Chapter Twenty-Two: Correcting Mistakes Pt. I
May 27th, 1985
After his hearing for magical misconduct had been canceled, Harry had only ever stepped into the Ministry of Magic building to examine the Veil of Death. Something he had continued long after February. But he was returning now for a Wizengamot meeting. He was required to attend - or have a proxy attend - due to the Potter and Peverell Houses - in which he had recently claimed Lordship of - having seats, and he was planning to make his first Wizengamot meeting a memorable one. Construction had begun on the Planetary Defense Ring, and Harry was in dire need of magical assistance. And while he was hiring magicals within Marauder Enterprises to help with the construction, the ICW was beginning to notice and he was afraid that his employees would be forcibly removed from the company.
He was also hoping to capture both Malfoy and Nott at the end of the meeting. The two Lord's were due to attend, and it was the perfect opportunity to get the two alone. With Barty Crouch Sr's death being that evening, Harry could do either two things. Not intervene and figure out a way to claim the Crouch vault. Or save the old man and convince him to let Harry look inside. It was an easy choice. So, Harry was left to claim the Malfoy, Nott, and Lestrange vaults. That or just find a way to enter them. It would probably be easier to claim them, but Harry was uncertain. After all, things weren't always easy for him.
The Horcrux inside Will Byers had been successfully removed and destroyed without the boy's knowledge, meaning that only three of the Horcruxes remained. The Cup, the Ring, and the Snake. And then it would be between Harry and Voldemort. One-on-one. Harry would be the one incapable of death, seeing as he had three tiny Horcruxes hidden across Europe. One in his cabin, one in the ruins of Godric's Hollow, and the last being beneath Azkaban prison. No one would dare go there in search of that, making it the perfect place to hide such a valuable item. And because of the nature of these Horcruxes, there were no negative side effects against Harry. No hair loss. No loss of nose. No paling. No red eyes. Nothing. He was perfectly normal and healthy, seeing as he had taken so many souls from the Outside that he now had a few to distribute.
And because of that, he felt lighter than normal. He felt better, moved faster, thought faster, worked faster. He concluded that the large your soul, the larger the tole on the body. And seeing as he had been lugging around six, getting rid of three made things a lot easier. So he only had three left. His main soul and two that he had retrieved from the Outside. He planned to do something with them, but he wasn't entirely sure. So Harry just kept them with him, tied to his soul, which was currently passing through an empty corridor leading into Courtroom 10 beneath the Ministry building.
Upon entering the room, Harry was greeted by the Aurors by the door and was motioned to his seat, which sat between the vacant Black seat and the chair labeled 'Longbottom. He would be seated with Augusta, no doubt. And he was. Though he was twenty minutes early to the meeting, Augusta was the second most punctual individual, arriving only minutes after Harry. And then more people filed in, taking their seats until eventually the entire courtroom was filled to the brim with adults in black and red robes. After a while, Albus Dumbledore entered wearing his oddly-colored robes and took a seat at the high chair above them all. Harry sat through most of the introductions, only half paying attention until they got to the interesting part.
Talk of werewolf, elvish, and even goblin rights were being thrown around in discussions. With many saying their inspiration for the ideas were the new pro-creature medicines and devices being launched by Marauder Enterprises. No one looked at Harry the entire meeting. Everyone who had a brain knew that he was the CEO of the company. After three months of being online with several different product launches, the magical-muggle hybrid company was bolstering more and more popularity in both communities. Though the no-maj community was the most excited, seeing as the HoloTech were so popular. And with the release of their new land vehicle 'Prongs', they were getting even more attention. The car was the sleekest and most futuristic car on the market. It came with built-in computer systems, onboard GPS technology, and was able to hover a good two inches off the ground over the right surfaces. Not a lot, but it was great progress. So when the open discussions were near their end, Harry raised his hand to propose a new idea. Dumbledore smiled. "Lord Potter? The floor is yours,"
Harry rose to his feet. He gently tugged on his coat to even himself out and spoke clearly and with conviction. "As many of you know, I am Harry Potter. And in the past year and a half, I have been trying my best to spearhead the advancement of both the magical and No-Maj communities through technologies and medicine. Marauder Enterprises has been doing a lot in the past few months, and we plan to do even more as the future grows closer. However, there is a great filter approaching the future of Humanity. And that filter is two things. Distrust and Dishonesty. We do not trust our fellow humans. And that simple fact is what will halt all progression in the state of evolution and exploration,"
"Excuse me, but what are you talking about?" One man in black asked.
