Chapter 5

Death Eaters Attack Again – Boy-Who-Lived is Missing

Story by Rita Skeeter

Earlier this week the home of Harry Potter's last remaining relatives was destroyed in what has been allowed to become a far too common occurrence. A group of Death Eaters sealed the home and ignited the outside of the home.

Diligent research by this reporter revealed that the inhabitants of the home were alive, as the muggle fire and police departments had reported several frantic calls for help from Harry Potter's Aunt. The first call was received at 6:17 PM and the last call at 6:22.

Embattled Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge had been unaware that yet another attack had occurred and reportedly was conducting a business meeting at the Old Course at the time. This reporter believes that a call for a vote of no confidence is eminent.

Nymphadora Tonks felt terrible as she read the article. She had been sent home on a three-day suspension and hadn't left her flat. The Dursley house must have been torched while she was reporting that the wards had come down.

Had she been wrong to report back to Dumbledore? Strictly speaking their assignment had been to guard Harry, not a home. She was in so much trouble at work. Director Bones took a very hard line on abuse of power situations. She had been up for a grade advancement review in six months. She was certain that this suspension would gut those chances. Either way, she would be glad to get back to work tomorrow morning.

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Saturday evening Dumbledore was meeting with Amos Diggory. He was an Order member and one of the leading choices to be named to succeed Fudge should a vote of no confidence be passed.

The process had three related parts that had to be well coordinated. Any of the department heads could initiate and circulate a petition to take a vote of no confidence. Of the fifteen departments and sub-departments, a simple majority would be required to pass the petition.

If passed, the combination of the Wizengamot with sixty members and the department heads would vote. A two-thirds majority was required to pass. Making the overall effort easier were the recent arrests at the Department of Mysteries. Lucius Malfoy had been a particularly influential lobbyist.

If failed, tradition called that the department head that initiated the petition would resign from the ministry.

The fact of the matter was that Fudge, while an adequate peacetime steward had no tactical skills to wage an effective end to what could quickly become an all out civil war within the wizarding world.

While unfortunate in of itself, the attack on the Dursleys could sway a few votes if framed within the context that the ministry had insufficient manpower to wage war against the Death Eaters. Manpower that Fudge had refused to authorize despite two documented requests.

Dumbledore was certain that he had the necessary votes within the Wizengamot. He was less certain of the department heads. Certainly Arthur, Amelia, Amos, Mafalda, Miranda, and Croaker could be counted on. Edgecombe, Wiss and Michaels could most likely vote for Fudge/against him. Dumbledore did not know which way Wallace, Johnson, Turnbull, Grant, Drummond, or Holly Bruce the new head of Magical Sports would vote.

He had six votes, and needed eight with six undecided. He wanted to be certain that the department head vote would go at least ten-five before asking Arthur to risk his career and author the petition. What he really needed was a well-known well-respected outsider to take a public stand against Fudge. What he really needed was Harry Potter.

He decided to call a special meeting of the Order that Sunday evening.

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Things at the Weasley home had only gotten worse in the last day. Ginny had written Fred and George a letter regarding the scene at the platform, the subsequent attack at the Dursleys and her father going to check on Harry. She was so angry with her father for ratting out Harry's location to Dumbledore.

Molly wasn't sure that Arthur had done the right thing either, but supported his decision in front of the children. She so wished that Harry had come to them for help. She still wasn't positive of Hermione's motives with Harry after the articles that Skeeter had written several years ago.

She thought, 'He must be so distraught over Sirius' death'.

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"Eight diamonds," bid Dan looking across at his partner Harry, who had bid seven on a wing and a prayer. Dan picked up the joker, left bower, and two diamonds in the blind, leading him to question what had caused Harry to bid in the first place. Then again, he had originally raised Harry's bid based upon having only an Ace and king of hearts, so his hand hadn't been rock solid either.

Dan reflected that Hermione had been so much more enjoyable to have home this summer than last. They were actually talking with each other about things as opposed to her politely answering any question that they had thought to ask. He didn't know how much of the change was due to Harry being there, or perhaps his daughter was just getting older, but either way, it was a pleasant change.

Dan reached over to collect the eighth trick and accidentally spilled his coffee, knocking the cup unto the carpet and breaking it.

"I'll get a rag," said Emma.

