This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 7.
Lost and Found.
8th July. Day 11.
The next morning Harry awoke early in a bed that was larger than his room at Privet Drive, he rolled over, looking round the well appointed bedroom, remembering where he was. The walls were covered in rich patterned wall paper, not really his taste, but then it wasn't his house, and he didn't really mind, it was a comfortable room. That was what mattered really, in the end it was a room to sleep in, so he would not be looking at it that much anyway. Four doors led from the room on three of the walls, the other had a window which he guessed overlooked am overgrown garden at the back of the house. There had been enough light reflected in the city from the street lamps that he could see that much, though not much else about it, when he had briefly looked through the curtains before going to bed the night before. He had explored the suite when they had finally retired the night before, looking behind each door as well. One led to a luxurious bathroom, another, on the opposite wall, opened into a dressing room, with a walk in wardrobe off it, not that he had many clothes to put in it yet. The third door gave access to a well-equipped study, next to the Bathroom and the final door on its own opposite the window, had been the way he had entered the bedroom. It opened into a large sitting room, from which he could go out into the rest of the house. He shared the sitting room with the next door suite, which was currently occupied by Ginny, thanks to her father agreeing she could go with them to Gringotts this morning.
Harry smiled as the memories of the events after Dumbledore had been led away under arrest last night, came flooding back to his waking mind. Arthur, as Harry had been told to call him now, had not only readily agreed that Ginny could go to Gringotts with them, but he had also signed a parchment allowing for a heritage test to be carried out on her. He knew house elves had a sixth sense about people, and so was intrigued to discover what it was about his daughter that he did not know, but Kreacher had realised. He had also suggested that Ginny spent the night in a room of her own in the Blacks quarters, enabling them to set off when they wanted to, without others possibly interfering. Arthur had also pointed out that, it would mean she didn't either disturb, or get questioned by Hermione, depending on if the bushy haired Witch was still awake or not.
Harry had been a little surprised that décor had been so much better on the family levels, Ginny had been there before, so knew that the house had been redecorated on these levels. "Sirius offered to redecorate the levels the order use, but mum and Dumbledore refused to allow it. I can't understand why though, except perhaps to try to have a reason to moan about him." She had explained.
Harry had been surprised and saddened by Ron's behaviour towards him yesterday yet thinking about it, he perhaps should have expected it, the moment things did not go his way. Ron, he realised in retrospect, had often been jealous of him, though usually trying to hide it. Harry also realised his own behaviour, tempered by years of trying not to do better than Dudley, had not helped the red head get over his envy. That said, until last night he would have done anything to help his friend, but now he had shown what seemed to be his true colours. Harry would have forgiven Ron's actions regarding his sister, Ginny was his sister after all, had he apologised or accepted that Ginny, and he were friends, more than friends, but he had not done so. Ron had gone on to point his wand at both Ginny and himself, then made it very clear that he did not consider Harry wanted. It was clear that Ron had wanted friendship on his own terms, not mutual ones. At least Hermione had listened, and had moved from objection to considering what she had seen and heard since. Yes he was sad that she had doubted him, but she had not drawn her wand and was taking everything she knew into account. He could not blame her for taking her time, and he knew how much it cost her to think that any figure of authority could be wrong, especially those who had gained her respect. He knew she would, eventually, make up her mind, based on what she found out and read. Harry knew she would want to talk to them both once she had considered matters as she saw them, he could respect that, accept it was the nature of his friend, he knew that in the end she would be honest with them.
Knowing that they wanted to leave early, partly to avoid Molly trying to prevent it and partly to hopefully get this all settled before Dumbledore was released and could interfere, Harry got out of bed and padded over to the bathroom. He was still a little in awe of these rooms, even the Wardrobe was bigger than any of bedrooms at Privet Drive. So it was not surprising that the bathroom was larger than he was used to, even at Hogwarts, and it had been luxuriously appointed. The walls were entirely covered in tiles, making it a full wet room. There was a bath big enough for two in the centre, a pair of showers in one corner, a lavatory in the one diagonally opposite. There were a pair of sinks, both set into counters with large mirrors behind them and chairs in front of them. The floor tiles were warm against his feet as he crossed the room to begin what was his normal morning routine when at Hogwarts, one that was impossible at Privet Drive.
Once he had abluted, he left the bathroom and went into his dressing room, he found that the few clothes he had and his school robes had been hung in the wardrobe, all three chests were neatly arranged under the back row of unused hangers. He guessed that Kreacher must have unpacked for him and put it all in here. He selected the clothes he wanted to wear today, then searched the draws he found in the dressing room for socks and underwear. Then he dressed, sitting on the chair next to the door back to the bedroom as needed, finally he put on his trainers, then stood and glanced in the full length mirror. "I suggest you buy a new wardrobe, young man." A voice said, surprising Harry, who looked round, knowing he was safe here, except possibly from pranks, but saw no one. He looked more closely at the mirror and the voice spoke again. "Yes it was me, and I meant what I said, you do need to get some better clothes."
Harry nodded. "I know, these are hand-me-downs from my cousin." He said. "Well I had better go, we have an early appointment at Gringotts, who knows I might be able to start getting a few things while we are in Diagon Alley."
"That would be an excellent idea, you need clothes that befit your station young man." The mirror advised.
Harry smiled. "Getting some that fit might be a good start." He chuckled. "I shall be sure to show you any we buy. See you later."
"Indeed you will young man, indeed you will."
