"Did everyone hear the building talk or was that just me ? ", Smith said with a grim smile looking around the room.
"What the hell " Harry muttered, his breath stuttering as he felt panic rise in his chest. He felt like he couldn't breathe and all of a sudden the room seemed duller.
His hand was suddenly grasped under the table as Marvalo gave a reassuring squeeze. Harry's breathing returned to normal as he focused on the warmth of Marvalos hands against his own.
He couldn't believe the unbelievable panic that had overtaken his mind. It had been months since his last panic attack. He supposed they were warranted in a high-stress situation but right now he needed to keep his head on.
Looking around the table he watched for everyone's reaction. James and Charles Potter were looking angry and frustrated. Luna and a woman who was presumably her mother looked unaffected by the onslaught of information.
The Smiths looked pale like they were terrified. Marvalo looked as calm as he probably felt. Harry hoped he looked nothing like the Smiths.
Taking another deep breath he leaned towards Marvalo and whispered "It's Dumbledore, the one we have to punish is Dumbledore. I was messing with the wards today and ejected a leech, Dumbledore was the leech"
"What" Marvalo whispered back, seemingly aghast. He was fucking terrified too. Dumbledore was not only powerful in magical strength but also a political powerhouse. The man had influence in every ministry department and he was listened to by almost every Wix in the country.
The persona he portrayed was of an old and eccentric wizard but the man was a genius there was no denying that.
Harry nodded his head in agreement with Marvalos reaction, he hadn't even wanted to believe it at first. He wondered if anyone else knew. The wards would have logged Dumbledore's presence and that would be his proof.
But it seemed Hogwarts had wanted to take her own revenge. She was using the heirs of course but it was their duty to protect Hogwarts and all she stood for. He only hoped to do her justice.
After what the Potters had done had been explained to him he had lost any hope of reclaiming the Griffindor seat no matter how bad he had wanted to.
He had been disowned, in magic and in blood. He had never checked this but had just believed his ex-parents on their words. It seemed he was wrong. The sons of bitches hadn't even had the decency to properly disown him. Assholes.
Giving Marvalos hand about her squeeze he said "Who had hurt you? Who are we to take revenge on? " Aloud to the room. He wondered if the room would respond or just make him seem insane.
A rugged and dusty folded piece of parchment appeared at the center of the table. It had his name on it JAMIE PERCIVAL POTTER was canceled out and below it was HADRIAN ABARAX NOVA MALFOY.
Opening the note he was pleased to find a shortlist of names along with their crimes towards Hogwarts. It went into extensive detail about each ward they removed or added, it gave him a sense of pride that the sentient wards had become so capable by themselves.
He looked around the table, these people were going to be the ones to carry out justice for what the school had endured. He would make sure it came to pass, come hell or high water. Resolute in his decision he placed the paper on the table
"On this sheet is every person who has ever dared to hurt Hogwarts. Not only the school but its students and teachers. We have been chosen to punish and we will bring down hell on these people. Are we in accord ?" Harry said, his voice strong and still as he waited for everyone's reaction to his words.
Marvalo squeezed his hand again and Harry felt stronger with Marvalos steady presence by his side. He couldn't believe the Dark Lord would defer to him but he was eternally grateful.
He would prove himself able to be independent and help Marvalo as well. He would show Marvalo that he was strong and would fight for things he believed in, like the cause.
Harry smiled and Luna and her Mother nodded and straightened up. After a few minutes, even the Smiths were nodding along and glancing at the parchment every few seconds.
The Potters looked at each other indecision in their eyes.
"Look, this does not mean a political alliance. I have never cared for you and you haven't for me I am here for Hogwarts and Hogwarts alone, if not for her I wouldn't have the life I have today" Harry stated angrily.
And he meant it, if it wasn't for Hogwarts or magic his parents wouldn't have chosen him. He knew they had been looking for a magical child but over time he had become special to them in his own way. But he would always be grateful to his gift for making him stand out just enough among the others.
He waited impassively as the Potters nodded and they all leaned in to take a look at the paper.
Marvalo stared at Harry, it took all his willpower not to lurch across the table and suck the soul out of Harry via kissing. He couldn't wait until they were alone.
He didn't think anyone taking charge could be erotic to him. He was honestly surprised with his feelings as he hated sharing power.
His thoughts were put on hold as James Potter began babbling.
"This can't be right surely, it says Dumbledore on here. Dumbledore is a great man, he has done nothing but good for Hogwarts" the man said, with a smug smile.
"Can you read his crimes please?" Harry said sweetly. He didn't think it was possible to like someone so much.
"Ward Tampering, um. Kidnap-... This cannot be right " Potter said disbelief clear in his tone.
"Well, the parchment was created with pure magic by the wards. I'll be honest with you that sounds like a pretty undebatable fact to me ", Harry said back his face twisting in a smile.
When James went to refute his statement his own son spoke up "Look dad, the paper is accurate and there's nothing we can do about it ".
Huh, it seemed the child wasn't stupid after all, perhaps with a little persuasion [read: recruiting] he could be turned to the dark side.