Author's Note: I really, really apologize for the lateness of this particular chapter. I've been really, really busy lately! To make up for this, I've written a really long chapter for you guys and will be putting another one out soon. (Seriously, though, this is the longest chapter I've ever written. It's 10,564 words and 40 pages long. It's insane.) I've got this first book all planned out so I know exactly what's going to happen from here on out! I hope you enjoy and remember to leave a review!
Ariadne
Six
Harry was in Charms class the next afternoon when he was summoned by Severus. After sharing a glance with Draco, Harry hurried down to Severus dungeon office where he was greeted by Lucius and Sirius Black. He nodded at them both, noticing the way Sirius was staring at him. Sirius looked like he wanted to cry and Harry couldn't blame him. He'd just discovered that the man he'd called his best mate for most of his life had betrayed him in the most despicable way.
"Harry." Sirius said, his voice very quiet.
"Sirius. It's good to see you."
"You don't have to say that just to humor me, you know."
Harry smiled. "I'm not. I mean it, Sirius."
"Let's sit down. I've got to tell you what's been happening." Lucius interjected, looking between them
Harry sat down and accepted a cup of tea from Severus.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
Lucius sighed. "When Asterion came to tell me what Potter had been up to with Sirius, I immediately left to find Sirius. I broke Potter's mind control curse and immediately, Sirius decided he wanted Potter dead. I spent four hours convincing him to let you handle it and he finally agreed."
"Lucius took me back to Malfoy Manor and called Regulus over. I spent most of last night with my brother, talking and telling him everything." Sirius said, watching Harry as though afraid he'd be attacked.
"What are your leanings now?" Harry asked carefully.
Sirius eyes gleamed with a wicked sort of mischief. "Dark. I saw the way James acted towards you, though I couldn't do anything about it. James doesn't know what he has coming for him."
Harry smiled. "Too right he doesn't. I'd better get back to class. Owl me, Sirius. As soon as you can."
Sirius nodded. "I will kid."
Harry got up and went back to class. He'd already finished his charms for the day so he sat quietly beside Draco where the blonde was doodling on a spare piece of parchment. Professor Flitwick gave him a bright smile as he was helping Dean Thomas with a spell in the front row. Jamie Potter was trying – and failing – to get the spell right. They'd been working on levitating charms that day and Jamie Potter didn't seem to be any good at them.
It made Harry laugh that Jamie, who had always bragged about good he was at magic, couldn't even manage a levitating charm. That didn't mean he was harmless, of course. Jamie Potter was anything but harmless. Not only did he had powerful people behind him but he was very good at offensive charms like the bone breaker curse he'd sent Harry at the start of the year. When it came to the end of this war, Harry would have to train hard and fight his best.
"What do we have next, Draco?" Harry asked in a slightly bored drawl.
Draco glanced away from his conversation with Lyra. "Defense. Quirell wanted you and I to pretend to read the assignment, though. Apparently, we have something different to do." He said.
The way he said it made it sound like they merely had something harder than the other students to work on. But Harry knew that it was something much more than that in Draco's voice. Lord Slytherin had finally given them their first assignment. Harry had known that he'd be working on things in Defense Class so that the other members of Slytherin's Guild – that was the name he and the others had agreed upon for themselves – could work on things together. Professor Quirell had given them what he called a 'Pacing Test' earlier in the week to find out where everyone in class was so that he could teach based on their own personal level. It was partially a farce, of course, because he had given the Slytherin's Guild higher scores than the others. This way, they were on a separate level and could work together.
"This'll be fun, then? Wonder what our first assignment will be." Ron said from behind them.
Lyra shrugged. "Probably something to do with what we were discussing last night, I'd guess." She said vaguely.
Neville nodded. "That's what Professor Quirell said."
They entered the classroom and sat together in the back of the classroom in a set of desks that had been set away from the others a bit. Idly, Harry noticed the way they'd chosen to sit. Harry, Draco, and Neville were at the front with Lyra and Ron just behind them.
It likely didn't mean much now but it would. Harry, Draco, Ron, and Lyra were the ones who would lead the Dark eventually. Even Lord Slytherin himself had said it. When he'd named Harry his successor, his heir, he'd known that Harry would choose his own Court. And Harry had chosen. They were all so very different. Neville was the one whose parents had disgraced him, who would stand beside them with a firm back and a loyal heart until the very end. Draco was the aristocratic Dark, the one with both the power and the money to have his way. Harry was the powerful orphan with the bitter past willing to do whatever it took to obliterate his past. Neville was probably the most powerful out of all of them aside from Harry. Lyra was the one with the brains and the power to push even the hardest things forward. And Ron was the youngest son of a light family whose power would someday rival his parents'. Together, they would take the world by storm. Fred and George's roles were different, but no less important. They were the ones who'd been looked down on by their family, the ones who would someday show the world their true talents. And more would join them, others like them who wanted to find their place in the world. Harry hid a smirk as he thought about this, focusing on Professor Quirell.
Professor Quirell cast a privacy charm around the group of four and sat in a chair in front of them. When Harry looked at him, he noticed the subtle red in his eyes and knew that Lord Slytherin had decided to possess the professor to speak with them. Harry understood the meaning behind this. The Dark Lord hated possessing people over everything else. If he'd done it that meant they were about to hear something vital to their cause. Harry leaned on his desk, looking interested but not too interested. They didn't need Jamie and his band of idiots thinking they were doing exactly what they were doing.
"You can speak freely here. I have cast a privacy charm around us so that I will know if someone even attempts to get past it." Lord Slytherin said, smiling a bit.
"Thank you, my Lord." Draco said.
"If I may, my Lord?" Neville asked, bowing his head just slightly.
"Of course, young Longbottom."
"I apologize for what my parents did to you and your followers. I will never agree with what they did, my Lord, and I will make up for it in any way you deem necessary."
The Dark Lord nodded. "Thank you, young Longbottom, but it is not your debt to pay. Someday, your parents and Dumbledore will pay that debt."
Neville nodded. "Thank you."
The Dark Lord nodded. "All right now, on to business. As to your assignment, you will be working together to revise my current Dark Mark. Now, it cannot be removed for any reason by anyone other than myself. This, I've found, is a bad idea for many reasons. We need the Mark to be able to be removed by the bearer themselves in case of arrest. I intend to remove the Mark from those that have remained faithful to me these years and replace it with a new one, one they may remove in case someone suspects them." He took a deep breath. "I am researching this as well but, as you know, I only have so much time. I'm going to need your help."
Harry nodded. "We're on it, my Lord. Permission to go to the library?"