Harry made his way out through his bedroom and into the warm, comfortable, well appointed sitting room, where he found Ginny sitting on one of the armchairs, reading the yesterdays Evening Prophet, it was too early for the morning edition to arrive yet. It was again a large, luxurious room, there were three doors from it, one to each of the two suites and the last out into the corridor. This was a room for relaxation, there were a couple of sofas near the fireplace and several matching arm chairs about the room. There were other cushioned wooden chairs, A display case in one corner filled with fine ornaments and a sideboard complete with vase of flowers. It had a rich wall paper, and the floor was covered with a soft carpet. There were scenic pictures on the walls, including one of the house in better days, Harry wondered if they were visited by any portraits from in the house, or elsewhere. It was only a fleeting thought, as the sight of Ginny took his attention again. She was beautiful, he could not understand how he had not thought of that before, he was glad he saw her as more than Ron's little sister now. There was no doubt, he thoroughly enjoyed her company, he felt a link to her like no one else, not even to Sirius.
"Hey Gin." He smiled, attracting her attention.
She turned, looking up, a big grin spreading across her face, she leapt off her seat, the paper discarded carelessly to the floor, and gathered him in her arms and at last, their lips met in a searing first kiss.
When they had come up the stairs the night before and entered the suite, Sirius and Bella had seen them into their rooms, warning them of the early start and that their rooms would wake them in time, though not abruptly unless needed. Both had been so tired, that they had not argued, wished goodnight, entered their rooms and flopped into bed, so although it was some hours since they had become a couple, they had in fact not kissed until now.
Their lips separated after a few moments. "That was a wonderful first kiss Harry, now we need to kiss good morning." She whispered, smiling.
He wasn't going to argue, he had never felt so loved as he had during that first kiss and there was no doubt that he was keen to repeat the feeling. Their lips met again, this time in a slow, tender, lingering kiss that lasted several minutes, and only ceased when they were interrupted, by a knock at the door from the corridor.
Kreacher entered the room, smiled to see the young couple in each others arms, and bowed. "Good morning Master Harry, Mistress Ginny, Master and My Lady ask that you join them in the dining room that has been created on this level for Breakfast, which is ready for you."
"Of course Kreacher, are they waiting for us already or do we have a few minutes." Ginny asked.
The elf chuckled. "They are ready and waiting for you I'm afraid. However, I am sure we can arrange some time for you both later, after you return from Diagon Alley."
"Thank you Kreacher, we're coming." Ginny smiled grabbing Harry's hand. "Oh I am sorry Kreacher, I didn't make my bed this morning, I shall do it later though."
"Nor have I Kreacher, but promise I shall when we get back." Harry added.
"Not to worry, I shall be happy to do them while you are out, I am not forbidden to do them here as I have been by the Weasley matriarch downstairs." The Elf told them, and held his hand up to stop any argument, when he saw them open their mouths to object.
They acquiesced gracefully, thanking him, then they followed the Elf out of their suite and along the corridor.
Unlike the first floor level below this one, which had a central corridor with rooms on either side, the corridor on this level, ran for most of its length along the front of the house. A row of curtained windows, the panes of glass divided by narrow strips of wood, overlooked the grassy area in the square below, where Harry had arrived yesterday. They passed doors, presumably to rooms or suites, on the opposite side of the corridor, which ended at a door facing them. They opened it, and entered the family dining room, obviously recently created for those Sirius invited to join him up here, while the lower floors were occupied by the order.
After warm morning wishes were exchanged between them, they settled at the table of the well lit room to eat, Kreacher providing what ever they desired for the meal. Harry and Ginny had fruit, while Sirius and Bella chose cereals, all four followed that up with full English breakfasts, a large pot of tea between them. It was a relatively heavy meal, it would be a long time until lunch, so they needed a substantial meal before they left for the morning ahead, they would be at Gringotts for their appointment, which was quite a while before it officially opened.
Conversation was light while they ate, Bella had already mentioned to them that she didn't want breakfast spoiled with heavy topic's, especially as this was her first in her own home with her husband and Godson present, and only her second with the first two, for many years. In fact Harry quite enjoyed the light conversation over the meal, it made a change from the gruff orders he received at Privet Drive, and it was similarly different to the discussions of the days classes or homework that were normal at Hogwarts. It was a chance to get to know Bella more, especially as she teased Sirius, it was comfortable like he had never really known at a meal table, even those at the Burrow.
Once they had all completed the meal, more serious topic's were discussed, mainly plans for the day which included taking Harry shopping for some suitable clothes to replace the Dursley's hand-me-downs after they had visited Gringotts. They would do proper clothes shopping another day, when they had more time to go in both worlds.
An Owl arrived for Sirius, just as they were talking of where they would go for the shopping today, interrupting the conversation. He took the letter and opened it. He read it, then passed it to Bella. She looked up at Sirius "Is there really any question about it?"
"No, not for me anyway, if she has asked for help and to return to the fold then that is what will happen. I will never turn a Black away if I can help it, but I thought you ought to have a say as well." He answered.
"What of her son?" Bella asked.
"Him too, with my situation he stands to inherit the title, he too deserves family protection, she says he wants little to do with following his fathers footsteps." Sirius said, then turned to Harry "Sorry Harry there's no way I can pass the Black family title to you. It has to go to the oldest male of the Black bloodline when the Lord has no offspring, that all means he is next in line as things stand, even over Tonks, his own mother and her sisters."
"Not to worry Sirius, I have the Potter title after all." Harry smiled.
Bella nudged Sirius. "Ah yes, well the letter." Sirius looked a little embarrassed. "This might be a little awkward, you see my cousin, Bella's sister, is in a bad marriage to a Death eater and it seems that she wants out, with her son. I will allow her to return to the family, she will have to make some commitments and oaths to return to the fold properly, bankrupting her husband in the process is a bonus, I never could stand him. He is head of a noble house and his son inherits that, and my title regardless. The boy will have to show his loyalty to the Black house as well, including you two."
"That all makes sense Sirius, it would be interesting to meet more of your family. Does that mean you want us to move out of our rooms?" Harry asked.
"Oh Merlin no, they will have rooms on the next floor up, he might be heir, but they are not close family enough for this floor. You are by virtue of being our godson, Ginny because she is with you." Bella assured them. "No, the reason it could be a little awkward, as Sirius put it, is we need you two to start afresh with the son. You know him, and because of those he has been surrounded by, he has had to present himself to you and in public as his father wished, not as he really is, from what Sirius told me he observed at Hogwarts and what his mother has said in her letter."
