Chapter 8 - If I Said I Was Sorry, Would You Believe Me?

"What on earth did you think you were playing at, writing an article like that?" Alex demanded. He was absolutely furious at the evening edition of the Daily Prophet, and he'd immediately floo-called the office to speak with Rita after seeing it. "Harry Potter Gone Dark? Have you lost your mind?!"

Rita grimaced. She'd known she'd be seeing him shortly after the issue had gone out; it was the main reason she was still in the office at all. The last thing she needed was him going to a different journalist with all of the delicious news Lord Potter-Black was going to be making in the coming months and years.

"The Editor wanted an article about it for tonight," she said, shaking her head. "I tried to tell him that it would be better to wait until we'd heard from you, but he wouldn't listen. I apologise for any offence caused or damage done."

She knew that there every chance this was going to cost her the exclusive she'd been promised, and if it did, she was going to use every creative curse she knew on Barnabas, the sodding idiot.

She'd tried hardest to keep the focus off Lord Potter as she could, but she'd known that it wasn't going to go down well with Jackson.

"Offence? Do you have any idea how much this could screw with Lord Potter-Black's reputation, Rita? Especially at such a crucial time for him. It needs fixing immediately." Alex rubbed a hand over his face in an attempt to calm himself. "Have you written the article from the meeting earlier today yet?"

"I've just finished it," Rita replied. She was really hoping it was enough to calm the irate solicitor down. "I was about to send it over to you when you came through the floo."

She handed it to him, and he read it quickly, before requesting a quill. She watched as he drew lines through a few things and added a paragraph to the bottom of the parchment, before he handed it back to her. "What I just added at the bottom needs to be at the beginning of the article."

She nodded, checking the places he'd struck out. "Why have you scratched that out?" she asked, frowning slightly. In her opinion, it had been the best part of the article, and he'd just scratched through it like it was nothing.

"Because telling the world about the blocks on Lord Potter's magic is also telling his enemies that he's now much stronger than he was before, and that wouldn't be a very smart thing to do, would it, Ms Skeeter?"

She sighed but nodded. Despite her love for a good story, even she wasn't particularly willing to help the Dark Side, and any advantage Lord Potter could have against the Dark Lord could only end well for the Wizarding world at large.

"I'll take it out," she promised. "And add what you've written. Is the rest okay to print?"

Alex nodded, and then gave her a shrewd look. "Yes. And while I'm here, I have a proposition for you."

…

A Thief in our Midst

By Rita Skeeter

Before we begin with some startling new information, we here at the Daily Prophet must deeply and profusely apologise for the article in last night's evening edition, claiming Lord Potter-Black to be 'Going Dark.' We were unaware of several crucial facts.

Lord Potter-Black has reinstated Lady Narcissa and her son Draco into the Ancient and Noble House of Black, and as such, they are under his protection. He has placed them in a protected home, and as they are now under his charge, he has issued a warning. If Narcissa or Draco should find themselves hurt, the perpetrators should be aware they will be going into a Blood-Feud with the Most Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Black.

Onto our latest news dear readers! Yesterday our favourite young Lord, Harry Potter-Black, held a meeting with the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, in Gringotts Wizarding bank. Lord Potter-Black, in the company of Alex Jackson, his solicitor, and his Account Manager, Bludaxe, seemed relaxed and in control when the Headmaster arrived, bringing with him a large group of spectators.

The young man was polite as he greeted the Headmaster, asking after his health, and waiting for him to sit before retaking his seat. It seems someone has been teaching him the proper etiquette required of someone of his stature.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lord Potter-Black started the meeting by calmly reprimanding the Headmaster for his unnatural need to know where his student had been spending his summer. As Lord Potter-Black put it, "I am sure the rest of the student body don't send you letters about sleepovers and such."

The Headmaster replied that our Young Lord must return to his Muggle Aunt's house for the rest of the summer because the 'blood wards' had fallen. My lovely readers will surely know that blood magic is borderline dark, and this causes me and I am sure you, to wonder what else the Headmaster has been up to in regard to our hero.

The meeting carried on to reveal the most heartbreaking of discoveries, revealed by Lord Potter-Black playing a memory on a projecting Pensieve.

