Of Lies and Deceit and Hidden Personas

by Jessiikaa15

Everything changes the summer of 5th year when a mere letter causes Harry's magic to react wildly and he finds out that Dumbledore has been controlling him and his friends a lot more than first thought. With the truth revealed to him, Harry shows everyone he isn't the Gryffindor Golden Boy everyone thinks he is and he isn't the only the one with masks. DarkEvilTrio! SLASH

54. Chapter 54

A/N: So it turns out that I am just terrible. I mean, I left you guys hanging for a year, and I can only express my deepest of apologies. I had writers block like you wouldn't believe when it came to this fic, I had bits and pieces written and I had a rough outline, but I could never seem to get it right. HOWEVER, I have returned and as visual representation of how sorry I am, I give you this 17k monstrosity of a chapter! This has been written and rewritten over and over and finally, I present to you the WIZENGAMOT!

Warning: Bits of slash, language and mentions of violence.

Disclaimer: If you haven't realized I'm not JK after this many chapters then there is nothing I can do to help you :D – this plot is mine, though.

Parseltongue

Chapter 54:

The final two days before the Wizengamot passed in the blink of an eye; the days in which Tom and Harry had been indisposed had left them both behind on many things so they used their time-turners in excess to catch up on what they had missed, which in turn made them need more use to regain sleep. Snape, in all his wisdom, had informed the other faculty members that there had been a mishap during their private lessons when he and Professor Drield had combined potions and dueling together. As the Potions Master of the school and a licensed medi-wizard in his own right, he was able to keep all the staff away while he 'monitored' the situation. Apparently, they had combined the wrong potions while using them in dueling and induced a feral rage-like state in the pair of them and Snape had isolated them and worked on finding the counter; at least, that's what the staff had been told. Harry had been baffled that they had bought such nonsense until he was informed by Hermione that it had been documented as happening a few times before when using potions in dueling. After that he had just been fascinated.

Thankfully, Harry wasn't forced to go back to lessons on Friday, but he did get a visit from McGonagall inquiring over his health and informing him he was expected back in class on the Monday. It was lucky really, as he didn't think he could cope with Ginny at the given time and Tom would definitely not react well. The Dark Lord had become, what Harry could only describe as, clingy, since the recent break up/make up incident, going so far as to carry him to and from the bath once. Harry had caught the man checking his eyes often and realised that his desperate actions may have freaked the man out a little bit. That wasn't to say that Harry hadn't reacted the exact same way. He, himself, had found any and all excused to be in physical contact with Tom since everything had resolved and he felt himself getting panicked and angsty if they were apart for too long.

Despite that, the thing that stuck out to him the most is how little things had changed between them. Tom was still a possessive, demanding bastard and Harry still loved to tease him relentlessly whenever the opportunity arose, he still cooked for the man and they still sat curled up together reading or planning. His friends had helpfully pointed out the reason for nothing changing was because the pair of them had been in a relationship for months but had been too oblivious to notice. When Harry repeated this to Tom, the man had frowned, pulled him close and declared the whole topic irrelevant as Harry was his firmly and officially forever so it didn't matter if that was the case.

Saturday after dinner, Harry and his friends came together a final time to go over all of their plans for the next day's Wizengamot session, where everyone was going to be, what to do in case everything went to shit and how to adapt to any changes they could and couldn't predict. They couldn't really do anything else to do with the session until they were actually there by this point so the group threw themselves around Harry's rooms relaxing and just hanging out, something they rarely got to do given they saw each other a lot.

"Hey, Nev?" Ron called to the teen across the room from him.

"Yeah?"

"What are you still doing here?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's Saturday evening; the evening before the session."

"Given the meeting we just had I'd think I would have realised that by now."

The sarcasm got him multiple snorts from the rest of the group and Neville grinned at Ron's unimpressed expression.

"Oh haha." He deadpanned, "I meant that you have an appointment, don't you?"

"Uh, noo…?"

"Of for fuck sake, you're getting as bad as Harry." Ron complained, throwing his hands up in the air. "Go and deal with your bitter Grandmother for fuck sake."

Neville's eyes widened in surprise before a malicious grin stretched across his face.

"I can do that now!" He hissed out in utter glee and there was a collective woop.

"About time you were able to show that disgusting woman her place." Draco sneered.

"Do you have plans?" Hermione questioned and Neville barked out a sardonic laugh.

"Oh I have plans alright."

"Well what-,"

"Are you-,"

"Waiting-."

"For?"

"Get going now!" The twins cried. Neville got to his feet and waved his wand, summoning better robes for himself to wear and changed with another flick of his wand.

"Do have fun." Luna said, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Don't forget backup – never go into the dragon's den without backup."

"I will." Neville assured, "Harry, you coming?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, I figured if anyone deserved to see the woman get what's coming to her it should be you. If she had actually stepped up and done her duties, we would have been raised together; instead, she conformed to Dumbledore's every whim."

"Oh damn, yeah." Harry blinked a few times, "I forget we are actually Godbrothers."

"Of course! I forget about that all the time." Blaise exclaimed.

"Yeah, I'm definitely coming." Harry stated, "Just let me go and tell Tom where's I'm going lest he freak out on me."

"Somehow, I can't see the Dark Lord freaking out." Draco muttered as Harry vanished in a swarm of shadows.

"What would that even look like?" Ron wondered and the group shared a look before collectively shuddering.

"No thanks." Fred said.

"Yeah, we're good not knowing." George continued.

"You and me both." Hermione agreed. Harry came back looking a bit flustered and his already wild hair even more messed up, but he was beaming so the group rolled their eyes but grinned, happy at his hard-won happiness.

"Let's get this show on the road."

"I'm more than ready." Neville declared. They shared smirks before Harry took Neville's arm and shadowed them to the Shrieking Shack and then they switched so Neville could apparate them to the Longbottom Manor.

Neville and Harry landed in a remote area of the Longbottom gardens and walked towards the solitary building. It was grand, but not ostentatious, framed between two huge willow trees. The gardens spread wide before it, stunning with years of careful nurturing and a gently flowing river winding casting sparkling light over the entire area. As he walked up the laws, Neville allowed his eyes to gloss over lands he adored and worked so hard to maintain, despite the spells and bindings he had been under at the time. He pointed out a few things he was particularly proud of to Harry, and the pair of them reminisced on what could have been should Augusta had done her duty. They finally reached the double oak doors, which were surrounded by stained glass, and they swung open immediately to admit the Lord of the House. They were greeted by the head elf, who bowed and welcomed them to the manor, asking for their duties but Neville dismissed her until later.

"Wait here a sec." Neville said, "Wards."

"I'll be here." Harry assured. The Longbottom Lord nodded and vanished down a corridor that led to the basement stairs. He swiftly made his way down to where the ward stone was kept and as he went he couldn't help but let his mind turn over thinking about what was about to happen. It really was a long time coming and Neville couldn't help but feel vindicated that he was finally getting his opportunity at revenge; even if it was only the beginning. As soon as Neville had access to the ward stone he invoked the Lord's Rites and pulled them into his core, strengthening them with his blood and shutting down any and all additions his dearest Grandmother had made. He gasped as the power rushed through him, the ancient magic evaluating his claim and then settling as he was accepted as the Lord and Head of House by the magic that and been laid here since the Longbottom's first settled on these lands. He didn't take the time to relish in it, however, as he had other things to do so he rushed back up to the entrance hall where he had left Harry and called for all the house elves.

"All of you are to return to your usual duties until I am able to review the entirety of the Longbottom holdings. You are expressly forbidden from answering Augusta Longbottom's calls, you are not to listen to any of her commands and any such breech of this will result in clothes. She is a traitor to this House, and you shall all treat her as such. Do you all understand."

"Yes, Master Neville." They chimed together, all looking terrified and outraged at the thought of a traitor, and of the threat of clothes.

"Tilly, please pack Augusta's belongings, unless they came from House Longbottom, and have them transferred to Green Fields."

"Right away, sir."

"Dismissed."

The elves popped away to do as their Lord commanded and Harry turned to Neville with a raised eyebrow.

"Green Fields?"

"It's the smallest, dingiest cottage I own in the middle of the Welsh Mountains. It's cut off from practically all civilisation apart from this one lonely Shepard farmer who, quite frankly, hasn't got long left in him."

Harry looked impressed.

"Nice!"

"Thanks." Neville grinned and waved his hand towards the staircase. "This way.

He knew where to go, it was the winter months so the sun shone brightly on the back of the manor which meant the sun room was the first choice of sitting. They walked through the halls silently, the oak floors polished to perfection and the earthy décor soothing even as the portraits on the walls eyed them both with caution. The closer they got to their destination the more Neville found himself picking up speed, he climbed the stairs two at a time, his excitement making him hasty and he stumbled in to Harry.

"You alright?" Harry questioned and Neville chuckled slightly.

"I've been waiting way to long for this."

Harry snorted.

"Well don't throw yourself down the stairs before you can enjoy it."

"That would be a crying shame." Neville agreed, pausing for a moment and then taking a breath to calm himself before he continued on. Despite his forced calm, he found himself freezing as he came to the open doors.

"You ready?" Harry murmured, resting a hand on Neville's shoulder in a show of support.

"More than!" Neville steeled himself and walked into the room apparently alone as Harry faded back into the shadows for now. Neville's eyes were immediately drawn to the stately woman sat in the high-backed chair near the balcony doors and he fought a sneer. His entrance didn't go unnoticed and his grandmother was quick to her feet, a ferocious scowl coming to her face.

"What do you think you are doing leaving school without my express permission? How many times must you act like an utter disgrace to the name of Longbottom? Fool of a boy! And now you dare touch our sacred wards! You are an abysmal failure."

In her rage, she failed to notice that her cowardly, pathetic grandson was not cringing back or hunching over as he normally would. Instead, Neville looked at the woman who was supposed to love him and raise him well and felt nothing but pure revulsion.

"Do shut up, Grandmother." He ordered coldly, making her recoil back in shock.

