I don't own anything with regard to Harry Potter. It's the property of JK Rowling and WarnerMedia.
This story, to which I extend my intellectual property rights, starts from the premise that Harry says something before Vernon rips up the first letter that was delivered 24th July 1991.
I re-read chapter 1 and am mortified to discover errors. I shall attempt to do better with this one.
Amelia Bones attended the August meeting of the Hogwarts Governors after attending to the matters she needed to for Harry James Potter. She noticed that Allan Abbott was one of the new Governors. He looked like he was about to spit blood. He did wait until Dumbledore had sat down before he launched into him.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, yesterday on the witness stand Harry Potter eviscerated you. I wondered what else you might have done. I spoke with Hogwarts' Goblin account manager. He confirmed to me that you have embezzled 10 million galleons whilst you've been Headmaster of Hogwarts. What have you to say about that accusation?"
Albus Dumbledore had forgotten the Abbot child was starting Hogwarts this year. Damn that Goblin. Albus couldn't remember where Gellert was and most of his fortune was with him.
"I have not been informed about the missing money, as yet," Albus Dumbledore said.
"You haven't been informed," Abbott demanded, incredulously. "I have the monthly statements sent to you during your time as headmaster, since September 1946, pointing out the missing sums and demanding you repay what you have taken out, without authorization. That's embezzlement."
The other governors looked shocked, even angry. Malfoy looked at the other dark governors, Crabbe, Goyle, Flint, Parkinson and Bulstrode and smiled.
"Every year, from the minutes of the governors, you are asked to account for the missing money," Augusta Longbottom said. The vulture on top of her hat looked like it was about to become real.
"Every year," MacMillan said, "You promise to look into it. You never do, clearly. That stops this year. You will use that Phoenix of yours to transfer 10 million galleons to Hogwarts account at Gringotts. We'll wait until we have confirmation before continuing this meeting."
The vote on that motion passed 9-0 with 3 abstentions. 30 minutes later the goblins confirmed the money was in the account and the meeting continued.
"Yesterday," Lucius Malfoy spoke, "It was revealed that you had defrauded Rubeus Hagrid out of a sizeable sum of money from selling acromantula silk. You had evidence that he did not do what he was accused of so many years ago, but did not use your position to clear his name, allow him to get a new wand or finish his education. Now, some of us question Hogwarts policy of educating people from his background, but to exploit him like that is a new low, even for you, Dumbledore."
"I don't sell the silk directly, Lucius," Dumbledore said. "Clearly, the people I use have not been honest with me."
"That won't wash, Dumbledore," Parkinson said. "The people you use have provided us with the evidence that they provided you will full bill of sale details and proper accounts. Those are all now with the DMLE. We all remember Hagrid with fondness from our time here. I remember him telling me how to care for various creatures. That helped no end in my OWLs and NEWTs. You owe him one and a half million galleons."
"Naturally, I shall make restitution," Dumbledore said, contritely. Fawkes was sent to transfer money to Hagrid. Dumbledore thought things were going well.
"We come to staffing matters, "Augusta Longbottom intoned. "Once again, we governors question the teaching of Muggle Studies by a Pureblood. The list of complaints against Binns grows ever longer. Trelawny stinks of sherry and Snape can't teach."
"Professor Snape enjoys my complete trust and confidence," Dumbledore stated.
"As what?" Abbott demanded. "During his tenure there have been no new Aurors coming from Hogwarts. No new Potions Master and no Healers. He, and I quote, sticks up a list of instructions on the blackboard and then hovers around putting people off and vanishing potions he deems substandard. Each year you assure the governors that you will something about these staffing matters and each year, you don't."
Amelia Bones had been silent up to this point. She now put in her couple of knuts worth. "Since you became Headmaster, you have scrapped Alchemy, Etiquette so that Muggleborn have no idea how to behave in Wizarding society, Conjuring, Crafting, Enchantments and Wandmaking, despite Garrick's willingness to teach the course without pay. Flying is now one lesson taught on unsafe brooms in the first year. You claim you can't teach Apparating because the Wards don't allow apparating at Hogwarts. If you taught Warding, you'd know something about how wards work. There's apparently a curse on the DADA position, yet you have never brought in curse breakers to find and fix the problem, if one actually exists. The teaching of DADA at Hogwarts since 1964 has been a joke that we can no longer afford.
This year's DADA teacher is Quirinius Quirrell, previously the Muggle Studies teacher who took a sabbatical of a year to travel to Albania to find and defeat You-Know-Who so as not to be regarded as a joke. That's an absolute joke, Albus. He's returned wearing a turban and possessing a stutter. It's not acceptable.
You've made it so Ancient Runes and Arithmancy can't both be taken as electives in the third year. All 10 of Hogwarts' competitors as Schools of Wizardry and Witchcraft offer both subjects from the first year. Divination, here, is a bunch parlour tricks that provide Muggleborn with their only source of income back in the muggleword. I have a complaint from the Trelawney family that you have kidnapped Sybil. They want her back.
The Care of Magical Creatures Professor has lost so many limbs to the creatures he is supposed to know how to control as to be considered a joke in poor taste. As Lord Parkinson has alluded, Hagrid would have a Mastery in the Subject had he completed his education."
