AN; Caps are there for a reason... everything else I could have goofed on.
Peter Petitgrew; Most Wanted
04
ISDH
PPMW
Then a blond in a techno-colour dream-coat stood up. And the whole hall went deadly silent…
Xenophilius Lovegood was in play. "For the Minister; How does this Bounty and Reward conflict with your Rotfang Conspiracy? How Does it affect your efforts in acquiring controlling interest in Gringotts Bank?"
Fudge looked up from his hands in horror. "Who let him in?" he whispered. But due to the charms on the stage, it carried all over the atrium.
Xeno looked about, nodded, "No Commit." A few marks on his pad. "Does The Minister have anything to say about the title of Goblin-Crusher?"
"Will Somebody shut him up!" Fudge cried, as a few senior Aurors snickered. Bones was fighting to hide her smile in her coffee cup. Rufus Scrimgeour was using breathing exercises to control his laughter. Kingsley was like carved Ironwood.
"Any answer on the Rumors of Baking Goblins into pies?" Xeno leaned on the silence.
"Des tartes! Il les prépare en tartes!" Bouton cried, "Comment pouvez-vous devenir barbare!" Before fleeing the atrium, his wig flapping in the wind, trailing powder in his wake.
Bones fell from her chair, laughing into her empty cup, and Rufus found himself on his knees, crying from his laughter.
But King was carved of Ironwood. Black don't crack.
PPMW
08:00
Harry softly entered the Kitchen of the Granger Household. "Dobby."
"Master."
"Okay. First thing. I do not like being called that. I understand if Elf-Wizard requires it, but I need you to never call me that in Hermione's hearing." The elf nodded. "Okay, I need two dozen eggs, mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, onions, three different cheeses, about a pound each, tomatoes, and five pounds of potatoes. You still have my coins pouch?"
Dobby nodded, and was gone.
Harry started the Coffee pot, and set the kettle to simmer. He then went to work on the left over ham, cubing it up. Then Harry made Scones. Soft, flaky, buttery Scones. When Dobby popped in, Harry diced the mushrooms, tomatoes, and bell peppers, while the Elf was given the job of cleaning the potatoes, then shredding them. He had the little guy do the same to the cheese, Cheddar, Jack, and Swiss. Harry then minced the garlic and onions.
The Grangers stumbled in, yawning as they moved in a shambling shuffle. A mug of Coffee was floated before Dan, and he cupped it, as he turned to his seat at the table. Emma accepted her cup of tea(Earl Grey, hot) she eased into her seat, dipping the tea bag by the string… Hermione just sat at the table. Dobby popped out, to return with a picture and goblet full of a dark orange liquid. The Witchling murmured a thanks before sipping.
Into a large skillet, a tablespoon of butter and a handful onion and two pinches of garlic. These are sauteed, as three eggs are whisked light and fluffy, then poured into the skillet. Lid on for half a minute, before the fillings are trailed down the center of the circle of cooking egg, before being rolled onto a plate, and allowed to set. And another brush of cheeses, Harry is begging the next.
As he rolls the fourth omlet onto a plate, and dusted with the last of the cheese, the timer dinged. Letting Dooby place the plates, Harry pulled the scones from the oven, and dumped them into a tea-towel lined basket. Grabbing the butter and jam from the fridge, Harry joined the Family at the Table. His Coffee cup floated over to settle beside his plate.
"Dobby, Are you needing anything?" Harry asked as he sat.
"No, Sirs. Dobby is not needing food at this time. But Dobby has things to finish at Hoggy-warts."
"Okay. Keep an ear open if we have need of your services." Dobby bobbed and popped away.
"Oh bloody Hell, Yes." Dan moaned. "Hermione. Sorry Princess, but I am going to be selling your peachy arse to the Lad."
Emma having tried her bite, "Take your time haggling over the price." The Puckle woman moaned. "The Lad will just have to cook for us until the contract is signed."
Two snowy owls burst into the kitchen.
"I knew I was forgetting something." Harry hissed, as the smaller owl landed on his left shoulder. He offered her a bit of ham, she took it, and watched the male who was perched on the back of Hermione's chair. "You two getting along?"
Hedwig looked away, posing before the male's eyes.
Pogo burped, before puffing up, and started cleaning his breastplate.
Emma looked between the two birds, before snorting. "They got it bad."
"Mom?"
"She likes the attention, and is watching him out of the corner of her eye. He is preening while watching her. She is showing off her status as the Favored, but he burped, saying he was full, that he was the better hunter."