"We can try." Harry said cautiously, Ginny squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Who is it?"
"Narcissa and Draco Malfoy." Sirius said.
Ginny gasped. "Are you sure he is not just an arrogant spoilt brat?"
Sirius smiled. "Well, I know that's how he behaves, but it is an act according to his mother. One I can understand him having to play, when you consider those around him and the culture among the pure bloods, even in our day. Those surrounding him are the children of Death eaters, and they report on each other to their parents, even writing to the parents of those who deviated from what they all knew was expected. It is an effective way of keeping control of their children, even when they are at school. It takes a lot to rebel against that, especially if you are in the same house as they are. We were lucky really, being Blacks it was fine for me to be with your Father, the Potters being a family of similar standing to us, so that wouldn't be reported, though my friendship with Remus and Peter was not regarded in the same way. Anyway, all we ask you do about the son, is to try to get along with him. We shall ask him to do the same, of course."
Harry and Ginny nodded. "Fair enough!" Ginny said. "But, if he acts like an ass, he will get it kicked."
"I would definitely agree with that, and so would his mother. I'll write and invite them to be here this evening, ready for dinner, which as I still have use of it, Bella and I had already decided that we should try to have our evening meals in there regularly. After all the Order at using it, Molly prefers them to eat in the kitchen, although that makes things difficult for Kreacher, he assures me he is quite able to get round the problem without her noticing." Sirius smiled. "He really is quite resourceful when he wants to be is that Elf."
"Yes he is, Sirius, but hadn't you better get the reply off to Narcissa, we have five minutes before we need to go." Bella reminded him.
"Yes dear!" Sirius grinned and took a quill and Parchment that Kreacher brought for him.
While Sirius wrote and sent the letter, they got ready to go out, Bella bringing Sirius what he needed, which he gathered, then they left by Floo to a private office at Gringotts. Harry may not like travelling by Floo any more than he did by Apparition, but at least this time he managed to reach the correct destination, even though he did fall out of the fireplace in the office, rather than stepping out as the others did. An event Sirius found amusing, even as he helped Harry to his feet.
Breakfast for the other occupants of number twelve Grimmauld Place was a rather more subdued affair, than it normally was. The events of the night before, still weighed heavy over the occupants of the kitchen as they ate their meal. All the Weasley's resident on the Order floors and Hermione ate in silence, most not wanting to attract the wrath of Molly, while Molly herself was disappointed that only Ron, it seemed, had supported her last night. Only when she had begun to clear the table and set the dishes washing up with her wand, did Molly speak. "At least Remus, Tonks and the others went home last night, that means I can get Ginny to see sense without interference as we tidy the drawing room this morning. Would you go and wake her please Hermione, she will have to do without breakfast as she could not be bothered to come down in time."
The teen looked at her blankly. "I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, she wasn't in our room when I got up, her bed didn't look slept in." She told her.
"What?" Molly said sharply as she forcefully replaced the pile of plates on the table, the twins rolled their eyes, knowing she was about to go off on one again.
"Calm down, Molly." Arthur spoke from behind the Daily Prophet, which had just arrived a few minutes earlier. "I gave permission for her to stay with the Blacks, so she wouldn't disturb Hermione going to bed so long after she did. I also said she could go with them to Gringotts, so that she and Harry could participate in a Heritage ritual, apparently Sirius house Elf suggested it, and I did not see why not, it won't reveal anything unexpected after all."
"You did what Arthur?" Molly demanded alarmed, she sat back down heavily.
"Molly enough!" Arthur said and lowered the paper. " There is no need to get so wound up, as I said, Sirius house elf suggested Ginny should do a heritage verification test. I can't understand why though, it will just show her Weasley and Prewitt lineage, that's all." He raised the paper again. "I can't see why you are so worried about it, I can't see what possible harm it can do?"
He failed to see his wife's face go white. "You idiot Arthur, you've ruined everything with your irresponsibility." She spat, forgetting they were not alone in the room, or that Arthur had no clue about where Ginny was from. "She was not supposed to find out like this, Dumbledore had it all worked out, you fool. You know he gave her to us, she is not our daughter by blood Arthur we adopted her."
"What?" Arthur, Hermione, Ron, Fred and George exclaimed in unison, pigwidgeon squawked and took off from his perch in fright. "I knew no such thing Molly, what on Earth are you talking about, that's ridiculous. Did Tonks stunner effect you more than it should have, or something?"
Molly was desperate, she realised she had just told the secret to them all. Dumbledore was out of reach in a ministry cell, now her family stared accusingly at her, she decided to try to skirt over her mistake and go on the attack again. "Get her back Arthur, she cannot undergo that test, get her back here now." She snarled.
"Stop talking rubbish Molly, I remember her birth." Her husband dismissed her out burst.
Frustrated, she decided to drop the bombshell, confident that they would recognise they needed to be loyal to Dumbledore and act to return Ginny to them. "That's a memory charm Arthur, Dumbledore gave you that memory, but that is beside the point. What's important is Ginny doesn't find her true identity, until the time is right."
"That's utter bollocks mum." Fred and George exclaimed.
"If what you say is true then she deserves to know who she really is." George added.
Nodding in agreement, Fred supported his brother. "Dumbledore has no right to with hold it from her, come to that neither have you."
George spoke again."Not to mention, that our beloved bearded wonder also had no right to mess with Dads memory..."
"...or anyone else's and neither of you should have withheld it from him either." Fred observed.
"No, if Dumbledore decided that it was necessary to apply a memory charm, then must be done, for the greater good, that is beyond question, you cannot doubt that without saying Albus is wrong and that would not be a sensible to believe. If Ginny discovers what happened and who she really is, then Dumbledore loses his power to defeat he who must not be named, and we will lose the income we get for taking her in. Neither of which can be allowed to happen." Molly was growing in fury again.
