A/N I just wanted to point out that Phoenix Flight's impression was correct. I even thought it could be clarified, but I always get the impression that when I write about Malcolm I should leave room for doubt, just in case he's lying.

I would like to congratulate Romm on spending two days reading the entire series. I only wish I could find the time. I'm more like VMorticia. I read when I get a chance, and it's note always on a regular basis. I'm surprised I found the time to write this.

To everyone else, I do want to thank you for reading and reviewing.



CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: ADOPTION


"It's true," Neville insisted. "Harry had a vision about Ron's dad. Something must have happened. He yelled that Ron's dad was attacked in his sleep."

The Gryffindors listened as Neville Longbottom related the events of the night before, with Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas nodding at every detail. Everyone in the common room looked amazed, including Hermione Granger, who knew as much as any of them. She was asked if she had anything to add but was forced to admit that she didn't, yet. That was when Professor McGonagall walked in.

"Professor," Hermione quickly asked. "Is he, I mean . . . Harry . . ."

McGonagall smiled sympathetically. "From what I was told, they found Arthur Weasley in plenty of time. He is recovering at St. Mungo's where his family and Mr. Potter are visiting him. Under the circumstances they will be missing the last two days of term."

"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said gratefully, "for coming to tell us."

"You're welcome, Miss Granger. But that is not why I am here. Your house mate, Malcolm, has an appointment with the Wizengamut. I am here to fetch him. Malcolm, if you will come with me."

As Malcolm rose up, Hermione reached over and grabbed his hand. "Good luck. I mean that."

"Thanks."

Malcolm followed Professor McGonagall to the main entrance where Dewey was waiting with Draco and Professor Snape, but had to ask, "Why are we here? I thought Professor Dumbledore was taking us."

"There has been a change of plans. Professor Hagrid will be your escort."

"Great," Malcolm said sarcastically.

"Great," Dewey said enthusiastically.

"This is Great," Reese said as he walked up with Hagrid. "I was supposed to have this major test first thing this morning, and the principle comes in and says I have to be excused. And I didn't even bother to study. Am I lucky or what?"

[I not going to bother explaining about make-up exams. I'll let it be a surprise.]

"I'm happy for you," Professor McGonagall said in a droll tone. "Professor Hagrid, here is the portkey. It is set to activate in two minutes."

"Thank ye, Professor," Hagrid said with a big grin as he took the large frying pan. "Now everyone get a good grip." He glared at Draco. "Everyone."

Draco reluctantly grabbed hold with a sneer. "It's your fault, Malcolm. How did you ever get this brainstorm?" Then he yelped as the portkey activated and he felt his navel being yanked through his stomach. Seconds later, they appeared in the reception area of the Ministry of Magic.

"Soon we're going to be brothers," Dewey said happily.

"Not while I still have my wand," Draco threatened.

"See, he's going to treat you just like we do, you little jerk."

"That's true, Malcolm, but I'll be a rich little jerk."

Malcolm sneered at Dewey. "I'll be back. I'm going to find Mom and Dad."

*

"Are you ready," Francis asked.

Piama stared at him. "All of our belongings are packed in two suitcases and we're about to walk into a fireplace. How do I get ready for something like that."

"Just relax, honey. It doesn't hurt at all."

"Just do it. I still don't believe anything will happen."

"Watch this," Francis said as he grabbed a pinch of floo powder and threw it into the fire. The flames immediately turned bright green, and Francis called out clearly, "The Ministry of Magic, London." He grabbed the suitcases while Piama clutched his arm and they stepped forward into the fire.

*

"Malcolm," Lois called out as they spotted him coming towards them. "Should I ask you now if you're crazy or wait until later."

"Mom, this will work. I have it all planned out. Where's Dewey?"

"He's at school. You have two hours to get this done or he's going to come home to an empty house. The Weasleys weren't home."

"Mr. Weasley had an accident. They're all visiting him at St. Mungo's. The hospital's not that far from here if you want to visit."

"Hi, Malcolm."

"Hey, Nob. Are you excited?"

"Is it really going to happen?"

"I promised, didn't I?"

"Thanks, Malcolm."

"That's very touching," Hal said, "but we're running a little late."

"Everybody's around the corner. C'mon."

