P.I.S.S.O.F.F.
Ch 9
ISDH
121
"Tell me Good Sir," the brightly coloured coat caught the codger by surprize, "Can you give me your impression of the young man?"
"Mister Potter?" the younger wizard blinked, either from his mind focusing on the question, or his eyes trying to clear the image of Xeno in the direct sun from his vision… "I was in my Seventh Year, his first year, and while he did not seek out trouble, he sure was easy for it to find him. He ruined our chances at both cups, first with his flying skill, youngest seeker in a century you know, then over a hundred points just before the Leaving Feast." He turned to look at the bank, "Both my Head of House and the whiney ponce who thought he owned the place whinged about him, but he dealt fair with everyone who delt fair with him."
"And what is your opinion of his being entered into the Triwizard ?"
"He swore that he did not enter, nor ask to be entered. I believe him." the Half blood wizard smirked at Xeno, "That said, I do believe that he has the best chance to win, not because he is the 'BWL' but because he is so young, the others are going to underestimate him, and lose."
"Good. Thank you. Do you want your name on this? Or just 'Random Wizard'?"
"Sanders. Pavel Sanders." the wizard grinned, as he turned back to the doors.
Just as the Doors opened and out stepped two Wizards in white robes with an Owl on the Left breast patch. The crowd surged forward, only to be repulsed by the goblin guards. The younger of the two stepped forward, raising his hands for silence. The crowd, like the sheep they were, quickly obeyed.
"Yes, I have taken up my Ring." the Lad's voice carried over the Alley, "At this time that is all I am going to say on the Matter, as the rest is House Business, and we all know what happens when outsiders go poking around House Business." a small chuckle passed through the crowd. "Yes, I was Entered, against my Will, without my permission, and all that, but now that I am bound to the Games, I am in it to Win it!"
A cheer rose from the assembled masses.
"I Left Hogwarts, for two reasons. One, to protect our Dear Beloved Hogwarts. The Rules state; 'One Champion per School.' Nowhere does it say anything about it being just three schools, other then the Name. If we are going by the Name alone, Beauxbatons fielded the wrong Champion…" Potter paused, "Much to our disappointment. Miss Fleur is an Angel among us mortals." the wizards in the crowd hooted, as a few witches snorted. "For more in depth questions, I do direct the Quibbler to send their special investigative Reporter to do a full Q and A with not only me, but my fellow chosen as well. I have signed a contract with the Quibbler, so Any and all information from me will only be in the Quibbler. The Prophet, while a full and hard working publication, has proven in the past to be more of a Mouthpiece for certain elements of our society, who are not always looking to print the Truth for one reason or another. The Quibbler is, but due to these same elements, must encode their truth." He grinned at the brightly, colourfully dressed man, "Can you Find the Truth in the Story? Is there only one? Yes, they are … not completely right in the head, but I have found that I prefer them that way."
The older wizard in white shifted, and coughed.
"I am reminded that we have other business to handle, so let's make this quick. Xeno Lovegood, You have the first Question."
"Ah yes." the Blonde man blinked as he shifted from 'on the street' to 'in the forum', "Mister Potter, What is your thoughts about the Rotfang…"
"I am going to stop you right there, Sir." Harry called out. "I promised Luna that Granger and I would hold a full night of talks with her on that subject. We are here to talk about the Triwizard, My School; the Potter Institute of Spells and Sorcery, Occultism, Familiars, and Foci, or my Hogwart Years. Please make it quick."
Xeno looked through his notes quickly, before noticing his last interviewy. "Youngest Seeker in a Century?"
Harry blinked, before grinning, "A true example of my Luck. a Rival of mine, our first day of Flying lessons, had … acquired an item of my Roommate's, and with the Instructor away, seeing to the injury of said dorm mate, tried to throw it, maybe even break it. Being my first time on a broom, and due to budget cuts, these things are even worse then what the Cannons Fly, I get into the air, just in time to dart after the Arse. He throws the object, no bigger than a Firsty's fist, and being the gallant gryffindor that I am, I dive after it, Catching it, inches from smashing into the Castle wall, pushing off the wall, I flip into a dive and pull up as I skid to a stop among my classmates. Thinking I was safe I hand the item to my friend, Granger to hold while I check over my broom, for any damage…" He paused to smile his Father's crooked grin at the crowd, "When McGonagall Storms the field, yelling for me. I was to follow her, immediately. Thinking I was out of Hogwarts, I passed off my broom, and trudged along as she led me to a Classroom. It was there that I was introduced to Oliver Wood, Team Captain and Keeper of the House Team. The Rest is history. Now, thanks to this story, I was reminded of another errand I must see to,while I can. Last question today, all others can be posted to the Quibbler, and relayed through their Special Reporter. Rita, You have been so well behaved, Bring us home."
