Harry Potter's Secret Weapon
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: To anyone celebrating today, Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for my sweet sons; my friend that I corroborate with (she keeps telling me it's a collaboration, but she's my partner in crime), and freedom. I am truly Grateful for my blessings. Friendship. VashonBeader
I am blessed with 'Vashon's' friendship; she brings laughter and satisfies my 'frustrated author's' spirit. I am grateful for my family, my sons, but especially for God's blessings and faithfulness. LtsHrIt4ThBoyz
We are grateful for all of our wonderful readers and reviewers; Thank You!
**OO**
Chapter 32 Puzzles, Plots, Plans…and Klah
Last time
(Byron Ambrose speaking)" The purr was clear, "Even Alastor Moody?"
"I received a letter from Dumbledore, telling me everything was fine." Byron made a signal to a server behind his back, but kept his look neutral. Remus continued, "I'm going to go up there tomorrow and make sure that Moody is fine. And bring Albus his silly lemon drops. That man! Can't go without his lemon candies. Great man, Dumbledore!"
Remus continued without noticing Byron's increasing concern, "I got a letter from Alastor himself. He's up at Hogwarts with my teaching notes. Going to be the DADA professor for as long as he can. Something about not enough aurors qualifying freshly minted from school."
Ambrose didn't relax, "You are going to go up and check on him?"
Remus' favorite butterbeer was served. A child's drink to some, but he sipped companionably as Byron sipped something alcoholic.
"I don't know when, but yes. I am waiting for the signal. I don't suppose you can get into Hogwarts?"
"It's a public school. Haven't you read the runes on the front gate? 'All visitors welcome.'"
Remus smacked his forehead, then rubbed it. Maybe he wasn't all the way healed. His head hurt! He felt sick all of a sudden.
Byron reached out to catch him as he fell unconscious, and called for Jam. "Remus has been compromised! Can you please take him to Gringotts for a cleanse? I'll mirror Marius right now. Get you some help. But keep him asleep. We need to get everyone checked again!"
**OO**
It took a little time and there was confusion, but Remus Lupin was growling and upset. Not with Byron. No, somehow even Moony knew that Byron was a friend.
And that was before he received his actual wedding ring back, cleansed from all taint.
"I have friends in low places. Please don't ask. It's…embarrassing." Byron would be blushing, but he had lost the ability some time ago.
Remus was back at the nightclub. Partially to say thank you for the rescue. His bracers! He hadn't even noticed those were missing. Fortunately, they had reappeared in his office; a safety feature after Dumbledore stole Percy's bracelet. If Moony didn't remove them, they returned home.
Clarice had brought them to him at Gringotts, and went for a cleanse herself. Just in case. He felt better having the bracers on. The headache was gone as well.
Talking to Byron, Moony started, "So, back before we were 'interrupted'... You said you could enter Hogwarts? Dumbledore is…"
"Oh yes. And you and I know it. But really, I can't do it myself. Lamb? Yes? But that is beyond mutton, my lad."
Remus shook his head, "I don't think that Dumbledore will ever be considered or remembered as a sheep."
"No indeed. He is more wolf than you, my friend."
Moony growled, but didn't disagree. And when did they, as a team, agree that a vampire attacking anyone was a good idea. Down, boy!
"There is one more thing. Rumor is a vicious thing, and the elf Winky being freed? Along with Dobby? Certain factions of the dark want to just eradicate elves completely. But others are going to sponsor a Bill."
"But we don't have enough people in place to win a vote. Not yet!" Remus exclaimed.
"And how many of the Light side will think that a slavery law is perfectly acceptable when the ones they want to keep in slavery aren't people. Ironic when you consider that they just put a slaver to death. Inconsistent."
"The 'Mot will never accept elves as people! I don't know how we are going to fight this one. But thank you for the heads up. And not only noticing I was compromised but acting on it." Remus bowed.
Byron bowed back, "I appreciated the letter from the boy. Offering me a place to serve beverages there. But I think my presence would diminish his efforts. But do tell him that I was touched to be included in his city of the future."
"You could always help one of the NPGs create a nice atmosphere like you have here. Have you seen the Hog's Head?" Remus suggested.
"I like it," At Remus's reaction Byron waved. "No, not the pub, the idea of helping someone, silly puppy! Harry's money, helping someone new to magic, and I get to play without hurting what he's doing. That is a win-win-win for all. Well done, Steward Lupin. You really are a prankster to do that."
Remus bowed again before taking his leave. "Misters Moony, Padfoot and Vincent thank you for the compliment. Good Evening." said with the fake Romanian accent that Byron liked to use now and then. And left to his chuckling warmly.
As soon as he returned home, he put on a pair of dragonhide gloves and put the letter from Dumbledore into a lead box and sent it along with a letter of explanation and warning to Amelia Bones. She was still collecting evidence against the manipulative old bugger.
The stack must be pretty high by now.
**OO**
The Dark Lord was concerned. All of his people did not an army make. Antonin Dolohov, Senior, was one of his most vicious. A wizard of skill and cunning. He had designed and implemented the plan. If only Bella hadn't gotten…creative.
"So, your son is coming. Good, good. He's going to help with the timing of the tasks?"
"Yes, my lord. We've been in constant communication." Antonin Sr said, with a bow.
"You've done well. There's been a bit in the papers about the capture of a serial killer in Oxford. We must not hunt there for any of the sacrifices. I do hope that the other hunting trips will go more smoothly than did Moody's capture. Though that went well enough according to Barty. Clever idea, using a carriage. The House would be used to those coming and going. Their guards would be down. Pity she didn't just kill the Steward, though she appears to have obliviated him. Bella always did like to play with her food."
The wards had zapped his paramour after she let her victim crawl away from her cruciatus. What was she thinking? Well, she clearly wasn't. And blaming Lucius for the prank wand? That wasn't right. That was the second major zap she got that night!
But he, Voldemort, had provided her with a decent wand, and decent food. Barty was in place for the tournament. Maybe he should have her go to Europe for a bit. Pose as Andromeda. The sisters looked enough alike.
He did not need her being seen in Britain, or acting out!
He needed to be strengthened, and she needed to keep her magic. Hmm. That gave him an idea. She couldn't lose her family magic if she belonged to another House. Slytherin came to mind. Oh, now that she was widowed, he could take her as his bride. Once he was re-embodied.
