Harry Potter's Secret Weapon
**OO**...
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: Remember this is AU. No horcruxes or hallows, a different take on dealing with Dark Lords. We're just playing in the sandbox.
Chapter 12 –Pest Control
**OO**
Monday morning, June 27th, Professor Slughorn's home
Marius Greengrass was just leaving after he had helped Harry with some of the technical words that he had found in translating the latest potion with Winky's help. They needed a healer to ask questions of. And a potions master to brew them.
Of course, the book was hinting that there was something, a physical something that healers used in the past, and there were also marvelous healing spells that Healer Marius had never heard of, or seen written about.
He was absolutely enraptured with the project, and was enjoying supporting Harry's efforts.
Slughorn was worrying over where in the world he was going to get some of the ingredients, but was definitely excited to be brewing something that was in none of his books! The first few were ancient versions of common remedies, only with more in depth notes and mentioning ingredients that were far more common and affordable than were in current use.
Harry quickly pointed out that Neville was an herbology prodigy, and anything he needed that was a plant, Harry would gladly fund the seedlings or research the source if they proved elusive. Marius had interrupted to say that Lord Greengrass would gladly provide any animal components needed, and pay for the plant parts as well.
But there was an odd bit in his book, as there again seemed to be random leftover runes. This time on the bottom page left hand side. They were not part of the potions at all. And didn't translate to any runes or parsel words that he knew. He was leaving that mystery alone for now, as Professor Slughorn assured him that the potion ingredients and directions were complete.
The transcriptionist elf made meticulous notes of these odd runes, and was keeping them in a special notebook.
Remus had been asked to come at the end of the lesson. Very mysteriously. What was Harry up to?
How their lives had been turned upside down! Remus had gone from job to job, never finding anything stable. Then taking a risk and teaching at Hogwarts. Just to reconnect with Harry. And unknowingly, Padfoot. He didn't like the Steward job, but he was doing it. And doing it well.
Seeing the hope in Harry's face – the hope of a home of his own, of real family had touched Remus. Hadn't he felt the same hope? Was Harry asking him here to make sure he was welcome back to Blackmoor Hall? He was the HEIR!
Of course he was welcome!
The lad looked up as Remus came in, and the professor showed Steward and Heir into his formal dining room, called for tea, and left, closing the doors.
Harry needed to have this talk away from home. He didn't want the House wards responding to his anger and zapping Professor, um Steward Lupin if it didn't go well.
"Look, for today, I am not talking to Unca Moony, the man that I should have known all my life. I am talking to a member of the House. Do you understand?" Harry asked.
At Remus' confused nod, he asked, "Can't I be both?"
Harry's magic flared for a moment. "Not right now, this is very serious. Ugh. Just don't make a joke."
Harry continued. "You are doing a wonderful job as Steward. The businesses are doing well, rents are coming in, things getting attended to that were neglected. Well done. Well done."
"But? I sense a 'but'?" Moony prodded.
"Look, we are all on the same side. Professor Slughorn has noted your animosity towards Healer Greengrass. Marius has been nothing but polite to you! And we're getting a lot done. I didn't have to hire anyone to brew these difficult potions. You do know what a nightmare it would have been to have to try to hire Snape! Honestly!
"Steward of House Black, I am asking you. No, begging you to please forgive the man. He was blackmailed into becoming a Death Eater and serves there as a healer. He never killed anyone, and has made oaths regarding my safety. And unlike Snape, he doesn't torture anyone, doesn't bully anyone. That's you!"
Remus had never explained to Harry why he disliked the Greengrass healer. Time for honesty here.
"He's with a vampire. The smell. Vampires are dark, deadly. An enemy to all. He has one as a lover, cub. Or should I say Raven?" Remus attempted, trying to loosen this very serious Harry up.
The teens had recently taken the potions to see their potential animagus forms. Hermione wouldn't tell him what hers was, yet, but that 'she wasn't interested in pursuing her form at this time'.
His form was a raven. Clever, curious, flyer. Distracted by shiny things. That was him in a nutshell. He was going to pursue it with Padfoot's help. They had already spoken on the mirror to reassure him that he was only going to be gone for a short time.
And that they were meeting with Darlene's family tonight for dinner. After the fight. Ugh.
Priorities. His wasn't a form that could really help Moony, sadly. He had been hoping for a wolf. Or any canine.
The young Heir wasn't buying Remus' attempt to lighten the tone. This really was something that affected the House. Only he and Darlene had really welcomed Marius at the wedding. So what if he was with a vampire?
"Okay. He's with a vampire. Have you ever talked to her? Found out about her as a person. You know, not judge her for what she is, but rather get to know her? As a person?"
Remus' head first flew back in shock and then he lowered it in shamed chagrin as he thought about what this not even fourteen year old had just said to him! When did his cub become wiser than him?
How many times had he indeed been hated for being a werewolf! And now, he was doing the same. Wait, was it the same? Vampires were dangerous! Bloodthirsty!
Oh.
Moony nodded, "You are very wise for someone so young. I'm sorry. I'll ask Marius if I can be introduced. Maybe then I can be more civil to someone who is helping. Wait, you're not paying him, are you? I haven't. Do I owe him money?" He asked in a panicked rush.
"Calm, yes, he is paid. Lady Greengrass is covering it. The Greengrasses are like the Blacks, the adult wizards aren't eligible for the stipend so Healer Greengrass relies on his work for money. No, it isn't me, but I will give him a bonus when the translation of the potion's book sells. He will have earned it. Him and Professor Slughorn."
There was a timely knock, and the potions master popped his head in to ask if he could send Healer Greengrass in now? Professor Slughorn was very "old school", and observed the protocols, even in his own house!
Marius was ushered in, and Remus now understood the reason for the third cup on the tea tray.
No time like the present. Moony stood, "Healer Greengrass," He began very formally, "I have been rude to you and you have my sincerest apologies. If you don't mind, I would like to meet your…" Moony gave Harry a look. "Partner. Get to know them as a person rather than judging them on their heritage. A failure of mine, it seems." He finished with a formal bowing of his head.
Marius was all smiles and offered his hand freely in friendship. "Of course, I forgive you. Have you heard of High Octane? We could meet there sometime. I would be happy to introduce you. You could bring a date. Perhaps the lovely Clarice?"
Remus ran his hand through his hair just like Sirius did when nervous.
"No, I don't think bringing Clarice would be wise. Werewolf? She might react as I have been doing. I'll go alone. Tell me when. I owe it to Harry to try."
Why did the healer have to prod him like that? His internal wolf agreed to going on a date with Clarice too, and killing a vampire sounded like a perfect werewolf date to Moony!
