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 12
Wizangamot Wisdom.
9th July. Day 12 continued.
The report on Amelia's desk, from the head of the goblin nation, made damning reading. It requested in very strong language, that in accordance with treaty agreements, those accused in the document be further investigated and brought to account for the crimes reported in it. She knew already that this was a formality, the Goblins would not have invoked the treaty without being certain of the accusations being made. It was also highly unusual that they would bother her department with a matter such as this, preferring to deal with it themselves, that in itself demonstrated just how serious the matters raised were. The report outlined the evidence, which they had uncovered, it was her task to use it to gather more to verify what they had found. She had no doubt about the veracity of the Goblins work, but knew that the evidence would not be listened to by the current Ministry administration, unless she could corroborate it. She saw that this would also link into the Potter and Black investigation and gave a completely new line in a cold case. It appeared she would be adding the reopening of the Ashmole kidnapping to the other investigation, the Goblins had provided evidence they were all linked, connected by a single common factor, it all helped their chances of being able to successfully prosecute that person, in time.
It appeared, from the information the goblins provided, that for some years, in fact since that fateful Halloween that had orphaned Harry, large amounts had been taken from the Potter vault without proper authorisation. She knew she would need the cooperation of the Muggle authorities too, some of the named beneficiaries of the thefts were Muggles, and so came under their jurisdiction. She would need to go through the process to have them extradited. Like the Goblin treaty request was a bit of a formality, the Muggles would be in ministry cells, most likely in the time it would take to find them, her counterparts in the Muggle world knew she would not make the request without good reason. She filled out the appropriate request, assuring the Muggle authority that she would arrange the actual arrests, it was sent within minutes.
As she read further she realised that the report was, in fact, backed by enough evidence to take to trial immediately, on the matters it raised. She smiled, Ragnar did not conduct such investigations in a half-hearted way by any means. She sighed wistfully, she wished she had half the resources to use that they did, but each year she was required to make cuts, whilst other departments had their budgets increased. While she knew the evidence was there, she wanted to hold fire on the main suspect, add this to the more general investigation into his wider crimes. She would talk with Ragnar, she knew here investigation did not have to impede his, she hoped they could work together on it, but in the meantime she would need to get things moving quickly, along with everything required for this afternoons Wizangamot, which she believed could be interesting.
Taking up her quill she began to get the wheels moving, sending memo's to those departments she would require the cooperation of, asking for files and materials. She also warned the heads of department to be aware that any of their staff who she would need to speak to, would be required to attend her investigation, without specifying how they were involved. She issued instructions to her Aurors to find and arrest those who did not work in the Ministry, to fetch them in as required, some would be placed in cells, others brought directly to be questioned. The flurry of activity that all this caused would be interesting to say the least, she sat back and waited for the first response, continuing to read through the reports, including one about a bloodstone being used on a Muggle house, by Dumbledore, which she put aside to look at more closely later, suspecting it would add to the file being built against him. The Aurors who had attended would brief her about such an event, before lunch as well. After a moment, the flutter of an Owl arriving interrupted her work, it was a letter from the Auror who acted as liaison with the Muggles, it contained the extradition order she required and the appropriate warrants and authorities needed, so that they could arrest and detain the suspects. She looked at the clock, it had taken just half an hour for the process to be accomplished, she needed to note that ready for the next time she had to argue they needed to streamline the reverse process, on the rare occasions it was needed.
First to arrive at the office, in response to the memos she had sent, was, almost predictably, Percy Weasley, eager to show his desire to cooperate fully. He was not directly involved, but could hold information about at least two who were. From then on there was a steady stream of Ministry workers entering the department, all of whom could add at least a little more information to the investigation.
Amelia continued to sift through the parchments that had arrived in her in-tray and came across a report of underage magic, from Umbridge, which was unusual in itself. She shook her head when she noted the subject of the report. She then found copies of two letters from Mafalda Hopkirk, one notifying the perpetrator, the next rescinding the charge, together with a full report on the incident. Like the Bloodstone report, this was put aside for further attention. The next item she picked up was about the same incident, but was from Amos Diggory, Head unspeakable, reporting that Umbridge had overstepped her authority and acted in a manner that brought the Minister and Ministry into disrepute, this was a copy of the report he had sent to Fudge, as the Under Secretaries head of department. Amelia smirked as she read that Amos had ordered re training for the toad, in his own department, that would just be the beginning of Umbridges worries, with luck. She placed that parchment with the others relating to the incident, which would also be copied into the Black, Ashmole and Potter investigation as part of the record of events around them.
Next she found the memo from Herbert in records, which again was unusual. Most of his work was answering queries and maintaining the records, rarely did it necessitate him sending a memo to her department that was not a response to a query. She read it, a grin growing on her face. "Well, I should be surprised if that's not going to cause ructions in places that don't like their comfortable existence disturbed." She muttered to herself, also adding the memo to the growing file about events surrounding Harry Ginny and the others, before picking up another report about another of the departments investigations progress.
Griphook had the results of the audit ready for Harry and Ginny when they arrived at the bank. The Ashmole accounts had not been touched since the death of Ginny's natural parents, although attempts to take control of the accounts had been made and failed. While the attempts may have been unsuccessful, the evidence they had left had been added to that regarding the Potter vaults, especially any regarding who had tried to gain access to them. Now that the proper heir had emerged, the Will of her parents could be executed, and the vaults taken out of lock down status, where they had simply received the earnings of the family investments for the past few years.
One of the Potter vaults, the one intended for regular use rather than savings, had however been regularly targetted, substantial funds had been removed from it over the years, to top up what had been taken from Harry's trust vault. Each withdrawal had been traced to the man who had been believed to be Harry's magical guardian, who had claimed they were simply to pay for his wards needs. The Goblins had traced every Knut of the stolen money, it seemed that there had been little done to hide where it had been gone, the one taking it appeared to have been so confident that it would not matter if the theft were discovered. That lack of precaution now helped the Goblins, they were busily retrieving it all from the various vaults it had been sent to, even from the Muggle accounts where a substantial portion had been sent. Those who had received the money and items taken from the various properties that, had been accessed by that supposed guardian, were listed in a report that had already been sent to the DMLE, along with lists of those who had aided the fraud.
