A/N I am sorry for being an evil author and leaving such a devious cliffhanger. but this is a longer chap and has good retributions in it to get you to not be mad at me. Still fighting to finish this short story but it may end up as incomplete after a certain point. My mind id not as it used to be and it is hard to focus on things.
On with the Mayhem... And remember that all is fair in magic and politics. errr something like that.
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Chapter 4
Anna and Harry quickly put their robes on and joined Amelia heading into the Ministry. With her as an escort they bypassed the wand check and headed straight for the Chambers. When they got there she barged through the doors just as Fudge banged his gavel to start the meeting.
"Bones? What is the meaning of this? We are starting an em.."
"Minister Cornelius Fudge! Are you about to start a meeting regarding the rights of an Emancipated Lord and Lady without their presence? Also the fact that the same Lord and Lady are the approved heirs of two of the Founders? Then by all means continue and see just what happens when those facts are brought to the attention of the Wizarding public. They never received any notice and I should know as they are still staying with me until Potter manor is ready."
Fudge looked shocked at that and looked at all the faces scowling at him and even Lucious Malfoy seemed to be looking away. "Erm, I was not aware they did not get the notice, perhaps we should reschedule…"
Amelia smiled at him making it clear he was not going like her next words. "Since we were informed of this, and have said Lord and Lady with me as well as the official Forms from Gringotts, Let's continue this meeting." She headed for the Bones seat as Harry and Anna headed to the dull gray seats with the Founders crests. When they sat down and the seats brightened into healthy wood tones, the whispers started. Soon the room looked to Fudge to continue.
"Umm, Yes well it is good to see Lord Gryffindor and Lady Hufflepuff are here. It has come to our attention and is obvious that you both are rather young and it would be best to have you set a proxy to work with the board of Governors…"
Harry stood and waited, looking Fudge dead in the eye. When Fudge acknowledged him he saw a glow that unnerved him. " Minister Fudge, I want to know who told you to arrange this meeting, Who pushed the idea that the Founders had to 'work with' the board of Govenors and how many more time are you going to allow people around you to lead you into these political suicide actions? I have reviewed all the information passed to me by the ancestors and I know that as long as even one heir is present, the Board is only advisory and has no say in anything. I also know that a proxy can be blackmailed or bought if they are weak minded enough. No, I do not think we will be doing such a thing."
Anna Stood next and glared at the man. "I agree with Lord Gryffindor, I also know that in the event of highly questionable actions by the Board of Governors, two or more heirs can disband the board and rebuild it as needed. I also know that those seats were never hereditary.. Why has there never been a Voted seat in the last thirty years?"
The room sat in silence as the Minister was in shock of these words. He looked at the others before he started to get upset. He looked around one more time and slammed his gavel. "In light of recent evidence I ask that this meeting be…"
"MINISTER FUDGE!" The room shook as Harry was standing with his eyes glaring at the minister. "I asked you to reveal who it was that requested this meeting as it is clear to be a play of misinformation. I for one would not allow it and I see others are also not happy to be a part of this. Now one more time...Who requested this Emergency Meeting?"
Fudge lowered his head as he sighed, "Lord Malfoy as the Chairman for the Board of Governors. He had informed me about your Noble status and that your age would not be productive for the Board."
Harry just grinned as he looked at Anna. In unison, "We the Heirs hereby remove Lucious Malfoy from any place on the Board of Governors and any of his descendants will also never be allowed to any such seats."
After the meeting was adjourned, Luscious Malfoy tried to storm out of the room but was suddenly pulled back in. When he turned to see who dared to do that to him he looked right into two very bright Killing Curse Green eyes. "Lord Malfoy, I know what you just tried to do and I know what you are trying to cover up. I am not an ignorant child. I also know that there is now at least one Auror standing outside the Chairman office to ensure no evidence is misplaced when we investigate why you just tried to get two very powerful Houses blocked from their Hereditary rights. Let me be clear… You ever do anything to endanger my family, my legacy or myself and you will wish it was a Dark Lord that was coming for you. I do not torture, I do not torment. I remove that which is a threat to me and mine. Period."
The glowing green eyes held so much malice and hate that even Malfoy had to flinch. His prior Dark Lord never caused such a clear reaction as this mere child did. He nodded, not trusting his voice as he left the room going straight to the Floos in the atrium.
Amelia was talking to Fudge and very calmly advised him that he was on his last legs with this latest fiasco. To try and block a Founder's Heir from their rights. To even allow an Emergency Meeting without being absolutely sure who and what is to be involved. Bones then told him that as of noon tomorrow she had better see any and all evidence and trial records for Sirius Black as she had already shown him the Potter wills that proved the man could not have betrayed them.
As the three headed out Harry rubbed his left shoulder before spinning around and batting a purple curse away from Anna and into a wall. The wall started to melt from the spell. Amelia had just fired off a stunner and ropes at the assailant. When the Wizengamot members stepped out to see what the commotion was, they saw Harry Potter standing in the middle of a small hurricane of magic and his left arm arcing out. On the floor was the Head of the Control of Magical Creatures Department, Waldon McNair.
Harry looked at Moody, "His arm is marked. This is the third time a marked one has tried to assault me and mine. And the third time they worked for the Ministry. Can someone please tell me why these marked ones are still working for the Ministry if they bear such a foul and vile magic brand?"