"What did you just say to me?" She demanded, drawing herself up to her full height in an effort to intimidate. Unfortunately, she had yet to realise she was dealing with a very different version of her grandson, so she was extremely surprised when Neville drew himself up to his full height and glared at her in repugnance.

"I told you to shut up!" Neville repeated, his own voice coming out in a snarl. "How dare you speak to me in such a way after the complete and utter betrayal you have committed on the House of Longbottom and it's Heir. How dare you stand in our ancient Halls, before the true Lord of this House and belittle me as a failure and a disgrace when you had your precious Dumbledore poison my mind with magic!" Neville's magic lashed in his anger and Augusta stepped back in fear, her skin paling rapidly and she shook her head in denial as she realised Neville knew.

"Did you honestly believe I would never discover your treachery? You illegally withheld both my rightful Heir and Lordship and you had an outside influence directly sabotage both my magic and personal growth." Neville scoffed and looked at her in disdain. "Well now it's all gone, you disgusting, malicious bitch of a woman, and you will face the consequences of your actions."

Quicker than Neville could blink, Augusta whipped out her wand and had sent an Incarcerous but Harry was there, deflecting the spell and disarming the soon to be ex-Regent and binding her to the chair.

"Now now, dearest Augusta," Harry purred, looking at her through lowered eyes with a sly smirk coming to his face, "That is no way to treat my only Godbrother."

"You! How? Dumbledore said you were utterly under control!" She screeched, twisting in her binds.

"Dumbledore thinks he knows a lot of things. He's going have an awful time realising that it not at all true." Harry informed her, "But please, Neville, do continue; I'd hate to steal your show."

"Why thank you, Harry." Neville flashed him a grin before turning back to his grandmother. "I just told you I knew of your crimes... why did you ever believe I would have come here alone. And you claim I am the fool?" Neville shook his head in disgust.

"So what do you intend to do. You cannot get away with it, Dumbledore will find out you've broken the control and will bring you both to heel once again." Augusta snarled, her face contorting in anger. Both Harry and Neville regarded her with silenced before they burst out laughing.

"Of course he's going to find out." Neville stated, once they had calmed down. "I'd imagine when we arrive at the Wizengamot tomorrow he would see that himself."

"Ha! Boy, if you think you will ever step foot into the Wizengamot chambers while there is breath in my body you are sorely mistaken." She spat and Neville looked at her through narrowed eyes, as if he was contemplating killing her on the spot. Then he smirked malevolently.

"Oh my sweet Gran." He sighed mockingly, "Many things have changed over the past few months, and while I would take a shocking amount of joy in causing you pain and then death, I think there are many other things I can do first that will make you suffer just enough until I have the time to truly enjoy killing you."

Augusta looked stunned at her grandson's easy admittance that he was eventually going to kill her before her expression twisted once again.

"You do not have the courage to do such a thing." She spat and Neville merely grinned viciously.

"I, Neville Franklin, Lord Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, remove Augusta Hillary, Dowager Lady of the Noble and Ancient House of Longbottom as Regent to our House permanently; she will never again hold the position in this House, so I say it, so I will it, so mote be it."

The magic of House Longbottom answered the call of it's rightful Lord and stripped Augusta of her regency. The elderly woman gasped in horror but Neville was far from done.

"I, Neville Franklin, Lord Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, call upon the Magic of my House to hear my plea: Augusta Hillary, Dowager Lady, has committed crimes against the House and it's rightful Lord, may she be punished for her actions so mote be it."

Once again, the magic of House Longbottom rose to answer it's Lord and the Longbottom bear swirled into existence before the two Longbottom's before giving a silence roar and pouncing on Augusta. The woman screamed as most of the Longbottom family magic was ripped from her body painfully, she fell forward in her binds panting raggedly and moaning in despair.

"Tut tut, looks like you have much to be punished for, dearest Grandmother." Neville clicked his tongue in mock disappointment.

"You won't get away with this. I won't let you." She hissed, looking up at them both. Both teens looked back at her utterly unimpressed with her threat.

"You are under the impression that you have that option." Harry pointed out, "Nev here, well, after he found out what you had been doing to him, got feeling a little vindictive. So please, do not think he is done."

"What else do you intend to do with me then, Grandson? You have already stated you will wait to kill me." She sneered.

"I am glad you asked." Neville told her. "I, Neville Franklin, Lord Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, do hereby banish Augusta Hillary to Green Fields for the remainder of her life. She is never to leave the wards of the property, she is never to have any outside communication or contact to anyone other than her rightful House Lord, and she is to obey any and all commands issued by her Lord and Head. As I say it, as I will it, so mote be it. Magia attrtitur erit nobis (Magic will ground us)."

For the final time that evening, the Longbottom House magic rose to follow its Lord's will and Augusta had just enough time to realise the futility of her situation and begin to scream in outrage and denial before she was forcefully removed from Longbottom Hall. A resounding silence echoed through the room only to be broken by the arrival of a House elf who informed the Head of House that Augusta had arrived kicking and screaming to Green Fields. Neville issues an order for the House elves to keep her living but not to answer any of her calls or clean up for her. They were to leave a meal and water three times a day and to manage the grounds as always, but they were not to interact with the shamed Dowager.

"Well, I bet that felt bloody fantastic." Harry said, once Neville flopped on to a sofa with a groan.

"Oh like you wouldn't believe." Neville agreed, "And to think I still get the joy of knowing she knows I'm going to kill her."

"Right? I thought the fact you decided to leave that hanging over her head on top of the banishment was a particularly nice touch; I'll have to mention that to Tom." Harry grinned, and Neville snorted before he sighed.

"I almost can't believe it's over." He shook his head, "It's seemed almost endless back when you first came to me and broke the spells. Which is ironic really, because it's barely been over four months."

"Ugh please don't remind me how slow yet fast everything is going." Harry grimaced before he also sighed. "I know it seemed like it back then, Hel, it still feels like it half the time now, that all of our plans stretch endlessly in front of us. It's always something new after we think we've caught a break, but at the same time we really have to think about how much we've managed to get done. And now, you've finally got rid of your Grandmother."

"Yeah, she's finally gone." Neville said pleased, "We may have nothing but an uphill battle but I'd be pleased to go out knowing we managed to get Dumbledore permanently out of the castle and my Grandmother is forever banished. Unless I make a will, something I should probably look in to doing as soon as magically possible, declaring the new Lord of Longbottom it'll fall dormant and that means she'll never be able to leave. She would need the new Lord to rescind her banishment, to which I will be putting in the stipulations of my will that the new Lord, in order to take the title, will have to swear a vow never to rescind said banishment."

Harry threw back his head and laughed.

"Good Merlin, you've been thinking about this."

"Damn straight I have. Like you haven't got a step by step plan on how you intend to make Dumbledore pay."

"It's not step by step." Harry denied, "It's merely bullet points."

Neville snorted and shot him a wry look to which Harry smirked.

"Anyway, what else did you need to get done while we're here?" Harry wondered and Neville shot him a mischievous smirk as he got to his feet.

"Pippin?" He called and a neatly dressed female elf popped in.

"What can Pippin dos for proper Lord Master?" She asked in her little squeaky voice. Neville shot her a grin; she had always been his favourite elf, which was probably why his Gran kept her away from him.

"Have the elves restore Longbottom Hall to it's correct glory, starting with the Lord's study. I wish to have the writing equipment set up ready for me please."

"Right away, sir!" She chirped happily, popping away in an instant. Neville lead the way up to the Lord's study, pointing out bits of Longbottom history and introducing Harry to a few of the portraits: Harry was very impressed by his friend's ancestral home. They came to a halt outside a set of imposing walnut double doors with a stunning carving of the Longbottom House crest of a wand crossed with a sword in front of a snarling bear maw. As soon as Neville placed his hand flat on the crest the doors clicked open allowing them entrance, he took a deep breath and walked forward into the study.

It was a large open space with the four large bay windows showing the extensive and beautiful gardens that Longbottom Hall boasted. All of the furniture, as with most of the other wood Harry had seen since he had entered the building, was made up of rich walnut. There was a large desk set between the two centre windows creating an impressive backdrop for when the Lord took his seat. Two of the walls were covered with books, while the final wall was filled with paintings and portraits, all of which were currently empty. To the left, set around the elegant yet rustic stone fireplace, was a comfortable looking brown leather sofa with two matching chairs and a low set walnut and glass coffee table. The floor was wooden, but there were two large golden rugs that covered most of the ground and paired well with the forest green walls. Neville went straight to the desk and took a seat, picking up the waiting eagle feather quill and fresh sheet of parchment.

"It occurred to me that while I may not agree with many of the things my Grandmother did with my House, she did gain us allies even if I doubt those allies will be too amendable with the new direction of House Longbottom." Neville said to Harry as he moved on to his next sheet of parchment.

"Yeaaaaah..." Harry dragged out the word, looking at Neville and question.

"Well, it is the duty of the Head of House to notify any and all allies of any changes within their House that will affect the allegiance. If I do so now to be sent out first thing, well, my duties are met."

Harry's eyes widened as he suddenly got it and he had to laugh at Neville's deviousness.

"Oh they are going to be in such a flurry tomorrow morning when Augusta doesn't arrive for the meeting but you do."

"Such a shame they won't know to be able to request a meeting before the Wizengamot." Neville hummed, sharing a look of mock sympathy with Harry before they chuckled. Neville called his elf once again and asked for the letters to be sent out just in time to just miss morning delivery. The pair shared one more grin before heading down to entrance hall, where Harry waited for Neville to reset the ward scheme entirely and revert it back to only granted entrance allowed by the Lord. Harry took them directly back to his rooms in the school where all their friends were still there waiting for them.

In the time that they had been gone, they had set up what looked to be a mini party and, by the utter garishness of it and the phrasing, the twins with the help of Hermione had created a sign proclaiming "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead!" The rest of their group took one look at Neville and Harry's pleased grins and burst in to cheers and the twin set of a firework. Neville couldn't help but laugh and accept the drink thrust on him by Ron.