"As you know, Amelia, the choice of subjects taught and the Professors to employ is down to the Headmaster."
"The governors have raised several issues, Dumbledore," Augusta Longbottom said. "The first is to have curse breakers come in and end the curse on the DADA position. The second is to replace the brooms the school uses to teach its students how to fly and to expand the course back to its full curriculum. Third is to fire Quirrell, Burbage, Kettleburn, Trelawney, Binns and Snape. Fourth is to teach Etiquette. There are other subjects needed to be added back, but that's one that has to happen this year. Fifth is to add Ancient Runes and Arithmancy to the first-year curriculum."
Dumbledore attempted to speak, but Augusta overruled him as each was put to the vote. Each proposition had at least 9 governors voting for it.
"I cannot accept the proposals you have just passed. You are interfering in my decision making for the school," Albus said.
"This governing body can no longer accept your promises and assurances that never happen. The governors are responsible for the school and reject your claim to be allowed to run it as you wish. Previous governing bodies have allowed you to run this school into the ground. That ends now," Augusta Longbottom declared.
"There is too little time to implement the changes you want before the new year begins," Dumbledore pleaded.
"There is a whole month, Albus," Malfoy said.
"The Governing body has spoken, Albus," Augusta Longbottom declared, emphatically.
"This is not something I can accept."
"In that case, you leave the governors no choice but to fire you," Augusta Longbottom said.
Dumbledore looked shocked. He was still shocked as Malfoy said, "Seconded." All 12 governors voted to fire Albus Dumbledore and, in light of his embezzlement and treatment of Rubeus Hagrid, without pay.
Dumbledore sat there in shock. He really wasn't ready for what Augusta Longbottom said next.
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore, you are hereby dismissed from the post of Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and ordered to leave the grounds with immediate effect. Your possessions will be sent on to you."
Albus Dumbledore left the meeting a broken man. He trudged off to Hogsmeade. He hoped his brother would put him up for a few days whilst he sorted this mess out.
Minerva McGonagall was rather nervous as she entered the room in which the governors were meeting. She'd seen Dumbledore leave. He didn't greet her and didn't have twinkle in his eyes. Minerva worried that she was in for a grilling. She picked up her pile of papers and ledgers and made her way into the room. All the governors were smiling at her. That was a good thing, Minerva hoped. She sat down and spread her pile across her table.
"Thank you for joining us, Minerva," Augusta Longbottom said. "We would like to offer you the post of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." All the other governors nodded their head in agreement. "We have fired Albus Dumbledore, with immediate effect.
We have also fired Binns, Trelawney, Snape, Kettleburn, Quirrell and Burbage. We hope you will confirm those dismissals. We have voted to replace the brooms the first years use and restore it to the full curriculum. Divination will no longer be offered as a subject taken across the whole curriculum. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy will be offered from the first year. We have voted to add Etiquette as a subject. We have voted to have curse breakers in to find and fix the curse that allegedly affects the DADA position.
Minerva McGonagall, do you accept the position of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with immediate effect?"
"I, Minerva McGonagall, accept the position of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with immediate effect. I approve and accept the motions of the Board of Governors." Minerva had thought about improving the teaching offered by Hogwarts. Albus had always shot her down. Not this time. She felt the wards of Hogwarts settle around her. She couldn't understand why they were set so low.
"Headmistress do you have replacement teachers in mind?"
"Yes, Augusta, I do. Hagrid as Care of Magic Professor; Hestia Jones as Muggle Studies professor. The DADA professor I would rather wait for the curse breakers to do their job before offering the person I wish to employ. I would offer Andromeda Tonks the position of Potions Mistress. I believe Bathilda Bagshot would be ideal to teach History of Magic. I would hope she would bring an apprentice studying for a Mastery who would take over from her in due course. For Etiquette, I believe your wife, Lucius, would be the ideal choice. I have one termination to announce. Argus Filch is not required. The house-elves are more than capable of keeping the school clean and tidy. I am going to create the post of Bursar to deal with finance and administration and offer the post to Ted Tonks."
"The governors conferred, briefly.
"We approve your decisions, Headmistress. We do ask who you will make Head of House for Gryffindor and Slytherin and there is Hagrid's education to consider."
"I propose making Hagrid Head of Gryffindor and Andromeda Tonks Head of Slytherin."
The Dark Governors were delighted Gryffindor were getting an oaf in charge of them. They weren't too happy with Andromeda Tonks as Head of Slytherin, but she was preferable to having Slugthorn back. Malfoy was sad Snape would no longer be around, but he had need of a Potions Master of Snape's skill. Yes, this was working out rather well.
The Light Governors were hopeful that Harry Potter would now reconsider his decision to not attend Hogwarts. The Governors meeting concluded.
Owls were dispatched to those concerned. The ghosts watched as Binns wailed as he faded from sight. Trelawney staggered out of Hogwarts, drunk. Slugthorn would tell the Daily Prophet that failure to bring him back was a matter of grave disappointment. Snape would take up residence at Malfoy Manor as Lucius Malfoy began gearing up for the Second Wizarding War. The Tonks' were delighted to be teaching at Hogwarts. Narcissa Malfoy was also delighted, though not for the reasons anybody else might have. She was pleased to be out of the Manor. She did not want to know about Lucius' plans to start another Wizarding War. Hagrid couldn't stop blubbering so happy he was to have got a new wand, a chance to finish his education, be properly paid for his silk and be a professor and Head of House. As for Filch, he went off to wherever squibs went.
