So, I've decided to list the women appearing in this chapter and the actresses who I visualize them as I post this. And yes, I dared recast Hermione as someone who wasn't Emma Watson. I'm not going to go through all of the past chapters and doing this. And there will be a couple of actresses who I use for multiple characters. It's just the nature of the game. This is my personal opinion, and how I see them as I write. So if you don't like it, well sorry, but not sorry.
Cast of Women In This Chapter:
Amelia Bones: Christina Hendricks
Audrey Perkins: Maya Hawke
Cassandra Jacobs: Katherine McNamara
Merula Snyde: Camren Bicondova
Andromeda Black-Tonks: Kate Beckinsale.
Nora Darhk: Courtney Ford
Astra Logue: Olivia Swann
Nymphadora Tonks(preferred form): Hayley Williams.
Penelope Clearwater: Alexandra Daddario
Charlotte Granger: Hayley Atwell.
Molly Weasley: Amy Adams.
Ginny Weasley: Sadie Sink.
Hermione Granger: Millie Bobby Brown.
Fleur Delacour: Ancilla Tilia
Hestia Jones: Emily Blunt.
Emmeline Vance: Charlize Theron
Out In the Open.
Harry finished giving his account of the past four years of Hogwarts. Amelia's expression grew more and more disgusted the more details Harry gave about what occurred. Harry turned to Amelia's secretary, Audrey Perkins. The granddaughter of Arthur Weasley's co-worker in the misuse of Muggle artifacts office, an attractive brunette woman dressed in nice professional robes, with her hair pinned back, and vibrant blue eyes ove looking over him in stylish glasses. She took diligent notes about the entire thing, but her demeanor broke a couple of times.
"Is that everything?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, pretty much," Harry said.
"Madam Bones?" Audrey asked.
"Yes, Ms. Perkins?"
"Did you happen to get a count of how many times Dumbledore disregarded Ministry protocol, never mind Fudge?" Audrey asked, trying to keep her expression neutral.
Amelia took a second to steady herself.
"And to think, we haven't gotten into my time at Hogwarts yet," Cassie murmured in undertone to Merula who nodded.
"I don't even want to go there right now, because this is a big enough problem as it is," Amelia said. "Not sure where I should begin. We'll start with the fact that he sent Hagrid to follow up on the entire situation where you did not answer your Hogwarts letters. You should have been treated as a Muggleborn student. It is the duty of the Deputy Headmistress, or barring that, one of the Heads of the House."
"Perhaps a good thing he didn't have Snape be Harry's first impression of the Wizarding World," Astra said. "At least what he remembered at the time."
Amelia looked like she agreed with that, although she had some serious problems with how Harry was informed, or rather re-informed,of the fact he was a wizard.
"Hagrid means well, but I don't think he should be entrusted with a task this serious," Amelia said. "And then, he had Hagrid fetch…the package, which we'll be getting to in a minute."
"The Philosopher's Stone," Harry said.
"Alleged Philosopher's Stone," Amelia said tensely.
"Yes, I find it hard to believe that Nicholas Flamel trusted Dumbledore, never mind the goblins, with his most prized possession," Andromeda said.
"A fake, then?" Nora asked. "I knew it."
"But, that means he used the Stone as a fake to bait You-Know-Who out into the open," Penny said. "And that means students were put in danger for no reason."
"Plus putting it behind a door that a first year could unlock with a single unlocking spell," Merula said.
Amelia just looked like she was about ready to strangle someone. Perhaps it was very lucky for Dumbledore he was not there.
"If we detailed every problem with Harry's first year alone, we would be talking past lunch Never mind the rest of his time. Dumbledore claimed he did his own internal investigations, but obviously the problems kept mounting with each passing year. We'd be all day if we broke these down one by one. Off of the top of my head, Dumbledore's committed at least a dozen gross infractions, and Fudge committed more than his fair share between not calling for an investigation when Snape claimed you were confunded and bringing a Dementor to the castle, and kissing a key witness."
Audrey handed her notes to Amelia.
"There's more than enough here to file a formal inquiry, and the Hogwarts Board of Governors could very well fire Dumbledore from his post," Amelia said. "Dumbledore may just barely avoid Azkaban, but he will never go near another child again if I have anything to say about it. The fact he used Hogwarts as his own personal playground is deplorable. We let him run wild for too long."
"I don't want him in Hogwarts," Harry said.
"Although, there's some at the Ministry who could install someone quite worse," Andromeda said. "If we let them."
Astra and Nora both nodded darkly.
They would have to prevent that from happening. No matter what.
"Audrey, do you have the Westbarry files?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, Madam Bones," Audrey said. "It took some work digging them up, but the Muggles did more to investigate the incident then the Ministry."
"The Westbarry files?" Harry asked.
"The Westbarry Files is regarding a mysterious Muggle CSI named Jessica Dawn Westbarry, who investigated the events of the alleged gas explosion on the morning of November 2nd, 2001," Amelia said. "There were many witnesses located, who apparently had their memories modified from the Ministry to preserve the Statute of Secrery. Along with the names of all twelve Muggles who perished in the explosion."
Harry turned to Astra and Nora. Despite the poker-faces they had on, Harry had a feeling they came to the same conclusions Harry did. Amelia took a moment to flip through the files.
"Two of the witnesses claimed that they saw Pettigrew pull something out of his pocket before the explosion,' Amelia said. "Without a smoking wand like Pettigrew dropping into my lap, I couldn't call a formal investigation. Eye-witnesses can be mistaken, and with a chaotic situation like that morning, it's hard to piece together exactly what happened."
"Giving you Pettigrew changes things," Harry said.
"Precisely, Mr. Potter," Amelia said. "Miranda and her team will keep him secure. However, with Pettigrew showing up with a dark mark on one arm and a hand reeking up in dark magic, it's evidence enough to call for a trial to look at that day as well. Black not getting one in the first place helps, as he is a member of a powerful pureblood family."
"And that could set a dangerous precedence to put more of them away without trials if there was ever a Minister who was not sympathetic to them," Harry added.
"Precisely," Amelia said. "Black might not trust the Ministry to act in good faith, and he may be disturbed. He still spent twelve years in Azkaban, under the worst conditions possible, in a high security cell."
Harry nodded in understanding.
"If I can get Sirius here, how soon can you get him a trial?" Andromeda asked.
"Tuesday," Amelia said. "Dumbledore and Fudge might attempt to cause difficulties when they return, but once I file this inquiry to investigate their actions, they have their own legal woes to worry about."
Amelia took a second to compose herself.
"I'm going to be honest with you," Amelia said. "How the situation regarding your custody was handed was beyond absurd. I felt strongly about this when I assisted Natalie Logue, but Dumbledore exhausted every appeal he could, up until the day where she died in that accident. Unfortunate timing."
"Almost too coincidental," Petunia murmured, unable to keep her opinion to herself.
"Dumbledore, Bagnold, and Crouch, they were responsible for this in their own ways," Amelia said. "They will all have their excuses, their explanations, about how you are too important and you could fall into the hand of the wrong wizard. But, the fact is, the Potter's will was filed almost six months before their deaths and completely legally binded. Which is why I'm going to use my power as the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement to grant Andromeda custody and also send off your request to the goblins to investigate your finances. The Gringotts Collections department will be getting in touch with you shortly."
"Thanks," Harry said.
"It's your legal right to have this done," Amelia said. "And we will also investigate the events of June Twenty-Fourth more closely. Especially how Fudge and Dumbledore handled that night. And we need to prepare for the unfortunate fact that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned."
Harry nodded, but this conversation was interrupted by an argument coming outside of the hall.
"Dumbledore doesn't like it, he can speak to me directly!" Scrimgeour yelled. "He shouldn't have sheltered the murdering bastard. And unless he can prove that Snape's information saved a single person, his word is irrelevant! We've overlooked what he's done for too long based off of Dumbledore's word!"