"To freedom!" He declared wildly.

"Freedom!"

---

He would later deny all knowledge of his actions, but Harry was bouncing around his room like a crazy person. The Wizengamot meeting was in an hour and he couldn't wait, he was only partly dressed in pressed black trousers and a black shirt as Luna was the one selecting his robes for the day. Tom was watching him with exasperated fondness as he couldn't seem to still himself.

"I suppose it is pointless to ask you to calm down?"

"Of course it is." Harry responded instantly, nimbly leaping over the coffee table in as he continued to bound around.

"You are making me dizzy." Tom stated and Harry snorted.

"Try again." The teen laughed, "Besides, you're just mad you can't go."

"That is not true." Tom denied, making Harry laugh again. The teen twirled over to the Dark Lord and dropped himself on the man's lap sideways so he could press a kiss to his cheek.

"Please! We both know the only reason Dumbledore didn't catch you out here was because of the castle protecting her Heir – and yes, I finally worked out how you got away with that." Harry shot the man a pointed look, "You step foot into the Ministry while Dumbledore is there and he'll sense you, which you know and are pissed about."

"The man must have something on him specifically keyed into my signature." The Dark Lord swore, "It's uncanny."

"Well, with what we discovered at your Hel hole then it's very possible."

Tom hissed and glared out of the window even as his arm tightened from where he had wrapped it around Harry's waist.

"Do not remind me." He snapped and Harry nuzzled his neck and pressed another kiss to his cheek in apology, Tom sighed and relaxed. "You are correct however."

"Well it's something to look into if it becomes too much of a problem." Harry suggested, "Right now, I think we have enough to do and he's out of the castle now anyway."

"Honestly, if I am around Dumbledore now that he is no longer in the castle then I more than likely want him to know I am there anyway." Tom pointed out and Harry snorted.

"Yeah, probably." He shook his head and grinned at Tom. "I can't wait for Dumbledore's reaction."

Tom smirked.

"It is set to be something highly amusing," He agreed.

"We expect there to be a vote on Fudge's positions today with the information we've got," Harry told him, "I have a plan of course, no matter what happens."

"If it comes to vote, you know you have Proxy over my seats." Tom said and Harry smirked.

"Oh the look on Dumbledore's face will be absolutely priceless." Harry murmured in glee and Tom gave him a swift kiss.

"I adore you causing issues for Dumbledore."

"I've gotten pretty good at it, don't you think?

"Undoubtedly." Tom agreed, but before he could speak again there was a loud thumping on the portrait and the sound of it swinging open.

"LET'S GET THIS SHIT SHOW ON THE ROAD!" Ron's voice echoed through Tom's quarters and Harry threw back his head all but cackling at Tom's look of utter disbelief. The dark-haired teen jumped up and met his friends as they came round the corner, his wide, malicious grin matched on all of their faces. Ron swept into the room in deep blue full robes with the seams stitched in startling white creating a beautiful contrast, he's paired them with a golden engraved belt and his red hair swept neatly back. Hermione was on his heels in a rich purple robe with soft red embellishments curling around the cuffs of her sleeves and the hem if the robe; it was finished with a delicate woven white belt that had beaded tassels hanging where it came together at her navel. Neville was escorting Luna on his arm dressed in rich chocolate robes with green leaves curling at the hem, he, too, was sporting a golden belt but his held a deep green clasp at the centre.

"Well look at you lot all fancy in your Wizengamot robes." Harry greeted, chuckling at Hermione's look of distaste.

"Don't remind me that the Wizengamot demands a full traditional robe. Even our uniforms are an open front robe now." She groused.

"Be thankful they took out the layers." Neville told her. Hermione replied with a wordless groan which got a laugh from the boys.

"Good morning dearest sister." Harry chimed as Luna gave him a hug.

"Harry, I've decided on these robes, this way it shows your two linking colours." Luna informed him, unshrinking a clothing bag from her pocket. She pulled out black robes with a gold trim and elegant golden detailing to finish the look.

"I didn't know I had those." Harry said looking at them in interest, they were quite nice.

"I had them commissioned because Potter and Gryffindor hold gold and Black and Peverell hold black, this seemed the best option because I don't believe all gold would look right." She explained handing him golden emerald cufflinks with the gem surrounded by tiny rubies which were big enough to show the colour, but small enough for it to be classy and elegant.

"Thanks," He shook his head and put on the cufflinks, another edition he didn't know he had.

"I also have these for you guys." Luna said to the others. She handed a ruby hair piece to Hermione to slide in underneath her neat bun at the crown of her head. She passed a set of diamond cufflinks to Ron and a different emerald set to Neville and nodded once they had added her choices.

"I have never seen those before." Paws said and Harry smirked.

"She had them commissioned apparently," Harry told them, they rolled their eyes. Luna shooed Harry to get changed and given that he had only had to put the robe on he didn't bother to leave the room. He then allowed her to fuss over him and make sure nothing was out of place, she then nodded once more deeming him acceptable.

"These robes look good." Harry said admiring his reflection in the mirror Luna conjured for him, they complemented his look well and the gold wasn't too overbearing.

"You look good." Hermione complimented and Harry smiled in thanks.

"I'll go and check in with Tom before we leave." He told them and the group nodded before a drawling voice interrupted them, causing them to jump rather violently.

"I have not yet left the room."

Harry span around to find a highly amused Tom sat on the sofa as he clutched his chest.

"You nearly gave us a damn heart attack!" He exclaimed, waving towards his friends for emphasis when he heard Ron and Neville mutter an empathetic "Here, here." Tom barked out a laugh and shook his head in utter disbelief.

"I think this is the first time in my life that someone has failed to notice my presence." He mused wonderingly, "Though, what your excuse is I do not know. I have not left the room since your dear friend so politely announced his arrival."

"Yeah well I'm excited! We all are." Harry defended. "Besides, you're not doing anything Dark Lord-y."

"Dark Lord-y." Tom repeated flatly.

"You know what I mean." Harry brushed off and Tom fought not to roll his eyes.

"I often find myself wondering."

"Hey!"

"You know what I mean."

"You are the absolute worst, Tom." Harry stated unimpressed, only to get a smirk in return as the man rose to his feet.

"Dark Lord." He said gleefully and Harry turned away in disgust.

"Oh, suck it."

Tom snagged him by the waist to pull Harry back against his chest, he brushed a light kiss against his teen's neck even as his smirk grew.

"Later darling. You have work to do."

Predictably that made Harry spin round and whack his arm in outrage, but Tom could feel the amusement creeping through which is exactly what he was aiming for.

"You really are the worst." Harry assured him even as an unwilling smile finally broke through.

"Thank you."

"Now," Harry turned back to his friends, who were looking highly amused at their by-play so Harry stuck his tongue out at them like the mature adult he was. "Anything to cover before we leave?"

"No, we've triple checked everything." Neville assured, and then he grinned. "Plus, now that my dearest grandmother is dealt with, I've got everything in order."

"I did enjoy her expression when you issued her punishment." Tom commented thoughtfully, nodding in approval towards a bewildered Neville.

"…Thanks."

"The twins, Draco and Blaise?"

"Already in position." Hermione confirmed.

"Brilliant. We are good to go." Harry clapped his hands before looking at Tom with a smirk.

"I'll come straight back with news."

"Go have fun." He said and Harry grinned; leaning up to kiss Tom sweetly.

"You know me."

He stepped away and corrected his robes; they all cast disillusions at the same time successfully disappearing and left the room. Tom and Luna exchanged raised eyebrows before going in opposite directions to go about their day as the castle ears. Harry led them to the Gryffindor rooms so they could floo away, before they left they switched their Disillusions for glamours and headed for the Ministry. The four of them headed to the check-in desk to register their wand, as they were making public appearances they could not afford to be caught bypassing Ministry protocol.

The glamours were more of a secondary precaution for them, they had left it as late as possible before leaving so they would miss the main mass of Lords and Ladies entering the ministry on this day. However, they couldn't be certain who knew them as their real selves instead of what Dumbledore wanted them to be so Hermione had insisted on glamours to make them generic and forgettable until they entered the Wizengamot entry chamber. Harry used his magic to get them a single elevator to themselves, and as Hermione instructed that they kept the charms up until they were safely in the initiation room and then Harry flashed them a smirk as he took in the only other occupant in the room.

"Theodore, it is so good to see you." Harry greeted, walking over to shake hands with the senior Nott.

"Ah, I was wondering when you would arrive. Thank you, Harry, you are looking well."

"Yes, we wished to miss the crowd." Harry replied, and then he indicated his friends. "Allow me to introduce you to the Lords Prewett and Longbottom, and, of course, the lovely Lady McKinnon."

"It's an honour to meet you all." Theodore told them honestly, shaking hands and kissing Hermione's. "I've heard nothing but good things since your reappearance."

"Anyone who can get Him to speak so highly of them must be an impressive individual." Hermione said with a slight smile and Theodore huffed a small laugh.

"I'd have to return the thought, my Lady. Your Runic knowledge has been mentioned."

A brief flicker of surprise crossed Hermione's face before it melted into a less public smile.

"Thank you."

"This session is going to be one for the history books." Theodore stated and the group gave him wide smirks.

"If we have any say in it." Ron agreed.

"Why do I feel that you have much more up your sleeve than revealed." Theodore wondered with a smirk of his own.

"Because Tom spreads nothing but lies about me." Harry joked. Theodore shot him an amused look.

"Somehow, I doubt that a great deal."

"I am wounded." Harry gasped, clasping his hands over his heart dramatically before grinning. "You are going to be pleased to be back in the Wizengamot today, that is all I will say."

"Magic help us all." Theodore muttered, making Harry snort.

"I've been waiting for this day for a very long time," He said and his friends grinned.

"Today is set to be amazing," Swift agreed.

"So we will do it in this order, Swift, Paws, Badger and I will close up." Harry told them and they nodded.