Hermione said, "I'll get it." Carefully pulling out her wand and pointing it, she said, "Repairo." The cup was as good as new. "Scourgify." The coffee stain was gone. With a flick and swish of her wand and the words, "Wingardium Leviosa," the cup was back on the table in front of her astonished father.

"Well done," he said.

His daughter beamed at him. Without a license, she had never been in a position to show her parents what she had been learning at school. Harry sat at the table, smiling at his best friend, as she was having one of the best moments of her life.

"Can you show us something else?" asked Emma, equally interested.

Hermione looked at the pencil that they had been using to score the game and transfigured it into a cricket bat.

"Brilliant!" said Emma.

"Magic," replied Harry. "Hermione is every bit as good in the practical parts of magic as she is with the theory."

Hermione gave a small laugh. "Harry, I only wish that were true. You were a more powerful wizard by your third year than I'd ever hope to be. You're leaps and bounds ahead of me there. Not in books and school tests, but in actual application." She looked at him meaningfully.

"What do you mean?" asked Dan who was amused watching the two together.

"When we were learning transfiguration or charms - the sort of things that you just saw, I would be the first to be able to demonstrate them. Once he learned them, Harry's would always be the best. I could fix tea cup first using the Repairo spell, but now that he knows it, Harry could probably use it to fix an entire house. When he was fourteen, Harry had trouble learning a summoning spell, but once he knew it, he summoned his broomstick to come to him from almost a mile away."

Deep down, Harry knew that the young lady with the pretty brown eyes was right. Even Ollivander had seen it five years ago. He did possess a lot of raw power, but was short in the theory. He suggested, "Maybe we should practice together, now that we can."

Emma looked at her best friend, winked, and knew that he was thinking the same thing. "You two can sit up and discuss your plans. Dan and I are going to bed. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," said both teens at once.

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"So according to the book, it's all legal to use, provided that you're using the charms on your own home, or you have the owner's written permission to perform them," said Hermione in an I'm sure of my facts voice.

Harry grew introspective for a moment. 'That's what she meant. Sirius hadn't put them on his home. The professor had. One condition had probably been heaped on top of another and Sirius had become imprisoned in his own home.'

"Harry?"

"I was just thinking about Sirius. Professor Dumbledore warded him inside his own home. His last year wasn't much better than the other twelve that he spent in prison, except that his bed was more comfortable and the taunts from Snape about not helping were more personal."

Hermione listened in patient silence, looking at her friend encouragingly. Harry had never talked about Sirius since his death, and probably needed to.

Harry continued, "I think he was happier in our fourth year living in that cave than he was stuck at that house. The only time that I saw him happy was last Christmas when he knew that he'd have a house full of people."

"He had you there Harry," she added. "You were the bright beautiful spot in his life. You were his hope for a happy future Harry. All he wanted was for you to be happy doing whatever it was that you were doing. I'm sure he was delighted to watch you having fun drinking half of the pool the other day." She lightly touched his cheek and smiled at him.

"Maybe, but Dumbledore was so busy worrying about his safety that he forgot to consider that he'd taken away his happiness." Hermione wasn't sure if Harry was talking about Sirius or himself.

Harry continued. "It's no wonder he insisted on going that night. Nobody likes to be locked up in their room. I didn't. I didn't deserve it either." Hermione saw the tears welled in his eyes. She put her arms around Harry.

"Did it happen often?'

"When I was eight, they locked me in my cupboard after school for a month. I had accidentally apparated away from a bunch of bullies. They wouldn't even let me out to use the toilet. I never did anything to deserve it. Why didn't he come and rescue me? He knew bout it."

"Who?"

"Dumbledore. When my first school letter came, it was addressed to me at the cupboard under the stairs. He knew that's where they kept me. After my first year at school, they locked me in my room for over a month until Fred and George rescued me. I was so hungry. Tears were flowing down his cheeks unto her shoulder."

Harry wiped his face with his wrist and said, "Until your mum took me to Harvey Nichols, I'd never had a pair of jeans of my own that fit me. All those times I was in Dumbledore's office he had to have seen that my trainers were full of tape. He could have helped me."

She kissed his cheek. "Harry, we'll burn all those old things tomorrow. I never minded. Ginny or Ron never minded. I'm sure that Cho never cared. Pavatti didn't mind. I'm not minimizing what you're saying and I can't even imagine being locked up in a little cupboard, but don't confuse wealth with personal worth. You were my best friend when you didn't have five quid in your pocket. I never cared. I felt bad that you didn't have nicer things to wear, but I never thought less of you as a person."