Gringotts was delighted to send a team of curse breakers including Bill Weasley to Hogwarts. The bank charged 10000 galleons. That the team found the curse and fixed it – it had been the faulty step in the staircase – was down to luck, more than anything else. It took them a week.
Minerva went up to her office. She set her own password. Tiddliwinks. She remembered having to return items to Harry Potter, yesterday and wondered what else Albus had had that he strictly ought not to have had. She found a number of items. The Potter pensieve, the Mirror of Erised, Defeating Death with its Black crest clearly visible and various silver objects that looked to measure somebody's vital signs. Those objects weren't working any longer. All of these items were turned over to Amelia Bones.
Minerva McGonagall, suddenly remembered there was a subject in need of a Professor. She could hardly teach Transfiguration, as Headmistress. Damn, Dumbledore had been an excellent Professor teaching the subject. Perhaps, Isobel 'Izzy' McGonagall, her younger American cousin could take up the position. In her latest missive Izzy had complained about a situation involving Salem Institute and Ilvermorny. Minerva resolved to send a letter offering the job to her. In addition to her familial relation, Izzy, was the best teacher of Transfiguration anywhere in the world. A letter was dispatched.
Another letter was sent to Nicolas Flamel inviting him to collect his property. An owl arrived by return carrying a pouch, into which Minerva placed the stone and sent it back out of Hogwarts.
Bagshot had been trying to get rid of Binns for years. Her Apprentice, Hubert Jackson, was pleased for his old mentor. He was looking forward to seeing Hogwarts. As an American, from a tutored background, he'd heard so much about it. He'd been working for Bagshot for a decade. He could have tested for his Mastery several years ago, but wanted to see the 18th Edition of A History of Magic published.
Hermione was telling the group how she'd found information about Harry Potter. Harry wrote that information down. She also told them about a series of children's books featuring Harry Potter. Harry noted that information down.
Remus came to take Harry back to Privet Drive. The Dursleys were going somewhere and dropped Harry off with Mrs Figg. Harry saw a letter to Mrs Figg sticking out from beneath one of her magazines. It was from Dumbledore. Well, this set the fish amongst the sharks, now, didn't it? Mrs Figg was aghast seeing Harry reading a letter to her from Dumbledore. She almost dropped the tray she'd brought tea and cake in on. Harry decided to leave before he did something he might regret. He took the letter with him. He got back: Found Hedwig and sent her off with the letter to Remus.
Harry browsed through Dudley's magazines until he found a review of the telescope he had ordered. Harry was well satisfied after reading it. Shortly thereafter, the telescope was delivered. Harry did have one puzzle left to figure out and that was why the Dursleys had not yet left on holiday. He didn't think they'd have noticed he'd stopped the annual amount going to them, just yet.
Harry was still thinking about that, when Remus arrived. He was a lot better dressed than he had been the last time Harry had seen him. He had the Potter and Black crests on his Stewards uniform. Harry was now comparing the list of books with those he had bought. He asked Remus about the books that had him in them. The other three, he had already bought.
"They're very popular with the children, I tutor." Remus was quick to re-assure Harry.
"I wish I'd taken Sirius to my parents place," Harry said, changing the subject.
"Bring your typical clothing from here."
"Okay, Remus, I think I've still got some things I have chucked." Harry went around making the house look like someone was in occupancy. Then they apparated away. Harry was surprised to find himself face to face with Sirius in Grimmauld Place.
"I need a wand," Sirius said. "Knockturn Alley, it is."
"How fitting we're making a nocturnal visit."
Both the Marauders groaned.
Three wands were purchased in Knockturn Alley. Sirius picked out a 10" piece of Elder wood and a Thestral Hair. Remus' wand was Birch, about 9" with a Dragon Heartstring core. Harry's was 9 and 3/4" Redwood, with a core made from the Feather from the Tail of a Thunderbird. They had two hours before the wands would be ready.
There was a bookstore nearby and Harry headed towards it. He felt uncomfortable in his hand-me-downs. Inside Harry looked around. There was a very fat volume -The Wizengamot 1592 – 1892. That was 120 galleons. There was a History of House Potter from Linfred the Potterer to Harry Potter The-Boy-Who-Lived. That was 85 galleons and a dead giveaway as to their identities. The third book Harry picked out was Magic of the Mind: Master Occlumency and Legilimency. That was 43 galleons. Remus bought them all and added them to a bottomless bag he was carrying. The wand cost 290 galleons. Harry thought it was worth it, because they did not have the Trace.
When they got back to Grimmauld Place, Harry noticed his scar was hurting.
"My scar is hurting!"
"What's causing it Harry," Remus asked concerned.
"Check every item in this room," Sirius said.
They did. Inside a safe, they found a locket with an S on it.
"That's Slytherin's lost locket," Remus said as Sirius moved it closer to Harry, who shied away from it. "It won't open," Remus said.
"Slytherin was a parselmouth," Sirius said. "Where are we going to find a parselmouth?"
"What's a parselmouth?" Harry asked.
"Someone who speaks parseltongue, the language of snakes," Remus said.
