Harry Listens
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**OO**
Chapter 5
**OO**
Harry was very happy to let some of his classmates know that he and Hermione were officially a couple. Boyfriend and girlfriend, even if they occasionally teased one another about which was which.
Harry and Hermione's actions didn't change much as they acknowledged their relationship in public, at home and at school. But Dobby was smiling. He remembered at the bank when the Great Master Harry Potter sir was suffering from cracked ribs, and what happened to the power bind on him and what happened to his forehead when they kissed.
Dobby debated telling Harry that he would have to be betrothed to Hermione if he wanted to return to Britain. That was in order for the wards to go into full battle mode to protect her. Something that they should have done for Charlus and Dorea, but they were betrayed by family attacking them who were authorized to be there.
No, Dobby was a wise elf, and wouldn't suggest any changes unless the family moved back to Britain. Cold, dreary Britain with a poor 19th Century education.
Or a warm, cheery private island with personal tutors with himself and other house-elves popping the lovely young couple back and forth to a very good school.
It was very likely that they would be staying here for a bit.
**OO**
As the only adult (other than Sally herself) that had any sort of legal relationship with Draco Malfoy, Lord Black had some interesting powers.
The full audit of the Malfoy account was done. Back in the early 1800's, after the current British branch of the Malfoy family escaped the nastiness of France's political upheaval, they arrived with trunks of jewels and portraits but little gold.
It was presumed by the populace that the Malfoy gold had been stolen. It was not.
They had spent it, ran up debts, and escaped the consequences. Barely.
One wealthy family that had taken pity on them were the Weasleys. Balthazar Weasley was an extremely kind host, and set the Malfoys up in a wing of their manor. The orchards provided apples for the popular ciders, alcoholic and non, that was the source of their wealth. And the affable man introduced the family to his friends.
Balthazar liked his cider a bit much, and had one other flaw.
He loved to gamble.
One bad night, Balthazar lost nearly all of his gold in one drunken night of gambiling to Scorpius Malfoy. The next day, the Malfoy family removed themselves from the Weasley home, and found an empty muggle house in Wiltshire that they bought at a very low cost.
It used to be a fine manor house itself, long ago, but had been abandoned after being badly damaged in a fire. Nothing that magic couldn't repair. But it was neighbors with the Blacks, and that was why they chose it.
Getting the land that cheap though had some thinking that muggles had been coerced into selling. Soon, other people made mistakes, new gossip was had, and everyone forgot about that issue.
It was only muggles after all.
When others came forward to claim that Malfoy had cheated at cards, Balthazar went the legal route to get the gold back. At first. Then after the Weasley manor house was torched, did the ritual and declared a blood feud between their Houses.
Sally knew how much money needed to be returned to the Weasley family. She suspected that some innocent muggles were scammed out of their farmland as well, but there was nothing to be done there as the house at the time was 16th Century, and had been abandoned due to the expense of renovating it. The land was merged with the Black manor at Narcissa's wedding, and the muggle home was moved elsewhere.
With Lord Black's approval, the gold stolen from the Weasleys was returned, along with a very sincere note of apology. Though not proven that Malfoy had anything to do with the destruction of the home, enough gold for a new magical manor was also set aside for the Weasleys.
'The blood-feud was already beginning to unravel a bit. Ginevra Weasley's birth was proof of that. Let this end, please. And let us go forward in peace.' Arthur thought.
There was no way that Arthur and Lucius would be able to stand in the same room to do the ritual of renunciation of the blood feud. There was too much history there. But with the parents missing, Arthur would be willing to meet with Draco about it.
Arthur debated what to do with the gold, and decided to rebuild the cider business with his children if they were interested. It would give Fred and George plenty of time to work on pranks, and they had no goals to work in politics. Or in the Ministry.
The goblins could have fought this, but approved of getting the gold out of the hands of a House that desired the goblin nation's destruction.
Mr Weasley set aside some of the money to either rebuild the Burrow completely, or at least renovate it.
Arthur wrote back. 'I don't know how to end the blood-feud without the help of an of-age blood Malfoy. But I accept this offer. For myself, I forgive you, Lord Black, as you could not have had anything to do with the mess we are in. I am willing to walk forward in Peace.'
Sirius had a thought about ending a blood-feud. He had read something somewhere. There was a ritual.
It appeared that he had some research to do, and Hermione offered to help after school as she could.
**OO**
Saturday, October 31
While Harry, Sirius and Remus planned a quiet Memoriam, some of the islanders intervened and it turned into a celebration of life. Pictures and stories, and memories were shared, and the day went from a day of loss to a day of remembrance.
**OO**
Neville Longbottom had done his best to avoid the Headmaster's summons all day. He had spent most of the day in Greenhouse Three helping Professor Sprout who was happy to shield the lad. Apparently, Professor Lockhart had gotten into his head that the way to make friends with Professor Snape was to provide him with some fresh poison from a Venomous Tentacula. 'Sadly', the idiot was bitten before help arrived; the aurors were looking into the matter. Only fast action saved his life. The poncy man had apparently tried to defend himself against all of the other plants in the greenhouse by breaking stalks, stems, branches and greenhouse window panes.
While some of Filius' House repaired the actual structure, Sprout and her team were healing the plants.
Professor Lockhart was now Public Menace Number One with the Hufflepuff former Head of House.
And Neville had stuck to the Herbology professor's side like the specialty glue they were using on the plants.
Sprout had no patience for Dumbledore's attempts to be alone with any young boy either. She made sure to announce to the Head Table, in front of everyone, that if anyone saw Dumbledore dragging Mr Longbottom to his office, unconscious or not, she was to be called immediately.
They nearly lost one professor to the venom of a plant.
She wouldn't miss the next time!
**OO**
Fawkes found a new companion in Egypt. He likely wouldn't bond right away. But the man was good, had no interest in politics, and just wanted to help people. That was good enough for now.
