A/N: Hey guys, I cannot thank you enough for all the support you have given this story. So many favs, followers and reveiws! I'm back again with this chapter and it's filled with little bits of information needed. We have a bit of the group, a bit of Harry/Tom and a bit with the wolves.
Disclaimer: I'm not J.K, but this plot is mine.
Warning: Language and mentions of slash,
Parsel
Chapter 34,
"So Snake, are you going to explain what in Merlin's name you were going on about when you asked about the storing of blood within the muggle world?" Paws asked him with a raised eyebrow and Harry grinned. He jumped over the sofa and picked said girl up from his chair so he could sit down, he dropped her back down in his lap where she proceeded to get comfortable by throwing her legs over the arm and leaning on the other.
"Well, now that you mentioned it, I might as well lay out my latest idea. You are going to love it!" He told her. "We're going to be creating blood banks."
"Excuse me?" She exclaimed, turning slightly to face him, "Where has this come from?"
"You know all these laws we're working on? I was thinking about the counter arguments that would have arose over the vampire ones, and the main one would be the trauma of the forced bite. But if that was never a requirement then it would no longer be a problem." Harry said excitedly, and Paws blinked.
"Whoa, you're missing a massive point." Bleach interrupted, "Like, I don't know, the whole draining of humans." Harry looked at him blankly.
"What?"
"Snake, they don't know about your research or reclasses." Luna pointed out, and Harry slapped himself.
"Oh right, I forgot about that. I've been over it with the Elite already."
"What have you been doing?" Badger asked and Harry tugged at his hair.
"Trying to fix the ministry." He said, "You know all the classifications in the ministry? Yeah, I'm rewriting them."
"You are WHAT!?" They all exclaimed and Harry grinned.
"Well they are stupid and with them as they are our laws just won't work."
"How are you even doing that?" Swift questioned.
"I've been researching the history of magic and its races, along with their cultures and legends to write some of my own laws, as well as the ones I'm passing to you. But I'm also using it to rewrite the classifications and produce evidence that can be thrown in any sceptics face to shut them up." Harry explained, and they all looked as if he was insane.
"You've been doing all of this alone?" The twins said slowly, their voices telling Harry exactly what they thought of his mind set.
"Of course, you guys have been busy." Harry answered.
"But you've been helping us with the wards." Swift said.
"And you've been passing on laws," Bleach added.
"And you've been working on magic." The twins continued.
"And you have been looking for the heirs with me." Paws put in.
"And I've been working on reworking blood status', working a way to track muggleborns, developing our orphanage plans, outlining and planning a full ministry office or suboffice on a way where muggleborn parents can be tested to see if they are Squibs, and then developing placements in which Squibs can be embraced by this world, keeping in contact with Moony and the wolves, keeping Tom updated along with the Elite and keeping myself away from Dumbledore." Harry finished, "I know, I've been busy."
"You're out of your mind." Paws exclaimed, "Pass some of that on!"
"No way, you guys have been way too busy as it is. Besides, Ray is taking the heir search from me."
"But Snake, you have to be living at least three times." Badger hedged and Harry shrugged.
"Yes, four at the most, but that's only when I train too."
"Yeah, he's lost it."
"Ha ha." Harry muttered scathingly. "Paws, I'm going to need your help with the blood banks. If we can have these up and functioning by the time the werewolf laws are presented to the Wizengamot then we'll be in prime position to throw the final touches for the vamps and be ready to go."
"What have you got so far?" She asked and Harry waved his hand to summon his work, he snatched it out of air and handed his folder to Paws.
"This is all I've managed to get so far, it's an outline."
"Holy Merlin." Paws breathed, slowly climbing off Harry to lay everything out on the table, "Snake, Harry, this is immense."
"Let's see," Bleach said, getting up and moving closer, his eyes widened when he saw what Harry had done. "Wow, Snake. This is impressive."
"I can work from here," Paws said, "I'll make a trip to a blood bank and add to this plan and pass it back to you, we'll work like that until all of the needed evidence and plans are compiled."
"Brilliant, so I can pass that to you now, and you give it back to me Friday?" Harry suggested.
"Saturday, just to be on the safe side."
"Ok," Harry nodded. "Now, I went to speak with the Elite and we went through Dumbledore's law."
"What's it like?" Venom inquired and Harry smirked.
"If Dumbledore hadn't been arrogant enough to let the old laws and classifications stew then it would have probably been a lot worse for us." Harry said. "As it is, Dumbledore allowed the muggleborn classification to remain as Being opposed to witch or wizard, therefore making it possible for the Death Eaters to become legal."
"Why is that?" Swift asked, "I mean, what do the classifications have to do with it?"
"Dumbledore has to remain the one who champions muggles and Muggleborns, and because of that he had to include the word being in his law." Harry began, "But, what he has forgotten is that all wolves, vampires and other such races are classified as Beings. Obviously they want to see as if they care about everyone, but this is the big flaw, especially, as it can be proven the Death Eaters are fighting to protect magic."
"Oh this is perfect." Bleach murmured with a smirk, "The old fool truly set himself up."
"I know,"
"So what are you doing with the blood statuses?" Badger asked.
