Chapter 28
Platform 9 ¾, London - July 10
James Potter was glad to see his parents and grandparents. He saw that the two couples stood at some distance from each other. He guessed it might have been due to the two women taking a different approach to the Severus Snape case. After locating his family, he scanned the platform for Lily Evans' parents. He hoped to have the opportunity to talk to them today. He really wanted to get Petuna to help out with the association. Not only to create a wall between him and Lily, but also because contact with disabled wizards could help his friend's sister change her attitude towards magic.
He smiled as he saw Mary and Harry Evans standing on the sidelines.
He looked at his friends. He nodded at Peter. He knew that this boy wasn't one of those people who liked cuddling. Then he put his arms around Remus, who, after exchanging a few words, said goodbye and went to his parents.
- So… . You're coming with me? - he asked Sirius. - I can't see your parents. I noticed that Regulus had gone towards Narcissa's parents.
- Of course. My relationship with my parents worsened even more after they discovered what we had done with Severus Snape. I didn't know how much respect his grandfather had among pureblood families, among all magical families. - Sirius' voice was uncertain.
- Are you surprised? He got rid of his own daughter as soon as it turned out that she had chosen a Muggle as her husband. Not a Muggleborn but a Muggle. - James was a bit concerned with how the sentence sounded - I hope it never happened in my family. Although after what I found out recently, nothing would surprise me anymore.
- James ... - Lily's voice sometimes became as obnoxious as the buzzing of a fly, it was when she was clearly irritated by something. - Do you want to talk to my parents now or will you contact them by letter?
He looked at her for a moment and, pretending to think deeply, said to Sirius - I'll just tell my parents that I'm going to say hi and we'll go meet our friend's parents. What do you think about it?
He didn't know if the older Black brother understood his intentions, but he saw that a slight smile of approval appeared on his face. It bode well for their friendship. They had grown apart recently, but James wanted to regain the intimacy that had separated them. However, he didn't want another person to fall victim to their dirty jokes.
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Durmstrang - July 10
Severus, holding Helen's hand in his hand, calmly looked around the Durmstrang Dining Room. He liked the buzz of meals throughout the school year, but from his last day of schooling, he had learned to appreciate peace as well. There were a lot of students left at school for the summer holidays. Unlike Hogwarts, his current school made it possible for all interested students to stay there during the summer holidays. In the summer months, additional vocational or language courses were conducted as well as remedial classes for those students who couldn't cope with the last year's material.
- What are you wondering about? - Helen's voice was still trembling.
Despite the fact that it was he who had the original wound, it turned out that due to the strength of their bond, it was his partner who suffered the most. She had more side effects.
He answered her question without hesitating. After all, he didn't hide anything from her. - About another difference between our current and my former school. Imagine that even people living in an orphanage couldn't stay at Hogwarts during the holidays. Despite the fact that most of the teachers and the entire cadre of house elves stayed on its premises.
- It's rather sad. - the girl's eyes darkened. - Who could be so heartless with children?
- How's who? - for the dark-haired wizard, the answer was obvious. - Albus Dumbledore. Though I suspect it wasn't his only fault this time. I heard that Armando Dippet, the former headmaster of that school, had already followed the same principle.
Severus could never understand it. He had heard rumors of a Dark Lord swirling around the Slytherin house. He was sent on vacation to an orphanage despite the raging World War II at that time. Apparently, every magic child is sacred to Hogwarts, and yet the directors one by one risk their students' lives to achieve their goals.
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Lucius Malfoy was more tired than ever in his life. It turned out to be a kind of tourist attraction for the younger students of the institute. They wondered how he had made friends with someone as bloodthirsty as Severus Snape. Sev? Bloodthirsty? He couldn't imagine it. The fact was that he hurt even the closest people with his sharp tongue. The more threatened he felt, the worse things could be heard from his lips. It was also a fact that he was extremely talented not only in potions but also in creating and casting spells. He also suspected that in a few years he might become a better duelist than Professor Flitwick himself or his father's friend. But to call him bloodthirsty? This is impossible.
- Don't stand there, or you'll be dragged into the conversation again by the first-graders. Several of them want to learn something new about our star. - the blonde was surprised by the unexpected appearance of Evan Potter. This man's voice was filled with amusement every time he mentioned Severus.
Lucius instinctively straightened his hair, although it looked as good as it did when he brushed it. - I still don't understand what happened that my friend gained the sympathy of students at this school so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love him, but he's rather specific.