Griphook grinned Maliciously. "We have already frozen the accounts those responsible and those held by any who received so much as a Knut of it, unless it could be entirely retrieved, in which case it was, before the account was reactivated. At least in our world they have been, we await the extradition of the Muggle family who benefited of course. However, we have already transferred the deeds to their house to you even though it's value covers barely an eighth of what they received. They were aware of the income they were given, having spent it freely on holiday's, shares in various companies including the biggest rival of the one the father is employed at, meaning he could merge the two, another house occupied by a relative and on sundry other things including their son's school fees. This of course adds some property and more companies to your portfolio Harry, I have taken the liberty of transferring all the assets they owned, to you already of course, they will also be arrested and questioned at the Ministry."
Harry looked at the Goblin. "The Muggle family, it was the Dursley's wasn't it?"
"It is indeed them, Harry!" Griphook affirmed then watched carefully for the reaction of the young Earl.
"They were paid, all that time." Harry angrily seethed, then, taking a few deep breaths, he quickly calmed again. "I'm sorry Griphook, it's not you that I am angry with."
"Not to worry Harry, I guessed as much." Griphook shrugged. "Rest assured we shall recover every Knut they took, along with those any others received and any interest or earnings made from them whilst they benefited from your money."
"I know you will!" Harry said thoughtfully. "The Dursleys need thinking on, though, they put me through hell for every minute I was with them." He suddenly perked up. "You know Griphook, I once heard it said that revenge is a dish best served cold, that is how I believe we should deal with these Muggles, their worst nightmares may soon come true."
Griphook grinned. "If we can help in any way at all, Harry, you have but, to ask. We Goblins have a similar saying, ourselves."
Harry nodded. "Thank you Griphook, in the meantime could you tell me a total of how much was taken if that has been calculated yet?"
"We have approximate totals for what has been found so far, though I shall round the figures to the nearest million for ease as I tell you. About twenty million Galleons has been redistributed between the Muggles and several wizards in lump sums, a further ten million has been directed into the main perpetrators account. Two million has been placed in an account administered by that same person in the name of the Order of the Phoenix, as well as Five million into the coffers of Hogwarts school. As well as the lump sums, regular payments were made to the Muggles of Five thousand a month for fourteen years to date, and a similar payment to Molly Weasley's Prewitt vault for the same period. Ron Weasley has received the same rate into an account opened for him on his eleventh birthday as well as various other irregular payments in that time. All in all it totals in the region of forty million galleons, taken over the fourteen years. Of which we have already recovered just over half, we are currently auditing the Muggles holdings, including the company he works at where we are acting very openly, from this morning I would advise that you keep hold of those holdings for now, they will earn substantially for you. Work has yet to be completed on it, but you have our word that we shall not stop until it is all accounted for and recovered, before you leave today you shall have a statement of it all to take with you."
A wicked smile grew on Harry's face. " Thank you, Griphook, I am grateful to you and your colleagues for all you have done and are doing. I agree we shall keep any holdings the Dursleys have built, or owned. Once the audit is complete we shall organise a meeting with the directors of Grunnings, where they shall meet the owner to justify how the company has been run. It will be interesting to see Vernon's face when he meets his new boss. In the meantime I wish to show that we are taking over, very visibly, perhaps rebrand our new companies under an umbrella group."
Sirius grinned. "That gives me an idea, Griphook, I am led to understand that there is no longer a specific managing Goblin for the Black family accounts and holdings, is that correct?"
The Goblin nodded. "That was a matter Ragnar was about to write to you about, you need to appoint a new one My Lord."
Sirius nodded. "As Harry is my heir, and you manage his and Ginnys affairs already, I request that you become the manager for my family vaults and holdings as well, would you agree to that Griphook?"
"If that is your wish, Lord Black."
"Good, now as you are the manager for the three Alliance families, how about merging the companies of the Potter, Black and Ashmole families into one umbrella company, centralising control of the Alliance businesses?" Sirius asked.
Griphook nodded. "That would make keeping track of it all easier in the future, it may well even increase the profitability of them all as they would be able to supply each other more efficiently. Would you agree to such a merger, Harry, Ginny?"
They both nodded.
"How about calling it Basilisk Holdings?" Ginny suggested.
Harry looked concerned at her. "Are you sure about that Gin?"
"Yes Harry, I think it rather appropriate for us, after all, you did rescue me and it was perhaps the first time we saw each other for the people we are, not what we had been told. Of course while the name itself may have little meaning in the Muggle world, it would be quite symbolic to Wizards. While the individual businesses could retain their own names, it would also carry that name. I can think of no better name to use, if it's all right with everyone else." A small, reassuring smile on her lips.
The others agreed, then Harry added. "We must decide on your fee for all this Griphook, you deserve to be paid for the work you put into ensuring the company works."
"The banks standard rate is Five percent of the profits made." The Goblin explained.
Harry looked at Ginny and Sirius, mouthed a number to them as a suggestion, they nodded approval, then he turned to the Goblin. "You shall receive seven percent of the profits, Griphook, from the investments in both worlds."
"I agree." Ginny and Sirius said to make it official.
Griphook nodded. "My thanks to you, I am grateful. It was indeed a fortuitous day when I took you to your vault." He said, just as an Owl flew in and landed between Ginny and Harry.
Harry took the parchment and read it, then, laughing passed it to Ginny, who laughed as well.
Sirius and Bella looked at them both. "Anything you'd like to share with us?" Asked Bella.
Harry sculpted his face, though his eyes still twinkled with happiness. "It seems Ginny and I are already Married as of this morning, at least according to the ministry."