"Got it,"

"I can't wait to see Dumbledore's face, I almost want to cackle." Neville sighed.

"It is advised if you didn't," Paws said much to their amusement. They all heard the great gong sounding out announcing the beginning of the session and Harry wanted to bounce again. No sound came from the actual Wizengamot session, but they knew it had begun. Suddenly the door leading in shone white and opened, they all straightened their robes and fell easily into their blank masks. It was like the Yule balls all over again but this time the significance of their entrance had much greater consequences.

"Ready?" Ron asked, shifting on his feet in a show of nerves.

"Here goes nothing."

---

In the UK, before the Wizengamot and the Ministry was enacted, the magical world was governed by a High Council of Wizards, in which the oldest and most influential Heads of Families would gather together in an effort to create some semblance of order of the magical population. It was a much different time back then, the Statute of Secrecy hadn't even been thought about and those of magical origins lived freely with their non-magical counterparts. With the creation of Hogwarts, the wizarding population was developing more rapidly than ever before; the Council guided the populace through it. Its achievements were so noted that it wasn't long before Magic herself started recognizing their efforts and upon the first instillation of the Ministry of Magic and subsequent development into the official Wizengamot, the magic of the Council settled into the very stone of the Wizengamot chambers.

The oldest, wealthiest and most influential people/families gained the presiding seats of the Council through the magic of the Chambers: The Imperial and Most Ancient Houses of Emrys, Le-Fey, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Known as the Great Houses, not only did they create the key centre point of all magic in the United Kingdom and enabled magic to prosper in a way never seen before in most of magical society, but their decedents continued to be marked pillars of society. Directly below the Imperial Houses sat those who had provided, protected and fought for the growth of magic, those who came from lines that had performed distinguished acts in the name of magic and continued to do so: The Esteemed and Most Ancient, most distinguished by those such as Ollivander, Marchbanks and Peverell.

The Founding 24 came together in answer to magic's call, each with rich ancestry, wealth and distinguishable magics creating the Noble and Most Ancient Houses. During the Development of the Wizengamot over the years, its magics expanded and brought forth the Ancient House, the Noble Houses and, the seats granted to those of the Ministry itself. However, where once it once grew, over time empty spaces within its distinguished hall became more common; Houses died off leaving spare seats, Houses lost their seats due to crimes against Magic or feuds with other Houses, or fell dormant as inheritance and history was lost. Throughout the course of the Wizengamot history, the hallowed halls had seen the magical community of the UK through wars, invasions, growth and change and yet never before had the halls been filled with more tension.

The foundations of their political world had been violently shaken over the past few months and it had been building and building until the opening session of the year was the only thing worthy of attention. Which is what made it unsurprising that it was a muted excitement that filled the ancient chamber of the Wizengamot. Lords and Ladies of all ages, from all over the country, gathered within the room waiting for their remaining fellows to arrive, and, while recognised with titles, it didn't stop even the best of them listening to the gossip that floated around the prestigious place. And by Merlin was it flowing. The Yule Season had only just past and each marked section was on tenterhooks for the session to begin; the whispers and stirrings about changes in power and shifts in allegiances ran rampant through the hall and each member wanted to know exactly how it was going to affect them. It was easy to define which Houses belonged to which section however. The Light section were gathered in small circles muttering to each other shooting suspicious looks towards the Dark Inclined before ducking their heads together once again. Dumbledore's removal of Headmaster then his continued absence over the Yule Season had their wands in a knot and seemed content to blame anyone but Dumbledore for the situation. Not only that, but the upper crust of the Light sections seemed to be particularly anxious about something.

The Dark Faction, while equally as tense, held themselves to more rigid standards and refused to allow their anxieties to be displayed whatsoever. They were cool and collected, poised in wait for the beginning of the session that should, if the Yule Season was to believed, change the course of the Wizengamot itself. Those in the Neutral Faction were a mix of both; there were some flittering about trying to gain any and all final insights of the upcoming session, while there were others who were stood resembling marble statues merely observing the room. Exacerbating the tension within the chambers was the actions of certain Lords, deviating from their norm at a time where people were grasping at familiarity.

Lord Hadrian Greengrass was drawing much attention to himself. The man had stalked into the chambers with determination and purpose; an already respected man who held lead in the Neutral Faction, his recent appointment as Undersecretary to the Minister had only gained him more accolades from his absolution in correcting the mistakes of the previous position holders. At his right, Lord Davis was no surprise, the long-held allies could always be counted to go together, but it was the final Lord that drew the most attention, and how could he not? Lord Lucius Malfoy was the complete counter to his two fellows and the one that held the most visible power; all wielded with an iron fist for the Dark Faction. White blond hair shone vividly, glowing softly with a light of its own, and it fell, perfectly straight, to sit bellow the Malfoy Lord's collar. His features sharper and clearer than many, and skin so pale that it was almost inhuman. Despite these noticeable features, it was always the eyes that caught people's attention. Completely unique to those of Malfoy birth, Lord Malfoy's eyes were a burnished mercury, completely uniform in colour and more piercing than a hawk. He wore robes, of the highest quality, made up of silver and black, highlighting his best features perfectly, and his famous black, snake headed cane resting in his right hand. His own Lordship ring present, on the very hand that held the cane, on a platinum band, with winged dragons and serpents twisting around the scripted letter M.

And while that should have been enough to gain Lucius Malfoy excessive attention, it was his deep conversation with the staunchly and highly outspoken Neutral Lord Greengrass. The absences of certain members was louder than the speculation flying around: the Dark sect eagerly waiting to see the actions taken after Lord Nott's disgraceful behaviour at the Malfoy ball, rumours of his disgraced status had spread throughout the rest body with ease even with the Act of Silence: the Light sect infamous Augusta Longbottom also not present, which explained why the others of her crowd looked so rattled; tardy, Augusta was not. The esteemed body began taking their seats as the room continued to fill. Directly in front of the Chief Warlock's podium and the Ministerial Seats was the Neutral Faction, with the Nobles sitting lowest and ascending in status with Greengrass sitting almost top centre amongst the other Noble and Most Ancients. The three active Esteemed houses were the only ones sat above him; Lords Gamp and Ollivander, the wandmaker's brother, and the Lady Marchbanks.

To the left curving round to meet the Neutral Faction were the Light Aligned and mirrored to the right were the Dark seats. Scattered amongst the House seats were gaps indicating the death of a House, and the dulled seats showing that House's dormancy. Far above the House seating, residing at the highest points of the room between the great stone pillars were the spectator stands which were open and filled with the press and public for the opening session of the year. As the final few Lords and Ladies trickled in so did Minister Fudge, who kept his head down and headed to his seat without stopping to speak with anyone at all; a notable change in behaviour for the notoriously pandering man.

The excitement within the air had grown over the time they had been waiting there, and just as it was becoming too much, the Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore, entered the chambers. It didn't matter how he was perceived by any section, Dumbledore still had the ability to call all attention to himself without uttering a word. He commanded attention be it adoration or hatred and he wielded that power like it was a first-year charm; he was a dangerous opponent to have. He himself was the cause and topic for many rumours and conversations saturating the chambers and he bore it all with a grace he had perfected over the years. A feat, given the sheer battering his public image had taken the last couple of months. He was a figure of respect, and often awe, for some people, his defeat of Grindelwald and stance against Voldemort creating much of his hype, and his powerful magic another. Others looked at him with calculation, unsure if he was really as benign as he presented, or if it was a carefully crafted mask to be presented to the world. The final set of people barely masked their disdain for the aged headmaster, those were the people who saw right through his apparent good and greatness and looked at the true monster underneath. A monster that was slowly becoming unmasked due Rita's poisonous quill and her vindictive sources.

While the members of the Wizengamot may have been able to contain themselves at Dumbledore's arrival, the rabid public did not. There was a notable rise in sound coming from the gallery. Dumbledore was dressed in rich, deep blue robes, his famous long white beard falling down the front with his equally long white hair doing the same at the back flowing gently as he calmly strode further into the chamber. He had steeled himself for this session, knowing it was going to be a difficult one for him. Albus knew he had amassed a large following of people that would listen to his word as if it was gospel, he had cultivated it over years of dedicated manipulation, manoeuvring and murder. Hogwarts, in particular, had been his most prized jewel. All those young minds to shape and nudge in the right direction, it was so easy to get eleven year olds to look up to you. Even easier if you had six older years reinforcing the message, and then they leave and have families of their own, passing down stories of the Great Albus Dumbledore. Yet, in mere months, his name was smeared to a degree he hadn't reached ever before (and given the ministry was severely campaigning against him and his prized pawn last year, that was truly saying something) and he had lost Hogwarts.

Never had he been so utterly furious but unable to act lest he do more damage that he could not afford. Skeeter had vanished off the face of the earth and there was absolutely no trace of where she was getting her information. What terrified Albus the most was the accuracy of her articles. While he had been covering himself by using Rita's thankfully well-known history at using fact and fiction as interchangeable items, thanks to Fudge's idiocy the final nail in his Hogwarts tenure came with the reveal of the blood quills. Of course, he had known Umbridge was using such items in his school, but her attacks on his pawn were just perfect to drive him down and make him more untrustworthy. Plus, the quill made the brat's magic unstable enough for himself weave more spells around him, leading to finally ridding himself with his Black issue once and for all. Now, however, it had backfired rather spectacularly and there would be further reaching consequences to losing the Headmaster's spot at Hogwarts than just his breeding ground for future followers. The wards had plenty of openings for him to make alterations, and many of his key pawns and plans needed that castle.

The uncertain ground Dumbledore found himself on left him greatly uneasy leaving them so unattended, however, he was as certain as ever in his magic and his abilities. All of his issues were locked firmly under enough magic to make them barely functioning. For now, he had to use all of his considerable ability to navigate the opening Wizengamot session of the year and already Dumbledore was feeling his Yuletime absence. All of his work over the years would be wasted if he didn't make sure Riddle was dead and gone forever, and the mad Black elf had handed him such a perfect opening in its insane ramblings. Truly, manipulating the Black Heir away from his family was one of his better plans. Now he had Riddle's prized locket in his possession with the crazed Dark Lord none-the-wiser. Better yet, he had been able to meet with some other contacts outside of the UK, which had been a huge aid in regrouping, which had been worth sacrificing a Yuletide nursing the British aristocracy; his followers or not.