"The work Muggleborn is going to be completely abolished. Those who are suspected of muggle birth are going to be called First Generations, because they are magical and I do not believe the child should be shunted for its parents. That and I think that, given the criteria, the first generations should be able to create their own houses and so forth." Harry explained and Bleach sat forward interested.
"Go on,"
"Think about it, for a second, a muggleborn is magical yes? So they are a magical person, capable of producing and casting active magic, if they then marry another muggleborn, what is there child?"
"You know, I don't know." Bleach said, sounding surprised.
"Exactly." Harry nodded, "But if you adjust you're thinking to looking at the muggleborn as a brand new magical person, their blood is new blood, their magic is fresh magic, they become the first generation of magic, a first generation pureblood."
"I see, so if they were to marry another… first generation, their child would then be a pureblood, second generation." Draco said slowly, obviously thinking about it.
"Yes, exactly like that." Harry agreed, "And, after so many generations, say six, of the same name they can then apply to become a minor house. They would have to have money and other things, land, possibly a business or a trait, and then they work their way up like everyone else."
"What about their muggle parents?" Bleach pointed out.
"Ah, well that is where the orphanages and the squib testing comes in to it." Harry said, "If one of their parents turn out to be a Squib then we will have to inquire if the magical family wants to induct them back in to their line, or, if not, they are free to start up within the wizarding world. It is my plan that Squibs be fully accepted, and no longer a thing of shame and disgust. If they can be involved in anything towards the magical world then they deserve to be in it. Can you imagine the revenue they could bring in, agriculture, potioneering, shop keeping, or they could take other jobs that done involve active casting."
"The orphanages?"
"If the child has no squib parents, or none that will follow them, they will be put in the new magical orphanages and be placed up for adoption for those who either want more children or those who are unable to have them. It's the perfect solution, especially given that child abuse is not the done thing in this world." Harry said, "Muggle influence will be non-existent. Within the orphanages, all the traditions and magical history that those of magical families get taught when they are growing up will be taught in the orphanages."
"This is an incredible idea," Bleach stated, "It would change everything and would cut so many problems."
"Good, you can help me have it ready to present to your father." Harry said brightly and Bleach grimaced.
"That's going to be delightful."
"I know!" Harry grinned at his despondent look, "Let me go and check the food." Harry made his way over to the oven while the others talked amongst themselves. He turned the wedges and sprinkle another layer of spices on them, he checked the chicken and grinned. He pulled the chicken out of the over and pouted all of the liquid in to a sauce pan and added some more BBQ sauce before putting back in, he poured the rest of the BBQ in to the same saucepan and put it on the heat. He chopped up the rest of the raw bacon and fried it off in the frying pan, when it was cooked he transferred all of juices and the bacon in to the BBQ sauce and let it simmer. It would take around fifteen minutes to reduce down and by that time the rest of the food should be done, he checked the sorbet and saw it was nearly done much to his pleasure.
"Ok guys, about twenty minutes."
"Oh good, it smells delightful." Paws said. "Is there anything else you need to go over?"
"Not right now,"
"Ok, well I took up that lead with Wynne and you were right, it leads on to another line; the Carter line." Paws told them, "I've drawn it out but it seems to have died off without any heirs almost immediately."
"So what? It's back to Wynne now?" Harry asked.
"No, back to Denver, Wynne ran out too." Paws sighed.
"Wonderful."
"Yes, but where I have had no success in that we have managed to get a base outline to shut down the WPP, and with your reclassifications then it should be a lot easier."
"Brilliant, as soon as I have them fully written out and finalised I can pass them over for you to pick details from, if you want?"
"Yes, that will be perfect. Badger and I are doing the polishing for the laws while Venom and Paws are doing the writing." Bleach agreed and Harry nodded.
"Swift?"
"Well our work on the wards is going very slow because we are trying to unpick them without Dumbledore knowing and it is proving very difficult." Swift scowled at the wall, "Dumbledore has his claws very deep within the wards and the slightest of jumbles could alert him, something we cannot allow."
"Is there any way to pick them apart?" Badger questioned, and Swift grimaced.
"I wish. It's taking this effort now to do just that but it's very difficult."
"Wow, I didn't realise it was that bad." Badger said with a frown.
"Do you think it's doable though?" Harry questioned and Swift closed his eyes.
"Eventually yes, but it will go a lot quicker if Dumbledore was not in the castle."
"So, if everything goes to plan you'll have a better chance after Yule." Harry clarified and Swift nodded.
"Yes, much much better." Swift agreed.
"I've got a full shopping list for the Greenhouses and I do believe I am currently shopping as we speak." Badger informed them all and Harry grinned.
"Come on them, let me have it. How much are we expanding?"
"I swear it is no larger than needed." Badger declared and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Uhuh,"
"I only bought say ten more greenhouses… Master ones." Badger muttered, looking at the floor. The entire group burst out laughing and he grinned sheepishly, "In my defence, Snake did say run wild."
"Good Merlin, we'll be starting our own botanical garden." Harry mock complained, "And no, that is not permission for you to actually start one." He added, pointed at Badger, who pouted.
"When do you think you'll have them up and running?" Paws asked, still sounding amused.
"Not long, I've bought loads of roots and cuttings, and we have many of our own to be transferred so they can spread." Badger said with enthusiasm, "If it goes to plan we should be fully sufficient again soon."