"What's the most destructive spell you know, Sirius?" Harry asked.
"Fiendfyre. In there is where we Blacks destroy the Dark items we decide not to use." Sirius pointed to a dome that looked like it was flame proof.
"Put it in there, Sirius," Harry demanded. "Get ready to cast that spell."
The locket was thrown inside. Before the gate was shut, Harry said, "Open!" in parseltongue. Remus slammed the gate shut. Sirius put the tip of his new wand in and said, "Fiendfyre," with as much venom as he could muster. Bits of black smoke began to spill out of the locket before being consumed by the flames.
"That was therapeutic," Sirius said. Remus was looking at the remnants of the locket with open eyes and open jaw. He then looked at Harry with the same expression. Sirius realized what Remus was suggesting.
"How many more of them did he make?" Sirius asked.
"But you can't make one out of living flesh," Remus stuttered.
"There's another that acted as the proof," Sirius said.
"I am not one of those things," Harry denied, shaking his head.
"Obviously, things did not go as he had intended that night," Sirius said, drawing a laugh from Remus.
"3 and 7 are the magical numbers," Remus said.
"The locket could not have been first," Sirius said.
"It was said to have been left by Slytherin in the Chamber of Secrets."
"He had to have got into to the Chamber and summoned the creature which killed Myrtle, the girl who died."
"But she is still there as a ghost," Remus disagreed.
"Perhaps she had to be tied to the place, for the binding that he wanted to work," Sirius suggested.
"Something his spirit could access," Harry said. "Like a diary."
"Only girls keep diaries," Sirius disparaged.
"I was planning to record my Hogwarts experience in a diary," Harry said. "Something that was mine and couldn't be taken away from me."
"You're an orphan, Harry," Sirius said.
"Perhaps, he was, too?" Remus suggested. "That would make 4, which means he made 7 soul anchors. Harry would have been the last, so not much of his soul would have been left by then."
"How do you know about them, Remus?"
"I had to find one on a job I did. Abroad. You?"
"Blacks have many secrets, Remus. So what have we got?"
"A diary, a locket belonging to Slytherin, a living creature, probably a snake due to parseltongue and Harry."
"What are the other 3?" Sirius asked.
"There's always a ring in the muggle tales," Harry said.
"The locket belonged to Slytherin. The other Founders' items are said to be missing," Remus catalogued.
"What are the Founder's items?" Harry asked.
"Slytherin's Locket, Gryffindor's Sword, Ravenclaw's Diadem and Hufflepuff's Cup." Sirius counted them off.
"Swords don't sound like a Slytherin weapon," Remus said.
"He has to have been a Slytherin," Sirius said.
"In Hogwarts at the same time as the girl was killed," Harry said. "So who's got them?"
"At the same time: Hagrid, McGonagall, Dumbledore and Binns. His favourite lieutenants were Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix LeStrange."
"So if I annul Bellatrix' marriage for enslaving herself to him and then expel her from the family, all her items will revert to my family's main vault."
"I then take Harry into the vault and see if his scar reacts to anything," Remus concluded.
"He wouldn't have risked any of them, when he came for me," Harry averred.
"Yes, you're right, I think, Harry. He'd have made sure they were safe before attending to you."
Sirius went off to change and came back holding a portkey. Remus wrote out the marriage annulling and kicking out of the family. Sirius signed it and affixed the seal. He gave Remus the parchment, took hold of the portkey and said, "Spaville." He vanished.
"Damn!" Harry yelled. "Sirius went without seeing my parents house."
"I was never told where it was," Remus said, dejectedly. "How do you like your gifts?"
"Excellent. They're great. The children's books about my adventures aren't true. Whoever this Roy Lock is, he's in for a lot of pain."
"Using your name without permission is a very serious issue. I'll pursue him for damages."
"Can't you damage him?" Harry laughed.
"That's an idea, Harry, but I think he should pay over what he's made off you."
Harry slept over at Grimmauld Place that night. He awoke the next morning feeling fully rested. He prepared himself for the day and went down to breakfast. Seeing Remus sitting open mouthed in the chair opposite was not how he had imagined breakfast going.
"Hogwarts Governors fired Dumbledore and appointed McGonagall."
"What does that mean for us, for me?"
"You have no reason not to attend Hogwarts"
"McGonagall was one of those who left me with the Dursleys."
"She did object," Remus covered for his friend.
"Ineffectual objections. She and Hagrid made sure I suffered nearly 10 years of Hell."
"She has sent back more items Dumbledore took from both of your families."
"She should get the credit for doing that, but not a free pass, Remus."
"What are your plans today, Harry?"
"I'm going across to Bones Manor to socialize. I wish there was something I could do for Hermione. You said I'd sponsored her. I don't understand what that means."
"It means that you extended the protection of House Potter to her. That gives you responsibilities, duties and a certain degree of control over her actions. You could offer her and her parents the Protection of House Potter. That makes them your vassals. It means that I'd become her magical guardian, because I'm your steward, too."
"That seems like the thing to do," Harry said. "What do we do about Arabella Figg spying on me for Dumbledore?"
Remus didn't know what to say. Harry went off to Bones Manor. Remus dropped the paperwork expelling Bellatrix with the Ministry and signed the paperwork Amelia had prepared for him as Steward of Houses Potter-Black. Remus checked with the Secretary of the Wizengamot about the seats Harry held in the Wizards' Parliament.