"Well, Hedwig is mine." Harry scratched under a wing. "And as such I provide everything but a breeding partner for when she wants to clutch. I bought Pogo to cover that gap, if she finds him worthy, and provide Hermione with access to a winged messenger anytime she wants to drop her parents a note while at school."
"What are your plans this Summer?" Dan spread jam on a hot scone.
"No real Plans." Harry turned from his Owl. "The Headmaster Wants me with the Dursleys, but they would rather I vanish from their world."
"Come with us to Nice." Emma sipped her tea. "Jean takes her new case, you step through, and Dobby can bring yours after."
PPMW
#12 Grimmwald place.
The London Residence of House Black.
It was also the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
Everyone but two was gathered around the Kitchen Table. The Kids were upstairs as the old Headmaster awaited his Spy. A Bloom of green from the Floo, and Shack stepped from the Flames.
"Good News, Fudge is on the brink of a nervous breakdown." Shack broke the murmuring. "The Kid went to the Goblins yesterday. Put a Bounty on Pettigrew. Big enough that half the Ministry is owling in with Red-Flu."
Dung perked up… "Just How big?"
Black and Lupin had perked up at 'Pettigrew', and exchanged looks.
"How did he get past the guard?" the Headmaster glared at Dung.
"Not past me!" the Second-hand Specialist hissed. "He was either asleep or gone during my watch! And because we are outside in the garden, only Mad-eye would know if something had changed!"
"It was in the Prophet, and they sent one to every witch and wizard in their files, if they had a subscription or not. Bones started drinking by 8 this morning, and by 10, when Fudge decided that he needed to hold a press-conference..." Shack sat, accepting a cuppa from Molly. "She was in no condition to work. Rufus invited Lovegood, and placed him in the middle of the Press Block. Prophet got the first question, followed by Witch Weekly. Auror's Monthly weighed in, before a French Wizard popped up. Then Xeno took the stage."
"Oh Merlyn." many around the table muttered.
"He started by asking about 'Goblin Crusher', and capped his run by asking about the rumors of Fudge baking Goblins into pies."
A purple haired witch, the youngest around the table, snorted, "Bet Bonesy really loved that one."
"Fell out of her chair, laughing into her coffee cup" Shack deadpanned. "The French Reporter screamed in french, and bolted to the International Portkey Room. Everybody ran to their press offices, to file their stories, as Rufus and Bones lay on the stage laughing, Fudge cried into his hat." He sipped his tea. "I would Advise keeping an eye on the Boy's house. With This act of his, Fudge and his Bitch looked foolish, and out of Pride and Spite, expect some form of response."
"Arther, Remus, Nymphadora. You have your timetables. Three days before his birthday, we will bring him here."
"Do not call me Nymphadora!
Vance, the day before that, invite Miss Granger. Minerva will show you the way." The Old Headmaster was softly spoken.
Just then, a Large Snowy Owl exploded out of the Fireplace, two scrolls clenched in it's talons. It landed before Lupin and Black, and extended it's foot.
"Hedwig?" Lupin asked, reaching for the scrolls.
"Bark!" the bird shook its head.
"How did she find this place?" Molly demanded shrilly.
"Yes, sorry, the smell of the floo, covered your scent. My apologies, good Sir." he read the names on the scrolls, and passed Sirius the one with his name on it, before opening his scroll.
Black read his scroll, before barking in Laughter. "Well Hello, Mister Pogo of House Black. Tell the Lord we are well, and we welcome him anytime he wishes to stop by." he rolled his scroll up and slid it into his sleeve.
"Thought you were Lord Black." Arther quired.
"I was, but I left it to my Heir, as I am unable perform the Duties of Lord Black." the shabby escapey sighed.
"Oh?" the Purple haired Auror asked, "And when did he become the Black?"
"My Guess, sometime early morning yesterday…" Lupin answered, folding his letter in thirds, and tucking it into his robes. "Just about the time he placed a half mil bounty on our favorite Rat."
"Half. A. Million?" Dung shot to his feet. "Got to see a man about a cauldron." He ducked into the floo before anyone could say otherwise.
"Set a Rat to catch a Rat." Vance muttered to the witch beside her.
Moody caught sight of something that uneased him… an almost albino Albus. Flicking his wand into his palm, he focused on the Headmaster. "Albus. You have been keeping secrets." His voice was cold steel, and those who studied under him, drew their wands too.
"That Owl should not have been able to find this place." the Headmaster glared at the bird. "The Fidelius Charm should have prevented anyone or anything not told the Secret." Molly rushed to fill his cup. "I cast the spell myself!"