He'd wait a decade or so, and see how things went. Fawkes made a poor choice in the last companion, and wouldn't make the same mistake again.
Never again.
**OO**
Augusta Longbottom, her signature vulture hat in place, wearing a black full silk Victorian trained gown, swept into the school. And she was not alone.
"Is that? That?" Percy stuttered.
Penny nodded. "My great-grandfather, Eloysius Sayre. He's ever so happy I'm magical. He's still practicing law."
"Practicing? I would think at his age, he'd have it down." Ron opined.
Penny started to explain and gave it up as a lost cause.
"Why are all of the sharks here?" Alicia asked.
"To protect me, I think." Neville shared shyly. "Looks like a governor's meeting."
Angelina turned to Penny "Your great-grandfather is a school governor?"
Penny nodded. "Yes. Malfoy stole his seat when his son and grandson were found to be squibs. We didn't find each other until recently. Malfoy's seat is now in jeopardy with his non-appearance. The other governors want him here. Grandfather offered it to my sister, but she refused. It will one day be mine. And let me tell you! Grandfather wants some changes made."
After the meeting, Percy asked for a moment with Mr Sayre.
"Sir. I know that I have your belated permission to court Miss Clearwater. I plan to propose soon. I would like your blessing. Please." Percy asked respectfully.
"Mr Weasley. Every letter that Penny and I have exchanged includes how happy she is. Continue that, lad, and you won't go wrong. You have my blessing. I can't give much for a dowry…"
"Sir! That's not needed. My family is not well off, but we are honest and get by. And please sir, call me Percy if you would like."
Percy clearly didn't know about the Malfoy compensation paid yet to the Weasleys. It was not public knowledge yet either.
"Percy. Well. If Penny accepts, you may call me Eloysius or Grandfather as you chose. We will be family, after all."
The men shook hands. Percy had his father's and Penny's family's permission.
Now all Percy needed was a bit of Gryffindor courage!
**OO**
A new school rule was made, one that shouldn't have had to be made, but it was now not allowed for any adult to be alone with any student while at school unless they were a family member or guardian.
Which of course led Albus Dumbledore to petition for Neville Longbottom's guardianship accusing Augusta of child abuse…
Mad-eye came and asked questions of more than just Neville.
Heir Longbottom sought a protection order from Headmaster Dumbledore. It was getting embarrassing.
**OO**
Tuesday, November 24
Harry looked at the enlarged picture and added a bit more burnt umber to the shadow of his father's jawline. That was it.
Madame Monroe came over when she saw Harry cleaning up. She compared the painting to the picture.
"You have captured your father very well, petit, but then you see him in the mirror each day, non?"
Harry smiled at that and turned back to his painting. His mother was wearing a formal dress. Both Sirius and Remus had the idea that their official portraits had to have the right clothes. Those were posed on life-sized dummies in the pose they chose for the portrait.
The couple teaching had come over to evaluate Harry's progress.
While his wife looked at the portraits and compared details of the clothes, the man came over to feel the magic of the painting.
"You have an amazing precocious talent, Harry. You could collect memories from your parents' friends. There is a spell to animate portraits. It is guarded jealously well. I cannot teach it to you, as I do not have the talent to do this work. But I can write to some people I know. Send them copies of your work."
"But I'm not…I mean. Lots of people are good at art."
Marc smiled. It seemed Michelle, his wife, had gotten the boy to accept that he had talent, and could accept that.
The teacher pointed to three seventh years. One of whom had been in tears at Harry's effortless-seeming dolphins when she wanted to paint professionally. And she was almost eighteen years old!
A privacy spell ensured they were not overheard.
"I do not compare my students, but these three have real talent. True talent. None of them is yet ready for the lessons you are. Perhaps because you grew up with the non-magique? I don't know." M Monroe shared.
"You think that I could get my parents to move? With memories, they'd talk?" Harry was lost in wonder at that. It would almost be like having them back.
"I will write to some people I know. Your home is very beautiful. May I send copies of some of the paintings you have made of the sea and sea life?" M Monroe asked politely.
"Yes, and thank you for asking sir. This school is so different. You are very respectful, sir."
Madame Monroe broke from her reverie. "Please have your elves come and get your parents' clothes and jewels if you are done with them. I don't think we should leave these here in the classroom. Very well done, Harry."
The boy smiled and called for help getting the mannequins, clothes and jewels packed up. When Sirius found out that Harry needed the dummies for portraits, and Harry wanted to paint his parents, Sirius asked Remus to buy him the best. And they did. The posable artist dummies could be resized, dressed, and were the best in the business.
Goldrub tried to send Harry a note about the importance of budgets and putting money in as well as taking it out, but Sirius tore it up and wrote back.
'The boy will make a fortune in magical portraiture if he has the right tools. He's not wasting it on wine and women. Leave him be!'
The wise goblin dropped the issue and invested in the raw materials for said portraits in bulk from a dealer in Turan.
That was the goblin way of protecting assets!
**OO**
Tuesday, December 1
Re-elections were coming up soon, and Cornelius Fudge couldn't find Lucius Malfoy anywhere. No one had seen him in Monico, Rio or Casa Blanca or any other wizard hot spots, and time was running short.
How was he to be reelected without funds? Malfoy had been particularly 'helpful' after Fudge arranged for Sirius Black to get his rigged trial.
Hmm.
What to do?
He couldn't remember who was Lord Black at the moment. The dark family had been voting rather neutrally lately. A vote was cast by Andromeda Tonks who had been taken back into the family. Likely due to her daughter's amazing talent.
Well, best go secure the Potter vote.
"Albus! You look, well, it's not everyone who can wear that shade of pink and pull it off, but there you are. Do you have a moment?"
"Certainly. Have any of your contacts mentioned seeing Harry abroad?"
