Debeo Animus

by Lord and Lady Malfoy

(RATING SUBJECT TO CHANGE). James Potter, adopted son of his disgraced aunt, has a sister. Said sister was asked, by her mother, who's on her death bed, to take in Harry.

4. In which legalities are solved

Harry Potter and the Debeo Animus

By

Lythian & Constance Malfoy

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling as well as various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 3

In Which Legalities are solved.

--AN--

A full wizengamot is comprised of 12 seats, there are many people who hold a seat on the wizengamot, however for legislation to be passed, a group of 12 members will discuss a motion. Different numbers of seats are required to pass a motion. Holding 6 seats, with his brother holding 5, they only need to 'buy' one more seat to approve any law or document not requiring every member of the wizengamot to vote upon.

--AN--

LAST TIME IN DEBEO ANIMUS:

"Can our plan be salvaged?"

"I honestly don't know. They are the richest family in the wizarding world, with fairly pure lines. Inherited parts of the Malfoy, Potter and Black fortunes. The Black fortune was split equal between Malfoy lines, ¼ of the Malfoy fortune went to Lythian, the rest to Lucius. The entire Potter fortune went to Lythian."

"How many seats does that give him?"

"Let's see... Potter, that would be 3. The Blacks had 4, so Lythian would have 2. The Malfoy's have 4, so 1. That's half the Wizengamot, and in a tie breaker, well as secondary heir to the Malfoy's he could call on another seat there, and one from the Blacks. Those three families have absorbed so many lines."

"Who holds the Weasley seat?"

"My third cousin, 7 times removed. He also holds the key the vaults, and has stopped the allowances. The ministry refuses to allow me to advance, they say they need me down there, and will pay me unspeakable rates again when I am needed again."

"I really am sorry Arthur. I will live up to my promise of a million galleons, when Ronald becomes Harry's confidante."

"Thankyou Headmaster."

The flames died out.

NOW ON WITH THE NEXT CHAPTER:

Lucius Malfoy sat at the desk in his study, filling in the adoption papers he needed for his brother, thinking on what he learnt. The Potter boy was not a mud blood. In fact he was pureblooded. His father was the brother of his sister-in-law. Evans. The name was familiar. "Damn Lythian for taking the family book." he thought to himself. Lucius opened a draw on his desk and pulled out his signet ring and a stick of black sealing wax, then threw a fist full of powder into the fireplace, calling out "Dragon's Crest Manor." as he stepped through.

"Mister Malfoy, you are expected in the drawing room." a spectral porter informed him. He followed the ghost like apparition towards a large black door, banded with gold. Inside he found his brother, and saw the forms of his sister in-law and a small boy entering a room down the hall.

"Hello Lucius, how are you."

"Well brother. I have the forms. I have also had Fudge pre-approve the document. With his seal, you will only need 10 seats of the wizengamot to approve it. So there are no problems there. Just fill in here, here and here, also I went to Severus and asked him to brew the potion base for the Adoption Charm, so the boy will take on characteristics of both you and Constance, if you want that."

"How could I have forgotten something as important as that, if we are to pass him off as our son, Adopted or not. Thank you brother dear." smirked Lythian to his older brother. "Then let us get this show on the road and start the formalities."

Minutes later the two brothers pricked their fingers allowing a drop of blood to flow onto the paper.

Adoption of Harold James Potter:

Adopted Name: Varian Marius Malfoy

Parents: James Potter, Lilly Evans-Potter

Adoptive Parents: Lythian Malfoy, Constance Potter-Malfoy

Date Of Birth: 31/7/1980

New place of Residence: Dragon's Crest Manor, Wiltshire

Approved:

Cornelius Fudge (Minister of Magic)

House of Potter (3)

House of Malfoy (4)

House of Black (4)

Approval of Ministry Controlled Substance: Adoption Potion.

Approved by Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic.

Severus Snape, Potions Master

Griselda Telmare, Potions Administrative Board

"When will we receive the adoptive potion?" Lythian asked, confused.