"And Odds are, Pogo can't find this place unless he is delivering mail to a Black." Lupin's voice went silky. "He was sent by Lord Black, to deliver a letter to Mister Black, in the London Townhouse of Black. You will Notice that Pogo is looking very pleased with himself. Odds are, because he was able to outperform the Master's Favorite."
Berk!
"Because Hedwig could not find us, being a Potter Owl." Sirius tapped the owl on the head with his wand. "Just in case a Headmaster wants to get involved with House Black affairs.
"Just what are you accusing the Headmaster of?" Molly sheirked.
"Nothing yet." Black slowly stood to his full height. "But he has a History of putting his broken nose into House affairs that are outside his purview." He extended his left arm to the Owl, "Pogo, would you accompany me? Lupin, Watch them." the owl jumped to his arm, and he exited the kitchen.
Outside the kitchen he found the Black House-elf glaring up at the redheads gathered at the rail overhead. "Kreature. No Doubt you sensed the shift in Lordship."
"Kreature Did."
"This is our Lord's Owl. Please Make up Father's Quarters. Our Lord is coming. I will tell you, he is a Half-blood, raised Muggle. He will not put you on the Wall, nor will he clothe you. Instead he will retire you...and bring in others to fix and clean House Black."
"NO!" the Elf cried, grabbing his ears. "Kreature's Magic is weak, not having rebonded after Mistress Passed!"
"Do what you can." The Wizard looked up at the gingers, "They will help. In the Master Suite, Wands are allowed, when the Elf is watching." Looking at the Elf, "All dark relics go to the vault. We will sort them later."
He turned and entered the 'Lord's Study', setting Pogo on a perch-stand, he pulled his scroll from his sleeve. Sitting at the massive English Black Oak desk, he reread the scroll, written in biro.
Damn you Black!
Pray that my Week in Nice allows me to settle, or Paddy is going to the vet, and losing some luggage, if you get my drift. I thank you for Naming me Heir, as It would allow me to rub Draco Malfoy's face in the krup-shit. But then to throw the full Mantle at me, and duck out? BAD DOG-FATHER!
Ashrack was very patient with me, and as we were able to Lock the Black Accounts down, for a full Accounting. We did not look into the Contracts, as any Witch I would choose to bond with would be underage. When I return, you will join me at the Bank as we pour over the Accounts and Contracts!
Or you are cut off… in every way possible!
Now, I have no way of knowing where you are, but Pogo was Named my Black Owl, Dobby's idea. He should be able to find you anywhere in the Isles. He is almost as smart as Hedwig, but I am biased.
I have escaped from Durskaban, for the Summer, if not for Good. Will need your Teachings to Goat the Beard, as I believe he has coloured outside the lines. Having Barchoke double check for me.
Looking forward to learning that trick you and Dad know… the one you never taught Lupin.
Lord of Potter
Lord of Black
Heir to Hogwarts
HJP
Sirius Black noticed the Puns, the tics, and the false starts that laced the letter. Pulling out a fresh sheet of parchment, the Master of the house, scribbled out notes, before smiling. "Well Played Pup."
Lupin eased the door open, and closed it behind him. "What did the Cub have to say?"
"It mostly boils down to; Do Not Trust 'Percival', or those who follow him too closely." Black tossed his quill down as he passed both his letter and notes to the old wolf.
"You playing That Game, today?" the Werewolf raised an eyebrow, "Remember, it is the only Game allowed until the last strike of Midnight." He eased on to the wooden chair, his nose buried in the letter.
As Lupin was reading, Black wrote out a note on a second sheet of parchment, using Black Stationary.
Pup
You set the Krup among the Kneazles.
Here at the Townhouse of Black, the Order had just fully Gathered, minus a Squib or two, that the Beard had watching a Target, and a spy on the Other Side. Today was the first time everyone had gathered, so the Bearded Bastard could give out orders.
Your Favorite Gingers were brought along, so their Mother could keep an eye on them, while she cooked for the Order. She has them Cleaning House. The Twins are an Owl, but the room they were assigned by their Mother smells of Trouble… Sirius Trouble. That and they just got their Licenses, and so they are cracking about the place.
Because of How we are Hiding, Just Like your Parents, I can not tell you where we are. Mister Pogo could not find this place, unless he is delivering a letter, from You, to a Black in these walls. Infact, as I understand it, once he leaves this place, he will forget where we are, until the Beard decides to tell him.