"Mister Potter, You have been reported to often being in the company of a certain witch, Are you seeing someone at this time, and who is she?" The Acid green quill quivered yearningly.
"Miss Skeeter. No Quick Quotes Quill. True Blue, or better please." Harry waited as the witch traded out her quill, "Thank you. This way, I can not claim that it was your quill misquoting me." He grinned at her, "As to the Witch often at my side, odds are that it is Miss Granger, my Advisor, and Classmate. We have been Friends since First year, when I helped her with a troll in the Loo. She is the Brains to my Brawn. Will we be more… maybe. This would have been the year to find out, but the Triwizard got in my way. I also learned that there are a few Contracts with my name on them, and will be in talks with those Houses. Most have a Skip Clause, so…" he shrugged. "We will see. Anyone who wants to inquire about talks, and not promising anything more than talk, you can Write to Headmaster Black, who is staying at Hogwarts." He bowed at the shoulders, "Thank you, one and all, but I need to see to Business, both School and House." and he hurried down the steps and into the crowd, Moony right on his heel.
121
As Harry stepped out of Quality Quidditch Supplies, he heard a voice that he was not expecting, nor wanted to ever hear again.
'Hem-hem." the pink dressed toad stepped in front of him, "So you think you can just do as you please? I will show you what it means to oppose the Ministry! Only Good Wolf is a Dead Wolf!" her wand flicked out, but Harry's was faster…
"Expelliarmus" He hissed, as his wand passed over her, her wand snapping from the force of the spell, as she was flung across the alley. "I thought Bones had you locked away?" He inquired of the Stunned Witch.
"She did." a chirpy voice was his only warning, as and arm draped over his shoulders, "And when she decided to dig deep into Umbitch's past, Toady here, was thrown into a holding cell. It takes a Master Auror or higher to open those doors." Harry turned to see who the witch leaning on him was, and grinned at the bubblegum pink hair.
"Tonks, Rookie, third class." she grinned at him, "I was sent to get ya. Boss wants to ask you a few questions."
Harry sighed, "Okay Moony. Looks like we have another stop to make." Looking at the pink lump across from them, "What are we going to do about her?"
The Witch stood up, and pulled out a badge, and tapped it four times with her wand. "Well, considering that she just attacked Heir Potter…"
"Lord." Moony sighed behind them.
"What?" the witch spun to face the Wolf, tripping over her own feet, only to be caught by Harry.
"Hey there." Harry smiled at the Witch in his arms, "Allow my to introduce myself. Harry Potter, Lord of Potter, Lord of Black."
"Black!" the witch flailed about and fell from his arms, "You are the Black?"
Harry blinked as he stood upright, "Yeah…"
"Would you hear a plea from a Daughter of Black?" the witch picked herself up off the ground. "My Mother was Disowned, for the Crime of Marrying a muggleborn."
Harry blinked, "Bring your Mother to Hogwarts. Ask to speak with Headmaster Black. We will take it from there."
Just then the pounding of feet Heralded the approach of a squad of four Aurors in red Robes, trotting along the Alley. The group was being led by John Dawlish, as they pushed through the crowd, he was heard to swear, but the exact words were lost, as his fellows quickly joined in too.
"Rookie Tonks, Why did you Summon a Squad for backup, and What is SHE doing here?" the Senior Auror pointed his wand at the Pink pile of Witch on the ground.
"I was sent by Director Bones to track down, and drag in as politely as possible, 'Mister Potter' here. When I arrived, I saw and heard Umbitch threaten the Lad, and flick her wand at him. He disarmed her, breaking her wand and smashing her into the wall behind her. I called for you, as I can not allow her to be left on the street like that, deliver to the Boss, Potter here, and now I find out, Umbitch just assaulted not only Heir Potter, but Lord Potter-Black!" Tonks chirped. "And I do believe that Lord Potter-Black wants to press charges for Assault!"