No, no, no. No killing lovers of people helping the House, Remus scolded his bloodthirsty inner companion.
If he did date, could he date Clarice? What if it went badly? He needed to concentrate on this mission, of meeting Marius' paramour and building better relations. Harry was right.
Both men beamed at Harry who blushed. He just wanted his 'family' to all get along, and Marius was just so cool!
Harry did finally ask Marius where he got his clothes, and was shocked to find out it was a muggle shop that catered to the Goth crowd.
Something like that would sell so well in Hogsmeade or Diagon. Harry made a mental note to add it to the list of potential investment opportunities for one of the Newly Pureblood Graftees. (NPGs for short)
Looking at the time, Harry realized he was going to be late. Hermione met him at the door.
"How did it go?" She asked.
"Pretty well. Your idea of flaring my magic was perfect. You are brilliant, you know."
Hermione blushed, "Well, I'm glad you think so, but I like to think that we both are."
Remus had finished setting up the meeting with Marius' vampire, and would be returning to Britain later that night.
They all met up with the Granger parents and their faithful bodyguards, and took the portkey to France. It was time to dance a different dance.
**OO**
Adrian had received a note to meet in Gringotts after work, that was signed by his grandfather.
He was very unhappy to see his father there. Released from prison, and not having committed crimes against Gringotts, he was allowed to meet in the 'Death Eater' conference room.
The man had a small bag of gold, and a shrunken trunk.
"I heard that you're having to work to pay the rent. Look, this false Lord Black will be taken care of soon, one way or the other. I don't want you or your mum working. Or worrying about gold.
"I have a wonderful opportunity for you here. Your grandfather wants you to join us. He thought that a bit of hard work would make you see that you were making the wrong choice.
"Your friend Draco has joined us. There isn't much time left. You need to come to your grandfather's house with me. Tonight. There's someone you need to meet."
Adrian looked at the pathetic bag. Someone had tried to clean up the trunk. There was probably worse rags than what he normally wore, inside.
But Steward Lupin had asked his mother to do some paying work, and part of the payment was a nice trunk, a Slytherin trunk full of good clothes that fit him.
He was on a precipice and he knew it: Stay and work for the Black family or try and support the Dark Lord.
He had felt Potter's power. There was no denying it. But more than that was a desire to earn his own gold doing something that he was proud of. Not by theft or embezzlement or whatever Malfoy was planning next. Nor by murder and mayhem, which seemed to be the Death Eater way.
Adrian stood, and stared into the man's eyes. "You claim to be about purebloods and their rights, but serve a half-blood who had a muggle father. I serve a proud house. Toujours Pur. And that is about the purity of Magic, and our responsibility to it. I don't know you, sir."
The goblin guard shifted a bit, as the man stood as well. Before he could stop him, the father had hit his only son; slapped him hard across the face, knocking him to the floor and bloodying his lip. The glave betwixt boy and wizard stopped the next blow.
"What do you think you're doing, animal? Don't come between me and my boy. Look at you. Comin' at me with that weapon! You can't wield a proper wand so you fight like a muggle. Don't interfere with HOUSE business. "
BloodRage scowled, "I don't know what you think you are doing, hu-mon, but your blood is going to decorate my armor if you try again. You are fined ten galleons, payable to HEIR Pucey, and you are banned from the bank for a month. Next time you come in, Mind your Manners! Or you will be ejected, and not allowed to return.
"This young man is protected by House Black." BloodRage warned.
The man took out coins from the bag, stuffing it back into the chest and taking that with him. He tossed the coins in a cascade at the goblin, the coins clattering to the floor.
"Fine! But he won't be Heir Pucey unless he learns who to serve. And when."
The guard called for aid, and let them escort the Death Eater out. His assignment was to protect the boy.
"Your grandfather wasn't allowed in. He...made some poor choices. I apologize for you getting hit, but by allowing him the one blow, I have prevented access to your family's gold for a month. In fact, we have a little plan to keep their fingers out of your money for a time."
Adrian had taken a moment to recover, then picked up the gold coins off the floor. There was more than ten, but he set them all on the table, neatly stacked.
BloodRage extended a hand to help the boy up off the hard ground. The lad was clearly stiff, likely from the hard work he'd been doing.
Adrian took the offered hand to stand and wound up shaking it.
BloodRage put all the coins into the boy's hands. "Fine was ten galleons. Payable to you. The rest is from your family. Use it for your females."
"Please tell your people to be careful. My father just told me that Draco Malfoy is now a marked death eater. He wants me to join as well. I won't serve Dumbledore. But I'm not killing anyone."
BloodRage thought clearly of what he knew of his own observations that wouldn't violate his secrecy oaths.
"I have seen Dumbledore fight. I have seen the dark one fight, in memories I should say. I have seen Potter's fights. Between them, I would serve Potter.
"Potter doesn't serve Dumbledore and has fought the dark one many times already. He protects innocents, he helps people. He is a good leader, and he can fight."
"Yeah. There've been rumors. Odd ones." Pucey shared.
"Ask him if I can show you the memory of the fight with the basilisk. An amazing feat for any humon, much less a child of twelve years."
"That was the rumor! And the Greengrasses selling parts." Adrian gasped, "Sorry, I guess I shouldn't talk about that."
"Profit and Honor, young one. Do you need healing?"
Adrian touched his face, "No, it's not that bad. It's worse when he's been…At least he wasn't wearing his ring."
"I think he wanted to steal yours. Be careful. I am to see you safely back. Do you prefer floo or portkey?"
"Thank you. Floo is fine." Adrian offered his hand again and shook, "I need to check on my mum and sister. Make sure they are alright."
BloodRage escorted Adrian over to the wall where the preferred customers floo's were.
"I'm sorry, sir. I can't use these…"
"You, Mr Pucey are a preferred customer of Gringotts."
"When did that happen?" Adrian asked in shock.
BloodRage smiled, "Oh, very recently. Congratulations."
**OO**
Juliette had known for some time that her little girl had a crush on Harry Potter. But Sofia was aware, and had bragged at school, about how she was related to the Potter boy since she was small.
But the storm that had returned Harry Potter back to them was so very sudden. After the British had basically said that Darlene had no rights, and had been unable to secure her guardianship of him when his parents were first killed. They didn't know when they would see him again. Especially since she wasn't a British citizen. She had been treated very poorly. And now, he was back.
And poor Harry wouldn't remember them. And had never met Sofia!
"You are still too young to date, young lady. This is a chance to have a quiet dinner. Let him get to know you as a person. Fighting with his friend? That was not wise. And calling his girlfriend a name at the ball? I had several people pull me aside to ask me to leave you at home next year if you are going to be mean to others. Especially the heroine of the moment. This is just not done in public!" Juliette pointed out.