"I'll relay the message to him, Captain," Kingsley said.
"See if you do," Scrimgeour said. "Because, if he interferes in my investigation, he'll be in a cell right next to Snape."
Scrimgeour entered the office.
"We got him," Scrimgeour said. "He's locked up. But, there's a chance Dumbledore will show up and work his magic to get Snape released. Unless, you file charges against him right now and give the Ministry cause to hold Snape. Because, he will flee if Dumbledore manages to free him. And we won't get another chance."
"I'll press charges," Harry said. "On the illegal use of Legilimency on a minor and the threatening of Veritaserum on him."
"And also, Mr. Potter was a witness to Snape and Dumbledore giving a witness Veritaserum without approval from the Wizengamot," Amelia said.
"Crouch Junior?" Scrimgeour asked.
"No doubt Dumbledore will have his excuses for that one," Andromeda said.
"Doesn't he always?" Tonks asked. "Um, Captain Scrimgeour, I….only joined the Order to keep a closer eye on Harry. He's practically family. And legally he is."
"Well, through Dorea he was," Andromeda said.
"If you did so for Mr. Potter's sake, and only his sake, I'll overlook it, Auror Tonks," Scrimgeour said. "If Dumbledore sticks around, I do want you to report to me what he's up to. If he's willing to share any more information with him than anyone else."
"Dumbledore's just having us guard an item in the Department of Mysteries, because he thinks Voldemort would be interested in it," Tonks said.
"What could he be interested in down there?" Audrey asked.
"Many things which I'm certain we are not privy to," Scrimgeour said.
"It's a prophecy," Harry supplied. "The reason why Voldemort went after me on that Halloween night in the first place."
"I shouldn't be surprised," Scrimgeour said. "I will inform the Master Unspeakable that Dumbledore feels You-Know-Who is after the prophecy. But, I feel she already knows."
"I want to address the public," Harry said. "I've been hiding for too long. People were allowed to make their own assumptions and Dumbledore spoke to me. But, I'm not his puppet, I can speak for myself."
Amelia considered that for a half second and nodded.
"Very well," Amelia said. "We can arrange that."
"We should," Andromeda said.
"Good luck in pulling Fudge's head out of the sand," Scrimgeour said. "And I really hope that Shacklebolt gets with the program. I can't afford to lose a good wand."
"He just was frustrated with the Ministry not doing anything, when it was obvious that Voldemort was back," Tonks said.
"I hope so, because if he blindly follows Dumbledore, I can't have him around," Scrimgeour said. "And I can't afford it, but it has to happen. I haven't had many new recruits in the last few years. Auror Tonks was the last."
Harry just looked off with a knowing look.
"It wouldn't happen to be because a Potions NEWT has been required and many student's don't meet the standards. Or give up on the class."
"The teacher doesn't meet the standards," Scrimgeour said. "As much as I don't think Fudge and Umbridge are coming from a place of good faith with their plans, they do have a point about how Hogwarts needs a major overhaul."
'What do they have planned?" Harry asked.
"Fudge intends to take advantage of the fact Dumbledore is unable to find a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to install Umbridge as the teacher and make sweeping changes within Hogwarts," Amelia said. "There was an educational decree passed last week."
"Wizengamot sure signed off on that one in a hurry," Andromeda said.
"Phillip Greengrass and Cantankerus Nott endorsed it," Amelia said. "The vote was closer, but with Dumbledore suspended, there was very little opposition for it. And this opens the door for further educational decrees to be passed."
Harry made mental notes of those names. He had a funny feeling they were going to have to be dealt with later.
"This can't happen," Astra murmured. "Umbridge, can't happen."
"She won't," Harry said.
Harry never met Dolores Umbridge, but with what he's learned about the woman and what his friends said about her, he had a feeling he would not like her.
"The number of students getting a Potions NEWT has dropped in the past fifteen years," Scrimgeour said. "My daughter, she was one of the few to get on as a Healer in the past fifteen years, and she always said Snape was a nightmare. Abusive and abrasive. She didn't earn her Potions note, but survived it."
"Susan said the same thing about Snape's unprofessional behavior," Amelia said. "Dumbledore's always had enough power to brush aside any complaints. And any inquires just vanished."
"It makes me wonder about if some of the rumors about Dumbledore and Snape are true," Audrey said.
"About how they're in an intimate relationship with each other?" Merula asked.
"Well, that's not something any of us want to think about," Cassie said dryly.
"If I can get Snape out of a classroom and into a cell, I will die happy," Scrimgeour said. "Well, you've certainly shaken up things today."
"Once Dumbledore leaves the ICW, he will no doubt learn about this," Amelia said. "Gossip travels fast within the Ministry and I'm sure despite our best efforts, a couple of people have caught a glimpse of you. And the fact you've filed changes against Snape will get back to him. He does have a few allies still in the Ministry, even if no one wants to admit that publicly these days."
"What about Rakepick?" Harry asked. "I did…"
"Yes, you requested a visit with her," Amelia said. "I'll see what I can do, but security has been heightened around Azkaban. Between her attempt at escaping and Black's successful escape. And the fact that Crouch Junior was smuggled out all of those years ago just was a black mark that the Ministry hoped to avoid."
Harry figured that could be a problem. It was the best they could hope for.
'Right, thank you, Madam Bones," Harry said.
"I'd thank you, but I'll be putting in a lot of overtime in the next few months," Amelia said. "With Pettigrew and Snape secured, you can rest a bit more easily. Although, I would expect a visit from Dumbledore to try and get you to drop the charges."
"I look forward to it," Harry said.
"Yes, I do as well," Andromeda said. "So are you ready to go?"
"When you are."
Harry, Cassie, Merula, Penny, Astra, Nora, Tonks, and Andromeda returned. Petunia had stuck around to go over a few more things with Madam Bones, and she would be returning home.
"So, you're really just going to walk into Headquarters?" Tonks asked.
"Of course I am," Harry said. "I can show you all where it is now."
Tonks, Cassie, and Merula looked highly amused.
"Dumbledore's not going to like…well a lot of things you're doing," Astra said but she was grinning.
"Good," Harry said. "But, there's one more person I have to call."
Harry took out his phone and rang up Charlotte.
"Hello, Harry," Charlotte said in a tense voice.
"I'm going to visit your daughter, you want to tell her the good news in person," Harry said.
"I….Joyce and Michael are here," Charlotte said. "They just found out and they're demanding to know why I thought I could get away with this."
"About us or about the divorce?" Harry asked.
"About the divorce," Charlotte said. "They're making a lot of threats. Well Joyce is. Michael's just standing there like a bobblehead and agreeing with everything his wife says."
"Don't worry, I'm sending someone by to pick you up right now," Harry said.
"We'll do it," Cassie said. "Tell her we'll be right there."
"Merula and Cassie will be there in a little bit," Harry said.
"Maybe I should go with them?" Tonks asked. "Just to make sure things don't escalate."
"It will be fine," Harry said. "Meet you two outside of Headquarters in ten."
Cassie and Merula nodded and disapparated with a slight pop.
"You really are going to rattle Dumbledore by just showing up," Andromeda said.
"I know," Harry said. "Birthday's over, time to get to work."
Astra and Nora looked highly amused. This meeting was long overdue.
After dropping Penny back home, Harry joined Andromeda, Astra, Nora, and Tonks outside of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. A few seconds later, Charlotte, Merula, and Cassie appeared. Merula looked a bit surly when she showed up.
"She had a bit of a spat with my mother-in-law," Charlotte murmured.
Harry looked towards Merula who mouthed "later."
"Ready?" Harry asked.
"Ready," Charlotte agreed.
"So, how are we doing this?" Tonks asked.
"By opening the front door," Harry said.
Tonks just rolled her eyes. Ask a stupid question, Tonks supposed. Harry opened the door. Yes, there was something off about this house. It was rather dusty.
