Last time on Black and White:
"Well, shall we get this started?" Mrs Li asked motioning to the open seats.
"Right well, I suppose I should get a move on." the Professor said kindly before getting off his seat and leaving the room.
"Alright, so tell me what it is exactly you boys would like me to help you with." she said looking between the two Potters.
"Well, I guess I should tell you how it started, I recently found the Harry and Andrew Potter Adventure Books..."
Book 4 – Chapter 16: Skeeter Strikes!
Mrs Li sat quietly, the boys had told her about the books Andrew had found and how it seemed as though they were being published without their knowledge or consent. Then there was the issue of the paper which has already started with their character assassination thanks to Rita Skeeter.
"I see, and you would like me to represent you two?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Andrew said with a nod.
"Why?" she asked looking between the boys.
"Excuse me?" Harry asked with a raised brow.
"Why would you like me to represent you? By all means I am a complete stranger to both of you and you're both rather high profile clients, how do you know that I wouldn't just take advantage of you?"
The boys shared a look, and shot one at Su who sat quietly beside her mother not saying anything.
"You're Su's mother. I trust her, and she suggested you as someone who will look out for our best interests, if she didn't trust you, I doubt she would have suggested you." Andrew answered.
Mrs Li regarded the boys for a moment longer before sighing.
"And you, Mr Black? You've been awfully quiet."
Sirius sat back and looked thoughtful for a second before speaking.
"When Professor Flitwick told me of the meeting, I did my research on you. You usually represent the little guy, helping small business owners and muggleborns with their lawsuits with civil suits. That tells me that you're in this for the equality for all and not for pure-blood money. I think you'd be a good choice to represent the boys and hopefully myself as I recently found myself without legal council either." Sirius told her with a nod.
"Well, at least you looked me up. Boys, I'm going to be honest, you are way too trusting, you need to learn to do research on people before blindly accepting what they tell you. If I were anyone else and if Mr Black weren't here I could've easily taken advantage of the situation and charged you a mountain worth of gold for little to nothing in return."
Andrew and Harry looked thoroughly scolded for their naivety, but nodded in understanding.
"Good, now I will accept you all as my clients. I have the paperwork for you to sign right here, I think you'll find my fee rather acceptable and we can get started on what you would like my assistance with."
She pulled out three copies of a contract and handed them to each of the men in the room. They accepted the page and began reading.
"50 Galleons per month?" Harry asked with furrowed brows.
"Is that a problem?"
Harry quickly whispered something to Andrew and Sirius before turning back to her.
"Well, no but... I don't know, I feel like we should be offering you more."
"Do you plan to get in trouble with the law often?" she asked, humor evident in her tone.
"Of course not." Harry answered at the same time as Andrew said, "Well, you never know."
Sirius shot Andrew a look. "What? We don't know what might happen." he said defending himself.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." Mrs Li said with a small shake of her head.
They all agreed and proceeded to sign the page and handed it back to her.
"Brilliant. So now we can get down to brass tax – what exactly would you like to do about the books and authors?" Mrs Li pulled out a small notepad and a quill to begin taking down notes.
Harry spoke up this time.
"I don't think it would be wise to make enemies with people who provided these stories to most if not all of the magical children of our generation."
"Agreed." Harry said with a nod.
"So we'd just like them to clarify that the books are works of fiction and not factual. As well as a 10% commission on the books they sell. We don't want to bankrupt them, but at the same time, we want to make it obvious that we will not allow anyone to use our names in anyway they choose fit." Harry said with Andrew nodding along in agreement.
"Alright, we can do that. So just to be sure, you don't mind them printing stories about you as long as they preface them with a disclaimer stating that they're fiction?"
"Yes, ma'am." Harry responded.
"Also, there's going to be an interview with Rita Skeeter, I believe it's going to be next week. I would like you there with me, she's already written two articles about me that are... very unkind." Andrew said darkly.
"Ah, yes, Skeeter. I've had my share of run ins with her. Don't worry, Mr Potter, I will be there to ensure she stays to the facts." Mrs Li replied darkly.