The social niceties had to be observed or they would be ostracized. And though Darlene hadn't said why Harry was here in Paris, they did say it would be in the paper.
"Why can't it be just a family party? Without that…person."
Juliette had asked for the very same. With Miss Hermione Granger there, her daughter would never have a chance to be noticed.
The young countess should just be left at home, and let this be a family day. And she had tried to beg for it, saying that there would be hard feelings. Apparently, the Grangers helped translate for the boy not raised speaking French. He would have if he had been raised there!
Of course, if he had been raised with Sofia, he would possibly look upon her as a sister. Not something that Juliette now wanted either.
Why couldn't they date, once Sofia was older? There was such a rush to date so young. Magicals were long lived. There was no cause for such.
Sofia might not have a title herself, but she was the granddaughter of the Duke of Orleans! Of the House of Orleans!
Juliette had tried to push for Sirius' freedom. She had. If only she had been successful. She could have used it to bargain with House of Black for a betrothal with her little girl before her daughter was married. Now it would look…odd.
Well, British married their own first cousins all of the time, so this would be in the same line.
The designer promised a dress by five. Juliette knew that pictures of the wedding would be floating around Paris. Sofia couldn't be seen in the same dress a third time in so short a time span. It made them look as though they were without resources!
"There will be no dancing tonight, and Harry is likely to be tired. He's doing something for the Minister. Maybe they're going hunting and taking out the chupacabras from the palace back garden? I don't know. You need to be polite to Hermione and her parents. And kind to Harry."
Harry and François had plans before his meeting doing something grandfather/grandson. But Juliette hadn't paid attention.
Juliette Fenwich loved matchmaking. Too bad that Darlene had spoiled it for her, falling for Sirius so young. Perhaps she would have more luck with Sofia.
Catching the Boy-Who-Lived? That would be…delightful.
The dresses on order for later were more appropriate for such. Tonight's frock was simple. Simple and bright, and promised to be ready on time.
**OO**
Monday, June 27th, Ministry of Magic
Crouch had called in sick that day, but had sent a letter with instructions that made no sense to Percy, but would have served well had they wanted to start a war!
He banished it to Grimmauld Place where Moody had asked him to send such proof of Barty's abnormalities. Percy had confided in the retired auror about some of Crouch's odd behavior. The man clearly suffered from a malady to give such bizarre commands. Was he trying to start a war with a quill?
Instead, Percy worked hard all day long to get through the backlog of parchments in the inbox. Most things were formalities. There were several things that were in a language Percy didn't know. He would have to find the right dictionary for and figure out at least what was being said before addressing it. He put those in a separate pile.
There were also a few items that needed Crouch's approval that were set aside for the morrow.
Maybe Percy could stop by Crouch's house.
He still had quite the stack to go through when leaving for dinner, so brought it all to Grimmauld Place first.
He left it on his desk along with blank parchment for later, and joined Remus, Penny, and the new secretary Clarice for dinner at Blackmoor Hall on time. When he returned back to Grimmauld, he worked some more, not noticing that some of the trickier items were already in the finished stack.
Percy went to bed with several things left to do, but in the morning, they were all done. He spent a few panicky moments searching for them before finding them all packed and ready in his satchel.
Mystified, but happy, as a quick read-through showed that everything was done right, Percy went to work, smiling, and whistling slightly off key.
**OO**
Monday, June 27th, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Dan and Emma insisted on going with Harry for this mission. That Auror Tonks and Auror Shacklebolt accepted a small note and just nodded wasn't anything important. Clearly, a note from Sirius, right?
In point of fact, both Aurors Tonks and Shacklebolt had switched roles, and were now a part of MMI6. Yet another resource for them in fighting the forces trying to bring back the dark lord.
No one wanted him back except those who liked the mayhem. They were tasked with helping Harry, and getting paid again for the same job. They tried to volunteer, but were denied. And MMI6 had some marvelous toys from someone that Dan referred to as Q, short for Quartermaster.
Harry had gone off for a short errand with his 'new grandfather'.
François had wanted to take him to a magical toy store to get a feel for what he might want for his birthday, and just get to know him a bit. Harry had been fascinated by many things, including a magical train.
Mostly it was just a chance to talk for a minute, alone, without everyone listening in. Well, except for Kingsley, and a hired goblin that tried to look casual while wearing armor in a children's toy store.
Harry was sending BloodRage a picture of that memory!
But the visit was short, with promises of seeing each other again soon at dinner. Harry returned to Aunt Calladora's until it was time to go do some 'pest control'.
**OO**
Hermione had come along to Paris as well, but she would be mostly staying with Aunt Calladora, per her request, while Harry left to do the actual work.
The elderly witch leaned in, "You will be careful, won't you? Just because there are other young men of the Blood doesn't mean that you are interchangeable. YOU are important."
"Ah. If this had been my other auntie, she'd be disappointed if I survived. You are amazing. Thank you." Harry bowed, but the witch insisted on a warm hug. He then refused the offer of use of the carriage. "The team has a portkey that will get us in. But thank you for the offer."
"Harry, I have declined to go to dinner tonight. I see Juliette often enough. I want you to get a chance to meet your new family with less of a crowd than normally is around you. But I do look forward to seeing you often this summer. You bring sunshine with you. Good luck, sweet boy."
Before he left, Hermione had similar words of concern, a few kisses and another warm hug. This one was completely different. Harry used it to suffuse his soul in preparation for a patronus. Hermione tried and failed for another attempt to join the team.
"But I CAN cast a patronus!" Hermione reminded the adamant parents.
"And you can join his team when you are sixty." Dan stated.
"I'm an adult at seventeen." Hermione's foot stomp proved it too.
"Adult? No. Your majority perhaps. And there is a HUGE difference between them. So no." Emma backed up her husband in this fight just like she would in any other. They were a team.
"Fine! I'll be in the library helping Winky with magical work if you need me!" Hermione dashed off, disappointed.
Harry hadn't even tried to get involved knowing it would only make things worse.
**OO**
Unbeknownst to the teens, Dan and Emma had business with the French MoM there regarding Sirius Black.
Color Harry impressed that they could take a brief holiday, during the work week, just to go with them to Paris. DADA and hand to hand lessons were canceled anyway due to Harry's injury. Besides, Moody wanted to come on another Harry Potter adventure. And hopefully prevent injury to anyone this time.
Aurors Tonks and Shacklebolt were again assigned as bodyguards. No doubt Director Bones would appreciate any memories from trusted associates. Harry didn't know that these memories would be going to MMI6, and both Ministries in France and England.
Harry briefly wondered if this meant his protectors were being paid twice: once by Sirius and once by the Ministry and decided that they deserved it.