"I'll give you all slips for the Restricted Section as well. If anyone asks, you're researching Dark Curses for an essay to be turned in later this week. I will produce one for each of you, so don't actually write one."
He ended the privacy charm and led them to the front of class where he handed them each a signed slip for access to the Restricted Section in the library. Harry smirked when he saw Jamie glaring in his general direction. It was rather good to be dark, he thought laughingly.
"New Marks?" Draco whispered in a hushed voice as they hurried to the library.
Harry nodded. "He did mention that. I'd completely forgotten it until now."
"Do you think that's what he'll give us when we're marked?" Neville asked with a small smile.
Draco nodded. "I believe so. Why else have us research them? He was telling us that we're going to be among the first to get them, I believe. We'll be the youngest followers in history!"
Harry gave Draco a nod. "Yes, I believe so as well. He'll have to be incredibly careful, of course. But I think that's exactly what he's planning to do."
Lyra grinned. "That's exciting. I just hope I can get my mum and dad out of prison soon. And that we can get revenge on Dumbledore for what he caused to happen to my family."
Draco wrapped a comforting arm around his cousin's shoulders. Lyra had been devastated to find out what had happened to her family. The murders of her older brothers and younger sibling had made her cry. Though she didn't know her mother very well, they were sending letters of a sort back and forth between each other. Her father, Rudolphus Lestrange, and her uncle, Rabastan Lestrange, were nearly catatonic these days. They stayed alive only because Bellatrix was their caregiver. She fed and gave them enough magic to survive but it wasn't much of a life. Narcissa visited her sister weekly, let Bellatrix write a quick letter, and then sent it off to Lyra. Bellatrix was thrilled that her daughter had been found and that she was back where she belonged but sad that she could not see her. Narcissa promised to take both Lyra and Neville to her at Christmas.
Neville had done a complete one-eighty in the last forty-eight hours. He'd gone to the ministry and given them proof that he was being abused and told them that he wanted to be removed from his grandmother's care. The Ministry had done so and had placed him with a very willing Sirius Black. Sirius, of course, was all for Neville going to see the Lestrange family. Neville wanted to apologize for what his parents had caused, though Bellatrix had told Narcissa to relay the information that it was completely unnecessary for him to apologize.
"If Lucius goes to the Ministry next week, they'll probably be released." Neville said quietly from beside her.
Lyra nodded, not wanting to get her hopes up. Lucius had decided to go to the Ministry and apply for Bellatrix and her family to be released into his care. This was normally done with people who were reformed and so Bellatrix and the others had been on their best behavior. If Lucius was successful – and he believed that he would be – they'd be out by next week. If not, the Christmas visit was still on.
"Let's hope so. I want them back. Father and Uncle Rabastan are in terrible shape and mother is in pain too. I just want my mum and dad." Lyra said miserably as they reached the library.
Draco and Harry looked at each other. "You'll get them back, Lyra. Even if we have to break them out." Harry said quietly.
Everyone but Draco gave him a look of surprise. Draco knew that Harry was serious. He also knew that Harry would do it if it came to it. He glanced at the others, his eyes very serious, and headed into the library to begin their research into the new marks.
They spent the rest of the hour in the library. At the end of it, they brought their research back to Professor Quirell who promised to bring them to Lord Slytherin as soon as he could. Together, they headed to lunch and decided to sit together at the Gryffindor table. Harry was going to suggest that they sit at the Slytherin table but the promise of irritating Potter was too much to resist. They took seats together and started piling food onto their plates.
"Get off our table Death Eater scum." Came Potter's sneering voice from behind them.
Harry didn't bother to look at him. "It's in the school handbook that we can sit anywhere we like at the breakfast and lunch time meals." He said.
"Not when I'm at this table you won't."
Lyra glared at him. "Shut up and go sit with your own friends, Potter. We're not interested in sparring with you now."
"I'll do no such thing."
"Get outta here Potter."
Harry grinned at the sound of Fred and George's mingled voices. They took seats at the table in front of Harry, their identical faces grinning.
"Fred, George. Fancy seeing you here." Harry said, grinning.
The twins smirked at him. "Likewise Harry."
Resolving to ignore Jamie, Harry faced Fred and George and smiled at them.
"How are your mornings?" Harry asked.
Fred smiled. "Good thus far. What about you? Any dealings with the dark today?" he asked, grinning.
Harry laughed. "Oh, sure. I just had a meeting with Voldemort himself." He said, chuckling.
Fred understood the truth behind the joke. "How fun." He said, laughing.
Lyra rolled her eyes at them. "Would the lot of you be quiet? Some people are going to think you're serious." She said.
Jamie Potter once again stuck his beak in. "He probably is. Slimy little Slytherin." He sneered.
Harry smiled. "Whatever you want to believe." He said cheerfully and Jamie growled.
"It's no wonder mum and dad didn't want you, you're despicable." Potter ground out, his teeth gritted in anger.
It was Neville who rolled his eyes this time. "Right now, Jamie Potter, you're the one who isn't wanted."
Potter flicked a glance at Neville, his gaze darkening. "You're seriously choosing him over me? He's a slimy, dark, Slytherin Nev. You can't be serious."
"Well, at least he's not a bullying arsehole." Neville said with a slight shrug.
Harry couldn't help but laugh. "You heard him, Potter. Now run along." He told his former twin coldly amid the laughter of his friends.
But Jamie Potter only took a seat across from Harry, directly next to Ron. Ron scowled and edged away from him, meeting Harry's annoyed gaze. Beside Harry, Draco was watching Potter with a faintly amused look. Recognizing the look as the one Draco wore right before he delivered one of his biting insults, Harry began to smirk.
"You're just like your mudblood mother, Potter. You never know when you're not wanted."
Potter's eyes narrowed in hatred and he pulled out his wand, pointing it at Draco. He'd barely even moved, however, when Ron pointed his own wand into Potter's side. Ron whispered something, too low for the others to hear, but whatever it was caused Potter to get up and stalk away angrily. Harry rolled his eyes, grinning at Ron and Draco.
"Merlin, he's such a prat." Harry said.
Fred and George nodded, rolling their eyes. "He's approached us several times in the hallway between classes." They said.
Draco cocked an eyebrow. "For what?"
George shrugged. "To brag, mostly."
"Also to tell us that he's written to our parents. Which doesn't worry us all that much."
Lyra glanced between them. "Why doesn't that bother you?"
Ron grinned. "Bill sent a letter last night. He said that, should our parents decide to try keeping us away from you guys, he would petition for custody of Fred, George, Ginny, and me. He's moving back to Britain soon and he's prepared to get custody of us."