No, best act now while she was still magical. He should have acted earlier for Narcissa, but was so convinced the little Gryffindor who loved his cousin wouldn't make her a squib.
He had grown cold in Azkaban, it appeared.
Rookwood came into the room, closing the latest research book, and bowed low at the door.
"My lord?"
"Come closer, Augustus. I would ask a favor from you. How would you like a sister?"
Augustus Rookwood shuddered at what his master asked him to do, but to deny him was impossible. At least as Head of the House, she dare not kill him. That was just 'not done'.
He hoped she followed the rules better than Zora Zabini did.
Before nightfall, Bellatrix had a new last name. Rookwood.
Sirius could sever her from the Black magic, and she might lose a few traits. But now, she belonged to a different House.
**OO**
Wednesday, August 24th, Blackmoor Hall library, an hour prior to lunch
Harry had read the whole healing book twice. Yes, it had a variety of potions that had all been translated. Some were even in testing.
Darlene had sponsored a testing in Saint Martín's of the Dragon Pox cure. Poor Marius! Healers were notorious gossips within their own circle. He was handsome, of a well-positioned family, and while not wealthy, was clearly 'doing well.'
Healer Greengrass was getting offers of all sorts from the nobility of France, and not all of the witches on offer were over forty either! Byron's teasing about 'testing their suitability' by meeting with them, was nothing more than a desire to have a smorgasbord of delightful new blood to try. Well, at least according to Marius.
Professor Slughorn was only a little pouty about the lack of attention coming his way from the Green Dragon potion. He knew that would change once the book was indeed published. Or the Irish studies started on curing lycanthropy.
That had been fun asking him for his help with making ancient potions once the directions were decoded. Earlier that summer, Harry had asked him that question. Would he mind being talked about in the book that they would publish? Slughorn's reaction was priceless!
But Harry had gotten to the last section of Asclepius' book. It had a sketch even, once you said the password. And clues as to where the item was being stored. But it made no sense to Harry.
Harry needed his helper. They had already worked longer than three hours, but his summer homework was long done. He had friends over for tea, even! Goblins didn't sit around and talk. They sat together and worked. Sage was sharpening a dagger, singing a goblin battle saga song. BloodRage was beating a celtic-knot decorated bodhran in time to it, and joining in on the chorus with his deep voice. Such wonderful music.
Professors McGonagall and Flitwick had given Harry the drum at his birthday party. Harry was glad that they had returned for the rescheduled goblin games. Flitwick came for the axe throwing. Harry had no idea that he was so good with the little hand axe! Dangerous!
Hermione, who was reading ahead in runes, came over to see what Harry was showing Winky. Harry repeated the parseltongue password, and the picture of a rod appeared.
Hermione asked in a curious voice. "It appears to be a large caduceus. You know, the winged serpent on the staff? The story of Moses in the desert? They were dying of some unknown plague and all they had to do to be healed was look at the staff. And some thought it silly and wouldn't look, and they died. Are you saying it's real?"
Harry remembered the staff that the duke had given him in Paris, and took it out of the tube. Oh yes, the picture was a short rod; inserted into this, it would become a full sized staff.
The goblins stopped the saga singing and went over to see what the others were looking at.
Sirius, attracted by the sound of excitement, also came over to where Harry was seated to look over his shoulder.
But Sirius was the one poleaxed. He finally spoke. "Not a caduceus. That's the Rod of Asclepius! Oh! Where does it say it is? This was Dad Potter's, Charlus Potter's, holy grail for years. He and Moody tried various sites all over Egypt. It certainly didn't hurt his family's fortune and it helped Mad-eye buy his own house, or so he claimed. Each dig, they found something good, sometimes really good. But this? If it has clues…"
"As in my grandfather? Why was he looking for it?" Harry demanded.
"Look. Speaking snake language is a big taboo now, but in the early twentieth century, it was no big thing. You-know-who made it evil, not before that. Harry, you pulled the Sword of Gryffindor from the Hat. You could live in the Heir quarters. Dumbledore is fighting it, but it would be safe, and McGonagall wants you there. You do know what that means, right?!" Sirius looked at him intently. This was important.
Hermione gasped. "Oh! Harry! It wasn't just to kill the basilisk! The Hat knew that you were a blood heir! Of the House!"
"Twenty points to Miss Granger for that brilliant deduction. Indeed. Now think, my lad and lass. If Godric Gryffindor lived long enough to father children, then likely so did the others. And they were all in the same place."
"So I am the Heir of Slytherin?" Harry asked in a small, worried voice.
"One of them. Chaz Potter spoke and read snake just fine apparently. Look at the trunk we found! He used to have a bunch of this sort of book back in Wales. Hope that those books didn't get burnt along with the rest when my family was attacked. But Dad Potter didn't have the book you do. I think, no I know, that he was looking for anything parseltongue that he could get his hands on."
BloodRage spoke up. He had been at the initial meeting.
"The book that Charlus Potter wanted. The Malfoys had it. Why can be asked when we capture them. They sold it to Lady Greengrass. Oh." BloodRage silenced himself as he swore for a time. Harry wanted to laugh but he was learning his family history piecemeal from his godfather, and this was a new piece.
The goblin calmed and shared, "Was this sold to Lady Greengrass thinking that she would help find this device for the dark ones? Did they think that she would become a Death Eater? And would use it to bring back the dark one?!"
Harry shook his head, "But it was Lady Malfoy who sold it! Moody found the note with the gold used to purchase it."
Sirius shouted, angry. "No wonder Charlus couldn't find any clues! They were held by the other side! No one would sell to him if it meant losing an advantage."
Hermione asked, "They were waiting for the parseltongue to show up in their own lines. Weren't they?"
Sirius agreed. "But why didn't they show it to Tommy boy? Or if they did, why couldn't he use it?"
BloodRage stomped around, unhappy at some of the connections. Lady Greengrass wasn't dark; they knew it. Nor was her husband. But others they were connected with, were. Astoria's betrothed, was the worst of this generation in his mind. What a horrible contract to make. He personally would be happy to free her from that bond.