"More like attempted Murder." Potter smiled at Dawlish, "Of myself and my Uncle." he waved his hand to Lupin. "I will be wanting the Book thrown at her, her allies, and Everyone connected to this. Potter's do not take Insults lightly, but Blacks are known for going for the Blood and Gold of those who slight us." He waved his hand at the pink pile of pulped political pestilence. "Take it away, I will be filing paperwork with the Director." Looping his left arm through Tonk's right, "My dear Daughter, you were taking me somewhere?"
Lupin snorted, as he followed the two into an apparition.
John looked at his fellows in red, "You know this means that someone is going to have to sit on her, until Bones calls for her. Question is, do I order it done, and not have to chance it being me? Or do I throw in with you, but if you lose, you can not blame it on me?"
The three others shared a look, before playing the Magical version of 'Rock, paper, scissors' and the 'rookie' of them lost, before grumbling and grabbing the robes of the Downed witch, and vanishing with a 'Crack'. The other two choursed, "You Ordered it, Sir."
121
Granger was not having a good Day. First Ron was not only his usual self, but he had a double helping of jealousy running as well. Then he turned to her for 'Help' on three assignments that were due that day. When she had held firm, and told him 'No', he had blown up and ranted that she did for 'Potter' and then demanded to know what 'other services' she provided for Harry.
She just Decked him. That she did so in front of the whole Great Hall during Breakfast, did little to cheer her up, but every witch in the Hall applauded. The Twins and Ginny cheered.
Albus had looked to his teachers to penalise the witchling, and when none did, went to do so himself, only to notice the glare of his Deputy. Realizing that any points he took, would also be deducted from his agent, and Granger would be award equal if not greater points for standing up for herself and Witch-kind. "Two points, Mister Weasley. Behavior unbecoming!" Albus drawled out.
McGonagall frowned, but at least he did something.
Granger's next class was Runes, and with her anger at the redhead, her hand was shaking too bad to draw her glyphs. The Professor was one of those who witnessed her show this morning, and so gave her a break.
After that, was a study hall, and Malfoy made an appearance in the Library.
"Hey Granger. Now that Potter is no longer here, what are you going to do?" He smippered, "No Half-blood to protect you, and after what you did to Weasley…" he smirked.
"If you must know, you inbred snake," Hermione hissed, "Potter will still have my back, as he has joined a new school, being hosted here. He now can take direct action against the likes of you, And Snape can no longer protect you from him, nor from any in the White robes. Watch your mouth, or you will end up like Weasley!" She slammed her book closed gathered her things, and returned to her dorm.
Once in her room, she sighed as she looked about, before calling for Winky.
"Missy Grangy called Winky?" the Elf squeaked.
"Hello Winky." Hermione smiled at the elf, who still wore the dress that Crouch gave her, and while it was worn, it was clean, and her head was covered in a tea towel wimple. Hermione had relaxed her views on Elf Service, but still treated them almost humanly. "How is your day going?"
"Winky good. Not enough Work, Hoggy Elves not sharing."
"You want more Work?" the witch sat on the bed, patting it beside her, inviting the elf to join her.
"Yes, Missy." The elf popped onto the bed, before kneeling within arms reach. "Winky needs more. Girls Dorms are watched by Elf Matron, and she is not letting Winky do any. The Boy's…" the elf made a face, "So Dobby can keep Master Harry, but Winky is left out."
"Are you not taking care of Black and Lupin?"
"Yes, but Winky needs More."
Hermione blinked and looked about, before her eyes fell on the paperwork for her transfer to P.I. "What if you added my Parents to your workload. You would be working in a muggle environment, but there is a lot of little things that needs doing at my House. My parents work full time, and could use the Help of a good Elf. And as Harry's Elf, on loan, you can ignore things with them, that might break your bond with Harry. You are welcome to use my room as yours until I come Home. then we will speak about Winky's room and needs."
"Missy Grangy is Giving Winky her family?" Hope bloomed in the Elf's eyes.