There had been a few tips here and there around the UK. Some of the latest sightings were in Godric's Hollow at Halloween, and Hogsmeade at Zonko's on Guy Fawkes' day.
The Headmaster did not appreciate that prank at all!
"No, not yet. He's been spotted several times in Diagon Alley though. Albus, look. I think he's hiding in the muggle world and going to one of their schools. If he's at one of the larger magical schools, you'd think that they would have him flying. Such a natural. My people are on it. If they hear of anything, they'll notify me immediately. We have people looking. "
Yes, best to remind him of how useful Cornelius Fudge was! He didn't notice Albus murmuring 'flying' or 'brooms' under his breath.
"I'm sure we'll find your wayward apprentice soon. I know people everywhere, you know. I'm a good resource for you. Look, Albus, well, I'd like your support. You know my platform. A wizard for the people in a time of peace to maintain the peace."
"I have told you that Voldemort is coming back. It might not be tomorrow, but he will be back, and we need to prepare for it. Now is the time." Dumbledore rubbed his cursed arm.
Cornelius shuddered at the name being said and ignored Dumbledore's rant as fear-mongering. Not what he needed for his re-election platform.
Horace Slughorn stepped up just then. "He's right Cornelius. The Dark Lord was seen at Hogwarts last year. His return would bring war, killing, and terror back into our world. We need to prepare."
Slughorn did not want to spend his retirement disguised as an armchair to evade capture! There had to be a more cunning plan.
Albus turned to look at the Minister of Magic, as though seeing him for the first time. Was this the wizard that needed to be at the helm when disaster struck? No, he would either ignore the problem or go too far depending on who he listened to. Albus needed a witch's touch. One who would be kind, gentle…stunning the evil-doers and giving second chances to those dealing death. Yes. A witch was needed, and Horace knew everyone. He might have far better resources for finding Harry Potter as well.
Fudge was useless! A nothing!
"Excuse us, Minister, I need to speak with Horace for a moment." The two stepped away, privacy insured with a charm. "Horace, do you know someone, a popular witch? One who would make a good Minister? Fair, gentle, with sympathy for the purebloods?"
Horace mentally went through his contacts. Not for Albus' checklist but for his own. Someone just, fair. Tough enough to stand up to Death Eaters, and perhaps Dumbledore himself. "Yes, I do. And she'll be perfect. You can trust me to get the right person for the job."
"Thank you, Professor. Yes, I'll leave you to it. Elections are in a few weeks, and Cornelius isn't the man we need right now. Your candidate will have my full support."
Dumbledore turned his back on his responsibilities, on his oaths, and even on his colleagues in his quest for the ideal society.
Slughorn, cunning, clever, and more than a little spooked about the possibility of Tom Riddle's return, wanted someone ready to take him on. Toe-to-toe.
And he knew the right witch who walked softly and carried a large beater's bat.
**OO**
Saturday, December 5
Harry was having trouble concentrating on his drawing. His eyes had improved so much, but that wasn't the issue.
Hermione. In a swim costume. Lounging on a beach. So…wow. She was turning into a lovely young woman. A girl growing into a woman… growing in interesting ways.
Not that he planned on saying anything. He actually was trying to sketch sea life!
Emma noticed him noticing and took Remus and Sirius aside. Then the two men stepped away for a discussion of their own. There was a brief scuffle that turned into a bigger wrestling match.
Remus hadn't spent ten years in prison, and he had eaten fairly regularly during that time. Not to mention his natural werewolf strength.
Sirius nodded his defeat and went to go through their magnificent library that Hermione had finished organizing. Potter, Black, all the books that Emma bought and even a trunkful of books from Moony's personal collection were now shelved in a large, cool room in some kind of method that made sense to the girl. But not to him. Of course, he'd never met Mr Doo-E or whoever it was she kept mentioning.
Ignoring letters and numbers on the shelf ends, Sirius tried to find the right book.
Surely there was something that he could use.
Or perhaps, he would hire an expert! Yes, having gold was sometimes very, very nice.
**OO**
Beauxbatons, Friday, December 11, one week before Yule break
The broom shaped package was waiting in the homeroom. The warning that Luna had given Harry back in September came to mind.
"Who is this from, Madame?" Harry asked politely.
"There was no note, petit. I checked it for harmful spells and detected nothing."
Harry looked dubious. It was clearly a Nimbus 2001, but Hermione was on the case before he could give in to any temptation.
"Harry, a portkey isn't harmful magic." Hermione shared.
"C'est vrai! That is true, M Potter. Why don't you just leave it here? I will send it to Madam Maxime later for her to ask someone to check it."
Harry nodded. It was getting close to Christmas, but no one sent him presents until last year. And that was the Weasleys and a few friends at school.
Although he still had the fifty-cent piece since they didn't use it for the phone.
"Hermione? You know the south beach?"
"Where the dolphins like to play?"
"Yep. I think we should be very careful after school today. In fact, why don't we take a different route."
The normal pickup point, and where the wards ended, was at the north part of the school. This felt like a trap. And Harry didn't want to set it off.
Yeppers. Sure enough, the wards of the school had been set to maximum strength before lunch. Harry and Hermione were warned that the broom was a portkey, and they were advised caution. Aurors were dispatched to the school, and both of them were questioned. They were offered an escort home, but neither one wanted to betray their home location.
Long before Harry and Hermione took the path to see the dolphins, Madame Maxime herself consulted with her head of security for the school. The pair slipped away from the prefects watching over them so they could go home. The elves couldn't get through the wards in 'war mode'.
The pair left their belongings with a Beauxbatons elf. Swimming south, surrounded by chittering friends, they made it past the wards and were greeted on a nearby dock by two very dry and concerned elves. They were popped away home, with promises that the elves would return and collect their school bags later. When they could get through.
**OO**
Madame Maxime had indeed met with the Head of Security. Since it was clear what the plot was, a plan was made.