Sage spoke up, "Family magic can choose an avatar to act. And did not approve of Tom Marvolo Riddle."
Harry felt several sets of eyes on him, but his were on the book.
"I don't know what all of this means. I could use a bit of help." Harry admitted.
Winky tilted her head, "Master Harry, can I borrow your mirror please?"
She had a muggle to call. This looked like a cryptography puzzle to her!
**OO**
Blackmoor Hall, Late Afternoon
Remus didn't know what to do. He and Alastor Moody had been attacked - the tracks were clear on that, now that he could see it clearly. Even after the gentle summer rain. The scents were gone, but it was someone familiar; familiar and dangerous. He was sure of the two witches; Narcissa and Bellatrix. Who was the wizard? He'd heard that the Lestranges were dead. Was it one of them?
The thought of an inferius made him shudder.
The faint signs of carriage tracks were in the alley. Had he noticed that before? Perhaps, but they drove here sometimes, so that wasn't unusual. Was this why he had come outside? Because he heard the carriage arrive? He couldn't remember. But it did made sense. Sirius and Darlene arriving early from Paris would have been a cause to investigate.
He needed to talk to Sirius.
He was sure that Alastor Moody was alive, because Dumbledore might dose him to the gills to be loyal to him, but he did not kill.
What was he going to do?
To his great relief, a bulldog patronus came in, at least that was a good sign! Remus listened carefully. He tried to send Jam but was told that the place was warded against elves.
Remus looked at the safe copy he'd made of the enslavement letter. Dumbledore wanted them all slaves to him; no wonder he wanted to do away with the noble houses and all landed titles. He wanted to be king, or emperor or whatever, and have all of them dance to his tune. No, he wanted Fudge or someone dancing to his tune, doing all the work, handling the 'little day-to-day problems'.
Seeing the line about the lemon drops gave him an idea.
'Hello, Headmaster Dumbledore.
'I look forward to the day that you are restored to all of your rightful places. Wow. Such a great leader. Don't worry sir, we know that you are truly a Great Man.
'I am so bogged down with work, and with you there, I don't feel the need to worry about Moody. He'll be fine!
'I can't come to Hogwarts right now, but the Pranking Parlor has a new item you just have to try. It's clear to me that deep down, Sirius loves you too as he clearly invented these with you in mind. Enjoy!
'Let me know when you are getting low, and I'll send you another 'free sample.'
'You're the best! Have a really, really nice day.
'Your friend,
'R J Lupin'
Included in the package was a full two pounds of the pranked lemon candy that Albus had gotten to enjoy while in gaol. Lemon-pepper was his favorite, what would be Dumbledore's?
The last line of having a nice day was a goblin swear. Remus wanted to prank the parchment, but didn't dare. So many possibilities. He'd have to wait, and sic the twins on the man.
They're really the ones that invented the lemon 'treats'.
**OO**
Wednesday, August 24th, Blackmoor Hall, dinner
Even though Darlene had offered casual, dinner tonight was formal. Harry was excited that the puzzle had professionals going to be looking at it. He would likely be needed from time to time.
Frank and Alice were settled in their rooms. Their carers were feeding them separately still, but both Neville and Harry looked forward to a day when they could eat with them.
Percy was sharing some of the amusing things happening in the Ministry with Fudge trying to pretend that the recent spate of thefts had nothing to do with the prisoners escaping.
Sirius dropped his fork. "Escaping? Escaping? We had heard that someone, and people were blaming Alastor Moody, which is ridiculous, had killed all of the Death Eaters in Azkaban!"
Harry patted his shoulder and looked between Remus and Percy.
Penny patted pockets, forgetting she was in formal clothes. She called for Livy's help, and soon a safe calming draught for Darlene, and regular ones for Sirius and Harry were delivered to their plates.
Percy bowed his head, "My apologies, Lord Black. I thought you knew. Let me back up. We don't know when. But Dawlish was sent out on Monday to investigate the deaths of all of the Death Eaters in Azkaban. He burnt all evidence, and buried an unknown number."
"But Bellatrix!" Even with the potion, the man was upset. "She's tried to kill me many times! Tried to kill Darlene!"
Darlene picked up her glass. This was not a happy topic.
"And attacked me the other day at Grimmauld Place." Moony shared.
Darlene, the most sophisticated woman that he had ever met, just spat water across her plate. She was not drinking wine right now, thankfully. Penny's dress was merely wet.
Harry gave Remus the stink eye. Had he done that on purpose?
"Bellatrix attacked you?" Sirius demanded. "When did this happen?"
"Sunday, I think? I don't remember much. Bellatrix, Narcissa and an unknown wizard. Maybe more. There was a carriage, so I am pretty sure I was ambushed. Alastor is up at Hogwarts." Remus reasoned that the family didn't need to know about the patronus he'd received and possibly ruin Moody's investigation.
Sirius twisted his napkin in agitation.
"Sirius? I really need you to calm down! There's more to tell, so let me tell it and then you can get mad! Okay?" Remus exhorted.
He gritted his teeth and continued, "I want you to know that Dumbledore tried his tricks again with me. I was very confused after being attacked. Um. Narcissa robbed me of all coin, and took my wedding ring, Padfoot. Byron Ambrose got the ring back. Luckily, none of our vault keys were on my person, or they would have stolen far more. Likely the reason they attacked me. I'm sorry, I thought I told you."
Remus felt a flash of guilt over the resulting thefts. Which was silly. These people could just as easily work, do some repairs, something to get by. When he was a werewolf, he had never stolen!
"Are you alright?" Darlene and Sirius asked, at the same time; Darlene with concern, but Sirius continued, "I take it you aren't still under the old man's influence?"
"No, Ambrose called Greengrass, and got me another cleanse. Clarice too, just in case. I swear. We need to just schedule those on a regular basis. When we don't show up, then people will know to grab us. But Healer Marius took care of my bumps and bruises."
"On top of that, concussions can be very dangerous." Penny agreed. "Not to mention cru…"
At Darlene's look, she stopped sharing. Right. Once she had her mastery, any client medical information was confidential. She needed to practice now.
Remus shook his head, "Look, we are all family. I don't mind you knowing, I'm not sure why I feel reticent about sharing."