"I'm talking about the No-Maj. And their lack of knowledge. True knowledge. While they grasp things that most if not all wizards will never hear of, they don't understand the single fundamental mystery to the universe. The factor that isn't included. The part of the equation that can't be solved. Magic. They understand that a strange force exists beyond their comprehension, but they don't know it's magic. I've been studying science, space, and magic for many years. I'm a hybrid of the two communities. And you have seen what great things I can do with both tools provided to me. But the No-Maj and magical communities only have their tools. They aren't sharing," Harry explained.
"Are you proposing we break the laws of the Statute?" One woman asked.
"No. We don't break laws. We make them. So I propose we share our tools. I propose that we repeal the Statute of Secrecy in Britain. We start working with the no-maj instead of against them. We help each other. Strengthen one another. And when we're the strongest nation, we can go to the ICW and convince them that it works. That the No-Maj and magicals can work together for a common goal,"
"This is outrageous!" One man shouted, with many others murmuring their agreement.
"Is it?!" Harry exclaimed. "With the help of magic, I've created many sciences that even the No-Maj would never dream of. I've built ships capable of reaching the Moon. I've created medicines capable of curing viral diseases. I've developed new methods of protecting this planet with the use of particle manipulation. Things that are only possible with magic. The things I've done couldn't be done by the No-Maj without another few hundreds of years of evolution. But with magic, I made the leap. I hopped over the filter and made it work. I'm proposing that we leap over this Great Filter that is the Statute of Secrecy. I'm proposing that we end hundreds of years of secrecy, segregation, fear, and hate. I propose that we stand beside our fellow humans and fight alongside them in our journey. We join them. We join them in their journies through evolution and the stars,"
"Imagine. Hundreds of years from now. The sky is filled with stars. Each one holds planets with humans on them. Humans that share both No-Maj and Magical cultures. Living peacefully among each other for as far as the eye can see. That is what I see. Humanity ruling the known galaxy. With no prejudice. No secrets. The two communities working together to spread out and make this galaxy our home. Doesn't that future sound great?" asked Harry. Many people seemed to think so. There were nods and approving whispers. Though some on the other side of the court still seemed resistant. The dark faction. Harry continued. "But it isn't just fantasy. It's happening. With my help, the American government is already developing starships capable of reaching Mars. In less than a decade, humanity will have a settlement there. And then Venus. Mercury. The asteroid moons. And then out to the larger planets beyond. It's already happening, and the wizarding world is being left behind in the era of candlesticks and quills,"
This seemed to hit them. News that the muggles were already beginning to reach for the stars was unbelievable. They had heard of the space races in the sixties, but those had ended and no one returned to the Moon. The magical community assumed humanity would remain on Earth forever. Harry sighed. "We're stuck in the 18th century. And while we remain stuck, the No-Maj is progressing further and further at lightning-fast speeds. I'm not proposing we be afraid of their progression or that we should stop them. No. I'm proposing that we ask for assistance and offer our help. They help bring us out of the 18th century, and we help them. Both communities are propelled into the future. To the stars," That was his goal. The stars.
Silence permeated throughout the courtroom. Everyone seemed to be taking in his words as if they were hearing them from the ICW itself. Their attention was focused purely on the proposal. There were no wandering gazes or distant expressions. Everyone was paying attention. After a few minutes of the continued silence, the courtroom was shocked when Tiberius Nott himself got to his feet. "I second this proposal," Harry raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected that. Dumbledore smiled, clapping his hands together as he gathered a paper handed to him by a very pale Percy Weasley.
"Very well. We will vote on the proposal offered by Lord Potter-Barrow-Peverell regarding the repeal of the Statute Secrecy within Britain. All those that approve, say I," A chorus of 'I's' echoed throughout the classroom. Harry was perceptive. He counted forty-seven voices. Enough for a three-fourths split. Even a two-thirds split. Harry had won. "And all those who oppose, say nay," A smaller group of the dark faction spoke at once. Dumbledore smiled, nodding as he turned to whisper into Percy's ear. The pale boy nodded and scribbled something down on a piece of parchment, which he then handed to Dumbledore. Chief Warlock let out a light cough and examined the paper. "On a vote of forty-seven to thirteen, the vote has passed,"
There were many different reactions to this. Many who agreed with the repeal of the Statute let out sighs of relief. Those who weren't sure let out undecisive coughs. And those who disagreed were eager to shout their beliefs. Dumbledore was quick to quiet them. "The repeal will be done cautiously and slowly, with the approval of the ICW. And it will not go into effect until September 1st. It would be a shame if our youngest generation decided to use their newfound freedom to act mischievous. Wouldn't you agree, Lord Potter?"
"Wholeheartedly," Harry answered.
