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Chapter 2 Growing Up Is Hard To Do

Hogwarts:

Soon Dobby ears drooped as he paid attention. As time went on slowly Dobby was learning how to read, soon Dobby was reading small sentences that the book had, but to go further he needed some more beginner reading books.

Just before term ended Dobby returned the book to where he found it. He was examining the shelf when he found other book that taught children how to read. Dobby felt briefly guilty about taking the books, but he felt that with Dumbledore back, maybe the headmaster wouldn't mind.

Soon those first few book wouldn't satisfy him. Dobby started to read more and more books. He knew how to write to a certain existent, so he found books in rudimentary writing. Elves were very smart; they could pick up new things or magic quickly. What Dobby did not realize was that his speaking skills were also improving greatly. Soon he was saying can't, but's, yours, words elves as a general rule don't say. After those first books, Dobby started to read other books on magic. Spells, enchantments, which he never heard before, some he has seen working. History of magic was a favorite of his. Very late at night would find Dobby in that secluded corner-reading book after book after book. Knowledge had become an addiction; an addiction that Dumbledore was to find later to be very helpful.

On his way back from the ministry yet again, Dumbledore was reflecting on what Minister Fudge has set in motion. He was currently trying to get Harry the okay to perform magic during summer time, but Fudge was being particularly resistant to the idea. Fudge was insisting that the Ministry could provide protection to the children of England; there was no need for the underage students of England to have permission to do magic during summer.

Unfittingly Fudge saw right through Dumbledore's new law, which he was trying to pass. The law the old cagey wizard was trying to get passed through the Wizengamot, was for children or underage students of Hogwarts permission to use magic to protect themselves at home. But Fudge had nixed that law quickly in the bud even before the law got onto the ticket for possible discussion.

The OOTP had already nixed 2 attempts to get into Surrey, where Harry Potter lived. Fortunately the wards around Number 4 Private Drive held, though the Headmasters noticed just yesterday that the ward seemed at bit less intense. He made a note to himself to check in with Harry and his family to see if everything was ok.

"How did the meeting go Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Not well Minerva. The Minister says that the Ministry of Magic has enough strength to protect its citizens from Death Eaters."

With a sigh McGonagall nodded once to let Albus know she understood. "Everyone is waiting in your office."

"Canary Creams" Albus said to the gargoyle.

In the office The Order of the Phoenix was waiting for their leader to arrive. Unknown to them Dobby was back in the cupboard listening and taking notes. This was the second meeting he listened in on. What he found out the first time made his guts turn to lead. One small team of Death Eaters he knew was stopped in Surrey, but another small team managed to get to Norknall, a wealthy and well-known pureblood family in Cornwall also. The whole family was having a family reunion welcoming the new addition a 6 month old baby, was wiped out; the Daily Prophet had showed the aftermath of the attack. Gringotts was in the process of trying to figure out who would benefit from the estate. To be prepared Dobby conjured a small comfy chair for himself. The magic that he was able to do was getting stronger everyday the more he learned and practiced. He knew he wouldn't be missed. Summers at the castle found the elves scatter into the forest have feasts and dances of their own. Since the elder had taken Winky under his wing, Dobby found out he had a lot of time on his hands. With a quill and parchment, Dobby prepared himself to write down everything that was said.

After a few general greetings from the order, Albus got down to business.

"Well I just left the Minister and he is still refusing to allow not only Harry but any underage student from using magic at home. He claims the MOM has the manpower to not only hunt down Voldemort, but the Death Eaters, while protecting the citizens of England. And that I don't need to concern myself about Harry until September 1."

Down the table Amelia Bones piped up "Yes, I received a memo last night that he was still holding that law up. He even wanted me to put up more systems in place that would monitor his movement. Of course I said since Harry was underage he would have to get permission from his guardians."

Shacklebolt piped up also " unfortunately it came down also last night that Sirius Black was indeed confirmed back with Voldemort."

Albus looked over at Snape at that new news. "Severus do you have anything to report?"

"Yes the Dark Lord held a small meeting with, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. It will state in the papers Mrs. Malfoy was drawing up that "with the return of one Dark Lord, I feel as the next of kin of one Sirius Black that a convicted felon cannot fulfill his/her own duty to Harry Potter; and that since she has never been suspected/charged with not even a misdemeanor that she would be a good candidate for guardianship. " Severus sneered.

"I assume Severus that they are trying to force the MOM hand and ours that Sirius was at the Ministry that night?" Remus asked.

"That would be correct wolf. They are also putting a junction on his estate from anyone stepping into said estate. They are or will contest any last will and testament Black may have made. Stating since he was a convicted felon, he had no lawful right to the Black estate. Plus since Mrs. Black even wrote him out of the family tree, and her will, that as again she is the last surviving Black Family, she should have the right to the house, manor, and vaults." Snape finished.