Harry stood, and went over to Remus. " Can I call Marius for you? You know, to make sure you're really alright. Penny was about to say cruciatus, wasn't she? You were tortured!"
Clarice cried out, "Moony! Ye didn't say that! Goodness! Black and blue…"
"This is why I didn't say! I knew you would all be upset. It's done! I don't know where she is, but she'll mess up, and reveal that she's alive. Bones has her people. Harry, you made sure we had help. It's going to be their responsibility to take her down. Not ours. Not us."
Sirius stood up suddenly, knocking over his chair in his haste, and beckoned Harry.
"We need the family athame. This is not the ritual I wanted you to ever learn, my son. But one that we do now out of need."
The hope was that Bellatrix would then be as powerless to harm as Narcissa. But they were days too late.
But Bella did lose the Black family traits. And some magic.
"We need to warn Lord Lestrange. Just in case."
"He's not planning on moving to Britain until the dark one is completely done, sir. He'll stay in Hershey, Pennsylvania for the time being. Can we hire guards for when he does come to Hogwarts?"
"That is a very good idea. You are not to be outside any wards for long, and certainly not without at least two guards. And our goblin friends would love the opportunity to chop my cousins…"
Sirius ran down to the loo to be sick.
Harry sent Dobby with a stomach soother. It was clear that despite everything, this was very hard on the wizard. And Harry felt for him.
**OO**
Thursday, August 25th, 7:54 AM, MMI6
Emma's heels clicked on the institutional tile floor of boring colors. Here it was. The Cryptography Department. She knocked and waited.
A uniformed man who looked too young to be in the service opened the door.
"We're assembled and expecting you, ma'am. Nice to see you again."
Emma had waited until she was here to summon Winky. Dan, already there, saw that the elf was nervous, and pulling on her ears.
Today's frock was a fine petticoated dress of blue with a white pinafore and matching blue cap.
Dan gently calmed the little elf girl, "Look Winky, without your help, we would have never gotten so far. Now, these people here are very smart. Why don't you show them the puzzle, and see if we can figure this out, together?"
Winky took out the books and her notes, showing her duplications of the runes that had Harry and her perplexed. The cryptography group, mostly muggle, but with a couple of muggleborn, saw the strange leftover bits. Looking at the originals, one of the helpers pointed out a pattern.
"Look! There are really tiny symbols under these spare bits." The woman was wearing specialized glasses for her craft. "What if we put the spare bits in order?"
Winky gasped and borrowed one of their looking glasses. She had not noticed the tiny hints!
Winky, using the magical glass, placed them in order in a circle, using her magic to carefully copy them, one at a time, and once the last one was in place, it started to slither.
"OH! We needing Master Harry!" Winky popped away, brought a dripping, towel clad boy, and then popped away again, leaving only a small pool of water on the floor.
"Was that the Boy-who-Lived?" one of the wizards asked.
"Yes, he normally dresses a bit more…formally for meetings." Dan stated dryly.
Harry returned, now dressed in battle robes and with BloodRage. Once he was brought up to speed, he settled down to translate this last circle.
Unsurprisingly, it too was a puzzle, but they expected that.
The group recognized that the dark side would be interested in this Staff just as much as they would be. Finding out where the thing was kept was just part of the mystery.
The dark one would be after it as soon as it was discovered. Lord Black's security team, in conjunction with Lady Bones', would be on hand when they were ready to make a move.
The door opened, and the Queen's own Royal Wizard appeared. They were not introduced; he was here to relay orders.
"I know that you people have other projects. I cannot emphasize this enough. Next June, there is going to be an attempt to return the being known as Lord Voldemort back to corporeal form. I mean, a functional body. We shouldn't panic, nor should we dilly-dally about. Solve this as quickly as you can. The safety of the realm may rest with your efforts."
The man exchanged nods with Harry. Their look told it all. It was in the hands of the boffins. Now they waited.
Harry hated waiting.
Dan paced as the puzzle people got to work, assigning tasks that made sense to them.
"Duke Potter? May we call Winky here from time to time to consult? And yourself? I realize that you'll be heading back to school soon."
Harry handed over one of six of a set of mirrors for just this purpose. "We can talk anytime, and Sirius figured out a solution for the reverse image, so you can show me images. Oh, and if you set this down, or someone takes it away from you…Well. They're going to get insulted, but they won't be able to call me. Here's yours Winky. For you to have at the Ministry."
"But Master Harry! Winky is only lowly elf, not a…"
"May I remind you that you are a free elf. A person. One of the wealthiest elves in Britain, and adorably cute. Love the outfit today. The mirrors are coming out soon for sale. Just as soon as he is gone. I don't want the bad guys to have our advantage."
"Can Winky call Master Harry at home from work?"
"No, but Miss Elvenhouse can call her friends here and Heir Black or Heir Potter. "
"Or His Grace, Duke Harry." Winky swirled skirts side to side as she twisted in place.
"Or that." Harry concurred, earning himself a warm hug. She was clearly touched.
The others in the room looked forward to getting to know this extraordinary being; there was nothing but hope and industry in the room, which made Winky feel right at home.
**OO**
Friday, August 26th, morning meeting, Charlus and Dorea Potter Memorial Hospital
It was still early enough that Marius hadn't headed to bed, and several other healers were awake. Bertha Jorkins' husband Ralph, an engineer, was here. As was the new hospital administrator. Greyson Avery had recruited Rowle after meeting him in a conference in Boston. Darlene was last into the conference room, but she wasn't late.
"Everyone, this is Darlene, Lady Black. Madame Fenwich, may I present some of the senior staff. I'm Arabella Figg, administrative assistant."
"Radagast Rowle, my lady, pleased to meet you. And yes, I am happy that my parents didn't give me 'the Brown' for a middle name."
"Ah! The new administrator, pleased to meet you." Darlene and everyone familiar with Tolkien were smiling if not laughing. "And it's nice to talk to you in person, Healer…er...Dr Avery. Excuse me, Lord Avery."
"New to me too, and such a shock. I understand that you are willing to work a bit, my lady?" The magical with muggle qualifications asked.
"Indeed, but I would like to limit the time until the end of February. After that, we'll just have to see. Sorry to seem uncooperative."
