The Rise & Fall of Harry Potter
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Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and all of its characters solely belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing except for anything which you do not recognize. No profit is being made from writing this piece of fiction either.
A/N: Firstly, a big 'Thanks!' to all my reviewers. I really appreciated your feedback. To answer Baranwyn's question, the character 'Daphne Greengrass' appeared in page 628 of OOTP when she left to take her OWLS at the same time as Hermione. We later find out from the interview, "Harry Potter and Me" that she is a member of Slytherin house, along with Tracey Davis (Both of which will appear in this fic).
Lastly, I know I said that I will try to incorporate the gaining of Harry's custody by Alpheus and Harry's meeting the rest of the Greengrass family in this chapter, but I think I will separate both events. Combining both will make this chapter too long and takes a longer time to complete.
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Chapter 2: A Dark Future Looms
"My name is Alpheus", the man said, extending a hand.
"Alpheus Greengrass"
Alpheus watched as Harry extended a thin, bony hand to shake his. For such a frail, delicate-looking boy, Harry had a surprisingly firm grip. He approved; a firm and solid handshake is a sign of confidence, represented decisiveness, without hesitation.
His eyes critically scanned over the boy's frame. As far as he could tell, the boy was all but mottled with large purple and black bruises throughout his body. Also visible are long dark scars and slashes, most of which had scabbed over and started to heal. Numerous faint lines on his thighs indicated that the abuse had probably started years ago. Harry's malnourished appearance, dirty and thick rounded glasses all the more added to his looking like a starving street waif.
Alpheus felt his disgust and contempt of Muggles increase nearly ten-fold after seeing the boy.
Hah! What will Dumbledore, champion of the Mudbloods and Muggles, along with the rest of his Muggle-loving companions say when they see this?
Why should wizards have to hide their world like cowards from the Muggles? Having to keep their existence a secret; having to place complex charms just to hide their places of residence; having to hire large squads of Obliviators just to ensure no Muggle would have any memory of seeing them.
We wizards are superior to those filthy low-lives. If anything, the Muggles are the ones who should have to hide their existence, if they are even worthy of it.
But Alpheus will be tolerant. For now… Everything will fall according to plan, which had been slowly but surely forming in his head the moment he identified Harry Potter. The time will soon come when the wizards will overthrow those arrogant twits from their unjustly position in the world. The line of Greengrass will also be hailed as heroes to the Magical world; will then gain their rightful place as the noble leaders of the purebloods. And Harry Potter will be one of his key pawns and figures to bring motion to this plan. All he needed to do was to train and sculpt Harry into his ideal apprentice and son, then patiently wait to reap the fruits of his effort.
Yes…
But he recognized that much work had to be put in just to restore the boy into a healthy frame and poise. An unhealthy, frail and weak Harry would not be able to do much for him. Now however, Alpheus had more important matters to settle.
Plastering a kindly smile on his face, he turned to Harry.
"Come on, Harry. We have much to accomplish today", he said in a calm and soothing tone without seeming forced. Yes. A master schemer and manipulator he was.
Alpheus had sworn to take the family to greater heights, and would not stop at nothing to accomplish this. He had always prided himself on being a quiet thinker, always silently observing and planning. Alpheus was never one to act rashly; every single move and decision of his was ruthlessly and coldly calculated. His father, Hephaestus was no fool, and had noticed that he was going to be the cream of the crop out of the three sons. Father had gone out of his way to groom his second-eldest, doting on him more than even his own wife, and had unsurprisingly named him heir to the Greengrass line in his will before he died, much to the extreme displeasure of Sejanus and Demetrius, the other two sons.
"Where are we going", Harry asked, his voice guarded and cautious.
Harry observed Mr. Greengrass carefully, awaiting his reply. One could tell a lot from a man's face. That was something he had learnt while under the Dursleys. While Harry trusted his instincts and decision, he was still a little unsettled at leaving for a strange and unknown location.
"The Ministry of Magic. I have to first gain custody of you", Mr. Greengrass said, his reply swift and to the point. His face did not reveal anything but a slight smile which Harry did not really like. But he was sure he would rather put up with this mysterious entity with his eerie smile and currently yet unknown family than having to see Vernon's flabby, contorted face twisted into a slightly crazed expression staring back at him.
A swarm of horrific images of experiences which he would much rather have totally forgotten filled his mind before he could block it. Each was like a reminder, taunting him, haunting him, of his past, refusing to let him out of its clutches.
ARRRRG!
Harry squeezed his eyes shut, and clenched his fists, trying in vain to clear his clouded mind. He was only broken out of his trance-like reverie when Mr. Greengrass began to speak again.
"We will travel by Apparation, the physical transfer of one's bodily atoms from one location to another instantaneously. That was how I arrived here in the first place. You just need to hold on tight to me", he continued.