Our hero, who Dumbledore claimed was safe and hidden for so many years, was terribly abused. The memory showed Harry being kicked down the stairs in front of his guardian, who then proceeded to shout at him for getting blood on the carpet. The memory brought tears to many of the spectators eyes, as they showered they were as appalled as any human should be at such treatment of a child.

Mr Jackson has alluded to the possibility of Lord Potter-Black taking these disgusting people to the Muggle courts on charges of child abuse and neglect in the future.

Albus Dumbledore, instead of apologising for putting Lord Potter-Black with such people, then went on to reprimand him for applying for his Emancipation, stating he would no longer be able to protect him. Lord Potter-Black, while refuting Dumbledore's claim of protection, told of the reasons why his emancipation was allowed. The Ministry of Magic tried him as an adult over a case of underage magic, and the Headmaster himself declared Lord Potter-Black an adult when he allowed the young man to compete in the Triwizard Tournament.

According to the Tournament handbook, Lord Potter-Black could have taken an oath on his magic that he had nothing to do with his name being placed in the cup, which would have voided the contract. This would in turn have taken the magic of the Death Eater, Bartemius Crouch Jr, who actually put his name in the goblet, thus meaning He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would not have returned in the fashion he did.

The remainder of the meeting, as if all of the above was not enough, alluded to the theft of money and books from the Potter Family vaults by the Headmaster. Dumbledore admitted to it, and this, dear readers, shows just how forgiving and kind hearted our young hero truly is, as he allowed the Headmaster to keep the money owed, as long as his books were returned to him. Dumbledore, rather weakly, tried to convince Lord Potter-Black to allow him to keep the books, but eventually signed a pre-written contract with his agreement to return the stolen books.

Before leaving, Dumbledore asked Lord Potter-Black what he was planning to do about the war. Lord Potter had this to say:

"Of course I'm not turning my back on the war, I know that fighting him is the right thing to do. I just choose to do it without someone else pulling my strings. When I fight him, I want it to be on my own terms. If that's alongside you and your Order, then I'm okay with that. If it's not, then so be it."

There you have it, dear readers, our hero will fight for our very lives, and yet, we have treated him terribly. Almost every one of us is at fault for the way Lord Potter-Black has been treated in the past, and now is the time to make up for it. We here at the Daily Prophet stand firmly behind Lord Potter-Black in his fight against the darkness, and we hope our readers are willing to do the same.

Alex put the paper down on the table, looking up at Harry and Sirius. He had read the article aloud to them as they all sat eating a wonderful breakfast prepared by Dobby. By the end of the article, all three of them were smiling.

"She's out done herself this time. I'm surprised she hasn't put anything in about the blocks on my magic though," Harry said, looking thoughtful.

"She did, I took it out," Alex replied with a smirk. "She sulked a little, but when I explained that it needs to stay secret for as long as possible to hold its surprise value, she was very understanding of the necessity." He shrugged. "When we finished discussing the travesty of an article she published last night, I gave her a proposition she truly could not refuse. I've taken the liberty of writing up a contract for you and her, allowing her exclusive rights to truthful stories, and three interviews." Harry grimaced, but Alex continued regardless, rolling his eyes at him. "One before the end of summer, one sometime in the next year, and one when the war is over. She almost snapped my hand off for the quill, it just needs your signature now."

Harry nodded. He didn't mind the press, as long as they told the truth. "This will protect me from anyone else writing about me, yes?"

Alex nodded, glad that Harry had caught on. "It will, I'll be sending a notice to all other wizarding publications telling them of the agreement, as then if they write about you, I can sue them."

Harry and Sirius chuckled at the grin on the solicitor's face.

"What are you doing for the remainder of the summer?" Sirius asked Harry, as Dobby popped in to take away their plates.

"I have to go and see the Weasleys and Neville, Remus wants to meet up, and I assume I need to see Fudge again at some point." Harry answered, glancing at Alex for confirmation, which he gave.

"I need to do some shopping, and I want to spend time with you before I have to go back to Hogwarts. I hate the thought of leaving you alone."

"He isn't going to be alone. He'll be staying here with me, and I think I've thought of a way for you to come back whenever you want."

"Oh?"

"Hmm, we need to go to the trunk shop in Diagon Alley."

Sirius grinned. "Alex, my man, you are a freaking genius!"