After another ten minutes they felt as though all had been said and the boys along with Sirius said their goodbyes as Mrs Li left the room. Once they left the office they were joined by Su who walked along them.
"Thanks for this, Su." Harry said with a smile.
"No problem, I think the fact that Rita Skeeter made those ridiculous articles about you really helped my mum make up her mind."
"Yeah... she doesn't like her, does she?"
"No one does." Sirius chimed in.
"You know her?" Andrew asked looking towards his Guardian.
"Yeah she was a few years above us in Hogwarts, Slytherin. Gathered information about people and would use it to her advantage. Blackmail and extortion were her weapons of choice. Many older students were in some way or another indebted to her. I heard she even got a professor fired when she somehow uncovered his violent past. He had apparently had a drinking problem in his youth and when he refused to give her a higher grade in the subject... I think it was Defense? She accused him of inviting her to his office where he then got drunk and attempted to seduce her."
"Jesus..." Andrew whispered in shock.
"I didn't think she was that twisted." Su added with a tone of disgust.
"Keep an eye on that one, if anything, I think I'd feel a little more comfortable if I were there with you." Sirius said turning to Andrew.
"I don't want it seem like I'm threatening her, if you were there along with Su's mum it might come off as us trying to strong arm her. Last thing we want is her feeling like she has to get dirt on us to keep us in our lane." Andrew said after a moment. "I appreciate the thought though."
Sirius smiled and nodded at the boy, once they reached the front doors Sirius turned to the students and shot them all a smile.
"Well I guess this is where we say goodbye until later."
"Yeah, but it won't be for too long." Harry said with a smile and shrug.
"I know, it's just. Its been twelve years since I've seen either of you, I just really want to get to know the two of you."
"I admit, perhaps we've been a bit... short on the letters, but I really want you to focus on getting better so that the ministry doesn't have an excuse to keep us from you. But I'll admit, I do need to be better at sending you letters, I'll fix that soon." Andrew said while Harry nodded in agreement.
"I understand and I guess you're right. We'll see each other soon enough, I have to come see you beat the other champions." Sirius replied with a smirk which Andrew returned.
"Of course!"
After a hug and ruffling of Harry's hair Sirius left the school and made his way to the apparation point.
"So, you guys want to hang out?" Andrew asked looking between his brother and Su.
"Sure." Harry agreed with a shrug and Su nodded in agreement.
HP-AP-HP-AP-HP-AP-HP
Viktor Krum, professional quidditch player and tri-wizard champion sat in the library to escape the annoying fan girls which bothered him at every corner of this bloody school. He sat with a book open in front of him, it was a book about the dangers of certain curses. He couldn't help but chuckle at the childish spells they deemed dangerous in the text.
At Durmstrang a cutting hex was used to ensure students were vigilant. If someone were seen slacking a teacher would fire one off at the student, if they were good enough, they could block it, if they weren't... well that's what Hospital Wings were for. He decided that Hogwarts students were weak and it was of course no fault of their own, instead, the fault of the faculty and pathetic ministry.
Looking up from his book his eyes caught the sight of a girl buried behind a small mountain of books, he had seen her before; her wild hair and doe brown eyes caught his attention before. He had seen her with the red headed boy who kept staring at him, Harry Potter and that cheater, Andrew Potter.
Thinking of the boy, Krum felt his blood boil. A spoiled child, sheltered by the foolish Dumbledore and the rest of the students of this school. He dared challenge him! A fourth year child, challenged Viktor Krum! If it weren't for the teachers he would have broken every bone in the boy's legs and animated him to stand on the crippled appendages. The fact that the Half-Veela and Diggory humored his behavior only angered him more.
He'd show that little shit why you don't mess with Viktor Krum.
Krum stood and approached the girl once he stood in front of her and seeing that she didn't notice his appearance he cleared his throat.
"Honestly, Andy, I'll come eat when I'm don-" Hermione looked up and was obviously surprised to see Krum standing there. "Oh, sorry I thought... sorry."
"It iz no problem. Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked while smiling softly.