She hugged her friend and said, "I'm sorry that professor Dumbledore allowed that to happen to Sirius, and I'm especially sorry that he allowed those things to happen to you. We can only guess at his reasons, and we don't have to agree with them. Please believe me when I say, I'll never let you go hungry for anything." 'I love you Harry Potter, and I'll take care of you.'

"Thanks. I'd do the same for you."

"It's late Harry. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

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Minerva, Arthur, Tonks, Kingsley, Moody and Lupin sat together at the Order meeting on Sunday night. Individually they felt guilty for their actions and especially the deaths of three people, damage to careers, or estrangement from family. Minerva was as angry at Dumbledore as she ever had been. She felt that she had been a part of the worst crime against Harry – stealing him from his rightful guardian, Sirius Black all those years ago.

The events and revelations of the last week had not simply been a case of rationalizing that the end justifying the means. In reality, the Order was in real danger of disintegrating.

The members had been led from one bad decision to another. Each had been well meaning, but few had withstood the light of day. An unbiased observer might ask if they had been following Dumbledore as blindly as Riddle's followers had been following him.

Dumbledore told the members that Harry had been found and that he was currently in the care of several of the Senior Aurors. Molly asked about his future living arrangements.

Dumbledore replied, "Indeed, that shall be the topic of a hearing with several of the family placement justices on Monday morning. I have petitioned that Harry become a ward of the school for this and next summer. I believe that would be the best move for his safety."

Remus Lupin, who owed so much to the professor, wondered if the good professor wasn't a victim of not invented here syndrome when it came to Harry's safety. He had talked with Arthur before the meeting and was delighted that Harry had been invited to stay at a home where he was welcome.

Dumbledore continued, "On another matter, I believe the time has come for Cornelius to be replaced with a leader who can better guide the wizarding world through its current dilemma."

The same unbiased outsider could see that Dumbledore was hoping to implement a change in the wizarding government. Some would call it a vote of no confidence led by a man respected by most in spite of his personal eccentricities, Arthur Weasley. Others would see it as a bloodless coup masterminded by Albus Dumbledore.

When the papers were signed and routed on Tuesday, it would be Arthur Weasley whose livelihood was on the line. If Dumbledore had to wait a week to secure Harry's safety in order to get his endorsement of Dumbledore's other project, he would be patient.

After the meeting he asked Severus to meet privately with him back at his office in an hour. He found out that Kingsley's hearing was to be held Monday afternoon. He had been charged with illegal search, trespassing and abuse of power against a muggle. If found guilty, as he surely would unless the Grangers specifically dropped the charges, Shacklebolt would be fined and dismissed from the force.

Dumbledore had no worry that the Grangers could be talked into dropping the charges. He would simply mention that the selection for the next year's Head Girl had become a little closer than previously assumed due to the yet unreleased OWL scores. It was obvious that Hermione had begun her quest for the Head Girl honor the day that she had received her first year letter. Surely they wouldn't let a small indiscretion from a well-meaning Auror cloud that future. Besides a Head Girl distinction might be worth an extra hundred Galleons a month in her first job offer. Her parents were hard working professionals and would appreciate the significance of his offer.

He would take care of everything. He always did.

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On Monday morning Harry woke up at 5:30, showered and got dressed. He made coffee and brought some out to Auror Church who was outside. Harry went back in, and reread the book on protecting homes.

As he went out to bring her another cup, he received a message from an owl.

Mr. Potter,

Your presence is requested at Gringotts on Monday 8 July, at 9:00 AM. Your legal status will be reviewed and you will have some documents to sign regarding the Sirius Black Estate.

The presence of Miss Hermione Granger is also requested at the same time. If they wish, her parents may attend. If you wish, you may also bring a legal representative, though that is not necessary.

When you arrive, please ask to see head goblin Ragnot.

Best wishes,

Amelia Bones

That was three hours from now. A few minutes later, Emma came out and greeted Harry and Auror Church. Harry showed her the letter that he received. She said, "Dan and I don't have any appointments before 1:30 this afternoon. We will be more than happy to take you. If you would like, we'll attend."

Harry nodded. "Thank you. I think there might be a lot of money being discussed. It really won't change things. I didn't earn any of it."