"And this was after three weeks of cleaning," Tonks said. "Still got a lot of work to do. Okay, everyone watch your step. You don't want to wake her up."
And suddenly, Tonks tripped over a troll leg in the hallway and caused it to smash with a loud clatter into the ground.
"Smooth one, Nymphadora," Merula commented.
"BLOOD TRAITORS! ABOMINATIONS! STAINS ON THIS HOUSE!"
"What the hell is that?" Cassie asked.
"My aunt," Andromeda said.
"YOU DARE BRING THIS FILTH INT MY…."
"I wish you would shut up," Harry said.
"Granted," Nora said. "And gladly."
The screaming banshee had been silenced. Her mouth moved, but she did not say anything.
"Tonks? Are you….Harry?"
Sirius stepped out of the kitchen, almost shocked, and baffled.
"Hey, Sirius," Harry said. "Fancy meeting you here. Where are we?"
"Well, this is my childhood home," Sirius said. "So many lovely cherished memories here…but never mind. I didn't think Dumbledore agreed to have you leave your Aunt and Uncle just yet."
"He didn't," Harry said.
"Harry, this house is…."
"Harry?"
Mrs. Weasley popped her head out of the kitchen. She did not notice the rest of the group standing next to Harry, she was shocked at Harry's sudden arrival.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "How are you?"
"Oh I've been keeping busy, getting this house in order, I don't know what that house elf has been doing," Molly said a bit distracted. "But, I thought Dumbledore was at the International Confederation of Wizards trying to get them to understand about You-Know-Who returning and pleading for them to not listen to Fudge's claims that he was…did he come and get you directly before you came here?"
"I found this place on my own," Harry said.
"How?" Sirius asked.
"That's what I want to know."
The real Mad-Eye Moody, at least Harry assumed, walked up and grabbed Harry by the shoulder.
"How have you breached security?" Moody demanded.
"Hey, Moody, ease up, that's my godson," Sirius said.
"How do we know that's the real Potter?" Moody asked.
"How do we know you're the real Mooody?" Harry asked.
Moody just blinked and growled.
"Relax, Mad-Eye," Cassie said.
"Jacobs," Moody said. "And Snyde. Did the two of you find a way to crack a Fidelius Charm?"
"Why is it always our fault?" Merula asked.
"Because you two are always involved," Moody said.
"Not yet," Cassie said. "Harry figured it out on his own."
"There's a flaw in the Fidelius which I figured out how to exploit," Harry said. "It's my secret though. The less people who know about it the better. I'm sure you would appreciate that, Professor Moody."
"Never really taught you a thing,did I?" Moody asked. "Given that I spent nine months in my own trunk while that scum wore my face and impersonated me, right?""
"And Dumbledore didn't have a clue," Cassie said.
"Well, he was very convincing, I'm sure," Molly said nervously. "And Cassandra, Merula, it's good to see you both again, although I'm curious to know how you know Harry."
"I introduced them," Tonks said in a chipper voice.
"What happened to keeping a low profile?" Moody asked.
"Kid seemed miserable, he could really use some company," Tonks said. "Although he found some in Astra and Nora."
"Astra?" Moody asked. "Astra Logue….as in Natalie's daughter?"
"Yes," Astra said. "And you must be the infamous Mad-Eye Moody. Guess your vigilance wasn't too constant last year, was it? When Wormtail and Crouch got the drop on you."
Nora snickered when Moody just grumbled.
"Dumbledore's not going to be pleased about this one."
The door opened, and Harry noticed Arthur arrive, alongside of Kingsley. Kingsley stopped and stared. Harry's sudden arrival caught him off guard.
"Hello, Auror Shacklebolt, we meet again," Harry said.
"Wait, again?" Sirius asked. "When did you two meet?"
"What's going on?" Molly asked. "What will Dumbledore not be happy about?"
"Harry shouldn't be here though," Arthur said. "Dumbledore didn't…"
"I know he didn't," Moody said.
"I told Moody, the spell has a flaw, and I'm not passing off that information to anyone because in case it falls in the wrong hands," Harry said. "How are you, Mr. Weasley?"
"Very confused," Arthur admitted. "The news has spread. Pettigrew has been captured."
"Wait, seriously?" Sirius asked.
"Yes," Arthur said. "He's been detained in a secure area. When I asked Amelia, she just told me she didn't want a repeat of the Crouch Junior fiasco, so she was keeping Pettigrew's location to a select few until the trial."
"Somewhere in the Department of Mysteries," Kingsley said. "But, that place is a labyrinth as you know. Getting to the location with the….object is enough of a bother."
Kingsley obviously came close to mentioning the thing. Harry did not want to bring up he knew about it, yet anyway.
"Peter's in custody," Sirius said with a smile.
"Which means you'll be getting a trial and we can put this mess behind us," Andromeda said. "And you're not going to say hello to your favorite cousin?"
"Hello, Andi," Sirius said. "I'm sure Nym told you about…"
"Yes, Nymphadora told me everything you told her and it makes sense," Andromeda said. "Peter's been arrested."
"Where was he?" Sirius asked.
"Hedwig recognized him and brought me him," Harry said. "He was outside of Snape's home. It was a good thing that Andromeda and Nymphadora were visiting me when it happened."
"Why were they visiting you?" Molly asked. "Dumbledore said you had no visitors."
"And I let him believe that," Harry said evasively. "Astra and Nora have been living with me for the past couple of weeks and I've had other people visiting me."
"And your aunt and uncle were okay with this?" Molly asked.
"We came to an understanding," Harry said. "Astra convinced them it was in their best interests."
"I really hope you weren't doing anything illegal," Arthur said.
"Vernon did leave to go take care of his sister, along with Dudley," Tonks said. "I reported that to you, last week."
"You did," Sirius said. "So, Pettigrew was at Snape's place. As in Dumbledore's trusted spy, Severus Snape, who I'm sure is bound to tell Dumbledore everything he sees. Or he's supposed to."
"We can't jump to conclusions," Arthur said.
"Oh, I'm not jumping to a conclusion, but I'm seeing something really wrong about what's going on here," Sirius said. "Just wait until I see Snape next time…"
"Might be a while," Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Sirius asked.
"Snape's been sent to Azkaban," Andromeda said.
Sirius looked gleeful for a second but composed himself.
"So, that's what you thought Dumbledore would not be happy about," Sirius said. "Because, you caged his pet Death Eater. I would be happy about it, if I didn't think Snape back out on Dumbledore's word next week."
"Oh, Harry pressed charges this time," Merula said.
"What did Snape do?" Sirius practically growled.
"Whoa, easy there, Padfoot,' Harry said. "He threatened me with Veriatserum because he thought that I was stealing Polyjuice Potions ingredients from his private stores."
'That was Junior," Moody said gruffly.
"You should have told Dumbledore and he could have sorted Professor Snape out," Molly said.
Cassie, Sirius, and Merula all scoffed in disbelief and even Moody shook his head in disbelief.
"It's never good to report anything at Hogwarts," Harry said. "And Dumbledore's obviously made up his mind that Snape could be trusted, for some reason. Not sure why. And it also feels like Snape's reading my mind."
"Legilimency," Sirius growled. "It's extremely illegal to use on a minor without probable cause. And even then, you better have a damn good reason."
"Snape's excuse is that Harry exists," Astra said. "And it's good to see you're well."
"You remind me of your mother when she was your age," Sirius said.
Astra did not mention the fact she was wearing a glamor to resemble her teenage self.
"Natalie was supposed to look after Harry, but she never made it back," Sirius said.
"That's…a messy story we'll tell you later," Astra said.
"I don't like it,' Sirius said. "Dumbledore's keeping something from us."
"He has his reasons," Molly said with a tiny bit of uncertanity creeping into her voice.
"He always does," Moody said. "I heard that Natalie was back in the country for five years trying to get custody, until she was ran down by a random drunk driver. And Astra was sent to live with her father."