…

Alex and Harry walked into the shop an hour later, with a fairly clear idea of what they wanted, after Alex's explanation for Harry. They were greeted immediately by a middle aged man, who on seeing the expensive robes Harry was wearing, could clearly smell a good sale.

"Good morning, gentlemen," he said politely.

"Good morning," Harry and Alex said together, before chuckling.

"What can I help you with today, sirs?"

"I'd say we want to buy a few trunks, but that's obvious. Do you have a catalogue we could look through?" Harry asked.

"Certainly sir, but, if I may ask, what is it you are looking for? It may be easier for you to tell me what specifics you want, and I'll tell you if it's possible."

"Sure. I need a trunk that has a full living area, complete with bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. I need a library, a potions room, and a large empty room. It also needs to have a compartment that looks the same as a school trunk, and I want it completely secure. Password protected and any other safety features you have. Oh, and I need a fully working floo."

"Of course sir, we can do that. I have a catalogue here of the different designs for the living areas, and if you have a house emblem you would like placed on the top, we can do that."

"Awesome, I'll take three of those then please." Harry said with a smile.

"Harry, you don't need to do that, I can use the one you are buying for Snuffles," Alex muttered.

"Bah, what if you're not together? This way is easier, and besides, it's not like I can't afford it."

Alex shook his head at Harry, who was grinning back mischievously.

"I also need, hmm, ten more, without the Library and Potions room, also fully password protected and the like. Oh and can you make them all weightless, please?"

The shopkeeper looked like he was in heaven. Smiling at Harry, he just nodded his head in answer.

Quickly choosing out designs for the inside, the pair agreed to return the following day to pick them up.

…

That night, Harry was sitting on his bed, again reading one of the journals he found in the vault, when a voice in his head that wasn't his own spoke to him.

Potter, I am going to kill you!

Why, what did I do now? Harry asked, mentally chuckling at how annoyed Snape seemed.

If I hear your name one more time today, I am going to scream. Dumbledore has been on my case, and everyone else's case for five bloody hours.

Oops. If I said I was sorry, would you believe me?

Not in the slightest. I will warn you though, he has everyone agreeing to let him know if they see you anywhere.

The Weasleys?

Arthur and Molly, yes. The youngsters are all shouting and bawling about it being unfair to you. I admit it Potter, you have some very loyal friends.

Thank you. I am sure Mr and Mrs Weasley just believe it is for my own good.

That they do. I believe if you could get them out of the house, maybe take them for a meal somewhere else, and explain everything, they will support you completely.

Not that I don't agree, but I think that's the first time I've ever heard you be nice about someone.

It's in your head Potter, no one would believe you… And Potter? Thank you for what you have done for Narcissa and Draco.

…

Harry, using a portkey Alex made him, arrived at the Weasley's house at six pm. Knocking on their door, he was quickly pulled into a tight hug by Mrs Weasley as soon as she opened it. The whole family was there, minus Percy, Bill and Charlie, dressed in their best clothes.

He'd floo-called that morning with an invitation for them to join him at a Wizarding restaurant Alex had recommended, just off Diagon Alley. After much arguing, Molly had finally agreed to it, and Harry had left.

He pulled out the portkey again, holding it out so they could all join him, and a minute later, they were off. He'd told them he'd be there at about half past six, and he was sure if he'd arrived then, he'd have found the Headmaster awaiting him. At least if they were tracked down, they'd be in a public setting, and the Headmaster's options would be limited.

Harry led the Weasley's into the restaurant, where they were, in turn, led by a waiter to a private room that held a long table, preset for them. Once they were all seated, Molly leant forward in her chair.

"Harry, dear, we didn't think we would be leaving until half past six, why did you pick us up so early?"

He smiled softly at her. "Mrs Weasley, you already know that I have so much affection and respect for you and Mr Weasley, but can you honestly tell me that you didn't inform the Headmaster that I'd be arriving at six thirty?"

She blushed while Mr Weasley's ears turned bright red. Harry continued.

"I understand why you did it, but I hope you'll allow me to explain exactly why it is that I can't allow it to happen?"

When they nodded, Harry took a deep breath and started talking. He told them about the blocks on his magic, about what it had really been like with the Dursleys, and the many manipulations of Dumbledore that they'd found out about since Alex's first letter.