Fudge looked shocked at the scene as Moody countered the glamor around McNair's mark. Moody grinned at the Minister. "This one never was put on trial and never was accused of being a Deatheater. Can't use the Imperius defense if he never came forward after all this time, now can he?"
Amelia Bones was livid as her adrenaline was slowly going down. She glared at Fudge as she took a deep breath. "As his target was either Lord Potter-Gryffindor or Lady Puffington-Hufflepuff, I am going to use veritaserum to find out just what the hell he was thinking. If he was under the Imperius then we will investigate further…"
Harry was shaking his head, "Forgive me as I am still fresh to this world but as I understand it that spell is to subjugate a 'weak' mind into doing whatever the caster wishes. If that is true then why would you allow anyone already admitting they were under its influence, to do such illegal and vile things, to hold any office at all?"
He left for the atrium as those words echoed in the ears of the Wizengamot members. Bones was clearly watching Fudge sweat at those words. The new Chief Warlock was also deep in thought as he too wondered on that glaring issue.
Later that day, Regent Bones returned to her Manor to see the children looking out the windows to the back yard. Lily was giggling and Susan was cheering. When the elder Bones looked out she saw Harry and Moody in a spar but neither holding back. Her eyes widened as she saw Moody on the defensive.
Harry had lunged at the scarred man but dropped as Moody jabbed his staff at the boy's direction. The sudden twist in the boy's movement made him step back away from the open leg sweep. Moody had barely enough time to block the followup of the pipe swing and then leaned back to avoid the flip kick. He was breathing hard and sweating but the grin he held was more than worth the beating. Harry spun again as moody lashed out and caught the man in the ribs.
The old vet kicked Harry's leg away in time to stop the momentum he was using but had to dodge the new swings when the young man reversed the swing. The two of them kept it up till Moody finally pulled his wand. Harry saw the motion and jumped the first spell then spun low and cast a stunner from the pipe as the plan was 'no wands'. Moody shielded but was pushed back and cracks had formed on the shield. "Hold! Very good, In a real fight there are no rules and being prepared for anything is the only option. As you get older that would surely be strong enough to break my shield, And since mine has always been top tier, You can already break most others."
They returned inside laughing as Harry explained about the two years he watched and learned from an old Japanese man's sparring to do what he did. He also explained the trick to the spinning and counter hits. Amelia was sitting down with a cup of tea as they entered the library.
"Moody, I want you to clean up and head back to the office. We have a special report to prepare and I want to force Fudge's hand on his little Deatheaters in the Ministry. Harry, I will need your help along with Anna. I am calling in a few favors to get the trial of Black motion on the table but with such high level backing it can get past certain parties. The next official Wizengamot meeting is next Wednesday." Harry nodded as he too headed for the showers.
Anna smiled and started the next lesson, Quill practice. She hated it but she did have an idea on how to get around it. Special wooden fountain pens with metal chambers to allow the flow of magic for magical signatures. Why use quills and Parchment when those are relics of the past and only the purebloods are benefitting from it. They own most of the manufacturing companies after all.
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The day of the Wizengamot arrived with Harry and Anna Heading for the Ministers office with Amelia in tow. She was not impressed with the new secretary that looked like she was only there for her looks. Harry was also not happy when she batted her eyes at him.
Once inside Fudge was going over the minutes from the last session. He looked up to see the three standing there. "And how can I help you not kill my popularity today?" The snide comment was received with grins.
Amelia set a folder on his desk. "That is exactly why we are here. You have been uninformed so many times that we are doing the right thing. This is the legal file for Lord Sirius Black. Also in there are the copies of His Godfather ritual to Harry Potter and the Potter wills also stating this. To be blunt… No trial records, no interrogation records, even his transfer to Azkaban was only signed by the then Head of DMLE, Bartemius Crouch. Cornelius, If you make this look like you are righting a very grave wrong from the prior administration then we would be willing to warn you less publicly should someone try to use your position again in an improper way. "
Harry sighed. "Minister, Here before you is the Information, we will bring this up in the meeting tonight and want you to be informed. I will not use gold to bribe you but I will use the law if you try to counter this. We are giving you what no one else has, advanced warning and full disclosure. How you use that is up to you."
Fudge glared at the boy but then sighed and opened the folder and after a minute he asked them to sit down and go over how they would address the issue so he could take his stance in an independent way.
After an hour they left with Fudge's signature on the prisoner transfer form. His last words were telling Amelia that he did not need to know where the man would be as long as he was in the courtroom for his trial on time and with proper documentation of his ability to testify. He wanted this clean and simple if possible.
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Later that evening the Wizengamot met with Anna and Harry taking the Founder's seats again. The new Chief warlock called the gathering to order and they started with old business. Less than five minutes in, Harry pulled out notebooks for him and Anna to review some financials for Hogwarts and their own Accounts.
Thadious Nott glared at the two, "Is this boring you, Lord Gryffindor. Are the issues of this body not important enough for your attention?"
Harry did not even look up, "Actually I did hear all you have said and it is word for word what was said last time this law was tabled. I have the minutes from that session right here, (holding up a roll of parchment) I do not see why we should listen to it again. I do see that this law has five parts that will limit other lesser Magical families from doing exactly what you say the law will do for this very Gathering. Do you mean to say you want us to allow a law that will make only those already in power richer at the expense of those already taxed to the limits?"