"Enough," Arthur bellowed. "I very much doubt Dumbledore will lose that ability, if he even has it at all, simply because my daughter discovers her origins. As to any income, family is more important, otherwise the Prewitts would still be in debt up to their eyeballs. You Molly, seem to have lost that value in your obsessive faith in Dumbledore. I have to say I question why what you say he has done is for the good of anything, it does not seem like the actions of someone with anyone's best interests at heart. As far as I am concerned, that is the last time he interferes in the affairs of my family. So Molly, who is Ginny really anyway?"
"Albus never told me, not that it matters, he gave her to us when we could have no more children. We deserved her, otherwise why would he give her to us. Now get her back here, now."
"No Molly, stop, you must put your family before this. If Ginny is not ours she deserves to know who she really is, if you stop the test today, then I shall take her for one myself, but I am not stopping this." Arthur shouted, then stood and took some deep breaths before he spoke again. "I am going to work, I suggest that if you love our daughter, you will not interfere in what is planned for this morning. I shall see you later, and we shall be having a conversation about whatever is discovered, as a family, possibly with Harry and Hermione, but certainly not with Albus Dumbledore."
He left the room, followed by the twins, who were in admiration of their father, and wanting to avoid contact with their Mother, they were so disgusted with her behaviour and what she had said.
Hermione watched them go, she was shocked by what had been said, so much so that she could not think what to do. She needed to think, she knew she must speak with Harry and Ginny, find out what they had to say. She was finding it less and less difficult to believe that Dumbledore was behind all this, was manipulating things without concern for those he wanted to control. Her time was limited to discover if he was trustworthy or not, find out what was really going on, soon she would return to her parents, to accompany them on a family holiday, one which she was looking forward to. It was just that now, with so many questions from the articles about Sirius and Bella, not to mention the sudden attraction between Harry and Ginny that had never been there before. Not to mention the revelations Molly had let slip this morning and her odd fanatical devotion to Dumbledore, there were so many questions that needed answers, she needed to research more about this world she had joined. She was, for the first time in her life, glad she had got all her summer homework done, otherwise she would have had difficulty deciding if she should concentrate on that instead.
Ron looked to Molly "What do we do." Ron asked, bringing Hermione from her thoughts..
"Find Harry and Ginny, stop them leaving this house if need be call for me and I will stop them. Dumbledore will be released, he needs them both, we must prevent them from going Dark, save them from themselves."
That made Hermione's mind up for her, she would look for her friends, but not to inform Molly where they were, then she would continue researching what she needed to in the Library this house had. A plan of action decided, she simply nodded as if agreeing and left the room.
Ron remained with his Mother, he had known both she and he had been paid for taking an interest in that idiot Potter, who actually believed he was his friend. He knew that his sister would get in the way, he had done all he could, on Dumbledores instructions, to prevent her rescue in her first year. The headmaster had even ensured that the wand Ron had was doctored to react as it had, causing the collapse of the tunnel, trying to delay any rescue, unfortunately it had not gone as planned. Albus had weakened the rock sufficiently for it to fall, but they had not counted on Lockhart stealing the wand and doing what he did. As a result, Harry had been on the opposite side of the rockfall, leaving Ron to try to clear a way through, which e could have done easily with his real wand. There was still a chance that Ginny rescued in time, so Ron took his time and had not cleared a way out when Harry had returned with her. With three of them working a safe way through was cleared, Ron could do nothing to prevent it and there was no longer any point in doing so. It seemed that what Dumbledore had feared, had happened and there was now some kind of link between Harry and Ginny, Ron had done as he was asked and helped in casting spells on the pair to keep them apart.
Despite all that, what his mother had said about his sister came as a surprise, he had not known she was not really his sister by blood. He felt it explained a few things about her, things only he seemed to notice out of all his brothers. He wasn't really bothered about it, it made no difference to him, so long as the money kept coming in to his vault, from Potters, he wondered if Hermione knew about it, he might have to give here some of it to keep her quiet.
"Should I tell Hermione about the money I get from Potter Mum?" He asked.
Molly shook her head. "Best she doesn't know Ron, she might not understand, think you were only interested in Harry because you were being paid. We need to keep her on side, just as much as Dumbledore needs Harry." She advised. "She only knows what she heard in here, she needn't know any more than that. I am afraid she just wouldn't understand, she is far too honest that one Ronald, she's likely to feel the need to tell what she knows."
Ron grimaced, then left the room.
Hermione had started to look for Harry and Ginny, so she could to talk to them, see if that helped answer any of her questions. She had realised that if they had not gone for the Heritage test yet, then she could not tell Ginny what had been said in the kitchen. It was not her place, and why would Ginny believe her any way. She searched the lower floors, doubting she would find them, but did not need to go up to the others, as Ron tore up those stairs, so she left him to it, and went to the library instead. Hermione had already checked if they were there and knew that Ron would not think to look here for a long time, if at all. She decided that she would check on the information she had gleaned from the Prophet last night, and see if that helped her decide what she should do. While looking, she also picked up a volume about wizard families, it was time she knew more about the Potters, but more importantly the Weasleys and the Prewitts, something about Molly and Ron was off, she was also wondering why she felt attracted to Ron again. Kreacher may have been crude, but she realised he was right, and she could not understand it. That feeling had worn off when she had been at her parents at the start of the summer, absence did not make her heart grow fonder in his case, yet here she was in his company, yearning for him. He may be good-looking, but she could not stand his attitude, and his personality was not attractive at all. So why did she want to be with him so much whenever she was with him? Another puzzle for her, but she could not prioritise it yet, she had more important things to find out about for the time being. For the rest of that morning, she was left alone, she could here Ron, frantically rushing round, shouting for Harry and Ginny, he did not check the library.