Malcolm led them to the rest of the group, then led the way to the Council Chamber where they found a scowling Lucius Malfoy and a beaming Narcissa Malfoy waiting for them.

"There's my little Cherubim," Narcissa called out and made it a point to give Dewey a big hug.

Lucius Malfoy leaned over and whispered in Malcolm's ear. "I don't know what your scheme is you little rat but if I get stuck with that brother of yours I will make you regret it."

"Well, we want to adopt Nob," Malcolm whispered back. "If you can do anything to help us, I'll guarantee Dewey stays with us as well."

"That is blackmail."

"Yeah, it is. Because you won't tell your wife no."

Lucius nodded. "You are right. When she gets like this there is no stopping her. It's a deal."

Meanwhile Narcissa was fawning over her soon to be son. "You could try it, just for practice."

"Okay . . . Mom," Dewey said as he blushed furiously.

"You don't have a problem with this, Lois?" Narcissa asked.

Lois smiled. "I only want my kids to be happy. If you want to take him off my hands, and he wants to go, I'll even bring over his clothes."

"They're ready for you," Percy Weasley said as he opened the door to the chamber, and the two families, accompanied by Rubeus Hagrid, entered the council chamber."

*

"Hi," Francis said to the clerk. "I'm looking for my parents."

"Nice outfit," the clerk said.

"We just came in from Alaska," Piama said. "It's much warmer here."

"It's barely above freezing outside."

"Above freezing? We must have come during a heat wave."

The clerk nodded with a fake smile. "Take the elevator to the eighth floor. It will be Courtroom Three."

"Excuse me," Francis asked, "I was looking for my parents . . ."

"They're in Courtroom Three. Or at least they are supposed to be there in five minutes. The elevators are over there. And you can leave your luggage at the claims counter. Thank you, enjoy your visit to London. Next, Please."

"Oy," the green haired man said, "It's those kids again . . ."

"Francis, this is strange," Piama said as they walked past the fireplaces, and around the people who would suddenly appear. "I know you said magic, but this doesn't seem real."

"I know. Magic is like that. Just accept whatever you see and you're usually okay."

Piama nodded as they stepped into the elevator.

"Hem. Hem. You are not dressed properly for visiting the ministry. This is the government, not a costume party."

Francis glared at the rude toad like lady. "Listen, ten minutes ago, I was in the middle of Alaska. I don't need any of your smart remarks."

"Americans," Umbirdge said in disgust. "All of you seem despicable."

"So says the Wicked Witch of the West," Piama commented. "Lady, why don't you just climb on your broom and fly back to your swamp."

The elevator stopped on the Eighth floor and the lady stormed out. Francis and Piama followed her out and paused to let her walk away. They watched in surprise as she walked through a door with a large number Three next to it. Francis looked at Piama and shrugged his shoulder. They followed her into the courtroom.

"I have said for everyone to come to order," Cornelius Fudge said. "You two, in the furry coats, this is not an open court."

"We're here to . . ." Francis began.

"FRANCIS," Lois called out. "What are you doing here?"

"I lost my job and Piama and I came to pay you a visit. They told us you were here."

Lois looked at Piama, smiled, then ignored her. "Well, be quiet."

"I'm being adopted for real," Nob said as he ran up to Francis.

"Nob? You look . . . great." He knelt down and Nob gave him a hug.

"May we continue," Cornelius Fudge asked from his seat at the dias while two dozen wizards and witches voiced their agreement. "The first case is to decide is the ridiculous notion of adopting a house elf."

"Excuse me, Sir. Malcolm said. "Nob is not a house elf."

Fudge snorted and several others, including Umbridge, laughed out loud.

"Tough house," Piama whispered to Francis.

Fudge looked at Malcolm and said, "Do you expect me to believe that this elf is human just because he looks human."

"No, Sir. He isn't human either. At least he wasn't."

"Hem. Hem," Umbridge began. "This boy is all nonsense. You should dismiss this case outright and get to the important issue."

"This case is not unimportant," Malcolm yelled. "It's only unpopular because it doesn't fit nicely into her idea of what's proper. If Nob is human, it is because he wants to be, and not because he used to appear to be a house elf."

Fudge frowned. "Professor Umbridge is right. You are a most impertinent young man."

"I am not," Malcolm insisted. "And I can prove it."