The former auror, and younger brother of the Minister of Magic, got a small group of aurors together.
This smelled like a plot to kidnap the Boy-Who-Lived.
After verifying the coordinates of the portkey as being in Hogsmeade, the team assembled.
As the school day ended, Paul Dubois unwrapped the broom and sat upon it. As presumed, the portkey engaged, and the rest of the team was right behind him.
**OO**
Dobby hugged and hugged Harry after he and Hermione finished telling the family what had happened.
"Master Harry nearly napped! Stolen! Taken!" the wise elf knowing that the Great Harry Potter sir was no 'kid'.
Dan was cleaning his gun outside. He had another wizard on his list of people that he wanted to put down, but Remus dissuaded him.
"Albus survived two world wars, and knows about muggle weapons. Your gun would be a venomous snake before you could shoot him."
Sirius agreed with the sentiments, and pulled Harry into a protective hug. The adults had all hugged both children. Hermione knew she wasn't being left out - it was just Harry who was being targeted.
"I can't go back, can I?" Harry asked in a lost voice.
Dobby hugged Harry again. "Harry Potter must not return to Beautiful School!" he cried, knowing how much Harry had truly loved it. Well, art class. It was an eerie echo of his Hogwarts warning.
Hermione looked resigned.
The adults had been preparing to teach both of them. And with the letters that Harry had been receiving from Neville, it sounded like he would welcome an invitation to change schools as well.
But what to do about art lessons?
They had a pensieve, and Harry could continue to watch the memories of great artists painting. Something that Sirius had Remus buy before they decided to send the young ones to Beauxbatons. And a tool Harry had taken advantage of already.
Or perhaps they could meet the Monroe's in a rented flat in Paris at the weekend. Something
Andi won the betting pool of when the children would have to flee the school. But it felt like losing.
For them all.
Another round of hugs. Luna was owed a nice gift after her warning. They were all safe, at home, and the Great Harry Potter sir had not been 'napped'.
Dobby was in for some teasing about that one.
**OO**
Just after school, Friday, December 11th
Albus Dumbledore was watching the time. The boy should have been here by now!
The alarm signaling that the portkey had activated had him pulling his wand.
Fortunately for the memories and life skills of the middle-aged Chef de la Sécurité, only the stunning spell had actually connected.
The next spell in the chain was disrupted by one of the group of aurors with him. The Director of the Département de l'Application de la Loi Magique had decided that he would come along just in case there were any international issues.
He quickly disarmed the attacker, stunning him, and had him bound in ropes before admiring his new wand.
"N'es-tu pas différent et intéressant?" (Aren't you different and interesting?) Director Delacour murmured.
Alastor Moody, recently retired, came running towards the group.
"I saw Albus stun someone who just apparated in on a broom. Or maybe portkeyed? Why would he do that?" The former auror asked.
"Very good questions. Now, why would 'e do that when 'e thought it would be 'arry Potter?"
"WHAT? Oh, Albus. First Longbottom, now Potter?"
The aurors looked at each other.
"You would save us a great 'eadache if you took care of this. We do not 'ave jurisdiction in Britain, but we were trying to 'elp a student with French citizenship."
The auror swore. "That means that he tracked the lad down. Can you please get word to Potter that he needs to go to ground? The man's been cursed and it's scrambled his brains! Something's not right in Dumbledore's head for him to be attacking a second-year student."
"We will, and be careful."
The team left. M Delacour left twenty-five galleons with Alastor to buy a new wand for Dumbledore as that was the going rate in France for a good auror replacement wand.
**OO**
Director Delacour went to Gringotts Paris and asked to see their Ancestry expert.
"I recently came into possession of a wand with a very unique coat of arms. I do not recognize it." M Delacour stated, producing said wand.
The goblin smiled most alarmingly. "That is the Peverell sigil. I know of only one living Heir to that house. Are you willing to sell the wand to him? I could get my cousin to negotiate for you."
Goblins smelling profit. Delacour shuddered, and pulled out a ten-galleon coin.
"If you promise to make sure that it gets into their hands, I will give you this."
The goblin spat, all thoughts of lost gold gone in a moment, but agreed. Besides, it was against goblin nature to steal from a child.
Bilking wizards, grown and wealthy, was just part of the game.
"I will, wizard. This is more than the going rate though. Let me get your change." The goblin offered.
"Keep it. For your kind service."
Delacour laughed as the scowls now truly came out. But the goblin put the wand in a special box, and addressed it.
It didn't surprise him in the least to see that the wand belonged to Harry Potter.
What in the world? Had Dumbledore stolen it from the boy?
Curiouser and curiouser. And Delacour decided he wanted nothing to do with it!
**OO**
Wednesday, December 16
Ron's letter writing was infrequent, but he was made backup Keeper with his good used broom that Neville bought him. Harry didn't think he had sent enough money, but he didn't know that Professor McGonagall had paid for the wands.
Neville, on the other hand, wrote faithfully twice each week at a minimum, and shared not only his magical progress but kept them apprised about whisperings in the Ministry that not everyone knew about.
"Dumbledore is dying. It's really obvious. He has stopped talking about finding you and started talking to me about insane stuff. I called the aurors about it, and a really interesting girl came. Lady. Auror Trainee Tonks of the pink hair. She's really pretty.
'He threw a major tantrum about his wand being stolen. The whole castle was set to be searched by elves, then the aurors showed up.
'Alastor Moody, Tonks' boss and mentor, reminded him that the French aurors had it and had given him gold since in disarming him. The wand changed allegiance and he accidentally bonded to it. It happens in police work, Tonks told me. Have you met her? She's really cute. Anyways.
'Then Dumbledore accused ME of stealing it! I showed Auror Tonks my wand, cherry wood with unicorn hair core, definitely not Dumbledore's. I just got it because of you, Harry! So she knew I didn't have his wand after all.