Molly was furious, despite the reassurance that at least one of her sons saw what was important even if the rest of her family did not, how could any of them question that loyalty to Albus was something they should naturally give. She had not joined the search for Harry and Ginny, nor did she chase the twins to have them either help the search, or work on the drawing room, they had betrayed her, the headmaster and what was best for the family, she did not want to see them for the moment. In truth the drawing room did not need any attention, but keeping her flock busy, distracted them from the business of the Order. One reason she and Albus had turned down Sirius offer of decorating the rooms they rented was to make it look like they needed extra work on them, to keep the inquisitive minds of her children and their friends, who would be resident, occupied. She knew that they all had a talent for discovering things they shouldn't, so was grateful that they would be kept busy.
She cleaned the kitchen and the pots that morning, hoping her son would find the wayward pair. Molly knew that she would need to reapply the spells and potions on them both, but as they had not come down for breakfast that would become much easier within a few hours at most. They were teenagers, she knew teenagers, they would be ravenous soon, and then she could act, and they would be back to how they had been, they could not possibly have left the house yet, not without them all knowing, there was no way they could have. They had not walked out of the front door, the wards prevented Apparition and the only connected Fireplace available was the one down here, although she knew and Auror could place a call and bring others in via any Floo in an emergency. Although she had not been upstairs, she knew that Albus had given instruction that no other connection be made in this house, to the appropriate department, so she knew there was no other. Flying out on broomsticks was also impossible, this was a Muggle area, even Sirius would not risk that, if they were seen it would cause too much trouble. She was certain they must still be in the house, there was no way for them to have left unnoticed, so far as she could see.
She could hear Ron charging round, searching the house, heard him bellowing for them, knew from his swearing about it that he had not been able to access any rooms on the upper floors. He continued to run about, searching places over and over, but as the morning wore on she knew it was all pointless. They would have to wait until the pair appeared, then simply take control.
She had finished her the chores she had created for herself, simply to fill her morning, and began cooking a lunch the smells of which wafted through the house, she was hoping that it would draw the missing hungry teens. It was these smells attracting his attention and with no sign of any of the Blacks, Harry or Ginny, in the house, that Ron realised, he would probably not be getting any more money from the Potter vault, once Harry discovered that his supposed best friend had accepted it. It had not registered with him, that he would lose more than money, so little did the rest mean to him.
Dumbledore had awoken in the cell which he had been placed in, after a most uncomfortable nights sleep. He had not expected that Kingsley and Tonks would simply book him into a cell, when they had brought him here last night. He knew they had to do their jobs, no matter the other loyalties they had, but had thought they would go straight to an interview room, and he would be able to talk his way out of the charge within an hour or so at most. However, as Amelia had been the arresting officer, she was the one who would conduct the interview, and he was told that she would not be coming in especially to do conduct it, regardless of who he was. As a result, he had to spend the night in a cell. It was not lost on him that the regulations allowing this to happen had been written by him, to allow time in the processing of the number of Death eaters for them to repent and be given a second chance, it had not been rescinded, or often used, since. It had been intended as a tool he could use for the benefit of the greater good, to bring the misguided back to a path of light, he had never expected it to be applied to him. Amelia Bones was getting far too big for her boots, how dare she leave him here, regardless of it being allowed or not, had she forgotten who he was? He would need to take action to prevent her being able to interfere again, perhaps look at replacing that rule. More urgent though, was regaining control over Potter. It was now, Dumbledore discovered, that sitting in the cell had the advantage of allowing time to think of a plan and equally the disadvantage of allowing time to think.
Even before Molly had Floo called him last night, he had read the articles in as many of the evening publications as he could. He had done so whilst he listened to the broadcasts and been horrified at the discussions of the events that had gone out across Wizarding Britain live. He knew that by this morning the reports would be repeated across the entire Wizarding world, and he was powerless to prevent any of it. His plans were taking the hardest hits they ever had, and he could not understand how he had not seen it coming. How could he have overlooked so much?
The moment he had read the first reports, he knew he had made a massive error in giving the order retrieving Potter that day. He could not have timed it any more badly than he had, in retrospect. He had worked to put contingency in place for Sirius release, but it was all dependent on retaining his ability to manipulate the situation to his own advantage, he could not do so now. Albus knew he had miscalculated badly, totally ignored the possibility that the memory block would be removed and the results that would create. The one saving grace was that the Ministry could not claim full credit for Sirius release, and the moment those around Fudge realised it, they would encourage him to act foolishly. He had not planned for the Lady Black to recover and even if she did, she should not have been able to clear her name so quickly, or gain the confidence of Harry enough for him to rebel against him.
Albus knew he had not helped the situation with his actions last night, he had expected that Potter would simply fly into his arms, do as Albus asked. When he didn't, it had shaken Dumbledore, and he had acted without thinking. How much more damage had he caused to the trust the boy once had, though that could be repaired once he had regained control of the boy, that was essential. At least he had not entirely discovered who he really was, his true heritage, despite Amelia revealing the Potter title. Additionally, the ties on the boy's magic and abilities were still in place, just how powerful he and the Weasley Girl really were, he had no idea, but his initial scans of them as infants had been frightening, so he had applied the bindings on them himself. The other blessing where the boy was concerned was that he did not know the prophecy, there was still a chance he could regain control of him.
He guessed that very shortly he would not be able to control the boy using his powers within the ministry, or his Political clout on their own, he must reassert his guardianship of him, so he could make decisions for the Potter heir, regardless of his wishes. That would be nearly impossible now, at least it would be without physically having the boy and being able to illicit his cooperation, he had no doubt he could achieve his goal, if he could get his hands on Harry. He needed to gain control of the Potter wealth, before the Goblins knew the whole truth. It was the only answer, he could think of, control the boy and his assets. He would contact the Goblin he had arranged the payments to himself, Molly, Ron and a few other places from the Potter Vault without proper authority, not to the tiny vault he had, had Hagrid show the boy the summer before he had come to Hogwarts. No he needed to obtain free, unfettered access to the main vault.