"My mother was killed, yes," Astra said. "Should we tell them?"
"Later," Harry said. "This is not a story I want to have to tell more than once."
"What?" Sirius asked.
"Later," Astra said.
There had been a long silent pause.
"We're going to have to talk to Dumbledore about everything," Arthur said.
"We'll give him a chance to explain," Moody said.
"Yes, although…I'm not liking what these two aren't telling us," Molly said. "Something really bad happened, didn't it?"
"I have a feeling I won't like what I learn," Sirius said. "Harry never mentioned Natalie or Astra, so I assumed they were dead. And there was no reason to bring it up. I know Natalie would have fought for Harry if there was still a breath in her body."
"She did," Harry said. "And she almost won. Before I couldn't remember for five years."
"What do you mean?" Molly asked.
"I saw something really bad when Astra went away and Dumbledore thought it was best to take the memories of five years of my life away and put me back with the Dursleys," Harry said. "I'll tell you more later."
"Dumbledore wouldn't…would he?" Molly asked.
Molly looked unsure and Harry could tell that scared the woman. The Weasleys had faith in Dumbledore. Everyone did. Shattering it could shatter a person's mind. But it had to be done.
"It's only fair to let Dumbledore have his say."
"Professor Lupin," Harry said.
"It's been a while since I could be called that," Lupin said. "Call me Remus."
"Right," Harry said. "And I'm more than happy to have Dumbledore have his say. I want him to tell you everything he's done."
"Letting Dumbledore speak before we condemn him is more than he allowed me," Sirius said. "He was the one who told the Ministry that I was the Secret Keeper, not that it mattered. Crouch already was going to make an example out of me, for his own political gains."
Sirius took a long breath.
"I'm afraid he's going to bail out Snape in the end. Snape will be back and he'll be more petty and vindicitive towards Harry than ever. Because, Snape can't let the past go."
Harry could feel Sirius's anguish and wished to appease to his godfather that things would change. Snape would be going down, and if Dumbledore had to go down with Snape, he would move.
"You lot might as well come on down and say hello," Moody growled.
Ginny appeared at the top of the steps along with Fred, George, Ron, and Hermione.
"Harry?" Hermione asked. "How did you get here?"
"Through the front door," Harry said. "Hello, Hermione, and Ron."
Harry's cool and rather formal greeting was not missed by his two friends.
"Oh, hey Harry, Dumbledore actually let you come here," Ron said.
Harry looked at Hermione and perhaps it was the fact that he knew Hermione was taking maturity blockers or maybe it was the fact that Harry could now see past any glamor spells, but Hermione did not look all that well. She looked worn and tired and about ready to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. OWL year and the fact Hermione was likely to become Gryffindor Prefect was not going to be good for her.
"He did," Harry said. "Ginny! How are you doing?"
"Really good, thanks," Ginny said. "Nice to see you've finally escaped that place."
"We would have come and gotten you again," Fred said. "But, we're a little short on flying cars."
"Fred!" Molly yelled reproachfully.
"Relax, Mum, we're just having a laugh," George said. "And it's not like we could show Harry the place anyway. Dumbledore's secret, you see."
"Thanks for the present and the letter," Harry told Ginny.
"No problem," Ginny said. "I owe you my life, and it's the least I can do."
"Wait, Cassandra Jacobs?" Fred asked.
"And Merula Snyde?" George asked. "Together?"
"Oh, they've met Harry," Fred said. "Well I'm officially scared."
"Terrified a bit, given what these three could get up to," George said.
"Granted, I'd be more scared if I was Voldemort and his minions," Fred said.
"Good thing we're not that, are we, George?"
"Oooh, Merula and CJ!" Ginny yelled. "It's so nice to meet you! Bill and Charlie have told me sooo much about the two of you. It's so nice to finally see the two of you. Although, you've kind of dropped off for a while."
"We've had a lot to deal with after we put a stop to R," Cassie said. "Lots of healing to do."
"Given how personal it was, I can understand why you two wanted time off," Fred said in a surprisingly serious voice.
"So, how's Charlie these days?" Merula asked. "Did he actually give into his instincts and fuck a dragon yet?"
"Merula!" Cassie yelled as Tonks and the Twins broke into a fit of laughter, along with Sirius, Astra, and Nora, and even Arthur chuckled for a minute, until his wife gave him that look.
"Am I missing something?" Ron asked.
"A whole lot," Ginny said with a smile.
"And Charlie hasn't gotten caught doing anything inappropriate," Fred said.
"As far as we know," George said.
"And I want to look at what you've two have been working on for your little project," Merula said. "Do you have anything for me that could use a more dedicated field test?"
Fred and George mouthed "later", because their mother was watching them with narrowed eyes.
"This is one of my friends, Nora, she's been helping me this summer," Harry said.
"Wait, you…have a friend outside of Hogwarts?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Harry said. "And this is Astra. She's my oldest friend, she lived next store to me before Hogwarts."
Hermione's eyes narrowed for a second. She noticed how Harry had his arm wrapped around Astra and her frown deepened.
"You said you didn't have any friends growing up with the Dursleys," Hermione demanded.
"Well, Dumbledore took a page out of your hero Lockhart's book, and made me forget about Astra," Harry said. "And Astra and Nora helped me remember."
"What if they're lying?" Hermione asked.
"The girl has a point," Moody said.
"I know they can be trusted," Harry said curtly "And I'll tell you the full story, but it's only fair we give Dumbledore a chance to explain. Because, he's got a lot to answer for."
"And I've got a few questions of my own."
Charlotte stepped out and Hermione noticed her mother. She stepped back, in shock.
"Mum?" Hermione asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Harry brought me here," Charlotte said.
"Wait… how did Harry get here?" Hermione demanded. "How did he…he couldn't have? It's under a Fidelius Spell. And you shouldn't be here. This house isn't safe. There's all kinds of dark magical artifacts."
"And yet the great Albus Dumbledore thinks it's a safe place for my daughter and her friends to stay over the summer," Charlotte said. "And Harry is more than capable of protecting me. Just like he did when you were cornered by a Mountain Troll."
Hermione's mouth hung open for a second.
"Or, how Harry slayed a Basilisk which left you petrified into the Hospital Wing for two months."
Now, Hermione looked shocked and even Ron was giving her a strange look of disbelief.
"You didn't tell your mother?"
Hermione just waved it off.
"Or how he chased off a hundred dementors, after you two went back in time with a time travel device which you were given to have a couple of extra classes."
Hermione looked completely shell-shocked and she turned towards Harry.
"What were you telling my mother?" Hermione asked. "Actually, how were you meeting with my mother? How were you meeting with anyone?"
"Obviously, Hermione, I can't share that with you at this time," Harry said.
"As far as I knew, you were alone and miserable at the Dursleys," Hermione said.
"And thus leaving Harry all that more grateful when Dumbledore graciously sprang him from the prison that the Headmaster put my best friend in the first place," Astra said. "And if I was you, I would have actually done something to improve Harry's living conditions. Instead of deferring to your Headmaster. Who has no legal authority where Harry spends his summer."
"You don't understand," Hermione said. "What did you do? You were gone for all of those years. Seems like you abandoned Harry!"
Instantly Nora cringed and Astra's eyes narrowed. Harry grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight.
"I was…you know what, I don't have to justify anything to you," Astra said. "You'll learn when everyone else does where I was. And you have some nerve talking about abandoning someone!"
"Okay, Astra, that's enough," Harry said.
"I still don't understand how you managed to find this place without Dumbledore telling you," Hermione said.
"I've had a long summer, until my conditions improved," Harry said. "I've got to talk to my godfather and let him in on what I've been up to the rest of the summer while the rest of you have been bird watching."
And Hermione opened her mouth to say something else but Ron nudged her.
"You're not going to get anywhere," Ron said. "He's not happy."
"He'll forgive us," Hermione murmured.
"Will he?" Ron asked.