Harry inched closer to the man, and tentatively grabbed one of his arms. He could soon feel Alpheus' grasp firmly closing over his palm. With another 'CRACK!', loud as a gunshot, Harry sensed his view swirling over, and instinctively closed his eyes.
Hardly a moment passed before he felt his felt touching solid ground again. Harry slowly opened his eyes, an awestruck gaze dawning on his face as he drank in the unique but grandiose surroundings.
They were now standing at one end of a long, extravagant, posh-looking hall. Its walls seemed to be made of some valuable sturdy, dark wood smoothed and varnished till it shined. Inset into the paneled wooden walls were strange-looking archaic symbols which constantly emitted a faint golden glow. The walls also housed a few fireplaces which looked strangely out of place in this classy setting. But its ceiling was the most captivating of all. It was colored a brilliant sky-blue, and covered with more of those strange symbols. The difference was, these symbols seem to shift and change its positions every minute or so.
"The symbols you see are ancient runes which code for the Ministry building's protective magical wards. To break them, even a skilled-wizard or ward-breaker has to be able to first identify every single one of these runes and their specific position in the series. As you can see, they change positions every minute, which is why even if the building's wards aren't as old as those casted upon some castles, they are still no doubt extremely effective", Alpheus explained, as though reading his mind.
"But you probably don't understand anyway. Worry not, as there is still plenty of chance to learn more about wards in future."
Standing in the middle of the hall was a large fountain of gleaming, golden figures. Harry could only identify two of them as humans. The rest looked like some unknown and weird creatures. Water spouted out from different positions in each of the statues, rising high into the air while magically twirling into intricate patterns and swirls, before falling back into the base with a loud splash.
He followed Mr. Greengrass to the end of the hall, where a large, spiked, golden gate stood. To the left of it was a security desk, which strangely was vacant.
Five minutes later saw Harry, after getting out of a large, grilled lift, on a long corridor lined with a few different doors and entrances on Level Five. There were also quite a number of windows set into the walls. The strange thing was, Harry knew they were underground yet there were warm rays of sunlight filtering through the panes. He dismissed it as magic though. Harry however, was most curious about one royal-style gold-plated door with silver ringers and labeled, "International Confederation of Wizards, British Seats", but was quickly led by Mr. Greengrass towards the end of the corridor and turned left into another hallway. This one had only one large glass door at the end. A newly-polished silver plaque read, "International Magical Office of Law". The doors, which seemed to have a mind of their own, swung open as the duo approached.
"A combination of Detection and Opening Spells", Alpheus explained to his young companion.
And soon to be protégé, he smirked mentally.
They entered a large room, beautifully furnished with potted plants and vast, expensive oil paintings. The flooring was carpeted, thick and rugged. Like the hallways, this room had always windows to allow the permeation of sunlight, though each was narrower, longer like French Windows. In the front, there was a long counter, behind which sat a few middle-aged women, most of whom had busy, stern expressions on their faces. A few archways to the sides of the place would lead to the various subdivisions of the Magical Law establishment. One of them looked at when the duo entered, staring at Alpheus for a moment before recognition dawned on her face.
"Mr. Greengrass! Pardon our poor service. What might be the purpose for your visit today?"
"I would like to see the best solicitor you can offer", he responded in a cool voice that left no room for negotiations.
Alpheus would much rather have preferred to use the family's own private line of solicitors. But a tricky matter such as gaining custody of a young wizard child who was totally unrelated to him, not to mention a symbiotic icon in the Wizarding world deigned him to come to the Ministry and ask for the services of a neutral party.
"Charles is free today, Mr. Greengrass. If you would please follow me", she answered, looking a bit flustered as she started to lead the way towards the archways to the right of the place.
Charles Revan sat calmly in his plush armchair, sweeping some strands of his long brown hair out of his face, and listening as Alpheus Greengrass explained his desire to gain custody of one Harry Potter, who looked particularly battered and scrawny than an eight-year old boy should. He knew the Greengrass family by reputation, wealthy and always looking down on Muggle-borns like himself. Though Charles was more than a bit reluctant to help the pureblood receive custody of a crucial person like Harry, business was business after all. Still, he already had his secretary, Marlene, to send a swift owl over to Albus Dumbledore, detailing the events that have transpired.
"You do not see the difficulty in achieving your wishes, Mr. Greengrass. Harry Potter has absolutely no relations to your line by blood, and has already been placed with guardians, whom may I say, are his actual, living relatives", he explained.
"And look where that has led him? Take a good look at Harry for yourself. This is the result of eight years with his relatives! What good has it done to the savior of our world? I simply fail to see how malnutrition, starvation, mental and physical abuse towards their charge would be the makings of an exemplary guardian", he hissed coldly.
"Do you mean to say that all these, injuries, have been inflicted onto him by his relatives?", asked Charles, whose face was turning pallid with shock.