'Then the guy stated that I shouldn't have that wand and what happened to my father's wand that I'm supposed to have… Yadda, yadda, yadda. Then he tried to take my wand! What is wrong with him?!
'Dumbledore's magic was flaring! Boy, he can be very scary when angry. I wanted to leave the school then and there.
'She is here now on assignment to watch over me as Gran won't let me come home before the break. She's taking the situation seriously. I'm impressed that Gran listened to your and your family's warning about the kidnapping. I know it's horrible to repeat, but Millie, you know, Millicent Bulstrode that I have been studying with, just wishes the Headmaster would hurry up and die.
"Did I tell you what happened when Millie got a new wand at Ollivanders? It broke some kind of bind, like a bad glamour. It made everyone see her as troll-like. I was really glad that we were already friends and studying together before this happened.
"She's very tall, and has likely already attained her full adult height, but she is so well proportioned. Well. Anyway, I need to get taller soon. She's got older boys interested in her, but she's great about it. You should have seen what she said to Montegue.
"Oh? And you were friends with me BEFORE this happened? Right. Who called me troll-bait?"
'It was perfect.
'Thanks again for all you have done for us. I can't wait to see you at Yule break. I just hope that Gran doesn't change her mind about me attending the Black family meeting. Auror Trainee Tonks is supposed to come as my bodyguard. Even if I have no interest in becoming Heir Black, I want to spend time with you!
'Oh! You'll get to meet Tonks there. I am so glad you already have a girlfriend.
'Your Godbrother, Neville.
'P.S. Speaking of Millie's new wand breaking a binding, I've been having weird dreams and memories all of a sudden; ever since I got my new wand. I'm going to tell Auror Tonks (she has pink hair, did I mention that?) and see what she thinks. She's really smart.
'Yours, Nev.'
Neville had no idea where they were going when Lord Black summoned all of the boys with Black Blood for a family meeting.
They were going to go to magical New Zealand for the family party.
They had no extradition to magical Britain so if Sirius Black was discovered missing from Azkaban, he couldn't be arrested.
As long as he kept his wet nose clean and didn't break any local laws.
**OO**
Friday, December 18th
At the start of the holidays, Draco was given a choice of places to stay. Hogwarts, or a children's fostering group that would do their best to place him by Christmas.
Arthur Weasley had visited Hogwarts to give Draco some books to read to help prepare him to live in the muggle world. They were written by muggleborns who scoffed at Muggle Studies and had come up with some basic instructions. Including a clothing section that was trying to use classic looks that wouldn't change every few years.
Draco stayed at Hogwarts and started writing letters to his friend's families. He'd gotten no positive results before it was time for the Hogwarts Express to leave for London.
Mrs Goyle was the only one who said anything nice at all! She was willing to host him, but would have to have legal guardianship. She knew who her husband had worked for, and what he had done. At least some of it. She was deathly afraid of both parents of the Malfoy family. Doing what might appear to some as a kindness could go all sorts of wrong ways. Without legal protection, she could do nothing.
Swallowing his pride, Draco went to his head of house about the situation. Mrs Vance was no help. At all. And acting like this would be a good opportunity for him to learn to be cunning and the importance of being kind. Perhaps even charming people. As if he needed that sort of rot! Professor Snape said that until the Headmaster died, he couldn't help either. Ever so sorry.
He did warn that if Draco came with him for any holiday, he'd be limited to a muggle house in a very poor area. He'd have to stay indoors all of the time. No flying, no magic. Where he lived was monitored for any magic use. He could brew potions. Nothing more.
Malfoy Manor was going up for sale soon. The boy would be allowed to keep enough resources for a good education and apprenticeship.
The brooms that his father promised to buy never came through. If Draco was going to be on the team, it would be with his Comet 360.
Not a Nimbus 2001.
It was going to be a very sad Christmas for Draco. Worse, everyone else had paired up before he got to the Yule Feast, held on December 25th. He wasn't calling it Christmas!
Draco had to pull a cracker with Dumbledore!
**OO**
Saturday, December 19th
Molly was not happy that all of her boys had been invited to New Zealand for a family gathering to discuss who would be the next Heir to the House of Black.
Molly had no desire to spend the Christmas holiday of Ginny's first year attending a Black Family meeting. She had no time for some sorry excuse of a son of a squib (the presumably Lord Black) or any other Black.
None of her children were interested in that sort of thing either! Sniff!
Percy, at seventeen years, one month, and two weeks old, reminded his mother that 1) He was of age. 2) He was interested in Politics and had political ambitions for the Ministry. If she was so eager to push her children into public service, then why wouldn't she want a title for him. And 3) the current Lord Black had given him permission to marry Penny Clearwater if their relationship continued to bloom. He felt that her career as a healer would only be enhanced if he was selected to be Heir Black.
Humbled a bit, Molly burst into tears. She didn't want Percy to go down the same dark road as so many other Black wizards had done.
"Mother? How many dark lords had a loving mother and/or girlfriend? I have you, and Penny, to keep me straight." 'Not to mention my own moral code.' Percy thought to himself.
Arthur was preoccupied with the task that he had been given at work, but tuned in at last.
"He had my permission to court Penny, and my permission to go to this meeting, Molly. Now, give him the money from that last bonus." Arthur then turned to Percy. "You will mind your manners if Miss Clearwater is attending. These might be very 'old ways' sorts and be on the lookout for bad behavior to dismiss your claim."
"Arthur?!" Molly's hands were on his hips. "He's not!"
Percy kissed her cheek. "Thanks for sticking up for me Mum. We'll have a couple of days at home before we go."
"Good. We can at least have a nice dinner. Invite Penny and her family over too if you like."
Percy was all smiles at that. Percy went over personally to invite them to dinner and make sure that Penny was still on to go to the Black family meeting.