"Yes. Severus will send it later this week."

Lucius rolled up the parchment and melted the black wax over it, placing the signet ring in the pool of wax. The seal hardened revealing an image of a scroll which was embossed in gold.

"Should I ask where you managed to get a Hall of Records seal?"

"Fudge. It's useful. Is that all?"

"No." Lythian opened his desk and pulled out a large leather book, opening it to the middle, where there was a blank form.

"I will need you to approve two forms for me."

Warrant for the arrest of:

Vernon Dursley

Petunia Evans-Dursley

Case number: 1723113

Address: 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey

Reason: Child Abuse. See attached evidence folder 1723113-1 and pensive memory 1723113-1

Arrest Warrant Issued by: Lythian Malfoy, Unspeakable, tier 2.

Arrest Approved by:

House of Potter (3)

House of Malfoy (4)

House of Black (4)

Verdict of Case number:

1723113

Charge: 1st Degree Child Abuse, Rape

Finding: Guilty

Sentence: 15 years in Farrah Prison, Muggle Block

Cell number: 151b

Notes: Couple's Child Dudley Dursley to be taken to St Marcus' Military Orphanage. To be schooled at St Brutus' school for the criminally insane.

Verdic Approved by:

House of Potter (3)

House of Malfoy (4)

House of Black (4)

Unspeakable department (4)

Prosecutor: Lythian Malfoy, tier 2, Unspeakable.

"Where is Farrah Prison."

"Ah Ah Ah Lucius. Unspeakable secret, you know that. I will send this off to my boss tomorrow morning."

Farrah prison was a large island near Azkaban prison which was guarded by more than just dementors. Prisoners were used as slaves of a sort, mining the island for Mythril. The side effect was an addiction to the gasses which surrounded Mythril. Should they leave without being given a special potion, their brain snapped within an hour, leaving them catatonic.

The two sat in the black armchairs which decorated the room, a glass of brandy in each of their hands. Minutes later Constance returned with the small boy, Harry Potter, now Varian Malfoy.

"So this is you new son? Hello Varian, I am Lucius, your Uncle."

Harry buried his head in Constance's shoulder.

"Come on Varian, say hello to Uncle Lucius."

"Hewwo Unca Lucis"

"He would be the same age as my son Draco."

"How is Draco?"

"Spoilt. Narcissa was made baran by the delivery, so she dotes on him. She made me buy 3 new house elves just for him. As if having 15 elves already isn't enough. I had to expand the cupboard they slept in."

"That is why we use Spectrals. They are not beings, just magical constructs."

"How untraditional." Lucius sniffed with disdain.

"Well it is time for Varian to go to bed. Say good night to Lucius, Varian."

"Goo-nigh Unca Lucis."

"Good night Varian."

"Come on son." Lythian stood up and placed his hand on the boys shoulder, leading him to his room, whilst Constance flopped into the arm chair opposite Lucius.

"So Lucius. Who have you had promised to Draco."

"We tried to get the Parkinson child, but when the contract was signed by the two of us, it did not take."

"So Parkinsons child was already pledged?"

"That's the thing, we tried with another family, the Bulstrodes. Same thing and I know Bulstrode was not promised. I spoke to her mother the other night, they just signed a contract with the Greans. So it must be Draco, but we never signed anything."

"Could there be an outstanding promise between another family?"

"No idea. What about Varian, have you begun searching?"

"Tentatively. With the Zabini's."

"Zabini, well respected family, although they are neutral, that is a point against them in my books."

"One of the purest lines though. Not English, true, but pure."

"True. Have you enrolled Varian in Hogwarts?"

"No. We are home-schooling him. Both Lythian and I were home schooled. We learnt far more in four years than you did in all seven."

"True. Draco will be going to Hogwarts. I want to know what goes on there."

"I would expect nothing less from you Lucius. Of course I expect Draco will be a perfectly groomed follower of which ever Dark Lord arises next."

"Constance, I know you disagree with the Dark Lord Voldemort. Let's agree to disagree."

"Your Dark Lord killed my father. And cursed my Mother."