"Young Lord Potter-Black holds the seats of Black, Potter and Gaunt of the Sacred 28. He's Black as the Heir and the Lord is taking a leave of absence. The Gaunt seat he holds by right of conquest."
"When did he win the seat?"
"October 31st 1981."
"From whom?"
"The record does not say."
Remus was pleased to have got as much information as he had. He knew the place to go was Somerset House. Lily said you could information on pretty much anyone who had ever lived or died there in the Muggle world. Remus knew that whoever the Gaunt had been they had died in the Muggleworld. The date suggested that You-Know-Who had been a Gaunt. Remus smiled. He may not have been as intelligent as Sirius and James, but he was a lot better organized.
Remus picked up the 12 Wills Harry had got and passed over to the DMLE. The DMLE had taken authorized copies. Remus hired Ethan Redbridge as their magical lawyer. He was in his forties. He'd been a Ravenclaw who had been unimpressed with Albus Dumbledore. His career had suffered. He took on the case against Roy Lock and his unauthorized books on Harry growing up. He told Remus that the girl who been killed in June 1943 was Myrtle Warren, a Ravenclaw. She'd won her own case to have tenure in Hogwarts.
Remus would be taking Harry to the main Black vault in the afternoon. He had about an hour before lunch. He could fit in a visit to Hogwarts. He arrived at Hogsmeade and cheerfully walked up to Hogwarts. He decided to go in via the front gate. He wasn't a Marauder any more.
Minerva McGonagall received him in her office. Remus already noticed the difference Minerva had made to the office. Fawkes had left with Dumbledore. They chatted. Minerva said she hoped to be able to offer him a job as DADA professor once the curse breakers had done their job. Remus said he would have to discuss this with his employers.
Minerva was not present during the terrible incident with young Myrtle. She believed Hagrid had been. Hagrid had returned to Hogwarts and was 'proper made up' over being made a full professor.
Hagrid was delighted to see Remus and regaled him about his summer. Remus listened patiently. Hagrid said he was glad that Fluffy was no longer needed. Hagrid didn't have a yearbook for the 1942/3 year on account of his expulsion. He did have the one from 1941/2. Headmaster Dippet had been really keen on having school photos taken. He believed it contributed to school harmony. Remus raised an eyebrow. Hagrid agreed to let Remus have the album. Remus thanked Hagrid. He returned to Grimmauld Place and worked his way through the Slytherin section. He wasn't interested in the 7th years, because they would have left. He didn't believe a first year could have the magical ability to create these items.
Instead of the 10 students per House that Remus had been familiar with, there were 20 per House, per year. Remus went through the list, with portrait Walburga and Kreacher's assistance. All those in years 2-5 were accounted for. Of year 6, all the Slytherins were Death Eaters and all were accounted for except one. The exception was Tom Marvolo Riddle. He was Lord Voldemort. Remus was sure of it. Logic made it so. Now, he knew who he needed to find at Somerset House. That would have to wait. He had a Harry Potter to take to the Black main vault.
Harry had a morning with Susan and his friends. They had all received an owl with a revised book list. The all went shopping. Harry paid for Hermione's books, as well as his own and bought wolfsbane ingredients. He bought more than he'd need for three doses, since he wasn't sure of his skill in following the instructions.
Back at the bones Manor, Harry offered House Granger the Protection of House Potter. He did it properly and earned himself a smile from Hannah and Susan. Hermione accepted. Hannah asked her if she were related to the Dagworth-Grangers and Hermione confessed she didn't know.
Hannah picked up on the ingredients and asked Harry who he was making Wolfsbane for. Harry told them it was for Remus Lupin. Had Harry known the furore that would cause, he might not have said anything.
Harry enjoyed lunch and spending time with his friends. It was a new sensation and one that made him happy and relaxed. Remus came and picked him up. Harry took his stuff back to Grimmauld Place. He told Remus about Hermione accepting House Potter Protection. Remus was pleased. Harry didn't tell him about letting slip his 'little furry problem'.
At the bank, the pair ran into Lucius Malfoy, who was just leaving. Malfoy thanked Harry for adding his father to the list of those suspiciously killed.
"It's a pity you can't ask him, yourself," Harry said in response. Malfoy thought about it and smiled. It was such a pity that young Lord Potter-Black was on the wrong side.
Remus and Harry went down to the vault. It was huge and filled with coins and gems and items. 4 took Remus' attention. The 4 who had died, ostensibly from Dragon Pox.
Harry asked the four who had killed them. He got no response. When he asked what the last thing they remembered, they all answered that they were about to go to a meeting with Severus Snape. They confirmed that Abraxas Malfoy was supposed to be there too. Severus Snape had told each of them that he had information about the Dark Lord that he thought they needed to know.
They left the bank. Harry had visited his vault and drawn out another 200 galleons. He'd also asked his account manager why he'd not had any communication from the bank since his becoming an orphan. The account manager said he'd look into it. He also looked very angry. He suggested that the pair contact Amelia Bones about mail redirection.
Remus and Harry didn't make it to Amelia's office. They were waylaid by the Minister and His Senior Undersecretary. The Senior Undersecretary demanded that Harry dismiss Remus Lupin because he was a werewolf.