"Not at all! You've sent us a treasure trove of talent to hire! Healer BrightBlade is coming; Her contract was up at the end of August with Saint Martíns. She'll still work some hours at Gringotts, but believe it or not, she is better paid with us."
Darlene looked around, "I just want you to all know that I am not in charge. I am just another healer who plans to help here."
They all laughed. All knew that Harry Potter owned the hospital, and had given a nice starting amount to fund the place. Harry didn't feel comfortable keeping the money that Lady Greengrass had paid Narcissa Malfoy for the book; it was nice putting that money to use for healing.
Radagast started the meeting by passing out a printed agenda, the first item of which was the news that the ICW had vetted the cleaned and prepped building and approved it to be a hospital. All of their permits and such were in place. The staff that had been hired so far had also received their ICW credentials. Which was nice, as a healer could serve anywhere in the world with those documents.
The outside of the hospital would remain covered in scaffolding for at least a year, but the grounds were quickly coming under control. Once a reasonable time had passed, signs would be put up saying it was a sanitarium. Muggle repelling wards and such would be added a bit at a time to discourage investigation.
No more muggle inspectors coming around either!
The Wizengamot could complain about the new hospital, and try to kill it, but other than withholding government funds, there wasn't much they could really do. And really, they only authorized the occasional DMLE centered donation as funds allowed.
Harry's idea was that all of the new potions, like the Green Dragon potion, would be made and dispensed there through their own, in house, apothecary once the testing was done. The cost was minimal, and so should be a good source of income for the hospital. Along with selling potions made from cheaper ingredients that were already commonly dispensed.
Neville was hiring free elves left and right to work the greenhouses for while he was in school and was teaching them the best way to harvest plants. They were still looking for sources for some of the plants needed for the translated potions. But Neville was definitely willing to grow what was needed.
The planning meeting went well, and the hospital administrator hoped to have enough staff to start towards the beginning of October.
Marius Greengrass had already signed up. His and Byron's home was not far away at all.
All the entrances had a Dark Mark detector, and the oaths of those working there were very different from Saint Mungo's. Exceptions, like Marius, would be easy to add. But no one was sneaking in to hurt a patient on their watch.
Injured Death Eaters could just go to Saint Mungo's. Or be treated outside under an open marquee by a goblin healer. Their choice.
Amelia Bones had already been by and was very, very happy that she had a safer option for her people than Mungo's, with its 'hot and cold running' DEs.
Unofficially, the hospital was already in service as they had cured three teenagers of Dragon Pox exposed at Harry's party. Zacharias' Smith's little brother was 'patient zero' of the current spread. His mother claimed that he had been vaccinated. Well, they paid for it, and she had a copy of the receipt. Signed by NM.
How many other patients paid for flavored water? They were scrambling.
The Potter hospital board was going to be looking for members, and Darlene immediately suggested Spurnik for two reasons. His grasp of economics, and his wife was a healer that was going to be working here. Goblins loved working alongside their mates like that.
Lady Black also suggested Augusta Longbottom, and made it clear that while the Longbottom aurors were stable, that she would be willing to transfer them to this facility if they started to decline.
Darlene was asked to take on a new apprentice, and agreed to do one for a limited time. Hearing of her reasoning with the new baby, no one could deny her a break. And now those not in the know beforehand understood why she was planning on stepping back in February.
This place might start small, but it was clean, safe, and they had plans to offer the best of both worlds.
Doctor Avery was a surgeon; He had recently reattached a man's thumb lost in an accident.
Mr Jorkins was here to compare muggle surgery bays with what Dr Avery wanted in his new hospital. If he needed to perform surgery, he could arrange with a muggle hospital. But he wanted Charlus Memorial to be the cutting edge of medicine for some time.
**OO**
Friday, August 26th, morning meeting of the Ministry of Magic, Dept of Magical Games and Sports
Coming up with a maze sounded like a great idea. At first.
"How are people going to see over the walls? They will see green, green, green. Boring." Mrs Jorkins pointed out actually singing the last word. Receiving a frown from Albus in return.
Why wasn't this man in prison?
Bagman's assistant was a witch named Bertha Jorkins. Dumbledore had given her advice earlier that summer. He told her about the beautiful forests of Albania of all things! As if she wanted to go out in the wild. Her idea of camping was a luxury resort with green carpets!
She had accepted the offered brochure, saying nothing, but binning it the minute they were out of that meeting. The Creator was clearly watching over her that day, as it had a compulsion charm on it, and her family would have grieved her loss.
Albus had been nothing but mean to her in this meeting! The man was impossible, and she was trying to do her job. No, her boss' job. Whatever. She was trying to get things done.
Dumbledore was insane. First, he wanted dragons! For a school competition? Honestly, the man was senile. Now, he wanted an underwater event and a maze. What were people supposed to watch? A lake, first in February, now in November. At least in February it would be interesting as everyone danced around, slipping and sliding, trying to keep warm.
Ridiculous!
"And these hostages. With the date change, you won't know who is going with whom. And I need to point out one very glaring issue. You do realize that someone's sweetheart taken to the ball might be underage?" She asked scathingly. "You'll have to have their guardians' permission… You do know that, right?"
Dumbledore looked ready to explode, Bagman looked drunk or hung-over, was it possible to be both? And Bertha was not serving any refreshments in order to keep the meeting on track.
"I assure you that all of that will be handled…" Dumbledore wasn't taking notes, and had no assistant. Unless he was hiding one in his beard. Doubtful.
"Sir, you do realize that Beauxbatons, unlike Durmstrang or Hogwarts, school a variety of witches and wizards. Including those who have…weaknesses to water?"
The veela daughter of the French Minister of Magic came to mind. If the Merchieftaness got a hold of her…
Bertha shuddered.
"I have a folder of affordable, safe suggestions." Bertha emphasized. "Events appropriate for a school function. Where students will be residing, and presumably some at least might try to watch. I don't know. Something?"
Dumbledore stood. "I am tired of your mocking. If you are so smart, you come up with some ideas!"
Bertha pointed to the folder in his hand. A copy of which was open, and now under Ludo's head. The glossy picture of one competition from Italy was now stuck to the side of Bagman's face.
And Dumbledore was angry with her?
"I'll have you know, my dear, that when certain parties eventually catch up to Ludovic here, you will not be my choice for the head of this department."