Ginny still grinning looked at Griphook. "Would you excuse us for a moment please." She said seriously, then at the Goblins nod, leapt onto Harry's knee and proceeded to kiss him passionately, the letter floating in the air over the desk.
Griphook caught the parchment as it passed him, it had flown from Ginnys hand as she had moved to Harry's knee. Reading it he chuckled, and once again that morning smiled. He looked up to Sirius and Bella, who were grinning at the younger couple and shaking their heads. "It seems they naturally bonded overnight, according to Herbert's note, their marriage has been registered correctly at the Ministry, so it is all official. I would suggest you coach them to take their seats in the Wizangamot this afternoon, they need to do so at the earliest possible session, before others discover what has gone on and take steps to stop them doing so."
Sirius nodded. "I agree, we shall brief them the moment they surface."
A few minutes later, the couple stopped kissing, Bella was the first to react. "Before you return to what you were doing, there is now something more for us to do before this afternoon, and we need to send notice to the Minister."
Twenty minutes after the letter had been sent, a reply had been received with papers for the afternoons Wizangamot, including passes to allow them into the delegates chamber and a puzzling proposal supposedly from the Potter family representative. Ten minutes later, Harry and Ginny had been fully briefed and a plan drawn up to deal with the document the supposed Proxy had submitted. The family left the bank to let Narcissa and Draco know what was going on, while Griphook briefed his father on the latest news. The head of the Goblin nation had wanted to be kept informed, and was pleased with the trust they had in his son.
"You have done well my son, your first full day as our youngest account manager has been most successful, the Earl, and his Lady have shown great trust in you as has Lord Black. I shall prepare to be called to the Wizangamot this afternoon, I expect I may need to verify some documents for them. A rare task which I shall relish, embarrassing that pompous fool who is behind all this will be an apt reward. You will also have great reward, Harry and Ginny are most generous in your share, do not let them down, they have made you our single highest earning account manager. Watch your back my son, others will want a piece of this, not just those who are the managers for the other Families in the Alliance, they know they will benefit soon enough with this arrangement though. I am proud of you, Griphook, ensure all is investigated as quickly as it can be and implement the branding of all the owned companies and business properties today, beginning with the ones the Muggle thinks he owns." Ragnar told his son.
"Yes Father, the branding shall be done within minutes." Griphook replied, he left the office and issued the order.
Sixty seconds later, unnoticed by any there, the sign on Grunnings had been updated to show it was part of Basilisk Holdings. Minutes later the Muggle his father had referred to, steered his car round the corner at the end of the road which led to his work place.
Vernon didn't notice the new sign fixed on the wall next to the gates as he drove through them on his arrival at work, late as usual. Nor did he notice the changes on the one above the door as he walked in. He had left his wife and son at his sisters where they had stayed having discovered that the competition they had supposedly won, was not real. They would be doing Dudley's school shopping today, his sister lived closer to the city, so his wife and son would be travelling in by train and spending the day on Oxford Street. He had not bothered diverting to pass Privet Drive on his way in, it was beyond his work place in any case. Had he done so, he might have been concerned that he could not see his house, it was currently being rebuilt by construction Wizards, concealed by charms.
Parking his car in his spot, he got out, collected his briefcase from the back seat, locked the car and made his way through the main doors. He ignored the receptionist, who tried to attract his attention as he hurried through and headed through the doors to the offices, and called the lift to take him up to the fifth floor where his office was located. Leaving the lift he walked along the corridor, grunted in greeting to his secretary without stopping, he pushed open the door to his office. His trip from car to office had been completely the same as it had been every day, it was only on entering his office that he at last noticed something was different today. Apparently waiting for him in the room, were two people he had not seen before. One tall, powerfully built black skinned man with his back to the door, the other a shorter young woman with bubblegum pink hair, who was sat in his chair her feet on his desk, looking bored, but she nudged the man the moment she spotted his arrival.
Feeling the woman's hair and posture to be offensive, Vernon's anger welled. "Do you mind, this is my office." He blustered.
The man turned to face him. "Vernon Dursley?" He enquired.
Vernon was frustrated that the man's companion had not moved, but concentrated on the man who appeared to be the one in charge. "Yes, I am Vernon Dursley, director and owner of this company. I don't know who you are, I am unaware of any appointment you may think you have with me, so I demand that you leave immediately."
The man seemed unaffected by Vernon's outburst. "Mr. Dursley I have an order for your arrest and extradition to our jurisdiction, please come quietly."
"What?" Vernon bellowed. "Preposterous, how dare you. Arrested for what? Extradited to where?"
"Oh I am so glad you are making a fuss." A voice said in his ear. "Makes it much more fun, for us."
His head whipped round, the woman had moved, without him noticing, she held a stick in her hand pointed at him. His eyes widened, he glared at her then turned back to the man, who now also held a stick that was pointing at him.
"Please don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be Dursley" The man calmly stated.
"Oh Shack, you spoil all my fun, I want him to kick up a fuss." The woman smirked, her eyes not leaving Vernon.
Rapidly turning purple with rage, and finding his voice. "Freaks!" He hissed in fury, then became suddenly emboldened again and bellowed "Freaks, I'll kill that brat, this is all down to him. Get out of my way you idiots, you think you can do anything to me here, I know you are not allowed to use that against me in a normal place."
Vernon tried to push past the man, but was suddenly unable to move, he fell forwards, the man catching him with ease, despite the dead weight. "Tonks please careful, he could have hurt himself." The man said sarcastically.
"If I had my way he'd have done more than hurt himself Shack, but I know we have to look after the slob." She responded. "Mind you, Harry wasn't wrong, that was an impressive shade his face went."
They laid Vernon down then bound him before releasing the spell Tonks had cast on him. Instantly Vernon began shouting again. "I'll have your hides for this, once my solicitor hears of this, you won't know what's hit you. You have no right, to do this, I'll set the police on you all."