Dumbledore had to pay to keep Molly happy, with looking after the girl, Ron happy to stay close to Harry, who the Weasley boy actually found to be laughably trusting. Dumbledore took that as a good sign that placing him with his unpleasant family had, had the desired effect. Why should any of those payments come from his own vault, when he had even limited access to a much larger one. The Goblin he had managed to control justified each payment from it in the records, as being for the upkeep of the Heir. A position made much easier through the belief that Albus was the rightful owners guardian. He reasoned that as each withdrawal was for the greater good, paying for his plan, he was justified in using it, but now he needed full control of the Potter wealth, to buy power back, silence his critics, as well as to force Black and Potter back into line.
He would need to up the loyalty potions in Potters food of course, turning him against his Godfather. The same with the girl as well, but to turn her away from the boy until they had no way of defying him, no desire but to do as he wished. Only then would he reveal the truth, it was than that the time would be right to reveal who they really were, not before and certainly not now. These events had left him no choice, he had to take strong action. It was, after all, for the greater good, even if no one else could see it. Harry and Ginny may not like it, but they would have to be brought back to heel, or his plan would be doomed to fail, he could not allow that.
As well as keeping the Alliance from re emerging, he would need to buy the Wizangamot to over rule anything Sirius had in place regarding the boy, ensuring it was void, and then have them make an order for the requisitioning of Number Twelve. He would regain control, the Blacks could not be allowed to engineer the Alliance rising again, that would destroy everything he had worked for, it had taken too long to break them before. If it rose again, he shuddered at the thought of what that would mean, especially if they reunited with the Potters or discovered who the true family of the Girl was. He would not be able to split them again, they would not be an unwelcome addition to the Wizarding world, not by any means. It had been hard enough to kidnap Black's sister all those years ago, ensuring she grew without the knowledge of who she really was, if that were discovered, if it were to become public knowledge, even now she was dead, it would make the revelations regarding the blacks insignificant in comparison.
Not all had gone to plan of course, the Muggles who had raised her, had loved her, encouraged her talent even though they had not known what it was. He had intervened, but the parents were naturally resistant, only their own child had succumbed and hated her. He had been unaware that another Magical child lived in the town, that the Girl, had met that child and become friends with him, until Minerva had returned from taking her letter accepting her to Hogwarts. It had been an unexpected turn of events, but he expected it not to be too much of one after she was sorted to Gryffindor, and he to Slytherin, he expected that this alone would put a division between them. He had been more worried that her twin had also been sorted to Gryffindor, he had to ensure neither discovered the truth. She sailed through Hogwarts, befriending people in all the houses, maintaining her old friendship until he had intervened to make the boy act in an unforgivable manner towards her. He was concerned that she befriended all the children of the Black family, but she had plenty of other friends as well. He barely noticed her falling into a friendship she had avoided for most of her school career, it had surprised him close to the end of their year when he had seen them walking hand in hand round the castle, too late for him to do anything to prevent it. Soon after they left the school, she married him, the heir to an ancient and noble family, a union that risked the unification of two of the Alliance families, but only if she discovered the truth.
Had anyone known the truth of that union, then the two families would have regained their status, restoring them as two of the most powerful families of the Wizarding world, but not his to control. She had to die, her and her husband, he had to control their child. In the end, it had been merely a delay in his plan to have all that power, all that influence to mould society as he wished. He controlled the only two direct heirs of the Alliance, only he knew it, then Pettigrew had been caught and his plan was receiving blow after blow as a result.
He would still have what he had worked for, once he was sure of the complete loyalty of the heirs, only then would he reveal the true heritage of the boy to him, only then would he allow the two heirs to unite, giving him control of the Alliance resources and members. Albus was the only one who knew the complete picture he had created, but, it was far too soon for the boy to discover his heritage, it could only be done once he was controlled completely.
Like the boy, she was orphaned, though she had not been when he took her, with no clue of her heritage. Her true parents had lived for years after he had taken her, dying without ever finding her. Unlike her future mate she had been raised in this world, though not in the high status she had been born into. At first, he had decided that she would never know her heritage, never know her power, only he would know the truth and with it control the influence the three families had once had, the power he had painstakingly stripped from them. It was only after she had not died in the chamber and the bond had formed between her and the boy, that he realised that he would tell her, eventually, once she too was in his control. Once neither of them could do anything to stop him, once he had their unquestioned loyalty. Only then would they be brought together, they were natural soul mates so it would happen, but only once the time was right. That union would give Albus all that he needed to ensure the fulfilment of the greater good. Once he had achieved that, then he could sacrifice them to fight Voldemort, who he would then kill and all opposition to his plan would be gone.
Dumbledore smiled, he could still salvage the situation, control the boy, keep the girl shy and demure around him. The boy would do as he was told, and he would continue to hold the power of their families by proxy, making him the real power in the Wizarding world and when they died, at the time he appointed, that power would raise the Dumbledore name to the same level as Merlin himself.
The headmaster chuckled to himself, he knew the first step he would take, as soon as he was released, he would take the girls mother to Gringotts. There she would sign a contract that would prevent the girl ever being offered a heritage ritual, and the boy's money would pay for it. He would take back control without them or the Blacks even knowing it. They had no clue about it, so no reason to act before he was released, they could enjoy their morning together in headquarters, he knew Molly would not allow them to leave. By the time they could make it to the bank, it would be too late to do anything and his plan to regain control would be a step or more ahead of them. That was all the advantage he needed, he just had to ensure he acted before they could. Now where was the guard, he needed to persuade Amelia he was contrite and could be released safely, the longer he was here, the bigger the risk was.
