to deal Bellatrix Lestrange biggest hit." Ezekiel said, rubbing his eye. "Please, let me have this."
"Are you all just gonna ignore what I just said?" Remus asked incredulously.
"It's easy to feel indignant when you never met the man." Andromeda. "But that's not something we can discuss."
"He had a man-!"
"Enough, Remus." Ezekiel coldly interrupted him. "You've made your point, Harry doesn't need the details."
"You just want to keep him in the dark so you can control him." Remus accused him.
"You said I killed a man, I didn't deny it." Ezekiel replied, raising from his seat. "The crime is horrible on it's own, there's no need to spell out how it was done. I'm afraid I'll have to leave, the letter said it was urgent. Ted, could you get the file on the Zealot ready for when I get back?" Ezekiel began leaving when he noticed Dora followed behind. "Can we talk about this when I get back?"
"Talk what? You already did what you wanted." Dora replied walking up the door and placing her hand on the knob. "It's just not propped for a king to open a door."
"I'm not a king." Ezekiel replied exasperated.
"No, you just have your foot on the Queen's neck."
"That's not fair, Dora."
"I apologize, Your Majesty." Dora replied, bowing in mockery.
"I'm not going to force politics here." Ezekiel replied. "I just don't want them to do to Harry what they did to me."
"And while you did that, you also fulfilled Walburga's dream." Dora replied with a hand on her hip. "She would be so proud of you."
Ezekiel shook at this, as if Dora had punched him in the face. He tried to come up with a response but nothing came to mind. Dora watched him struggle and opened the door. Ezekiel walked outside the house and stopped and turned back. She watched him open his mouth, raising her eyebrows as she waited for something, anything. Ezekiel stood, his shoulder slumped as a roaring sound signaled the arrival of his car. The red machine parked itself beside him but he didn't notice, Dora felt his eyes focused on her through his sunglasses. He finally closed his mouth and got into the car, not making a single sound.
"Long live the King." Dora muttered as she watched him disappear in the horizon, before shutting the door.
"What?" The Queen asked, befuddled. Her surprise turned to anger as she turned and pointed at Ezekiel. "You. You did this." She whispered.
"Mmmmm, yeah." Ezekiel confessed, his joy barely contained.
"You killed Ian, didn't you?" Charles said, shaking in anger.
"If we're being honest, your little buddy Ian killed himself." Ezekiel replied. "Although the body in your bed was because I loved that scene in The Godfather whe-"
"You bastard, I'll have your head for this!" Charles said, launching himself at Ezekiel but found his feet glued to the ground.
"Now, now." Ezekiel said, shaking his finger at him. "Take another breath, Charlie and calm down, we are here to talk."
"You can't tell me what to do!" Charles shouted. "Mother, send him to the tower!" Ezekiel rolled his eyes at this. For Morgana's might, the man was almost forty!
"Lord Black, I ord-"
"No." Ezekiel simply said, cutting her off.
"I beg your pardon?" The Queen said, shocked by the response.
"I said, no." Ezekiel repeated himself. "You and I are owed a talk, my Queen. And it's been way overdue."
"And what is that you wish to talk about, Lord Black." The Queen said, raising from her throne.
"From this moment on, you don't get to order me or any other wizard." Ezekiel informed her.
"Is that so?" The Queen coldly replied, an eyebrow barely raised. "And what gives you the confidence to say this?"
"I spoke with the right people." Ezekiel said as the sound of footsteps filled began approaching them. "Speaking of which..."
The room was flooded with agents with their weapons pointed at them. Ezekiel raised his hand in amusement while The Queen and Charles demanded answers they wouldn't be given. Finally, the sea of agents parted ways like the Red Sea, revealing a familiar face.
"Christopher!" Ezekiel waved at the man. "It's been what, a couple of hours? I missed you."
The man ignored him, walking past him and addressing the Queen. "Is it true?"
"Who are you to talk to me like that?" The Queen asked scandalized.
"You shut up." Curwen said, staring down at her. "Answer my question. The man over there says he's a wizard. A murder working under your orders. Is this true?"
"I don't have to answer you." The Queen replied. "Don't you know who I am?"
"My name is Christopher Curwen, head of the MI6." Curwen harshly replied. "You'll answer my questions or I'll get the answers myself." The Queen was dumbfounded by this, taking another look at the man in front of her. "Now nod for yes, shake for no. Is this man under your command?"
The Queen nodded.
"Now, Christopher." Ezekiel said behind him, the weapons still pointing at him. "Remember you can't actually hurt her. Otherwise this all thing would be for naught."
"You're helping him?" Charles finally asked incredulously.
"Why wouldn't he?" Ezekiel asked. "I'm the victim of a severe abuse of power here. Say, can I get my arm down, please?"