"We are Police, just a different branch you Muggle idiot, now shut up, or so help me I'll hex your bits off for what you did to my cousin." Tonks hissed dangerously.
Vernon went white, at the look on her face and quieted immediately.
The woman smiled. "There, now you can be a good little boy when you want to be, can't you dear?" She patted his cheek.
The tall man chuckled. "If you have quite finished Tonks, lets get him to a cell, then we can get on."
"Spoil sport." She pouted, then placed a Portkey on Vernon and activated it, then they walked out of the office. "That's him dealt with, blimey he was more of a whale than I expected."
Her comment raised a smile and giggle from his secretary and the others who worked in the outer office. They made their way down the stairs and walked out of the building, nodding to a group of Goblins who were arriving to fully audit the newly branded branch of Basilisk Holdings.
"Right now we have dealt with Foghorn Leghorn in there, who next?" Tonks grinned as they reached an apparition point.
"Molly and Ron Weasley according to the list, though we can leave them until later when we are due there, they aren't going anywhere and Albus is expected at the Wizangamot this afternoon." Kingsley told her. "Who is Foghorn Leghorn?"
"Your education is sadly lacking Shack old man, I really am going to have to introduce you to the joys of Looney Tunes sometime. He's a Muggle cartoon character, a loud pompous rooster, a bit like Dursley, bet he's creating hell back in his cell right now."
"Less of the old youngster." Kingsley grinned. "Never mind Dursley, Moody is down to interview him, that should scare the idiot out of his wits, Merlin knows that eye scares the hell out of me. Right back to the office to ensure the paperwork is lodged, see if they have picked up Mrs Foghorn and junior yet, then we'll get the big one outside the Chamber. You go first, Tonks, then wait for me, we shall need to check what stage the operation has got to before we proceed."
"Yes boss!" Grinned Tonks cheekily saluting. "This young whipper-snapper will clear the way for the old man to arrive safely." With a pop she disappeared.
Kingsley shook his head then looked puzzled. "Looney Tunes? Must be a pop group." Then he disappeared too.
The rest of the morning after they had left the bank, passed in a whirl wind of activity for Harry and Ginny once they had rejoined Narcissa and Draco. Once they had been told of the plan for the afternoon, Narcissa and Bella sprang into action, realising that time was more limited than had been expected. The two sisters had whisked them round every shop they deemed necessary, Harry and Ginny were swiftly being outfitted with complete new wardrobes befitting their status and appropriate robes for the Wizangamot. They both now bore the rings of both families, signifying the union between the Potters and Ashmoles they now represented. Their new rings merging with the others, they were now the heads of the wealthiest and most influential family in the Wizarding world, and they were about to officially announce that to the world, very publicly. They did not object to the haste, or the fuss they were being subjected to, knowing that both Bella and Narcissa wanted them looking their best for the rest of the day and whenever they were required to be out in society.
A fairly quick lunch was taken in a private room at the Leaky Cauldron and was filled with them again going over the protocols of the Wizangamot, as well as what they might expect to happen on their arrival in the chamber. Narcissa and Draco went off into London after they had eaten to purchase muggle clothing for the couple whilst the others left for the Ministry where they would all meet up later.
In the department of mysteries, they heard the prophesy that put Harry right in the front line against Voldemort, though now he had many more resources available to him, and they had already made a start towards destroying Riddle. Harry was philosophical about it all. "It's just like a Muggle film isn't it? I mean hero is thought badly of as he grows, a powerful mentor rescues him, hero is grateful. Mentor turns out to have his own agenda and only tells what he wants them to know. Hero goes up against bad guy and dies tragically whilst killing the villain and mentor gains everything as a result. I mean that's what Dumbledore wants isn't it, to control me, so that I shall sacrifice myself for the so, called greater good. Only that isn't going to happen, not now. He's lost control, I don't need him any more, do I? I have a family and resources to do this without him, the very thing he didn't want to happen, I have discovered what he hid from me. He knew about this prophesy all along, and everything else as well, ensured it would happen. What happens to this orb now?"
"You may keep it or it can be returned to the shelf." The official told him.
"I think we should put it in one of our vaults." Ginny whispered to Harry. " Ensure it is out of reach of anyone else. I wonder what Dumbledore will try to do now, once he discovers you know about it?"
"Nothing good, I'll bet." Harry grunted, then turned to the official. "We shall have it secured in our vaults, may I summon our Elf?"
The man nodded. "Very well my Lord, this is one room in this department where that is possible."
He produced a box for Harry to put it in, Once it was secure, Harry called Dobby and instructed him to take it to Griphook to request it was placed in one of their vaults securely, the Elf nodded, took the box and popped away.
"Right you two, lets go give the Wizangamot the biggest shock it's had in centuries." Sirius teased.
The official raised his hand. "A moment longer, before you do, if you would please. I have been authorised by my head of department to offer you and any you wish to join you, the full support of this department, Earl Potter, my Lady. This includes full training of course as well as our research facilities, so you may increase your chances, also if you need our other resources, just ask."
Harry nodded. "My thanks, that would be most useful. I wonder if your department has any information about, or could investigate a half blood named Tom Marvollo Riddle, it is Voldemorts real name. It would be good to discover as much about him as possible, we understand he has made Horcrux's also."
The official nodded. "We certainly shall my lord. Finally, we of course know of your bond and marriage, we are also aware it is more than others suspect." He produced a scroll from his robe. " This will help you both understand everything known about the kind of bond you share, it is the only copy in existence, but it is vital you read it, we would appreciate it returning for safe keeping, no one has been able to copy it so far."
Taking the scroll Harry thanked the man who assured them they would be contacted soon and given the means to access the department for themselves as required. They left the department to head, the short distance, to the Wizangamot chamber. Once outside the department, Sirius summoned Kreacher who took the scroll to the Potter's rooms at Grimmauld Place.