"He has to," Hermione said while folding her arms.
Oh this could get messy. Andromeda wisely took control of the conversation.
"I need to talk to you about making arrangements to get to the Ministry and get your name cleared," Andromeda said. "Which is something that was not possible without Harry's help."
"And the less favors I owe Dumbledore, the better," Sirius said. "Glad you could make it here. And brought good news with me. And finding a way here, despite it being impossible, I'm proud of you."
"I still want to know how he got here," Hermione said.
"We'll all find out later," Remus said tensely. "If Harry's anything like Lily, the more you push, the more he withholds out of pure spite."
Hermione looked like she was struggling. And she really did not look good.
"Hermione, are you…"
"BLOOD TRAITORS! FILTHY DISEASED ABOMINATIONS!"
"I thought I had that fixed," Harry murmured.
"Want to wish her silent again?" Nora asked.
"Can't you do anything about this infernal thing?" Andromeda asked.
"We tried," Sirius said. "Mother put a permanent sticking charm on the portrait."
"I wish that permanent sticking charm failed!" Harry said.
Suddenly, Walburga Black's portait fell off the wall. This shocked her off of her rant. And caused Sirius to break into an ear to ear smile when he realized his mother was off the wall and thus at his mercy.
"Oh, that's kind of unsettling," Cassie murmured.
"Well, well, well, mother dear," Sirius said. "The balance of power has turned."
"Sirius?" Walburga asked. "You wouldn't do anything to your dear mother, would you?"
Sirius just picked up the portrait with a smile.
"SIRIUS ORION BLACK, DON'T YOU DARE!"
"Just give me a minute, I'll be back," Sirius said.
Sirius stepped into the next room to deal with the portrait.
"Stay sharp," Andromeda said.
Hermione made another motion towards Harry to try and talk to him. Charlotte gently gripped her daughter's shoulder.
"Hermione, I want to speak with you," Charlotte said. "Now."
"But…."
"Hermione Jean Granger," Charlotte said. "We need to talk. Unless you want me to write to Professor McGonagall and tell her you won't be returning to Hogwarts."
"You can't do that!"
"I can and I will!"
Charlotte looked at Hermione who glowered at Harry as if this was somehow his fault.
"I wish Hermione can't do anything to influence her mother's decisions," Harry murmured.
"Good plan," Nora said. "And granted."
"Hermione, you really should, dear," Molly said. "You shouldn't be keeping secrets from your mother!"
"But, she would…"
"Hermione, just talk to her," Ron said. "Honestly, you should know better. Mothers always find out these things! You can't hide what happened forever!"
Fred and George nodded sagely, their brother did speak from experience. Hermione gave Harry one last reproachful look before joining her mother.
There had been an awkward silence that followed Hermione's departure.
"So, how was your summer?" Ron asked.
"Much better when Nora and Astra turned up," Harry said.
"Something's different about you, Harry," Fred said.
"New haircut?" George asked. "No, new glasses?"
"Oh, he went through his maturity," Ron said while rolling his eyes. "Obviously!"
"Oh, we haven't noticed," George said.
"I did," Ginny said. "Not bad. Looking pretty good actually!"
Ginny gave Harry the once over and Harry could have sworn she said something about ten more days underneath her breath.
"What's that elf in the shadows all about?" Harry asked. "He's just staring at us."
"Oh, that's Kreacher," Ron said. "He's a mad elf…and I can say it without Hermione lecturing me, but there's something really wrong with him."
"He's still around?" Andromeda asked.
"And he's been taking orders from my mother's portrait for close to a decade."
Sirius returned, smelling of smoke, and levitating a plate above his head.
"S'mores anyway?" Sirius asked.
"Don't mind if I do," Fred said.
"Did you just roast S'mores over your mother's burning portrait?" Tonks asked.
"Maybe," Sirius said.
"I'll take one," Harry said.
"Me too," Astra said. "Thanks…these are good."
Nora, Ginny, Cassie, Merula, Tonks, Fred, George, and Ron all took some S'mores.
After a long moment, Kreacher moved over and much to everyone's surprise, he hugged Harry. Sirius, Ron,and Andromeda looked all in various stages of disturbed by Kreacher's behavior.
"Kreacher?" Sirius asked in shock. "What the bloody hell?"
"Kreacher just wants to humbly thank Harry Potter and his fae friend for helping finish Master Regulus's work," Kreacher said.
And with that, Kreacher disappeared with a bow. This left Sirius looking rather confused.
"Am I losing my mind?" Sirius asked.
"No more so than usual," Andromeda said. "We've got business to talk about."
Harry moved along with Andromeda, Astra,Nora, and Sirius to a private room.
"We'll watch the door for you," Fred said.
"And I'll watch Fred and George,' Ginny said. "Because someone has to."
Harry just snickered as the Twins gave their sister a reproachful expression.
Sirius just gave them a long sigh once the door had been shut.
"Your secrets are your secrets," Sirius said. "I really hope to earn your trust. Although, I haven't been putting the right foot forward with this entire godfather thing. Impulsively going after Wormtail set myself up for a big fall…and what exactly happened with Natalie?"
"We can catch him up a little bit," Astra said.
"Agreed."
Harry and Astra gave Sirius a simplified version of what happened regarding Natalie's battles with custody for Harry, her death, the botched attempt to resurrect her, and Astra being sent to Hell. Although they kind of sidestepped the time travel aspects and the fairy godmother thing.
"I've clawed my way out of Hell for Harry," Astra said. "And come to help Harry to prevent an awful end for some really good help. Nora and some others helped. That's about as much as I feel comfortable with sharing right now."
"Fair enough," Sirius said. "And to think, I called Azkaban, Hell when you were in the real place."
"Oh, I don't think that place should be understated with how dangerous it is, given those floating terrors," Harry said. "Something has to be done about them."
"They do work in keeping most of the prisoners at bay," Sirius said. "And make them worse. There's no rehabilitation when they're sent to Azkaban. Only suffering. Most prisoners give up on life during the first year. Only the strongest survive, if you call it that."
Sirius shook his head.
"The fact that Dumbledore looked me in the eye and told me that your living arrangements were necessary sickens me. Explains why he went out of his way to block anyone who would advocate with you."
"Bagnold, then Fudge agreed to help Dumbledore keep Harry there," Andromeda said. "Harry needed to be protected and isolated at all costs. For his own good."
"Hey, Hedwig," Harry said. "This brillant girl is responsible for capturing the rat."
Hedwig basked in her glory, although for now, they would be keeping Hedwig's new nature under wraps. For the moment.
"The timing couldn't be better," Sirius said. "Maybe this time, I'll be free. Providing no one tries anything else. And if Snape is kept under lock, it's the icing on the cake. Providing he stays there."
"Once I get the word from Amelia, I will get you to the Ministry," Andromeda said. "And you should be cleared no problems. I suspect people would want this done quickly, and put it behind them."
"Thank you," Sirius said. "Thank you for doing for me what Dumbledore either couldn't or wouldn't."
"He could have done it at any time," Andromeda said. "He just chose not to."
"Of course he got this house for Headquarters and dangled my freedom underneath my nose in exchange for being a good dog," Sirius said.
A light knock on the door brought Harry's attention to it. He walked over and opened the door.
"Mum said that Dumbledore's here," George said. "And he wants to speak to Andromeda and Sirius about a security concern."
Harry honestly was surprised Dumbledore was here this soon. But, better to get it out of the way.
"Dumbledore should be speaking to me, given that I'm the cause of the security concern," Harry said.
"One would think that," Fred said. "But good luck. The meeting is only for adults."
"So was the Triwizard Tournament," Harry said.
"Touche," George murmured.
"Got us there," Fred agreed.
The group came out and Molly stepped into the hallway to meet them.
"Harry, you and Astra and Nora should head upstairs," Molly said. "Astra and Nora can stay with Ginny and Hermione, and Harry you're with Ron as usual…"
"If Dumbledore's here, I want to speak with him," Harry said.