Curwen stared at him with hate before signaling his men to lower their guns. Ezekiel sighted relieved and tried to rub his shoulder but then remembered he was lacking an arm.
"Don't you see he's playing you?" Charles continued. "He's a liar and he's playing you like a fool!"
"All I know is I've never heard of this man until you send him on a killing spree around the globe." Curwen spat.
"Killing spree?" The Queen repeated, confused. "Charles, what's he talking about?"
"He didn't tell you?" Ezekiel cheerfully asked. "About his little friend Ian and the list of things he wanted me to do? Tsk, tsk, Charlie, you don't lie to your mother."
"It's a lie, mother." Charles pleaded. "Ian just kept him in check."
"Fuck me, you didn't knew." Ezekiel said, studying Charles' face. "You are either a moron or a tosser. Well, never mind. It's not like it was the only reason we are here."
"What reason are you talking about?" The Queen asked, her confusion growing.
"Did you stop?" Ezekiel replied. "That little project of yours, did you end it?"
"That's none of your business."
"So it's still going." Ezekiel said, nodding to himself. "Christopher, you need to talk to everyone here and pull the security footage. Whoever she brought here needs to be detained."
"You won't get anything from this place." Charles said, enraged. "This is the Royal Palace, not some run-down alley for you to order around like that family of freaks of yours."
That one hit a nerve, Charles realized. Ezekiel, who up to that point kept a cheerful facade had now become silent, his face like a blank mask behind his dark sunglasses. The rest of the room realized this too, the temperature dropping several degrees. Their breaths became faintly visible and bits of ice could be seen on some surfaces. Ezekiel stopped in front of him, standing tall as he shrunk trying to protect himself from the cold.
"Prince Charles." Ezekiel said emotionlessly. "You have rated me in the past for the things I've done, my wealth and ways. I've endured it with the patience of a saint, purely out of a sense of duty. You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, pagan. You've even spat on my face in the past. Still, I've endured it. One time you voided your drink on my when you were drunk at a party and had me kicked to the curb. I dealt with it. Then you assigned someone you considered a pawn, your little friend Ian. He abused his power over me, chaining me in a room without windows for weeks when I refused to be his goon for his traffic attempts. I endured this too. Then your friend insulted my family and threatened their safety. This I won't tolerate. This, this, is the reason we are here. Not because of the treatment I received from you or your family, but because you chose to threaten those dearest to me. Now this man here." Ezekiel gestured at Curwen. "Will tell you how the rest of your life is going to be. Relax, your luxury isn't going anywhere. But me, my family - of which Harry is now a part of - are done with the Crown." Ezekiel began turning around but stopped as he remembered. "And one more thing."
"What?" Charles asked, shaking.
"Your wife and children." Ezekiel replied. "Harry is quite fond of them, apparently. If he ever tells me he thinks something is wrong, if he or I somehow believe - for any reason at all - something might've happened to them..."
"Y-yy-you won't tt-ell m-me how to handle my family, you murderer."
"Charlie, I could start doing crack right now - on top of all the other things I've done in my life - and I'd still be a better father than you." Ezekiel replied. "Just be sure to be a loving and supporting father from now on. I'd hate to hear you got scared and tripped on the bathtub or anything." Ezekiel turned around and began leaving. "Good night, Charlie, Elizabeth. See you both in hell. Save me a spot by the fire when you get there."
Despite his new victory, Ezekiel felt miserable for the rest of the night. It was late when he returned to Ted and Andi's house where they had informed him Harry would sleep with them for the night. He was so distressed he didn't even bother to lock away his creature when the black ball rested on his hand during breakfast. The one thing he did notice was nobody seemed to notice what he had done the night before. People still crossed the street when they saw him, still stopped speaking when he walked past them. Same happened when he entered the Ministry,now he was able to come and go as he pleased. The only welcomed change had been the fact Madam Bones hadn't called him to her office as soon as he stepped out of the elevator. Ignoring the usual whispers, he made his way towards the Archive where he found Dora sitting on his desk.
"Dora." He said surprised as he walked towards her. "Everything alright?"
"No." Dora replied and Ezekiel noticed she had a box with her.
"What's this?" He asked, pointing at the box.
"Madam Bones and I got called to the Minister's office this morning." Dora replied annoyed.
"Is everything alright?"
"No, Ezekiel." Dora sighted. "I've been reassigned to the Archive. That bitch of Umbridge told the Minister I'm the only agent they can assign here that you won't hurt."
"What?" Ezekiel asked dumbfounded.
"Umbitch asked around after Runcorn almost strangled her. She knows you have something to do but Runcorn isn't talking." Dora explained. "I'm the new supervisor."
"That can't be right."
"You think?" Dora snapped at him. "I had cases, Ezekiel. Stuff I had to complete and now Madam Bones is gonna have to assign it to Yaxley."