The minister raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. "You are not an impertinent young man?"

"No."

"You mean to tell me that you are a responsible young man?"

"No, I'm not that either."

"Malcolm," Lois said carefully.

"Mom, I know what I'm doing."

"Perhaps you should listen to your mother," Fudge insisted.

"She's not my mother, Minister Fudge. That is the point of what I am trying to say. This case is not what it appears to be, and if you insist that it is, you are missing the point."

At this point, a black owl flew in and delivered a letter to Malcolm, who let the owl sit on his shoulder.

"Minister, this letter proves that we are dealing with unique circumstances. You must accept, first of all, that I am deceiving you by being here."

Amelia Bones, who had remained quiet up to this point, stood up and walked to Malcolm, taking the letter from his hand. She opened it and read the contents carefully. "This is certified copy of a document that states that a man appeared in the town of Huang Tu in China, after he had died, yet he was now seen as being alive. The certification states that this incident occurred in 723 A.D. Malcolm what is the meaning of this?"

"It's the most recent documentation of Nob's condition. It's also related to the reason that I can claim I'm not me."

Amelia Bones shared her colleagues' incredulity. "Malcolm. You are obviously you."

"If I prove I'm not, will you actually listen to the evidence with an open mind?"

Fudge looked at Umbridge who gave him a laughing smile. "Go ahead young man, prove you are someone else."

Malcolm smiled. "That's easy enough," he said as his hair turned bubblegum pink. He grew taller and more feminine. "Wotcher, Boss," Tonks said when she assumed her usual shape.

Everyone, including Malcolm's family, was surprised. The only exceptions were Dewey, Hagrid and the black owl.

Amelie Bones spoke first. "Nymphadora Tonks, what is the meaning of this?"

"Just doing Malcolm a favor. This case rests on the fact that what we think is real might not be real. Right, Malcolm?"

The owl jumped off her shoulder and landed on the his feet as a black haired boy. Tonks took out her wand and cast a cancelling spell. Malcolm's hair turned back to its normal color.

"Sirs, and Madams," Malcolm said. "I apologize for the ruse, but I needed to make a simple point. This is not a simple case, although the point is simple. My contention is that Nob is human but that he wasn't human. He was a house elf but only because he could be. I don't know what he was before he became a house elf."

Hearing his cue, Hagrid shouted out. "I'll be. Old Dippet was right."

"What is the meaning of this," Umbridge shouted back.

"He's a changling," Hagrid said happily. "An' the first one ever found in Europe."

"And," Tonks added, "the first known case in over 1200 years."

"A changling?' Fudge asked in surprise.

"Think of Tonks," Malcolm said quickly. "She's a Metamorphmagus. She can take the form of any person. I'm an animagus. I can take the form of an animal. Nob is the next step removed. He can be anything he wants to be . . . and because he met my family, he wants to be human. And this is my point. With someone like Nob, he is what he wants to be. He has even passed a blood test by a muggle doctor. It showed no abnormalities. Madam Pomfrey has examined him and says he is definitely human. I also have a report from a respected Doctor at St. Mungo's who did a more thorough test and came to the same conclusion."

"That's Impossible," Fudge said, and several others agreed.

"Nob is here. It can't be impossible."

"Look," Lois said pointedly. "You can see Nob. You can see he's as human as you or me. All we want is to give him a family he is a real part of."

"We need to discuss this," Fudge said weakly. "Will all of you wait outside?"

Percy Weasley got out of his seat and escorted the group from the courtroom. Once outside, Lucius Malfoy cornered Malcolm. "They're not going to accept this. You know that."

"What do you mean?" Lois demanded.

"It's a convincing argument. It may even be true, but Malcolm is telling them something that scares them. They'll refuse to believe it, by majority vote."

"Like they refuse to believe Voldemort has returned," Malcolm whispered pointedly.

Lucius smiled. "I can fix this for you, Malcolm, but remember your promise. They won't believe your 'truth' so I'm going to give them a lie they can live with."

Everyone watched as Lucius Malfoy drew himself up to his full, arrogant height, and walked back into the courtroom. Ten minutes later, the door opened and Percy Weasley ushered everyone back inside. Lucius Malfoy was grinning from ear to ear. Dolores Umbridge was sneering happily. Fudge was sitting silently. Amelia Bones stood up and told Malcolm and Nob to approach the bench.