"That is exactly what I mean. The Ministry, if they would like, can send over a Magical Law Enforcement squad to question them. In the event that I do not get custody of Harry, guess what I would do? I can already imagine the headline, "Headmaster Albus Dumbledore places Hero of the Magical world, Harry Potter, under abusive relatives". What an uproar that would cause. I don't think you, seeing as you have always worshipped the Muggle-loving fool, as well as the old coot himself, would like that, would you? I may also decide to bring charges upon the Magical Law Office for the gross negligence they showed in the being a part of this, disaster. Your department did, after all, hand Harry's custody over to Potter's relatives.", he continued on slowly, letting the threat sink in.
"Are you threatening me, Mr. Greengrass?", Charles, who had already been trying to suppress his anger towards the pureblood, said, now slowly rising and bristling with indignation.
"Think what you want to. I have no qualms about carrying out what I said. There is nothing that can stop me from gaining Harry's custody anyway. Our family is wealthy, way wealthier than yours, for that matter. We can provide him a caring and loving environment to grow up in, unlike his original guardians, who failed to do so. Besides, Harry has no objection in living with me. I don't see why the Ministry should not grant me his custody."
Before Charles could reply, there was a knock on the door.
"Mr. Revan, Headmaster Dumbledore is here to see you and Mr. Greengrass", came the voice of Marlene.
"Send him in, Marlene", he said, turning back to a now blazing Alpheus.
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Albus Dumbledore sighed as he read the message delivered to him courtesy of Revan. Charles was one of his former students, and part of the few who had maintained good relations with him after leaving Hogwarts. The usually amicable man had always been dead set against the purebloods for their continued dominance in the Wizarding society and was never afraid to voice out his opinion. It was not a surprise for him when Charles became a solicitor for the Ministry; he was an eloquent debater. His former pupil has quickly risen through the ranks and was now one of the best in Magical Britain.
The message was worrying though. Dumbledore was relieved at first upon hearing Harry had been found, he had been anxious over Harry's well-being ever since old Mrs. Figg had informed him of the boy's disappearance. In fact, Albus was just about to pop over to Surrey to find out the cause for Harry's absence before he heard from Charles.
His relief was short-lived as he found out the Greengrass' intentions of adopting the child. He absolutely could not allow Alpheus Greengrass to get his way in this matter. The Greengrass line was reputed for two things- Their dueling ability and knowledge of the Dark Arts, even if they had never supported Voldemort. Albus knew that Alpheus would no doubt try to exploit the boy's fame and immense magical potential, try to train him, at the same time immersing him into the realm of forbidden magic to become a tool for the family. He could not sit back and let this unfold. Dumbledore knew just how corrupting the Dark Arts can be. Many wizards were tempted by the power it allured, but very few mastered it with their minds and bodies intact. Even an innocent and pure child could be completely twisted when steeped too far in Dark magic.
His usual twinkle in the eyes had dimmed; more frowns had appeared on his face, which was grim as Albus prepared to leave for the Ministry.
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"Albus, it has been a long time. And I rue the state of our law department; it must be so challenging just to keep a client's confidentiality", growled Alpheus, his eyes gazing from Revan to the newly arrived but unwelcome visitor.
I should have expected the man to pull something like this. Curse him for bringing in Dumbledore and complicating this whole matter!
"Headmaster Dumbledore is here to act as my temporary consultant. I'm afraid that I do not really have the authority to decide on this matter. As you know, it is better to be safe than sorry", the solicitor replied, now smirking at the scowling man.
"Anyway, I digress. The Headmaster can be here if he wants to; he cannot do anything to stop me from gaining custody of Harry", Alpheus said, pointing at said boy, who was listening keenly into the conversation.
He observed as Dumbledore's eyes swept over the boy, eliciting a short gasp as he took in Harry's various wounds and bruises, along with his stick-thin frame.
"On what grounds should Harry's custody be granted to you, when he has already his relatives for guardians", Dumbledore finally spoke, his crystalline blue eyes boring into him.
"Why, on the grounds that his dear relatives not only underfed him, but also abused him. And that I am capable of giving him a comfortable, sheltered life, along with me being the first to find Harry and offer him a home, and if that is still not enough, Harry himself has agreed to live with our family as an adopted son", he drawled softly.
Dumbledore felt the perfect world he had created for the son of the two students he had most adored and cared for start to crumble. When James and Lily were murdered, he promised himself that he would guide and groom young Harry into a child they could be proud of. And he had failed so miserably. The boy was barely eight yet the amount of hurt and sorrow he could detect in Harry's eyes was something he hoped never to see again. Albus had wanted for Harry to live a life sheltered from the Wizarding world; a comfortable life away from fame for his scar and the potential dangers it might bring; a life in a home protected by ancient magic from remaining Death Eaters and a Dark Lord who would one day rise again.