- At first they approached him with caution, but when he swept all the opponents into the battlefield with one spell, they gained respect for him. Anyway, he was no longer the new one then. The one who had to flee from his previous school. He was the one who was well on his way to getting others to flee from him. - Professor Potter escaped a sigh. - Now he is the one that nobody touches. If they dared, they would have to take into account the anger of Severus, who still has remnants of scruples about hurting anyone. Or with the anger of Helen Granger, who is like a fire that will consume everything that threatens her family.
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The Ice Wizard was sitting across from Jean Granger. He remembered the rage he had sensed from her on the day he had brought her unconscious daughter to the Institute. He was pretty sure that this woman not only had been infected with lycanthropy, but was also a witch. What was his surprise when it turned out she was a Muggle.
- Why are you looking at me like that? - The woman was irritated. - This is very embarrassing.
Her husband reacted immediately. He wrapped his arm around the woman and began to massage her arm with gentle movements. He didn't interfere in the conversation. He was just giving her tacit support. However, the wizard was sure that Richard wouldn't hesitate to try to defend his wife if it was necessary.
- I wonder if you had any magical ancestors. - He saw the grimace on the woman's face - But I know that it isn't that important. It's just my curiosity, so I didn't ask this question right away. I didn't want to be misunderstood.
- I don't know if any of us had a magical ancestor. I didn't think about it. All in all, the most important thing for me was that Helen has magic in her. She is unique for this reason, but not so special that we try to figure out where this gene came from in our family.
The Ice Wizard was confused. - What is a gene? For a long time I lived in isolation from both other wizards and Muggles. I am not up to date with modern developments.
A smile spread across Jean's face. He saw that she relaxed. Richard looked relieved. - I'll buy you a book. Gene is actually a simple concept, but it also leads to the explanation of others. How long have you lived in isolation from others?
- Over a thousand years. I remember the times when nobody dreamed about building Hogwarts.
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Potter Manor - July 10
James silently followed his parents and grandparents into Potter Manor. The atmosphere in his family was becoming unbearable. Grandma didn't understand why his father began to obey his mother in everything, thereby completely ignoring her advice. The mother was still disappointed with his behavior. And father and grandfather? It was only for them to feel well. In peace. Therefore, they tried not to meddle in the conflict. The young wizard hesitated, as he wanted to ask his parents something that shouldn't be discussed in public. At least until they establish a single front.
- Mom, Dad … - he said, hoping they would believe him. He wasn't sure if Sirius would support his words. His friend was still heavily influenced by the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Dorothea Potter immediately turned her head towards her son. His worried expression surprised her. - What's happening?
James knew the best technique would be to pass the information directly. - Why weren't you at school when I was in the Hospital Wing? I was hurt and you weren't there.
He wanted to see what the reaction was. He was afraid that not only had he not been transferred to St. Mungo's, but that his parents had also not been informed of the situation.
Toward his suprise his grandmother answered him. - What are you boy talking about? - she was genuinely concerned. Whatever the reason for it. She turned to his parents and before they could react, she asked - Why didn't you tell us anything?
His mother, confused, stood in the center of the hall in their manor. - I'd like to know what's going on. Let's all go to the living room. Yes. Sirius, you are to be present too. You are now like a member of our family.
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Evans House - July 10
Petunia Evans stopped being surprised by her sister. James Potter was an extremely handsome young man. She blushed as she remembered how intensely he had been watching her, completely ignoring Lily. This is why she agreed to help with the Association he was talking about. She saw that this upset her red-haired sister. She shouldn't admit it, but she liked that feeling. For the first time in a long time, although for a moment she was the center of attention. The spotlight of someone who apparently is liked by this "better" sister.
- Petunia ! Lunch! - A grimace appeared on the girl's face as soon as she heard her mother's voice.
Ever since her parents found out that Lily was a witch, she had been pushed aside. Even though she is still the best student at her school. It's as if her excellent academic performance was no longer enough.
- I'm coming, mom! - She got up from her bed, put on house slippers and left the room. She liked this house less and less. She wanted her own place on earth to live in peace.
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Lily Evans sat at the kitchen table. She watched as her mother finished preparing dinner. She didn't understand what happened at Platform 9 ¾ at all. James didn't take his eyes off her sister as he talked with her. He smiled at her in a way he never smiled at herself. Gently. He focused almost all his attention on Petunia.
- I'm coming, mom! - Petunia's voice pierced the distance between her room and the kitchen. After a while, both her mother and her heard her footsteps on the stairs.