"The first order of business is the adoption of the boy, Nob. By my order, all previous testimony is stricken from the record and is to be discarded. The following Facts will be entered into evidence. The family in question formerly had a house elf by the name of Nob. The elf was freed and all trace of him was lost at the time the family home was destroyed. The family appeared in England with a human child they called Nob, for the simple expedient that it was the only name they had registered. The why of this is lost in the American legal system except for the fact that they had approved adoption, a fact that was recognized as legitimate by the muggle authorities of this government. Because the principle parents of this family are muggles we acknowledge the legitimacy of that adoption. This court has no need, or cause to make a judgement in that case, except to ask one question. Nob, what do you want?"

Nob looked at the lady with a sense of fear. He began stepping backward until he found himself next to Lois, who took his hand and smiled.

"I just want to go home with my mom."

Amelia Bones smiled. "This case is dismissed." She paused in amusement as Malcolm's family went wild with joy. Everyone was grabbing Nob and hugging him. Except Dewey.

"As to the next case," Amelia Bones said, and everyone quieted, "The Malfoy family has petitioned this court for custody of their nephew, Dewey, on the grounds that the actions of his own family have proven to be too great an embarrassment."

"Madam Commissioner," Lucius Malfoy said. "I think it would be best to dismiss this case as well. If anything, this family has proven itself willing to go to any lengths to keep itself together. This is clearly not an act to embarrass anyone. Isn't that right," he turned around and glared, "Malcolm?"

"Oh, yes," Malcolm said affectionately. "Uncle Lucius couldn't have phrased it any better."

[Umbridge is furious. She only agreed to propose this hearing to have Dewey taken away from us.]

Amelia Jones raised her gavel. "Then I declare this case . . ."

"NO," Dewey yelled. "I don't want to stay with them. I want to be a Malfoy."

"Dewey," Lois yelled in shock.

"What are you doing, Dewey," Malcolm yelled. "We straightened everything out."

Dewey glared angrily at Malcolm. "I'm tired of all of this. I'm tired of having to share everything. I'm tired of eating cereal because you and Reese steal all the waffles. I want to live with Aunt Narcissa. I want to be rich. I WANT MY OWN ROOM."

Narcissa began to say something but Lucius looked at her pointedly.

[I don't know what that look meant, but I think it worked.]

Instead, Narcissa knelt in front of Dewey. "I'm sorry, little pumpkin. We can't adopt you just because we have money (although I do like the idea) but why don't we do this. Since you can't go home for the holiday because of your condition, why don't you spend the two weeks with us. It will be a little taste of what could have been."

"Okay," Dewey said smiling and Narcissa hugged him while Lucius and Draco both groaned.

"Do you mind?" Lucius asked Lois hopefully.

"I think it will be fun," Lois said, and smiled as Lucius gave a small whimper of hopelessness.

"What's his condition?" Piama asked and Francis shrugged.

"Oh, he's already waiting for us at home," Reese said.

Francis looked at Malcolm.

"I'll explain later."

"Excuse me," One of the wizards of the court said. "Before all of you leave. This boy you call Nob. That is the name of a house elf. That cannot be his real name. We need his real name for the record."

Hal looked at Lois, who shrugged her shoulders.

"But everyone calls me Nob," Nob said pleadingly."

"Oh, Um, Norbert," Hagrid said suddenly. "His name's Norbert. Nob is his nickname."

"And his last name?"

"The same as ours," Lois answered while Nob grinned proudly.

"Thank you." the wizard said and made a note of it for the records.

As everyone happily left, except for the two male Malfoys who merely left, Malcolm looked at Hagrid. "Norbert?"

"Had to say somethin'," Hagrid muttered. "Had a pet by tha' name."

"You named my son after a pet?" Lois said in surprise.

"What kind of pet?" Hal asked out of curiosity.

"He was a Norwegian Ridgeback."

"A what? Is that a type of dog or something?"

Hagrid couldn't help but smile. "He was a dragon."

"I'm named after a dragon?" Nob asked wide eyed.

"And a thumpin' good one at that," Hagrid noted. He saw Lois smirk at the thought and added. "If the tyke needs a godfather, I know someone big enough ter handle the job."