"Nah, no way she gives any of your stuff to the king of incompetence." Ezekiel replied, trying to peek into the box.
"Are you listening to what I'm saying?" Dora asked exasperated. "I got pulled out of all my cases because the Minister wants to receive reports of your conduct."
"You won't get pulled out of nothing." Ezekiel assured her. "This is the Archive, Dora. Madam Bones only has to file it as a cold case and you'll be able to continue the investigation right away."
Dora sighted in frustration and placed the box on the desk's chair."Whatever, we're still gonna need another desk. I never noticed this place was so cramped."
"I don't think this room was set up with more than one person in mind." Ezekiel said looking at the file cabinets surrounding them. "There's barely room for another chair."
"Great, just great." Dora muttered. "And where am I supposed to put my stuff?"
"There's a cabinet over there, they forgot to enchant." Ezekiel said pointing at it. "I use it for snacks and stuff. The bottom should be empty."
Dora opened the cabinet and began storing her things, cursing the entire Ministry under her breath.
"What does the Minister ask you to report?" Ezekiel asked, placing his coat on the back of his chair.
"Elections are coming." Dora replied without turning to look at him. "And also all the rumors going around you. But mostly the election. Why on earth would the Minister care about who you vote for?"
"Because last time I said who I was supporting the other candidate lost most of his supporters."
"Are you saying you are the reason we got stuck with Fudge?" Dora asked, surprised.
"I'm not gonna take all the credit for it, but I certainly helped." Ezekiel replied shrugging. "How did they manage to convince you?" Dora turned and gave him a questioning look. "Oh, come on, I know you. What did you get for accepting such a dangerous task? Double the salary, more vacation days?"
Dora didn't reply, her back still turned to him as she continued storing the last of her items. Instead, she raised her open hand and showed him all five fingers.
"Five times the salary?" Ezekiel said, impressed. "I'm officially done paying taxes."
"Ha, ha." Dora laughed dryly as she finished. "Listen, about yesterday..."
"Yeah?" Ezekiel asked, his heart skipping a beat.
"There's something we need to tell you, all of us. And Harry wants to talk to you too." She saw Ezekiel pale and added. "Don't worry, he's not going anywhere. We just want to set some ground rules."
"Ground rules?"
"We'll talk back at my parents place." Dora replied, ending the conversation.
The rest of the morning went by, Ezekiel explained to her how the Archive worked in a few minutes. Dora was, to be polite, unimpressed by the time he finished but she lightened up when Ezekiel showed her the array he made to control the temperature. They were getting ready to get lunch when a knock on the door surprised them.
"Are you waiting for someone?" Dora asked in a whisper. Ezekiel shook his head slowly. "Come in."
The door opened and a man came inside. He had chocolate brown hair and emerald green eyes. Tall and lean, and had a thick brown moustache. Ezekiel and Dora noticed he had a strong smell which lingered in the air. His clothes were a uniform consisting of a purple tailcoat with two rows of decorative polished silver buttons, a matching custodian helmet, and white gauntlet gloves. His helmet had a plate with the silhouette of a howling werewolf against a white full moon.
"Lord Black?" The man asked.
"I'm here, mister...?" Ezekiel replied.
"Lee. Cecil Lee." The man said walking towards Ezekiel with her hand extended. The cousins noted he was carrying a large file under his other arm. "Werewolf Capture Unit"
"To what do I owe this pleasure, mister Lee?" Ezekiel replied, shaking his hand.
"I wish to pick your brain, if you don't mind." Lee replied smiling. "I assure you this won't take much. It's just looking for confirmation."
"Absolutely." Ezekiel replied.
"What do you want him to confirm?" Dora asked intrigued.
"I'm afraid that's confidential, Madame." Lee replied, patting his file. "It's not for the faint of heart."
"Auror Tonks here is my supervisor." Ezekiel said before Dora could tell him where to shove the file. "She's more qualified than I am in these matters."
"Lord Black, if you excuse me, no other wizard alive is as qualified as you in such matters." Lee replied with a forced grin.
"And what matters is that, mister Lee?" Ezekiel asked.
"I'm well aware of how much your opinion is valued in certain circles, Lord Black." Lee replied. "I wish to present a case to my superiors. A letter of approval from you would be the finishing touch I need."
"What's the case you wish to present, mister Lee?" Ezekiel asked, giving Dora a confused look.
"Werewolves, of course." Lee replied as it was obvious, which in hindsight it was. "Those beasts are an unchecked danger to society, magical or Muggle."
"I think the fact the Ministry has several divisions just for them would say otherwise." Ezekiel politely replied.