"Harry, no one earns those sorts of things, they just happen. I'm sorry that you have to keep going through these things, but I want you to know that Dan and I'll help you in any way that we can. OK?"

Harry nodded and said, "Thanks."

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They arrived at the Leakey Cauldron with fifteen minutes to spare. Auror Church agreed to accompany them to Gringotts and wait for them in the lobby. They made their way to Gringotts. Harry was wearing a nicer set of gray robes that he had. They were shown into one of the conference rooms. Seated at the table were Ragnot, Remus, McGonagall, Dumbledore, Director Bones, and three others that Harry had not met.

Dan, Hermione, Harry, and Emma, nodded and said hello to everyone and they sat down together.

Ragnot said, "There are two items of business this morning. There is the reading of the now undisputed Will of Sirius Orion Black, and a custody hearing for Mr. Harry James Potter. First to the Will." He produced a parchment and began reading.

"I Sirius Black, indicate that this is my final Will, dated 7, May 1996.

To Minerva McGonagall, I leave twenty five thousand Galleons. Please use a bit of the gold to make certain that the Gryffindor team members all have decent brooms. I wish you the best.

To Albus Dumbledore, I leave one Galleon, and Kreacher. You took away my last chance at happiness fifteen years ago. You let me go to prison for twelve years knowing that there was every likelihood that I was innocent. You made me a prisoner in my own home. I have forgiven you for Azkaban, but I will never forgive you for the other. I hope that you think long and hard about the justice in your actions. People need freedom of choice.

To Remus Lupin, I leave one hundred thousand Galleons. You have the gold. There's no giving it back. May you never suffer or want for anything again my friend. Please keep an eye on Harry and help him when he asks you to.

To Hermione Granger, I leave twenty five thousand Galleons. You are a brave, beautiful, remarkable young witch of exceptional loyalty. I hope you remain best friends with Harry for the rest of what I hope are very long lives together.

To Harry Potter, I leave all of my personal property, and the Black estate. If there is someone that you believe that I missed, feel free to pass a bit around. Please keep most of it. Someday it might come in handy. I'm sorry that I wasn't here to watch you live your life. Please do what you need to do, and never lose sight of brilliant witches who truly care about you. I have papers signed that would authorize your emancipation as an adult. You have the funds, you have the maturity, and in my opinion, it would be best for you. Harry you don't need another guardian. You don't need to be stuck living with your horrible relatives. You need your friends and you need to be tutored by the finest experts that gold can buy. Kick his arse when you are done from Lilly and James. I wish you a long and happy life. Love Sirius.

Ragnot handed Harry several papers, detailing the sizeable holdings.

Ragnot said, "Mr. Potter, you can review the documents and sign them later in the morning. The next item is in relation to your status. Wizengamot judges Wallace, Barclay, and Ferguson will review your options and consider your request."

A woman about Molly's age spoke. She looked like a slightly older version of Emma Granger. "Mr. Potter, my name is Diane Wallace. This is John Barclay and Taylor Ferguson." Harry shook the two witches and the wizard's hands. She continued. "It is our stated bias that the wishes of a child's parents are nearly sacred and should not be tampered with without extraordinary reason."

Harry looked at her and nodded.

Judge Ferguson asked, "Where are you currently living, Mr. Potter?"

Harry replied, "I was invited to spend the summer with one of my school friends and her parents. They invited me and I accepted before anything had happened to the Dursleys."

Amelia cut in. "Excuse me, Judge Ferguson. Professor Dumbledore, do you have any business related to this hearing?"

Harry replied, "He can stay. He's a great wizard. I may not agree with his advice, or always follow it, but I would like to hear it."

'There is hope,' thought Dumbledore. "I have petitioned the Wizengamot to have Harry become a ward of the school with Professor Minerva McGonagall to be responsible for Harry well being until he reaches the age of seventeen. It is my belief that Harry should be immersed in the wizarding world culture where he doubtless will become a prominent member. It is also my desire that he receive additional protection from the dangers that continuously face him, and not to expose Miss Granger's parents to any undue danger. Harry has rather unique safety requirements."

He hadn't gotten the reaction that he'd hoped for from the Grangers. He had expected that they'd push Harry out of their home at the mention of danger to their daughter. Instead they just sat there, politely looking at him. 'They simply didn't realize the level of threat that Riddle represented'.

He continued. "It is my belief that the current dark lord, Tom Riddle known as Lord Voldemort will need to be defeated not by my generation, rather by Harry's. The followers that Riddle is currently recruiting are not of my generation, but Harry's."