Malcolm almost laughed when his mom hugged Hagrid.

"Wotcher, Malcolm," Tonks said as she ruffled his hair. "It was a good plan. I'm still surprised it worked."

Hal paused when he heard that. "Malcolm, you planned all of this."

"Yeah. I knew if I confused them, they would decide to talk it over. And I counted on Uncle Lucius to know how the Minister thinks. I knew he'd come up with a good excuse. He really hates Dewey."

"He does not," Narcissa said warmly.

"Wait a minute," Lois said, "then why did Dewey demand to be adopted?"

"That was for Professor Umbridge. I knew we could manipulate her into asking for the hearing so I made her hate me. Then Dewey made it a point to tell her he hated me as well. She was willing to listen to anything Dewey said.

To everyone's surprise, Draco started to laugh. "You said that on the first day of school. You could make her do anything if she trusted you. I thought you meant YOU. You had her trust Dewey."

[I have to break the news to him.]

"You should know, Draco. Dewey can't lipread."

Draco smiled. "I'll have two weeks to pay him back."

"Lipread?" Lucius asked Draco, but Draco said it was nothing.

"I think that was clever of Dewey," Narcissa said, hugging him again. "I'm proud of the way you manipulated that vile woman."

"Thanks, Aunt Narcissa," Dewey said as he blushed.

"Then Dewey didn't mean anything he said in there?" Lois asked.

"None of it," Malcolm assured her.

"Yes I did," Dewey said, but they were no longer listening to him.

"It's time to go," Lois called out.

"Goodbye, cousin Draco," Nob said warmly as he hugged the Slytherin.

[No? He didn't?]

"Nob," Draco said in annoyance as he became Malcolm.

"I'm sorry," Nob cried. "I didn't mean to do it again."

"Again?" Lucius asked as he looked at Draco/Malcolm. "Son, why don't you explain it all to me when we get home?"

"Francis," Piama noted, "I do believe in magic. And you have a very strange family."

"Stranger than yours?"

Piama paused. "Almost."

*

"You're not worried, Mom?" Malcolm asked. "About the Malfoys taking Dewey with them."

"Not at all. That Narcissa can't believe anything wrong about Dewey, and he'll make Lucius miserable as a result. I almost wish I could be there to watch them."

"I'll ask Draco to take pictures."

"I've got to go, Malcolm," Tonks said. "I've got my own work to do." She shook hands with Lois. "It was nice meeting you."

Lois had to ask. "You can change into anyone?"

"I can."

"That's amazing. I thought you were really Malcolm. I didn't even realize you were a girl."

Tonks laughed. "The hard part was mimicking his voice. And I could have been Malcolm as a girl but that would have ruined the effect." She smiled and her form changed. "I guess if I showed up like this, I would have told them I was Mallory or something."

"The daughter I always wanted," Lois said wistfully.

"That . . . is scary," Reese said.

"Oh, you look so cute like that," Hal said. "Malcolm, stand next to your sister while I take a picture."

"Dad," Malcolm said with embarrassment as he was forced to stand next to Tonks. He spent the next minute blinking after the flash went off in his eyes. When he recovered, Tonks was standing there, still as Mallory, but with the pink hair. "Have fun. I'll see you for Christmas. Your Mum invited me."

"Great. And thanks for helping out, Tonks."

"Your Welcome," she said with a laugh and walked back to work.

The girl in the furry jacket was looking at him.

"You're Piama."

"And you're Malcolm. Francis was right about your family. You are an interesting group."

"Are you happy you married Francis."

Piama smiled. "I suppose I am. He told me I would never be bored. And he was right."

"Do you like the family."

"The truth? Your mother doesn't like me. It seems I married her son and she doesn't want him to be married."

"Yeah. That's Mom. She doesn't like things she can't control."

"Did you just compliment me?"

[Hey, she is smart. She picked up on that right away.]

"On behalf of the rest of us, Welcome to the family."

"Thanks. But that lady said Dewey had a condition and he couldn't go home."

Malcolm smirked. "Yeah, there's two of him, and we can't let them meet. And when we get home, don't let Dewey know you've already met him. It'll only confuse him."

Piama nodded. She definitely wasn't bored by any of this.