George laughed. "He even said that Charlie's willing to come back and help him take care of us if need be."
Draco smiled. "Well, if he needs help getting custody of you, all he'd have to do is ask my father. He'd be happy to help him get custody."
Before anyone could reply, there was a tap on Harry's shoulder. Preparing himself in case Jamie Potter had returned to give him more grief, Harry turned around. Thankfully, it was not Jamie. Instead, Percy Weasley stood behind him with another boy. The other boy had short dark hair and hazel eyes. Harry recognized him as Oliver Wood, a pureblood wizard whose parents had always been fairly neutral.
"Percy. What's wrong?" Ron asked, noticing that his older brother looked slightly nervous.
"I need to talk to the lot of you…in private." Percy said in a shaky voice, his eyes flitting around the table.
Harry nodded, rising to his feet. There was something about the way Percy was looking at them that reminded him of, well, himself. Percy looked terrified. His hands were shaking and he kept stealing glances at Oliver.
"Come on. We were mostly finished eating anyways." Harry said, yawning.
Percy and Oliver fell into step behind them as they led the way towards the seventh floor. There was a special room on this floor called the Come and Go room. This room would become anything you needed it to be. He'd heard James Potter telling Jamie about it and knew that it was perfect for Harry's current needs. Pacing in front of the door, Harry waited until a door appeared before pulling it open. After ushering everyone inside, Harry stepped inside himself and went to stand next to Draco.
"What's going on, Perce?" Ron asked his older brother.
Percy sighed and rolled up the sleeve of his robes. Holding out his arm, the young red haired teen allowed them to see the silver bracelet that adorned his wrist. Upon seeing it, the other Weasley brothers gave a sharp intake of breath. Harry too recognized the bracelet. It was a simple silver bracelet with a diamond heart in the very center of it. Just looking at it, most people would think that it was just an elegant piece of jewelry given as a gift. Harry recognized it for what it was. It was a Cor Peccatoris, Sinner's Heart, one of the rarest pieces of jewelry in the Wizarding World. They were originally made in Spain in the 1600s by a man named Fernando Escobar. He enchanted them with a spell that would cause extreme pain when the wearer encountered a certain sin. Homosexuality was the most common sin found in these bracelets. That Percy wore one spoke volumes about Molly and Arthur Weasley.
"Which of your parents put this on you?" Harry asked in a low, dangerous voice.
"Mother did. With Dumbledore's help, I think. I couldn't really see or hear him so I can't accurately identify him. But I know Mother was involved." Percy said.
Oliver made a low noise and clenched his hands into fists. "Neither of us realized what it was until yesterday morning. We were doing some research into what kinds of things could harm Percy whenever we touched and this was the only thing that fit."
Harry glanced at Percy. "Will Bill be home at this hour?" he asked.
Percy nodded. "Of course, He works the night shift in Egypt so he's normally always home during the day."
Harry looked at Draco. "I'm going to ask the Room for two fireplaces. I need you to contact your father using one of them while I get a hold of Bill Weasley. Tell your father to come through as soon as possible."
Draco nodded, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
Two fireplaces appeared along a wall nearby and Harry walked towards one. Behind him, he could hear Fred and George explaining everything to Percy and Oliver. Their voices mingled and he smiled a bit before throwing a bit of Floo Powder into the fireplace.
Stepping inside, he called out, "Weasley Residence, Egypt!"
Green flames flickered around his body and he disappeared, reappearing in a small living room. Thankfully, Harry didn't have to go searching for the eldest Weasley. Bill was sitting on an armchair near the fire, reading a book. He looked up when Harry stepped through the fire.
"Who are you?" Bill asked, not seeming worried.
"Harry Malfoy. I've no time to explain right now. I need you to come through the fireplace to Hogwarts, the Room of Requirement to be precise. Percy is in trouble and we need your help."
Bill rose quickly. "After you, then." He said, pocketing his wand.
Thanking Merlin that Bill wasn't the type to bandy about demanding answers, Harry stepped back into the fireplace and returned to the Room with Bill on his heels. When they returned, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were already there. Lucius was inspecting the bracelet on Percy's wrist, his face set in a dark scowl. Narcissa spared Harry a rare smile but quickly turned to Percy again.
"What's going on?" Bill asked, quickly assessing the situation and realizing that it was quite serious.
"Your mother has done the unthinkable, Mr. Weasley." Lucius said, glancing at the Eldest Weasley brother.
"What has she done, Mr. Malfoy?" Bill asked in a barely level voice.
"She's placed a Cor Peccatoris bracelet on Percy's wrist." Narcissa said, gesturing the silver band on Percy's wrist.
Bill took a deep breath. "They've been outlawed for centuries!" He said angrily.
"Mother obviously cares more about the fact that I'm gay than she does about potentially going to Azkaban." Percy said, his hands clenched into fists.
"I hate to ask this, Mr. Malfoy, but can you possibly accompany Percy and I to the Ministry? I'm going to file for full permanent custody of my brothers and sister. As well as file charges against Mother." Bill asked.
"Call me Lucius, please. And of course I will."
"Come on Percy. We'll need you to come with us." Bill said, glancing at his brother.
Percy nodded. "All right."
Looking at the other Weasley's in the room, Bill spoke again. "Ron, Fred, George, I need you to stick together from now on. Merlin only knows how Dumbledore is going to react when he receives news of what's happened and I don't want any of you caught unawares. None of you are to be alone with him. If he asks you to go to his office, I want you to immediately find Professor Snape and alert him to what's happening."
Fred and George nodded. "All right. Be careful, Bill."
Bill nodded, following Lucius and Narcissa over to the fireplace. Once Lucius and Narcissa had Flooed over to the Ministry, Bill ushered Percy ahead of him and quickly followed. Left alone again, Harry walked over to what remained of the Weasley's.
"I want you to stay clear of Jamie Potter for a while. Once it comes out that you've chosen to live with Bill, your mother is going to immediately write to James and Lily. I know my former parents and I am not lying when I tell you that they are going to write to Jamie. Or possibly come and see him. Stay away from him. Whether he's going to attempt to persuade you into turning your back on your brother or attack you, I couldn't say. But I don't want to have to retaliate." Harry told them firmly.
Draco stepped forward, looking at the Weasley's as well. "The same goes for Dumbledore. If he summons you to his office, immediately go to Severus. Or to McGonagall. Contrary to popular belief, the Head of Gryffindor is not as Light as she seems. Should Dumbledore attempt anything, she will stop him before he's even started." Draco said smoothly.