Nott sputtered as many looked closer at the Copy in front of them. It was Dowager Longbottom who called for a vote to scrape this law and move on. The vote was unanimous. The next two laws were also voted to be pulled. No one dared to question Lord Potter-Gryffindors attention again.
The new business went slower as the 'Founders' actually read the full copy and looked right at the ones issuing it. Harry grinned and handed Anna two galleons. "I see why the great Magical community of Britain is the breeding ground for Dark Lords. I have now read four Items put forth to be laws that clearly allow those with Status or money to do as they please. I see I will have to Correct this thinking at the earliest levels. I am putting forth a bill to balance the cost of educational supplies. That means the same price regardless of any status, And let me be clear, If anyone here can effectively argue why this bill should be denied without any Bigotted wording or propaganda, then I will retract it. But if even one word under that criteria is used, the speaker must abstain from the vote."
After seven of the 'Purebloods' had to stop their arguments under the challenge rules, they gave up. The neutral and 'light' factions had the greater majority now and as those seven were now to abstain from the vote Harry started phase two. "As this has clearly been stated and as you can see none of these fine 'Upstanding Citizens' have any valid arguments, I propose we vote to pass or reject this bill. I also know it won't matter much till next school year but to get it passed now will give businesses time to… correct.. Their product markings." The vote was close but clearly passed and it was noted that the seven abstains were the only ones to do so. Harry looked over the room as he smiled.
Fudge was quick to pull out his folder. "In light of certain evidence recently brought to my attention, I ask Lord Potter to step forward and present his case for the review and corrective actions regarding Lord Sirius Black." The room nearly rioted till Fudge Held up a folder. "This is the full criminal record of Lord Black. It has nothing after the arrest report. No Evidence other than an overheard statement by a post traumatic event suffering man. No Review of last spells from his wand. Not even trial records. Tell me oh great Members of this esteemed body. If the last administration willingly let a Noble Heir be placed in Azkaban without a trial? If so then we set precedence for future administrations to do the same."
The murmurs grew as Harry stepped to the floor and took the folder from the Minister with a bow. "I brought to the Minister's attention that the Potter wills stated Sirius Black as being my Godfather by ritual… yes I said by ritual. That means, after getting a quick education on it, that he should be dead if he truly did betray my family. He is still alive so we looked into the trial that convicted him, and found nothing of the sort."
The room started to get quiet as Harry took a breath. "In all fairness I simply want answers. Did he betray the Potters? Was he really a Deatheater? Why was he placed in Azkaban when all of those who were 'under the Imperius' still got their trials, even the Lestrang trial was days after Lord black was sent straight to the prison. I only ask that we do this proper and by the book. I even will abstain from any vote as this is a personal issue. Do we all agree to set the date for this trial?"
After some debate the room agreed to set the trial for next week. The Dark members had thought that it being the start of Hogwarts would mean they could get to Black before the trial and even keep Harry out of the trial. They keep forgetting that this boy was not uneducated like most children.
The last few things went by and even Harry and Anna agreed to some of the proposals but only if it was cleaned up. They kept outing the sublines that gave certain people advantages.
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Time skip to trial…
The day of the trial was somewhat hectic as the press was trying to ambush anyone on the Wizengamot. When Lord Potter and Lady Puffington arrived the room surged but quickly stopped as his wand was out and a massive golden dome surrounded them. "WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? That could have easily been considered an attack on us and as it stands the very fact that this shield is the only thing stopping you means that all of you can be detained. Today is not about news ratings and savage questioning of people before a trial. It is about justice so if you want to explain to your publications why you spent the day in a holding cell instead of in the courtroom then please continue." The fact they all saw his eyes glowing, even through the shield, had them stepping away. One reporter was whispering to a green quill floating over some parchment. The quill froze up before marking out everything then writing out 'I am lying to the public' repeatedly. Moody was watching this and grinning as he wanted to know how Potter had pulled that off.
Once they took their seats in the courtroom Harry sent a memo to Bones who passed it to Fudge. He read it then turned and nodded to Lord Potter-Gryrrindor. The room was filled up and soon the trial began as the new chief Warlock called to order he was handed the memo from Fudge. "As per the law, Lord Potter will abstain from the votes and ask that the proxy for Malfoy be reminded that he must also abstain as Malfoy is Married to a daughter of Black." That had a few murmurs till the Warlock banged his gavel, "If this was not already done then I Would have announced it myself, as per the law."
Soon the evidence was gone over and was clearly found lacking. One of the dark faction stupidly challenged the Potter will as it was not brought up earlier. The Chief warlock looked at the man as if he was truly brain-dead. "You mean the will that was sealed illegally by the former chief warlock, backed by this very Wizengamot, and that also showed other issues with said actions of the Former chief Warlock? That will?"
The man retracted his statement as he received glares from some of the others. Soon Sirius Black was led in and sat down at the chair with chains. They barely draped over him and that had the attention of the whole room. "Sirius Black, you are here to testify as to the accusation of betraying the Potters to the Dark Lord, How do you plead?"
"Not guilty, Now, Give me the Damn Veritaserum." The room broke into a fit as a pureblood was actually demanding the truth serum. After it was administered and the test questions asked they asked the direct questions. Sirius spoke clearly and directly, showing he was not fighting the serum. When he recounted all the events and the way he was just portkeyed to Azkaban from the interrogation room, the crowd were in a tizzy. When it was finally voted on only five members of the dark faction voted against but the look on their faces told that they did not even wish to vote at all.