Remus turned to leave; shoulders slumped. Harry however wasn't going to meekly accept this.
"No Remus, you've been employed by two Noble and Most Ancient Houses. You're not going anywhere. Remus attended Hogwarts as a werewolf and measures were taken to protect other students. That was before Wolfsbane."
"He is a Dark creature and as such may not be employed," Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary said.
"Who are you to tell Noble and Most Ancient Houses who they may employ? Who told you that Remus Lupin is a werewolf?" Harry demanded.
"Lord Albus Dumbledore told us just now."
"Lord Albus Dumbledore knew Remus Lupin was a werewolf when Remus received his Hogwarts invitation letter. Why did he wait to come forward, until now?"
Fudge now began to imitate a fish out of air, gulping for non-existent water to process through its gills. Remus gathered his dignity and together they strode out of the Ministry with their heads held high.
Remus took Harry back to Privet Drive. He was none too happy. Harry had divulged personal information and that had got back to Dumbledore. But who was the spy? Had he asked, Harry would have told him.
Harry wondered what his aunt and uncle were doing home. He asked them and was told they were moving at the end of the month and he'd no longer be getting any money from the County. Harry almost smirked. His solicitor in Godric's Hollow had evicted them and got money out of them. He had to have from the dark looks they were giving him. Harry did have his parents' trunks in the attic. He would have to get his house-elf Kreacher to move them to Grimmauld Place. No that wouldn't work, because they were Potter stuff. Harry showed Dudley his telescope. Dudley was interested and really liked looking at the stars and planets through it.
Remus went to Somerset House armed with charm and muggle money. He got Tom Marvolo Riddle's birth certificate, Merope Gaunt's death certificate and her marriage certificate to Tom Riddle, senior. Remus also had the address of the orphanage where Tom was delivered and the Manorial estate the Riddles lived on, in Little Hangleton. Remus now had solid leads to follow up on. He now knew why and how Harry was Lord Gaunt by right of conquest.
The following day, Remus apparated to Privet Drive and watched as the Dursleys departed number 4. He knocked on the door. Harry answered. Harry invited Remus inside. Remus sat down in the lounge.
"Harry, I am resigning my positions. I am going to take up the offer to teach at Hogwarts, if it comes. The Daily Prophet came out against me, in this morning's issue."
"Can the Ministry interfere in the appointments of Noble and Most Ancient Houses?"
"No. The Wizengamot can."
"Not from what I have read." Harry shook his head. "Hogwarts will be affected by this prejudice as well. Hogwarts: A History says Gryffindor is the house of the brave. You are afraid. Afraid of what your wolf might do. It won't be easy but the wolf is a part of you. I've a temper, Remus. I know it's there threatening to get out. Vernon and Petunia tried to beat it and my magic out of me. They failed. On both counts. You want to teach at Hogwarts. Can we write a contract that makes it clear that it's done around your responsibilities to Sirius and me?"
"It's said that Fenrir, the werewolf who sired me, remains in control whilst in were form."
"If he can do it, why can't you?"
"I can try," Remus said. He was quite touched by Harry's support.
"We can write a letter to the Daily Prophet. You're a friend to Sirius and were one to my parents. You hold your positions out of merit, not sentiment." Harry shuddered as he remembered how Petunia got three days a month. He had to learn to keep his head down and be perfect. He had the scars to prove his learning curve. "Women get pretty cranky three days a month, but we don't label them dark creatures."
Remus laughed. Harry got him to move Lily and James' trunks and his telescope to Grimmauld Place. They were soon at Grimmauld Place, working on the letter. That was soon sent on its way by owl. Next on the list was putting up protection for the Grangers. They found them at their place of work. Both made time to talk to them. They'd seen Hermione talking to herself and worried if they doing the right thing in letting her join the magical community. Harry explained he could make them safe and that only people who needed to could see and visit them at work. Remus explained what being under the Protection of a Noble and Most Ancient House meant. The Grangers paled. Remus said he'd make them portkeys to activate in case of need. They didn't like the fact that Hermione had made them vassals to a boy. They had no choice as Harry spoke the spells to make their workplace and home Unplottable and Untrackable. Harry's ability to cast the spells shocked Remus. There was no way an eleven-year-old should be able to cast them. Harry stated Dumbledore wasn't on the approved list. Remus smiled.
Back at Grimmauld Place, Harry told Remus about Dumbledore apparent ability to listen in to Hermione's conversations and tell her what to do. Harry said he suspected Dumbledore had done just that to listen in after he'd placed Hermione under his House's protection. Remus looked angry.
Remus took Harry to Bones Manor. He explained what being under the Protection of a House meant. Harry said that no Dumbledore was on the approved list of visitors. There was a flicker of blue magic. Hermione was sent home. She was pleased about that. She would have to leave the house to stay in contact with Dumbledore. She wanted to practice her spells. She wished she had read up about Protection before agreeing to it.
Susan was upset that Harry had moved out. The reason for Neville and Hannah's visits had gone. Susan had quite liked being the centre of attention. She said as much to her Aunt Amelia.
amelia Bones had seen the reaction Harry Potter had had to Umbridge's demand he sack Remus Lupin. The Daily Prophet had repeated the demand and demanded to know why Dumbledore had allowed a werewolf to attend Hogwarts. Potter had chosen to use the status of Noble and Most Ancient Houses to defend himself and Lupin. What was he playing at?