"The Order is having a meeting, you can't talk to him right now," Molly said.
"I'll be attending a meeting now," Harry said. "In fact, all of us will be."
Molly looked about ready to argue. Harry cut her off at the pass.
"Mrs. Weasley, with all due respect to both yourself and your husband, and the fact you've taken me into my hospitality in the past, which was appreciated, I will be attending this meeting. Astra, Nora, your children, and Hermione will be there as well. Things will most certainly be said about me, that I want said to my face and not behind my back. Otherwise, I would make assumptions about the very worst."
Molly looked gobsmacked.
"We aren't…it's only for your safety," Molly said.
"Harry, you should take this up with Dumbledore," Arthur said.
"I will," Harry agreed.
Hermione stepped in and was avoiding Harry's gaze. Her mother walked behind her.
"Dumbledore's here," Harry told Charlotte.
"Good," Charlotte said.
Fred and George looked in awe that Harry dismantled their mother's head and steam before she even left the station. Ginny just grinned, and Merula and Cassie joined them.
"You two are going to be there for this?" Harry asked.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Merula said.
"Me either."
For the first time since the night of the third task, Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore were face to face with each other. Dumbledore's eyes fell upon Harry's for a moment. Many members of the Order were in attendance, including Hestia and Emmeline who smiled at Harry while Dumbledore was not looking at them.
"I can see you've been busy this summer, Harry," Dumbledore said. "You've put yourself at great risk. And I'm very disappointed in you, Nymphadora, for engaging with Harry when I suggested you didn't."
"Well, I heard your suggestion, didn't really work for me," Tonks said while rolling her eyes. "Come on, Albus, you should know better. You remember what I was like at school."
Dumbledore said nothing to Tonks, although he did give the disappointed grandfather gaze.
"What are you doing?" Dumbledore asked.
"Taking control of my life," Harry said. "With the help of some friends who don't dance to your tune. I know you know Merula and Cassie all too well."
Dumbledore nodded and Cassie just smiled and waved at him.
"This summer was quite enlightening, given that I learned how much I lost," Harry said. "You remember Astra, don't you?"
"Yes, and I'm not sure you understand how much danger Ms. Logue could put you in," Dumbledore said. "She was corrupted by where she sent! I think she should be removed here."
"Oh, don't you even dare," Astra said. "I clawed my way out of Hell to be with Harry and to help him. Which is a lot more than I can say some of the people in this room."
Astra side-stepped the entire time travel aspect because that was need to know. And Dumbledore simply did not need to know.
"Wait, you were in Hell?" Hermione asked. "As in the bad place. That kind of Hell."
"Oh, she can't be serious," Bill said.
"She's telling the truth," Dumbledore said. "Which is why she's a danger to Harry. I would highly recommend we take her to St. Mungos…."
"And be left a drooling vegetable under sedative potions," Astra said. "Hard pass on that."
"You know what you did and you know what I now remember," Harry said.
"You would have been fixated on her…."
"Damn right I would have, she's my best friend!" Harry yelled.
Ron and Hermione both flinched at that decoration from Harry. Harry kept his focus on Dumbledore.
"And you've put us all at risk by pressing these charges regarding Severus," Dumbledore said. "Don't you understand how important he is to our cause?"
"Who did he Snape save, Headmaster?" Harry asked.
"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore said.
"That's not answering my question," Harry said. "Who has Snape saved?"
Dumbledore said nothing. Harry got progressive annoyed with Dumbledore's lack of answers.
"Are you going to tell me, sir?" Harry asked. "And blocking Quirrell's curse doesn't count, because he only did that to satisfy the life debt he had towards my father. And he wouldn't have been there in the first place if he didn't stick his greasy nose where he didn't belong."
Sirius nodded and Remus winced.
"You should cease this childish vendetta against Professor Snape," Dumbledore said.
Nora, Tonks, and also Fleur, who remained quiet up until this point, all scoffed in disbelief. Astra just grinded her teeth.
"So, either I'm a child who can't be told any relevant information or I should be an adult who should be the better person against the grown-ass man who started it in the first place?" Harry asked. "Which is it, Professor? Which is it?"
Dumbledore flashed Harry a look as if he was highly disappointed in him.
"You should have told Snape to drop his childish vendetta against me," Harry said. "Given, he's supposed to be a grown-ass man and teacher at Hogwarts. A head of house even!"
"Enough," Dumbledore said firmly. "Did Astra help you break the Fidelius Spell?"
"I didn't," Astra said.
"She didn't," Harry said.
"I need to know how you did, then," Dumbledore said. "Because, it's a security hole in this place that I have to fix."
Dumbledore shivered for a second. And Harry knew why. He tried to discretely peak into Harry's mind. Harry caught Cassie's eye and she gave him a thumbs up.
"Oh, you want to know the truth, Dumbledore?" Harry asked. "You know something, I really wish you would tell me the truth for a change, no matter how much it hurts you."
For a second, Dumbledore's pupils dilated and flooded over.
"The truth is very delicate and extremely dangerous," Dumbledore said.
"My thoughts exactly," Harry said. "Why don't you share with the Order and my friends and me why Voldemort targetted me in the first place?"
"There was a prophecy," Dumbledore said. "It talked about how the one who could defeat the Dark Lord would be born as the seventh month died, born from those who thrice defied the Dark Lord. One of Voldemort's followers overheard part of the prophecy and told him."
"And who told Voldemort about the prophecy?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore looked like he really did not want to say this name, but he did not.
"Professor Snape," Dumbledore said. "It was Severus. If it wasn't for Severus trolling him, than Voldemort wouldn't have targetted you, James, and Lily."
Sirius sprung up with rage in his eyes.
"THAT BASTARD! I'LL KILL HIM!"
"Sirius, I…he deserves Azkaban," Remus said.
"Severus has regrets," Dumbledore said. "He told me he regretted when Lily was targetted."
"Oh, really, that's what he regrets?" Harry asked.
"He wanted James did and Harry, so he could claim Lily, didn't he?" Sirius asked. "He always was obsessed with her. Always creeping around, watching her."
"He did beg Voldemort to spare Lily," Dumbledore said. "He proved that he had regrets and begged me to do everything to protect her and gave me information about what Voldemort was planning. He pledged his support to me, and became my informant against Voldemort. He promised to do anything I asked of him."
"So, that's why you vouched for him," Moody said. "Because, you had him jammed underneath your thumb because he was in your debt."
Dumbledoe nodded in response.
"Severus regretted it,' Dumbledore said.
"And yet, he gave the prophecy to Voldemort in the first place," Astra said. "He willingly joined Voldemort. He was marked."
"He was…."
"YOU DON'T GET THAT MARK FROM SELLING GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!" Astra yelled.
"Astra, please," Harry told her.
"You gave evidence that Sirius was the Secret Keeper," Andromeda said. "Did you witness it?"
"No," Dumbledore admitted which caused discord through the room. "I didn't witness the Fidelius being performed. I was confident Lily could handle performing the charm, given her aptitude in the subject. They assured me that it would be Sirius and I didn't question them."
"Didn't you think it was strange that Sirius betrayed them?" Andromeda asked.
"The entire situation with Sirius and Peter felt off…but I had more pressing concerns," Dumbledore said. "It was important that Harry got to a safe place. A place where he could grow up uncompromised before he arrived at Hogwarts."
Harry looked about ready to hurl something at Dumbledore but he calmed down.
"You gave evidence for something you didn't witness," Andromeda said. "You implicated Sirius as a traitor, thus giving Crouch all the excuses he needed not to give him a trial."
Dumbledore nodded in response.
"So did you blatantly disregard my parents' wishes or were you just ignorant towards them?" Harry asked.