The red-haired witch looked at her sister. She had a slim physique. Narrow hips, small breasts, petite. Her blond hair was almost as white as both Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black had. But unlike them, she looked commonly. The only interesting thing about her sister's appearance was her purple eyes due to some illness. She didn't know exactly which one.
- I'm already here. - Petunia sat down on the chair with a smile. Lily wanted to tear that smile from her eyes. - You don't even know how glad I am to see a piece of the magical world tomorrow. And to think Lily's frend got a permit for me at the Ministry of Magic.
Fortunately for her, at this point she got support from their mother. - Just remember Petunia. Stay out of Lily and James' relationship.
- Maybe mom didn't hear it or didn't want to hear it either, but James flatly denied that he was Lily's boyfriend.
She sensed not only the malice in her sister's voice, but something else as well. Could it be a challenge?
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Malfoy Manor - July 10
Tom Marvolo Riddle has been flustered since he met Kate Bennet. She signed the necessary documents for him, so he didn't understand his reaction. Her potential indifference hurt him almost physically. He didn't know what was happening to him. He kept returning to the smile she had on her face in the presence of Augustus Prince. She was so nervous while talking to them. She relaxed almost immediately in the presence of that old wizard.
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Abraxas Malfoy watched as his friend struggled. He had known him for many years, and although many women tried to win his favor, including the sister of his future daughter-in-law, none succeeded. He was too focused on his goal to allow himself to be distracted by a romantic relationship. This behavior was unlike him. Unfortunately for all of them, their Dark Lord, and hopefully the future Minister of Magic, subconsciously chose a woman as his beloved, who is probably already taken.
Perfect for him, but unfortunately taken.
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International Wizarding Confederation - July 10
Susan Bright was anxiously reviewing the documentation brought in less than an hour ago by the Instant Messenger. The package contained a memory of an accident of unknown origin at one of the schools of magic in Great Britain. Until now, due to the position held by its current director. Albus Dumbledore held many high positions. They weren't able to remove him from the position of headmaster, but if the allegations are confirmed, this wizard will lose his position in the ICW.
She knew that not one wizard would be pleased with this turn of events. Including those who should have owned Gellert Grindelwald's estate after his imprisonment. The wizard, who once terrorized almost all of magical Europe, had no direct heirs, but there was a family that had the right to take over what was in the vaults of the former Dark Lord. Unfortunately, Albus Dumbledore was blocking the transmission of what is due to the Bennet family.
Fortunately, they managed to block the wizard's attempts to use this property. She wasn't sure what would happen if anyone in the Bennet family found out about this practice. In A History of Magic on Ilvermorny, she learned that the Bennets were one of the first families to experience magic. However, unlike the other four families in this family dark dark was a source of their magic. They were to be a balance to previous fourn families.
Many families bearing this name appeared in the pages of not only magical but also Muggle history, but there was only one family who came directly from THIS family.
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Nurmengrad - July 10
Albus Dumbledore reluctantly showed up where he never wanted to put his foot down again. The castle where he locked his former lover was once the most beautiful place he knew. Today it was deteriorating together with its former owner. He was aware that he should hand over the keys and the lord's seal to the rightful owners. But he had no intention of doing so. This person's details were classified. The data of wizards with access to this information were also classified. In such a situation, he couldn't, he didn't want to let go of what should have been his due to the fact that he had defeated one of the strongest living wizards.
- I am coming to Lord Grindelwald. - he said to the guards standing at the entrance to the stronghold.
- Unfortunately, under an order from the German Ministry of Magic, you aren't allowed to see an inmate. Last week, supervision of a prisoner was transferred to our ministry. - The guard replied in broken English.
Dumbledore tried to seem composed. He just wanted to talk to Gellert about the male veela. He knew his friend had an interest in it when he was young. He had to get there. However, he will have to explain the situation first. How could this have happened without his knowing?
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Gellert smiled to himself. He didn't think that a letter to the minister from his home country would have any effect. But he couldn't help but try. Enough years have now passed for Britain's influence in the magical world started to diminish. He would have had to thank the young wizard who had broken Albus' leash one day for this situation. Severus Snape and his potion was one of the proofs that his former lover was unfit to work in so many high positions at once.
The wizard hoped this was the first step to the downfall of a man whom he had loved so much in the past and by whom he had been so much betrayed.
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Another chapter. I don't know if you noticed but this one is the longest one written so far. How do you like it? What do you think? What would you change or add? I write chapters on a regular basis without planning, so maybe I will include a suggestion from you in this story. Regards, katie-krum