"Werewolf Registry, Werewolf Support Services?" Lee scoffed. "Those are a waste of public funds. The hardworking people of this country deserve better than that. No, my Lord, the only thing those creatures deserve is an Avada. It's the most human thing to do."
"Of course, of course." Ezekiel replied nodding in agreement while begging Dora with his eyes. Then he remembered he still had his glasses on. "And how would my approval help you?"
"I knew I could count with your help, my Lord." Lee replied smiling. "While I do hope to present a legislation to the Wizengamot, I'll content myself with the capture of one of them."
"Why would you need my help for that?" Ezekiel asked, confused. "Wouldn't a visit to your superiors be enough?"
"Usually, yes." Lee said while he passed the file to Ezekiel. "However, to bring this savage reign of terror to an end, I'll require a substantial amount of resources. This isn't the kind of request that one can just walk in and do."
"I'm sorry, mister Lee." Dora said. "But who could be so dangerous that would require you to go such lengths to capture him."
"It, Madame, it." Lee corrected her. "And all werewolves are dangerous. If it were up to me, such measures would be standard procedure when it came to these beasts."
"Good thing it isn't, then." Ezekiel murmured, his eyebrows rising in surprise as he read Lee's request. Dora followed shortly, reading over his shoulder. "I'm sorry, mister Lee but I don't see the name of your suspect."
"That's because it isn't a suspect." Lee replied matter-of-factly. "Greyback has confessed his crimes many times over. He brags about them."
"Greyback." Ezekiel repeated, sharing a concerned look with Dora. "You mean Fenrir Greyback. The werewolf from the Isle of Man."
"The one and only." Lee said nodding. "I wish to have the department declare him a Wolf."
"Wolf?" Dora said looking at a picture of Greyback. The image of a towering man wearing robes which looked uncomfortably tight gnarled silently at them. One could see one of his eyes was different, the sclera was black and the iris an ivory white. "Well, at least you'll call him something."
"That's the last picture we have of it. But going by witnesses statements he has changed even further." Lee informed them. "Pointed teeth, claw-like nails and even whiskers according to some. It's clear that the animal has taken control over the man. Declaring him a Wolf would raise his priority and speed up the 'Kill on sight' order."
"I can see why you'd like to have him legally classified as an animal." Ezekiel said. "But besides this, what other evidence do you have?"
"Plenty!" Lee replied, stopped to give an unsure look at Dora.
"Mister Lee?" Ezekiel called him.
"Yes, I'm sorry. This is what I wanted to show you." Lee said, running through the pages of the file until he found what he wanted. Not a small feat, considering he was doing with the file upside down from his perspective.
This part of the file was a detailed recollection of seemingly every attack Greyback had ever done. Number of victims and how many had been infected. Points of entry and exit. Each and every detail catalogued and studied. There was even a part of it comparing each attack to the others.
"It's clear the creature is a menace," Lee continued. "It has to be put down."
"And what makes you think Ezekiel's opinion will do for you?" Dora asked. "This isn't dark magic, it's a living being."
"Oh, didn't you know, miss?" Lee asked. "The House of Black used to-"
"That's enough, mister Lee." Ezekiel interrupted him. "This is a very interesting read you have brought me."
"So you agree-."
"But given what little I've read and taking your words into account, I'm afraid I won't give my support to your proposal." Ezekiel finished.
"But Lord Black, you obviously see the danger this creature represents." Lee said dismayed.
"I do." Ezekiel replied.
"Then what reason could you possibly have to allow it to roam free?"
"I said I agree with you, mister Lee." Ezekiel replied. "Fenrir Greyback is dangerous and I'd like nothing more than to hear of his demise."
"Then-"
"However, I don't see any evidence of him being taken over by his feral nature." Ezekiel continued undaunted. "In fact, I'd say he's embracing it."
"My Lord, if you just take a moment and read my report-"
"There's no need." Ezekiel interrupted him. "Truth is I'm quite ignorant when it comes to magical creatures. I know bits and pieces, never saw much use in them. What I do know is my fellow men and your report shows Greyback is still one. His attacks aren't at random, they are planned to have the most possible number of victims. I'm not much of a zoologist but I do know animals aren't cruel, for the most part. I'm afraid you're too focused to what you want him to be that you ignore the rest of the evidence."
"I see." Lee said offended, taking the file from Ezekiel's hands. "I think I'll have to go with my superiors without your support then."
"I'm afraid so." Ezekiel replied. "But I do wish you success, Mister Lee."
"Thank you." Lee said. "Sir, Madame, I wish you a day."
"Do you get many visits like that?" Dora asked, watching Lee close the door.
"No, not really." Ezekiel replied. "Thanks for keeping it civil."
"I thought he was here for Remus." Dora said.
"Nah, Dumbledore brought him into the country." Ezekiel replied. "He wouldn't be so stupid to leave any trace."