Mr Ralph Clearwater was a nice enough fellow, but Percy was taking his daughter on a vacation over Christmas to the Southern Hemisphere. Where it was summer. A trip that involved bathing costume shopping. What father wouldn't be nervous? Mrs Alicia Clearwater smiled at the young couple and thought that Penny might come home with a sparkly on her finger after this trip.
After all, their older daughter Calliope had gotten married not long after school. It seemed to be a tradition with magical folk. Calliope had no interest in being on the board of governors, and had already declined the position. Penny, while wanting to spend most of her time working at healing, did have an active interest in making Hogwarts better, and supported Percy's political ambitions.
Eloysius Sayre was a widower, and happily accepted the invitation as well.
While Molly went to plan a nice early Christmas dinner, Arthur continued his plans.
He had to go up to Hogwarts sometime soon, and lay out a few home truths to Draco Malfoy.
And the power of the curse of the blood feud was waning. Arthur Weasley no longer had a desire to do the child any harm.
Here was a chance to end the Malfoy line. Done. And yet, Arthur had no desire for vengeance. He had even talked to Molly about buying a tent or something for the boy to stay with them over the holiday. That was a step too far, but at least the pain of hatred was gone.
Next spring, the orchards would bloom and flourish. Arthur still hadn't revealed to the family the reversal of fortune. He wanted to get the farm equipment needed, and was looking at the family grimoire for spells to make the best cider of the area.
But it would have to wait for harvest. And they would have to pick, wash, and prep the apples. Lots of spells to learn, and plenty of time to do it.
**OO**
Remus and Harry met with a wandmaker in Germany who seemed to know the wand very well. Harry wasn't in disguise, but didn't give his name either.
"The last I knew of this beauty, Grindelwald had somehow gotten a hold of it. But it is the Peverell wand. If you are the last of that family, it is yours, mein junge."
Gregorovitch leaned in close. "That is a very famous wand. If I were you, I would stain it a different color. I would be willing to do so."
For a small fee, the Elder wand now appeared to be made of cherry wood. Nothing remarkable about that at all.
And if Albus ever thought to question the wandmaker, he could honestly say that he had no idea where it was.
And because it was given to Harry in kindness and honesty, the cycle of death that it had been locked in was broken.
The wand now had a new destiny.
**OO**
Monday, December 28
Hermione and her family; Neville and Augusta Longbottom, Andromeda Tonks and her family; Harry, Remus, Percy and Penny were all in attendance at the Black Family gathering. (read beach vacation with a few serious discussions). Oh, and a surprise guest of Luna Lovegood. She wasn't a contender for the heir due to her gender and lack of sufficient Black blood. She had taken Harry up on his offer that she was welcome anytime.
They had spent days playing and getting to know each other well. Except for the elusive Lord Black who seemed to be watching them all.
After the real family meeting, where individual interviews took place, Lord Black had made a decision for the Black family.
"Neville Longbottom has declined to take two brides and will continue as he is. Heir to the House of Longbottom, friend and ally to Harry, the Weasleys, and of course House Black. Thank you for coming." The disguised Lord Black shared with the assembled potential heirs.
The certificate for a greenhouse to be delivered wherever he wanted was a nice consolation prize. Especially as he and his grandmother had accepted invitations to move to Sirius' private island. Madame Longbottom would return for Wizengamot business as needed, but they were keeping the move secret for now.
"Harry Potter would be a worthy heir, but he too has no desire to take multiple brides even if it is legal in Magical Britain. He will continue as Heir to the Heir of House Black, and Heir to House Potter and I thank him for his consideration of this post."
Harry was given a nice pair of matching boy's and girl's bicycles for himself and Hermione. Many people biked everywhere on the island - there were no automobiles to worry about.
"Draco Malfoy declined my visit when he read the rules." No swearing at others, being nice to the muggles, and no use of the word mudblood. He couldn't swear the magical oath. "He is not worthy of the title, and as soon as his parents are found, he will likely be cast from the House."
Lord Black began to pace.
"I am not welcome in Britain, nor can I vote in the Wizengamot. Our family needs to put pressure on that body to turn around now before it's too late.
"Does anyone here want to disagree with any decisions made so far?" Lord Black asked.
No one said a word.
A small bowl, a chalice, and an athame were brought in. Lord Black took off the House Ring.
"Percy Weasley was nearly sorted into Slytherin", 'just like me' Sirius thought to himself. Of course, no one was supposed to know that Lord Black and Sirius Black were one and the same person. " But he wanted nothing to do with the House that has become synonymous with evil. I like Percy. And Penny. Staying together is not necessary, but for all of me, I hope that you do. From henceforth, your name is Percival Ursa Black, Lord of the House of Black.
'A tradition of the family is to have a star name. So we have to give one to our Percy here.
"The reason I chose the name 'Ursa' is that I feel your inner animal is a great bear. I feel that your inner fighter will battle fiercely to protect the Right. Defend the Light.
"If anyone here objects to this choice, speak now! It will be too late once magic accepts him as Lord Black."
Crickets.
Nodding, Lord Black picked up the athame and addressing the directions of north, south, east, and west, and sending prayers to the Great Creator and Lady Magic, the wizard poked the side of his thumb with the dagger and put three drops of blood into the adoption potion waiting there. Percy knew his part; taking the athame, addressing the ancestors, his Creator and Lady Magic he added three drops as well.
"By Magic, by choice, and by Blood, I accept you Percival Ursa Black as the heir of my body. Having all rights as a son of the House of Black."
Lord Black drank first, and then Percy. The ring was then anointed with a bit of the potion before Percy was directed to put it on.
There was pressure around him, as Magic judged his worthiness. Percy was not found wanting. The ring shrank to fit, and for just a moment, the snake totem on the ring became active and hissed.
Harry, startled, hissed back.