"Oh. Why?" Bertha demanded. She wanted to know what she had done wrong! "Because I demeaned the dangerous and ludicrous nature of the first competition that you and Ludo came up with? Let me inform you that we are supposed to have Madam Maxime from Beauxbatons here. I don't know who the replacement is for Durmstrang, but I do have the letter that former Headmaster Karkaroff sent in regards to Dragons for the first event. My Romanian is a little rusty, and I am fairly sure that some of his suggestions are impossible for a wizard your age. But let me spell it out for you. He said no. No. and No. For all three of your proposed original events. Same with our friends from France.
"They are supposed to be here. I sent them invitations and portkeys. Where are they? There will be no events finalized without their approvals. And it was voted on in the ICW, you do remember them? That if we revived this tournament, there would be no deaths, no dismemberments, no peril for anyone in the audience! Plain and simple."
Bertha put her hands on her ample hips. Hips that showed that she had borne children, and perhaps overindulged in Honeydukes chocolate now and then. But she wasn't a drunk, she showed up to her job on time, and she came ready to work.
"You want to threaten my advancement in my career because I don't agree with you? It must come as a shock after six hundred years or however long you've been crawling this Earth to have someone disagree with you… Over procedures that you signed a contract to abide by!
"I have a child at Hogwarts! You are doing nothing that endangers them, their friends or their pets! Am I clear?"
That was right. Little Tatiana was getting ready to start her second year at school wasn't she. Drat. Slytherin. Professor Snape may have said something about it.
Ludo snorted and belched loudly. "Another Vire Whiskey, my dear girl. Kep 'em gumming."
Bertha snorted back, looking between the two men. Goblins were after the Head of the Department, Bertha knew. Literally. Who would they make Director if Ludo was captured?
Goblins would be putting him to work in their mines for certain when caught. Or not.
She was inclined to pity, but apparently, his ways had caught up with him. Or were about to.
**OO**
Dumbledore was past done with this African witch. (Never mind that she came from a long line of 'Liverpuddlians'.) She reminded him of the Granger chit. Strong-minded, and knew she was right, even when she wasn't. Hmm.
Perhaps she could be used in the ritual. "I will look over these suggestions. (Translation: "I will overlook these suggestions.") Thank you, Ludo. You are looking a bit peaked. Maybe a bite of lunch, on me, would do you good."
The Headmaster helped the inebriated man to his feet. He peeled off the glossy picture, tossing it to the floor, and tutting. He was clearly using a bit of wandless magic, supporting him to the lifts.
Leaving Ludo's folder on the table, abandoned as if it was worthless.
Bertha was highly suspicious, and had a feeling that Dumbledore was going to talk Ludo into sacking her. He could try! But Ludo knew that his salary depended on her work.
Meanwhile, Bertha walked over to the corner of the room and gathered up the dictaquill and transcription parchments that held the minutes of their meeting. Every. Single. Word.
Albus never said a word in thanks to the able Bertha for all of her hard work. He just swanned off with her folder. Typical.
She took out her memory, made a copy, put it in a vial, and put the original back. She sealed everything up in a folder with the day's date, and marked it 'Morning'. She had been warned, anonymously, that Dumbledore might try something with her. These mysterious friends asked for copies, but offered protection. This wasn't Ministry secrets! She made a copy of the whole lot and shoved her patron's copy into the Gringotts post box on her desk, and filed the other in a passcoded drawer.
It was later that day when she heard that Arthur Weasley was being made head of HER department. Weasley wanted nothing to do with the TriWizard tournament, as he thought it was a terrible idea. If they did have to do something, he wanted to look for some of the safe games that children around the world played. That, and perhaps some traditional dances, poetry, music, something, would be a nice way to introduce them to Hogwarts.
Bertha smiled. At least they had something in common - they thought that students' safety should be a priority.
It was a start!
Later on, Bertha had to go find out why Arthur was her new boss. He had been head of a different department at the start of the day. What had happened?
**OO**
Krottokt did not shake Dumbledore's hand, just nodded to him, as he took the 'missing' criminal in. The reward promised, would be very nice, and he only had to share a pittance with the headmaster.
He didn't know what other 'favor' he would owe Dumbledore in the future.
He really, really should have read the contract better before signing.
**OO**
Friday, August 26th, After Lunch Meeting, Dept of Magical Sports and Games Conference Room, Part Deux
Arthur Weasley, after thirty minutes of waiting to meet with the department's former head to help with the 'transition', he knew why Ludovic Bagman had been removed: He just never showed up. The once handsome man had been a popular Beater back in the day. Alcohol and gambling had the wizard losing everything he once had - his money, his home, and his good looks. And now his position.
Bertha saw Arthur's look, and stated she had wanted to send the man to a clinic. Suggested it actually, but they didn't have the budget for it. No wonder people had ignored the problem. But Mrs Jorkins was on the right track.
Arthur then turned to Bertha. "I saw the folder you gave to Dumbledore. You know that he'll claim those great ideas as his own. But you are right. This is a school competition. If even one student skins a knee, I'll be complaining to the ICW. They have sacked Dumbledore over this tournament already. Dragons! I actually made a private complaint when my son Charlie informed me about it. Nesting mothers to boot, not some old drakes ready for culling."
Bertha nodded. "I completely agree. I expect that Durmstrang will want to add dueling, but if they do it school wide, the muggleborns would be in danger. They would be targeted."
Mr Weasley scowled. Anything that smacked of Death Eater tactics made him very unhappy. He liked Hermione, and absolutely adored his brilliant future daughter-in-law. No, he would protect students like them as best as he could.
"I think that we can work well together, ma'am. Don't stop making suggestions just because Albus likes the warmth."
"Sir?" Bertha clearly didn't understand.
"His hot air! Haven't you noticed how it warms the room? That's why he spouts so much without saying anything of value!"
The woman laughed out loud while packing up her notes. Working for Arthur Weasley? Who knew the man had both wit and intelligence.
At least this time had been productive, even though the headmaster had not returned. Arthur and Bertha had five solid task suggestions to present to the school heads, and several 'international cooperation' activities based on Mrs Jorkins' research into team building.