Before any of the Weasley's could react, there was a knock at the door. Raising their wands, the group called for whoever had come to the door to come in. The door opened and Minerva McGonagall slid into the Room of Requirement, her face set in a determined line and her back very rigid. Behind her, to even Harry's shock, was Lord Slytherin's spirit. Harry stared, open mouthed at the Deputy Headmistress. Though he had heard the rumors that McGonagall was not a member of the Light community, he hadn't actually believed them. She was thought by many to be Dumbledore's right hand. Even James and Lily Potter had always raved about all the good things she'd done for the Light.
"Close your mouth, Harry. You'll catch flies." Said Professor McGonagall easily, grinning at him.
Harry closed his mouth as she turned towards the door, casting spells at it. They all recognized four privacy wards and at least two secrecy wards. When she was satisfied that she'd sufficiently protected them from the prying eyes of Albus Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall turned and conjured herself a chair. Doing as she had, the assembled members of Slytherin's Guild did the same.
"Professor McGonagall…do you…erm…realize who is just behind you?" Ron asked, looking between Lord Slytherin and his Head of House.
Lord Slytherin smirked at her. "They don't believe the rumors, my love." He said, grinning when Harry gasped.
"She's your Second Wife!" He burst out, looking at his mentor.
The Weasley's looked at him. "Second Wife?" They asked.
Lord Slytherin smiled. "Actually, Harry, Minerva was my first wife. We married when we were sixteen years old. She decided, not long after, that she would appear to become angry with me. Thus, Dumbledore encouraged her to join his Order of the Phoenix and she was able to effectively spy for me. It worked for many years. Unfortunately, Dumbledore didn't tell even Minerva about the attack he'd planned on my second wife and daughter. She was unable to come to me and warn me about what was to happen."
Professor McGonagall glared. "I nearly killed Albus Bloody Dumbledore for the blatant murder of my sister-wife. Her name, for those that don't know, was Rosalie Whit. She was my best friend all through Hogwarts, though she was a Slytherin. She married Tom not long after I did and we were happy. Ours was a true three-way marriage and I loved her every bit as much as Tom did. When Tom and I had our son, she was by my bedside though she was very nearly ready to go into labor herself. And when our son died a week after his birth, she was there to help us with the funeral arrangements. And, though she was married to both of us, Rose had absolutely no part in the war." She took a deep breath. "Rose was happy to be a housewife and mother. She was happy to bear us heirs and to love and support us. She was never involved in the war. Dumbledore's attack on her was wholly unprovoked. She…could not have deserved what happened to her. And Isabella, our daughter, deserved it even less. Bella had just graduated from Hogwarts. She hadn't even chosen her career yet." Professor McGonagall's face darkened then, and she fell silent.
Lord Slytherin smiled sadly. "Minerva and I heard that you were meeting in here and decided to join you. The Gryffindor members of Slytherin's Guild should feel free as of now to go to Minerva when – if – the Headmaster summons them. She will protect them to the best of her very capable abilities."
Professor McGonagall nodded. "Yes. While I will still be undercover until Dumbledore has been brought down, I will be readily available to protect any and all members of Slytherin's Guild at any moment necessary."
"Which will soon become a very big job." Lord Slytherin said.
Harry frowned. "Why is that, sir?"
"I want you to expand your ranks starting immediately. Talk to anyone the group of you thinks may be willing to at least hear us out. We will start holding meetings here in the Room of Requirement every Friday evening. Bring any new members along with you. Their year doesn't matter and neither does their house alliance." Lord Slytherin instructed smoothly.
Harry looked at his own group and nodded. "We can do that."
Fred grinned, looking at Oliver Wood who was standing between the twins with an expression of dawning comprehension on his face.
"Judging by the look on Oliver's face, we can assume he's realized who you are, Lord Slytherin." George said, grinning like mad.
Oliver nodded, also smiling a bit. "My mother is Helena Whit. At least, her maiden name was Whit. She was the far younger sister of Lord Slytherin's first wife. I've been told all about Tom…erm…Lord Slytherin. She's incredibly fond of him and has been terrified that he's truly dead. As has my father."
Lord Slytherin considered him for a long moment. "Your father, his name is Ross Wood, is it not?" He asked.
Oliver nodded. "Yes. That's my dad. He's an Unspeakable. Actually, he's Croaker's second in command."
Lord Slytherin grinned. "I would love it if you would tell your parents that I am indeed alive and will be soon back be among the corporeal very soon. Ross and Helena have always been very close friends of mine." He said.
Oliver nodded, looking at Harry. "I realize that Slytherin's Guild is supposed to be an invitation only group but…can I join?" He asked.
Harry nodded. "We would be glad to have you. In fact, since we've just received orders to begin expansion, you may begin to recruit people along with the rest of us. Simply keep the knowledge of this group from anyone associated with Jamie Potter. My former twin will gladly turn you in to Dumbledore or curse you in the back without a second thought." Harry said.
Oliver frowned. "He'd…curse someone in the back?!" He exclaimed. "But that's a coward's way out!"
Draco scoffed. "The day James Potter disowned Harry, Jamie Potter cast the Bone Breaker Curse at Harry's back. My older brother very nearly killed him for it." He said.
Harry grinned. "Asterion did look pretty pissed."
"And he wasn't anything compared to how angry my mother was. Mother was furious. It took Father a lot of persuasion to convince her to not come down to the school to throw curses at James Potter and his son." Draco said with a small smile.
Professor McGonagall looked horrified. "For Merlin's sake!" She burst out, glancing at Lord Slytherin. "I've always known that James Potter was a bloody prat but it's looking like his son is going to be worse than he was. I think it's time that I sent a letter to Charlus and Dorea." She said.
Harry was confused. "They're dead, aren't they? That's why James Potter is the Head of Potter House."
Professor McGonagall laughed. "Charlus and Dorea are still very much alive and well. Charlus is still Acting Head of Potter House. There are some duties that James has been able to assume but Charlus still has final say in everything. Charlus is James' paternal grandfather. Fleamont and Euphemia, James' parents, died before Jamie and Harry were born under very suspicious circumstances after they very publicly declared themselves against Dumbledore." She smiled. "Charlus and I are old friends. He's been looking for a reason to disinherit James. While he cannot disown him right away, Charlus can decide on a new heir and effectively disown James and his wife and child."
Lord Slytherin hummed in agreement. "Tell him what his grandson has been up to. Suggest to him that he name Harry as his heir. While Harry may, of course, remain a Malfoy, he will inherit the vast Potter Fortune and social standings."