As Master of the House, I get to decide who comes and goes. Only You can kick someone I invited out, as You can come and go as you wish… once you know where I am. Molly is ignoring Guest Law, but the old man needs to feel that he is in Power. I will overlook her minor trespasses for now.
My Elf is old. His Ability to serve is coming to an end...unless he Bonds to the new Black. Normally he would be killed and mounted in 'Honour' of his service, but I Hate the little Shit. I told him that you would retire him, muggle style, as new-blood were to take up his Duties. No mounting on the Wall, no Clothes, just put in the corner, to watch… for ever.
I remember you talking about Elves when we were talking about the Triwizard… When you decide to let the old man 'win', bring them with you, so Kreature can pass his Duties on properly. Elves are even deeper set in their ways than Wizards.
Regent Black
SOB
He stood from the desk, leaving the letter behind, as he approached the Owl. Drawing his wand, he cast detection charms on the bird… and found only the threads on the Shops Charms. As he cleaned the bird of all non-Black Magic, Lupin steeped behind the desk, read over the note, and picked up the quill, and a clean sheet. He scratched a quick note, before rolling it all up, and smudging a lump of wax to seal it. As the wax was gelled, the wolf used a fob on his watch chain to press an image into the wax… a Hart and a Grim looking up at a full moon.
The Owl took the scroll, and once the small window behind the desk was opened, burst out into the shadowed back alley, and vanished into the blue sky.
PPMW
Longbottom Hall
The Greenhouse.
Neville was pleased with himself, and his work. He always had a knack with Plants; Magic or Muggle. For getting accepted to Hogwarts and into the House of the Brave, His Grandmother had given him the run of the Greenhouse… but ten years of neglect had taken its toll. That first Summer, he was only able to clear and claim the First Chamber.
When his Mother ran the Greenhouse, a wedding gift from his Father, there were five Chambers, each the size of the Great Hall. Each had a complexe set of Runes that controlled the temp, humidity, and wind and water flow. It had taken him these last four years of Summer Days, dawn to dusk; trimming back the overgrowth, weeding out the mutants, packing in new and fresh fertilizer, cleaning out the water ways…
It was the Labor of Love. Love for his Mother, and for the Green.
He collapsed on the stone bench around the overgrown pool, in the center chamber. Pulling his gloves off, he sighed, the smile not leaving his 'chubby' face. He had lost the fat in his face, and his body was a match for the Goons that backed Malfoy.
"Lokie! I will take my Lunch now, Please!" He called to the thin air above him.
A platter of fruits, cheese slices, crackers, and a selection of meat slices and cubes popped onto the bench to his right as a picture of tart berry juice and a goblet popped to his left. Included was that Morning's Prophet. Filling his goblet, and sipping, he popped a cherry into his mouth, before spitting the seed into the pool, and taking up the paper.
And choked on his tongue…
WANTED
PETER PETIGREW
Crimes include but not limited to;
Treason. Murder. Attempted Murder. Torture. Use of the Unforgivables
Accessory to Murder; before and after the fact
Massive Wanton Destruction
Terrorism
Practice of the Darkest Arts
Unregistered ani-magus
REWARD:
GG500,000*
Held in escrow
until suspect is captured and identified by Gringott's personal
Identifying traits;
Turns in a brown rat
Silver right forearm
Paid from the Vaults of House Potter
"Damn Harry! Can Nothing you do ever be simple?" The Future Lord of Longbottom muttered, before turning to stories inside. First story was how Lord Potter had walked into the Office to post the Bounty, as was Tradition. How he had Humbly forgiven the Paper it's faux pas of listening to the Ministry without double checking their facts. This Time, they double checked. Gringotts' Bureau of Bounties does have a Contract for the Wizard known as Pettigrew, the reward is in escrow…
Top of page two, had a bar graph that showed the Rankings of People of Interest. Czarina Redeemer ranked her subjects zero to ten, Red and Green, and advised 'buy' or 'sell' If you were at zero for two weeks, you were dropped. Since the Triwizard Tournament, Harry had had a rating of 2-3 Red, Sell. Today he was 4 Green, Buy. The Ministry went from 5 Green, Buy, to 2 Green, Hold. Fudge, who had been 6 Green, Buy, now was a 2 Red, -. DMLE lost a green, but were still a buy. The Gringotts Bank was new to the list, opening with a 6 Green, Buy.
On the bottom of Page Two, a window column, two inches; New Lead on Black Case. Junior Reporter assigned to dig through the history of Black and Potter. More as it develops.