Once he was cleared as he was never convicted in the first place the Chief Warlock told the members of the Wizarding Wireless News to report this trial over the air right away and repeat it every 2 hours to ensure no one tries to attack Lord Black when he is in public. Black however was sweeping the room looking for his godson till his sight was blocked by Amelia Bones. "He will meet you in my office after you collect your belongings, also you need to remain calm and do not approach him just yet. I know they explained what has happened in the last couple weeks but I need to be clear. Lord Potter does not trust most adults and after all that has happened to him… I cannot blame him."
When they arrived in her office after getting his things and then sending an arrest order for Bartimus crouch Sr. for stealing items from the personal effects locker, I.e his money and vault key and certain items that can be sold, They froze as Harry had his wand pointed at Bones. Without saying a word Bones nodded and turned to look at Sirius. Being still a bit out of sorts from Azkaban he automatically turned to look at her. The spell flew out fast and direct and Sirius turned in surprise when a full grown woman fell away from his shoulder.
Bones however was livid again and grabbed the woman by her robes. "RITA SKEETER! You are under arrest for Illegal animagus and Illegal spying on the Director of the DMLE and three Noble and Most ancient Houses. Don't think this will be swept under the rug." She opened her door and glared at the room. "WHO THE HELL IS IN CHARGE OF THE ANTI-ANIMAGUS WARD FOR THIS OFFICE?"
"I am ma'am. I set the ward just last week and do so weekly." He cringed as he saw the frazzled Skeeter being held up by Bones. "I will report to Sr. Auror Moody for retraining Ma'am."
"Good and while you're at it take Ms. Skeeter here to the Full suppression cells. She is an animagus and not to be released by anyone but… Lord Gryffindor. Get Moody to escort you as well. Now GO!" She threw the woman at the Auror then returned to the room to see Sirius still staring at Harry. That was the beginning of a very interesting meeting.
(might add as flashback later)
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Time jumps back.
The Bones Manor was busy the night before Harry, Anna, and Susan would leave for Hogwarts. The children already had some tutors for History and Potions working with them. Harry agreed to continue on the weekends till he was cleared for that year's exams. He also wanted to see how it would look if five squibs had their OWLs in Potions and History. They would look into Herbology at a later date.
Susan looked at the others with a sad smile till Tali and Marie double glomped her with giggles. It cheered her up a bit. Harry looked at the room and started to hum. It was an old tune that gave hope and courage, a rally call for the younger ones. Sam took up the next line and it continued till all of them had done a round.
Anna smiled and sipped her tea. "Lily, Tali, and Marie, I need you to listen to the House Elves. They will take care of you while we are out and Amelia will be in when she can. Only trust those who know the passcode and never answer the floo. I am trusting you to show us you are mature enough to be on your own. But we must be vigilant in our protection of each other. Now it's time for bed. We will have breakfast in the morning together. Harry and I will be back on the weekend as well."
They all had their hugs and said goodnight. Susan blushed as she got hugs from everyone, even Harry. When only the older three and Amelia were left Harry looked grim. "Ok so we have plans to cover them if we need to but all plans can fall in seconds. These are my Family and I will do anything I need to to protect them, anything!"
Amelia nodded, "I know, I have grown fond of them as well. If this location gets compromised or unreliable we will move them to one of my Hogsmead Safehouses. Tomorrow I will escort you to the train, Susan will help as well on the train and I do want letters in the morning or by dinner at least."
Anna laughed at the motherly tone from the woman. They headed to bed and by morning they had everything ready to go. Breakfast was simple but pleasant and the Hogwarts group headed out.
When they arrived at the station on the mundane side, Harry was the first to scowl. He had looked at a map of the station and seen several locations that had better concealment options than a pillar in the middle of two busy platforms. He also looked around for any cameras and decided to ask if the notice-me-nots worked on electronic eyes?
Once through Harry was glad to see an old train still looked in clean working order and he let his magic flow over it… that was when his good mood ended. Several listening and spying charms all over the locomotive as well as feeling several dark items in the baggage cars. He looked at Director Bones, "I will have the Hogwarts elves deliver a box of..items as well as a list of who had said items in their luggage or on them. The wards to block this have been removed. Also I found a few unethical spying spells in multiple cars and loos. I will have them transferred to dummy dolls to be investigated by the DMLE."
Once on the train he found an empty cabin and cleared it of spying spells, he then called for an elf. One appeared looking upset, "We is not to be answering a student's call…" Harry and Anna held out their rings and the elf looked worried. " I is Cammi, We is told by Headwhiskers not to answer anyone's call unless it is him or the staff."
Anna frowned at this, "Cammi, we are the founder's descendants and have taken up the lord and ladyship. You will tell all the other elves that the Headmaster is no longer allowed to stop you from answering a student's call for help. Also tell them that they are no longer to obey any rules set by the headmaster till after we hear them and decide if they are permitted. Now I want you to get that spread along the others then come back here and collect all the dark magic items on the train without being seen. Make a list of what the item is and who had it or who's luggage it was in. Also I need one of the elves to collect every spying spell in the train and put it on Dummy dolls with where it was found. All those and the items are to be delivered to the DMLE Directors office." The elf nodded before popping away.
After a few minutes Hanna arrived and they started to go over what all was happening. The procession of students walked by and Harry could clearly see the segregation of the 'purebloods' from the rest. He knew that had to be stopped. He wanted to make Hogwarts his new base of operations and have the others there as well, but first he had to ensure no bigotry would come to harm them.