Professor McGonagall smiled. "I daresay I shall do exactly that. Charlus was furious with James for disowning Harry. Harry was the only one that Charlus actually approved of. He's found Jamie to rather lacking." She said.
Draco nodded. "He was friends with my grandfathers, Cygnus Black and Abraxas Malfoy. I met him, however briefly at their funerals. He's a very calm man, though intelligent and very kind. He's also friends with my father. They meet a few times a month for tea."
Harry grinned. "If you can convince him to disown James, Lily, and their atrocious offspring, I would be pleased to be named his heir."
Professor McGonagall smiled. "I'll send him a note this evening, asking if he'd mind if I popped in for dinner with he and Dorea."
"Good idea, Professor."
Professor McGonagall glanced at her watch. "Now, I believe the young Malfoys and Miss Lestrange here have an appointment with the elder Malfoy's this evening. We've talked for quite a while. You may want to go and get ready." She told them.
Draco nodded. "We shall." He said.
Turning to the group, Harry gave his orders for the night. The members of Slytherin's Guild stood straight and proud as they listened intently to his orders.
"I want all of you to spend the evening recruiting possible new members. It's a Friday evening and I suspect Lord Slytherin may call upon us for a meeting when we return from dinner. Be very careful about who you talk to and where you talk to them. Make sure you cast secrecy wards to keep them from being able to tell anyone. If you don't know how to cast a secrecy ward, ask one of the Weasley twins. They're both adept at them and will be more than happy to help you if need it." Harry instructed.
Ron nodded. "Got it."
Harry turned to Lyra. "Draco and I will meet you in the Entrance Hall, Lyra."
The girl nodded. "All right."
Together, Harry and Draco hurried down to their dorm to get properly dressed and cleaned up for dinner with the Malfoy parents. On their way, they passed Asterion who was seated in the Slytherin Common Room, already dressed in formal robes. His longish blonde hair was pulled back in an elegant ponytail and he smirked at them as they entered. Draco rolled his eyes and cocked an eyebrow at his brother.
"Asterion, you're a Ravenclaw." He said.
Asterion grinned. "That I am, little brother."
"How in Merlin's name do you keep getting into Slytherin Common Room? It's normally all but impossible for someone from another house to get in here. You usually have to use polyjuice potion – or a very good glamour – to make yourself look like a fellow Slytherin in order to get in."
Asterion shrugged one shoulder. "I have my ways." He said, grinning.
Draco rolled his eyes again. "We're going to get dressed now."
Asterion waved them away and they walked into their dorm. As he dug through his trunk in search of anything resembling formal robes, Harry noticed a set of brand new formal robes laying on his bed. They were a deep green color trimmed in silver. Next to them was a pair of black leather formal shoes. Lying on top of the robes was a short note.
Harry,
Consider this my first gift you, godson. I purchased these when Lucius told me that he was taking you and the other Malfoy children out to dinner. I hope you like them and wear them with pride.
Your dogfather,
Sirius Black.
Harry grinned as he donned the robes. They fit perfectly and looked very elegant on him. Sighing, he walked over to a mirror and ran a comb through his hair. He cursed James Potter, though, when all his hair did was continue to stick up in every direction.
"Come here, Harry." Draco said from the other mirror.
Harry walked over to where Draco was standing. Draco stood behind him and reached for a potion bottle. Rubbing some of the minty smelling concoction through Harry's hair, Draco ran a brush through. Amazingly, the hair lay flat and neat against Harry's head. Harry was astonished and Draco smirked at him.
"I'll tell Severus to make you some of this." Draco said. "He invented it himself. It's a hair tonic that helps make your hair behave. I use it on the mornings I don't shower before getting dressed."
"My hair has never done this. Severus is brilliant."
Draco grinned. "Let's go. Mother and Father are most likely already waiting for us. And I think they've probably brought Nash and Orion as well."
"Who are Nash and Orion?" Harry asked.
Draco grinned. "My little brothers. They're six years old and they're the most adorable little brats ever. Though, I think they're doomed to spend their Hogwarts days in Gryffindor or possibly Ravenclaw."
Asterion met them in the Common Room. "If you're wondering, Mother and Father have indeed brought the twins. They were going to leave them with Regulus and Petunia but we've decided to make this a family affair and so they've all come along. Even Sirius is coming, I believe."
Harry smiled. "Brilliant!"
They'd arrived in the Entrance Hall then. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy stood in front of an annoyed looking Dumbledore. At their feet were two little boys with blonde hair, blue eyes, and rather wicked looking grins.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow this excursion, Lucius." Dumbledore was saying. "It is far too dangerous to have the children out of school."
Harry expected Lucius to respond. Instead, it was Narcissa who spoke. Her voice held a hint of disdain and she did not bother to hide the utter loathing on her face.
"Are you telling us that we cannot protect our children, Albus?" she demanded smoothly. "Because I can assure you that our children are quite safe with us."
Dumbledore frowned. "It is too dangerous. I cannot allow you to take these children off school grounds." He turned to Harry, Draco, Asterion, and the recently arrived Lyra. "Go back to your common rooms. You won't be leaving the castle this evening."
They did not move. Lucius rolled his eyes as Severus walked towards them, also wearing formal robes.
"Is something wrong?" Severus asked, coming to stand behind Harry and Draco.
"I must insist that you cancel this evening out. It is far too dangerous for you to take the children out of the castle after dark." Dumbledore insisted yet again.
Severus looked like he wanted to roll his eyes. He didn't. "Headmaster, there will be no less than five trained wizards at dinner this evening. Regulus' wife, though she is a muggle, carries a deadly weapon on her person at all times. I assure you that it will be quite safe."
"Nevertheless, we must not take any chances."
Lucius' patience finally snapped. Looking towards his children, he spoke in a calm voice.
"Go pack your trunks, children. We're removing you from Hogwarts effective immediately." He said.
Dumbledore looked shocked. "There is really no need for that!" He said.
"Indeed, Dumbledore?" Lucius spoke evenly. "It is entirely necessary. You are attempting to keep these children from their family."
"The Potters are coming this evening to spend time with young Harry here. The Grangers, Hermione's muggle family, are also coming. I must insist you leave these two behind." Dumbledore tried.
It was Lyra who spoke, venom lacing her every word. "My name is Lyra Talitha Lestrange and those idiot muggles are not my family. And Harry has no wish to see or speak to the Potters. We will not be staying behind so that you can manipulate us."
Narcissa placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. "If you wish for the Malfoy and Lestrange children – Harry included – to remain in Hogwarts then you will cease this pointless maneuvering immediately. We will all be leaving to have dinner together this evening whether you like it or not." She said firmly.