Dan asked, "Is there a conscription into your world's military service – the Aurors, as there is with the Queen's military?"

"Certainly not," said Bones somewhat ruffled. "It is an elite, all volunteer organization."

Dan continued, "Could my sixteen year old daughter join such an organization this afternoon if she choose?"

Bones had never considered such a request. "Possibly an exception could be made. I understand that she has exceptional intelligence. Normally we wouldn't accept a candidate until they were eighteen. Dr. Granger, what is your point?"

Dan smiled a bit. He should have been a solicitor. "My point is that by your own rules, the professor's concerns over Harry's activities this summer are almost moot. Surely you weren't planning on teaching him assassination techniques this week were you Professor?"

In truth, Dumbledore hadn't planned anything for Harry for the summer, though it had now become obvious to him that that was exactly what was needed. He responded, "There is much to learn." Minerva scowled at him.

Emma asked, "Professor, would you be so quick to send your own grandson off to war?"

Dumbledore replied, "I was largely responsible for ending the war with the last dark lord, Grindelwald."

Emma would not be sidetracked so easily. "I'm not discounting your achievements, professor, but you really didn't answer my question."

Dumbledore admitted that she had a point. "I would not. I would find a way to ensure his happiness and if necessary, provide him with every skill and advantage available to ensure his success."

Dan was truly angry at the man, but held it in saying, "With all due respect Professor, you have done neither of those things for Harry Potter. I cannot train Harry or Hermione to be soldiers or an assassin if that truly is their destiny as you have predicted. I can provide them with a loving home during the school holiday and Director Bones has done much to ensure their safety."

Judge Wallace cut in. "This is indeed an interesting discussion, but it is somewhat off-track from topic.

Minerva was livid. Dumbledore had never mentioned her taking Harry on as a ward. Sirius was right – people need a freedom of choice.

Judge Wallace looked at Minerva. "Professor McGonagall, is it your formal request that Harry be placed in your custody until he is seventeen. Is it your belief that Harry would be safest with you?"

She gave Dumbledore a last look and replied, "It is your Honor."

Wallace continued. "Harry, do you believe yourself capable of handling your own personal and financial affairs?"

Harry asked, "Will my answer affect my eligibility to continue my education at Hogwarts?"

Wallace replied, "The seven year education is available to all witches and wizards demonstrating sufficient ability who are able to afford the tuition, room and boarding fees. Your position as a student is open to you whether you are a ward of the Ministry, under guardianship, adopted by a family, or living independently. You must have a very full pensive to have considered such a point."

Harry smiled at her. "To answer your question, yes I do. I largely trust that my financial affairs are in order as far as Gringotts is concerned. I have some decisions to make regarding the properties, but I'm certain that I will seek and receive good advice before making any decisions regarding sales of any of the properties."

He took a sip of water and continued. "As I said, the Grangers have repeatedly offered to let me stay at their home for the summer. I would like to do that. They have provided me with a room of my own and clothing to wear. They've taken the time to get to know me, and I sincerely appreciate their generosity. If there are expenses that I should pay for the Aurors who are guarding the home, I will gladly pay them."

Wallace smiled at him. "That is very responsible of you to offer, Harry. Given your contributions to the wizarding world, I see no need to assess you anything for the summer. So it is your formal request to become an emancipated wizard in our society and be responsible for your own actions?"

"Yes Ma'am. However, I do appreciate the offer that Professor McGonagall made. It was very generous."

"It is indeed. You are fortunate to have two very attractive options."

Dumbledore could see where this was going, and elected not to argue. He wasn't looking to possess Harry, simply lead him to follow his way of thinking. 'I should have charmed the doors so Black couldn't have gotten out. This was so foreseeable and disrupts so many things.'

The three judges conferred for a few minutes than came back. Judge Barclay asked, "Mr. Potter before we announce our decision, do you have any other questions?"

Hermione, Dan, Emma, Amelia, Minerva, and Albus all had Harry's best interest in mind. Each was praying or silently hoping that their version of best interest would be chosen.

Judge Wallace looked at Dumbledore and McGonagall and smiled.

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A/N

Should Harry intervene on behalf of Tonks and Kingsley? Is Dumbledore within his right to try and remove Fudge?

Your opinions are very helpful and will help make this a better story.