"He deserved it. You should have been turned over to him as a servant. You would have been good."

"Out of my house Lucius. Do. Not. Insult. My. Father. I love you like a brother, but god help me Lucius. You insult him again. I will turn your entrails into your outtrails, your outtrails will become your entrails.... Pain... Okay Lucius. Leave now before I carry though."

"I will see you later Constance. Maybe our children can play together later."

"Only if your son does not support the next dark lord Lucius. Only if you promise you will not train him to be a servant of your disgraced 'Master'. Goodbye Lucius."

"Goodbye Constance. If you need anything..."

"Same to you."

With that, Lucius Malfoy stepped out of Lythian and Constance's life for years.

The next morning, and in fact the next few months were spent learning to be a family. Every Saturday, Lythian and Varian would go outside and have father and son time, Sundays were usually family picnic days, Mondays was Constance and Varian's special day, where they would do some little crafty projects, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Varian was taught basic reading and writing skills for half the day. The rest of the day was spent doing whatever they wanted to do. Wednesdays were days for other lessons. It started with basic etiquette, improving English, history of the Malfoy, Potter and Black families and of the Wizarding world in general.

It was a family, and that was what they treasured most. On Varian's fourth birthday, Lythian and Constance gave Harry a long wooden box. Inside sat an unpolished stick of wood. The top of the box said Training Wand, Level 1. That Wednesday Harry began to learn basic magic.

When Harry turned 5, the schedule changed once more. Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays stayed the same. Tuesdays Harry was taught to write and read, Wednesday was dedicated to magic of all varieties, Thursdays was math, Fridays was half rest, the other half was dedicated to a general education. Harry had 3 tutors, each one was highly trained, and was top of their field. No expense was spared.

The Malfoy's were reclusive. As very few people knew of their branch of the families existence. The only times the families influence was seen was when documents were filed by Lythian without going through the Wizengamot. It was one of these documents that one day fell into Arthur Weasleys hands.

Request for Muggle Artifact to be Modified.

Address: Dragon's Crest Manor.

L. Malfoy wishes to modify a Muggle Motorcycle, and a Muggle Motor Car to use as a means of transport.

L. Malfoy currently has a Modified Mercedes Benz Motor Car. (approved 10/12/1974).

Brief Description: 1 x Stretched Limousine, 1 x Road bike. Modifications as per Muggle Modifications Book 1 (pg 312, 412), (Book is restricted according to the Restricted Literature Act 1549)

Approved (Pending authorization of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office):

House of Potter (3)

House of Black (2)

House of Malfoy (1)

"Albus Dumbledore!" the flames in the fireplace flashed green and Albus Dumbledore's head appeared.

"Arthur, how can I help you?"

"I've found him. Lythian Malfoy, Dragon's Crest Manor."

"Thanks Arthur. How come it took 2 years to find him?"

"There is nothing on him. Nothing on his wife either. Both were or are high up in the ranks of Unspeakables, although no-one knows how high. All I know is my boss defers to them when they walk in the room... I talked with my boss too. The last public documents from Lythian Malfoy were the arrest and verdict papers of Vernon and Petunia Dursley, submitted the day after Harry Potters removal. He told me it they were sentenced to 15 years in the Unspeakables prison. Dudley was sent to a military orphanage, to be schooled at St Brutus'."

"Really? What can you tell me about this prison?"

"Nothing. I don't even know. I am only 8th tier of the 12. Prison details are only given to 4th tier and above."

"This is not good. Did any adoption papers come through?"

"I talked to the people in records, none of them or their associates filed them. It does not mean they have not been filed. It only takes 10 seats and the minister, along with someone with a seal to submit them. If Lucius and Lythian teamed up, I am sure that Lucius could get Fudges approval on a blank form, they hold 11... Lucius probably has a seal too."

The twinkle in Dumbledores eyes died out. "I will attempt to contact them then. How is Ron's training going?"