"I guess." Dora muttered. "Let's get lunch, I'm starving."
"Sure." Ezekiel replied. "Did you bring any money?"
"That's no way to get into your boss's good graces, Auror Black."
"Evening, everyone." Ezekiel said entering the Tonks' house.
"Wotcher, fam." Dora said behind him.
"In the living room." Ted's voice sounded.
"We're spending an awful lot of time in that room." Ezekiel muttered.
"Quit fucking things up and we'll use the rest." Dora replied.
The furniture arrangement in the living room had changed. Now the sofa and chairs were moved so one chair faced the rest. Ted, Andromeda, Remus and Harry were sitting on one side, leaving Ezekiel to sit opposing them.
"How's everyone?" Ezekiel asked. "Harry, sleep well?" Harry smiled and nodded. "Good, good."
"Ezekiel." Ted said. "I'm sure Dora has told you about this but we are all worried about recent behavior."
"Actually, she said you wanted to set some ground rules." Ezekiel replied.
"Not quite." Ted replied as he gave Dora the look only a parent can. "But also, yes."
"You just took over magical Britain, Ezekiel." Andromeda said. "And you did it by breaking the Statute of Secrecy."
"Technically-"
"I'm sure you found a loophole to abuse." Ted continued. "Some vague term or what-not, I don't care. We don't care."
"But that's not what worries us." Andromeda added. "We - Ted, Dora and I - are concerned that you might be relapsing into old habits."
"Relapsing?" Ezekiel laughed. "What, like I'm some kind of addict or something?"
"Something like that..." Ted said.
"Are you for real?" Ezekiel's smile vanished.
"You've changed a lot since we met you." Ted replied. "But you have a habit of falling into old habits. We turned a blind eye to many of them because you tend to do it in order to save lives."
"But as soon as you got the chance, you set up a coup d'État." Andromeda finished.
"Again, really?" Ezekiel asked annoyed. "This isn't a fucking coup or anything. The woman still sits her arse on the bloody throne."
"The Queen commands the magical kingdom, you can command the Queen." Andromeda replied. "You command the magical kingdom."
"That's ridiculous and you know it." Ezekiel scoffed. "Even if I did - which I don't - what would I do with a country?"
"Everything you want." Andromeda said. "That's the point of it, ain't it?"
"Okay, just- hang on." Ezekiel said, rising from his seat. "Are you all afraid I might let power get to my head?"
"Not me." Dora said, raising her hand. "I'm just bracing for impact when this whole thing comes crashing down."
"It changes nothing." Ezekiel replied. "She didn't manage to make any changes. I don't want to make any myself. Whatever the rest of Britain knows it or not, they -We - are finally free of the Crown."
"Then you won't mind to make sure it stays that way." Andromeda said as Ted took out a document of several pages.
"What's this?" Ezekiel asked, reading the document. "I, Ezekiel Artemis Black, sound of, bla, bla, bla. On this da-what the...? Ted, this is dated."
"Oh, yes." Ted said, shifting uncomfortable in his seat. "It's an old habit."
"It's dated a year after you took me in." Ezekiel said pointing at the document.
"I told him it was a waste of time when he told me about it." Andromeda said.
"Fine." Ezekiel huffed. "I try to do the right thing... forget it."
The document had to be redacted, mainly to change the dates. Once it was done and Ezekiel finished reciting the Vow, the witches and wizards of the United Kingdom would breath safe, if they knew Ezekiel Black had renounced all and any right he had over their monarch.
"Is that it?" Ezekiel growled.
"Not quite. I spoke with Remus here." Dora said pating Remus' shoulders. "He gave me a few more details about what you did."
"I take it since you are bringing it up here that either everyone knows?" Ezekiel asked glaring at Remus.
"Harry eavesdropped and talked with mum and dad." Dora replied. "It wasn't my fault."
"Wasn't your fault?" Ezekiel asked enraged. "Did either one of you idiots ever thought about not discussing life and death when a child is present?"
"I want to name Remus my proxy." Harry suddenly said.
The family stared at Harry, the room turned silent. Ezekiel looked around and found everyone to be as surprised as he was. Specially Remus.
"Harry, you don't know what you are saying." Remus said.
"Ted said Ezekiel let's him take his place and they pay him." Harry replied. "You told Dora you don't have much money left."
"Harry, that's a wonderful idea, but it's just not possible." Andromeda gently said. "Werewolves can't work in the Ministry. There are laws against that sort of thing."
"But Ezekiel can speak to someone, right?" Harry asked, turning to him. "There's someone who can help you. He can convince that person and he'll be my proxy."
"Harry, do you even know what a proxy is?" Ezekiel asked.
"It's a job?" Harry replied unsure.