At his return to Britain, he had been inundated with messages, and while he had yet to manage to get through them all, he had received correspondence from his loyal spy that Potter had reacted wonderfully to his latest layer of spells, and young Ginevra now had a promise from the boy. Soon she would be pregnant and Potter would marry her; then he could push through on his plans for his little sacrificial lamb. It settled his mind greatly to know that even with his absence, things were still moving accordingly. This latest setback wouldn't stop him achieving his goals. He had started observing the room the moment he stepped foot in it which is why he did not fail to recognise the amount of tension in the room. Cornelius was slumped and subdued. While Dumbledore's reputation had taken a beating, the Minister's was shattered. Already taking a weighty hit after the revelation that Voldemort had indeed returned, the Minister then suffered from his vicious denial of such a thing and that the Dark Lord had walked in the Ministry itself with his Death Eaters. The Public was already after his head and with the Blood Quill nightmare, it was a wonder the Fudge hadn't just upped and resigned.

Dumbledore didn't see any more use of the pudgy man and would be glad to cast him aside for a better option. Months ago, Albus had been laying the foundations of who he wanted as the next Minister and he had no doubt that it would come into fruition. He started to circle the room, checking in with those he had missed during the Yuletide and finding himself pleased that the Light sect saw no fault of his own for the Blood Quill debacle. Albus made sure he sounded the correct amount of disappointed and disgusted that something like that could be allowed and dropped little hints here and there pointing out to his followers at what happened when he wasn't the one in power. It was easy to highlight the Ministry's campaign of him last year as a reminder. Albus passed by those in the Neutral sect that he still had an ear with, picking up the underlying message that something had happened in the Dark that resulted in the Nott Lord's absence. He was eager to speak with Augusta, she was a key figure in his plans and her mindless devotion to her long incapacitated son was endlessly useful to him. She had yet to arrive and as he went to make his was over to her usual crowd, who were looking particularly nervous about something he yet did not know, he was stopped by someone that froze him to the bone.

"Amelia!" He exclaimed, a jovial expression coming to his face even if he was feeling anything but. He numerous reports on her death months ago, and he had heard hide nor hair of her return to duty or her survival. He had been hoping to scope out the new Bones proxy to see if they could be swayed while he finalised his plans for the Bones Heiress, intending to use the loss of her entire family by Dark hands as a motivation to shift the staunchly Neutral House to him and the Light. This stopped all those budding ideas in the tracks. Amelia Bones had never been his biggest fan and she was utterly immovable in her neutrality. The only reason she didn't have retaining Head over the Neutral section was because of her placement as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. With the recent revelations regarding his past and now the Blood Quills, that her most precious niece had been a victim, there was no doubt that her opinion of him had sunk. There was no way Bones hadn't taught her niece about things like Blood Quills and that Susan had not informed her Aunt before the paper release would had rang warning bells in the notoriously brilliant witch. And as Albus looked at her expression as she regarded him, she blamed him just as much as Fudge and Umbridge.

"Good morning, Albus." The curt, almost chilly tone of voice matched her expression and Dumbledore braced himself. He could not afford to have Bones on the attack right now and the fact that he had not heard a word of her at all made him a bit more cautious as to what else he had missed.

"I am glad to see you well, Amelia. I had, of course, heard of your leaving the DMLE." Albus said gravely.

"Yes, such fortune shines on me. I grew well, well enough to find out that Blood Quills were used to torture my niece and countless others. Not to mention young Mr Potter's dangerous exposure."

"I am equally as outraged that this had been allowed to-,"

"Do not even think for a second that I don't know you knew of this." Amelia hissed, her usually civility only barely remaining due to the setting. "My Susan would have never allowed something like this to happen unless she was compelled not to inform me."

"My dear girl I hope you are not accusing me of casting compulsion charms on your niece." Dumbledore chided, looking at her in disappointment, to which Bones merely scoffed.

"Oh I know you haven't, but you would have known the moment a member of staff did such a thing."

"There was no such happenings, I can assure you, Amelia. I would never have allowed it." Dumbledore stated. Only half of that was actually a lie. Umbridge hadn't been casting the compulsion charms on the students, she had been casting it on parchment she was making them write on. It was a rather ingenious was to get around the protections of the castle.

"Your time is numbered, Dumbledore." Amelia warned, "Your lax approach to the laws and how they should be upheld is all coming out and I'm sure I'm not the only one who cannot wait to see what else will pop up."

With that she spun on her heal and stalked over to the Neutral section and moved towards her seat. Dumbledore withheld a frown as she went, that could be either an ominous threat or merely an observation, but he wasn't willing to brush it off right now. Albus bit back a curse when the gong signalling the start of the session rang out and he was forced to head to his seat without speaking to the Lords MacMillan or Diggory which meant he didn't know what had them so visibly anxious. Not only that, Augusta had not arrived, and he had no explanation nor could he guess the reason. Unfortunately, there was simply no time for him to puzzle upon her lack of appearance as he took his seat and waited for the final few to sit down before beginning his duties.

"Wizengamot session 3480 called to order." Dumbledore made sure to cast his voice around the chambers without raising it. "I'd like to welcome the esteemed Lords and Ladies, Ministry workers and of course our public guests to the opening Wizengamot session of the year 1997."

The greeting was enough for silence to finally fall throughout the chambers and Dumbledore nodded with the benign smile as he went through the scribe listings, the auror guards and the Unspeakables on hand before focusing on the agenda for the day.

"First call of order: Lords and Ladies let us seek to know if there are any who wish to declare their membership in our hallowed halls. Let us bring forth the Magic of the Wizengamot to evaluate their claim."

There was a sweeping feeling as the magic of the chambers rushed through the halls before there was a pulse of ancient magic and an old stone plinth materialised in the centre of the room indicating there were those seeking entrance: The Domus enim saguis plinthum proiecturam. Upon the plinth was an equally ancient blade resting to the right and a fist sized crystal set in the centre of the stone. Muttered and hissed conversations erupted from the viewing stands as the Lords and Ladies collectively sat up in their seats in anticipation for what was about to come. Dumbledore found him self tensing as he stared at the plinth in consternation; this was very unexpected. He tracked all the Houses of the Wizengamot very carefully, he didn't know who to expect to step through the doors which was never good but now he was already behind; he didn't need this now. Albus took a deep breath in preparation, he was Albus Dumbledore, he could plan around these uncertainties and make sure he came out on top; he had spent too long working things into his own favour to fail now. Dumbledore had been so involved in his own thoughts and actions and so used to having eyes on him that he paid no mind to a set of icy blue eyes observing his every move.

---

Up in the public galley there was a section dedicated to the Ladies and Consorts to the members of the Wizengamot and sat front and centre of the galley was the Lady Malfoy herself. The tension of the entire room was thick enough to taste. Watching the Heads of Houses and their Proxys trying to contain themselves as they waited for everyone to arrive was somewhat amusing, and it was easy to see those who were nervous and those who were excited. The Dark Sect seemed to be collectively smug and Narcissa found herself thankful the Act had been called this year. It would be released this evening after the Special Edition of the Evening Prophet had been sent out. Not that she could exactly blame the Dark members, she herself was greatly anticipating the sudden and drastic power shift that was about to happen however she would never let it show in such a setting.

She was here to observe Dumbledore first and foremost, but also the rest of the chambers. Out of the current members of the Wizengamot, only Dumbledore and Lucius knew the true power Harry Potter-Black wielded, and only Lucius knew to expect it coming. Narcissa couldn't wait to see the reactions to his entrance especially. She was as poised and elegant as ever as she made polite conversation to the other Ladies she was associated with, each of the eagerly waiting for proceedings to begin; but her eyes followed Dumbledore with a predator's gaze. It also helped that she learned the art of lip reading from her mother's knee from the tender age of three. She had never liked Dumbledore, not only had she been born into the House of Black, but she had seen and experienced his manipulations. He was ruining their world, damning whole branches of magic and controlling the masses in his quest for power. But it wasn't only the Dark that he targeted; it was anyone who didn't follow his every whim.

Narcissa had thought she knew this about the man, she thought she understood what he would sink to, but of course, as with everything Harry did, he broke her expectations. Dumbledore's twisted games had suddenly become a great deal more personal and given how fond she had grown of Harry, and by extension his friends, she couldn't help but feel a vicious sense of delight at Dumbledore's crumbling empire. And today would be a punishing blow he would not be able to recover from. She had employed a little charm that was a Black secret that allowed her eyes to zoom in and out like you could with omnioculars, and she had been analysing Dumbledore's actions. The man appeared perfectly collected, seemingly unknowing of the true damage his absence at Yule had caused to his plans, until he was intercepted by the Lady Bones. Narcissa admired the woman's ability to shake Dumbledore even if it was only a brief flicker of surprise at her appearance. His own sources had not informed him of her survival it seemed, and her small confrontation had delayed the old fool enough for him to be unable to question the Dowager Lady Longbottom's absence from her associates. It made her want the smirk openly to be assured that the plans she had seen Harry and her son slave over had not been for naught, and it was much harder than normal to contain it.

Dumbledore brought the session to order and began the opening statements before finally calling for any who sought entrance to the chamber. His expression when the Wizengamot magic activated and the Domus enim saguis plinthum proiecturam appeared was the first bite of the sweetest cream; it appeared that truly no word had gotten to him at all. The magic rose once more and gave a flash of white light and when it cleared Theodore Nott Senior walked straight backed and stern towards the central plinth. His appearance was of no surprise to the Dark or the more Dark/Neutral Houses, but his reappearance caused a stir with the remaining members as they wondered what could have possibly bring him back. He had stepped down abruptly sixteen years ago after the dual loss of his wife and Heir, and Izar Nott had picked up the mantel rather well overall; his latest decisions notwithstanding. Theodore Nott had been a very powerful player during his time and by the tightening of Dumbledore's eyes, he clearly remembered that particular fact, too. Nott swiftly picked up the ornate dagger and cleanly made a neat slice to the edge of his palm allowing blood to drip on to the crystal and spoke in the clear, strong voice.

