Chapter 12: First Approach
Harry spent the next several days in his flat, the only exception was the next few nights. Punks like idiots from the park were predictable in their behavior, retaliating quickly as a way to reestablish some form of dominance. Harry would go out to the park and watch the various persons whilst under a disillusionment charm. The guys who accosted the woman weren't present the first night but returned the second night. Their actions were far more subdued and while they remained a nuisance, there seemed to stay far away. Harry stayed late one night and set up a small and weak rune scheme that encouraged the pacification of hostile intent within the area. He remembered the times he had been accosted by Dudley and the gang. Hopefully the little rune scheme would encourage better actions.
The rest of these days were spent in his study, either in meditation or mapping out any information that he could. Meditations seemed to be working, but there was definitely something almost working against him. The words of the Amazons were of little comfort as he wanted the memories; yet here was the tangible proof that some would perhaps remain lost to him. Ending the latest meditation provided a new sense of understanding even though no memories had been regained. As he walked through the grounds of his mind, there was a feeling of uneasiness, of loss. Those same feelings lingered as he set about pouring over his notes, attempting to push those feelings to the side.
Today Harry focused on the information for the Wizengamot. The next meeting was slated for a couple of days so Harry truly began to study. Athena had returned yesterday with some requested records and the next few days would see Harry putting together a file on the major players of the Gamot. Today's focus was on both the Malfoy and Bones families. Records of Malfoy's ascendence within Magical Britain were scant and scarce, perhaps a product of corruption and money exchanging hands. There was a record of their first appearance on the seat, a nomination by the older Yaxley family some generations ago. Throughout the generations the Malfoy's had been the leaders of the Dark Faction, however, that last leader was some seven generations prior, with the family falling away from the political sphere. In fact, until recently Abraxus had only been attending the mandatory meetings of the Equinox sessions; the sessions where the functional Gamot votes happened. It was only in the later parts of 1967, not even two years ago, where Abraxus returned from his self imposed exile, and saw to the needs of the Gamot. Lucius had just graduated from Hogwarts and was now taking his duties of heir with some vigor, attending various functions and meetings in his father's stead. Harry noted that it wasn't until earlier in the year that the Malfoy's actually were given formal leadership of the Dark Faction.
In comparison, the Bones family had been the effective leader of the Neutrals for the last five generations. There was a period where there was some contestation of leadership in just before Grindelwald's war broke out. True to what Arcturus' said, an unnamed member of the Bones family served as a judge for the ICW in the trials afterward. A leading voice for restorative justice for the affected families saw their regard shoot straight back to the top. Some noted challenges of leadership in the records of the faction disappeared completely after those judgements. Harry pulled at some other files, seeing the name Amelia Bones made him stop. A young witch, though already a rising star within the Auror Force. Her record, while not impeccable, was already impressive. Harry noticed some notations and speculated that the Hit Wizards were already scouting her as a potential recruit. Her rising stardom within the Aurors would lend credence to the leadership of the family as one of her brothers was in line to take over control of the family. Harry smiled as he thought of Susan, she had thought to follow her aunt into the Aurors. Susan had proved to be an efficient duelist, choosing to instead to go towards the dueling circuit; winning some competitions and always being a contender for them. Harry was able to remember the first time he showed up with Susan to one of her competitions. Many though he was there to compete as a walk-in, but he sat comfortably within the spectators. She won that competition, and Harry smiled at the memory of the joy that just radiated from Susan. Pulling back from the memories Harry continued his trek in exploring the various information about the families.
The Gamot meeting itself appeared to be fairly unusual. Speaking to some of the other Lords beforehand had prepared Harry for the normalcy. There was this accepted norm that, barring anything unusual or an emergency, summer sessions were to be kept as brief as possible. Families were together during this time and most Lords and Ladies wished to spend as much time with family as possible. Furthermore, this allowed the various families to mingle more with the potential for marriage, contracts, or businesses between the families.
The one part of the session that seemed to break this norm was a legislative submission, an official notice that the next session would entail a vote. This had produced some grumbling as Hogwarts would not begin before the next session and a vote would lengthen the time that was needed for the session. Harry observed his fellow members and saw that many were unhappy at the prospect; in fact the chamber voted to pass over the official reading, another break in protocol, further signaling the prevalent displeasure. The end of the session was quick to follow and many members quickly exited the chamber, forgoing potential politicking with others. Harry spoke with a few members who had sent him inquiries about potential business opportunities, the coverstory from Harry's trip overseas as a business one holding up to scrutiny. Harry entertained several of the ideas and set up meetings with a few that he thought might have some potential. This was the game being and unknown as Lord Peverell, people sought favor and closer relations. Conversations with Arcturus had only hinted at the necessity of politics, yet Harry was beginning to understand how central the Gamot was to this time in Magical Britain. After a few quick words and promises to exchange letters Harry made his way to the apparition point only to be stopped by Lord Doge.