The French had been allies and the Minister of Magic for their country had requested the help!
**OO**
Notre Dame was beautiful. A cathedral that took over a hundred years to build, mostly done by the thirteenth century, it had been home to many witches and wizards who dedicated their lives to helping others. And helped defend the populace from the dark lords of the time.
The gargoyles, quite ready to spring to action, were just part of the defenses hidden there.
The dementors in the bell tower were not a recent infestation, and powerful wards kept them in. But now that the French had discovered a potential solution to the longstanding 'standoff', the Minister was asking Harry for a favor.
One that Harry Potter was happy to grant. In exchange for a favor of his own - a fair trial for his godfather Sirius Black.
Since that was something that Healer Fenwich had been asking for from the government for the last year, Jean-Claude was happy to grant their wishes. Especially now that Sirius and Darlene were legally married – it gave Sirius French citizenship. And changed his standing for Jean-Claude to be able to act.
One of the priests, the crossed wands on his vestment, discreetly indicating that he was also a wizard, was part of the delegation that met Harry Potter. Remus Lupin nodded greetings, and the aurors shook hands. French aurors were standing with them. Red robes of the British, the blue robes of the French, and the grey robes of the priest. Only Harry and Moody were in black battle robes.
"We haven't been able to do maintenance there for decades! Perenelle Flamel designed the runes to trap them, but what if they fade? No one is sure, but it is suspected that Grindelwald put them 'ere as part of his plan to take over France. And prevent us from using the defenses long built in against Dark Lords. His ploy would have worked, and he would not only have been able to take over the city with its own defenses, but take over the country. Too bad for Grindelwald that the Flamels were part of the Resistance," the priest explained.
Remus took point to look at the containment runes. It wouldn't prevent the team from entering, but might keep them in, once there!
Fascinating. Lupin wondered if they could be reworked to contain a hostile enemy but allow friendly folk to leave peacefully. But that was a puzzle for another day.
"If we don't get them all and get stuck in there…" Remus worried.
Harry read the runes, and called for Baxter to bring him a book. Which he did, promptly.
Shacklebolt advised, pointing, "If necessary, I see a way to do this safely and retreat. We cut the runes here, get out, and put them back into place, restoring the magic of the circle." The priest looked at the book and agreed with his assessment. They both looked at Moody who was watching the flow of magic with his special eye and concurred.
"We'll chalk the demon wards, just in case they escape if you have to cut the circle." The priest offered. They could always be carved later if the boy failed in his task.
Harry thought of Hermione and Calladora, working together with Winky on their special project in the library. Neville working in his greenhouse or ordering new seeds as guided by Slughorn.
And somewhere nearby, Sirius. Reunited with his love. Harry would soon have a family of his own. How wonderful was that?
The Heir to the House of Black nodded. French and British aurors summoned their own Patronus producing thoughts.
They stepped over the runic enclosure, and entered the inner sanctum of the desecrated bell tower.
**OO**
Once the first dementor was killed, a blue-robed auror in the back moved out of position to see better. He didn't want to miss this show, but it was nearly a fatal mistake.
A dementor circled, taking advantage of the wizard being away from the others, and picked him up, bringing the auror's mouth close to the maw that was about to remove his soul from his body!
Fortunately for the auror, Tonks saw the movement, and sent her jackalope patronus forward, the horns grabbing the dementor.
Then it was time for Harry's patronus to come in. Tonks gasped. It had changed! Instead of a magnificent stag, it was now a large Grim! One whose teeth sank into where the neck of the creature should be, and grabbed hold. The dementor was shaken like a wolf would shake prey.
Something that others noticed when the dementor perished was that several glowing orbs left the disintegrating body of the otherworldly being. Released from their captor, they shot up to the heavens above. A beam of light appeared in the clouds to guide them.
The scream of pain, of terror from the nightmare demon itself was awful! Then the grim let go of the black cloak, the only thing left after more globes were released, and went to look for another dementor to end.
The next few minutes were chaotic, but a team developed. The other aurors made sure to keep the excess dementors back while Harry Potter's patronus destroyed one after another. The team cheered one another, and the herd of patronus animals worked well together.
In all they estimated that fifty individuals were destroyed. All of the dementors known of in France were no more.
The French and British aurors exchanged embraces, many trying to kiss Tonks on the lips 'for saving their friend'. She actually made her lips disappear so that they couldn't! But Shacklebolt was having none of that behavior!
He put his arm possessively around her. "Cheek kisses are traditional. All else are mine!"
Tonks quickly put her lips back and he properly bussed her, much to her pleasure.
Moody just smirked and made mental notes to collect on the bet he'd just won.
Remus didn't notice, and would have been happy for her if he had, but he was feeding chocolate to a tired Harry.
He also unshrunk the gift basket he had purchased at Honeydukes and the team eagerly and happily shared the treats.
"You were brilliant, cub. When did your patronus change?"
"Just now, I guess. I didn't know they could?" Harry admitted.
"It's really the first time you've cast it since we all moved in together. Sirius is somewhere in Paris. And you and the Grangers are meeting him for dinner." Remus stated.
Harry made a face, "As long as I sit between Emma and Hermione. Sofia! What am I going to do about her? I can't hit her – she's a girl! And Darlene's niece!"
Technically her sister, but Remus understood the mistake. "The Grangers will be there. I'm sure that Dan can embarrass both you and Hermione with enough stories of your adventures in Hogwarts that Sofia will realize that she has no chance with you."
"This is your idea of a celebration meal? Dan winning another round of twitting me?"
The priest walked up just then, "Mon ami! Bless you! Thank you for ridding our tower of those demons and freeing all those trapped souls. Did you see the 'eavens open to receive them? 'Ow glorious!" He'd later say a special mass for those poor unnamed people. But now he needed to address this amazing lad.
The priest continued, "Grindelwald must 'ave 'ad a spy with knowledge of our wards. If the demons 'ad been brought in through the gate many years ago when placed 'ere, I don't think they could 'ave gotten in. Someone bypassed the wards. No matter. Now that they are gone, we can reinforce the defenses."
The man gave Harry a rosary-like medallion made from olive wood and some kind of scented beads, presenting it to him with the traditional kiss to both cheeks. Harry sniffed at the beads, the scent familiar. Before he could ask, the grateful priest was explaining in his native language. Fortunately Remus was on hand to translate.
"Roses. The beads are made from the magical roses that bloom here, tended to by the nuns. Wear this the next time you face demons. It will help protect you and those around you. It has been blessed by the archbishop. A gift from grateful friends."
Remus translated for him. Harry bowed and thanked him, then thanked everyone who came. More than one offered to come on the team if Harry was ever asked to take care of a separate infestation. They had worked well together.