"I'm going to contact my son Percy and see if he can't track down our missing school heads. Them not showing up for your earlier meeting? This smacks of interference in my mind. And I'm going to send them copies of your suggestions right now, before Dumbledore can claim them as his own."
As he handed her an application, Arthur gently stated, "Sometime this afternoon, I would ask that you work on something different, please."
It was to start a new quidditch team! New stadium - oh! This was one of the sections that had been moved near Blackmoor Hall. Brilliant!
He continued, "I have it on good authority that this has been returned several times for minor issues. I would appreciate it if you would process this. If you have any questions, please ask. The House Steward is my son Percy, and will be glad to help us. My door is always open to you. I look forward to working together, Mrs Jorkins." Arthur extended his hand.
"Please, call me Bertha." She took it and shook.
"And I am Arthur."
While Arthur had a house-elf move his desk things into the Head of Sports and Games, Bertha started to review the application. Ludo never did anything, so who had handled the previous one? Odd. The Blackmoor Basilisks? What in the world? Sirius Black! He was a prankster in school, though she had graduated before she had to deal with his group much.
And wasn't Arthur a pleasant surprise? Supporting her ideas, and treating her like a real person instead of a defective one?
She had personally never spread any of the vile gossip about him that she'd heard, like that he was a muggle-lover. The people in the Ministry didn't know she'd married a muggle. Well? What was she supposed to do? None of the boys at school liked her, and back then, she was doing a lot of reading.
And met her husband in a library.
No, Arthur would have no problem working with her because of him. And she would have no problem working with him because of his fascination with all things muggle.
They'd have to have him and his wife over for dinner sometime.
**OO**
Percy took his father's call after Arthur got the department elves working to move into his new office before heading to the afternoon staff meeting. Hearing that Maxime and Dolohav hadn't shown up to the meeting that morning had him concerned. Like his father, he was convinced this was more of Dumbledore's interference.
He summoned Karr to his office nervously, asking Livy for cucumber slices and tea.
Percy leaned on the edge of the desk, and pointed to the chair when Karr came in.
Livy popped in with tea, klah, and cucumber slices. Percy was surprised to see the goblin beverage there, but when Karr took it, he nodded. Livy would know.
And what kind of look was that? And did she flip a cleaning cloth at him?
Elves were different.
"I have a very difficult mission and I don't know who to ask for help. Look. Antonin Dolohov is a Death Eater. Released from prison early."
"Oh yes, Master Percy! He was always very nice to me at Master Igor's house. He may have a mark, but he is not bad. No, no. He cares about the students, and is a good teacher."
"What? I heard rumors about him being the worst of the worst!"
Karr looked down. "His father and grandfather wanted him to come back and serve the Dark One with them. Master Igor knew it was a mistake. Very few Durmstrang students are interested in serving him due to these two telling their tales for everyone to hear. This is why I can share. They don't want anyone to serve the dark one anymore. His father, also called Antonin. Him, he is a…bad man."
Percy sat back, gobsmacked, stirring his tea absently while thinking. Karr dunked a cucumber slice into his drink, slurped off the juice, and took a bite; wiping his fingers fastidiously on the cloth napkin, laid primly upon his lap.
"May I share this with Lord Black, please?"
Karr nodded, "Of course, Master Percy!"
"I may be your boss, my friend, but especially after finding out that blood family kept slaves, I do wish you would call me Percy. Or Steward."
Karr nodded, "Going from being a slave to being free to being treated like a…a person. Even Magus Harry treats all elves like equals. He says that he was raised to be a house-elf."
Percy winced. He remembered Fred and George saying that the muggles were starving him. He figured that they used Harry as an excuse to drive the car. And Harry bought his father a replacement, when that car was lost in the forest. Which was really more Ron's fault than Harry's.
Percy didn't know about Harry's home life! He should have…oh. Yeah. Likely some of the charms around him. Well, Harry was better now. Still, sometimes he wished he could go back in time and rescue both Sirius Black and Harry just after that terrible Halloween.
No one was brave enough to try and undo what Harry did that night. The dark one was nearly gone.
"So, you wouldn't be afraid to invite Deputy Headmaster Dolohov to a meeting?"
"No sir. If I may suggest sir, if you are meeting with him. Do it in secret. Many Death Eaters think he is still loyal. Might be useful to you."
"And hopefully we can be useful to him. Karr. I'm sorry. Because you couldn't cook, I have sometimes treated you poorly."
"It's alright. Master Igor was getting meals year round from school, and I came to him very young. I just never learned. I am learning a bit now. Livy is a very good cook. She sometimes asks me to help clean, too."
"WHAT? She can't do that!" The Steward objected. Karr was too talented for that!
Karr pulled on his ears, "But Master Percy! She's so hardworking. Very good with flowers and plants. She making Darling House so prettiful. And she is…is… beautiful! Smart too. You don't want Karr and Livy to be happy?"
Percy shook his head, clearly not understanding the conversation. "Karr. I misspoke. I want you to be happy. And Livy. Did I…I mean. Am I missing something?"
Karr greened, "When I get back, Karr explain. I want to…if Livy does…"
Livy popped in and gave Karr a clean white cleaning rag. "Master Percy. I want Karr as my mate."
Percy nodded, "Oh, I get it now! Yes, yes. Harry, Sirius and I have all talked about it. No asking for permission. Whatever is your culture, but if you want a real wedding, we can rent someplace or you can use the garden…"
"Greenhouse. Darling Greenhouse." Livy stated.
Karr said nothing but nodded in agreement.
After a quick conference call with Sirius and Remus, Percy wrote a nice letter asking why he, Dolohov, had missed the TriWizard meeting at the Ministry. He also offered House Black aid along with meeting him after his TriWizard meeting.
Karr reported his reaction as being furious that the wizard had had his letter go missing. Karr was happy to report that his first suspect was Dumbledore. (no one in the house liked him much).
Dolohov had accepted the gifted portkey, and was happy to meet in Gringotts or someplace quiet. He was trying to avoid his family's scheming in bringing back the dark one.
Once Karr was on his mission, Percy called Aunt Calladora and got her up to date. She requested that he send Jam with the portkey and letter to her so that Baxter could go, as the school was very fussy about that sort of thing. (Baxter's bond had finally been transferred to Aunt Calladora; A situation they were both delighted with!)