Albus Dumbledore had called a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. Two members had resigned, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Dumbledore smiled; it wasn't as easy to leave as that. He tried the summons and got nothing. Both men were free of him. Peter Pettigrew was also in attendance, although none of the others realized he was the rat the two Weasleys had brought with them. Kingsley Shacklebot was the most senior member in the Ministry. As Senior Auror, he ranked above Arthur Weasley's sub-department headship. Molly Weasley, Emmeline Vance, Daedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge rounded out the other members of the Order. Dumbledore had cast Hestia Jones out after she had refused to do his bidding. Mad-Eye Moody and Mundungus Fletcher were out on a job for Dumbledore. Snape was meeting with Lucius Malfoy and had permission not to be present.
Shacklebolt and Weasley gave a full run down on what the Ministry was doing. Both had the same boss who would have had them gutted for passing information on to 'unqualified' people. Diggle and Doge had not attended the Wizengamot and had no idea that the seats they'd sat in ad been reclaimed. They were disappointed that they had lost a source of income. Dumbledore reassured everyone that he would soon be restored as Headmaster of Hogwarts. Harry Potter had misguidedly nullified the protections won for him by his mother. Dumbledore had no idea if that were true. Everyone around the table believed him. Dumbledore told everyone that Sirius, Remus and Hestia had left the Order.
Molly had called Harry an ungrateful brat. Molly was disgusted that a thing, a werewolf, was looking after Harry. Dumbledore promised he would get that overturned. Dumbledore expressed the view that after a decade in Azkaban, Sirius' mind had gone. By the end of the meeting, Albus was convinced he had his Order on his side.
Later, when he was alone, Moody and Fletcher came round and reported that they could not find the mudblood's home. Later still, Severus revealed he'd been hired by Malfoy as his Potions Master. Dumbledore was pleased his spy could still report on what the death Eaters were doing.
Harry spent the next day doing spells with Remus, learning etiquette and retrieving the cup from the Black vault. The 4 portraits were taken back to Grimmauld Place and set up near Walburga, who allowed her portrait to be moved. The 5 portraits formed the Black Council. They pronounced themselves content with Harry's impassioned defence of Remus Lupin. The portraits did not believe that an 11-year-old could brew wolfsbane. Harry destroyed the cup using fiendfyre. It was a new spell he learnt, having seen Sirius use it to destroy one of these objects.
Naturally, they'd run into Malfoy again. Harry told him that all 4 Blacks were on their way to meet with Severus Snape. Harry noticed a sneer form at the end of Malfoy's mouth.
The portraits provided Harry and Remus with a plan of attack for the next Wizengamot meeting. First they had to make it members only - that ruled out proxy votes. Second they had to get the Order of Merlin stripped from Pettigrew, which meant getting the holding an Order of Merlin defined by the Secretary. Third they had to overturn the Wizengamot Act of 1919 banning wizards from fighting in muggles' wars. The Queen was still their queen, muggle or not.
Remus told Harry he was Lord Gaunt. Harry tried summoning the Head of House ring, but couldn't. The pair had looked at the genealogy of Harry's family. A Gaunt had married Antiochus Peverell. His brother, Ignotus, had married a Potter. Linfred the Potterer had had a sister. Ignotus' daughter had married a Potter, Hardwin. Their son had married a Gaunt. The Gaunt ring had gone missing and they'd demanded and got the Peverell House ring. That ring had failed to respond to Harry's summons. Both Harry and Remus agreed that the ring was likely one of these objects and somewhere in Little Hangleton.
Remus had apparated to Little Hangleton. He found the old Gaunt shack and talked to the caretaker Frank Bryce. Frank reckoned young Tom had murdered the Riddle family in revenge for their casting out a girl he'd eloped with. Remus needed to have Harry there to see if there was a reaction to the location by his scar.
Harry had filed the demand for members only, in time. He'd also found out who had sat in the Potter and Black seats. The Gaunt seat had been voted by proxy since 31 October 1981. Albus Dumbledore was the one who cast the vote. Dumbledore had voted the Potter seat from 1 September 1946 until 20 November 1980, when Elphias Doge had taken over. A Diggle had held the Black seat since 24 April 1991.
August passed rapidly for Harry. His wolfsbane for Remus was correct for the three days, 24th, 25th and 26th of August. The portraits all cheered.
Sunday 1st September 1991 dawned. Today was show day. Harry and Remus were dressed in their Wizengamot best. Finally, 2 pm rolled around and all 49 members were in their seats. The Slytherin Head Boy was representing Hogwarts.
Dumbledore, affecting twinkle eyed grandfatherly figure said, sadly, "Harry, you should be on your way to Hogwarts."
"Albus, I replied that I wasn't attending and that all monies paid over were to be repaid. That has not happened. I checked my Gringotts vault. Not only has my money not been returned to me, but under the deduction for Legacy fees 15000 galleons has been paid. My family is pureblood. The fee should only have been 5000 galleons."
"You're a halfblood, Harry."
"As you know, Albus, the amount is determined by your family. I've already said that it's Pureblood." Harry was beginning to get used to these interchanges.