Nephus Cornstop shook his head firmly in the negative. "Sorry absolutely will not work. The only way we could even be in that house last year even when he was alive was if when Mrs. Black died her will was null and void. Which it was, quit clearly."

Confused Mr. Weasley asked "How?"

"I was just getting to that, when Mrs. Black made out her will she asked her elf Kreacher, for some parchment, not knowing what she wanted it for, he gave her regular parchment. Any will, marriage contract, law, birth, death, or even any contract were money, lands, or any valuable goods are exchanged have to be written on parchment paper made from Devil's Snare. Just for the record Devil's Snare Parchment Paper cannot be changed, forged, or even erased once it's written down. That's what the law of 1244 decreed, if it was not on parchment paper made from Devil's Snare, it's not legal. Period. Cannot tell you how many lawsuits and contests of wills were ended because of that very reason. And when Mr. Black had died he still had not taken Sirius off the will."

"Well that was what we suspected he would try. Albus, who will become Harry's guardian?" Mrs. Weasley inquired.

Cornstop interjected here "I'll have to get out the Potter's will, they would have the say so no matter what."

After a few more facts were brought up Albus turned to Remus. "Remus could you please inform us on how Harry is doing so far." Albus requested.

With a deep sigh "Not well Albus, so far I've had to break into the house twice this week, seems Voldemort is playing mind games with Harry, and before you make any smart comments Snape, remember it was you who made it hard for Harry to learn Occlumency . I have been trying to help Harry clear his mind. But with Voldemort back, it's taking everything he has to fight him from his mind. I can report some very, very small success. But it's very draining on him. He is losing weight, does not get any sort of sleep at night. By the way Madam Pomfrey, it was I who took those vials of sleepless drought from your stash. Last night Harry just looked so desperate." Looking up at Albus, "he needs something, I know your hands are tied, the Minister not with standing. I was only going to suggest this as a last resort; I think someone needs to move in with Harry and the Dursley's. So far Petunia is tolerating me, Vernon turns red every time he sees me. And his cousin! Oh hell Albus, I really had to restrain myself yesterday from hexing that, that" he couldn't finish.

Mad-eye patted Remus on his shoulder knowingly. "They haven't tried anything while you're not around Harry right?"

"Not yet, most often they banish him to his room. They have been so busy with Dudley's case that they haven't had the time."

"Case? What case?" Albus asked.

Remus had to chuckle here. "Not to long after Harry got home, he sent his first letter with some amusing news that he just had to tell."

"Oh? What news did the boy have?" Alastor asked.

Remus found his first smile about the Dursley's. "Well seems Dudley in his infinite wisdom was arrested shortly before the school term ended for get this...drug dealing, assault and battery and destruction of property."

As an after thought. "There is one thing, I have noticed that there have been muggle police offers around watching the house. I think that there getting ready to search."

He looked at Albus hard. "He has to be removed from the Dursley's period. And soon as possible." Turning to Cornstop "Could we still get into Sirius's house for right now?"

Cornstop nodded yes, "Before Sirius died, he made out a will, one of the things that he stipulated was a grace period for 30 days after his death allowing us to go in there to remove certain things. Then the beneficiaries would take control." Glancing at Albus "Which by the way the days are ticking off, if we are going to remove the headquarters we should do it soon."

"Shacklebolt and I are going over there tomorrow to do just that. We'll be bringing the papers and stuff here Albus." Moody informed.

In the cupboard Dobby sat quietly thinking of Harry and the situation, and the possible solutions. Dobby had to agree with Remus Lupin, the possibility of Harry's family turning on him was looking more and more a reality.

"Yes, yes give the know-it all" Snape started. Dobby snapped back to attention.

McGonagall cut him short "May I remind you Severus it was your house members who were in the Inquisitor Squad. By the way Severus you do realize you will have to replace Malfoy and Parkinson as 6th year prefects. Plus the restrictions when they start. Because of said abuse of the prefect rules and regulations. Professors Flitwick, Sprout and I have very clear written complaints of said abuse. So please Severus save the comments. Yes Miss Granger is very intelligent, very much so. She was the one pointing out all sorts of things to Harry and Ron, trying to help them along. So anything Miss Granger has to tell me, plus the fact you even told us last week that Miss Granger along with Neville, Luna, Ginny and Ron are on Voldemort's hit list." She snapped at him, clearly fed up with his attitude.

"What!" Remus asked from the doorway.

Albus informed Remus that Voldemort had a hit list with the six students who went to the ministry. Fortunately the order had placed some protection around the Grangers house before she even got home. Voldemort also had the list of students, who were in the DA, compliments of Gregory Goyle. Remus just snarled at that, and then left with Madam Pomfrey.