Harry smiled, "I will certainly call on you again if or when that should happen. Please make sure that Steward Lupin has your contact information. Thank you all for coming."
Harry passed out more chocolate with each handshake of thanks. And no one said anything derogatory about the English chocolate.
Harry had been told by Minister Delacour that all of Grindelwald's resources, at the time of his conviction, had been confiscated and dedicated to one mission: removing the dementor threat that he had brought to the world. Perenelle Flamel had received a small grant for her runic circles that she had published back in the day after it was safe to do so. The runes kept the dementors contained at least.
Charlus Potter had tried to banish both Grindelwald and the dementors back to where they came from, sadly without the device that he had spent so much time trying to find.
Whether or not any dementors were successfully banished then had been debated by those in the know. What was definite was that Grindelwald was killed in the effort, and earned Lord Potter several medals for bravery…except for the Order of Merlin in Britain.
Somehow that accomplishment and accolade was given to Dumbledore who had indeed been there, supposedly to help. Some of the French aurors of the time thought that Dumbledore had interfered with the ritual. For what reason, no one knew but himself.
But the ICW did give Charlus Potter a very nice gift of thanks for his attempt.
The French and English team would be able to claim this ICW issued bounty from the Grindelwald estate held in trust for this. Harry had no interest in the money for himself, but gladly allowed the team to pack up the cloaks and memories to share with the ICW, in order to share it amongst themselves.
The group took a portkey to Jean-Claude Delacour's outside office, where they reported on the success of the mission.
There was really no need to report, as the Head Auror of France had sent the minister a patronus. The wizard himself was there to welcome them with cool beverages that were a common energy drink for the local aurors. He pointed to the seats available. The smell of chocolate treats wafted from a nearby tray that a human server offered around, starting with Harry Potter.
The Boy-Who-Lived, not realizing the aura he was projecting, took the offered chair and not a few of the treats.
"So, when do I get the trial for my godfather?" The boy asked bluntly but politely. All the while munching some kind of French crunchy thing that was chocolate flavored and absolutely delicious. It could have been chocolate covered bugs for all Harry knew, but they were delicious.
Not in many years had Jean-Claude felt quite so threatened – and the boy wasn't even trying! He was sitting back and eating!
He had just been briefed by the Grangers on this subject.
"The trial will be 'eld this coming Friday. You are very welcome to be there."
Harry hastily cleared his mouth and smirked. "Please tell me you are inviting Dumbledore? He needs to see the truth or he won't believe it."
Jean-Claude made a note. Harry would be aghast to learn that it would be himself, unknowingly, that would lead to an assassination attempt on his beloved godfather.
"My new secretary will arrange for the team's bounty payment from the ICW. Well done. All of you. Bless you for removing this threat from France forever."
More handshakes and cheek kisses and people saying that Harry's middle name must be Lafitte and so forth.
Jean-Claude's previous secretary was in prison for his part in the attempt for the resurrection ritual. And setting up his family to be kidnapped. Now, everyone who worked for the Ministry in France was guaranteed free from dark marks and dark leanings.
**OO**
Paris, Cafe Blanche
Juliette would not stop talking, "You know, Harry. Your room is still waiting for you in our home. It's been in stasis, but it could easily be updated. You and Sofia should have grown up together, becoming good friends. Going to Beauxbatons together. Obviously, not taking the same classes, of course. But being close, good friends. Playing games and such together. Enjoying the highest society that you should have grown up in. Such a terrible crime making one of our ancestry grow up in the muggle world. A diamond plucked from the mud, you clearly clean up well and never stopped being a gem for us.
"There are many high society functions that you will now be welcomed to in France. It will be an honor to introduce you to the other Great Houses here."
Darlene added, "And lesser houses. There are many fine people in our world. Not everyone has a title." She was not going to bring up the Weasleys right now. It wasn't…prudent.
It was Dan's turn to speak, and now another round of Harry twitting. At least his stories had Hermione in them, even if Harry looked like a big dufus.
Sofia's mood was getting darker and darker as the meal went on. There hadn't been that many of them at dinner. Her parents, Darlene and Sirius, the GIRL and her parents, and him. Why was she seated so far from him?
And why couldn't HER father stop talking about all of the things that SHE had helped Harry with?
It was HER that helped Harry Potter slay a basilisk?
"Maman!" Sofia demanded rather loudly, and in a very whiny tone.
What was Juliette to say? Attempting to shift the conversation again away from Hermione and all of her assistance to Harry, she asked, "How do you find your classic arts classes at Hogwarts, Harry? Sofia is taking both flute and voice lessons, along with magical portraiture. I am very impressed with her seascapes. They are quite well done."
It was Emma who began to answer, leaning forward as though to block Hermione from Sofia's scowl.
But it was Sirius who piped up, "My brother played in the orchestra when we were younger. James and I took pianoforte lessons. I didn't take any of the art courses. I think that magical portraits class was taken out shortly after we graduated. I also tried violin but it greatly annoyed my mother, which honestly, was my intent. But she destroyed the lovely instrument."
Emma followed up the animagus, lamenting, "Alas, Hogwarts has dropped all of the art classes as well. And almost all of the language courses except Latin, and that isn't offered until sixth year. What were they thinking. As for music, again, all of the instrumental instruction is gone: all of the music except toad choir."
"Well, Harry could go and bring Hermione." Sofia bantered. The implication was clear to all that the witch would be croaking.
That was the last insult! Harry was done!
Trying for formal, Harry shared, "Lord Black, it is good seeing you so happy. Godmother, I look forward to seeing you Friday. Please, do be careful."
Hugs were given to both godparents, and François. But Harry was no idiot, and had seen Juliette trying to foist Sofia on him time and again during the meal.
Without a word of goodbye to either mother or daughter, Harry offered his arm to Hermione, Dan and Emma on their tail. He led them and their guards out to Aunt Calladora's carriage. It was time to be getting back there anyway.
Sirius and Darlene were also on their feet, but Sirius went over to take care of the bill while Darlene had a quiet word with her family.
"How dare you say that, Sofia? And Maman? You say nothing to scold her? Harry will never want to be in her company again, and we're supposed to dine publicly on Friday after the trial. Don't come! Don't bring her! I won't have a scene on a day of celebration. Today could have been a good memory for us all. Instead, it was most unpleasant. I have warned you of her behavior, and you have ignored me.
"Papa, take your wife and daughter in hand. You know that if our family lived in Britain, Dumbledore would never allow her in Hogwarts! Don't let her be expelled for bad behavior."
Harry drew strength and comfort from cuddling with his beloved. He was tired! And Remus had escaped that 'fun' meal to return to England and eat with friends.