"Very well. All those in favor of instating the repeal on September 1st, only after obtaining approval from the ICW?" Dumbledore asked. Forty-nine 'I's' and eleven 'nays'. The vote was passed. Now all Harry had to do was get into the ICW meeting in June and convince them to repeal the Statute. Something that would prove significantly more difficult than this meeting. The ICW was filled with aged wizards and witches with their own deep and long-running beliefs. Convincing them would be difficult even with Dumbledore backing him. But a plus side came from the meeting besides the passing vote. Harry had access to the Nott Vaults.
Harry had had a busy day on May 27th. In the afternoon he had succeeded in passing a vote to eventually repeal the Statute of Secrecy. And in the evening he was saving Barty Crouch Sr's life and exploring the Nott and Crouch vaults. Hufflepuff's Cup was in neither of them. Meaning it was in either the Malfoy or Lestrange vaults. Luckily for him, Lucius wasn't very protective of his belongings. So Harry found himself in Malfoy Manor late in the night, casually entering Lucius' office where he knew the vault keys would be located. He searched every nook and cranny, sending shadows into cabinets and drawers. After searching the entire office, Harry was almost ready to give up his search and go home. And then a jingling of keys caught his attention.
He turned at once, facing the doorway to find Narcissa Malfoy. She had her back to the doorframe, leaning back as she examing the set of keys in her hands. She was exactly as he remembered. Straight blonde hair with streaks of black, and a very nice figure hidden behind a large black dress. She was quite nice to look at, but Harry wasn't interested in her. He was interested in what was in her hands. "Looking for these?" She asked, swinging the keys in one hand while the other twirled her wand. She wasn't watching him. Only the keys.
"I am," He answered simply.
"And may I ask why?"
"I suspect a very dangerous item is within your vault. I wish to retrieve and destroy it before it harms others," Harry explained.
"There are many objects in our vault that fit that description. You'll have to be more specific before I throw you out," Narcissa threatened.
"A Horcrux. I believe a Horcrux might be within your vault," Narcissa's breathing kicked up a notch, and she turned to face him at last. Her hands dropped to her side and she stared.
"A Horcrux?" She whispered. "For -"
"Voldemort. Yes,"
"Impossible. Not in our vaults,"
"I wouldn't say impossible. Your husband carried another with him for years," Harry said. Narcissa's eyes went blank for a moment, and then a deep scowl passed over her features.
"The book,"
"Diary," Harry clarified.
"It was a Horcrux?" She asked.
"Indeed. I destroyed it and four others. There are two more. The seventh is in Voldemort's possession. The sixth is either in the Lestrange or Malfoy vaults. If I can destroy them all before he returns, he'll be mortal. I can kill him," Harry explained.
"Can you do it? Kill him?"
"Definitely,"
"How soon?"
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Within the next year. Why?"
"My husband is a fool for bringing such an item into this house. I am tempted to pack my things and depart with Draco. Leave him here to think about his mistakes," Narcissa explained. "The Malfoy's have been trapped in the clutches of the Dark for many centuries. I do not wish for Draco to be sucked into the same void that his father has been taken by. I wish to save my son,"
"What exactly are you saying, Narcissa?" Harry asked, being as forward as possible. Narcissa rushed forward, dropping her wand and the keys on Lucius' desk as she grabbed Harry's shoulders. He tried not to pull back at her touch, but she held him still. Her breath was shaky and her hands were hot. But she spoke. "I'm asking for protection, Harry Potter. I've seen your power. I know you can protect my son and me. And I can make it worth your while. I am not an old witch. And I am sure I can convince Draco to pass ownership of the estate to you after his father...his father -"
"Dies," Harry finished.
"Yes...yes," Narcissa trailed off.
Harry shook his head. "I'm not looking for another partner Narcissa. Daphne Greengrass and I are together, and we hold a soul bond. But if you help me track down and eliminate this last Horcrux, then I will offer you and Draco protection from Voldemort and his followers," Narcissa seemed ready to jump in joy. But was soon stilled again by Harry, who grabbed the vault key off of the desk. He passed Narcissa her wand and held out his hand. "Picture the vault in your mind. Picture it clearly, and take my hand," She did so, reaching out for his hand. And in an explosion of black mist, the two were displaced directly in front of the Malfoy vault, right in front of the keyhole leading inside.
After inserting the key and turning it, Harry and Narcissa entered the Malfoy vaults. Harry examined the massive vault, acknowledging the entire warehouse worth of galleons piled up on the right side. He took one look at the left side and frowned. There were a lot of artifacts. Even if Harry deployed shadows to catalog everything, the two of them would be here for a while. Narcissa seemed to agree. She rolled up her sleeves and marched towards the artifacts, leaving Harry behind. He sighed, and after sending out several shadows to begin cataloging, he too joined her in the search.