"Oh, no, not at all. Let me just move these..." she said moving some of the books away from where he wanted to sit.
"Zank you, I am Viktor." he introduced.
"Oh I know, my friend, Ron, he talks about you all the time. I'm Hermione." she said extending her arm for a handshake.
"Herminny?" he asked furrowing his brow.
Hermione giggled, which is something she was unbelievably happy any of her friends weren't around to hear.
"I know it's a difficult name."
"Do you not have a nickname?"
"Erm... well Andrew, calls me, Mione." she said with a shrug.
"And zis 'ndrew, 'e iz your boyfriend?"
"Oh! No! Just a friend. He's actually my best friend." she said with a small laugh.
"Ah, vell, it iz hiz miztake." Krum said while brushing his lips against the back of Hermione's hand and was pleased to see a pink hue grace her cheeks.
"Yes, well, I don't think it is. Besides, we don't see each other like that so..."
Krum simply smiled at the girl decided to make conversation about what she was working on and offering her help on her essay's.
HP-AP-HP-AP-HP-AP-HP
It was an everyday type of day for Andrew, he sat in potions, trying his damnedest to not antagonize Snape and cost Gryffindor points, he did not need his house hating more than they already did. Oh most of them were fine; Fred, George, Neville, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Katie, Colin, Alicia, Angelina and Harry, but the others, seemed to be out for his blood. Seamus and Dean along with some of the younger years seemed to be completely avoiding him.
Just as Snape was about to make the class begin their potions there was a knock at the door.
"Enter."
"Little Dennis, Colin's younger brother entered the room. Err, Professor Snape, the champions are needed."
"And what does that have to do with me or my class?" Snape asked with a sneer.
"Well, Andrew Potter is needed as well sir."
"Ah, of course. The attention seeking brat. Gather your things, Potter 2 and get out of my class." Snape snapped.
"Yes sir." Andrew responded while quickly gathering his things and leaving the room. Lead by Dennis Andrew was taken to a room and was told to go in and that they were all waiting for him.
Thanking the younger boy Andrew walked in and instantly saw many people. Dumbledore stood on one end chatting quietly with Ludo Bagman, the three champions stood in their own little hovel chatting among themselves and a little distance from them stood Rita Skeeter, who Andrew had to fight the urge to glare at.
Once he entered the room he immediately made his way over to the Headmaster and asked to speak to him privately.
"Now now, Mr Potter, there will be time to talk after everything has been done. Now let's get the wand weighing ceremony underway!" Bagman said excitedly.
"One minute." Andrew said holding up a finger and turning back to Dumbledore.
"What can I help you with, Andrew?"
"Sir, I don't see Su's mother."
"You requested her presence here. May I ask why?"
Andrew hesitated for a second before sighing and shooting a meaningful glance in Skeeter's direction.
"Ah, I now understand why you would like the presence of a lawyer here. I will go alert her to the beginning of the ceremony immediately." Dumbledore said with a small smile.
Andrew, felt himself relax and smiled back at the headmaster. He nodded and walked over to the other champions and greeted them.
"What was that about?" Diggory asked motioning to Dumbledore who was quickly leaving the room.
"Personal assurance." Andrew answered with with a smile.
"Alright champions, let's get started shall we! Since we are awaiting Mr Ollivander let's get started with some pictures, yes, Ms Skeeter?"
"An excellent idea, Mr Bagman." the reporter said with a certain glint in her eyes.
HP-AP-HP-AP-HP-AP-HP
After about a dozen pictures, ranging from close ups, singles, group shots, action poses and more. Mr Ollivander finally entered the room followed by Dumbledore who nodded at Andrew's questioning look.
"Hello, hello, I apologize for my late arrival. Let's get started shall we? Now then, mister Krum, if you would?" he called.
Krum walked over and handed the man his wand.
"Let's see, not one of mine, Gregoritch? Yes, definitely one of his. Hmm, Dragon heartstring, 10 and a quarter inches, hornbeam wood. Excellent for powerful magic." Ollivander waved the wand a light show erupted lighting the room with a multitude of colors. "Excellent, may it serve you well, Mr Krum.