Why didn't Moony love him enough to rescue Harry from Dan's twitting and Sofia's flirting. Harry could have left with him earlier!
**OO**
Monday, June 27th late night
Moony went to bed early for his mission later, so set an alarm. Clarice's smell in his office was overpowering. No. This wasn't going to work. He'd ask the elves to arrange for her own office, next door or something.
How could he concentrate on work if Moony was daydreaming of bounding through the fields, chasing something furry with Clarice's wolf?!
Remus awoke from his nap in time to shower and dress. High Octane was one of those underground clubs. Their doors didn't even open until the time that Moony was usually heading for bed. They had different nights dedicated to different themes.
Tonight was werewolf. How… quaint. Did Marius do that on purpose?
Enjoying the makeup and masks of some truly interesting people, Remus was shown to the VIP section of the nightclub; On the magical side. The seat had a view of the dance floor and long bar on one side of the room.
The familiar smell hit Remus as he walked up. So this was Marius' lover. He knew it was a wizard, but hadn't wanted to say anything in front of Harry. He didn't know how the lad would react.
Everything in him said this was an enemy. The wizard was tall, powerful, very handsome, pale, and had the deepest black hair he had ever seen. It rivaled Bellatrix' in terms of darkness. Remus fought down the need to draw his wand, and forced himself to extend his hand instead as he stood to greet him formally.
"Remus Lupin."
"Duke Byron Ambrose. Why is the Steward for the House of Black coming to me? Interested in hearing rumors perhaps? Like how your employer is supposed to be dead soon? And perhaps his Heir with him?" The vampire elegantly quirked his brow.
Moony growled, "Are you threatening Harry Potter?" Now his wand was in his hand.
"Pacem, peace!" The vampire stated soothingly, taking a seat, and waving Remus back to his. "I hear things. I would share with you what I know. In friendship. I have nothing against the Boy-Who-Lived, and he is helping my darling right now. And a maiden of House Greengrass. I support their efforts."
Remus made a statement as light as he could. As though they were comparing custard recipes, "Then let me share this information with you. If you or your partner are using this project to get close enough to Harry to hurt him, I'll end you."
"Oh, I see. Well. Let's see how to word this? I left my clan long ago. That was before the war ended. Attacking children? Babies! Not something I personally condone. I won't be a part of it.
"Now, let's talk about realities. You are a Steward of a House. You need things. Not everything you need will just be given to you. I can help. And you can help me. I missed out on a fortune not being a part of that basilisk deal. I don't want to miss out on other opportunities.
"Marius trusts me, and I know more about what your boy is looking for than Marius does. When you get to the interesting bits, you come find me. With my, what did you call him? Partner? Good word. We can't marry, his family would never accept it." Byron revealed.
"What? There have been other wizards that married wizards. They just hired a muggleborn witch to carry the baby!"
"You're adorable. No, like you, it's the vampire thing. I'm never going to be invited into anyone's home. What if my brain starts to rot? Or what if I lose control? Yule dinner goes from a pleasant family meal into me dining on dear Aunt Sally? No, I think not. I would never be accepted. Wizard or witch."
"You are willing to be an ally of House Black? Why? What do you gain?" Remus asked.
"I am surrounded by people here in my little club. Goths pretending to be vampires. Cute really. But they don't know what it's like to be alone. Really alone. Marius does. You too have known this.
"Healer Greengrass has been rejected by witches and wizards on both light and dark sides. This blood war is still raging, and we are both orphans of it, just like Harry Potter. Of course, I will help him to end it, once and for all."
"Are you hoping to rejoin your clan?" Remus asked.
"You know, that is a very good question. What does true victory mean for me? A world where I can openly date a healer, man or woman, safely? A world that sees me as a person instead of a creature. We all eat. Humans kill to do so, well, the ones that eat meat. Even if it isn't by their own hand. I can survive on animal blood, and I don't need to kill animals or humans to live either."
"More of a milk drinker, or eggs than killing the cow or chicken sort of thing." Remus offered.
A toothy grin answered his wit.
"But whatever the future holds, I would rather embrace the final death than ever raise my wand or use my powers in anger to a child or innocent. And yes, that does mean adult wizards and witches that go about their life and have never harmed another soul."
Remus knew that Moony hunted in his base form. He reveled in the joy of it. Hmm. How come he had never hurt Prongs? He might see Padfoot as a member of the pack, but why hadn't he taken down the big deer and munched on him? Rather grim thoughts to evaluate later. They were idiots when they were teens, no doubt. What a risk! Moony must have recognized that these were friends even while Peter was in bite-sized snack form.
"I want to help Harry Potter to end the menace that is the Dark Lord. Regardless of Marius Greengrass or not. And if your inner wolf can't accept me, send one of your servants to me. I will use them as my conduit to House Potter. And Black." Byron offered.
"You'll keep our secrets?" Remus queried
"I already am, far more than you know. Please. Watch over the children. Miss Granger and Mr Potter. Bright, beautiful, bold. They will be our King and Queen here if we play things right. And perhaps, under their reign, we can all sleep a bit sounder. Perhaps marry the mates of our choice."
"You have a poet's soul, vampire. You give voice to my heart's secrets. And I agree with you. Something I did not think was possible before tonight. You have a nice business here. If you know as much as you appear to, then you know we are keeping a list of businesses to open, to support the right people. Harry is an amazing young man. He holds no prejudice. He would back you, your mates, anyone you recommended as long as they were against the evil one."
"I have heard rumors of a few Houses finding Heirs in other places. How very interesting. And what if Heir Potter loses his money, though? Will he come after them?"
Remus laughed. "Heir Potter is short, dark, and very, very clever. If I didn't know his parents, I would think him part goblin."
Ambrose threw back his head, and laughed deeply in delight. The laughter was infectious! Light! Bright! Together, vampire and werewolf, instead of fighting, were laughing. Together!
In that moment, Ambrose looked so much like a free young Sirius that it hurt Remus' heart. How had such good friends gone from laughing like this to the tragedy of their lives?
This was good! The goodness in this man was evident in his buoyant, boyish, innocent laughter.
Remus took a hard look at the place. There were no drugs being sold in the corners, no illegal gambling, just some card games with strict limits. Nor any of the normal underworld activities going on. Not here. He might have other businesses, other places for that. But in this place, if this place was this man's heart, then Remus judged him good.
Per Harry's orders, he took out a communications mirror connected to his own and Healer Marius'. "Look at this! Harry's father and godfather invented this. Play with it, and tell me. How much would people spend to have this for themselves?" Remus handed Byron Ambrose the mirror and instruction booklet before offering his hand.
"Thank you." Byron breathed. A magic mirror! How clever.