"Mom prefers Tea each morning. Earl Grey, honey and milk, and Loves Coffee, Heavy Cream and sugar. Breakfast is cooks choice, but Mom loves waffles on the weekends when Dad goes shooting, and Dad loves a good fry-up. Then there is the house, laundry, and Garden." Hermione smiled at the Elf, "You can even ask them if they need or want something more done. Just don't be seen by muggles and protect them from outsiders."
"Winky take care of Family." she hopped to her feet, "Winky done Here?"
"Almost, love." Hermione stood and shrugged out of her Hogwarts attire. "First I need to change Robes, then I need you to take my trunk to my dorm in the Lord's Wing." quickly, with the Elf's help, the witchling was dressed in white, and as the Elf took everything of hers but the paperwork, Hermione descended the stairs one last time. Peering about the Common Room, she sighed as the memories played through her head, before turning on her heel and striding out of the tower she called home.
121
A knock at her door, pulled Director Bones from her angry thoughts. "Come!" Her wand low at her knee, just as her Mentor Moody had taught her…
Tonks poked her head in, "Hey Boss. A bit of a Problem. Good news. Found Potter for ya, he even came quietly. Bad news. Umbridge found him first."
Bones exploded to her feet, wand gripped her fist, ready to go on the hunt for a pink dressed toad. "Where was she last seen?"
"Outside Quality Quiditch." Potter snarked as he pushed the rookie into the office, before turning and dragging the rumpled wizard from last night in with him, and closing the door. "She was out cold, with four of your boys in red standing over her." He then rough handed the older two into place in front of the desk He let Tonks Stand, but put Lupin into one chair, before dropping into the other. "Sorry about not waiting to be invited to sit, but with the day I have had…" he wiped a hand over his face, "Had I been old enough, I would be asking for a nib or two. Then for some reason these two are scared of you, when we can easily redirect your anger at other targets." He flashed a crooked grin at her. " Now, how and why was that Hag on the street, to threaten a Lord of the Realm?"
"I will look into it." the witch swore, before touching her wand to a rune carved into her desk, "Robards, my office. Code Peach."
The door opened as a nondescript man stuck his head in, "Yes, Chief?"
"Find out who released Umbridge, why, and put them in the cell next to hers!" the witch hissed, her Rage barely suppressed. "Someone deliberately went around me, and my orders."
"Yes Chief!" the door clicked shut, as he went about his new mission.
The Witch made a show of stowing her wand, pouring a glass of scotch, bolting it, and then calling for tea. "And Now, you said something about Threatening a Lord of the Realm?" as she sat, perched on the edge of her office chair.
Harry grinned his Father's trademark grin, "As I was leaving Quality Quiditch, having taken care of some business, I was first Verbally Assaulted, threatened with a wand, and the Words that were thrown my way, made me feel that both my Life, and the Life of my Uncle here," he waved at Moony, "were on the Line. her words, and I quote; 'Only Good Wolf, is a Dead Wolf. I am Chuffed that I am just faster then she is, as my Disarming hex handled her, with little danger to the surrounding crowd." He pulled his wand, to offer it to the Director to 'read', "As of this Morning, I am Lord Potter, Lord of Potter, Lord of Black. And that Hag wantabe is going to burn."
"As Much as I would love to allow that," Bones picked up the boy's wand, only to frown, "considering her Connections, she will at most get a fine, that will somehow trickle back into her pocket." She rolled the Holly 'stick' in her fingers, "Just where did you get this wand?"
"Ollivander's. July 31, of '91." Harry perked up.
"Tonks, please go get Mr. Ollivander. Tell him I need him to identify a wand for me." Tonks bolted from the office, not tripping over anything on her way. Setting the wand on the desk, Bones scanned the lad with her enchanted glass. "Lord of two Houses, strong ones at that, and The Chief Warlock did not stop you?"
A Knock at the door, revealed a witch with a tea service, and soon everyone was sipping a cuppa.
Once they were alone again, Harry sipped from his cup, "The Old Man would have tried to stop me, interfering with House Business, uninvited, and undesired. This whole thing with Black, could have been handled in a couple of weeks, but here we are five months later, and the only reason Sirius is not running anymore is because I had to take steps, steps against the Old Man."
Anything further was interrupted by the arrival of an Owl.