After an hour the door was thrown open. Harry had cast his glamor to ensure the children of the wizengamot would not hide their bigotry in his presence. He even wore some worn out jeans and faded mundane band shirt. The boy in the doorway was a gangly redhead with smudges on his face. He looked around the room and sighed. "Not here either, I better find him fast so I can be his best mate and keep him from those uppity snakes." With that he left without closing the door. Harry used his wand to move it closed.
As the girls were talking the door opened again without knocking. A bushy headed girl wearing the school robes leaned in. "Hello, has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville lost his." The girl saw Harry looking over a copy of Hogwarts: A history and stepped in. "Oh I read that one already, It is very educational to anyone just starting at the school. Is there anything in particular you like about it? I was very worried to hear that I was a witch and had to attend the school or lose my magic. Any chance you know what houses you will be sorted into?..."
Anna clapped her hands ending the girl's words. "I think you have a lot to learn about the wizarding world and you are not looking into the right books. First you knock before ever opening a closed door if there is someone on the other side. Also you introduce yourself and wait for a reply. You were looking for a toad and that was your main goal so go find a Prefect, ones with a badge on their robes, to summon the toad. Take the boy with you so they can be specific. Now As to your question on the book, We are looking at the blatant falsification of the Founder's actions and methods. Lord Gryffindor was not headstrong and battle-happy. Lord Slytherin was not against all mundanes, nor did he start the term 'muggle'. Those are but two of the discrepancies. Finally, only Heiress Bones and Ms. Abbott will be sorted into what house is right for them."
Harry stood and looked at the girl with a stern face that did not belong to an eleven year old. "Greetings, I am Lord Harry Potter-Gryffendor. That is Lady Puffington-Hufflepuff, to her right is Heiress Susan Bones of the House of Bones. Also to Susan's right is Ms. Hanna Abott, Daughter of House Abbott. This is a proper greeting and it would be best to learn it. Think of the Wizarding World as a forien nation because in essence, It is. Who might you be, young lady?"
The girl was unnerved by the boy's tone and actions, He was stiff and formal and even his Name flagged her mind. 'Harry Potter-Gryffindor'? "Um sorry, I'm.. Hermione Granger, My parents are not magical so I don't really have a house.."
Harry held up his hand. "Very good, now as to you having a house, you may need to go to Gringotts and get an Inheritance test done. I have friends who did so and are now tied to different Magical houses. Not all will be welcoming but it will show that you do have a connection to the magical world of olden days. Most of the time it is squib lines that go for so many generations without magic then produce a first generation Witch or Wizard. That is not something you can research...yet. Now go find that boy Neville and find a prefect. Goodday Ms. Granger."
After she left and closed the door politely, they started to go over more of the issues in the book. That lasted barely an hour before the door opened again. This time Harry's eyebrow rose at the spitting image of Mr. Malfoy. The boy looked at each one and sneered, "The Heiress of Bones sitting with a Halfblood and Mudbloods. What is the future of our society coming too? I think that I will need to Get Lord Potter to see the benefits of getting away from your family and seeing the true nature of the proper Wizard's world."
He looked at Anna and frownd. "If you were a pureblood then I would be interested in courting you but alas you're so far beneath me that you're not even worth a concubine or a…" His words ended when Harry stood and dropped his Glamors. Anna stood and held out her ring hand. The blond fool gulped as he stared at the very dangerous looking pair. He suddenly remembered meeting them in the Alley.
Harry had his magic arcing off his arm as he glared, "Tell me dear fool. How do you wish the name of Malfoy to be remembered, As the house of the youngest person to be given detentions before even arriving the first time… or as the first person to be Expelled before ever being sorted?"
"Y..You c..c..can't do that. When my father hears about this.."
Anna looked shocked. "So you can speak with such vileness and not care, but when you are called out you run to your father? Do you have no dignity? You claimed that the true wizard's world was better than being around certain houses but you just proved yourself an arrogant and ignorant ponce. The very fact you dare to claim that I, Lady Hufflepuff, was not fit to be a concubine at best and yet you can't even stand on your own words of false superiority?"
Harry grinned as he looked the boy in the eye. "Pray tell what is it your father could do for you given the actions and words you have imparted?"
The boy was off guard, these two were speaking in ways the older generations did and even seemed to stand with more presence than even his father ever did. "I.. I am Draco Malfoy… My father is on the Wizengamot and the chairman of the Board of Governors for the school…" He had to stop when the others started laughing.
Harry calmed quickly and gave Draco a look that demanded submission, "As lord Gyffindor and Lady Hufflepuff, we disbanded the Board for illegal and improper actions. Your father is not and never again will be on the board. So again you have no grounds to stand on. I suggest you go back to your cabin with those two thugs in the doorway and think how you will explain this to your father. In fact I will ensure that you are properly disciplined before you are sorted. Goodbye, Heir Malfoy."
The boy quickly left and Harry reapplied his glamors. He called for a House elf, after the pop he saw an older one standing there. "Greetings Lord and Lady, it is good to see the Heir coming home to the castle. What can old Grizz do for you."
Harry smiled and nodded to the elf. "Grizz, can you bring us the Sorting hat, we need to inform it of some new policies." The Elf frownd but popped away then back a minute later. The hat looked stale and ragged.