The rest of the Paper was filled with detritus of Magic Britain. 'Good deal on Dragon Dung. Will need to order some this week.' Neville had finished the paper, and the Plate, just as a white owl swooped into the central Chamber, a scroll in its claw. It backwinged, and touched down gently on his shoulder.
Berk!
"Good Day Hedwig. Got something for me, have ya?" Neville reached up and scratched her breast, like he had seen Harry do.
"Young Master!" Lokie appeared, frowning at the bird on Her Master's shoulder. "Nasty Bird would not stop, would not give up letter, would not listen!"
"Lokie. This is Hedwig. A rather smart owl, and I trust her with my Life. If she is delivering something, whomever it is to, they deserve it." the Elf pouted, but held her tongue.
The letter read;
Neville.
I hope this finds you well.
I find myself in the Market for a new Best Mate. Ron has burned our bridge, and while he mouths the words, his actions this past year show that he has forfeited the post. It is my thought that he has a Hand up his …
I will also be needing help and advice on subjects that my inner circle is unable to give;I have taken up my Rings. Yes, I said Rings, as in plural. I will need you at my side when Draco decides he can thump me, because he is a Malfoy. I am now The Potter. And I hold another House… will tell you, during our birthday get together.
I am spending the next week in Nice, but afterwards, we will trade letters, and look into things deeper.
Lord of Potter
HJP
Neville handed the letter to Lokie. "To my desk, please. I will inform Gran that Next week I am having guests. Have Potter Suite cleaned, and aired out. Thank you, Lov." turning to the owl on his shoulder, "If you don't need the rest, best you get back to Harry. You know him and trouble. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy the trees in the East Chamber."
Hedwig barked, and fell from his shoulder, before flying off into the sky.
Neville kicked his shoes off, before wading into the pond/pool. Ten years allowing the water plants grew wild had allowed for algae to clog the pipes that allowed for the watering system his mother had designed to hydrate the whole Greenhouse Complexe. Only the runes and rainwater had kept the outer chambers moist enough for them to flourish.
Three hours later, Neville had pulled his weight in wet moss and algae from the drains, and got the aqueducts running like they should have been. He hauled the moss and algae to the drying racks, and spread it out. He would either sell it off, or mix it back into the fertilizer as a filler. But that was for tomorrow.
He headed up the backstairs to his suite, where he shed his shorts, shirt, and stepped into a hot shower. When he stepped out, a set of good robes were waiting.
As he entered the Parlor, he kissed Gran on the check, before helping himself to a cuppa of her tea. "Afternoon Gran. the Greenhouses are coming along nicely." He eased onto the ottoman across from her. "I have News. Lord Potter has taken up his Rings." he sipped.
Gus, short for Agusta, snapped up from reading the IWN paper. She often read the International Wizarding News in the afternoon. Mostly because it arrived about half One. when she was Lunching with members of her Circle(Coven) before having Tea with Others. "Lord Potter, you say." before glaring at her Heir/Lordling. "Rings?"
"He did not say, but he has asked that I help him assume his full Mantle." Neville grinned at his Gran. "I had Lokie open up the Potter Suite. I am going to invite him and Granger when they return."
"Return?" the Dowager sneered, but the Malice was not aimed at the boys. "So he has slipped away from the old fool."
"He has asked me to join his inner circle." Heir Longbottom set his cup and saucer on a nearby table. "He feels that the Headmaster is behind a few of the issues in his life, but between Hagrid and the Weaselys preaching the Word of Albus…"
"Yes. Is that the reason he has reaffirmed the Alliance? This Granger is the Muggle-born that is trouncing all the Purebloods?" at Neville's nod, "Invite her, and her Folks, once they are back." She folded her paper so she could look him over. "Tell me, Boy. What is your view on a prospective Wife?"
"Miss Hannah of House Abbot has caught my interest, but like most Hufflepuff, she is never far from her housemate, Susan Bones." Neville refreshed his cup. This was deeper than he wanted to go, but… "Bones might be contracted, but will need a consort-continuation contract, if she is going to keep her House."
"Abbot…" Gus stared off into the distance. Neville knew she was 'reading' the 'Trees of the Houses. "Yes, good breeding, and with an old brother… Longbottom would strengthen Abbot's position in the talks for his own bride… that is before you Factor in Potter… and Bones…" Her cold grey eyes locked onto his. "Abbot is a choice. Do you need my help in courting her?"
"No Gran." He drained his cup, and stood. "I will be in Father's Study until Dinner. Will have an answer for you by the time Potter Arrives." his empty cup was left on the tray, as Gus returned to her paper with a grin and smirk.