Deal with the Devil
By: xxlostdreamerxz
Disclaimer: I don't own HP.
There is no such thing as good or evil, only those power and those strong enough to obtain it.
Voldemort
It was noon, on the 6th of July, when an elegantly dressed man entered the perimeter of the Ministry of Magic. The man was dressed in a simple set of midnight blue robes and black slacks. But what was strange about the man was not his outfit, but rather his movements. He did not walk, he prowled.
""Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business," a cool female voice sounded in the box.
The man rose an eyebrow at the lax security measure and answered, "Harry Potter. And I need to sell one of my estates."
A single badge slid out of the metal chute that said,
Harry Potter,
Estate management.
"Visitor to the Ministry, you are required to submit to a search and present your wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium."
Harry dipped his head in acknowledgement and walked away from the yellow telephone booth. Mentally, he rolled his eyes at the words. Was there going to be any minister in the world that was actually competent? What were they thinking? That Voldemort would actually hand over his wand and allow himself to be searched? It was a wonder that Voldemort hadn't already attacked and annihilated the entire Ministry, weak as it is.
When he neared the security desk, the secretary looked up in surprise and said in a bored tone. "Wand?"
This time Harry actually rolled his eyes, though he managed to keep the disgust from his face. He reached down into his pocket and drew his wand and handed it over to the dark-haired wizard.
The man dropped it onto a strange brass instrument, which looked something like a set of scales with only one dish. It began to vibrate. A narrow strip of parchment came speeding out of a slit in the base. The wizard tore this off and read the writing upon it. "Eleven inches, phoenix feather core, been in use for six years. That correct?"
Harry nodded.
"Here, you get this back," he replied in a bored voice, as he handed back Harry's wand. "Have a nice day..."
"Yea, you too," Harry replied politely as he began walking away. As it so seemed, the man didn't even recognize him much to his relief. He walked slowly towards the Estate Management center of the Ministry, taking care to memorize as much as he could about the inner structure of the Ministry. Just in case, an attack ever occurred and he needed to escape. It would not do if he got lost of all things and then got cornered by Death Eaters.
Harry opened the door and blinked to find himself in a large circular room, a tasteful shade of yellow, with a few comfy couches scattered here and there. A large wooden table stood in the center of the room as two chairs faced each other across the entire length of the room. Harry turned to his left when he heard a the soft patter of footsteps behind him and saw a middle-aged women with a pair of blue tinted glasses.
"Excuse me, but do you need some help sir?" she asked politely, as she gave Harry an curious look.
Harry smiled, "In fact I do," he said just as politely. "I made an appointment here a few days ago regarding a sale."
"Oh, in that case, it's a pleasure to meet you Mr." she paused for a second as she looked at Harry as if waiting for him to fill in the blank.
"Potter," he supplied, as he held out his hand and gave her a firm shake. "And you are?"
The woman blinked in surprised and eyed Harry with something akin to awe, though she quickly regain her professional mask. "Oh, how rude of me. My name is Nereid Zagreus, head of the real estate agency for the Ministry of Magic." The woman nodded her head distractedly and motioned him towards the large table. She took a seat near the corner of the room and faced Harry beckoned him to do the same. "Now, let's get down to business."
Harry looked amused and half-impressed. He had the impression that just about all Ministry workers were lazy and would rather gawk at him then anything else. Apparently, he was wrong.
"As you just mentioned, Mr. Potter," she said as she summoned an entire catalog of papers over to the table. "You wanted to inquire about a sale, is it?"
Harry shrugged. "I guess you can say that," he said with a wry smile. "I'm not interested in buying anything, Madam Zagreus, I want to sell one of my estates."
The woman took out a 'Quick notes' quill and prodded it with her wand, causing it to jolt and start scribbling notes on one of the pages. (Thankfully, Harry noted, the 'Quick notes' quill was in fact very different from Rita Seeker's 'Quick Quotes' quill). "And which estate is it, Mr. Potter?"
"12 Grimmauld Place," he answered calmly. At her puzzled glaze, Harry added. "It's one of the Black family's estates."
She blinked in surprise. "Why in the world would you want to sell it?" she demanded in surprise. "That is the Black family's ancestral household. Just about any pureblood would kill you one sight if they found out what you're doing..."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "It really isn't like as if there's anything else I can do with it," he retorted, with a slightly frown. "After all, I am a half-blood Madame Zagreus and therefore I'm obviously not able to set foot within Grimmauld Place. So there is no point in keeping something that is useless to me now is there?" Harry mentally smirked. So long as no one else knew that he could control the wards, the Black house would still in essence be useful...
Zagreus sighed in response. "You bring up a good point, Mr. Potter. Though I must ask, is there anything dangerous in the household that might hurt a potential buyer?"
Harry shrugged lightly. "I guess that depends," he said thoughtfully. "As you are well aware, the Black family were pretty much all Dark wizards. So I can assume that there might be quite a few dark artifacts lying about here and there. Not to mention, the wards won't let anyone in unless they are pureblood."