Dumbledore sighed in obvious defeat. "Very well." He said, waving a hand at them dismissively. "Have a pleasant evening."
"We will, Albus." Severus couldn't resist saying.
They departed together then, laughing and joking amongst themselves. When they came to the front gates, they were met by three other people. One of these people was very obviously Sirius Black. The other man waiting for them looked remarkably like Sirius. His hair reached his shoulders and his grey eyes were lit with amusement. On his arm was a rather pretty woman with long blonde hair and green eyes. Petunia Evans-Black looked nothing like Lily Potter had said she did. Lily had always claimed that her sister was an ugly, horse-faced woman who always looked disgusted. Instead, Petunia was very pretty, prettier than her sister even because of the warm and kind smile on her face.
Regulus smirked. "Trouble with Dumbledore?" He asked.
Lucius nodded, rolling his eyes. "He thought he could force us to cancel our evening." He said disdainfully.
Severus, though, was frowning. "He gave in far too easily, though."
Sirius' eyes flicked to him. "Did he?"
Severus nodded, deep in thought. "Yes. Usually, when he's determined to get something, Albus does not give in that easily. He's up to something tonight."
Regulus looked worried. "Should we cancel dinner? This doesn't sound promising."
"Yeah. I heard that James and Lily are going to be at the castle tonight. Whatever business they have with Dumbledore can't be good." Sirius said, glancing at Lucius.
Harry shook his head. "No. We're not giving them that kind of power. We have a very, very important spy in the castle. Three of them, actually. If anything happens, one of them will let us know."
"So, Minerva told you her secret did she?" Severus asked.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. And I know we can trust her to keep an eye on things. If anything goes wrong, she will alert us immediately."
Lucius gave a short nod. "Then let's go. We're going to London, so we'll be side-along apparating."
Asterion looked interested. "Does that mean we're going to Greengrass Family Restaurant?"
Narcissa grinned. "Yes, that's where we've decided to go for the evening."
Harry was suddenly very interested. He'd heard of Greengrass Family Restaurant before, of course. Everyone in the Wizarding Britain had. It was the best family style restaurant in Wizarding Britain. They had a large play area for children and a comfortable dining area in which the adults could sit to watch the children. James and Lily had taken Jamie there several times, leaving Harry to be taken care of by the house elves. This wouldn't have been so bad except for the fact that the house elves had orders to make Harry as miserable as possible. This would be Harry's first time going there.
The adults coordinated together to take the children by side-along. Regulus took Petunia and Lyra with him, as Petunia could not apparate. Harry was taken by Severus. Draco went with his father. The twins were taken by Severus and Sirius. (They had to be first convinced that they would see each other again in just a moment before Nash and Orion would consent to being taken separately.) And Asterion revealed that he'd already taken his apparation test – a whole year and a half early – by apparating himself.
Greengrass Family Restaurant was a large stone building at the very end of Diagon Alley. It was owned by Malachi and Serena Greengrass, the pureblood parents of Daphne and Astoria Greengrass. Lucius smiled at Harry as he opened the door, holding it as they all filed in. A young brunette was standing at the hosts desk. She offered a smile and counted out menus.
"Would you like to be seated in the lounge area?" She asked.
Narcissa smiled. "Yes, please."
As a group, they followed her back to a large, comfortable looking lounge area. There was a small play area inside and Nash took off for it at once, Orion hot on his heels. Harry, Draco, and Lyra seated themselves with the adults as Asterion strode off in the direction of his little brothers.
"We'll have eleven butterbeers, please." Lucius said, smiling at a young waiter that had joined them as they seated.
"I'll be right back." The man said, disappearing.
Harry glanced at his menu, noticing that Draco had already closed his.
"You've never been here, have you Harry?" Draco asked him.
Harry shook his head. "The Potters took Jamie here quite often. I was always left at home with the house elves who had instructions to make me as miserable as possible." He admitted softly.
Draco growled. "Bloody idiots." He muttered. Looking at Harry, he said, "I'd recommend the spaghetti. It's very filling and delicious."
Narcissa grinned. "Draco just likes it because all you can eat garlic bread comes with the spaghetti and he's in love with their garlic bread." She said.
Draco rolled his eyes. "It's good." He pointed out, causing everyone to laugh.
Harry closed his menu. If Draco suggested the spaghetti then that's what he'd get. He trusted Draco and, besides, nothing else looked very good anyways. A few seconds later, the waiter came back and took their orders.
"Severus tells me that you've recruited Neville Longbottom, Harry." Lucius said, leaning back in his chair.
Harry nodded. "We were friends growing up. He doesn't like Jamie – or his parents – any more than I do. He also had no idea what his parents did to the Lestrange family. When he found out, he was quite eager to join us."
Draco smiled. "Lord Slytherin approves as well." He said.
Lucius' eyes widened considerably at this. "You've spoken with him?" He asked.
"Yes. He's currently residing in Hogwarts. He's been in close contact with me since summer. He's…taken me on as an apprentice." Harry admitted.
Severus gasped. "Are you serious?" Asked the Potions Master incredulously.
"Very. He's named me as his heir both magically and otherwise."
Lucius and Regulus choked on their drinks at that. Draco and Harry grinned at each other. They'd been betting on how their parents would react to that. Harry now owed Draco twenty galleons because it had been Lucius, not Sirius, to choke on his drink.
"That's…incredible." Regulus said.
Petunia frowned. "Who exactly is Lord Slytherin?" She asked.
Regulus leaned toward her, whispering something in her ear. Her face lit with understanding and she smiled.
"Ah. I can see why they are so surprised. I'm not that surprised, however." She said.
"Why not?" Harry asked.
Petunia grinned at him. "I met you once, when you were only a baby. At the time, I was still married to Vernon and Lily was trying to pawn you off on me. I wanted to take you, to get you away from her, but Vernon wouldn't have it. Still, even as a baby, I knew you were going to be incredibly talented. I felt your magic." She said.
Harry frowned. "How can you feel magic if you're a muggle?"
Regulus' face darkened. "She wasn't always a muggle. She was born a witch, like Lily. In fact, she attended Beauxbatons in her first and second years. But Lily, the little bitch, was jealous because Petunia was more powerful and popular than Lily was. She convinced Dumbledore to sneak into the Evans' home one night and bind Petunia's magic." He explained.
Harry frowned. "It can be unbound, though."
Petunia nodded. "We're working on it. But Dumbledore bound it very tightly. We have to do it very slowly in order for all of my magic to be released." She explained.