"Magic of the Wizengamot, hear my command, I, Theodore Alexander, by rite of magic and by rite of blood; as Lord Head, do reclaim the seat of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Nott."

The room seemed to pause before magic swirled around the Nott Lord as his claim was evaluated and by the cry of the Nott family hawk as it appeared with the House crest it was accepted by the Wizengamot magic.

"My command has been answered; my claim has been heard; so is witnessed so mote be it." Lord Nott called, "Suscipe verba Obscurum."

At his word the Nott crest flared to life on an empty seat of the upper tier of the Noble and Most Ancient Houses situated in the Dark sect. Theodore bowed his head to the Wizengamot and made his way to his seat, and Narcissa couldn't help but note Dumbledore seemed almost relieved as Nott took his seat. Something that was short lived as he opened his mouth to move along the session when magic grew once more and flashed white. This time Dumbledore's expression visibly showed his shock as the tall, red-headed teen walked into the chambers, jaw dropping slightly before snapped shut and clenched. The Prewett crest blazing across the teen's chest even if that still didn't identify him to some.

"Magic of the Wizengamot, hear my command, I, Ronald Billius, by rite of magic and by rite of blood; as Lord Head, do claim the seat of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Prewett." His voice didn't waver and once again the magic rose to accept his claim with a flash of the Prewett jackal, and with a proud tilt of his jaw continued the rite. "My command had be answered; my claim has been heard; so is witnessed so mote be it: Suscipe verba Obscurum."

Dumbledore seemed to recoil a bit at Ron's declaration towards the Dark, fist clenching slightly as he felt his carefully crafted plans slowly begin to unravel.

The old man felt has if his heart was barely beating as the teen who should have no idea of this Lordship confidently strode to his Dark placed Lordship seat. And as the Prewett crest flared to life next to Lord Nott, there were outraged cries from the Light and Light/Neutral section as the staunchly Light/Neutral House shifted its allegiance so vastly. While those more free within the Dark goaded them in return for their section's gain. Before the heckling could gain too much momentum, there was a flash of white and a misleadingly delicate Lady walked to the plinth to slice her palm. Dumbledore's skin lost a bit more colour as he took in the Lady's crest, his entire posture wound tighter than a spring as she firmly declared:

"Magic of the Wizengamot, hear my command, I, Hermione Jean, by rite of magic and by rite of blood; as Lady Head, do claim the seat of the Noble and Most Ancient House of McKinnon."

As she was accepted and too went to the Dark, shifting yet another Light seat over to the opposition, the volume of the Wizengamot rose instantly. Dumbledore was frozen in horror as Lady McKinnon took her seat that he allowed the arguing that had erupted within both the chambers and the gallery, the implications of those two arriving now, when he had been assured that his crafted pawns were set in their correct places.

"Chief Warlock, sir! The Chief Warlock's assistant's hissed voice right next to his ear shocked the old man out of his stupor and he immediately shot a loud BANG from the tip of his wand.

"You are Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot; control yourselves!"

The tone of his voice came out harsher than he intended but things were spiralling faster than he could comprehend, let alone fix. Yet again, there was a flare in magic and a flash of white light and this time Dumbledore felt like was choking as he visibly saw the reason for Augusta's absence stride into the chamber with a calm confidence his father Frank couldn't hope to match.

"Mr Longbottom, there must be a mistake, I spoke with your Grandmother recently, you are not meant to be here." Dumbledore called out before the boy could slice his palm, and found himself struck by the glare he received. The Wizengamot murmured collectively at his interruption, but Dumbledore couldn't afford to lose any more ground. He didn't know what was going on but it was very clear that he had missed a great deal more than he realised.

"My Grandmother," Neville spat out the familial tone with poison, "Has been banished for crimes against the House Longbottom and it's Heir. I find it very interesting, Chief Warlock, that you are so interested in House Longbottom business; please remember your place within these chambers."

The entire room was plunged into utter silence at the young Lord's swift and cutting reply to the aged Chief Warlock, and Dumbledore appeared equally speechless. Neville used the distraction to make his declaration and gain acceptance.

"My command had be answered; my claim has been heard; so is witnessed so mote be it: Cras et susceperis uerba."

The roar of outrage from the Light as the Longbottom Lord sat proudly Neutral was particularly loud after the silence and it took ten minutes to settle the enraged Light section, their cries of betrayal echoing off the walls eagerly hyped up by the excited viewing gallery. The press was having an absolute field day as their quills flew across parchment, none of them missing the little nugget the Longbottom Lord had revealed about the former Dowager Lady. And just when the crowd finally settled, believing them to be able to begin the session, the magic flashed white once more. The figure that entered seemed to glide in, every fibre of his being seemed to belong as he moved towards the plinth, one hand moving up to brush dark hair away from a distinctive lightning bolt scar that had the entire room bursting into chatter. But nothing was quite as exquisite as Dumbledore's audible and enraged "NO!" that ripped through the room quieting the crowd. Harry looked up at the old man, who had risen to feet to glare down at him.

"Harry, what do you think you are doing?" He demanded furiously, no sign of his usual grandfather visage and Harry felt a slow smirk curl on to his lips.

"Did you really believe this would never happen?" The Potter-Black Lord couldn't help but taunt. "Reap what you sow, old man."

Before Dumbledore could respond, Harry had snatched up the dagger and sliced his palm to bleed on the crystal.

"Magic of the Wizengamot, hear my command, I, Harry James, by rite of magic and by rite of blood; as Lord Head, do claim the seat of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter." Magic swarmed the room and the Potter Griffin appeared, crying out activating the Potter crest.

"The seat of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black."

The Magic grows thicker as the Black's raven screeches activating the House crest and Harry pauses before smirking up at Dumbledore and the rest of the Wizengamot.

"The seat of the Esteemed and Most Ancient House of Peverell."

Gasps rang out and shouts of disbelief soon followed but they were silenced as the Wizengamot recognised his claim and the Peverell thestral's hooves bounced around the halls and the crest flared to life.

"The seat of the Imperial and Most Ancient House of Gryffindor."

There was a collective howl of denial from majority of the Wizengamot and the public gallery and Harry just stood in the face of it, not breaking eye contacted with an ashen Dumbledore, whose baby blue eyes were promising murder. The famed Gryffindor lion roared as the magic once again accepted his claim and his fourth crest settled eerily above his head as the members created Hel at the vast power he now held. But Harry wasn't done. His smug grin abruptly twisted into something much more vicious and he pulled back his shoulders and raised his head to meet Dumbledore face on.

"By the permission granted by its Lord Head, I claim, in absentee, Proxy Head and the seat of the Imperial and Most Ancient House of Slytherin."

The sudden silence in the chambers was deafening making the Slytherin serpent's hiss sound all the more ominous, however, Harry didn't pay the slightest bit of attention to anything else other than Dumbledore. Dumbledore, who reared back as if he had been struck, eyes blown wide as he shook his head in utter horror. And Harry felt a core deep pleasure as Dumbledore realised that all of his carefully laid plans hadn't just been moved off course but utterly shattered.

"My command had been answered; my claim has been heard; so is witnessed so mote be it: Suscipe verba Obscurum."

His family crests flashed to the very highest tier of the Dark section and settled into a seat that held more elegance than any other and Harry made his way gleefully, all the while keeping his eyes on Dumbledore's horrified visage watching as the old man tried to recover. The silence seemed to stretch before Dumbledore seemed to snap.

"What have you done you foolish brat?"

"Come now, Headmaster – oh, do excuse me, that's not a title belonging to you now, is it?" Harry didn't even attempt to sound sorry. "This is my birth rite. I have every right to be here. Besides, have you not preached unity between Gryffindor and Slytherin for decades; I'm just doing what you told me to."

Dumbledore looked like he was about to have a seizure at the backhanded confirmation of Harry's allegiance with the Dark Lord and he couldn't help but relish as the old man seemed to wilt in disbelief and horror, slumping back into his chair.

"What have you done?" Dumbledore's despondent voice echoed through the halls in the silence and it was enough for the rest of the Wizengamot to erupt as they had got themselves together; the power shift Harry alone had created was not sitting well within the Light sect. They were bawling over his perceived betrayal and exclaiming that he was enabling the Dark to push through their dastardly evil plans while the Dark sect were openly gloating once they got over the shock. Harry sat back and watched it all with satisfaction, sharing an amused glance with Ron and Hermione as the Wizengamot seemed to collectively loose their minds.

Dumbledore was useless; the old fool was staring listlessly ahead as if all of his beliefs had been destroyed in one moment. Lucius caught Harry's eye and flashed a pleased smirk while Theodore raised an eyebrow surprised but amused, Harry cast his eye around to look for Hadrian Greengrass and the Neutral Lord was one of the few not creating havoc at his entrance. He did look very surprised however, and when Harry gave him a mock salute the elder Lord outright grinned. The Chief Warlock's aid was desperately trying to get Dumbledore to respond as the Chamber's occupants showed no signs of settling and the eager public were only too happy to urge them on. Finally, Dumbledore snapped out of his desolation and tired, with little success, to pull back his genial mask over his face but it was clear to Harry and his friends that he was pissed.

"Order, order in the Chambers!" Dumbledore shouted over the din. He called a few times as no one was paying attention and eventually had to release a loud bang from the end of his wand.

"Will you all learn some control." Dumbledore's voice boomed through the chambers that had silenced due to the explosion he released. "Can we all be seated and conduct ourselves as the esteemed people we are."