"Thank you for meeting with me, Your Grace. I will convey your words to Lord and Heir Black." Remus bowed.
Ambrose shook the hand offered in wonder. The werewolf had accepted him! But this was a fragile trust that could easily be broken. Byron knew that any attack that seemed to come from him would shatter it, and they would lose this bright hope for a better world.
It was in his best interest to help a child! A boy not even fourteen years of age.
"Thank you, and please extend to your family my thanks for this wonderful gift. As you can see, we have telephones here. I am very familiar with the concept of handheld communication. But living in the Victorian age, I had never hoped to see it migrate to our world." Byron bowed.
A costumed employee had approached, and waited patiently for her boss' conversation to end.
"Sir? We have a problem. Mundungus Fletcher has been spotted near the entrance."
Remus tried to pretend he hadn't heard, but Byron gave him a sardonic look. 'Really? You are going to play that?'
"Mundungus Fletcher was in Dumbledore's Order. Is he here spying on me? Or something unrelated? Best be safe." Remus grinned. "May I call my elf?"
Byron laughed again, and nodded. Remus was elf-popped away. Lupin returned to his bed, his heart much lighter.
Moony needed to get a nice gift basket for Marius with an apology. Like himself, the healer had a fondness for chocolate. Muggle when he could get it. Hmm. Maybe that was something to look into as well.
He'd ask the elves to keep aside any animal blood collected from the normal course of business. How would a healer react to some fresh blood as part of a gift basket? The blood for his lover? Hopefully the intent would be clear.
Remus started the report in his head before he put one word down on parchment. How did he sum up this visit?
He needed to let everyone know that they had a bartender on their side - one that had tentacles into both muggle and magical worlds, someone who likely kept an eye on criminals. Who knew? What else did he have as a source of information?
Time would tell.
**OO**
Same night
Dung gave them the slip. And reported back to his friend.
Moody.
Alastor didn't trust anyone named Greengrass, and no one who got their food through their sharp and pointed teeth!
What was Lupin playing at? Maybe warning this vampire off. Alastor almost trusted Lupin. Enough to let him in the wards of his war room.
And bring Potter there for lessons. The boy was good and getting better. He needed more physical training though, and said so.
He might not be able to do DADA lessons this week, but he should and could walk, move, cast whatever he needed to do to get physically stronger.
Tonight had wiped the boy out. Ha! As if HE could destroy a half-hundred dementors before his fourteenth birthday. The boy had a right to be tired.
But good physical conditioning would help him. Hmm. He couldn't risk injury. What else could he do to train the lad…
**OO**
Tuesday, June 28th, MoM London
A jovial sounding call of "Lucius, my boy! Just the man I need to see!" slowed the white haired man, but he didn't deign to completely stop. Forcing the elder man to keep pace with the blond or make him come to a stop.
The only power play Lucius was brave enough to dare.
Malfoy was extremely unhappy to be called so informally by anyone, but it would be beyond foolish to challenge this old fool to an honor duel here. His Master was afraid of very few, and Lucius feared what the Dark Lord did.
"Headmaster? How may I help you?"
"I was sorry to hear about the theft of your fine lady's necklace at the ball. Terrible thing."
Theft. Right.
"Sir? I am quite busy today."
"I just wanted to ask you if you and your lady would be attending Sirius Black's trial in Paris this Friday. I've been invited, but I have other obligations, scheduled long in advance. He's clearly guilty, but we'll see what the lawyer claims as a reason for his actions. Madness, perhaps?"
Lucius clutched his cane tightly and spoke rapidly. "Truly? Well, that should be interesting. Unfortunately I have a previous engagement that will take most of that day. I guess we'll just have to read the guilty verdict in the Daily Prophet. They'll likely send Miss Skeeter, don't you think? This is me. Good day. Sir.", as he walked more quickly towards the lifts.
Albus let his catch go. His mission was done, anyways.
Best go remind Severus of all of the reasons to hold a grudge against Sirius Black.
**OO**
Hogwarts
Albus was tired, but he still had much to do. He stroked his Phoenix who gave him a rather annoyed look before trying to go back to sleep.
"So judgemental! You'll see, this is for the best."
The wards showed the visitor's name. A name that others thought was of a dead man, but Albus had known all along he survived.
After all, if Peter had not come to him, the Fidelius charm would never have been 'broken' and everyone involved would know Peter still lived.
"Come in, my boy. Come in. So good to see you. Now, your note sounded like this was urgent?" Albus guessed.
Peter took the seat and accepted the tea. He had been a good and faithful minion. No reason to worry about poison.
Peter accepted a lemon biscuit and slurped tea like the prole he was. "You know that I tried to destroy the Dark Lord long ago." Peter expounded, airily, "I had no idea he had created a horcrux. At least it was just the one, or we'd be tracking them down forever."
"Good, good. Only one to find then." The Headmaster stated disingenuously. Clearly fishing for what Pettigrew knew about the current situation.
Peter shook his head, "Now, now Headmaster. You forget, I was here. I know that Harry destroyed it. Otherwise dear sweet little Ginny would have been destroyed herself, and the Dark Lord would have returned a year ago. It's gone, and so almost all of the rituals to restore him to a body are useless. Useless!
"What brings me here is that the Dark Lord is recruiting young men. Draco is lost to us. On his 14th birthday, he killed a muggle procured by his father, and took the Dark Mark. It's faint. But it's there.
"This weakened the Dark Lord greatly, so is holding off marking any more. Lucius was told to find something to strengthen him in the meantime. Narcissa found something in the old Black Library in their house, and says she has an idea that will prove Draco's usefulness to his Master. But she wasn't forthcoming to her husband about what it was exactly.
"Narcissa has been grasping at one ritual after another that relies on the royal blood that the Dark Lord insists on having for his ritual to insert himself in the line of succession. Once he is resurrected, and if he does have Granger or someone else's then he plans to become ruler of Britain.
Albus nodded sagely, "Yes, he definitely needs to be stopped before killing the muggle queen. The muggles would react very poorly to such tomfoolery. No, it would risk our world being destroyed. But he does need to be reembodied so that Harry can fulfill his destiny, once and for all.
"And the best night is the Summer Solstice, so you said. I am planning for the last task for that date, pushing out the school year for that very reason. However, Harry is proving quite the disappointment. I want to help him achieve greatness, but alas. He slaps my hand away. Time and again." Looking the very picture of the rejected and saddened mentor.
Fawkes squawked derisively at that and tried to take flight, but was brought to heel by a bright cord of magic. One that Harry would now be magically strong enough to see - if Padfoot and Moony allowed him within three miles of the man, that was.
His magic was blooming the longer he was under the true blood wards. And away from the tethering spell that drew magic from Harry.