He was totally oblivious to the dangers within the household. His care and concern for the young boy had blinded him to the knowledge that Lily's sister, along with her husband, despised Magic and everything to do with it. His naivety towards human kindness had led to him underestimating the extent of their reactions to being saddled with a child, a child born with Magic. He had utterly and completely failed Lily and James. The failure rang in his ears as he gripped the side of the table to steady himself.
"Harry… Is all t-this true?", he managed to croak out.
"Harry. Now standing before you is the man responsible for your plight; the man who left you with your abusive relatives. THE SAME MAN WHO DID NOTHING TO PREVENT THE ABUSE AND PROTECT YOU FROM THEM AS HE SHOULD HAVE!", he roared, eyes flashing at Dumbledore.
Albus flinched as he saw the degree of pain and hostility projected from Harry's eyes as he looked at him. He knew immediately from the first time he set his gaze on the perpetually haunted look on Harry's face that this was all true, but had wanted to seek confirmation. He also knew that he had probably lost the battle for Harry's custody. Hands gripping the table harder, he tried to take a few deep breaths to calm himself down. Albus vaguely felt a hand planted on his shoulder to stabilize him.
Charles had never seen Dumbledore this upset before. He would never forget the disillusioned look on his former mentor's face, one filled with outmost regret. The lines and wrinkles on the man's face would more visible than ever now. Coupled with the near dead expression, Dumbledore seemed to have aged another fifty years.
Turning back to Harry, the wizened old man spoke, "Harry, I-I'm truly sorry for all that has happened, I-"
"Enough. Just stop it. I do not want to hear your apologies", the boy whispered, cutting off Dumbledore. "You have no right, no right at all…", trailing off as he was assaulted by another wave of memories.
"Why should custody of the boy be granted to you of all people, Alpheus? Why not others, like the Weasleys?", Revan pressed on.
"The Weasels? Are you kidding? Those bunch of Muggle lovers can barely afford to put a roof over their heads, and yet you want Harry to live with them? Unless you are deaf, I have already expressed that Harry is willing to come with me; willing being the word. Or do you not understand simple English at all?"
Dumbledore made one last effort to salvage the situation.
"You don't understand, Alpheus. Harry needs the protection that his relatives' home offers. It is protected by ancient blood magic invoked by his mother's sacrifice. You know as well as I that there are still former Death Eaters roaming around", he protested weakly.
Alpheus, who had been sitting down calmly, now rose, glaring at Dumbledore.
"Are you trying to insinuate that Greengrass Manor can be infiltrated or broken into by a few fugitives and what-not? This is an insult to our noble line", he said in a soft but chilly tone which hinted of suppressed rage.
"What else do you have to say, Dumbledore? If nothing, I expect Revan to complete the legal procedures soon. I will be taking Harry with me now, we have much to settle", he said, grasping the boy's hand.
"Come on, Harry. We will be leaving for the Manor."
Harry, who had not so much even looked back at the Headmaster, Disapparated with the man with a loud 'Pop!'.
"Isn't there anything we could do to deny Alpheus of the boy's custody, Headmaster?"
"I am afraid not, my boy. We can only hope for the best for young Harry", he said, sighing.
Albus shook his head as he thought of the mistake he had made, one which would invariably lead to another in future. He could not do anything as yet, but he would be damned if he let Harry be led towards the Dark. Dumbledore resolved to do what he could for the boy, especially when Harry came to Hogwarts, and hope for the best. He would not wish the same fate of Tom Riddle to befall upon Harry. But as said, there was nothing he could do for now and he had to accept that fact.
Please Review! Remember, the more you review, the more inspired I get. The more inspired I get, the more motivation I have to write. The more motivation I have to write, the faster the updates will be. In short, more reviews equals faster updates :) But really, I would like to know your opinions on this fic. Suggestions are also more than welcome.
This chapter is not Harry's POV as I feel the fight for his custody scene would be better when the focus is centered on the adults. The rest of the chapters would not be like this one. Next, please pardon my ignorance on law matters (particularly child custody), I simply did not study law, so please do not mind any discrepancies.
Dumbledore in this fic is a man who made a mistake out of his concern for Harry. He is no manipulative, evil bastard (that sounds more like Alpheus), because I simply do not see Dumbledore as it.
Next chapter will see Harry arriving at the manor and meeting the Greengrass family. I intend to have about 2 chapters on this and his life in the manor before jumping to his first year in Hogwarts. Typically, each year would be at most 6 chapters. I have seen too many authors who write AU fics when Harry starts Hogwarts, but give up after 2nd year due to the length of the fic (and it is only the second year). I do not intend to make this mistake. The last few years at Hogwarts will be longer though.
Once again, please REVIEW!
Lucullus