"What did he say?"
"Finally, someone with real Slytherin cunning." Harry translated.
Percy blushed at the compliment and the disguised wizard continued.
"I present to you all Percival, Lord Black."
Applause all around greeted the pair. Percy, unsure of protocol, held out his hand for shaking.
"I ask that you have Sirius Black as your heir until you have an heir of your own body. Have no fear, he is innocent. The title does not include my personal wealth, but does have a modest vault, and a property in what used to be the center of Magical Society gatherings in the late 1800s and early 1900s. That townhouse is in London. Gringotts is performing a deep magical cleanse of the place. And doing some refurbishment. Your input into styles and colors will be included now, of course. Maybe by the time you're out of school, it will be presentable."
"London? As in near Saint Mungos?" Penny gasped.
"Walking distance to Diagon Alley, the Ministry, Saint Mungo's. Oh, there used to be a great Thai place too." Which caused Penny and all the Grangers to burst out laughing.
At Percy's perplexed look, Penny whispered, "Tell you later!"
Following this quick interruption, Lord Black continued, "But well. Yes. Not to mention a short walk to King's Crossing for the Hogwarts Express. It's all yours. A vault key is here. And you start in the Wizengamot next month. Make us proud."
Percy gaped like a fish. He'd hoped…Lord Black? he thought…hoped…Heir to the House. Now he was Lord Black? He had a seat on the Wizengamot! Of his own!
Penny kissed him hard, and Harry waited for his chance.
"I'd like you to vote my seat, as well. Dumbledore will likely complain, but let him. I could show up and vote it myself. But I don't think that they would like that very much."
"If you don't agree with Dumbledore, you'll probably lose the Head Boy badge," Augusta warned. "Governor Lucius Malfoy was set to vote against you just for your name, but you've been discussed for next year in school board meetings. Of course, Lucius hasn't been coming lately. Missing one more meeting means he'll be dismissed. That's the rules." Augusta shared.
Penny's great-grandfather had been coming since the disappearance anyways, now that he was a qualified voter - having magical progeny required for the post. But Eloysius knew that it was better for Lucius to also lose his seat for cause if he did come back.
Harry clapped his hands.
Percy looked like a lost little firstie. "Madam Longbottom? Will you help me, please? I don't know anything yet."
Augusta gave him a gentle smile. "Yes, indeed young man. We're going to destroy Dumbledore for what he tried to pull with Neville and Harry. I want you to go to the same tailor's as my Archie. He had to always look his best, you know. I'll pay for it too. I want you two saving up your knuts for little ones. It used to be that there were so many Blacks, you'd have a dozen in a sorting. Same with some of the other houses."
Penny blushed. She actually wanted four children - nearly unheard of nowadays, but she wanted a large family.
That they would be Blacks instead of Weasleys was fine with her. And a home! Paid for! Oh my!
Sirius pondered aloud, "I think that one of the old Malfoy elves might be a better fit than Kreacher. Not that Rascal won't help. They are getting up in age there. We'll consult with Juniper. You'll need a good cook for political functions and gatherings and a nanny elf for later. And you'll need…"
"I have a wand and can do magic, sir!" Penny spoke up, blushing at the 'nanny elf' comment.
The disguised Sirius had given up the ring, so he was no longer Lord Black. While he liked the title, they needed that power in the Wizengamot right now.
"You can indeed. Oh, I need one more word with young Percival. Can you please wait, everyone? Thank you for coming."
**OO**
"Percy, there's so much you don't know. But one thing I see is that Penny loves you. There are a lot of match-making, pureblood dragon mothers waiting back in England to make matches with their daughters. Look at this situation. If you like her parents and you like the girl, at least consider a betrothal."
Percy was looking shocked. "What? I mean…of course, Lord Black…I mean…"
"And be kind to one another. Nothing is worth more than kindness, you know." Sirius added.
"Yes, sir."
"Any questions?"
Percy blushed. "I asked her to marry me ahead of the decision. I didn't want her to feel pressure to say yes if I was Heir Black, you know? And she did. Say yes, that is. It's brilliant."
"That's wonderful! Can we announce it to the rest?" Sirius asked.
Percy nodded. "I suppose. We'll tell the folks when we get back."
The former Lord Black took out a small jewelry box full of old betrothal rings. "Call me Regent Black if you like. If one of these rings suits, you may have it. Or take a few and sell them to buy something new. Your choice."
Percy's eyes fell on the most modest of the set. Penny was going to be a healer. She didn't need something huge and pokey. Well, except for formal functions.
"Can I have these two? This one for work, and this one for times we need to impress?" Percy asked humbly.
The man smiled and clapped Percy on his back. He gave him the whole box and told him to use anything in there for future gifts or to sell or be remade into future gifts.
Percy smiled at passing yet another test it seemed.
**OO**
Harry was very good at staying quiet and keeping a secret. Hermione would have blabbed if it was Ron there, but it was only Percy. Well, and Neville.
Luna Lovegood was there. A blonde girl with protuberant eyes had caught a hold of Neville's cloak as he activated the portkey. She had been afraid to go home and used magical animal references to deflect answers as to why she had come piggyback on Neville's portkey.
Harry sent a message to the nearest Gringotts who checked in on Luna's father. It was the anniversary of her mother's death two years before, and he was not in good shape.
The goblins got him to a healer, and he would be invited soon to the Seychelles - with the understanding of no drinking around the children. Or the adults. Or by himself.
He agreed to the rules, with one exception.
Xeno asked permission to drink water. He didn't think that he could go long without it.
The goblins modified the contract and spelled out what constituted 'drinking'.
The man joined them at the end of the winter break and spent the next eight weeks portkeying to a mind-healer who lived on a nearby island. The best therapy was lying on a warm beach next to his daughter and remembering the feelings of hope starting to bloom.
Neither Luna nor Neville returned to Hogwarts.