The cord was significantly shortened after Fawkes' little rebellion in bringing the hat to the boy. That had not been the plan!
"The bird always did favor the boy, even as a baby. Harry was such a good baby. I can see so much of both of his parents in him. Except for loyalty. He owes you much, sir." Peter said sincerely, snapping up another biscuit from the plate.
"What orders were you given, my boy?" Albus inquired, returning to business.
"I relayed to Barty to lay low, and bide his time before trying to kidnap Potter. It is too dangerous to do it early. There are forces at work that could attempt to rescue him, not understanding that the goal is to destroy the Dark one utterly this time. Then I can explain this very long plan to my friends and be reunited with them at last. I would be dead if it wasn't for Harry! He is such a kind and good boy." Peter proclaimed.
Albus stroked his beard. This was new. What would a life-debt mean to his plans? Peter had to be involved with this new ritual. And using Harry's blood was perfect. But if the boy was in danger of dying, as Albus planned, what would Peter do? Where would his true loyalties lie?
"Any word on the location yet? I know that the boy is working on the translation. Surely Tom wants his people to secure it first."
"Yes, we could avoid all of the ritual nonsense if that could be found. Charlus, Lord Potter had no luck at all trying to locate it in he had truly tried time and again. Please, tell me that you finally got the goblins to at least give you access to the family vault for Chaz Potter's notes?" Peter asked.
"Alas, the goblins never accepted my guardianship of the boy well. They continue to deny me. I haven't approached Harry yet directly. It didn't seem prudent at this juncture." No further gifts of money or items to be sold had been received from Harry's owl ward redirect. Sirius must have interfered with that as well. No matter. Once everything was done, he would have enough resources without it.
A chime rang on his desk. It was the ICW mail box, probably with another demand to sign the blasted contract participation contract for the TriWizard tournament.
The last three had certain 'improvements' Albus made that they caught and refused to accept as signed. Didn't they understand that his was a higher calling? A higher purpose?
So what if a few brats were hurt if the worst dark lord in history was finally brought down!
Then a different chime went off.
"Severus is approaching. You'd best take your normal route out. First, let me cast the charm."
The fidelius for memories allowed the person to be his own secret keeper. Veritaserum, legilimency, nothing could retrieve those memories. As far as Albus knew.
Unbeknownst to the manipulative would-be ruler of Britain, nothing except time, and a certain combination of events COULD override that charm. And had. Especially for his victims that he never meant for them to remember.
"Please. Let Snape hear about Karkaroff being replaced. I'm no longer welcome at the Burrow, but I still hear things." Peter stated, ever eager to please.
Peter knew this as he had tried to peek in on Harry recently. Bill had clearly been by. Peter rubbed his face in the phantom feelings of pain that he had felt on his little whiskered face.
"Very well, my boy." Albus was not surprised that Karkaroff might try a runner. But did he escape? Or was he dead? Hmm. Albus certainly approved of the replacement. That wizard would bear watching though.
A rat took the place of the rodent-faced man, and he quickly scurried towards the corner of the office where there was a secret passage to the village.
Albus ordered a fresh tray of tea, banishing the old tray back to the kitchen. Fawkes was still annoyed, so he ordered some kiwi slices to try and make it up to him.
"Severus, my boy, come in. Sit down. How are you this evening?"
Albus floated over the expensive Egyptian roast coffee that both Severus and Moody preferred.
"Perturbed. I have been looking forward to going home, doing my commercial brewing, and you keep sending more and more requests for me to brew here. Why do you need so many medicinal potions? You won't tell me. I have real work to be doing."
"Now, now. If you have finished that last request, there is no reason for you to stay. You can return to your…hovel. And pursue your…hobbies."
Severus gave the man a look, "You still haven't told me what happened to Miss Delacour."
Albus' eye caught the dark-haired Potions Master's. Severus' mask slipped for a moment. Ah, his moral compass was showing again. Useless thing, Albus had removed his own in his youth and had never missed it. "Her sister had been the target for the first ritual that was to be performed this summer. High birth, unsullied, witch, loved; her loss devastating to the family. The Death Eaters had her for a moment. Her and her mother. Imagine the agony, the despair of watching your child go through such a dark ritual?"
Swallowing hard, Severus ventured to ask, "What happened? I mean, what really happened? Disillusioned bodyguard? Who rescued the child?" Attempting to sound neutral.
"Honestly, it was Miss Granger. Veritaserum testimony. They had to make sure she wasn't part of any plot. I managed to secure a copy of the records. Simple, simple charms she used. I recognized the pattern. Our own Remus taught her that."
"LUPIN? The werewolf? He's the worst thing that ever happened to Hogwarts!"
Albus couldn't agree more, but for vastly different reasons than his potions master had. What could he say? That he, Albus Dumbledore, wanted Lupin here to out him as a werewolf? To use the loyalty building between him and Harry so that Remus would mindlessly kill Black to protect Harry, all the while solving two problems at once? Or perhaps attack Sirius while in werewolf form, perhaps to turn Sirius into a werewolf and that would take care of them both that way? Either way, both troublesome wizards would be dead!
And that was only if Lupin hadn't drunk that last fatal potion that he'd 'suggested' that Severus make. To rescue the students of Hogwarts. To keep society safe.
That sounded far too dark and far too close to the truth to actually share aloud.
"Last year was tragic indeed. And Black escaped again. Do you know that France is going to give him a trial?" Albus innocently shared.
There it was. The murderous rage. Severus was such a good "friend". Perhaps he could be trusted with this mission. Peter wanted to make up with Sirius, and honestly thought he could. Poor deluded boy.
No, he couldn't send Pettigrew, as he was his only link to Tom right now.
"When? Where?" Severus demanded, nostrils flaring in a rare show of emotion.
"Paris. This Friday morning. I believe." Albus shared. "I'm unsure of what the outcome will be. Gold can buy so many favors, you know."
Severus sipped coffee, and declined the offered lemon biscuit. Again.
"You know my opinion. Lupin tried to kill me. Twice. Black is out of control, and has tried to kill me yet again. They should both be locked up. Or put down. Whichever."
"I wish you a good day, my boy. Do have fun playing with your potions." Albus stated.
Severus bit down on his irritation. It was a subtle form of bullying that Dumbledore used on everyone. No need to take it personally.
He'd get revenge on that…later.
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story; our friend cshella of the uplifting reviews has recommended several stories along with apls79. So one from each this time, the rest will come:
Cshella recommends: Mrs. Figg, the Slytherin Sqib by Pardot Keynes.(WIP
Apls79 recommends: Power of the Press by Bobmin356 (this is one of my go-to's to reread again and again. Just lovely. Bless you
**OO**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language