"That's excellent, thanks Badger." Harry said sincerely and Neville waved him off, passing back the card.
"No problem, Snake."
"That reminds me, I've got Severus fully stocked and he is producing potions in quantities like you would not believe." Bleach told him, "He's easily doing the same amount as I am during a double up." Harry's eyebrows shot up.
"Is that even possible?" He exclaimed.
"I know you don't like him, Snake, but Snape is the best. The man is like a machine when it comes to potions, and the last time I saw him he had eight large cauldrons on the go."
"Holy Mother of Shit." Harry breathed, "Wow, I'm impressed."
"I'll say!" Paws muttered, wide eyed. "That's a record surely? What was he making?"
"He was doing Skele-gro and nutrients, both versions he had perfected to be the very best." Draco explained, "The only problem is that he has to teach and sleep."
"You can take him back with your turner, if you want?" Harry suggested and Draco smirked.
"Exactly what I was thinking." The blonde agreed, "With Severus working for a straight day on potions, we will be overstocked in no time."
"Then do it,"
"I've taking out two of the three names on my latest list." Venom threw in, a somewhat malicious smirk on his handsome face, "It got particularly… messy."
"Now that is beautiful news to hear." Harry said pleased.
"I've got one more, but he seems as paranoid as Moody." Venom grumbled and Harry frowned but nodded.
"I have faith in your abilities."
"It will be done."
"Which reminds me," Swift cut in, "I have the final names from the original attack." He handed over the parchment to Venom. "That's everything I have."
"Does that mean we are working on the rest?" Fred asked.
"We should be able to get a full list of who is working within the WPP from the ministry." George continued.
"As much as it pains me to say it, I think we need to leave it for now." Harry sighed, "If it looks like the WPP is being targeted then things might get heated. Though, if you want to grab the odd name and scatter them, then it might be ok."
"We can do that." They agreed, "If we listen we can find those who brag, they are the ones giving themselves away."
"Good plan."
"I've been listening but it is just a repeat of what I have already found." Luna sighed. "I've spent most of my time helping heal the cubs, and I have taken over Snake's heir search."
"I'm surprised," Paws mused and Luna sighed.
"I know, but we've got the information from the school, and the dirt on some of the players outside. I didn't think it wise for me to venture in to the nests just yet." Luna said and Harry nodded.
"No, we are not that desperate yet." He agreed, "No, continue how you are."
"Ok,"
"We've not been that busy." The twins shrugged,
"We got the law,"
"We listened to the meetings,"
"And we've been making potions."
"That's about it."
"Though, we did create something cool." They finished together and the group looked at them in interest.
"It's an illusion device." Fred began explaining.
"What is does is it projects a certain image, or scene in front of those it's against." George continued and the others raised their eyebrows.
"How does that even work?"
"See, it's a little cube." Fred pulled one out and held it up, it was an uninteresting grey cube that one wouldn't look twice at. "But it I were to activate it…" the cube pulsed and suddenly there was the overwhelming need to watch what it was showing them. Harry saw a brief glance of Tom before he ripped his attention away and his own magic flared around him.
"What in Merlin's name is that thing?" Paws demanded, glaring at the twins, who were looking particularly pleased with themselves.
"We got the idea from the Mirror of Erised. The need to gaze in to the Mirror to see that wistful fantasy, it's basically been compacted in to the cube but on a wide scale."
"It may not draw everyone in for a long time, but it is a hell of a distraction." George shrugged and the group muttered their agreement. Harry was trying to work out why he saw Tom for a second when the cube was activated, but he was coming up empty. He shook his head, he was probably imagining things because he needed to update the man on what they had gone through today.
"Whatever that thing does, it's pretty incredible and is going to be invaluable." Harry said, putting his mind back on the meeting, "Though, there might be the slight problem of attracting the wrong person's attention."
"We're working on that. We think if we can use Paw's range of magic sensory Runes with our own variations them we may be able to tie it in to blood allegiance." George told him.
"You mean you are attempting to make these adapt to who we are against?" Paws said in amazement, her, Bleach, Venom and Raven sitting forward in interest.
"That's the plan, and at the current time we have a good outline." Fred confirmed, "We're going to need your runes, however."
"They are yours." Paws said, "And I want to see everything."
"Of course, we can bring you the outlines." They said and her eyes light up, Bleach cleared his throat and the twins kissed each one of his cheeks.
"We already left you a copy in your rooms, Dragon." They chimed and he smiled at them, his cheeks tinging ever so slightly pink.
"Thank you,"
"We'll be with Paws." Raven and Venom stated simultaneously and then grinned. Snake, Swift and Badger shared rolled eyes and hapless grins that said it all.
"Oh, Snake," Badger perked up, "I've been dropping rumours and casual remarks around some crucial people while I've been around the school. Little things about Dumbledore when I've heard questions."
"Really?" Harry looked interested, "How's that going?"
"All I have to do is shuffle, look at the floor and say that's what I heard from the Hufflepuffs and they lap it up, they don't even blink at me and it starts to spread." Neville laughed, a dark smirk on his face, "The current one is that there has been information dug up on Dumbledore that he's trying to keep out of the paper since the other articles have been coming out. The speculation on that alone should be enough to sour the old fool's mood."