The Weasleys stayed silent, listening to what he said. By the end of his speech, they looked horrified.

"Oh, Harry, can you ever forgive us?" Molly asked tearfully.

Harry got up from his seat and rounded the table to hug her. "There's nothing to forgive," he promised softly. "You didn't know. I didn't know until very recently, and I know it's a lot to take in. I just… you've always welcomed me into your home, and I don't want to have to stop visiting for fear that the Headmaster will be waiting for me."

"Of course not. We stand by you, as we have since day one, Harry. We just didn't realise everyone we'd have to stand against before, but now we do," Arthur said firmly, reaching over to pat his shoulder as Molly released him.

Arthur stood, and faced Harry formally. "Lord Potter-Black, I, Arthur Weasley, Head of the Minor House of Wealsey, offer you and your family the full alliance of my House. So say I, so mote it be."

Harry stared at him for a moment and then smiled. "Master Weasley, I, Lord Harry James Potter-Black, accept the alliance of the Minor House of Weasley and return it fully. So say I, so mote it be."

Harry and Arthur shook hands, and then Arthur pulled him in for a hug. They were soon joined by the rest of the family, all piling into a big huddle.

Eventually, they all retook their seats. Harry looked at Arthur. "Thank you for that. You didn't have to do it, I do trust you. All of you."

"I didn't have too," Arthur agreed. "But I wanted to, and thank you for accepting. I know there isn't much a Minor House can offer you."

"It's not the name of the House, but the people in it that matters. I have just gained a very, very valuable thing; a family who loves me unconditionally. There's nothing more valuable than that."

They enjoyed their meals after that, moving onto light conversation as they were served three courses of delicious food; though Harry made sure to assure Molly that hers was better.

Just before they left, Harry had something else to speak to them about.

"I know that none of you like accepting gifts, but, erm, I have the money and this is an investment in your safety, which makes the money irrelevant anyway. Please accept them."

He handed Ron, Ginny, and Fred a shrunken trunk each, and then put two on the table. "Those are for Bill and Charlie."

They all looked at him, clearly confused. Harry stepped back and pulled out his own trunk, which Alex had convinced him to keep with him whenever he went anywhere. Tapping the top of the trunk with his wand, they all watched as it grew to about the same size as the usual school trunks.

He murmured the password and pressed his thumb to the lock, and the latch clicked for him to swing it open. His trunk was keyed to his thumb print, his magical signature, and the password, and without a combination of the three, it wouldn't open.

He took them on a tour of the trunk, showing them around with a small smile on his face as they exclaimed over the roominess inside, and the various features. When everyone was out, he locked it back up and stored it back in his pocket, before offering an explanation.

"You all have very similar ones to that one, although they don't have the potions room, or a library. They all have active floos, with a floo ledger beside them. Only the people whose names are on that ledger are allowed through the fire. In all of yours, I've placed all of the family's names, plus mine and Alex. You can add whoever you want, of course. I also have one of these each for Neville and Luna, and Alex has one." Harry smiled slightly. "If you find yourself in danger, you can floo directly to each other's trunks, and nobody can follow you. They are warded against tracking charms, phoenixes, house elves, fire damage, water damage, theft and a number of other things. Like I said, it's a matter of safety, and I take the matter of my family's safety very seriously."

There was a little grumbling from Mr and Mrs Weasley, but as soon as Harry pointed out that Charlie could use it to visit more often, or they him, they accepted them without a problem.

Harry hugged everyone goodbye after he dropped them back off at the Burrow with the portkey, before he returned to Alex's to tell him and Sirius of a successful, and nice, evening.

…

"Harry!" Harry shot up as Alex banged into the bedroom. "Wake up, it's important!"

Looking around blearily, Harry glanced at the window to see it was still dark outside.

"What's going on?" He asked, pushing himself more upright in the bed.

"You've been called to a meeting with the Wizengamot," Alex said, pulling robes out of the wardrobe. "They know you're Lord Gryffindor, and you need to lay your claim to the three seats. The meeting is in three hours, and I need to prep you. Dobby is making you breakfast, get in the shower and then come out. Be as quick as you can, Harry."

He laid the robes out on the bottom of the bed and then left the room. Harry rubbed a hand over his face and then climbed out of bed.

"Bloody hell."

This was all he needed.