"It's something similar." Ezekiel replied. "Your family and mine have a seat in the Wizengamot. Do you remember that room with all the wizards?" Harry nodded. "That's where laws are passed, where people are judged. Ted takes my place and votes instead of me. That's what a proxy is."
"Then Remus can be like that for me!"
"Ted, help me out please." Ezekiel begged to his uncle, who had remained silent since Harry had spoken. In fact, the patriarch of the Tonks family was completely lost in his own thoughts. "Ted?"
"It could work." Ted muttered.
"What?" Everyone asked at the same time.
"Eh?" Ted jumped surprised.
"What could work?" Remus asked.
"Oh, sorry." Ted said laughing nervously. "I was just thinking out loud."
"Thinking about what?" Andromeda asked.
"Well, the thing is..." Ted said, trying to find the words.
"Yes..." Andromeda said, her voice lingered in the air.
"There are laws against werewolves working for the Ministry." Ted explained. "But being a proxy, Remus wouldn't be working for them but for Harry. Technically, if he can get some support to back him..."
"So can be my proxy!" Harry said excited.
"Sure, all Ezekiel would have to do is..." Ted's eyes widened with realization and quickly changed his tone to a more regretful one. "Sorry, forget I said anything."
"What, why?" Harry asked confused.
"Harry, leave it alone." Dora said.
"But why?" Harry asked. "Who is it that can help him?
"Yes, who would you speak to?" Remus asked to Ezekiel. "It cannot be the Light, they hate you. The Dark? You don't have the pull or you'd be in the Wizengamot already..." Remus eyes opened as he realized. "The Grey?"
"They are a political party that doesn't believe in conflict." Ezekiel explained emotionless. "They want to help the magical community or are in it for the money."
"You don't have to talk to them, Ezekiel." Andromeda said.
"No, I should." Ezekiel coldly replied. "My vow doesn't say I'll take over Harry's responsibilities. Besides, I also tried to look for Harry's proxy for my own reasons. It'd be hypocritical of me to deny Harry's."
"So it's true then..." Remus thought. He then shuddered as he felt his own mind turning cold, if that was even possible.
Not a word, Remus. Ezekiel's voice sounded trough Remus' consciousness. Remus looked discreetly at Ezekiel, whose face had paled while his nails dug deep into his palms hard enough to turn his knuckles white.
A small knock broke the tension in the room. The group looked for their origin, a small barn owl carrying a letter in it's tiny paw pecked the glass as if it was asking for permission to enter. Dora, who was closer to the window and opened it and the owl swiftly gilded inside and posed itself on Ezekiel's knee.
"You've got to be kidding me." Ezekiel said as the owl presented the letter to him. The owl then flew away as the family looked surprised, except for Ezekiel who was reading the letter.
"What is it?" Andromeda asked.
"Gringotts." Ezekiel sighted exasperated as he began walking to the door. "They want to talk to me. Well, everyone, this has been awful. Thank you for showing the faith you lot have in me. Now if you excuse me, I got more problems to handle. Harry, you've spent enough time outside the house. I don't know how long I'll be away but try to stay inside for at least an hour or so. Then you can go with whoever you want."
"I like to stay at the house." Harry meekly replied..
"Good." Ezekiel deadpanned. "Then your room will be ready by the time you get there, use the Floo. Also, I haven't keyed in Remus yet, so I'll need at least one of you to stay with him. The elves keeps giving him candy every time they think I'm not looking."
"Ezekiel, we don't believe you're evil..." Andromeda said but Ezekiel had already left the house by that point.
Ezekiel left the house fuming, not hearing the voices that called him. A familiar roar sounded nearby and a few seconds later his car's tires scratched the asphalt besides him. He climbed into the car and placed his hand on the steering wheel when the door opened and Dora sat besides him before he could say anything.
"We don't think you're evil, Ezekiel." Dora said.
"Get out." Ezekiel said looking without looking at her.
"Look, I'm sorry about what I said yesterday, okay?" Dora replied. "I was pissed off at you and didn't think what I was saying."
"Sod off."
"We're worried about you."
"About what, me taking over?" Ezekiel said hurt. "Orion's Pride, as if I was Voldemort?"
"Zeke, you already took over. England" Dora replied. "You didn't try to do be Voldemort, you've already surpassed him. Minus the blood cleansing and racism. This isn't a competition, you won. I know you don't care about this things. Mum knows it and Dad too. And we believe you when you said you wanted to stop the Crown before they do anything to Harry."
"Then why didn't you say anything?" Ezekiel asked.
"Because I also know you didn't do it just for him." Dora replied. "I spoke to Remus, Zeke. What Harry has already given me? The only thing this whole mess gave you was an excuse to get even with the Royal Family. I get it, I hated them after talking to them for less than an hour and I already hated them. Then you had the guy they placed to order you around killed."