"Brilliant thinking, Badger." Harry complimented.
"It has spread to the Slytherins." Blaise confirmed, "I did wonder, but the Snakes are twisting things their own way and sending it back out. The latest I've heard is that he turned on Grindlewald because the man impregnated his elusive sister." Harry very nearly choked at that, that was a brilliant rumour and he couldn't wait until the paper actually came out if this was the ones they were coming up with alone.
"Wow, that's great." Harry laughed, "I'll be sure to tell Tom that one."
"I think he might like it." Paws said with a grin.
"Ok, so who wants food?" Harry asked and they all looked at him as if he was insane. "Right, stupid question."
"So how good is this food supposed to be?" Bleach asked with a raised eyebrow, "I've never ate your cooking, Snake."
"Nor me," Chimed Badger and Venom.
"Oh dear Merlin," Luna groaned, "You do not know what you are missing."
"Circe above, it's better than anything I have ever tasted." Paws agreed with a wistful sigh.
"And when he really gets going." Fred shook his head, a look of awe on his face.
"It's like eating a slice of Avalon." George muttered in a revered tone.
"This dish especially, it's the best." Swift added. Badger, Venom and Bleach shared a glance.
"Is it really that good?" Bleach asked sceptically, as Snake rolled his eyes in the kitchen.
"YES!"
"Ok then," He muttered. Harry was chuckling to himself as he stirred his sauce, it had reduced down so it was thick and he tasted it to make sure it was the right amount of sweet and smoky. He laid out the plates and carefully placed a portion of the wedges in a stack on each, he then laid out two pieces of chicken on the plates and sprinkled a bit of cheese on the top to melt. He mixed the salad and the vinaigrette together and dished it out in to equal potions, and he poured the sauce in to ten separate serving jugs, Harry tapped each plate to keep it warm and then waved his wand to levitate the plates, cutlery and jugs over to his friends.
"A table if you will, Great Lady." Harry asked, and smiled softly when a beautiful mahogany table, with ten chairs appeared. He laughed as his friends all but apparated to the table and he served the plates, "We have chicken stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon served in a sweet smoky barbeque bacon sauce. With a side of seasoned wedge potatoes and a simple salad with a French vinaigrette."
"Wow, Snake, this looks amazing." Paws complimented.
"Start without me, I have something to drop off." He motioned to the final plate he had, not including his own and they looked at him in question but he waved them off. Harry vanished in to the shadows and appeared in Tom's rooms, he knew the man wasn't there, he was working furiously on about five different things from what Harry could feel, and he knew the man had not stopped for a break. Harry thought it was the least he could do is to make sure the man ate a decent meal to keep his energies up. He placed the meal down on the kitchen counter, a heating and preservation charm being placed on it immediately, he wave his wand to conjure up a sheet of parchment and a quill to jot down a note.
I know you've been busy today, and I know you didn't stop for a break. If I'm not allowed to wear myself down, you can't either, so I made you this to keep you going.
Desert is on its way.
Harry didn't bother to sign or address it, he knew it would be obvious who wrote it so he saw it as a waste of his time. He left the rooms and appeared back in his own, sitting at the head of the table to start on his meal. Harry blinked when he saw that none of them had started and he rolled his eyes.
"Please, begin," He said. With childish enthusiasm, they dug in to the food and almost immediately there were groans of appreciation.
"Sweet mother of Circe, you were not exaggerating." Bleach stated in surprise, "Snake, this is amazing."
"What can I say?" He said with a laugh. They ate silently, the odd compliment floating over to Harry and he smiled slightly, yes it was their fault that he could cook, but once he had adapted it and started using that skill for himself and created his own style it became something he did enjoy doing. It was odd, he supposed, but he wouldn't ever call himself normal. It wasn't long before all plates were clear and his friends sat back with pleased sighs.
"That was incredible." Badger decided.
"I'll agree on that." Venom said with a nod.
"Well, don't say you're too full. I have made a desert." Harry said with a grin, waving his wand to clear the table. The plates stacked in the sink and then vanished to be cleaned by the elves. Harry laid out smaller plates and placed a cookie on each plate, making sure they were still moist and soft, and then he scooped out ball of sorbet and placed it alongside each biscuit. He grabbed spoons and took them to the table, handing them out before he took his own seat.
"It's not a masterpiece, but I was on short notice." Harry said.
"I bet it still tastes great." Swift said, taking a huge bite from his cookie to illustrate his belief. Harry sampled the sorbet and tilted his head, it wasn't his best, but it wasn't a complete failure. He would have to reduce the berries for longer, and maybe a touch more sugar.
"I think we should do this more often." Paws said, once she had cleared her plate.
"Yes, it's nice." Luna agreed.
"Well you will have to give me more notice." Harry said, waving his wand to stack the clear plates, "I don't like serving substandard deserts." They all turned to look at him as if he was insane, but he didn't see it because he was cleaning up and serving a double portion of sorbet on to a square plate. He left the rest in the bowl and kept a freezing charm on it, knowing Luna would be raiding it later and tomorrow.
"Substandard desert." The twins repeated incredulously, "Snake that was delicious."