Amelia had arrived in her office later than usual that morning, she knew the Blacks were visiting Gringotts and had an early appointment, though no idea how long it might last. She knew the results would be key to moving her investigations forward quickly, not that it was at a stand still. It was all part of her strategy to give them more time, before she had to release Dumbledore. She smirked, the Chief Warlock really was getting careless, if he kept this up he would lose everything. As it was, she already knew he had lost his credibility in many of the national Magical Governments around the globe, she had received word some member nations had already written to the international confederation demanding his replacement, that was before their own media had, had much chance to pick up the story yet. This mornings Prophet wouldn't help him, its headline story was a transcript of the live interviews that had been broadcast the night before, complete with a full political analysis of what the Headmaster had shown himself to be. She expected that the different media were still working together on this story, at least for now. Not a single article failed to wish the Blacks and Harry well, and hoped that young Harry would soon find the happiness he deserved, even after what little had been reported about his life so far in the articles last night.
As was her duty, and her routine, Amelia was reviewing the paperwork for the various active cases her department was dealing with, which had arrived on her desk since last night. It was mostly routine, except for those regarding the investigations surrounding the Blacks case, and the holding report on Dumbledore. She had just added some notes on one of the reports, suggesting how it might be taken forward, when her door opened. She looked up, all her Aurors knew that she was available to them if they needed her, but few would enter without knocking. It took all her skill to manage to prevent her face from falling, when she saw who it was entering her office. It was Minister Fudge, accompanied by his senior undersecretary, Delores Umbridge, commonly known throughout the Ministry as the Pink Toad, or any of a multitude of variations of it.
"Ah Amelia glad you are here." Fudge smiled, somehow whenever he did, it made Amelia want to vomit, it was so oily. "I wanted a word about the events of the last few days, that have been subject of great interest in the media of late."
"Oh yes? Please have a seat Minister, let's see how I can be of help to you. There's another chair over there Delores." Amelia smiled in return, indicating a chair fixed on the other side of the room for the undersecretary.
Dolores looked affronted to be sidelined some distance from the Minister, but reluctantly sat, scowling.
Fudge didn't seem to notice as he resumed speaking to her. "It appears that in the haste of setting Black free, you ensured he gained custody of Potter, who it appears, until that point, was without a guardian at all."
"That is quite correct so far, Cornelius." Amelia began.
"Hem, hem" Delores interrupted, her eyes had never left the two senior members of the Ministry.
Amelia ignored her and continued. "As you know, the arrest of Peter Pettigrew and his subsequent confession proved the innocence of Lord Black to the satisfaction of the Wizangamot in urgent emergency session. They then, quite correctly, ordered the release of Lord Black, who incidentally could sue you personally for false imprisonment. It was you who, since taking office, annually signed the order for him to continue to be held in Azkaban without trial. Not forgetting that following his escape the kiss on sight warrant was issued by you, without reference to my department or the Wizangamot who might have noticed that Lord Black had not had a trial before his imprisonment if they had been given the chance. Following his acquittal of all charges, including the escape from lawful custody one, it having proved not to be lawful at all, guardianship of Lord Potter was awarded to him, and later also to Lady Black as young Harry's Godparents, as per well established laws. It was also confirmed using the extract of the unsealed Potter will which was brought from ministry records, submitted by Gringotts as required at the time it was made." Amelia smiled. "There are further irregularities currently under investigation regarding the treatment of Lord and Lady Black as well as Lord Potter. I expect that prosecutions may well follow that investigation, once a full picture has been put together."
"Hem, hem" Delores cleared her throat again, both Amelia and Fudge ignored her this time.
"That is all well and good Amelia, however why was my office not consulted? I am told that as young Potter had no guardian my office should have made the decision regarding custody, there are many fine Wizarding families who would have been more than suitable, and willing. Not to mention your other actions concerning Black and Lestrange, apparently those decisions should also have been made in my office, not by you." Fudge asked.
"No need Cornelius, It appears that your advisor is mistaken in this instance and in the more general regulations that dictate responsibility in such situations as these. Current legislation is clear, it compels that any Ministry official who on discovery of a miscarriage of justice, must bring it to the attention of the DMLE immediately. This department, in turn, must expedite an investigation initially to verify if the conclusion is indeed correct. On finding that if such a miscarriage has taken place, the head of department is compelled to take all necessary actions to immediately remedy the matter, barring awarding of any compensation of course. This is precisely what happened in the cases you mentioned, I referred the case immediately to the Wizangamot who convened as expeditiously as possible, for a ruling. That is a long-standing statute, but I admit has not often been enacted recently. As to Lord Potter's custody, that was, as I say, settled upon reading the extract from his parents will which I understand is to be shortly read in full. It was the Wizangamot that ordered that I implement it as soon as Lord Black presented himself at the Ministry and that all his rights and responsibilities be restored to him. They further ordered that I ensure that a message or other communication be sent to inform Lord Black." Amelia knew that Fudge was aware of all this from the initial briefing and Wizangamot order he had received. "I did of course forward the initial file to your office before I left last night, out lining all that had been done so far, citing the appropriate law, rule or order for each action, including the recovery of Lady Black and the actions taken regarding her. I am also aware that the Wizangamot reported on their findings to you, as you acquired the chief warlocks' signature on the report and the order."
"Hem, Hem." Delores coughed again.
Ignoring her Fudge looked surprised "The file you sent is woefully inadequate, only eighteen inches of Parchment."
"Hem, Hem." Came the cough more urgently.
"Delores do you want a drink for that cough?" Amelia asked.
"No Amelia I just..." the undersecretary began, but Amelia interrupted her.
"Then please stop coughing, whilst Cornelius and I discuss these important matters." Amelia turned back to the minister, Delores used the pause to interject.
"That is Minister Fudge, Amelia."