Five Hours Later
It was an hour from dawn, and Harry and Narcissa hadn't found the Cup. There was no trace of a dark soul in Harry's 'soul-sight', and they couldn't find anything by hand or in the artifacts catalog in the corner of the room. They were stumped, and resting in the other corner where a bench sat. Harry was thinking to himself, and Narcissa looked ready to pass out. But she seemed determined to stay awake and spoke. "You're soul bonded? To Daphne Greengrass?" Harry nodded, thinking about Daphne. She probably wasn't worried about him being gone for so long. She understood that he was busy.
"A true bond. Something about lover bonds," Harry answered.
"True bond? Those are very rare," Narcissa commented.
"Griphook thought so," Harry agreed.
When the silence became too unbearable, Harry got to his feet, dragging Narcissa with him as the two left the vault behind. They closed the door and headed for the vault not far down labeled 'Lestrange'. Harry couldn't be bothered to seek out either Rodulphus or Bellatrix Lestrange in Azkaban. He would do that when he got Sirius out. Right now, he only cared about getting the sixth Horcrux and destroying it. So he displaced himself and Narcissa into the Lestrange vault, and he spotted it right away. Hufflepuff's Cup was resting on the very top of a high shelf stretching up to the vault's ceiling. "That's it?" Narcissa asked, motioning up to the cup.
"Yep," Harry replied. With the flick of his wrist, the Horcrux flew off of its position on the shelf and landed directly into his waiting hand. Not one to waste time, Harry closed his eyes and examined the Cup. Sure enough, the fragment of Voldemort's soul was there, clinging to the artifact for dear life. Harry concentrated, pushing his soul into Hufflepuff's Cup. The fragment fought back, trying its best to push Harry away to no avail. Without much effort, Harry was able to suck the fragment in, crushing it into dust that was then assimilated into Harry's soul. It was gone. Harry opened his eyes and placed the Cup into his bag. He turned to Narcissa, who was watching him intently. "It's done,"
"Just like that?" Narcissa asked.
"Just like that," Harry answered. He held out his hand, offering it to Narcissa. She took it, and the two were whisked away in a cloud of black smoke. They reappeared within Malfoy Manor. Harry fell into the seat behind Lucius' desk, utterly exhausted. Narcissa fell onto the seat across from him, also exhausted. Harry sighed. "Well. A deal's a deal," He flicked his wrist, his wooden staff appearing in hand as he began to speak slowly, trying his best to keep his eyes open. "I, Lord Harry James Potter-Barrow-Peverell, hereby enter Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and Draco Lucius Malfoy into the protection of House Potter. So mote it be," With another flick of the wrist, golden light spread throughout the room. It went from the tip of Harry's staff to Narcissa's left shoulder, while another tendril of light went out of the room. No doubt going towards Draco at Hogwarts.
The light touched her shoulder, and at once the Potter crest was sewn right into the left shoulder of her dress. It had worked. Hmm. As Harry moved to fall asleep, another flash of light spread through the room, and Harry was forced to look up. He was expecting a person to be standing on the desk, but instead, it was only a ring. A silver ring that was spiraling around in the air without any kind of destination. Narcissa seemed shocked. "It can't be. It's too soon. I wouldn't have thought..." She droned off, getting to her feet as she grabbed the ring from the air. After rounding the table, Narcissa leaned back onto the desk in front of Harry. She showed him the ring. It had the Malfoy crest on it.
"The Malfoy Lordship ring," Harry commented.
"It's yours," Woah. What?
"What? Mine?"
"Yours. You entered the vault without opposition. You confronted Lucius in the courtroom, and you just adopted my family into the protection of your own. It is a rare kind of magic, but it happens from time to time," Narcissa explained. Before Harry could reject, Narcissa had grabbed his hand and placed the Malfoy ring on his left pointer finger. He now had five house rings. Three Potter rings on his right pointer, middle, and ring fingers. The Barrows ring on his left middle finger. And now he had the Malfoy ring on his left pointer finger. He would need to get some sort of chain to wear them around his neck or something. "You claimed the title from my ex-husband. It's yours now," Narcissa added.
"Wait...ex-husband?" Harry asked. Then he paled. Oh shit. She confirmed his suspicions.
"When I was young, my parents entered me into a marriage contract with the next heir of House Malfoy. At the time, it had been Lucius. However, the contract never mentioned him by name. I was to be married to the current Head of House," Harry paled even further. Oh no. Oh no. Not good. Not good. Narcissa got off of the desk, inching closer towards him until her legs were touching his knees. She bent forward, grabbing the armrests of the chair as she faced him, her face inches from his own. Harry hated to admit it, but he was very turned on. She was still very attractive for her age. Something about witches aging slower than no-maj women. Narcissa leaned forward, pressing her lips against his ear. "I'm yours," She whispered seductively. Harry didn't have it in him to say no.