"Lord Peverell, a minute if you will." Lord Doge called.
Harry paused to let Lord Doge step up next to him. The older Lord attempted to move them more out of the way so they wouldn't be directly infront of the apparition point. Harry made to stay where he was. Lord Doge had had ample opportunity to approach before Harry began to leave, instead choosing to initiate conversation as Harry was attempting to leave. Doge put a hand on Harry's upper arm, attempting to shuffle the younger man out of the direct way.
Harry turned to fully face the older Lord, though didn't move out of the direct pathway, "Yes Lord Doge?"
Doge attempted once more to move them before accepting the futility of it, "Lord Peverell, I was hoping to receive an answer to my invitation."
Harry raised his eyebrow, "What invitation?"
Doge seemed to fluster for a moment, "Surely you received my invitation milord, for a dinner event tomorrow evening."
Harry's suspicion jumped at this, "If I had, I would've responded Lord Doge."
The suspicion seemed confirmed as Doge reached inside his robes and produced an invitation, "Then it is fortuitous that I have such an invitation right here. The event starts at 4pm and we are greatly appreciative that you can join us."
Harry forced a smile, "Fortuitous indeed, if not unfortunate."
Doge frowned, "Excuse me?"
"I will be happy to attend, however, I will not be available until closer to 5:30 tomorrow. I have business that I have already committed to tomorrow."
Doge is visibly unhappy, though forces some geniality, "I understand. An unfortunate set of circumstances indeed. We would still appreciate your presence and are understanding in this matter."
Harry smiles before heading to the apparition point, apparating to Diagon Alley. He had spent too much time cooped up in his flat that he wanted to just spend time enjoying the energy of the alley. There are several families and persons just out an about today. A few of the mundane-born are out walking through the alley were wearing more mundane clothes, and Harry could see various reactions from the pureblood magical communities. He spent some time out in the alley and a few people actually approached Harry. Most of those that did seem to know he was Lord Peverell, almost wanting to garner some respect or friendship with the potentially influential Lord. However, most quickly realized that Harry wasn't there to politick. He was genuinely just out in the alley, attempting to enjoy the energy and atmosphere; and once that was realized most spoke about lighthearted topics.
When he returned to his flat, Harry was able to find the missed invitation from Lord Doge. So the encounter after the Gamot meeting was not as manipulative as Harry first imagined, and perhaps more just a series of unfortunate coincidences. However, Harry did not regret the little show of displeasure he engaged in by being somewhat abrupt, and he intended to fully keep to the time he said that he would arrive, despite lying about business he had to go on.
The next morning Harry decided to head into London proper. The night in Little Whinging aside, Harry hadn't really spent any time outside of Magical Britain in a while. It was something that he had always tried to do in the later years, as an attempt to remain grounded to the greater aspects of the world. Apparting to one of the few safepoints he knew Harry just let himself wander throughout the city. Most of the day was spent in a peaceful listlessness as he made his way throughout the city. The city allowed him to be just another person today, offering an anonymity that were lost in the magical community.
He wasn't really sure how he arrived, but towards the later part of the day he found himself in Dagenham, the area where Hermione grew up. As he walked amongst the streets he could hear her laugh. Magic seemed to thicken around him, no where near as much as Little Whinging, yet there was a noticeable difference. Sinking deep into a walking meditation, he followed the rippling magic. A short walk later and the feelings disappeared completely. He exited the meditative state and registered that he was at a park, the Harro Lodge Park. A place that Hermione had brought him to on occasion; she had enjoyed it in her childhood, and sought to share some memories.
Harry sat down on a nearby bench and watched the activities of the park. A few kids were running around nearby playing some game that only they could understand. This continued for a bit before one brave child approached Harry. Harry smiled affectionately as the child seemed to just plop down next to him. It was then that Harry felt the brush of magic, the child was reaching out unconsciously and had found a kindred soul. Harry let his magic flare out in warmth for a moment before he was approached by a woman.
"Im so sorry. I don't know why he did this. Come on Edward." The woman, the mom, apologized profusely as she came to collect her son.