Harry wanted to scoff as the man conveniently forgot his own loss of control just moments ago but refrained and waited for the Lords and Ladies to sort themselves out. He couldn't wait to tell Tom he had managed to get almost the entire Chambers to lose their vaunted cool in the face of his entrance.

"We have all had some surprises but that is no reason for us to forget ourselves. Let us begin the session." Dumbledore chided, looking around at them with his grandfatherly mask back in place. "Now, first on the agenda is the annual tax reports."

Harry's lip curled and sat back to begin the session; he had heard all about these sessions from Lucius, so he didn't expect to be entertained until Hadrian spoke his piece. Also, they were new faces in the Chambers, not only were they new but they were the youngest members in the room and still in education; they had long since decided they were not going to start evoking change until they had built up some more credibility. Before they could act for the betterment of their country they needed to get a true fill for the Wizengamot as members not as spectators. After the taxes, they covered ministerial allocations of funding, inter-departmental reviews which included everything from agriculture and animals to magical transportation, laws reviews and petitions and the review covering the UK's upholding of the Statute of Secrecy. It was kind of petty, watching high class members of society argue back and forth over such minor details of laws that didn't even matter when there were a plethora of rules and regulations that were doing nothing but stagnating and suppressing their world.

Harry could see Ron doodling something on his parchment in leu of taking notes, Neville had only looked interested when they brought up the agriculture and even Hermione, who had managed to stay awake during Binns class looked like she was close to taking a nap to anyone who knew her. Despite the sheer banality of the session, it was obvious from the very first note just how much power Harry, and by extension his friends, wielded in this room. A vote from him, which was backed up by the three others, was almost enough to secure the decision and Harry knew he had to be so very careful when it came to making decisions because if he made an error there was a very real possibility that it would effect everyone else.

As witnessed when he voted to approve the raise in Auror budget, much to the surprise to the Light, who seemed to believe that because of his Dark alignment he didn't care about the world, and it went through for the first time in ten years. The power was a heady thing, but the consequences were a weighty reminder that he couldn't afford to get carried away. Once they had gotten through the official agenda, they finally reached the section they had all been looking forward to and Dumbledore opened the floor up to the Lords and Ladies to raise any concerns they wished. Harry had turned his attention to Hadrian, waiting for him to light his wand but he was beaten to it by Dumbledore's lacky, Doge, who lit his wand and rose to his feet when he was called on.

"I call for a review of the criteria needed to sit in these Chambers." He announced, "We are responsible for the very fabric of our world and we should not be too hasty when we admit people into our ranks."

As soon as Doge took his seat there was an outcry by many members of the Wizengamot and Harry fought not to sneer at the man at his blatant objection to their new presence.

"Counter arguments?" Dumbledore called and Hermione's wand lit up almost aggressively.

"The Wizengamot recognises Lady Hermione, of the Noble and Most Ancient House of McKinnon."

Dumbledore looked to be in pain as he spoke those words and Hermione stood, casting Doge a look of disdain.

"I may be a new face here at the Wizengamot, but I cannot help but wonder if the very magic of these Chambers is often called in to question." She said.

"I did no such thing!" Doge exclaimed, scowling at her.

"No? Did you not just as for a review for who is able to sit on the Wizengamot? Correct me if I am wrong, but the acceptance here has nothing to do with us as a body, and all rests of the decision of the magic of the Chambers. If you wish to review who sits here, then you must be questioning the very magic." Hermione pointed out coolly, and Harry smirked at the outbreak of whispering her words caused as Doge spluttered. "Unless, of course, this is a poorly disguised attack on myself and my colleagues who arrived today, and you are desperately grasping at a way to gain back the power your chosen section has recently lost."

Well, that was a beautiful way to shut Doge down and to rub salt in the wounds the Light sect were feeling due to the powershift they had created. Doge threw a look at Dumbledore, who shook his head, and then withdrew his petition with a shake of his head. Harry did flick his eyes towards Selwyn in case he still thought it may be a good idea to raise his idiotic werewolf bill, but when the other Lord sensed someone was looking at him and glanced up at Harry he was quick to look away and remain firmly in his chair; he did have some brains then. Lord Greengrass lit up his wand and was recognised, he rose to his feet and he was one of those people that was able to command a room with minimal effort. He stood, looking around at them all for a moment before speaking.

"We here at the Wizengamot and the Ministry are at the forefront of ensuring our world remains safe and flourishing, and yet, we have had countless very public examples of how this had not been the case. Most recently, we have discovered that our own Minister enabled a disgusting woman to torture the next generation: our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews have been overexposed to a Blood Quill." He paused here to allow the outraged murmuring to settle at the reminder, and Fudge hunched down in his seat at the looks of anger and disgust he was receiving from everyone in the Chambers; for once the hall was unified in something. Once the hall had calmed, Hadrian continued.

"I call for a Vote of No Confidence against Minister Fudge."

"Does anyone second this notion?" Dumbledore asked of the room and Harry rose to his feet.

"I second the Vote."

"And I." Ron, Hermione, Neville, Lord Davis, Lucius and Theodore followed Harry's declaration almost in unison.

"Motion carries: Lord Greengrass present your case"

"As I have said, there have been a plethora of public mistakes coming from our highest office, however there are many things that have not been made public and I submit the proof of bribes, miscarriages of justice and outright lawlessness performed by the esteemed minister Fudge during his tenure as Minister."

With a few taps of his wand, the Wizengamot aid sent copies of the documents to every member of the Chamber.

"Documents have been varified by Gringotts and the Ministery." The Aid called. There was silence as the documents were reviewed, Harry himself wasn't surprised at what Hadrian had found, much of it were things they had already knew about but there were a few surprises there, such as the amount of people Fudge had on his payroll and how many people he had actually taken bribes from. However, it appeared to be a surprise to many people in the Chamber as there were soon cries of outrage sounding out.

"Order! Order!" Dumbledore called as the condemnation of Fudge grew louder. "Minister Fudge, do you have anything to counter?"

"I do not." Fudge answered immediately, knowing it was way too late to save anything of his career now. He'd be lucky if he wasn't brought up on charges at a later date.

"I now call for a majority vote. Light your wands blue if you believe Minister Fudge is no longer fit for office."

The Wizengamot shone blue as most of the Lords and Ladies agreed that Fudge had to go, and it was obvious in an instant that Fudge had lost his position, but Dumbledore still had to ask for those who disagreed (which was no one) and those who wished to abstain (all three of them). The man in question seemed resigned to his fate as he sat slumped in the minister's seat for the last time.

"Majority rules. Lord Greengrass's Vote of No Confidence passes: Cornelius Fudge, you are hereby relieved of your duties as Minister for Magic effective immediately. You are to leave these Chambers in disgrace, collect your personal belongings and leave the ministry." Dumbledore ordered and Fudge didn't say a word as he did exactly that, head bowed with the posture of someone who knew he was beat.

"With the eviction of the former Minister, Cornelius Fudge, the chair states it must have a new minister." Dumbledore stated, "The general elections are scheduled for the 20th of March, and until such times an Interim Minister must be selected."

Harry sat up straight, sharing a look between his friends and, in this setting, closest allies; this is what they had been waiting for. There was murmuring throughout the halls as each section shifted and adjusted to the new agenda, trying to scrape together plans and ideas for who would hold power for the next three months, and who could, quite possibly, become the next official Minister for Magic; any Interim Minister was granted a place within the next election, and given how candidates had already long been submitted for the next ministerial vote before this, it worked out really well for Harry and his group. A distinguished black man lit his wand amongst the chatter and brought attention to himself. Harry recognised Kingsley's uncle.

"Recognising Lord Kingston, of the Ancient House of Shacklebolt."

"I nominate Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for Interim Minister." He said in a slow, calm voice that he shared with his nephew.

"I second the nomination." Lord Diggory, who had been particularly vocal when Harry took his seats to the Dark Sect, called out.

"And I," Lord Howard agreed.

"Sir Scrimgeour, do you accept the nomination?" Dumbledore asked and Scrimgeour stood up from the ministry seat he had taken over when Bones had left with an arrogant glint in his eye that Harry really didn't like; he had done his research into the man and he couldn't say he had been impressed.

"I accept the nomination,"

"Any counterparts?"

Harry exchanged looks with Swift and Paws and as one they nodded once: Hermione stood up.

"Recognising Lady Hermione, of the Noble and Most Ancient House of McKinnon,"

"I nominate Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Malfoy for Interim Minister." She said clearly and Harry watched in amusement when Dumbledore wasn't able to cover his shock horror fast enough, not only that but the Light Sect seemed to collectively recoil at the nomination, loudly declaring it folly. He wanted to rub his hands together evilly but refrained from doing so with great difficulty. Lucius himself barely covered his own shock at the nomination, his mercury eyes widening slightly gave away that he was doing some serious thinking, and Harry nodded once when the silver eyes glanced over at him and Lucius stood.

"I second the nomination." Theodore Nott stood as he spoke, which was something that they hadn't planned for but was a welcome addition.

"And I," The third confirmation came from Neville as planned and with it left Dumbledore no choice but to ask Lucius if he accepted the nomination.

"Lord Lucius, of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Malfoy, do you accept the nomination."

"I accept the nomination."

"Any more counter nominations?" Dumbledore asked and Harry could hear a trace of desperation in his voice, but unfortunately for the old fool no one stood.

"It is taken to vote between our two candidates: Sir Rufus Scrimgeour and Lord Lucius Malfoy." It looked and sounded as if Dumbledore had to force the words out of his mouth but he had little choice, much to Harry's pleasure. "Please cast white for Scrimgeour and blue for Malfoy."

It started with the lowest families and many of them voted for Scrimegeor giving the man a clear lead, Dumbledore started to look relieved until it got to the second tier and the voted for Lucius began creeping back. The third tier began and when Hermione, Ron and Neville all voted for Lucius in a row, the blond took the lead slightly. It was close, and the votes kept switching in each direction as there were many Neutrals that weren't exactly fond of the blond Lord but once Harry had cast his Gryffindor vote, it settled directly even and Dumbledore was quick to hurry things along when he saw this as it fell to the Chief Warlock in times of a draw, which is exactly how Dumbledore had managed to influence so many things within their government. However, the man had purposely cut Harry off before he had finished, much to the teen's amusement.