Harry bit his lower lip. "I'll talk to Lord Slytherin about this. He's very good at binding and unbinding magic. I'm certain there's something he can do to help."
Lucius frowned. "But…Lord Slytherin is just a shade now." He said.
Harry smirked. "That won't be true for very much longer. He's got plans in the works – plans I'm helping with – to restore himself very, very soon. Once he's been restored, I believe he will help Aunt Petunia. Dumbledore did something similar with someone Lord Slytherin cared for and he couldn't unbind the man's magic until it was too late. He spent decades learning everything he can about the process."
Aunt Petunia's eyes filled with tears. "Are you certain?"
Draco nodded. "I believe so. I've met him a couple times now and he is very kind. Nothing like Dumbledore portrays him. If he can help you in any way, he will."
"If he can give Pet her magic back, we would be forever in his debt. I don't mind her being non-magical but I know she misses her magic. To see her so lost is heartbreaking." Regulus said, kissing his wife's temple gently.
"I'll talk to him when I get a chance." Harry said.
"Thank you, Harry. That…means a lot to me." Petunia said.
Harry smiled. "It's my pleasure Aunt Petunia. After all, we have a common enemy here. Lily would have had the same thing done to me if she could have. But Dumbledore steadfastly refused to bind my magic."
Sirius grinned. "I broke the mind control spell for a while when I heard Lily talking to him about it. He considered it, at first. But I made it clear to him, in private, that I would kill him if he tried. James ended up reinforcing the spell afterwards, though."
"How would you have killed him if you were under a spell?" Harry asked.
Sirius smirked. "James made the mistake of making me your magical godfather. My will was, at the time, stronger than his. After James realized this, though, he got Lupin to place a mind control spell of his own. I couldn't break two spells." Sirius said.
Severus gaped. "Lupin placed you under a mind control spell?" He asked, a bit incredulous.
Sirius chuckled darkly. "Don't tell me you bought into his whole gentle werewolf persona." He said.
Severus shook his head. "Not entirely. But it just doesn't seem like something Lupin would do."
"Remus Lupin is every bit as dangerous as James Potter. More so, in my opinion." Harry said, remembering the pain he'd endured at the werewolf's hand.
Draco glanced at him. "What did he do to you?"
"There were times, when James himself wasn't home, that he trusted my…care…to Lupin. Lupin was only too happy to torture me. Only, he had a different way of torturing me than James did. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Remus Lupin has done what very few werewolves aside from Greyback have done. He's mastered transforming when there isn't a full moon. When I misbehaved or did anything that he didn't like, he would transform and use his werewolf body to hurt me." Harry shuddered. "His bites didn't change me into a werewolf myself because the venom used to transform humans was not present unless it was a full moon. But they hurt like hell."
Sirius growled. "He did…what?"
Regulus laid a restraining hand on his brother's arm. "Siri, what Remus has done is indeed deplorable. But you mustn't attack him for it just yet. If what Harry says is correct, Lord Slytherin will have a body soon enough and then we will go about righting the wrongs. Right now, you must stay calm." He said.
Sirius nodded. "You're right." He looked up, meeting Harry's eyes. "Merlin, Harry, I'm sorry. If I'd known what he was doing, it would have been enough to break those mind control spells." He said.
"You don't have anything to apologize for, Sirius. That's why you didn't know. Lupin and Potter knew that your bond with me was stronger than their spells. They knew that your need to protect me would overpower them. That's why James Potter kept me as his son for so bloody long. I think he was aware that disowning me would cause you to break the mind control." Harry said.
Severus nodded. "He's right, Black. This is not your fault. You broke the mind control in time to keep Harry safe when it really mattered."
"True."
The conversation fell silent for a moment. Asterion appeared again and sat down.
"What'd you order for the boys and I?" He asked his father.
Lucius rolled his eyes. "Manicotti, of course. Same thing the three of you always get."
Asterion smiled. "Good." He turned to Sirius. "I was going to ask you, Sirius, about the Head of House Black. The title is rightfully yours. If you want it, I would be glad to hand it over to you."
Sirius wrinkled his nose in disgust. "You can rest assured that I want absolutely nothing to do with that title. You're doing a better job than I ever could at it." He said.
"Fair enough. Though I did send a letter to Gringotts telling them to allow you access into the vaults. Now that you are no longer being controlled by James Potter, I see no reason to keep you out of the vaults."
As Sirius and Asterion discussed House Black business, Petunia turned to Harry. "So, what is your favorite subject, Harry?" She asked.
"Truthfully, it's the Dark Arts. But, since that isn't taught at Hogwarts, Defense is fun."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "What's so fun about Defense?" He asked.
"For starters, it's absolutely hilarious that the Light honestly believes some of the drivel they spout in that class. Most of their 'lessons' wouldn't save a puppy much less protect a young wizard from the Dark Arts." Harry paused. "Besides, it's good to know what your enemy knows. You have better chances at defeating them that way."
Petunia nodded. "I liked the Dark Arts too. There was a small class on it in Beauxbatons and it was my favorite."
Regulus grinned. "We met her Dark Arts professor in Diagon Alley not too long ago. He said Petunia was the best student he'd had in years."
Petunia grinned. "I did excel in that class. I was also good at charms, of course, but everyone knows that."
Harry was about to respond when a lion patronus appeared in front of him. Not recognizing the patronus, Harry waited for it to speak. It stood still for a moment before opening its mouth.
"Harry. Sirius. You must return to the school. Neville has been attacked." Professor McGonagall's voice said, her words laced with anger and fear.
Harry, Draco, and Lyra glanced at each other. Had this been what Dumbledore and the Potters had gotten up to while Harry was out? Harry loosed a growl and stood, Draco already rising beside him. Severus, Sirius, and Asterion rose as well. Sirius, who was Neville's guardian, had a hard look on his face.
"Come." Severus said, offering his arm to Harry.
Harry took his arm and glanced at Lucius. "Follow after us as quickly as possible. We don't know what's happened and we may need your help." He said.
Lucius nodded. "I'll pay for our meals and we'll follow right behind you." He looked at Regulus and Petunia. "Regulus, get Petunia and the twins to the manor and join us. Your assistance may yet be needed."
Harry saw Regulus nod before Severus apparated them away. They came to stand just outside the front gates of Hogwarts. Moving at a pace near a run, Harry headed straight for the school, the others on his heels. Hatred for Dumbledore burned within him as he ran. If this had been Dumbledore's doing. If he had hurt Neville on purpose simply for the fact that he'd chosen Harry over the Potter brat, the old coot was going to know the meaning of pain.