"I had to work fast," Dumbledore said. "There were a number of families who could have a legal claim towards you. But, if they believed that your mother's sister took you in, Muggle or not, they could not touch you. And I convinced Minister Bagnold to restrict any magical communication until your Hogwarts letters. And restrict anyone visiting your house due to security. Because, I didn't want anyone to compromise you."
Dumbledore offered a labored breath and looked older than ever.
"I never thought Natalie would be savvy enough to track you down the Muggle way," Dumbledore said. "Although, she was delayed for four years getting back into the country, she did find you. And I hoped to dissuade her from obtaining custody of you, but she persisted despite all of what I did to exhaust her."
"Did you read the will?" Andromed asked.
"I never did, I never had a reason to, I just acted because it was necessary," Dumbledore replied.
"You weren't my guardian, you had no right to decide my living arrangements," Harry said.
"It didn't matter, I made the people in charge believe that I had the power of attorney over you and your living arrangements. And they did not want to question it. They never liked to question me."
"You knew my aunt and my mother didn't get along," Harry said.
"I wasn't ignorant about that," Dumbledore said. "And I gambled…there was a chance you would grow up as an Obscurial and Petunia would teach you to recent your magic. But, that might have worked in my favor."
"How, would that work in your favor?" Moody growled. "No one lived past Hogwarts age who became an Obscurial?"
"Two have," Dumbledore admitted.
"And why don't you share with us who those two were?" Harry asked.
"My sister…." Dumbledore managed. "And my…nephew."
The entire room grew cold.
"So, you had first hand knowledge of how dangerous that was, and you risked my godson under those conditions," Sirius said.
"It could have worked in my favor," Dumbledore said.
"HOW?" Sirius asked. "How could it have worked in your favor?"
"Please don't ask any more questions," Dumbledore said.
"You can't help telling the truth, and it hurts, doesn't it?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore asked for help, but everyone, even his strongest loyalists in the Order, were not giving him any help. Many looked disturbed. And even Dumbledore looked a bit rattled hearing his own honest thoughts spoken out loud.
"How would this have been a good thing?" Bill asked.
"Yes, this is disgusting what happens to these children," Moody said. "What happened…."
"For now, we're going to leave Dumbledore's dirty family secrets in the past," Harry said. "While I'm curious about them, I should focus on what he's done against me. And we need to still know why he thought risking that I would become an Obscurial is a good idea?"
"There's no reason that's a good idea," Moody said gruffly. "Out of all the games you play, this might be the riskiest."
"Tell us, Dumbledore why you thought this was a good idea," Andromeda said.
"Harry's suppressed magic would have obliterated Voldemort if he lost control," Dumbledore said. "While it wasn't the most ideal outcome, it would have destroyed Voldemort and his Horcruxes."
"How long did you know that Voldemort had Horcruxes?" Moody demanded. "And did you know that the locket that I removed from this house was one?"
"There was a Horcrux here?" Sirius asked.
"There was also the diary that possessed Miss Weasley during her first year at Hogwarts, which caused her to open the Chamber of Secrets," Moody growled.
Sirius slammed his hands on the table.
"HOW DID A HORCRUX GET INTO HOGWARTS WITHOUT YOU KNOWING IT, DUMBLEDORE?" Sirius roared.
"I'm curious myself," Andromeda said. "Such dark items would be detected and found once they passed into the castle."
"I disabled the detector charms," Dumbledore said. "They went off when Harry arrived at school. Because of his scar."
Sirius looked like had been punched in the gut.
"Harry's scar?" Sirius asked.
"Harry's scar was a horcrux, made because Voldemort's soul was unstable," Dumbledore supplied. "I shouldn't be telling you this, but Voldemort's already splintered soul shattered when his body was destroyed. One part of him drifted until it ended up in the Forests of Albania. And another part of him."
"What's a Horcrux?" Arthur asked.
"That diary was one, whatever it is," Molly said.
"I'll tell you later," Sirius said.
Molly and Arthur looked horrified by their daughter being exposed to something that even looked like it rattled Mad-Eye Moody.
"It's the worst of all dark magic," Moody said. "If you don't want to sleep for a while, I'll explain later"
Molly and Arthur looked nervously.
"And if Potter's scar is one…"
"Was one," Harry said. "Once my maturity had been triggered, Astra and Nora helped banish it. But, I want to know how long Dumbledore knew about it?"
"Since the night Voldemort attacked," Dumbledore said "Although, I could not be certain it was a Horcrux, until you arrived at Hogwarts, I knew there was a soul fragment wedged inside of your scar. It tied you to Voldemort."
"So, you arrived at Godric's Hallow, despite the fact you didn't know that Peter was the Secret Keeper," Andromeda said.
"I was given the address in a handwritten note, in case of an emergency," Dumbledore said. "I thought it looked like Sirius's handwriting."
"Peter and I did have similar looking handwriting," Sirius admitted. "So, we have to give Dumbledore a pass on this one. As much as I hate it."
Harry nodded, fair was fair.
"You were there before Hagrid and Sirius showed up," Harry said.
"There always was a weird missing twenty-four hours where no one could account for Harry's whereabouts," Andromeda said. "And suddenly everyone knew he was the one who stopped Voldemort."
"I needed to make the necessary precautions to ensure Harry was safely with his aunt and uncle," Dumbledore said.
Sirius looked gobsmacked.
"You never intended to let Harry be taken by anyone else."
"He had gone to his aunt and uncle, to ensure that he was kept malleable and humble," Dumbledore said. "Oh, dear, I'm becoming quite like Rubeus, because I really shouldn't have said that."
The fact Dumbledore could not keep his mouth shut and evade these questions would be almost amusing to Harry.
"To put it in laymen's terms, he wanted to me to be grateful for any glimpse of magic when I escaped that hellhole," Harry said. "And Natalie and Astra almost ruined it."
"Did you have anything to do with my mother's death?" Astra asked.
"Natalie's death was a fortunate accident," Dumbledore said.
Even Dumbledore seemed shock those words left his mouth. Emmeline and Hestia both gasped, and they were not the only ones.
"Albus Dumbledore!" Molly exclaimed in shock. "That's a terrible thing to say. That was the girl's mother, and Harry's godmother."
"And she was like a second mother to me," Harry said. "And you made me forget her."
More then a few people looked very disappointed in Dumbledore. And Dumbledore looked as if he was annoyed that they did not understand the necessity of what he had to do.
"Her death was an accident, but it helped me get Harry back on track," Dumbledore managed. "And I really had no reason to investigate her death."
"Happens a lot, you had no need to investigate,' Sirius said.
Harry noticed Remus holding Sirius back, although it was only done half-heartedly. Much like Harry was doing to Astra. Both looked like they wanted to string Dumbledore up by his beard.
"There is a difference between doing what is right and what is easy, Dumbledore," Harry said. "And you've done what is easy."
"That's hurtful," Dumbledore said. "You shouldn't have thrown my words back at me, Harry. That was out of line. I did what was necessary, for the good of the Wizarding World."
"For the Greater Good, Dumbledore?" Astra asked.
Dumbledore looked annoyed.
"Did Snape kill Natalie?" Harry asked.
"I….I don't know," Dumbledore said. "He helped me modify Harry's memories, and requested that I do the same to his memories of the past couple of days. I thought he felt guilty about what he had to do and that was a burden that I didn't want him to bear."
"You assumed Snape had a conscience," Harry said.
"Severus is far more complex than you give him credit for…"
"You would choose him over me, admit it," Harry hissed.
"Severus is an extremely valuable asset, and I feel it's important we keep him free," Dumbledore said. "At least until Voldemort is gone for good, then he is of no further value."
Oh, that was interesting. Even Snape was disposal.
"Astra was sent to Hell, I want to make this point clear," Harry said. "John Constantine…."
"Oh bloody hell, what did that wanker do?" Sirius asked.
"I'll tell you, if you quit interrupting me," Harry said tensely. "He tried to resurrect Natalie, and then a demon possessed my best friend. And he called upon another demon, who took Astra and dragged her down to Hell. I tried to save her, but I couldn't."