"So how much will..." Zagreus was interrupted mid-sentence when the door creaked open and admitted Rufus Scrimgeour. The woman instantly rose to her feet as Harry sat forgotten in his seat. "Minister, welcome to our agency. How may I help you today?" she asked eagerly.
The Minister sighed and handed over a set of documents. For some strange reason, Scrimgeour looked even more weary and tired than he did at the end of the term. "Here, take this," he said as he summoned another few sheets of paper. "I want you to finish sorting through this by tomorrow. The Hogwarts governors want to get this over as quickly as possible so that there won't be a scandal and such."
Zagreus frowned. "Hogwarts? What is going on Minister?"
Scrimgeour's eyes narrowed with suspicion, but quickly disappeared as a weary look took its place. "It won't do any harm. You'll find out when you read the documents anyway, " he said half to himself, "The short story is that the governors have decided to close Hogwarts once and for all. They don't think its safe anymore now that Dumbledore's gone, and they're planning on selling Hogwarts to the highest bidder."
Harry froze in his seat. 'Sell Hogwarts? Were they crazy!'
"But...what about the children?" stuttered Zagreus, as her lip began to tremble. "Where will they go to study magic then?"
The Minister waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Nereid," he said giving her a comforting pat on the back. "There are other schools out there for children to learn at."
"But..."
Harry decided that now was probably the best time to jump in. "Minister," he greeted as he rose from his chair, causing Scrimgeour to jump in surprise. Obviously, the Minister had somehow overlooked his presence. "How are you today?" he asked politely.
"Why Harry, how nice to see you again," replied Scrimgeour with a smile. He shot Madame Zagreus a look, that Harry recognized instantly as the 'please leave, I need to speak to him alone" sort of glance. "I'm fine, thank you very much," he said as he motioned towards Harry towards one of the couches. "Though, I will say I've been quite busy as of late..." Scrimgeour said with a deep chuckle, "...as you've heard, eh?"
Harry suppressed a grimace, was the man trying to make him feel guilty? The bloody fool, didn't he understand that Harry's sense of kindness and trust towards others had been brutally destroyed during his 4th year by their esteemed Ministry? Nevertheless, Harry forced himself to look down as if ashamed. It'd be best to play the part of Dumbledore's pet pawn for the time being. Or better, Dumbledore's lost and confused pawn. Ripe and ready for a new puppeteer...
"I'm sorry, I...was just surprised that you were here of all places," said Harry, forcing himself to stutter a bit. "I mean, it's not every day you see the Minister himself selling something. It's just a bit strange," he finished with a nervous chuckle.
Scrimgeour's eyes narrowed suspiciously, but quickly returned to its kind facade. "Yes, I suppose it is," he he said kindly, "Most Heads of Departments have aids and such that help deliver the paperwork and such," he explained. Scrimgeour grimaced slightly, "Unfortunately, my aid fell ill today and is probably getting pampered by his various children while I'm stuck by myself today."
Harry gave Scrimgeour a slightly sympathetic look. "Is there anything I can do to help, Minister?"
The man ran a frustrated hand through his messy age-streaked mane. "The wizarding world has lost its hope," he said tiredly, as he met Harry's bright emerald green eyes. "Dumbledore was the unofficial leader of the Light and with his death most of the wizarding community have gone into hiding. They believe that You-Know-Who will win for sure."
This time, Harry nodded whole-heartedly. The wizarding world was going to loose now the Dumbledore was gone, and the only ones who stood between Voldemort was a corrupt Ministry and a disorderly, leaderless, Order of the Phoenix. Which was exactly why he was planning his move. The wizarding world couldn't possibly win anymore...unless, he somehow managed to tilt the odds to his favor.
Scrimgeour looked directly at Harry this time. "I know I've asked you this before, Harry," he said slowly as if considering his words, "And I know I might have sounded inconsiderate and probably power-hungry the last time we spoke at Dumbledore's funeral. But I really have the wizarding world's interest at heart. And I wish to ask you again, Harry, if you've changed you mind."
Harry remained silent for awhile, as if pondering his choices. "Minister," he said finally, as he sighed heavily. "You have no idea what you are asking from me," he said feigning tiredness. "How can you ask me to be a sign of hope for the people if I myself have lost hope altogether."
"Lost hope?" repeated Scrimgeour with a frown. "Are you talking about Dumbledore's death..."
Harry shook his head sadly. "No, though I have to admit it is related to it," he explained. Harry sagged against the sofa and felt himself sink comfortably against its soft fabric. Harry forced a desolate expression on his face. "Before Dumbledore died, he asked me a favor..." he lied, feeling his insides churn at the idea of disrespecting the dead.
The Minister leaned forward eagerly. He as well as the entire Ministry had been curious as to what the Potter boy and Dumbledore had been up to before the surprise attack on Hogwarts. And now, he was finally going to find out something about it...