Professor McGonagall was not surprised. Not after poor Neville needed a bodyguard to keep himself safe from the Headmaster!
And the Board of Governors was divided on what to do about Albus!
**OO**
Tuesday, January 5, 1993
Recently retired Quidditch player Gwenog Jones had the face of an angel.
And the striking arm of a mountain troll.
Her election to Minister of Magic caught everyone off-guard. Well, everyone except those in Jones' secret election campaign committee. They convinced others that Fudge would lead the country to ruin if left alone.
Minister Jones had reviewed the last decade of peace and there were already financial discrepancies found. Fudge was in custody as he had some 'splaining to do".
The aurors department was in terrible shape. The attacks on muggleborn and muggles had never stopped completely. Oh, they had trickled off during the trials of Death Eaters, but when only the fanatics who refused to deny the Dark Lord were imprisoned, there was no reason to stop: Not with a Wizengamot that refused to convict except in the most blatant and egregious cases and a Chief Warlock firmly committed to issuing second, third, tenth chances for repeat offenders. Where was the incentive or in these cases, the deterrent?
Well, the laws on the books were there to protect everyone. And the new Minister put their gold to work. Well, more like putting the bad guy's gold to work. Same thing.
Auror recruiting went into overdrive, armor was ordered and custom made. No more gaps and bulges for Death Eaters to take advantage of.
The magical net that monitored magic now red-flagged unforgivables, or multiple spells going off in a muggle area.
Those first trials laid down the law. No more second, third, two hundred and thirty-first chances. A killing curse on your wand meant Azkaban unless you took Veritaserum and could prove it wasn't you. Magical signatures were checked. Fingerprints and other forensics were checked.
The interesting thing was that the Dark Faction was quiet. They were more angry at the people getting caught than being angry at the prosecution. After all, the laws and expectations had been made clear.
Lucius Malfoy, should he ever reappear, would face a fair trial for all of the dark items found in Malfoy Manor. The goblins were working very well with the Malfoy Regent that Lord Black asked to oversee the Malfoy businesses. Goblins would do anything to keep businesses from failing and keep rents coming in. Gold flowing was life.
Many of the dark items captured were made with precious materials that were reclaimed in the smelting process that eliminated all dark magic. The money was put in a MoM account.
Minister Jones called for an audit of the Minister's discretionary account. She hoped to get funds removed from there and returned to the general MoM accounts. That, and level fines at any Death Eaters found. She planned to use the funds to provide for a beefed-up auror department.
Fines, penalties and vault seizures would follow Fudge's declining few months before he and his dear friends like Narcissa, became roomies in Azkaban.
**OO**
Tuesday, January 5th
Madame Maxime was not happy that her most famous student was going to stay home at least until after the summer break now. And possibly leave school forever.
But what else could responsible people do? And Dumbledore! Dumbledore himself caught! Oh, he was freed before Yule, saying he wanted to see the surprise on 'his apprentice's' face at his Christmas present.
The aurors had it checked for any more traps and sent it back to Beauxbatons. A Nimbus 2001!
The Potter boy had given it to the Quidditch team Captain - along with its full history, just in case the young wizard wound up in Hogwarts or something.
A carefully worded note from the school thanked Dumbledore for the broom - even though they felt it was an attempt to catch Harry Potter. Kidnapping him right from school!
Dumbledore had apparently tried the same trick in Spain and Italy. With similar responses from the aurors. Those were very expensive brooms to be giving away.
It was almost as though Madame Maxime had warned someone.
The quidditch captain nearly cried in joy. Beauxbatons only had one team and played Spain and Italy in a friendly inter-school rivalry. Harry didn't want to play seeker - he didn't really like the game all that much.
If questioned, the Potter boy would have confessed that he thought his choices were to play quidditch or go back to the Dursleys. After a few weeks of freedom, he didn't want to go back to the muggles.. Not having to play anymore actually made him happy.
That all three schools were each given one broom by the Headmaster of Hogwarts made the paper in London.
But the real story of the kidnapping attempt was not mentioned.
**OO**
Dan couldn't believe that he was teaching a small group of magicals how to ride a bicycle. Remus and Sirius were there to help with magic if needed, but they needed riding lessons as well.
Sirius had purchased enough bikes for everyone and a few extras, and they were ready.
Harry took a few tumbles on the packed dirt path, but soon had it down. Luna never fell, while Neville needed more help. Remus and Sirius had ridden motorcycles. Sirius was going to cheat and put an engine on his bike somehow, but the group practiced up and down the path.
Soon, Harry was ready to head on a longer trip. It was only a few kilometers to the village on the other side of the island, and Hermione was ready to go too.
The family all went together, laughing and giving the newbies plenty of wobble room if needed. Dan brought up the rear, but it was Remus who kept Neville from falling more than once with a helpful spell.
**OO**
Friday, January 22nd
Dumbledore read the latest letter. Harry Potter had been seen entering Gringotts. Right there in Diagon! Of course people had reported it, but it wasn't fast enough to act upon.
Albus knew he was dying and had to act now.
Then he remembered the Potter elves, and summoned the head elf.
"Juniper! Juniper, come here this instant!"
The wily elf had been known to drag her feet to obey the Headmaster. Well, not today!
"Yes, Master Headwhiskers?" Juniper stared at the floor, trying to hide her feelings for this wizard.
"I know that you can feel Harry Potter! Go! Find him, and bring him here directly! Do you understand your orders? Find Harry Potter! And Bring. Him. Here!"
Tears in her eyes, the elf popped away.
What was she to do to get out of this?
**OO**
A/N Story recommendations: Thanks to Marcus Kyle by recommending Nothing to Lose by Writing Warriors. In which Dumbledore grooming works against him and destroys the Greater Good in full public view.
A/N: If you have a favorite story to share, please pm me or share it in a review.