Although he was suspended as Chief Warlock, Dumbledore was still a member of the Wizangamot and through his ability to manipulate people and circumstances, held the proxy for a number of families, votes he would use for his own ends as he had done in the past. He had submitted a new law under the name of house Potter that morning, the Bill contained a couple of clauses within it's complex proposals, which he wished others not to notice. Having been submitted in accordance with the rules of the Wizangamot, rules that he had drawn up years ago to enable this to happen, that morning it was due to be discussed in this session. The Bill openly appeared to give more powers to the Ministry, while actually not achieving anything, but hidden deep within it were the important clauses, to him. These would enable him to regain control of Harry, and take complete control of his affairs as well as transfer ownership of Grimmauld Place from Black, to himself. He found it poetic irony that the law that would enable this was submitted in Harry's own name and there was nothing the boy could do about it. His plan was fool proof, no one would bother checking every clause in the complex piece of legislation, it would pass with no problems. He knew there was a chance someone might, quite correctly, raise a delaying motion to allow the Lords to study the Bill, but he held enough proxy votes to use alongside those who would abstain in the absence of a Potter Lord to ensure such a motion would fail even if there were enough members in attendance to out weigh his Proxy votes. However, that was extremely unlikely, there were always low turn outs in the summer. By tonight the needs of the greater good would be back in place, the nightmare of the last few days would be over, and he would be back in his rightful place as the infallible guardian of the boy.
Dumbledore confidently swept out of the Ministry Floo and headed along the Atrium, barely noticing who he passed. He tried to bypass the queue at the security desk, just as he always did, that was when the first clue that things may not go all his way this afternoon, struck him. The Security guards refused to allow him in, no matter how much he argued, they insisted he joined the queue, which was growing longer while he argued, in order to take his turn to have his wand weighed, just as any other visitor did. Apart from the inconvenience and delay to his business, he did not consider it too important, he was suspended as security reminded him, in fact when he thought of it, it indicated that at last the Ministry was taking the threat of the Death eaters seriously. Besides, the Wizangamot session would not begin without him, they would notice his absence and delay it starting, he had no doubt.
He retraced his steps and joined the back of the queue, ignoring the sniggers of some of those ahead of him, it took twenty minutes for him to reach the guards again. He noticed that the one going through the process with him, seemed to take much longer than those dealing with others, it was several minutes later when he could finally make his way to the lifts, where he again had to wait for one to become available. Eventually he arrived in the Chamber, to find it packed and the session already under way.
Minister Fudge was chairing the meeting as acting Chief Warlock, he spotted Albus at the doorway perhaps hoping to make a grand entrance. Before he could, Cornelius spoke. "Ah Albus, here at last, we wondered if you would be attending or not. Please hurry and take your family seat with minimum fuss please, our discussions have already begun, you have already missed some important business."
Dumbledore glanced at the Minister, this was not good, he had intended taking the Potter seat. It was in a far better position from which to watch the other delegates, and was a demonstration of his position as he saw it. He could not even see half the room from his family seat, which was among the junior Lords, beneath the Warlocks dais. It was a small, but significant set back to his plans and sent the wrong message to the other delegates about his position among them, though it made no difference to his purpose, it would have been more significant to have spoken from the more dominant position he had intended.
Cornelius smiled to himself, as he watched Dumbledore reluctantly take his families seat for the first time in decades. From there he would be unable to see that the Potter, Ashmole and Black seats were already occupied. He had deliberately called the meeting to order exactly on time, rather than waiting a few minutes as Dumbledore would expect. He had received a message informing him that the headmaster was being held up at the entrance, being made to queue and go through a process everyone normally had to on entry to the Ministry. It had enabled Sirius, Harry and Ginny to officially register the families they represented, and officially take their seats, removing most of Albus Proxy votes and restoring them to where they should be. As was customary, when seats were being taken, the ceremony had taken place before any other business was taken, so that the initiate could participate fully. The ceremony in which the trio had reclaimed their seats had finished, giving them time to actually take their seats in time for apologies for absence to be recorded and the record of the previous session be accepted, moments before Dumbledore had entered. Albus was the only one in the chamber, unaware of the newly reclaimed seats, he had missed any opportunity to prevent them taking their seats.
The meeting continued, a number of minor procedural matters resulting from Dumbledores suspension were settled before they moved on to debating new legislation. The first Bill presented was jointly presented by the departments of Law Enforcement and Mysteries. It enabled the erection of wards to detect the presence of the dark mark on a Witch or Wizard, around all public buildings. It would be a protective ward which, although not mentioned, had been developed by the department of Mysteries with the cooperation of Severus Snape. The ward would instantly transport anyone who bore the Mark, into a specific cell in the Ministry, set aside for the purpose. One delegate asked what steps would be put in place to ensure any who had not taken the mark willingly were not simply treated as real Death eaters. Amos Diggory stood, as ministry spokesperson on the Bill.
"Minister, delegates, I am in a position to reassure the Wizangamot that this is not an issue. Our studies of the magic used to implant the mark on an individual has revealed conclusively that it cannot be applied to anyone unwilling to take it. The testimony of those we have spoken to who are know to have the Mark, have also informed us of the process required for it to be required, no spell could force anyone to accept it unwillingly either. All who bear the mark accepted it willingly and whole heartedly. That said all who are caught by these wards will be questioned under Veritaserum as provided for in the Bill, this will ascertain if the individual truly desires to revoke allegiance to He Who Must Not Be Named should they claim that, that is what they have done."
The Minister smiled. "I believe that would reduce the chances of false imprisonment sufficiently. Are there any more comments or questions from anyone?"
A few delegates stood, indicating they wished to speak on the proposal. Most were for further clarification, but further discussion added an amendment to the Bill, to enable the owners of private property to have the wards placed around their property, at their own cost. Dumbledore was the only one to express concern that those caught should be treated leniently, given a chance to atone, but it was pointed out that the penalties for known Death eaters were well established and laid out in various Acts that were already on the books. Once all who wished had spoken, a vote was taken, and the Bill was passed into law, a copy of the amended Bill, now an Act, was sent to the Magical Records office, where it would be numbered and distributed as required, it would be announced in the Evening Prophet along with a full report of events in the Wizangamot.