"Good. He knows he is to befriend Harry Potter. He knows he is to say how bad Slytherin is, and how all dark wizards came from that house. I must tell you Dumbledore I don't agree. It is known that the Dark Lady Traiana was a Gryffindor."

The next day, Albus Dumbledore had the fright of his life when he stepped into the fireplace, intending to go to Dragon's Crest Manor. His connection to the property was diverted and came out into a fireplace in the middle of a large cliff. Half an hour later, a black Mercedes pulled up, the door opened, admitting him to the vehicle (yes, it flys). The door closed, and the car drove off.

The car was luxurious, Albus admitted that much, the driver was almost a ghost, and he assumed it was a Spectral.

5 minutes later the car pulled up in front of large house, and Dumbledore was shown into the drawing room, where a man was sitting, facing away from the door.

"Sit down Mister Dumbledore."

"Mister Malfoy?"

"Be happy that you are speaking to someone who can speak for him."

"Your name."

"No."

"I am here to talk about..."

"I know. I have been authorised to speak the following. James Potter was adopted by his disgraced uncle in order to save him from his fathers clutches. His father was a death eater. His twin sister was raised primarily by her mother, avoiding the Voldemort issue. She married Lythian Malfoy, although their marriage was arranged, they loved each other anyway. Constance Potter was abused by her father, and at one point the injuries caused her to become sterile, hence the lack of children to Lythian. Constance's mother lamented on her death bed that she wanted Constance to make up for the mistake she made with James, by taking in Harry. They did. They saw the way the Dursley's treated him, and acted accordingly. Harry is being educated by the best scholars, although he does not go by that name any more. I believe that is all. Questions?"

"Can I see him?"

"No."

"Can I speak to the Malfoy's?"

"No."

"Harry will want to know some wizard children before he goes to Hogwarts. Can I arrange for a few to come around?"

"No."

Albus was in a huff. He decided it was time to threaten.

"Tell Mister Malfoy then that I am going to contest his adoption of Harry."

"Excuse me for a second."

The man reached behind and picked up a quill and began writing.

"Mister Malfoy tells me to tell you that should you even try to contest Harry's placement then the way he was treated by the Dursley's will be released, along with the details that it was you who placed him there without checking on him, your status as headmaster of Hogwarts will be brought into question, and your position on the Wizengamot considered null and void."

"Is that a threat?"

"No. That is a consequence. Whilst the motions will be lead by Mister Malfoy, the evidence would be scandal. Mister Malfoy has kept this knowledge to himself as a favor to you. However if you take action against him, all good will vanishes."

"As the boys future headmaster I have the right to see him."

After a few scratches of the quill, the man spoke again.

"No you do not. Hogwarts Bilaws, amendment 71 states that only when a student is confirmed to be a student does the headmaster have said rights. That occurs after the receipt of the first letter. Should the letter not be received only then could you intervene. There is also the fact that he will not be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Wh.. What!?"

"He will be home schooled. Now before you leave, please take this letter to your Potions Master, Severus Snape. Should you even try to find out the contents of this letter, I assure you Mister Malfoy will ensure that you go to prison for violation of more than 17 different laws. As you have been warned, make that 18. Face it Mister Dumbledore. You have been outclassed and outsmarted. Please leave."

"I DEMAND TO SEE HIM."

The man raised his hand into the air and clicked his fingers. Seconds later a Spectral waltzed into the room.

"Show Mister Dumbledore back to Hogwarts. Then set the floo to Dump Mister Dumbledore into the fireplace in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, should he try and return. Do not return Mister Dumbledore. Any correspondence for Mister Malfoy should be sent through Mister Snape."

Albus stood up and pointed his wand at the Spectral. "Finite Incantatum". The spell hit the Spectral causing it to dissipate.

The man behind the desk scribbled a few notes. Seconds later 15 Aurors stepped into the room. The head Auror stepped forward.

"Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest for trespassing. Should you come along quietly, Mister Malfoy is willing to drop the charges. Should you resist, then you will also face charges for resisting arrest."

3 days after that conversation finished, Albus Dumbledore was released from a ministry holding cell.