"I'm sure it was a mistake."
"You're the one who authorized the withdrawal. I do wonder why, when you're not a member of a Noble and Most Ancient House."
"I am Chief Warlock."
"That does not give you the right to interfere in the affairs of a Noble and Most Ancient House."
"You're not a member of a Noble and Most Ancient House. Your family was removed from the Wizengamot using a 1919 Act."
"The Act that declared wizards could not fight in muggle wars."
"That's the one, Harry."
"The Muggle queen is our sovereign, too. For the Wizengamot to deny service in support of her majesty would be an Act of Treason. I move that the Wizengamot repeal this Act from the date it was passed."
Augusta Longbottom supported the motion. The Wizengamot voted 30-20 to repeal the Act from the moment it had been passed.
"The vote of House Gaunt is showing in favour," Dumbledore said. "I voted against."
"That is because I am Lord Gaunt, too," Harry said. "By Right of Conquest and, it would seem, by Right of Magic, too. You voted the House Potter seat illegally from 1 September 1946 until 20 November 1980, whereupon Elphias Doge voted the seat until 1st August 1991. Similarly, Daedulus Diggle voted House Black from 2nd November 1981 until 1st August 1991. You've been voting House Gaunt from 1st November 1981 until today, Albus. We'll be filing suit to reclaim these monies from you and the aforementioned (Cassie had been insistent he use that word) duo."
"Harry, you need to be placed in the care of more qualified people. Sirius had his mind broken and Remus is, well, a dark creature."
"Albus, there you go again, trying to interfere in the affairs of a Noble and Most Ancient House. You didn't refer to Remus Lupin as a dark creature whilst he went through Hogwarts. If members of other Noble and Most Ancient Houses allow this attack against one of our number, ask yourselves, when will your turn come."
Harry won that vote 27-23. House Weasley voted against Remus. Shacklebolt had voted with Harry. Dumbledore frowned. Harry hadn't been about to bring this up, but in light of this attack, he saw no reason not to.
"Perhaps the Senior Undersecretary can tell me why the Ministry employs Blood traitors?"
"You are out of Order, Harry," Dumbledore said, loudly.
"Chief Warlock, my parents stated in their Wills that Sirius Orion Black was not their Secret Keeper. They listed the six required carers for me in the event of their deaths as Sirius Orion Black, Alice Longbottom, Amelia Bones, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape and an Orphanage. They expressly forbade me from being left with my muggle Aunt and Uncle who hated magic. Guess where I ended up? That's right with my magic hating muggle relatives who tried to beat magic out of me. Since I was brought up without any knowledge of the magical world, how am I supposed to have sanctioned the payment of 20000 galleons to House Weasley to educate their children? You were the one who authorized that payment, despite the fact that my real magical guardian was in Azkaban, one Sirius Orion Black. We'll be filing suit against you for repayment of that money as well."
"Your parents Wills were sealed," Albus said.
"They were entered as evidence at the last session of the Wizengamot," Remus said. Dumbledore scowled.
The next order of business was the election of the representative to the ICW. Dumbledore had been unopposed for decades. He proposed himself and his Head Boy seconded. He was about to declare himself the representative, when Harry Potter nominated Ludovic Bagman and Amelia Bones seconded. The vote went against Dumbledore. Thus, with a whimper, did Dumbledore's long reign as Supreme Mugwump come to an end.
Dumbledore was about to move on to the fourth agenda item. Harry moved a Point of Order. Dumbledore had no choice but to allow it. Harry asked the Secretary to define how an Order of Merlin was won. The Secretary gave the definition. Dumbledore demanded to know what Harry's point of order was. Harry explained about Peter Pettigrew. The Wizengamot agreed to strip him of his Order of Merlin. Then Harry sprang his trap.
"A British magical on magical British soil. You Chief Warlock were awarded yours for defeating Grindelwald not on magical British soil. You were not eligible."
The Wizengamot agreed. Lord Selwyn then spoke, "Chief Warlock the requirement for holding that title is to hold a vote in the Wizengamot. Which seat gives you the right to be here and hold that title?"
The Secretary confirmed that Albus Dumbledore held no qualifying seat. He was dismissed from the Wizengamot. When Lord Parkinson asked who should receive that Order of Merlin, Harry jokingly said," Give it me, I got rid of You-Know-Who."
So it was that Harry James Potter became the youngest ever holder of the Order of Merlin, First Class.
In half an hour, Dumbledore had lost the Supreme Mugwump, Chief Warlock and Grand Sorcerer titles. Augusta Longbottom became Acting Chief Warlock. Dumbledore was sharing digs with Mundungus. What a come down. Dumbledore was sure that Harry was being controlled by Tom. He'd been taken down by a classic Slytherin sting. He had not seen it coming. At first, he'd thought it was Amelia Bones moving against him. But no. That had been a misdirection. He'd damp down any negatives by offering Potter-Black-Gaunt a million galleons and say that his motivation was and had always been for the Greater Good.
The sacrifice of poor dear Quirinius Quirrell in finding Tom in Albania was also for the Greater Good. The man was dead, even if he didn't know it, yet. All Albus had to do was defeat him, expose Tom and win an Order of Merlin, return to the Wizengamot and retake his Chief Warlock post.