Originally I wanted to put Harry finally being allowed to tell Hermione and Ron about things here, but I struggled to write it in a way that left me feeling satisfied. Instead I decided to do it as a Flashback that is really just Ron's reaction (Hermione's will come later as another flashback). For those of you that might be concerned about this, Hermione is still a friend (though not as close), and Ron being the immature jerk that he is, abandoned them.
XxXxXxXxX
Only a day had passed since Harry revealed the situation to his allies and officially met his soulmate Susan. But in that time, Harry had ruminated on the idea of finally being able to tell his friends about everything. He had gone along with the professor when she'd asked him not to mention it to Hermione, though that was only because he knew how Ron would react if he were the last to know. After all, Ron had been given permission along with the other Weasley's to leave early because of what had happened with Ginny. So after finishing his last class for the day he had meandered to the transfiguration professor's office.
"Professor, after everything that's happened, and the fact that I got to get some of it off my chest yesterday when I talked with Susan, I… Well I think I'd like to tell Ron and Hermione about it. They deserve to know, and it'd be better coming from me now than learning about it from the papers later."
"While I agree, I do want to caution you. I know you agreed with me because of Mr. Weasley's attitude, and the fact he'd likely throw a fit to be the last one to know should you have already told all of it to Miss Granger. But there is another reason I had told you not to inform anyone about the matter of what you learned down in the chamber."
Harry just tilted his head as an eyebrow raised. He hadn't really expected another reason. Hermione was sure that more had happened, but when he mentioned that the professor had told him not to speak about it, she dropped the matter. Whatever McGonagall's secondary reason was, he wasn't able to even guess.
"Miss Granger prides herself on her intellect and knowledge. How do you think she'll react to learning about family grimoires? Or the matter of conversing with spirits after a near death experience?"
Harry's eyes were wide at that. Hermione would brush off the speaking with his parents because it was illogical and not something that should be possible. On the matter of Grimoires his bushy haired friend would likely freak out demanding access because knowledge should be shared. Then he started to think about how she'd react to some of the other things, like the idea of soulmates, or the marriage contract between him and Susan.
A groan escaped him as he smashed his head into the table that was between him and the professor.
"Hermione isn't going to take this conversation well."
"Mr. Weasley likely won't take it well either. You are correct that it would be best coming from you, but at the same time it might also be a bit more damaging to your friendships. I asked you not to tell them because I worried that with everything else at the time you might be destabilized emotionally should the conversation not have gone as you hoped and you lost your friendships."
Understanding where his professor and current guardian was coming from Harry nodded sadly. It didn't really hit him until this morning, but he'd been fairly stressed and tense since he had gone in the Chamber to rescue Ginny, and it was only starting to fade. The shock and pain of loosing his friends if it where to happen would have overwhelmed him when added into the stress at its peak.
"Now that you understand, and aren't at risk of being as overwhelmed, I rescind my decision to keep your friends out of the loop. If you wish I will arrange for Mr. Weasley to be here so you can speak with him and Miss Granger."
Harry knew it was the right thing to do. But he was unsure of what the results would be. So he closed his eyes and let out a resigned sigh.
"Please. Even if it hurts, I'd rather do the right thing."
"Very well. I will inform you when Mr. Weasley is available to speak."
As his eyes were closed, Harry didn't see the look of pride on his professors face as he resolved to do the right thing no matter the consequences.
XxXxXxXxX
Harry was sitting with Neville and Susan as they worked on their summer assignments. For the umpteenth time of the day he let out a soft sigh.
"Harry, mate. I know your still upset about Ron, but could you please stop with the sighing. It's getting hard to concentrate."
Neville commented somewhat teasingly. He really did feel bad for his new found friend and the situation, but it really was hard to concentrate! Every time he'd sigh, Susan would stand up from her own seat, pushing the chair back as she did, never mind the fact it was right next to Harry, just so she could climb into his lap and give him a comforting hug. The noise of the movement was going to drive him insane.
For his part, Harry understood what his friend was getting at and chuckled softly.
"Sorry Nev. It's just… I kinda expected it. But it still hurt."
Harry hadn't quite been as happy or energetic since the day he decided to tell Ron and Hermione everything that was brought on by the events of the chamber. Though he did leave out the dark magic that he'd learned that Voldemort had used to stay alive, as he agreed that the less people that knew about it the better.
Hermione had been hurt that she'd not been told, and the reasons why. Though she was mollified somewhat to hear that Harry's only reason until the professor explained was that he didn't want to tell her and leave Ron in the dark. She hadn't broken their friendship but she had pulled away a bit.
Ron on the other hand…
*Flashback*
"Oh, so the great and mighty Potter doesn't need us anymore!?"
Ron practically screamed after hearing about the fact that Harry had planned to get to know some of the other students because their families were allies to his own. Normally Hermione would have been trying to break the argument up, but she was still sitting in stunned silence as she absorbed everything Harry had told them.
"What the hell do you mean I don't need my friends Ron?"
Harry shot back scowling.
"You don't need to make friends with Neville, or Susan, or whoever else you're thinking about being friends with. Or are we not good enough for you?!"
Ron shouted as he stood up from his seat.
"Are you serious Ron? I can't have more than two friends? That's bollocks and you damn well know it!"