"No, the sorbet was off, not enough sugar and the raspberry flavour didn't come through as much as I'd hoped." Harry denied, tapping all of his counters to disinfect them and putting all of the soiled pots, pans and trays in to the sink for the elves to clean. Winky always got a bit touchy when he cooked and then cleaned his things up, she told him he was only allowed to do one or the other.
"You're insane." Venom decided, "There was absolutely nothing wrong with that." Harry shot him a look that clearly said he didn't believe him.
"Sure there wasn't." He said sardonically, "Anyway, it doesn't matter. Just give me at least a days' notice so I can put together something memorable."
"Got it," Paws agreed.
"Have we got anything left to go over?" Swift asked, "Or are we good?"
"Two more things, but nothing too crucial." Harry said, walking back over to the sitting area. The table vanished as soon as they were all sitting by the fire and Harry let Luna curl up on his lap with her head on his shoulder.
"What else have we got to do?"
"Just a check-up." Harry said, "Kreacher!" the aged elf popped in with a loud crack and they were alarmed to see the rather demented grin on his face.
"Master Harry be calling Kreacher?" He croaked, "Kreacher be in the middle of teaching."
"What did you do?" Harry asked, torn between alarm and amusement.
"Kreacher be locking up the Black disgrace in a room where nobody can hear her scream." The elf cackled and Harry grinned.
"What did Tonks do?"
"She tries to be demanding things of Kreacher, but Kreacher refuses to serve the disowned disgrace to the House of Black." Kreacher told them, "She be ordering Kreacher to do things, but Kreacher won't and Kreacher locks her away so she brings no more shame." He looked inordinately pleased with himself and Harry couldn't help but laugh.
"Very well done, Kreacher." Harry said to him, "What else has been going on?"
"Dobby has been talking their potions, and Kreacher has been sending them to young Master Malfoy to test."
"They've been repeats of the ones we've already seen." Draco cut in when Harry looked at him.
"How did they find out about Moony being missing?" Harry asked the elf.
"The man with the eye finally saw through our enchantments." Kreacher said morosely, "Kreacher will punish himself-,"
"No, there will be no need." Harry said to him hurriedly, "You did very well to keep them blind for this long." Kreacher looked unsure but nodded.
"Kreacher has also been hiding things, it makes them confused."
"Keep it up, Kreacher. I'm hoping to have them out of the house soon."
"As Master wants." The elf bowed and disappeared.
"Which reminds me, I need to go and see the wolves to speak with Moony." Harry said and they nodded.
"That's it for the night, no?" Badger said and Harry nodded.
"Yes, we're good." Harry confirmed. His friends rose up and said their goodbyes, Harry waved them out as they disappeared in each of their different ways and he smiled down at Luna, who was half asleep.
"Come on, little sister." He murmured, "Let's get you to bed." He carried her up and switched her clothing with a flick of his wand, he tucked her in to bed and kissed her forehead. He smiled slightly and went back to his kitchen, he grabbed Tom's desert and shadowed to the man's rooms. Said man was relaxed in his chair reading his book, an empty plate on the table in front of him and Harry grinned.
"You got my note." Harry said, walking over. Tom placed his book and looked up with a slight smile,
"Yes, you are an incredible cook." Tom told him sincerely, and Harry smiled brightly.
"Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed it." Harry said.
"Now where's my desert?"
Harry rolled his eyes and handed over the plate.
"It was served with a cookie, but I know you are not all that fond so I just doubled up on the sorbet. It's raspberry, so I know you like it." Harry explained, handing over a spoon too. He collected Tom's plate and glass and took them to the kitchen, he put the plate in the sink and walked around to Tom's drinks cabinet to pour him a glass of cherry scotch with four cubes of ice. He brought the glass back and set it on the table, he raised an eyebrow in question at the empty plate and Tom smirked.
"You're hired." He said and Harry shook his head with a grin as he took the plate and banished it to the sink.
"It would have been better but Luna dropped the fact I was cooking for everyone about two hours ago." Harry said and Tom blinked.
"You made all that within a two hour time frame." He repeated, and Harry nodded.
"It's something I can make with my eyes closed."
"Would you mind if you slowed your surprises down to perhaps one a week?" Tom asked and Harry laughed, he placed himself in Tom's lap and kicked his legs over the arm of the chair.
"I have a few things to fill you in on," Harry said, "I've spoken to mine."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Paws is now expanding from my outline that I have created for the blood banks." Harry told him, "I only outlined exactly what we would need, what contracts we would have to put in place and suggestions for what ministry legislations might need to be written up to make the idea seem more appealing, but it's something I guess." Tom shot him a look that clearly questioned his mental facilities but he didn't voice his thoughts.
"What else?"
"Well, Badger has been spreading rumours to escalate Dumbledore's downfall, and they have escalated, according to Venom, and have been brought in and twisted by the snakes."
"I can only imagine what has been sent back out in regards to Dumbledore from the Slytherins." Tom muttered amused, and Harry grinned.
"Apparently Dumbledore only faced down Grindlewald because he impregnated his sister." Harry said and Tom laughed.
"I want to be around the old man when that gets back to him." He got out and Harry snickered.
"It would be a picture." Harry agreed, "Though, once my next article gets out, Dumbledore will be even more pissed."