"I am aware whom I am addressing, undersecretary, now please, unless you have evidence to add then I suggest that you remain silent." Amelia said sternly, before turning to the Minister and her voice returning to the manner she had been using during the discussion with him. "Now Cornelius, I have sent you an update to that preliminary report, by Owl already this morning, before I came into work, including later events that occurred at Lord Blacks' residence last evening. As is my usual practice, I will continue to do so whilst the case continues to develop as part of the daily reports to the Ministers office. Within this mornings report you will note that I not only included that the Blacks would be continuing to put their lives together, visiting other official institutions, such as Gringotts, today but also a report on the actions of the Chief Warlock, including his part in these events, as known thus far. These are actions he continues and that have led to him currently residing in a ministry cell, where he has been since last night when his actions forced me to have to arrest him to prevent a serious crime being committed. In light of this, perhaps you could explain your specific reservations, if you still have any, then I could address them. After all we are all Human and I may have missed something, or forgotten something I should have seen to, though I don't believe I have."
Fudge looked flustered. "Well it just seems convenient that with the outlandish claims of Mr. Potter regarding he who must not be named, at the end of last term, it seems very fortuitous for him, that a man long thought dead, turns up out of the blue to give the evidence to free Sirius Black and confirm Potter's story in the process. Suppose the public questions all this after all the press attention, it could put the ministry in a very difficult position Amelia, it could be very awkward for us, for my position and myself personally. There could be some very awkward questions, very awkward indeed."
"You see Amelia, it makes the Minister look foolish, at a time when the headmaster and Potter have been attempting to spread panic." Umbridge simpered smugly.
"Ah I see." Amelia smiled.
Fudge smiled. "I knew you would Amelia, so we can re issue the warrant for Black and put him on trial and the same for Lady Black." He said rising. "Giving us a better chance at managing this."
"No, I'm sorry, but that won't be possible I'm afraid Cornelius." Amelia smiled.
Cornelius sat down heavily. "But you said..."
Amelia spoke earnestly as she interrupted."I said I do understand your concern, not that I agree with you. Minister, you, or rather your advisors suddenly think this is all bad for your image, so you want it stopped as a result." She looked pointedly at Umbridge as she said this, knowing that the Toad was the only advisor in this, which was why she had accompanied the Minister.
Umbridge rose. " Amelia I don't think you understand, you will comply with the Ministers orders, or you will have to accept the consequences of refusing." She ordered forcefully.
Amelia rose as well, but spoke calmly. "I am sure I misheard you Delores, but I thought you just threatened a senior officer of the Ministry whilst in the performance of their duty with intent to subvert the said officer. This would specifically be contrary to Staff regulation three, section A, subsection three, paragraph seventeen, item six, clause Four, section Fifty two, line one hundred. I hope I am not correct Senior undersecretary, that would be a very serious disciplinary matter in deed, under the regulation the Minister would be compelled, as witness, to testify regarding the matter. You, as a member of his office, would be bringing severe embarrassment to both it and him personally as a result."
Delores eyes widened as she impersonated a fish gasping for breath for a moment, then flushed red and sat down.
"I thought that was the case." Amelia smiled, knowing she had discovered the source of the Ministers worry and had now put it back in its box, then sat and calmly looked back at Cornelius. She had no particular liking of the man, he was weak willed and easily led by others, but would not let him make the Ministry or her department look foolish, not if she could help it. So she would try to ensure that he received the best advice from her, if he took it then all was good in this case, but if he did not then she would have to act to minimise the effects on Harry and the Blacks, as well as the Ministry itself. Though if all went to plan at Gringotts, then the Blacks and Harry would be more secure from anything Fudge could do.
"Minister, Cornelius." She said. "What you are asking me to do is, against the law, clearly I cannot do that and remain in post or at peace with my own conscience. If you stop and think about it, you will realise that I can't do that and you would never consider asking it of any member of your staff. Not just that, but if what you asked me were to be discovered by some, then I really shudder to think of the consequences for both of us."
Fudge looked up wide-eyed, horrified as the penny dropped. He may or may not understand everything she had been talking about, but he was not stupid enough to risk any more bad publicity than he had already received as Minister. "You are right Amelia." He deflated. "Is it too late for me to set things right, do you think?"
"No, but instead of trying to save face, you need to start adjusting your position on Lord Potter's story, Pettigrew confessed to bringing You Know Who back to life. We did use Veritaserum on him, I'm afraid. It gives me no pleasure to say it, especially with the way the Chief Warlock is behaving towards Potter, but they are right and you need to admit that. Offer an olive branch to Lord Potter and to the Lord and Lady Black, while you can. It is my experience that admitting to a mistake and acting to put things right as a result, earns far more respect from people than continuing down a line all others know to be mistaken."
"Utter rubbish Amelia, how can that Wizard possibly be back, if you spread such nonsense outside this room I will see you ruined." Umbridge burst out. "If the Minister does a U turn now, the press would destroy us."
"Don't be stupid Delores." Fudge snapped. "Even you must see we have made a mistake, now go and work on minimising the damage."
Umbridge stood open-mouthed for a moment, her beloved Minister believed another over her. After a moment, she turned and left. She would minimise the damage alright, the meddlesome boy must be silenced, then dear Cornelius would see that only she was worthy of him.
Once she had left, Fudge turned back to Amelia. "I'm sorry Amelia, I was advised that you had exceeded your authority, it seems I was the one doing that."
"The evidence suggests I'm right on this occasion Cornelius, we need to prepare. I shall ensure you are kept up to date of course, but in the meantime, try to remember Delores is not your only source of information, you have heads of department for a reason. I must leave now, I am due in the Wizangamot and I have a Headmaster to speak with again." Amelia smiled, she may not like the man and if the rumours were true, his days may be numbered anyway, but she was pleased to have steered him away from the embarrassment he had inadvertently wanted when he had arrived in her office.
The two left her office, and went their separate ways, Amelia carrying the file for the interrogation and trial about to take place. After that she would deal with Dumbledore, that should give sufficient time for Sirius and Harry to get everything done at Gringotts, before he could interfere.
Authors notes:
My usual thanks for reading this so far, the response from you all has been much appreciated, including those who have followed, favourited and reviewed so far.
Next chapter soon.
Best wishes
Tgfoy