Finally coming to stop outside of the infirmary, Harry waited for Sirius to join him and then wrenched open the door. Neville lay on a bed near the door, unconscious. Standing at his bedside was a strained looking Augusta Longbottom. Dumbledore stood at the foot of the bed, engaged in a heated looking whispered argument with Madam Pomfrey.
"What is the meaning of this, Dumbledore?" Sirius growled out.
Dumbledore looked shocked. "Sirius, my boy, what are you doing here?"
"My ward has been attacked. What do you think I'm doing here?" Sirius snarled.
"Now, Sirius, Augusta has been informed of the incident. As she is his grandmother, we have decided to take Neville back into her care, at Longbottom Hall."
"Too bad for her then. I have full legal custody, Dumbledore. And I'm not giving it back to a woman who allowed him to be abused." Sirius growled, his grey eyes focused on the old man in front of him.
"That was a misunderstanding, my boy."
Sirius growled. "I am not your boy, Dumbledore. I am Neville's guardian. I should have been contacted immediately." He looked at Augusta Longbottom. "I seem to recall Neville asking for – and being granted – a restraining order against you Madam Longbottom. If you are not out of this hospital wing in the next ten seconds, I'm calling the Aurors." He told her.
"Now, look here Black…" Madam Longbottom went rigid, her eyes glinting with anger.
Sirius cut her off. "Get. Out."
Dumbledore looked at Sirius, his gaze hard. "Mr. Black. You're not in charge here. You have no right to order people about in this school."
"Then I'll take Neville home. Regardless, that woman will get away from Neville before I call in the Aurors. She was warned that breaking the restraining order would land her in Azkaban."
Dumbledore made to speak but Augusta shook her head. "I will go Headmaster." She said.
When she was gone, Sirius looked at Madam Pomfrey. "What can you tell me, Poppy?" He asked her.
She glared at Dumbledore. "I apologize, Sirius. I was in the process of alerting you when Albus entered with Madam Longbottom." She said first. Then, "Neville seems to have been stunned before he was attacked. He has six broken ribs, someone was kicking him rather forcefully in the side. He has a concussion as well, though it is minor and will likely work itself out by morning." She paused, considering her next words. "Someone has attempted to obliviate him as well. Though I don't know how well the obliviation has held."
Severus stepped forward and whispered something in Sirius' ear. Sirius nodded.
"Severus is going to run a few scans of his own." Sirius said to Madam Pomfrey.
She nodded. "That's fine. A new set of eyes is always welcome and I trust Severus' abilities."
Severus pulled out his wand and waved it over Neville's body. Whatever result he got, it was obvious that Severus wasn't pleased with it. He scowled, looking over at Harry and Sirius.
"There is a definite magical signature left behind from whoever attacked Neville but I cannot positively identify it as of yet." He began.
Dumbledore sagged a little in obvious relief. Still, Severus caught Harry's eye just long enough for Harry to be sure that Severus was lying. He knew exactly who that magical signature belonged to and would give Harry that information as soon as it was safe.
"Aside from that, he seems to be healing nicely. He should wake up by tomorrow morning." Severus finished.
"Good."
Sirius looked at Harry. "Stay with him tonight, will you? I know Neville and it isn't a good idea for him to wake up alone in the hospital wing."
Harry nodded. He agreed that it wasn't wise to let Neville wake up on his own. If Neville did remember what had happened and who had attacked him, he would go looking for his attackers. If Harry was there when he woke up, he could stop Neville before he did something too foolish.
"I cannot authorize that." Dumbledore said. "Harry must stay in his own room tonight."
Lucius, who had arrived some time ago with Narcissa and Regulus, sighed. "Harry, do as Sirius asks. Should you have any problems with the Headmaster, I'd like you to go directly to Severus' office. He will alert me and I will take care of the problem."
Harry nodded. "I will."
"You cannot undermine my authority in this school, Lucius!" Dumbledore burst out, finally losing his patience.
"I'm a governor of this school, Headmaster. Not to mention the guardian of three of its pupils. I think you'll find that I can overrule any decision that I find necessary when it comes to my children." Lucius said. His voice was calm but his grip on his cane had tightened so that his knuckles were white.
"Besides," Harry said, "I know Neville. If he wakes up alone in the hospital wing, he will go after whoever he believes is responsible for this attack. And he won't be nice in his revenge."
"Harry, Neville has been obliviated. He will not remember who did this." Dumbledore tried.
"Someone has attempted to obliviate him, Headmaster. We have no idea if it was successful or not. I want Harry to stay with Neville. It will give him comfort to have a friend nearby in case he wakes earlier than we expect." Madam Pomfrey said firmly.
"Very well Poppy." Dumbledore said. "I'll be back in the morning to check on his progress."
And with that, he was gone. When the doors to the hospital wing closed behind him, Minerva peeked her head out of Madam Pomfrey herself was already raising privacy wards and silencing spells around the door as Minerva walked out to greet them.
"I take it you have more information for us, Minerva?" Severus asked.
Minerva nodded. "Poppy and I were having tea together this evening. Lord Slytherin was watching the members of Slytherin's Guild in secret. We were discussing what the Potters and Dumbledore were doing locked in his office the way they were when Lord Slytherin came bursting into the office." Her lips thinned as she suppressed a growl. "He told us that Neville had been summoned to the Headmaster's office and he'd gone with him to ensure that they didn't try to harm Neville. Once he was in the Headmaster's office, Jamie Potter stunned Neville almost immediately. Dumbledore allowed him to physically attack Neville for a few moments before he obliviated him. In order to stop the obliviation, Lord Slytherin possessed Neville for a brief period of time. Lord Slytherin's occlumency shields held the obliviation at bay." She said.
Harry growled. "I'm going to kill them."
Draco nodded. "Thank you for alerting us, Minerva. We appreciate being told what's happening."
"You're welcome, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco glanced at Harry. "I'll stay with you tonight. Just in case Dumbledore returns and tries anything. Lyra can go to Gryffindor and let our Weasley brothers know what's going on."
Harry nodded, thankful that Draco was willing to stay with him. He didn't like being alone, never had. Years of being locked in a dark, damp cellar alone had made him fearful of being alone. It was one of the reasons he enjoyed being at Hogwarts. He never had to sleep alone. There was always someone in the dorms at night.
Madam Pomphrey readied the beds on either side of Neville as the adults talked amongst themselves. When she had finished, the adults said their goodbyes and left the Hospital Wing silently. Draco and Harry climbed into the beds on either side of their Gryffindor friend and slid their wands beneath their pillows. Slowly, the friends drifted to sleep.