Harry and Anna gasped at the state of the hat before Harry let his magic swirl around his wand. After three special cleaning spells and a sweep of any outside spells Harry started cussing. His old manners came back as his inventive ways to harm an old manipulating goat spilled out. Using his full intent magic, He blasted all the spells that did not belong on the hat away and as soon as he did the hat nearly jumped out of the elfs hands. "I'M FREE! Finally I can do my job and I need to do a lot of resorting, So help me I am not a tool for political games. I know those evil twins don't belong in Gryffindor. Nor does that stuck-up arrogant Stick up the.."
"There are ladies present." Harry said with a grin. "Good to meet you Terrence. Now let's get on the same page." He bowed down and let the elf put the hat on his head. After five minutes he had the elf do the same to Anna. When she was done the Hat was laughing loudly.
"Oh, Lord Gryffendor would have loved to meet you. Ok, you get me a chance to correct the sorting and I get you all the information you need. But you also need to call Fawkes. He was bound to the headmasters after the Founders descendants all left to see the world. He needs to be unbound so he too can get away from that fool."
The elf took Terrence back and let them finish the ride in peace. Only Susan and Hanna needed to don their robes as Harry's was an open robe designed to keep his arm hidden but easy to take off. Anna was wearing her Casual robes with the House emblems hidden under a notice-me-not. When the train arrived they headed out after telling an elf to take their luggage directly to the Founders quarters on the third floor.
"Firs' years, Firs years over here." They followed the loud bellows to a large man that Susan told them was Rubeus Hagrid. She said he was very loyal to Dumbledore due to being made the Grounds Keeper after being expelled from the school. She did not know the details but Anna told Harry they would need to look into all expulsions over the last fifty or so years.
When they got to the boats Harry was quietly growling. He had been letting his magic mingle with the grounds and the wards and found so many issues that he was very annoyed. Good news was he felt a very old connection. His memories from Gryffindor told him it was the Giant Squid. Anna was smiling as she held her hand out over the water. The others started to panic as a large tentacle rose out and slid under her hand causing her to giggle. "Semore looks good for nearly a thousand years old. Hey, maybe we can bring the others in summer and go swimming with him." Harry nodded but stayed stiff in the boat. He was glad the squid was still here to help any children but he still hated the idea of being over the water.
He also was annoyed that the first look at the castle was at night and only looked amazing in a lit up starry sky kind of way. It was better for them to do this during the day so they need to be on the train the night before or find a faster way to get there. They are wizards after all.
The boats landed and Harry aided the girls to the shore. He looked around to see the redhead still searching for someone. He also saw the Blond idiot sneering at them. He would learn...or not and be expelled. They followed the course of some ritualistic initiation for the new arrivals and listened to the Deputy Headmistress give her speech. Anna gasped at the sight of real ghosts and knew there were more than when the first Lady Hufflepuff was there. Harry was focused on the words about a nuisance of a ghost named Peeves.
Finally they entered the Great hall. That was the point when Harry and Anna stepped back a bit and watched as the Hat was brought forth. They had a laugh at the red head boy saying something about fighting a troll. They watched as Hanna was the first to be sorted. Anna smirked as she went to Hufflepuff, the smirk became a grin when Susan did as well. Harry handed her two Galleons
The sort continued with Granger going to Ravenclaw. The two thugs with Malfoy went to Ravenclaw and a boy Named Neville Longbottom went to Hufflepuff as well. Finally it was Malfoy's turn and as he walked up to the stool with confidence and smugness he never saw the two founders grinning at him. Once the hat was on his head he paled.
Inside the boy's head…
"Well what do we have here? Ah, One of those uneducated fools who blindly follow the propaganda of failures and zealots. Oh yes I see all your 'pureblood education' and I find it ridiculous. You have no loyalty but to your father, not even to your mother. You will only study and keep good grades because you are told to do so. Courage is a sickness where you are concerned and You have absolutely no guile and your ambition is useless without it. You are the farthest from being a Slytherine than even your impression of a Gryffindor. To top it all off you dared to insult someone very important… Time to face your punishment." (Outside after one whole minute.) "UNSORTABLE!"
Draco balked, "Y..you can't do that!"
"Ok, BIGOT!"
"How dare you, you useless piece of fabric?"
"RACIST FOOL IT IS!" At this point the whole room was laughing as a small table appeared off to the side of the teachers table. "As the Sorting Hat of Hogwarts it is my job to place future students where they 'belong' and not where they want to go. It is not some badge of honor or shame as to what house you are in. It is where you can grow the most. So when I find someone like this brat who does not have any redeemable qualities I will declare them Unsortable and that is final till the Founders decide otherwise."
The room was in shock as was the Headmaster. Soon the hat told Mcgonagall to continue. When it came time for the redhead the room once again was shocked. Ron Weasley was the name called out and when the hat started on him he paled as well. "UNSORTABLE! And don't worry because those twin devils will be resorted to Slytherin as well." Before anyone could say anything the Twin redhead third years at the Gryffindor table had their robes and ties and scarves all changed to Slytherin green.
When the last one was sorted the hat called out a few others, like Percy Weasly to Ravenclaw. Cho Chang and Roger Davies to Gryffindor. A few others also got switched. Albus had enough and tried to silence the hat but his spell hit a shield. "Really old man. Did you think you could do as you wish when the real Lord and Lady of the house arrived. I will be keeping them company and you will have a lot of explaining to do."