"He-"
"I know what he did." Dora interrupted him. "And we all knew you were going to do something. But you didn't, you made other people do it for you just so you could flex some muscle. That's what worries me. You are snobbish, arrogant, arsehole but you aren't cruel. Not for the sake of it. It brought back more than a few memories, you know?"
"That's a low blow." Ezekiel said looking downwards.
"Not really." Dora replied. "Look, we spoke about that, you said you were sorry and I forgave you. We are scared that you might decide to be like that to other people. You don't think we care about you? Look." Dora patted his shoulder and pointed at the house.
Ezekiel looked and saw his family standing at the doorway, looking at him concerned. He waved at them before starting he car, which had gone silent while the cousins spoke.
'Fine." Ezekiel finally sighted, the sky began grumbling with the promise of rain. "It's not like I have the time to hold grudges these days."
"Okay." dora clapped her hands. "Let's go?"
"Eh?"
"Gringotts." Dora reminded him. "They send you a letter..."
"I can handle it."
"They sent you a letter well after business hours." Dora countered. "Something went wrong and you can't use magic right now. I saw how you looked at Remus, you almost fainted."
"It's not that bad."
"Huh-uh." Dora replied unimpressed. "And leave Remus alone. Mum is gonna talk to him."
Well, Ezekiel thought as the car drove away, maybe today wasn't a complete loss.
Today was a loss. A complete a failure.
He should've guessed it the moment they entered the bank and found the Goblin King waiting for them in a conference room instead of the Underground Kingdom.
"What do you mean you'll stop your attack on Dumbledore?" Ezekiel asked trying and failing to remain calm.
"Dumbledore found a way to keep us at bay." Jareth replied. "I've already made the decree we wouldn't provide any assistance to him but he's stopping us from doing anything else to his public image."
"How?" Dora asked surprised.
"Yes, I'd very much like to know exactly what Dumbledore has that is so important." Ezekiel said. "A family member? Blackmail?"
"Blackmail, as a matter of fact." Jareth replied, sitting back and taking out a Galleon. "How much do you know about the coins you used every day?"
"Not much." Both cousins replied.
"Not surprising, we do tend to keep our secrets close to our heart." Jareth replied, tossing the coin across the table, Dora hastenly catched it. "But I don't think you'd be too surprised when I tell you that we can't just use any gold to make them. They are enchanted, as you know."
"To return to Gringotts in case someone looses one." Dora said.
"We have to process it, don't matter the how, before we can get metal suitable for enchanting." Jareth continued. "After all, metal and magic don't mix very well together."
"We know." Ezekiel said impatient. "How does Dumbledore fit in all this?"
"It's not him who is a problem." Jareth said.
"Then who?"
"Nicholas Flamel." Jareth replied.
"The alchemist?" Dora asked confused to Ezekiel who groaned as he facepalmed. "I don't get it."
"The stone." Ezekiel groaned. "You lose too much metals, don't you?"
"Sadly, yes." Jareth replied somber. "We drove ourselves against the wall when humans began drilling into the ground looking for precious metals and gems. We couldn't just keep taking it without alerting the humans. My great-great-grandfather was the one who came up with the idea of asking Flamel for help. The man also found himself in a problem, with the new census and documentation... it was a win-win for everyone."
"Until...?" Ezekiel asked.
"He told us we either stopped attacking Dumbledore or he won't give us the fold anymore." Jareth said, defeated. "Each year the magical population grows a bit more and they need more coins, it's the blood of every country. Right now we are using our reserves but they won't last much longer."
"Hang on, I thought the stone only made gold." Dora said.
"The stone is a catalyst." Jareth replied. "What do you know about alchemy?"
"It turns something into something else?" Dora weakly replied.
"Crude but essentially correct." Jareth replied. "But unlike those wand tricks you use, alchemy changes matter permanently. Alchemist all over the world argue about it's uses and even us know some of it. Alchemy is ruled by one rule and one rule only, Only one thing can be created from something else of a certain mass. This is the Principle of Equivalent Exchange."
"And the Stone?" Ezekiel asked.
"The Stone bypasses them, ignores it even." Jareth replied. "Flamel can make anything out of literally nothing. It's why he's able to make the Elixir of Life too."
"Right." Ezekiel rubbed his eyes. "And what do you need me for?"
"I want you to get Flamel." Jareth coldly replied. "Change his mind or get us the Stone, I'm fine with either."
"You know I can't do that." Ezekiel said.
"Of course he bloody won't!" Dora said.
"You know as well as I do how good Flamel is for hiding." Ezekiel said.
"Really?" dora asked turning to look at him. "You couldn't just leave it there?"