With a stiff nod the Bulgarian took his wand and stood beside the other champions.
"Next up, Mr Diggory."
Once Cedric went up and handed Ollivander his wand Ollivander commented on the state of his wand.
"Very nice, clean. Did you polish it?" he asked looking up at the seventh year.
"Just this morning." Cedric replied with a proud nod.
"Very good, let us see. One of mine; 12 and a quarter inches, unicorn hair, ash, good for charms and intricate work." the wand maker said with a smile. "You've been polishing it?"
"Yes sir, everyday." Cedric said with a proud smile.
Andrew leaned over to Fleur and whispered. "Tell me I'm not the only one who thought that sounded dirty?"
He heard her let out a small snort before bumping him with her elbow. "Behave."
Andrew smiled and missed the last interaction between the two of them.
Fleur and Andrew were called up and had their wands examined, the wand maker was surprised to see that Fleur's wand had veela hair which the girl explained belonged to her Grandmother, and while examining Andrew's winced slightly when he touched the wand.
"This wand is quite hot, Mister Potter." he commented.
"So I've been told, sir." Andrew replied.
"Yes, phoenix core, rather temperamental."
"Temperamental, sir?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, you see the phoenix is mainly seen as a light creature, no doubt due to the Headmaster being bonded to one himself. But what truly represents the phoenix is their power, there have been many recorded instances of phoenixes completely destroying villages or hurting multiple people. Phoenixes are not dark creatures however because like dragons they do not hunt or kill for sport or fun, but rather out of protection or necessity. I think your wand has tasted the need to protect or some other reason and has deemed you and only you worthy for the task of wielding it for such a purpose."
Andrew blinked in surprise. Then he nodded at the older man who nodded back and produced a beautiful light show before he handed Andrew, his wand back.
"Now then, all weighing has been done, let us continue with the photos shall we?" Bagman said with unrestrained glee.
"Now, now, Mr Bagman, interviews." Skeeter said with a twisted smile, her eyes pasted to Andrew.
"Ah, yes of course. Miss Skeeter, this is your domain."
"Yes, let's begin with Mr Potter, shall we?"
"Err, actually, I'm waiting on someone, so..."
"Don't be silly." Skeeter said grabbing him by the arm and leading to a backroom.
"I'd much rather wait for..."
"You're holding everyone up, Mister Potter. Let's get this done shall we?"
With one final tug Andrew was in a room with cleaning supplies and two make shift chairs. Rita Skeeter immediately pushed him to one of the chairs and took a seat herself.
"Now this is rather cozy, isn't it?" she asked with a smile Andrew couldn't quite unpack.
"Now let's get started; what possessed you to enter your name into the tournament?" she asked catching Andrew off-guard.
"I didn't." Andrew replied with a blank face. "Someone obviously-"
"That's nice, what would your parents say to you treating their sacrifice as if it were nothing by entering the tournament."
"Wha-"
"Don't answer that." said a voice suddenly bursting into the room.
"Ah. Mrs Li, how lovely to see you again."
"Ms Skeeter." Su's mother replied with a nod.
"Excuse me, Mrs Li, but I am busy with an exclusive right now, if you could perhaps come back at a later time?"
"Well, isn't that funny, cause what I'm seeing is you alone in a broom closet with an underaged boy away from prying eyes and asking misleading questions while using a quick-notes quill, rather than a dicta-quill. It wouldn't do well for a reporter to be brought up on misinformation now would it?"
Andrew watched the interaction as if he were at a tennis match and saw Skeeter loose the match when her facade broke slightly.
"Now then, I believe, should you be interested in asking my client questions that he should have an adult present?" Mrs Li asked with a cold look.
Skeeter quickly cleared her throat before speaking. "Yes, yes. I believe that is... the law." she replied with an annoyed look on her face.
"Brilliant." Mrs Li entered the room and shut the door behind her before looking between and and the reporter. Andrew quickly stood and offered her a seat.
"Still aren't the greatest at Transfiguration I see." Mrs Li said in a tone that Andrew quickly recognized; mockingly. "I'll fix that."