An elf popped in and grabbed the hat before popping out again. Harry and Anna were standing there smiling as the room looked at a frustrated Headmaster. The old man looked at them and sighed. "Harry.." He was hit with a gust of wind knocking back into his seat and looked at the boy glaring at him.
"Headmaster Dumbledor. I am Lord Gryffindor while in these halls and on these lands, Beside me stands Lady Hufflepuff. Do not forget the proper decorum for anyone here. We did not allow you leave to address us as anything less than our titles. Please remember that. I also will meet with you sometime tomorrow evening after a first day inspection of the castle. You can discuss things with us then. For now we will sit at our House tables and you may continue the opening events."
The fact that Malfoys and Weasleys were bitter house rivals meant nothing as the elves had silenced both of them after heated words had been said. Dumbledore started the feast with four odd and unrelated words that clearly showed he thought anything he said was golden.
With Harry sitting at Gryffindor table he was confronted by three redheads. "Care to explain why we are resorted, Lord Gryffindor?" The oldest boy looked livid and was ready to start something while the other two looked as though it was all a game.
"Messer Weasleys, I had a long chat with the sorting hat today on the way here. After I removed illegal spells on the hat forcing it to place people where someone else wanted them. It seems to me that you have not paid any attention to the things around you. You Are too much focused on details of rules and regulations to be brave enough to question when a law is wrong or unjust. You get good grades because unlike most in the house of Lions, you focus on studies. The twins here have a reputation in only two years for pranks and borderline bullying. That is not the way of a Lion. You each have future goals in mind and the hat has deemed those houses as the best way to reach your goals. Now please finish your meals and think those words over before you wind up like you dear brother who has no real goals and no traits worthy of the four houses."
Those in the tables around him listened closely and for once it was a real eye opener to what the sorting really meant. At the Hufflepuff table, Anna was talking to Neville about taking care of his toad and figured out that he really needed confidence and friends. This was the perfect house for him. It also helped that one of the new members said she helped her dad in the reptile and amphibian house at their local zoo. She wanted to learn about magical creatures that were not as popular as unicorns and dragons.
As she looked at the headmaster she felt a slight pressure on her head then the man flinched away. Her eyes scowled as she realized her Ladyship ring had blocked his Legilimency attack. She would inform Harry tonight of this.
The dinner finished up and the Headmaster stood again. "Now for the Reminder or first notice of the yearly rules. Mr. Filch the Caretaker has reminded me to let you know that spells and other magics are forbidden in the hallways and that certain zonko products and the like are added to the confiscation list. Please see the full list posted outside his door. I must remind you that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden for a reason.(looking at the twin terrors) Also this year the third floor hallway on the right side is out of bounds unless you wish a painful death. That is all, please follow the prefects to your rooms…"
Harry stood and loudly called out. "All those who have been resorted please join your new houses first years to be led to your new dorms. The elves have already moved your belongings. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy will be led to guest quarters till a meeting with their guardians tomorrow. Please send your guardians an owl tonight." The hall slowly cleared as the last two were led by Mcgonagall to the guest rooms where their trunks were delivered.
As the pair of founders headed down the third floor and nearly reached their rooms Harry turned and cast a stunner down the hall seeing it hit a shield. "Headmaster, I think you have more to worry about than where the Founder's rooms are. Besides, I know for a fact that right now there is a very pissed off Director of the DMLE wanting to meet with you regarding the removal of anti-dark object wards on the train… or your sick little spying spells in the Loos on the train."
The man never revealed himself but the sound of footsteps heading away said it all. Once inside the fake wall, the pair split to get their things situated then returned to the sitting room near the entrance. Anna called for old Grizz, "Ok now we need to know all the rules the Headmaster has put in place on the elves as well as any other things you think we should know?"
Grizz soon found an elf size seat was placed in the room just for him. "First you need to go fix the wards and fast. They do not protect the children like they should. Hydie! This one will take you there." Harry took the offered hand and disappeared. "Now (snapping his fingers, a page appeared with a list of rules) We were told you would be wanting this. The ones with stars are for special students. Two stars were to be for Lord and Lady."
Anna sat quietly looking over the list before getting out her notebook and pen. She wrote down a few lines and kept going till she had a page of her own. When she gave it to Grizz he smiled. "We will gladly do this Lady Hufflepuff. Now we also wish to tell you that there are dangerous things in the castle not far from these rooms…" He went on to explain what the teachers have placed in the castle and also about the Caretaker being a squib with no compassion for children. When Anna asked about the rooms not being used he pointed to one of the rules about not cleaning unnecessary rooms or halls. She growled and told him to get teams to rotate shifts so that no one over worked themselves and to start with each floor then do the dungeons last. "Clean each room as you come to it and repair things if you can."
Next was the warning of the Forest and how there was an Acromantula nest in it. The reason was forbidden, was to hide the fact of the Spiders being connected to Hagrid as well as the profit Headwhiskers gets from selling a lot of the silk. The last revelation for the night was that the new DADA teacher was being possessed by an evil thing and the headmaster was already warned. Anna took a deep breath then again. "Grizz, tell all the elves that we need a report list of everytime the Headmaster is informed of something bad happening. Write the date, time, and his reply then find myself ot Harry and write the time and our reply. We want it clear that if that man is not doing his job to protect the children then he needs to be removed, We will publicly call him on each of these issues." The elf nodded then popped away.
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With Harry during that meeting….