The Minister then introduced the Bill Dumbledore had submitted. "We now come to a long and complex piece of legislation in a Bill submitted this morning in the name of House Potter, even though, I note the signature on it is that of the head of house Dumbledore."
Dumbledore rose, eyes on full twinkle. "Thank you Minister. Esteemed colleagues of the Wizangamot, the legislation merely contains measures to plug some loop holes in our laws regarding our citizens ability to defend themselves. It also contains new rules regarding empty or abandoned Wizarding property to ensure it can be maintained and utilised properly, amongst numerous other minor matters to tighten up controls in a variety of areas of law. It is an entirely procedural Bill which I present on behalf of house Potter, the last survivor of which, does not wish to take his seat, but has approved the content, I bring it forward as the proxy of that house and the other houses it represents that are currently unrepresented in this chamber. I commend the Bill to the Wizangamot." He sat down, confidant in his intent.
"I object." The voice rang out loud and clear, from the upper levels of the chamber. "House Potter objects to this Bill and has not, before receiving the papers for this session, set eyes, on or approved this, or in fact any other Bill since the death of Lord James Potter. House Potter has and has no need of a Proxy, this Bill is, therefore, improperly submitted and invalid as a result."
Shocked that any would oppose him, or call his standing into question, Albus decided that attack was the best form of defence, and he had to act fast on this. Dumbledore confidently called the challengers bluff. "Who dares challenge my right to hold proxy as the lawful magical guardian of the heir of house Potter. I am named in the will of Lord James and Lady Lily that is officially lodged with the ministry, as both proxy and guardian."
Cornelius had known this was likely to happen and had advised Harry on the proper protocol for when it did while the young man had changed into his robes in the Ante Room before they had entered the Chamber. "This session is suspended for fifteen minutes whilst ministry records are checked and brought before us, the challenger may then present what evidence they wish to. Delegates are restricted to their seats and no discussion of this matter is permitted until we reconvene." He announced.
Percy, who was acting as clerk, left the room to collect any ministry records, whilst, unseen by most, Harry dispatched a Patronus message to Griphook and Ragnar.
Dumbledore looked round the room, unable to leave his seat, he could only see a small part of the room. Being neither ancient, nor noble, the family seat of the Dumbledores, which the family had bought less than a century ago. The actual seat was in, what was commonly termed, the junior or new seats. The Chamber had long been arranged with the newest families close to the Chief Warlocks' seat, the further away they were the more senior the family in the Wizangamot, with the oldest families right at the top overlooking all the others. This layout was not followed in the Wizangamot court of course, only in the legislature Chamber, but as the Dumbledores were actually one of the newest families with a seat, he was right on the front row, the most junior of them all. On the highest levels hidden from his view were the boxes containing the seats he had expected to sit in, the ones belonging to the Potters. Next to that seat were the ones for the families of the Black's, Ashmole's, Merlin, the founders which would be empty, apart from perhaps the Blacks now he conceded to himself, though he doubted that the man would have taken the trouble to claim his seat yet. He would have been sat up their in glorious solitude apart from perhaps Sirius, enjoying a full view of the entire chamber. There were a few other ancient and noble houses with seats on that level, but their presence ruined his image of himself overseeing the whole chamber. Each of those houses held the votes for numerous families, many long since gone, absorbed into the others through marriage, though none had so many as the Potters, Ashmoles or the Blacks who had once held power in this society, influencing even those that they had not inherited.
Dumbledore was however confident that his paper trail would ensure he would be found to be correct and this blip in his plan over come. He was sat with the Lords of the other families who had bought their seats, under the eyes of the older families, confident he would prevail and whoever had objected would soon be humiliated. He had ensured that the paperwork in the Ministry would confirm his right to act as he had, he had lodged it, created it in some cases after all, so it was beyond question. Having deliberately withheld information from Harry, spent years manipulating others to increase his power base and hold over things he should not have. He controlled Potter House and the trail he had laid would confirm that, he controlled all the votes the family held, he had been as thorough in his false paper trail as possible, even bribing the Goblin who managed the Potter accounts who had assured him the real Will was destroyed and had allowed him to withdraw large sums from the vault. The Goblin had been the most difficult to corrupt, but he had managed it, so Albus was confident that in a few minutes this would go his way, and his Bill would enter law without further trouble. This would definitely go his way, goodness knew nothing else had in the last few of days.
Percy had returned, unnoticed by Albus, and taken his place, putting a number of parchments on the desk before him, handing copies to the Minister. Fudge glanced over them and checked the clock, the fifteen minutes had elapsed, striking the Gavel, he reconvened the meeting. "You are called to order." He announced unnecessarily, but following correct procedure, so no one would have reason to claim anything that followed was outside the session. "The time specified having passed, this session of the Wizangamot is reconvened. I have here the will of the last Lady and Lord Potter, as lodged by Dumbledore house with supporting documentation, the challenging house may now present its evidence."
Dumbledore sat, his Arms folded and a smirk on his lips beneath his beard, confident he had won as the moments ticked by, then the doors to the chamber opened with a bang. Ragnar walked in, in full regalia and proceeded to the dais where the Minister was sitting. He passed a stack of parchment to Fudge, who accepted it, nodding graciously to the Goblin as the leader of one Magical Realm, greeting his counterpart from another formally. Dumbledores grin faltered, everyone in the room sat back, stunned, only rarely had the head of the Goblin nation entered this chamber and never for such a matter as a dispute between families. The silence that fell over the room was almost deafening, as Ragnar addressed the Minister.