"You did what you could," Astra said. "Did you even make one attempt to save me, Dumbledore?"
"You were a liability to my plans," Dumbledore said. "And you scare me more than anyone because you aren't as malleable as Harry's other friends are. I didn't feel there was a need to risk anything to rescue you."
This caused tension to hit the table.
"WHAT?" Molly asked. "YOU LEFT A CHILD IN HELL JUST BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T FIT IN YOUR PLANS!"
"Molly…."
"DON'T MOLLY ME, ARTHUR WEASLEY! ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE! I'VE DEFENDED YOU FOR YEARS, AGAINST PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT YOU WEREN'T FIT AND WERE OUT OF TOUCH! WELL, I DO WONDER ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS! DID YOU USE MY DAUGHTER AS A CHESSPIECE AS WELL? OR ANY OF MY OTHER CHILDREN?"
Molly looked about ready to snap. Especially since Dumbledore gave a half nod and looked shocked.
"THE CURSED VAULTS! THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE! THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS! DEMENTORS AT BLOODY HOGWARTS PUTTING CHILDREN IN PERIL! THE BLOODY TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT! I THOUGHT…I THOUGHT YOU WERE JUST IN OVER YOUR HEAD! BUT, YOU TURNED A BLIND EYE AND LEFT SOME POOR GIRL BURN IN HELL JUST BECAUSE SHE GOT IN THE WAY OF YOUR PLANS!"
"Yes, Molly, but I did it to protect everyone," Dumbledore said. "Harry needed to be focused. Thankfully, the friends he made put him on a better path."
Ron, who looked sickened about some of what he learned, snapped an accusatory glare towards Dumbledore.
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.
"I suggested Molly keep an eye out for Harry, knowing her good nature, along with her habit of loudly asking her children where the platform number was, would catch Harry's attention," Dumbledore said.
"Harry, I wasn't aware, I just…I just thought I was helping someone who was lost," Molly said. "Dumbledore, what the hell is your problem?"
"I did your family a favor, Molly, you helped Harry, felt good, and made sure he would not get subverted by someone who could put him down a dark and dangerous path," Dumbledore said. "And you finally moved up in the world being associated with Harry Potter. Win-win. Ronald's obvious insecurities would be comfortable with confiding with him."
"Are you saying that you set us up to be friends?" Ron asked.
"With all due respect, Ronald, you never would have been friends with someone like Harry without my assistance," Dumbledore said.
Ron had been gobsmacked that the all loving Albus Dumbledore just pretty much told him that he was lucky to be Harry's friend. And even Dumbledore seemed shocked regarding what he said.
"That's out of line, Dumbledore," Arthur said.
"Sorry, Arthur, but it's the truth," Dumbledore said. "I don't know why I'm telling you all this."
"Where does my daughter fit into this?" Charlotte asked.
"I'm not…I think I would know if Dumbledore was manipulating me," Hermione said.
"I didn't quite know how you fit into the picture, Miss Granger, but you played your role masterfully in helping me guide Harry to do what was necessary to fulfill his destiny," Dumbledore said. "Your assertive behavior, combined with a docile Harry who had been humbled by his time at the Dursleys was a perfect fit. And I did gain your trust by giving you that time turner, showing you what I could do for you. And that helped us earn Harry's trust by giving him the means to rescue his godfather."
"Professor, you…"
"Do you really think we would just give a time turner to a child just so she could take a couple extra classes?" Dumbledore asked. "If you hadn't formed a friendship with Harry or Ron, you would be just another Muggleborn who had big ambitions and an even bigger mouth who was shut out by the system. And I'm certain you found our talks over tea once a week to be quite illuminating. And you told me everything that Harry shared with you. It made you feel important."
Dumbledore shook his head but could not shut up. Harry did wonder if Dumbledore lied so much to everyone, he deluded even himself.
"Hermione?" Harry asked.
"You didn't!" Ron yelled.
"I didn't know!" Hermione yelled.
"She was just concerned for you and I was her helpful Headmaster willing to help," Dumbledore said.
"I thought…you were just a nice, grandfatherly man, and I thought you wanted to help Harry," Hermione said. "You told me there was no way you could get him out of the Triwizard Tournament and suggested several books to help him train for the tournament."
"Why would you do this?" Harry asked.
"The truth is Harry, I have grown very fond of you, which makes this harder to do," Dumbledore said. "But, I must do it. And I need to make sure you're progressing properly until the end when you fulfill the prophecy."
Hermione and Ron looked both gob-smacked at what Dumbledore was saying.
"What's the end?" Harry asked.
"You will sacrifice yourself to stop Voldemort, at least you were going to, with the Horcrux still in play," Dumbledore admitted. "Voldemort would weaken himself by your demise, with the blood that he took from you in the graveyard binding you together. You would die and inspire another to finish Voldemort off."
"You didn't think I could ever live," Harry said.
"There might have been the slimmest of chances," Dumbledore admitted. "But, I needed to keep your ambitions low and your need to sacrifice yourself for others high. I was responsible for two Dark Lords in the past century and I didn't want to be responsible for a third who could have the potential to be more terrifying than any we have ever seen."
Dumbledore took a moment to realize this.
"Maybe, I was wrong," Dumbledore said. "But, I had to make some hard choices."
"Would you modify my memory if you were given the chance again?" Harry asked.
"I would right now, if we had this discussion privately," Dumbledore said which got several shocked gasps. "It's impossible given the number of witnesses. Well-played on your part. I'm proud of you for taking the matter out of my hands. It appears you are more ready than I thought you were. Although, you still have a long way to go."
"Your opinion doesn't matter," Harry said. "And your pride fills me with shame."
"You're not ready to take the burden, not yet," Dumbledore said.
"If I waited for you to pass me the torch, all I would have is a wet match," Harry said. "You made everyone dependent on you."
Kingsley, Remus, and Moody all exchanged dark looks as if understanding that Harry hit that point well.
"We should talk about the future, and whether or not Dumbledore has a place in it," Remus said.
"We must stand together," Dumbledore said. "We can't let this divide us. We must unify and we must heal."
"We're going to call a full meeting, without our leader," Kingsley said. "To discuss whether or not any of us can ever trust him again to lead."
"Alastor, surely you must understand the necessity…."
"I'm sorry, Albus," Moody said. "Not feeling much sympathy for you after you couldn't tell the difference between myself and an imposter for nine months."
Sirius turned to Dumbledore and resembled his Animagus form in the sense he was practically snarling.
"Get out of my house."
"Very well," Dumbledore said. "I will return later once cooler heads have prevailed."
"You are the most arrogant man I've ever met," Cassie said. "Even after all of these years. You still don't get it!"
"I need to have a discussion about this misunderstanding regarding Severus," Dumbledore said. "And Harry, you should drop the charges and understand…."
"Get out of my house," Sirius repeated. "And if you bring Snape here, I will do something to him worthy of getting imprisoned in Azkaban."
"I hope you all come to your senses."
"Shacklebolt, Moody, see him out," Harry said.
Kingsley and Moody nodded and saw Dumbledore out of the door. Dumbledore went willingly, although Harry had a feeling this was not over.
"Okay, Padfoot?" Harry asked.
"No," Sirius said. "And you aren't either."
"We're going to have to wait for the others to arrive," Kingsley said. "And we're going to have to have a serious talk."
"Should the children be here?" Molly asked.
"Well, thanks to Dumbledore's various games, these children are involved," Sirius said. "Like it or not."
Molly nodded, not having the strength to argue. She felt sick. Violently sick.
"I can't believe that man," Molly said. "I don't like this. Any of this."
"None of us do," Andromeda said.
Hermione and Ron were not meeting Harry's eye out of guilt. Harry waited for the rest of the Order members to arrive so they could have a discussion regarding Dumbledore's future and the future of the Order.
To Be Continued.