"As the vote has fallen to a direct tie, it falls to me to select our next minister. It is my pleasure to welcome R-,"

Harry cut him off by standing up.

"Excuse me Chief Warlock, but I haven't finished casting my vote." Harry stated.

"You have already cast the vote for your four houses Lord Potter-Black." Dumbledore said and Harry nodded his head.

"You are correct," He conceded, "However, I hold a proxy seat and I have not voted through it yet as you very well know."

Dumbledore grimaced and the hall filled with murmurs at the reminder.

"I vote Lucius Malfoy as Proxy holder for the House of Slytherin," Harry continued, although, this time he did nothing to hide his somewhat malicious glee. That vote settled it, the magic flashed and the Minister's chair changed to have the Malfoy crest glowing on it and the velvet arms morphing into the blue as the Wizengamot recognised the happenings instantly. Dumbledore knew what that meant, the vote had been cast and the magic had selected, and with great pain he swore him in.

"By majority vote, Lord Lucius of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Malfoy has been selected as Interim Minister for Magic." Dumbledore announced gravely, "With this decision, you promise to uphold the duties and expectations that come with the seat of the Minister for Magic to the best of your abilities. Do you accept this honour."

"I do,"

"Take your new position," Dumbledore said with obvious effort, and with grace, Lucius rose and settled in the Minister for Magic's position.

"With your placement, you have gained a position in the upcoming elections and will be held to the same standard as the other candidates. Do you fully understand what this means?"

"I understand and accept this." Lucius declared with a regal nod.

"Is there anything else to add to the agenda today?" Dumbledore questioned and was met with silence. "Very well then with no objections I call to close Wizengamot session 3480."

With a flash of magic, the session came to an end and immediately there was an eruption of sound as both the Lords and Ladies and the public burst into conversation as the rapid change of events. Harry couldn't have stopped his pleased smirk even if he tried, and as he rose and made his way down towards his friends he couldn't wait until he saw the reporting on this session.

"Mission accomplished methinks." Harry said as soon as he was close enough to be heard without raising his voice.

"That literally couldn't have gone better." Ron agreed with a smirk of his own. "The Lord Nott's backing was a nice addition that we couldn't have planned for but worked out well for us."

"Dumbledore's face when Hermione was the one to nominate Malfoy is something I'm going to dream about for a long time." Neville threw in with a grin and Harry snorted.

"Dumbledore's expression when he realised that Malfoy had won the vote is something I'm going to dream about."

"I'll be too busy dreaming about his reaction to your arrival, Harry." Hermione joked, "Oh Merlin, that was beautiful."

"Ah wasn't it just?"

"And there is our new Interim Minister." Ron said, noticing Lucius' rapid approach.

"You're welcome." Harry added, when the blond was close enough to hear them.

"How long have you had this planned?" Lucius demanded, his expression a mix of guarded delight and confusion.

"Oh we've had that in mind since before we confirmed our allegiance." Hermione told him, gaining an incredulous sound coming from the Malfoy Lord.

"We figured you'd be the one to really hurt the old man." Harry pointed out, "Plus, you have the ability to rub it in his face without appearing to be doing so. I remember when you got him suspended from the school the first time."

Lucius looked even more confused at that and Harry and Ron shared a grin.

"We were under my cloak when you suspended him at Hagrid's house."

"Of course you were." Lucius sighed and Harry shrugged.

"You're now Interim Minister; are you complaining?"

"No, no I am not."

"So you shouldn't." Theodore Nott arrived to their little group, "Minister."

"Thank you for the second, my friend."

"I wanted Dumbledore to truly hurt."

"See, we're not the only ones to think you'd make the old fool hurt." Neville pointed out and Lucius had to concede the point.

"It was artfully done." Nott complimented. "And it was perfect to slip Lucius into the candidate race without having to wait for them to come up again."

"The only problem is my lack of campaign. It will take a lot of work even if I now have a lead as I can show the public I can be a good Minister in the three months I have."

"Have you paid attention to nothing we do?" Harry wondered, looking at him as if he was mad.

"Excuse me?"

"I hope you're prepared to see a lot of us over the next couple of months." Neville told him.

"We already have it ready; there are only a few things that need to be polished and corrected." Hermione stated.

"And we have the plans for things that we will, no doubt, have to change and adapt as the time goes on."

"So you didn't just have this planned, you've have this planned."

"Oh yeah,"

"Dumbledore, incoming." Ron warned.

"This should be fun." Harry murmured before hitching on a bored mask and turning to face the old man.

"Dumbledore."

"What do you think you are doing?" The old man bit out, not even attempting his usual grandfather spiel. "How dare you-!"

"How dare I?" Harry repeated, a dark look flashing across his face before his mask was back. "That's rich coming from you, given everything you've done to me, to us. But that all stops now."

"You're making a huge mistake."

"Oh no, you were the one that made all the mistakes old man. That you honestly didn't see this coming makes it all the more sweeter."

"And you just kept adding to your mistakes today is the icing on the cake." Hermione added, "Do not think that your reaction to our presence was not noted and remembered by everyone in these Chambers."

"We're our own people now, Dumbledore, and it's going to stay that way." Ron continued.

"There's nothing you can do about it." Neville stated, "So we implore you to try, because we will never be your pawns again."

Dumbledore mustered a poisonous glare for all of them and Harry allowed a smirk to come to his face.

"Such a sad occurrence that you are no longer Headmaster; where will you get you us with your free casting now?" He mocked and he watched as dawning comprehension came to Dumbledore's eyes, that they had been free of his control longer than he could begin to imagine. The old man's wand slipped into his hand and Harry barked out a laugh.

"Yes, do try something here, in the middle of the Wizengamot Chambers, in the core of the Ministry, in front of all these witnesses and our new Minister, please, I beg of you."

"I'm sure you have the reputation and the clout needed to talk your way out of that." Hermione assured, her voice scathing. "Oh wait."

"This isn't over." Dumbledore warned in a snarl and Harry bared his teeth in return.

"You can bet on that, Albus," He agreed, "You've got much to make up for."

The old man spun on his heel and stormed away, his group of followers quickly rushing to surround him as his left; their expressions of distaste and horror as they looked back at Harry's group were extremely amusing.

"We had better make haste else we be mobbed upon our exit." Hermione reminded them and Harry grimace.

"Right, we leave separately and i'll speak with you this evening; we'll have to prepare to the special edition Prophet but we'll have our meeting tomorrow." Harry decided and his friends nodded, saying their goodbyes and taking their leave. Harry turned to his two other companions. "Shall I tell Tom to expect you later or tomorrow?"

"If you are calling a meeting for tomorrow with your group, perhaps a joint one once again? This time at the manor so all can attend." Lucius suggested.

"Yes, that'll work out nicely and I am sure I can make Him see the benefits of such." Harry mused, "Very well, I'll send word for the time of the meeting and we'll meet at your tomorrow. Until then."

The two elder Lords watched him go with raised eyebrows and slowly started to follow him out.

"He truly does not understand the power he wields over the Him, does he?" Lucius murmured.

"No, he really does not." Theodore agreed, "And yet, I have never seen Him this happy, content and focussed."

"It's so very strange to watch them together." Lucius acknowledged, "But I cannot help but feel that this is for the best."

"Oh of that I have no doubt." Theodore agreed, "I am ever thankful Narcissa had the forethought to come to me when they had their… altercation."

"It was as bad on His end as it was for Harry then? Draco gave Narcissa ever such a fright."

"It was indeed, and that more than anything told me that this is a benefit and, at this point, a necessity. And with the revelation of the power Lord Potter-Black truly holds, there is no fear of the usual glory hunters." Theodore said.

"Ah yes, the four instead of the two." Lucius mused with a smirk.

"You knew?"

"Yes, I knew. But looking back on his actions over the past few months I feel as if I was only informed because he had yet to gather his wits about him after his surprise arrival this summer."

"Hm, yes, I was informed of the basis of his arrival. If he had just broken through, you are probably correct in thinking that he hadn't yet got his bearings."

"Narcissa, of course, caught up much faster than I did."

"When is that ever not the case?" Theodore noted with a slight grin, that Lucius returned.

"That woman was the best thing that ever happened to me."

"That I do not doubt." Theodore allowed, "Speaking of your wonderful Lady, here she is now."

Narcissa approached them deep in conversation with the Lord and Lady Greengrass, and the three paused in their talk to greet the pair of Lords and bring them into their conversation.

"I will cherish the ability to witness that session until the end of my days." Narcissa informed them.

"Oh I believe that is a common feeling as of now, my dear." Hadrian acknowledged. "At least this explained why Lord Potter-Black was so very confident in his abilities."

"Ha, yes. Why should he not when wilding that much power."

"I believe congratulations are in order, Lucius." Hadrian spoke to the blond, "We shall be working closely together."

"Thank you, my friend. I believe it will be an enjoyable experience for us both."

"It will definitely be an upgrade to the drivel I am used to."

"I find myself eagerly waiting for what Lord Potter-Black intends to do next." Naomi admitted.

"I do believe we'll be amazed."

"Well, Minister Malfoy, I am sure we'll have front row seats." Narcissa said flashing her husband a smile as they reached the Atrium.

"I shall, no doubt, see you all soon, gentlemen, Lady." Hadrian and Naomi departed, heading towards the floo.

"I will see you both tomorrow." Theodore said, as he too, headed to the floo.

"Shall we return home and celebrate, husband?" Narcissa suggested, a teasing smirk curling over her delicate features.

"You always have the best ideas, darling."

So, there we have it people, Dumbledore finally knows that his plans are crumbling down around him. Next up, media madness everywhere. Please let me know what you think, I always love hearing from you guys!

Jess*