"You keep speaking of this article, yet you will not even give me the slightest of clues." Tom grumbled, knowing it was completely pointless to even attempt to get an answer out of the teen.
"Just wait, I know you are going to enjoy it." Harry said with a smirk.
"We shall see."
"My twins have been busy," Harry said, "They've made a little cube that works like the Mirror of Erised. They are currently fine tuning it to who it will affect when it's activated."
"Really?" Tom said interested, "Does it have all it the qualities?"
"As far as I can tell, they only activated it for a minute but we all had to look at it and flashed an image for the moment that it was active." Harry said, shaking off the image that he saw again, and completely disregarding it.
"When do you think they will have it ready for a full demonstration?" Tom asked and Harry tilted his head.
"I don't know, the Runes they are working with are incredibly complex." Harry said, "They are a mix of ordinary and blood Runes so it will depends on when they manage to get the balance right without killing themselves."
"Do any of your friends do anything that can be considered even marginally ordinary?" Tom questioned and Harry pouted.
"Well Badger…" Harry trailed off remembering what the other teen just bought, "Venom…" he stopped again realising he was talking about the son of the Black Widow, "Bleach is…" He bit his lip, Bleach was a Malfoy, that automatically took him out of the ordinary box, then tie in the fact that he befriended him and he was miles away. Tom was getting more amused and Harry stuck his tongue out as he felt it, crossing his arms with a huff.
"Fine, we're all a bit weird." Harry said with a sniff, "But you're Death Eaters are hardly the epitome of ordinary."
"Oh, in what way?"
"Really? You are actually asking that question?" Harry said in disbelief, and Tom merely raised an eyebrow. "So you have Lucius – need I say more. The Lestranges, again, need I say more. Dolohov is practically invisible, he's a ghost and he's brilliant at it. Snape is the world's best potions master, and he, as much as I hate to admit it, is absolutely fantastic with the art – though if you tell him that I will deny it and make you suffer." Harry narrowed his eyes at Tom's innocent look before continuing, "And Nott cannot be ordinary because no normal person is that stupid." Tom muffled his snicker in Harry's shoulder.
"You may have a point." He conceded and Harry grinned.
"Of course I do."
"What changed your mind on Severus?"
"The fact that he was working on eight cauldrons at the same time. That's incredible." Harry said, a touch of amazement in his tone.
"I think I may have to tell Severus, if only to see him in shock." Tom said with a smirk on his face, Harry shot him a mild glare.
"Uhuh, do that and see where it gets you." He muttered and Tom rolled his eyes.
"What else have your friends been doing?"
"Well, Badger thought it would be great to start a botanical garden at the sanctuary and bought ten master greenhouses for himself to play with." Harry said and Tom shot him a look of disbelief, "No, I'm not exaggerating."
"Oh dear Merlin,"
"Yes, this is what happens when you let your friends run wild with your bank card."
"It is very lucky you are incredibly rich."
"Tell me about it!"
"Your smart one?"
"Paws?" Harry confirmed, "She's finished the Wynne line and we're back to Denver. Luna is picking up my heir searches, they were not happy with my work load so they are trying to lessen it."
"That makes sense."
"Venom is working on the final names from the attack and the twins are going to gather some of the names from the WPP who brag and who enjoy their work to get rid of. We don't want to be obvious they are being picked off or it might raise suspicions." Harry said and Tom nodded.
"Understandable,"
"Swift and Bastan are struggling on the wards, Swift thinks it will be better when Dumbledore is not in the castle because they will be able to be more active on pulling at the wards." Harry said and Tom frowned.
"Will he not still feel them?"
"Yes, but it will be diluted, and there is a strong possibility that if he is behind other wards it will be countered. That and if he is out of the castle by legal means, his appearance here to investigate would cause too much exposure that he won't want."
"I see," Tom frowned, "The sooner he is removed the sooner he can be pulled from these castle's precious wards."
"I know, I am already planning the next article. I am hoping to tie it in to something that will say goodbye to Fudge too."
"That is why you wish to correspond with Lucius."
"Yes, if I can get this just right, the next Wizengamot meeting, after Yule, will see the end of Fudge."
"Is it solid?"
"Two words: blood quill." Harry said, and Tom's eyes flashed.
"I believe that will do it."
"Ideally," Harry yawned, "I think that was it, other things are just trivial information." He got up and stretched, making his top ride up, "I probably shouldn't have started my day training and then turning back, but there we go." Tom really couldn't help running his hands along the exposed skin, paying attention to the tattoo he was fond off. Harry shuddered, looking over his shoulder to catch the smirk on the Dark Lord's face.
"You are completely terrible." Harry stated, doing nothing to remove the man's hands.
"I am a Dark Lord, Harry. It is a large part of the job description." Tom replied seriously, so seriously that Harry cracked up. He turned around pressed his lips to Tom's in a teasing chaste kiss.
"Well, Mr Big Bad Dark Lord, are you going to show me exactly how terrible you can be?" Harry asked coyly, and Tom smirked.
"I do have a reputation to keep." Tom mused, his eyes glittering and Harry's expression melted in to devilish. He walked backwards towards the bedroom and smirked when Tom followed him; he wouldn't be resting for a while.