Harry for his part was relieved. Now when Baxter didn't come to his call, he wouldn't take it personally.
She also reassured Percy that, as busy as everyone was at the French school, that the Headmistress would not just skive off a meeting for no reason. –Especially without sending as much notice as possible.
It wasn't who Olympe was!
Jam's report was much like Karr's only with Olympe Maxime being truly, truly angry with a supposed colleague. How could Dumbledore do that to her?
Percy shared details of what happened at the Ministry that day, and suggested meeting at the ICW building in Paris. With the help of elves, mirrors for the principals and adjusting for the heads, it was quickly arranged for Professor McGonagall, Dolohov, Maxime, Arthur and Bertha to meet at the ICW in Paris the next day at 3:00. Headmaster Dumbledore was definitely invited.
Arthur and Bertha were to bring their ideas with them. They would go over the rules, discuss tasks, and everything else. Each school got to 'pick' a task that was of an international cooperation type, and each school would get to suggest a task if not already on the table.
Arthur was rubbing his hands in delight. Paris! Maybe Molly would finally taste some of the treats from the cookbook the Grangers had sent for a thank you. He was looking forward to bringing his wife to the City of Love, and asked for Penny's help in finding a place to stay for all four of the people going. And made sure that Mr Jorkins felt welcomed.
**OO**
"Mrs Burke? I saw one of your assistants with one of those fancy communications mirrors. I would like to find out how she got it, and how much it cost. I need it for my position you see." Fudge pompously demanded.
"Sir, I don't know what you are talking about. Are you sure you didn't see her putting on makeup?" Mrs Burke handed him her own mirror which promptly screamed and said that she desperately needed a spa day and full, full facial.
"I know what I saw, and she was talking on it!" Fudge pushed the mirror back into her hand.
She didn't know where Winky was right now; Mary was headed into a meeting and couldn't call her. She did send a warning note through the 'chat' feature. 'Danger. Fudge.'
Oh dear!
**OO**
The staff meeting was going along, when Fudge handed Mrs Cattermole-Burke a report in a language she didn't know. It was outside of the twenty-seven languages that the pendant could translate.
"I'll have to do some research on this, sir…"
"Nonsense! Send a note with a house-elf, and get this able assistant up here. Past time we met her."
Hoping that Winky was prepared, she did as commanded, and was grateful that she hadn't added extra to the note that she sent as Fudge pulled it out of the "young lady's" hand to check it!
Amelia Bones noted the rude behavior as did others, but no one said anything.
Dressed in a modern day dress of floor length, Miss Elvenhouse curtseyed at the door.
Mrs Catermole pointed to a seat next to hers, but before she could sit, the Minister stopped her.
"You've been doing a fine job, but I have a report that you have a hidden source of knowledge. That you have been using a communication mirror, at work! And possibly sharing Ministry secrets."
Miss Elvenhouse was very grateful for the calming draught that Penny made her keep at her desk, or she'd be doing worse than tucking her hair in her hat!
"Minister? My only mirror is for makeup. A friend gave me this. But I should warn you. She bought it for laughs from the Pranking Parlor. It can be…"
The mirror did the identical scream of outrage, only this time begging the woman to just start wearing a flour sack over her head completely as a veil wouldn't do. It proceeded to insult his oral hygiene, foul smell, and other attributes before the man threw it sharply against the table with the sound and appearance of broken glass.
Hiding tears, Miss Elvenhouse picked up the 'ruined' mirror, and ran out of the room.
"Her goddaughter gave her that Minister! And she tried to warn you." Mrs Cattermole-Burke objected. "I think that you should buy her a replacement from the Pranking Parlor. That wasn't nice."
The rest of the directors were all looking at Fudge as though he did indeed have terrible oral hygiene and smelled bad. He had no idea that it was part of the mirror's protections: a minor compulsion.
Luckily, the illusion of breaking; the sound and image, would fade, and the mirror would be good as new.
The replacement cost was all given to Winky though, for the fine prank played on the Minister.
**OO**
Saturday, August 27th, Blackmoor Hall
Clarice received another letter. Goodness! When the hospital was ready, every muggleborn and half-blood healer would be leaving Saint Mungo's in droves! It was good that they had hired an administrator with experience to handle all that.
She was startled at the letter she received from Healer BrightBlade talking about recruiting other goblin healers.
'As long as we are paid a salary, we will work, we'll heal anyone who is hurt. Humon, magical or mundane, house-elf, centaur, and even our fellow goblins. Though a lot of those injuries are self-inflicted.
'BrightBlade, Healer'
"Self-inflicted!" Clarice was stunned, and picked up her mirror to call Spurnik.
"Account Manager! Why does your mate think that goblins hurt themselves?" She showed him the letter.
Spurnik roared in laughter, "Insults, carelessly saying something we shouldn't. Starting wars with words. My mate does think that all male goblins are idiots. And she is mostly correct."
Clarice sank in relief. "I owe you for that explanation. Would you prefer payment in coin or biscuits?"
Spurnik rubbed his hands, "Do you have any of the plain biscuits? My daughter keeps sneaking in and stealing my delicious ones."
"I'll have it delivered to ye in the new tin. There's Dumbledore running from a dementor. Dumbledore running from a Welsh Green Dragon. And Dumbledore running from you."
Spurnik clapped. "I'll take three and deposit the coin in the Pranking Parlor coffers. After deducting my 'consultation fee'.
Clarice smiled, "Karr is on his way, and don't let him steal any of your klah. Harry spiked his, and he's a bit…wired."
Karr popped in, speaking very rapidly, "I have your biscuits, where do you want them? Do you have any klah? Klah is very, very good. Klah the best. Karr wants more klah. Klah, klah, klah."
Spurnik accepted the tins, and shooed away the elf, laughing so hard he was leaning up against the desk.
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story: Your story recommendation here!
A/N: Recommended Story by my friend MelJ: Harry and the Unwanted Ticket by Red Phoenix Dragon WIP, still updating. 14003760/9/Harry-Potter-and-the-Unwanted-Ticket
New Pureblood Graftees - NPGs - formerly muggleborn or half-blood magical people that are getting a new lease on life after being drafted into a new family. A cleansing and renewal of the gene pool.
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language