"...he wanted me to protect Hogwarts at whatever the cost," Harry said his eyes darkening with emotion. "I promised him," cried Harry, "I gave him my word that I'd do everything to stop Voldemort and help Hogwarts." He waved his hand helplessly, "But now, not only is Hogwarts is going to be sold to the highest bidder, I will also not be able to avenge Dumbledore's death. I mean, what can I do against Death Eaters when I'm not even allowed to cast magic out of school?" he finished sadly.
Scrimgeour's face grew thoughtful. "Yes, that is tragic," he agreed as ideas raced through his mind. "But, Harry, would you be...happy...if you somehow managed to regained Hogwarts?"
'Score,' Harry cheered mentally, though he kept his face neutral. "But...that's impossible," he whispered sadly as he dipped his head down as if in pain. "If its going to be an auction, I don't think I'd have enough money to make the highest bid. I mean, I might have the Potter and Black treasury behind me, but what about the others? I bet there are many other people with more money that I do..." he trailed off.
"Nonsense," replied Scrimgeour as he patted Harry on the back. "I am the Minister of Magic," he said casually, "There has to be some benefits to the job."
Harry's eyes grew large are the prospect. "You...you mean you'll help me?" he said as he forced himself to smile brightly. "You'll give me Hogwarts as a private estate? One that no one shall legally be allowed to trespass?" he added hopefully.
Scrimgeour smiled benignly. "Of course, m'boy," he said as he chuckled heartily. "And not only that, but I'll also grant you permission to use magic out of school. An Aurors's pass, as if you will, to help you on your quest to avenge your headmaster."
Harry forced himself to return the man's smile. "You're too kind, Minister," he said in awe. "I can never thank you enough..."
The Minister paused for a second as if weighing his words. "Actually, Harry, if it wouldn't be too much trouble for you, there is something that I need you help with."
Harry's smile turned colder for a second, before returning back to normal. "What is it Minister?"
"If it wouldn't be too much of a bother, do you think you could accompany me to one of the press conferences once in awhile?" he asked quietly. Scrimgeour saw Harry's frown at the words 'press conference' and quickly added, "Oh, not the kind you're thinking of I'm sure," he said cheerfully. "Basically its a public press conference and just about anyone is allowed to come and watch." Scrimgeour looked directly at Harry. "You are the hope of the wizarding world, and so long as you have hope, I believe you should use it to help boost up public moral."
"Indeed," whispered Harry, though this time his smile did not reach his eyes. "And how many press conferences do you wish for me to attend?"
Scrimgeour bit his lip nervously. "Well, as many as you'd like actually," he said brightly. "Though if you want a specific number, I think it would be best if you accompany me to at least three of them."
Harry mentally weighed his choices, before nodded in agreement. "Very well, Minister," he said quietly. "I'll go..."
"Splendid..."
"...that is, only if you give me a wizard's oath that you will fulfill all the requirements that you told me earlier," finished Harry, as he allowed his cheerful face to drop a bit. "The full possession of Hogwarts, under the jurisdiction that no one not even the Ministry itself should be allowed to set foot upon Hogwarts soil. And the Aurors's pass, which according to my research, gives me complete access to the Ministry Library and allows me to perform all types of magic, even the Unforgivables without punishment."
Scrimgeour frowned, but nodded in agreement. "Very well, but only if you give me your oath that you will attend all of three of these conferences."
Harry lips twisted into a dark smile. "I agree," he said as he slowly drew out his wand. "Lets get started..."
A/N: Cheers! Finally wrote and finished another chapter! - it certainly took long enough. Alright, now I first want to thank everyone who reviewed for the past few chapters. It was really sweet of you. P Umm...so here goes:
1) First of all, just for clarification Harry is selling the Black estate. And even if he sells it, he still controls the wards since he managed to 'overcome' it in the previous chapter. And some of you asked why Harry was able to 'fully' control the wards when Sirius couldn't. Well, the answer to that is since (I think) Sirius was disowned by the Black family and burned off their family tree. However, since he is the last living male heir, Sirus automatically gets control of the Black estates and such and could control the wards to a certain extent. However, since not only was Harry named the heir to the Black family, he also overpowered the wards. So technically, he has more power over them than anyone else. Sirus included.
2) I think I'm making Harry act a bit...eh...fake, I guess. But hey, who really cares. As long as he makes Scrimgeour look like a fool later on, I'm not complaining! P And oh yea, for this story, I kinda feel like I'm rushing the eventz a bit and not getting into Harry's 'character' that much. But oh well, I learned from my Darkly Treacherous story that by trying to 'build' your character takes way too long and yea. So for this story, I'm just going to focus more on the plot then the characters.
3) You guyz asked if therez going to be romance later on. Personally, I don't like any romance pairingz in Harry Potter, so I seriously doubt that they'd be anything romantic in this fic. And NO, I am NOT going to have the other founders brought back to life. Since I think tad sux. Oh yea, and Harry still hasn't gotten all his memories back from his life as 'Salazar' but he's getting there. And even though he doesn't have all his memories, he still has Salazar's knowledge...(kinda)
Well, thadz it!
Read and Review! pretty please?
lub
xxlostdreamerxz