"Minister, as head of the Goblin nation, I bring you the relevant documents relating to the family Potter, most of this evidence is already in the hands of your DMLE, which, I understand is in the process of making further investigations and questioning many of the relevant individuals named, as we speak here. The document right at the top is the real Will of Lord James, and the Lady Lily, which was securely lodged in their family vault, a copy was held in the trust vault, but is missing. The next is the confession of the worthless Goblin who is their ex account manager, who supplied the missing Will to one not entitled to it. I assure you that the Goblin in question has been dealt with according to our law for his treachery to both the family and our nation for this and his other crimes. The next document shows the results of the heritage test conducted in the bank, proving that the Earl Potter Black may rightfully claim the seat he has, as agreed by this body today. The remainder are certified copies of the documents I previously mentioned ready for distribution should that be deemed necessary."
Dumbledore rose angrily, but quickly controlled it. "The Earl Potter Black? Harry Potter has not claimed his title, for his own protection he does not yet know of it. Further, as his magical guardian I forbid that he be informed, he must be allowed his childhood. Also in that position I demand to know why I was not informed of the change of account manager, for the Potter Vaults." This was a desperate attempt to try to contain what he knew to be true, if he could quash the story here, he could control who knew it and could claim it was unacknowledged officially and therefore invalid to Harry.
Ragnar turned and looked at the head master, a feral grin spreading on his face, but addressed the entire Wizangamot. "You were not informed as it was none of your concern, you are lucky you do not fall under our justice like your puppet."
A collective breath was drawn and all eyes turned to the Minister, to gauge his reaction, they knew the Account Manager had been killed, the implication of what Ragnar had said, amounted to a death threat against Dumbledore. That in itself was unprecedented in the chamber, though had occurred elsewhere in times past, the then Ministers reaction had led to the last war with the Goblin nation, they all wondered what the Minister would do, most knew that Ragnar had acted well within the agreements between the two nations.
"Indeed, you forget yourself Dumbledore, the confession here names you and implicates you in the crimes of fraud and attempted line theft amongst others." Cornelius announced, then turned back to Ragnar. "Lord Ragnar, I take it that the Goblin nation has determined the documents you have brought are genuine?"
The Goblin nodded. "We have Minister."
Growing desperate, Dumbledore tried to salvage the situation. "What proof is there that the Will that has suddenly appeared is the valid one, it was not lodged with the Ministry as the one I provided was?"
Cornelius sighed then in a voice dripping with irony replied. "As you are aware, Lord Dumbledore, there is no requirement for any Wills to be lodged here, though they may be if desired. Treaty also forbids the Goblin nation from knowingly presenting false evidence to us, and so they test any document before presenting it to ensure that it is genuine. The same is true of any Ministry documents we might wish to present to any other Magical Realm, or even to the Muggle government for that matter. However, if Ragnar permits, and without any implication of wrong doing on the part of his nation, the test could be repeated here. Would that remove any doubts you have, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore thought for a moment, he knew he was in a corner, one of his own making through his anger. If he refused then he was admitting the Will which he had referred to was fake, if he agreed the fraudulent one, his, would be revealed. Either way he lost, perhaps by seeming to cooperate he could at least reach a salvageable point. "It will Minister." He said sadly.
"Good, Lord Ragnar, I humbly ask that you repeat the test, but on both documents this time."
"Certainly Minister." The Goblin replied, a little too quickly for Dumbledores comfort.
The two Wills were placed on a table in front of the dais, in clear view of all present. Herbert from records appeared, carrying the orb used to verify the identity of new members, he passed it to Ragnar with a small bow, which the Goblin returned as he accepted the clear orb. The globe, glowed briefly, then he placed it on the parchment that had been lodged by Dumbledore, then on the other, before placing it on a wooden stand between the two documents.
Ragnar then addressed the Wizangamot. "As you know, my people supplied this orb when the Wizangamot was formed, it is the same as the one we use, at the bank, to verify documents and perform heritage tests. There is no method, Magical or Mundane, that can influence its accuracy or the report it issues, assuring us of its complete accuracy. This has been accepted by all ever since and has been tested numerous times. In this instance, after a moment it will project images of the two documents, one over each. The image above the real one, will also have a green light to indicate which is genuine. It will also indicate who authored both documents within the report, a copy on parchment shall appear on top of the Document it refers to."
Dumbledore hadn't expected that it would be revealed quite so publicly, but was resigned to it, it was more important he could try to salvage something with his control over Potter now, rather than fight for this Bill any more. After a few minutes the orb glowed red and threw a projection of the false will in the air, above the ministry one, the name Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore emblazoned above it. Seconds later the orb glowed green and the orb threw another projection out, with a green light above it, this time above the Will from the Bank, showing it to be the genuine document to all present. A parchment floated from each projection to land on the table on top of the document it referred to. Ragnar picked up the orb whilst at his nod Herbert retrieved the true Will and Percy the fake, together with the appropriate report. Percy sealed the fake in an evidence bag and labelled it, while Herbert passed the real one to the minister who placed it with the other papers from the bank. Herbert returned to Ragnar and bowing retrieved the orb from him, taking it back to where it was kept in the chamber.
Banging his gavel, Fudge addressed the Wizangamot. "The test has been performed, the Potter house objection is upheld, the Bill fails as incorrectly submitted and may not be submitted again for a minimum of one year from today's date and then only after thorough examination by the Wizangamot and cabinet. That does in fact conclude the debates scheduled for this session, I therefore ask if there is any further business that was not on the Agenda?"
Dumbledore was stunned when he realised it had been Harry himself who had objected and it had been accepted unopposed, save by himself, by the protocol of the Wizangamot. He was still reeling from that shock, when another was hurled from the highest seats.
"House Black proposes that House Dumbledore be suspended from this body pending investigation of the actions of the Lord of that house, towards our familial house of Potter, represented by the Earl here present." Sirius called.
Cornelius saw Dumbledore flinch and his head whipped round trying to see what support he might have, it was the first time he had seen the headmaster panic, clearly he had not expected this. "Very well, is there a seconder to the motion?" He asked.