Harry skipped along the corridors of Peverell Manor, greeting any of the wolves he saw and hi fiving all the cubs that ran up to him with a smile. He rounded the corner and nearly ran in to the person he was looking for.
"Ellen!"
"Harry!"
"I was looking for you." Harry said, after he calmed his racing heart.
"I've just put away another batch of potions." She told him, "Whoever you have making them on top of those I've met is very good."
"I have Severus Snape making them," Harry said and then grinned at her stunned expression. "Yes, that Severus Snape."
"You have one of the greatest potions' master known to man making potions for us here." She said faintly, "Good Merlin,"
"Not important right now." Harry waved her off, "I need a meeting with you, Moony and Alpha."
"Ok, what about?"
"I'm currently working on reclassifying what a werewolf is, currently you fall under being and beast, but I'm trying to change that. To do that, I want your input, and then, one we have settled your classification, we are working on tearing down the old laws and legislations and rebuilding them. I thought it best to work with you and see what you want." Harry explained and she gave him a look he couldn't understand before hugging him tightly and taking a deep breath.
"Moony is working in the ball room again and Alpha was overseeing lunch, where do you wish to meet?" She asked and Harry blinked up at her confused by her actions.
"Um, Master Study?"
"Sure," Ellen walked of and Harry shook his head and shadowed to the ball room, Moony was talking to one of the wolves, an amused incredulous expression on his face, which brightened when he saw Harry.
"Cub!"
"Hey Moony," Harry greeted, "Can I steal you?"
"Sure, we're finished here." He said and the wolf nodded, somewhat reverently, to Harry and left. "So what are you doing here?"
"We're going to be having a meeting with Alpha and Ellen to talk over the werewolf laws that we're going to be putting in to place and I've been working on reclassifying werewolves and I wanted all of your opinions." Harry said to him, and Moony looked at him interest.
"Really? That's really something."
"Thanks, I thought that, now I've spend some time with the wolves, it would be better to get some opinions of an actual wolf instead of presuming to know what is wanted or needed."
"That's brilliant! Speaking of the wolves," Moony said, before getting an amused expression on his face, "They seem to be super protective of me and any cub that gives me a hard time is immediately reprimanded and told to behave because I'm 'Mr Snake's uncle and must be kept safe'." Harry looked around the room as if he had never seen if before, and looked at his nails.
"Oh? Isn't that curious." He said absently, and Remus snorted.
"You wouldn't happen to know what that is about, would you, Cub?" Moony asked lightly and Harry sniffed.
"It is the truth," Harry said primly, "You will just have to accept it and move on."
"You are completely impossible." Moony said with a smile, "How about you stop worrying about me and look after yourself."
"Or you could just deal with the fact that that is never going to happen?" Harry suggested.
"We shall have to agree to disagree." Remus sighed, "Didn't you want to meet with Alpha and Moonrise?"
"Oh right," Harry remembered, "Come on, Moony. To your study." Harry grabbed him and they shadowed to the master study, Moony shuddered in revulsion as the shadows disappeared and Harry smirked to himself.
"I do believe that will forever be disgusting." Moony decided and Harry snickered.
"Lies Moony, Lies."
Ellen and Fenrir walked in to the study and Harry smiled, he sat down and motioned for the others to do so.
"Ok, so as Ellen and Moony already know, I'm working on reclassifying the definition of exactly what a werewolf is. Currently you fall under beast and being, and I intend to change that. You three are here to help me put in the defining points of a werewolf for the new classification, and then you are here to offer your input to the new laws that we are writing so we get them right." Harry explained and Greyback blinked a few times.
"You are asking us." He repeated, stunned. Harry nodded, missing the look completely as he was fishing out a quill and some parchment from Moony's desk.
"Yes, how else am I going to get it right?" Harry said as if it was obvious. Greyback looked at Remus, who shrugged.
"I know, I have a weird cub."
"Hey!"
"It's true, cub. And you know it." Remus pointed out and Harry pouted.
"Fine!" He rolled his eyes, "I don't see what the big deal is."
"People don't ask werewolves what they want." Greyback stated and Harry shook his head.
"Those people weren't me. Besides, how are you supposed to know if things are actually correct if they do not speak to those who they are actually trying to identify?" Harry said. "It's rather stupid on their behalf. But then, those in the ministry are not exactly filled with intelligence."
"So what's the plan?" Moony asked, and Harry placed the quill over the parchment ready to dictate.
"First, you three have all accepted your inner wolves, yes?"
"Yes." They confirmed and Harry nodded.
"Do you think it is possible for all wolves to accept their inner wolf? Is there something that could be done to help them do that or anything?" Harry questioned and Greyback frowned.
"The accepting of the inner wolf should be natural. It is only the fear of the ministry and the repercussions of being a werewolf that seemed to have crushed that natural instinct." Greyback explained, "It should have been simple enough, but the pressure of being a werewolf has a more profound effect on the mind, which is where the instinct is set."
"I see," Harry frowned slightly, "Would it be possible for you to spread the word further, bring wolves here and have them in safety to accept their wolves until I have my new classifications put through and the new laws."
"I can do that. Our reach is growing, I can send my Beta out. He is able to blend in better, and he is known amongst the packs." Greyback suggested. "Bring them in."