Suddenly there were two rather comfortable looking seats, Mrs Li took a seat and motioned Andrew over to the other one, purposefully leaving Skeeter to sit on her uncomfortable bucket with a pillow on top.
"Continue." she said once Andrew had settled in.
Skeeter couldn't completely hide the sneer which graced her face for a second before continuing.
"Ahem..."
"The quill, Ms Skeeter." Mrs Li, reminded.
With what seemed like great reluctance, Skeeter waved her wand and her quill disappeared before it was replaced with another slightly different looking quill.
"Well, Andrew, as I was saying; how would your parents feel about you wasting their sacrifice on this tournament?"
Andrew shot a look at his lawyer who nodded her head at him.
"Well, like I said before, I didn't enter my name into the tournament. I was entered by one of Voldemort's followers, a man named, Barty Crouch Jr. I think?" he answered with a nod.
"Barty Crouch Jr?! Are you sure?!" she asked her eyes wide.
"Was I not supposed to say that?" he asked turning to Mrs Li who shook her head slightly.
"The press was sure to find out soon enough, there was already whispers about a Death Eater at Hogwarts." she answered with a small shrug.
"What do you know about Barty Crouch Jr and his connection to a friend of yours, I believe; Neville Longbottom?" she asked him, the look of a deranged person clear on her face.
"I don't know of any connection between the two, but seeing as how Neville hasn't shared any information with me regarding him, I will respect my friend's wishes and ask that you do not tell me either. When he feels ready he will share it." Andrew said with a stern nod of his head.
Skeeter looked disappointed for a moment before barreling on.
"So, it is no secret that this tournament is dangerous, what do you think your chances at winning are?"
"I'm not competing to win, I-"
"Are you doing this to prove something to your family? Or rather the wizarding world? It is no secret your dark skin has caused many to call you the fake Andrew Potter. Of course, no one knows who your parents truly are. Could this perhaps be a ploy by your biological parents at some shot to fame?"
Andrew stared at the woman in shock and anger. He stared at her feeling his blood boil at the questions, how dare she imply that he was planning all of this?!
"Andrew, control yourself." he heard in his ear. "She's just trying to get a rise out of you, don't let her win."
Andrew blinked and reined in his anger.
"To answer your questions: I have never felt the need to prove myself to my parents; biological or the Potters, who gave their lives to protect not only me, but also Harry. For the implication that me being black somehow doesn't line up with what people were expecting, who fact checked those stories before they went out? I have always and will always be Andrew Potter, thanks to Mum and Dad adopting me, I don't know when they did it, but the fact that they felt that I deserved a loving family is all I need to let me sleep at night knowing that they wanted to give me the love they felt I deserved. No one knows who my biological parents are? Neither do I! I was fifteen months when Voldemort attacked us. So no this is not a ploy by my biological parents for fifteen minutes of fame."
There was a moment of silence by both woman before Mrs Li smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well said, Andrew." she told him proudly. "Now I believe he has answered your questions, seeing how you haven't asked a single one regarding his involvement in the tournament, we will be on our way.
The two stood and Mrs Li lead Andrew towards the door.
"Wait, Andrew, do you believe you'll win?!" she asked quickly.
"No, all the other champions are way more advanced than I am, besides, I'm not aiming to win, just survive." Andrew answered before turning and leaving the room, followed by Mrs Li.
"Well done in there." she told him with a smile.
"Thank you." Andrew answered with a smile.
"Mr Krum!" they heard from the door and saw Krum waltz over.
"Time for reel champion to shine." he said to Andrew shooting him a small sneer.
"Whatever, Krum, have fun." Andrew said waving the boy away.
What Andrew didn't see was the wide eyed, extremely excited Rita Skeeter standing not too far away from where the pair had their little dispute. She couldn't find an angle with his lawyer there, bloody Li. But this, this was an angle she didn't think about it.
Youngest professional seeker vs youngest seeker in a century. This would be a fantastic issue of the Daily Prophet, she just hoped the Bulgarian would tell her all she would like to hear.