A number of houses stood, but it was yet another shocking, to Albus, voice that sounded. "House Ashmole seconds the motion proposed by our familial house of Black in support of our familial house of Potter as represented by our beloved Earl here present." Ginny stated, revealing the alliance between the three powerful houses was restored.
Dumbledore shot to his feet. "Objection, House Ashmole is moribund, the heir having never been found." He shouted, clearly worried now.
Shaking his head sadly, the Minister responded. "Objection overruled, the heir of house Ashmole proved her lineage to this chamber earlier and took her seats along with Lord Black and Lord Potter. Really Dumbledore, simply because you arrived late does not mean we were not capable of conducting any business in your absence. What on earth has got into you? Perhaps a check over at St Mungo's might be in order? The proposition stands and has been properly seconded, if there are no amendments, we shall vote."
No one else spoke, so the vote was taken by secret ballot as it concerned the future of a house seat. It took far longer than usual to tabulate the result, but eventually Percy stood. "My apologies for the delay, we had to ask house Dumbledore to recast their votes several times, due to the attempts to cast proxy votes not held by that house, despite instruction on how many actually held. However, the motion is overwhelmingly carried, house Dumbledore is formally suspended from the Wizangamot and loses any posts held due to membership of this chamber, in accordance with the rules and international agreements."
Dumbledore looked stunned, in one act he had lost the family seat on the Wizangamot, his position as Supreme Mugwump, which was dependent on his membership here and any right to even sit on the international confederation at all. All he had left was being headmaster, his world had crumbled in just a few days, his reputation and standing were crumbling, all because of the boy, he was beginning to sympathise with the Dursley's view of him. Once he got control of the brat back, he would make him roué the day he crossed Albus Dumbledore. He rose, his fury showing and gathering as much dignity as he could, began to make his way from the chamber.
Every eye was on Dumbledore as he walked out, attempting to control his anger. He was almost at the door when it opened and two figures in Auror robes walked in and stopped him.
The male Auror looked up to the Minister. "My apologies for the interruption Minister, but we have a warrant for the arrest of Albus Dumbledore to execute."
"We had almost finished and Dumbledore was leaving in any case, your timing is impeccable, please proceed Auror Shacklebolt." Fudge replied.
Shacklebolt nodded then turned to Dumbledore. "If you will come with us please, Albus."
Dumbledore weighed his options, then sagged as he handed over his wand. "Very well Kingsley, Nymphadora, I shall accompany you." In his mind he was planning some inventive ways of making Potter suffer.
Once they had left Cornelius announced that nominations for the recently vacated positions including Chief Warlock could be submitted to the clerk by the start of the meeting to be held in a weeks time, when the vote would take place. He then formally adjourned the meeting.
Amelia headed straight for Harry, Ginny and the Blacks. "Well done, you've certainly sent out the right message, look." She indicated the rest of the chamber where a huddle of Wizards where frantically talking. "They are suspected Death eaters, probably trying to decide who gets the short straw and reports all this to their master, not that it matters. None of them have realised they won't get to him anyway, not after what we have just done." She smiled. "Oh yes Harry, I understand you know about the attack on the Dursleys house, we are investigating it all, but I thought you might be interested to know we are mending the house, so they will have no knowledge of it when they return. All three are in a holding cell as part of our investigation, although we shall very soon have overflowing cells I expect."
Sirius looked puzzled, Bella rolled her eyes. "For Merlin's sake Siri, the Bill that was passed earlier on."
A look of enlightenment appeared on his face. "Oh that, don't tell me you got those wards up already."
"The moment it was passed, the Unspeakables activated them." Amelia smiled proudly. "That lot over there will find out when they try to leave the building, come on, let's see who shows up in the cells shall we?"
She led them out of the chamber and through some staff corridors, to a room with sofa's and a few desks near the cells. A tap on the wall with her wand revealed a window into a large, empty, holding cell. "When they try to leave they will find themselves transported here, if they are marked Death eaters of course. This window is one way, we will see them, but they won't see us." She smiled. "So Harry, can you remember who you saw in the graveyard that day?"
"Of course, get me a quill and parchment, I'll write them down for you."
Sirius conjured the materials onto one of the desks and Harry sat writing for a couple of minutes, making the list, he handed it to Amelia once he was done.
She scanned the list, her eyebrows rose slightly. "This could get very interesting, there are a number of Wizangamot members here, not to mention some ministry workers who have not even been suspected yet. I think we are in for some fun, most of them will feel extremely aggrieved and complain loudly."
They didn't have to wait long for the first arrival, the man looked round shocked, his wand floated out of his pocket, through the bars and into a box by the far wall of the corridor, out of reach, before he could prevent it. He was not alone for long either, as a moment later another arrived, then another, it was not long before there were twenty wand-less wizards and witches in the cell, their wands had floated off, high above the heads of them all and into the box. Most were in Wizangamot robes and as Amelia had said, once they had recovered were calling out in protest at their imprisonment, one of the loudest was Lucius Malfoy.
Bella sniggered. "Oh what a surprise, dear Lucius is a Death eater after all, I am sure Draco and Narcissa will have a few things to say about him."
Then others started arriving, staff from various departments in the Ministry, again each of their wands was automatically confiscated, as was any item with a magical signature. It was twenty minutes later when Amelia led them all from the room, by which time, Aurors had begun escorting the new prisoners away one at a time. Back in the Atrium, they met up with Draco and Narcissa, Draco looking shattered, his pockets laden with shrunk bags of clothes, he was grateful they were now heading home.
Authors notes:
My usual thanks to all who have read, reviewed, followed and favourited this story (and my other stories for that matter) it has been wonderful to see how people have responded to this story so far. As predicted that odd thing some call real life has intruded heavily on my time this month, but I have grabbed some time to put up another chapter, I hope you enjoy it. I shall post another chapter as soon as I can get a break from my life away from here.
Best wishes to you all.
Tgfoy