"If you could get all of the werewolves here and accepting their wolves, the laws would be so much easier." Harry said. "Of course, I could work around it but I was trying for simplicity."
"It is possible Cub." Remus said, "But what will that do?"
"Well, as the current ministry has you in your wolf form as beasts. If it was all controllable, there would be no grounds for that category." Harry said, "You'll be classified as Beings and a Race."
"I see,"
"Now, as a magical race, there need to be distinguishing features, specifics that are yours." Harry said. "And we'll have to have a sub definition to the cubs born to two wolves because, correct me if I'm wrong, they are slightly different to infected wolves."
"Yes, they are." Ellen confirmed.
"Ok, tell me everything."
They sat there and Harry defined what a werewolf was from a werewolf's perspective, he identified features and symptoms and actions of a werewolf and then he went over the differences between a werewolf bitten and one born from two bitten wolves, and finally they discussed the even smaller difference from a werewolf born from two born werewolves. Harry grinned at the three of them when they finally finished discussing everything.
"I'll take all of this information and tie it in with some legal crap, have it polished up and then I'll run it past you before it gets put through." Harry told them. "But it will literally be fine tuning the wording and putting in actual sentences opposed to notes." The three of them nodded, they had an air of utter relief and Harry shot them a small smile.
"Things will change." Harry said to them firmly, passion in his avada eyes.
"With you saying that, for the first time, I actually believe it." Ellen murmured.
"I have to go, if I get this ready to go and I can send it over to Moony tomorrow." Harry decided, "I'll let you get back to your work." They left the office and Harry turned to Moony, "Moony, if you could. We're looking for a wolf or some wolves who are able to harvest potions ingredients directly from the forest. If you could convene with Badger and Bleach I would be grateful."
"I'll look in to it, Cub." He assured and Harry grinned. He followed Greyback out in to the grounds, he flashed a grin at the werewolf before transforming and bolting in to the woods. He followed the scents to Petals pack and happily bounded over to where there were a group of cubs playing. They yipped happily in recognition and pounced on him, Harry rolled over and barked. He spent the next hour bouncing around with the cubs like a child until they were laying exhausted on the floor, he changed back laughing and crouched down.
"Up you get, little ones." Harry said, "You can't be sleeping here." He grinned at the pitiful wines he received as they got up, he scooped up the smallest one and walked over to the fire.
"Mr Snake!" Freya exclaimed, and she rolled her eyes at the cub in his arms. "Petal."
"I thought it was her." Harry said with a grin, "I wasn't quite sure." He handed the sleepy cub over with a smile as the mother sighed.
"Thank you for bringing her back, she doesn't understand that she's smaller than most."
"That's ok, I had fun."
"What brings you back?"
"I've been working on things for the ministry, trying to write changes about werewolves." Harry told her, "I thought, seeing as I am not a werewolf, it would be better for me to actually ask a werewolf."
"You are a very strange human." She said after a moment and Harry laughed.
"Yeah, I get that a lot." He agreed, "How is everything?"
"Wonderful." She said with enthusiasm, "Your little elves pop in all the time and make sure we have everything we need."
"That's good," Harry said, "So there is nothing that you need?"
"Oh no, we have everything we could possibly need." She assured him.
"Have you travelled up to the main house yet?" He asked and she nodded.
"Alpha said he wanted us to try so we've been going up in groups to eat in the main hall. For some, it's been years since they have even been indoors, let alone ate there and at a table too." She explained and Harry frowned.
"I hate that, but I understand that it's difficult." He murmured, "I presume Alpha has told you what he wants at the end?"
"He wants all of us to be used to and feel comfortable indoors." Freya said to him, "It's working, especially with Moony and Moonrise."
"I am glad. With the laws that we intend to pass, you all will become eligible to marry, have a job, and own your own businesses and houses." Harry explained, "They are being written as we speak."
"I can't even begin to imagine it." She said honestly, "But I am starting to believe." Harry flashed her a smile and cast a tempus, he sighed to himself.
"I'll see you again." He said and left with a wave. He landed in his rooms and grabbed his school robes and bag, he turned back his timeturner to dinner time and left the rooms. Thankfully, he had already lived his day of lessons, he didn't think he would have the patience to do that at the current time. The only time he was going back to dinner now was because he knew Dumbledore's eyes were going to be on him at all times, he would rather be working on the final write up for his classification but it was not to be. If he didn't show up at the Great Hall, Dumbledore would be coming to him and he really didn't want that. And the only reason he was going before he started his work was because he knew he would not want to bother once he got in to it. He sighed to himself as he reached the entrance hall, he pulled on a dull expression to his face as he walked in. His eyes automatically sought out Tom at the head table followed by Luna at the Ravenclaw table, then Draco and Blaise over at the Slytherin and then finally to his own house where he saw Neville, then Hermione and Ron. He blinked when he saw the alarmed expression in their eyes, he was about to jab the link to ask them what was wrong when his question was answered for him in the form of a cringe-worthy, spine grating voice that he had not heard for over a month.
"Harry!"
So there we have it, chapter 34 up and running! Who can guess who's just appeared at the very end!? Let me know what you think please!
Jess*