Harry arrived at the Wardstone and flinched as he felt so many magical signatures that seemed to fight each other. The wards were in worse shape than he thought. It took all his patience to get the protection wards unraveled from the counter wards from the past headmasters. After twenty-five minutes he finally removed the unneeded wards and used their stolen magic to boost the Anti-Dark Wards, The anti-rape Wards, The Spell eater wards that would suck up any spells not done in the classroom (unless allowed by the founders or staff), and most of all the Aggression wards that would petrify all students trying to harm another in any way.
The fact it took another ten minutes just to get those back into working order was not the worst of it. The wards seemed to be weakened by something else. Hydie sat back and watched the boy work with the raw magics using just his focus and intent. It was after the first few minutes that she realized he never moved his left arm. After a closer 'magical' look she saw why. The poor thing looked upset as Harry was resting. "Hydie is sorry but… but ..your arm.." Harry smiled and raised a finger to his lips.
"Hydie can tell the elves but they tell no one else, OK? I have lived like this for years so it's ok for me. Let me get the anti-spying wards up before we speak anymore." He took a few breaths and started again. The whole process took an hour and Hydie took Harry right to his room and then went to tell Lady Hufflepuff he had returned but needed sleep.
Anna asked for full details of what happened but the elf was not connected to the wards enough to know. She did say that a lot of bad wards had to be removed so the good wards could do their job. Anna thanked her then started on a letter to Amelia. She knew this would be very important.
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That same day after Amelia watched the children board the train she headed out of the gateway to see about the areas Harry had mentioned as well as watching the crowds near the pillar. The fact that a few People did notice the more unusual groups walk by annoyed her but the best part of her day was some woman being very stupid.
"All these muggles, it's hard to get through. What was that platform number again?"
A young girl's voice replied equally loud, "Nine and three quarters mom."
Amelia looked at the speakers and glared as she stepped closer to the pillar again. "Mrs. Weasley. I do believe you and your husband need to meet me in my office after you get your children on the train. You are very close to breaching a very important statute right now." The woman had the decency to look ashamed as she did get them to the train that was starting to leave.
When Madam Bones arrived back at the Ministry she sent a message to Aurthur Weasley to come to her office. It took him a few minutes and as he reached her door he saw his wife Molly also approaching. She looked very concerned as he walked up to her. "Molly dear, what are you doing here?"
She did not get the chance to explain as Amelia opened her door. "Both of you, Inside please." It was more of an order.
Once inside Bones sat down and indicated for them to sit as well. "Mrs. Weasley was overheard by a member of the DMLE, loudly and clearly stating 'muggles' as well as asking for the platform number. Her own daughter was involved and stated the platform number, again loudly in a populated location. Please tell me, Mrs. Weasley, why this has happened. Why did you clearly try to break the statute of Secrecy?"
Arthur looked at her with a scowl. "Molly, What were you thinking? We have three children in Hogwarts, two others already graduated not to mention ourselves. What in Merlin's name possessed you to ask such a thing? I want the truth Molly."
"Aurthur, it's not that bad, I was told that there was a young student who might not be informed of where the platform was or how to get into it. I was simply doing my part to help a child."
Amelia narrowed her eyes. "And who was it that told you to do this?"
Molly looked smug as she replied, "Headmaster Dumbledore of course. He wanted to be sure the student was able to get to the train. He didn't want the poor boy to miss it."
That had another flag raised as Bones looked Molly in the eye. "First, when was the last time you spoke to Dumbledore and did he tell you who the student was?"
Molly being the zealot she was grin cheekily. "It was just over a month or two ago. He said that Harry would need guidance from a 'Light' family so we should reach out to him to help…"
Arthur jumped up and yelled. "Molly Weasley, you nearly broke the Statute of Secrecy because Dumbledore told you to? I may respect the man but after so many things he has done wrong… I want you to come clean right now. What else did he say about Harry Potter-Gryffindor?"
Molly looked confused at Arthur's words. "Potter-Gryffindor? What are you talking about Aurthur? It's just Harry Potter and since Dumbledor is his guardian, he discussed a marriage contract with Ginny…"
Amelia had enough at that point. "Mrs. Weasley. As of two months ago, Albus Dumbledor was stripped of any false guardianship of Lord Potter-Gryffindor who was placed in DMLE care after becoming a major factor in a criminal investigation. That boy was abused and worse by the people Dumbledor left him with. It is all on file here in the Ministry. And was reported in the Daily Prophet. As for that contract, It is void because it has to be signed by both 'Head of house' not a guardian. So I will let Authur set you straight but as of right now… If you ever try to break the laws because Albus Dumbledor said to, You will be in the cell next to his. He had to step down from his ministry positions due to his negligence and falsified guardianship."
After they left Amelia was clearing up some paperwork when an elf arrived with two boxes. One labeled 'dark items' and the other 'Dummy dolls'. She rubbed her head and called in a few Aurors to go through the Dark-items. Moody was happy to log the Dummy dolls magical signature and when he returned it was not in a good mood.
"Alright, I have not been this disgusted since a deatheater threw up on my fake leg. All spells from the loos on the train are from Dumbledore. A couple of the spying spells are from seventh years and two from recently graduated students. Also the teams working on the items will be a bigger headache as most are 'pureblood' Heirs."
That was just the beginning of her long night.
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A/N reviews let me know im still doing a good job even if I feel off. Thank you all and Happy Valentines day 2022