"Finding Nicholas Flamel is the magical version of 'Where's Wally?" Ezekiel replied. "He even put a challenge a century ago, he'd give anyone who could catch him a literal ton of gold and a gallon of his Elixir. Grandfather and his father looked for him everywhere and found nothing. Flamel isn't just an alchemist, he's a master illusionist. They only found his house and his old name after he didn't have a use for it. Hell, I tried to find him once already."
"What for?" Dora asked surprised.
"I just liked the challenge." Ezekiel replied shrugging. "The man teaches alchemy at Beauxbatons and then disappears from the face of the earth."
"Then imagine how easy it'll be for you with Gringotts resources." Jareth said. "I'm sure for someone like you, with our help it'll be easy to-"
"He can't be found unless he wants to and you know it." Ezekiel interrupted him. "Besides, I can't go looking for him. I have... circumstances."
"What, do you hate France?" Dora asked.
"I don't know anything about France, I've never been to France." Ezekiel replied almost like a robot.
Dora and Jareth exchanged surprised looks at such unusual response.
"I didn't asked if you knew anything about France..." Dora said cautious.
"I don't know anything about France, I've never been to France." Ezekiel repeated and Dora could see small fine lines glowing across his mouth, neck ang down to his chest, forcing him to speak.
"Of course." Jareth said, his eyes widening with realization. "No wonder you can't even speak of it. I imagine they won't even let you set a foot back in."
"Where, France?" Dora asked.
"I don't know anything about France, I've never been to France." Ezekiel repeated before taking a deep breath. "Say that name one more time, Dora and on Morgana's name..."
"Alright, alright." Dora said raising her hands.
"Well, can't say this is much of a surprise." Jareth said. "But given your new position, a letter to the Queen should lift those restrictions placed upon you."
"Err..." Dora said making a guilty face. "Wait, you knew?"
"The Underground Kingdom and the Ancient and Most noble House of Black have been close friends for centuries." Jareth replied. "He gave me the heads up almost a year ago. Still, send a letter and ged rid of those shackles of yours."
"Shit." Dora said facepalming.
"What?" Jareth asked confused.
"I just gave a Vow removing any power I have over the Queen and her family." Ezekiel said.
"Her idea, I suppose?" Jareth replied gesturing at Dora.
"Among others."
"And you didn't think to have it removed when you had the chance?"
"It's the only one I got and, to be honest, I never planned to return... there." Ezekiel confessed.
"Then I guess we are at an impasse." Jareth sighted running his hand trough his forehead. "Dumbledore's image was destroyed around the world, except for Durmstrang. They still owe him for Grindelwald."
"So it's not a total loss." Dora said.
"No, Dumbledore is up to something." Jareth replied, shaking his head concerned. "He could've said something, done something but he didn't."
"You think he's preparing for something here." Ezekiel said suspicious.
"It's the only thing that makes sense." Jareth said. "I guess he's waiting for Harry Potter to attend Hogwarts. It's the time he'll be allowed near him."
"If Harry wishes to go there, that is." Ezekiel chuckled. "I'm more inclined to Ilvermorny myself."
"I once heard that if you wish to hear God's laughter, you should start making plans." Jareth said. "I don't know who this God fellow is but I think you get the idea..."
"Will that be all, Your Majesty?" Ezekiel asked, preparing to leave.
"Not quite." Jareth said, tappin on the table. "There's one problem I know you can help me with."
"Do you?" Ezekiel asked raising an eyebrow.
"Your speciality, in fact." Jareth replied grinning. "Ever heard of Hamunaptra?"
"Egyptian City of the Dead, people think they refer to mummies but it's actually where the african vampire's breed originated from." Ezekiel replied. "At least according to their old myths."
"How do you know vampiric myths?" Dora asked.
"Ilvermorny employed a vampire as a librarian while I studied there." Ezekiel replied. "I spent a lot of time studying, we became friends. Eventually it came up in a conversation."
"You had a friend in Ilvermorny?" Dora asked surprised.
"I can be friendly, you know."
"Can you?"
"Regardless." Jareth said interrupting them. "We managed to find the lost city. One of our best curse-breakers accompanied the exploration team as a precaution. We haven't heard of him or the team in almost a week."
"You think an ancient vampire woke up?" Ezekiel asked.
"That's what we fear." Jareth replied as the door opened an a goblin entered to give him a file. Jareth took it and dismissed the goblin before passing the file to Ezekiel. "This is all we have on the team we sent. They were quite an investment from us."
"And now they're probably-hey!" Ezekiel shouted as Dora grabbed the file from his hands.
"I know him." Dora said staring at a picture.
"Who?" Ezekiel asked.
"Well, not him. I dated his brother, Charlie, for a while." Dora clarified. "His name is Bill Weasley."
I don't own Harry Potter, all characters except OC belong to J. K. Rowling.