Harry smiled, "Its okay. Really. Edward was it?" Before turning to the young boy who seemed to be maybe 5 years old. Harry reached behind the child's ear and conjured a coin in his hand. Withdrawing it quickly the boy let out an excited laugh as he Harry continued with some minor magic. Little things that children would enjoy, and he quickly had large audience as other kids came over to watch. Some of the parents wandered over to just double check, but most seemed to just accept Harry for what he was, unplanned supervision. For his part, Harry turned the thing into a full blown mini magic show. Little tricks seemed to work best and the kids really enjoyed the little show. Harry could tell that some of the adults were a little suspicious, though they seemed to put it aside as the kids were happy and enjoying themselves.
There was a point where Harry had conjured a little ball of light that a second one had appeared quickly. Looking over he noticed that the first boy had unconsciously added a second ball to the mix. Harry reached out with his magic and took over the connection with the light as the boys magic, unfocused as it was, lost connection. Harry ended the show with a little flourish from the two lights, letting them burst into a cloud of energy. Simultaneously, Harry case a wide effect mild confundus charm so that none of the adults would think to question the magic on display. In the excitement, Harry was able to make his escape and get away from the park. Some of the parents did thank him for entertaining the children but most just let Harry leave.
Harry was somewhat wary of just apparating away and disappearing in a way that might actually get noticed by people. Sure they wouldn't really be able to say anything but it was an unnecessary risk. He made his way down the street and found himself near a graveyard. Understanding that these areas were typically empty and unused, making them good areas to apparate from. Walking through the grave he began to feel that swirling of magic once again. Hesitating for just a moment allowed him to see a grim walking through the graveyard. The grim noticed Harry and, without hesitation, moseyed on up to Harry. Harry bent down to pet the grim as the animal bathed in the attention for a bit. Beyond thestrals the creatures of death remained somewhat of a mystery to Harry. He felt the grim passively feeding off of his magic and was curious as its demeanor seemed to change right before his eyes. Where before it was lethargic in nature it seemed to grow in a boundless amount of energy.
After a couple minutes of nestling against Harry, the grim grasped Harry's hand and tugged at it. Harry let himself be led around the grave towards an open crypt. He saw an open crypt and on approaching he felt the mild touch of a weak ward. Inside the crypt there was another grim and a few smaller pups. Harry looked at the grim that led him over and saw the proud look that could only come from a parent. Harry smiled as the original grim nudged his hand. Instinctively Harry understood what the grim wanted. Harry flared his magic and watched as mom and pups soaked it up. They seemed to get more lively, though the mom looked more relieved then anything else. Looking over the crypt he noticed some runic script that he didn't understand and couldn't translate. He ran his fingers over the script and felt the echoes of magic that seemed to be long drained. The wards will still there, yet the weakness of them indicated that the wards were the only thing really being powered by the magic. Harry frowned as he looked around the cemetery, and while some space remained the cemetery was definitely full. Harry returned his gaze to the father who had sat down near his mate. He reached out and pet each of the grim. In that moment Harry felt his magic stir. The runic script began to glow, however, instinctively he knew that nothing had actually changed.
Harry turned his full attention to the parents, "I don't know what to do. But I promise to look into this." The two grim leaned forward and Harry met them. There was a notion that seemed to get conveyed through the simple motion. Harry heard the word "family" echo through his mind.
"Peverell." Harry whispered.
There was a quick final moment where Harry gave each grim a few more pets. He pulled away and made sure to look clearly at the runic script before apparating back to his flat. Harry spent a few minutes getting ready for the dinner. Harry spent a moment with Athena before exiting his flat. He apparated to the ministry and used one of the public floo's there, calling out for the Doge residence. A house elf let him through the floo, asking Harry to stay in the atrium so he could be greeted. The atrium was typical of most pureblood families; ostentatious and built to impress guests. Harry was not kept waiting long as Lady Doge and another Lady came to greet Harry. There was a customary exchange of pleasantries and Harry took the Lady Doge's arm as she directed him to the festivities. Harry found himself genuinely enjoying Lady Doge's presence despite his previous misgivings. He began to relax a bit before they entered the ballroom. Harry felt a genuine smile fall across his face as he was led into the ballroom by the hostess. He looked out amongst the room and mentally prepared himself for the night to come.
A/N: Apologies for the late posting. A personal item sprung up on me. I enjoy writing these types of little moments in chapters as I find it fun to explore these things. Hope you all have a good day.
Next Chapter: Sunday 11/20