Harry nearly growled as he leapt to his feet.
"Besides shouldn't Hermione and I get a say in who your friends are since we're supposed to be best mates?!"
Harry rolled his eyes before sharply retorting.
"You could be friends with them too. I never said anything about keeping you guys separate."
But Ron just sneered.
"Yeah right. The Potter family allies. How much could you tell them that you wouldn't tell us? How many secrets would you have that couldn't be shared with Hermione and me?!"
"You make it sound as if I have to tell you every little fucking detail of my life."
Harry rolled his eyes as he responded. He was speaking a bit louder than normal, hoping that if he didn't start shouting back he could talk Ron down. His red headed friend however didn't seem to care as he was yelling despite the fact they were five meters apart, if that.
"You do! Best mates don't hide shite from each other!"
"Not even if it has ab-so-bloodly-lutely nothing to do with you? What about if someone trusted me with one of their secrets? Would I have to tell you then?"
"You're damned straight you do!"
Harry had asked for the professor to stay in the room but to stay hidden and not interrupt unless it looked like they were going actually fight. So despite being in her animagus form she was scowling at the profanity the two boys were using as they argued. She prepared to jump in, feeling that this shouting match was about to come to a head.
"Fuck that! I won't break other peoples trust in me just to appease you, Ron."
Once more the red headed boy sneered at Harry. On top of that he had stepped forward and jabbed a finger harshly into the green eyed boy's chest.
"Right! The great and mighty Harry Potter doesn't have to tell us lowly people shite. Well fuck you!"
The moment he finished speaking Ron lashed out with a fist, completely catching Harry off guard and throwing him to the floor. Before anything else could happen however he found himself bound by magic with their transfiguration professor glaring at him.
"That is enough Mr. Weasley!"
Ron glared right back even as she marched his bound form towards the Floo. She'd send him home with a mention to Molly that they had to talk later, before seeing if Harry needed to visit the infirmary because of a broken nose.
As she got Ron in place and let him free from the bonds to head home on his own, the witch wasn't surprised when he turned towards Harry who was slowly picking himself up off the floor with Hermione hovering over him. The shock of Ron hitting him had been enough of a jolt to get the girl out of her head.
"We're through Potter."
*End Flashback*
Neville nodded slowly. He and Susan had heard about the fight with Ron. He hadn't wanted to say it, but the shy boy expected Ron to have acted that way when he found out. After all having seen the friendship between Harry and Ron from an outside perspective he was able to see the things Harry hadn't. Ronald Weasley was simply a jealous little boy that wanted to use his friendship with Harry to gain fame. Ron barely tolerated Hermione being friends with Harry, as he wanted to monopolize the green eyed boys friendship to make it even easier to use Harry to gain fame and quite possibly wealth as well.
"Right well, I've mostly finished and my hands starting to cramp up. Think we can call it here for the day?"
Susan questioned in an effort to get the boys to stop thinking about how Harry lost his friendship with Ron. Personally she thought it was a good thing since Ron was rather lazy, and quite rude. As far as she was concerned, Harry was far better off without Ron as a friend. Her distraction worked as Harry nodded with a soft smile on his face.
"Works for me. I've got to head back anyway. Professor McGonagall wanted to talk to me before tonight's alliance meeting."
"Oh that reminds me, Gran said to let you know that she has to reschedule your etiquette lessons on Thursday. Apparently she's recently gained a seat on the school's board of governors and they called for a meeting."
Neville commented as he stood as well. Because they didn't feel comfortable getting together at their professor's home and Neville didn't want his grandmother hanging around and criticizing his work, they'd been meeting up at Susan's home.
"Didn't you hear? Malfoy lost his seat on the school board. According to the rumors he was accused of blackmailing the others into removing Dumbledore. He was stripped of the seat and our headmaster was allowed to recommend his replacement as compensation."
Harry replied with a smirk. When Dumbledore was reinstated as headmaster, he mentioned that the board members had come to him in apology, stating that they had been blackmailed into removing him as per Lucius' wishes. So Harry had him submit a formal complaint. As the Lord Gryffindor he had the power to remove any board member that had a complaint lodged against them.
"Ah, well it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."
Neville commented a grin stretching from ear to ear on his face. Harry and Susan both just snorted in amusement as a response.
"I'll see you two later."
the sandy blonde haired boy said as he walked off. He really was happy for Harry and Susan since they seemed to be getting along so well, but really the less time he spent watching them dance around the growing attraction the better. It was sickeningly sweet to watch them make faces at each other before blushing a bit just from being kissed on the cheek.
"I should probably go as well. I know we haven't done much but our essays today but it's been pretty hot. I think I want a shower before I chat with the professor."
Harry stated, pulling Susan into a hug. He didn't know if it was because of their bond, but he found he enjoyed Susan's hugs far more than the ones he would get from Hermione. After a few minutes there was a cough from behind him.
"Mr. Potter, I thought you said you were leaving."
Amelia Bones commented, mirth evident in her tone.
"Oh hush auntie. You know I can't stand to let him leave my arms."
Susan replied just as teasingly, before sticking her tongue out. Harry was slowly getting used to the banter between the two, so he just smiled softly.
"Susan gives the best hugs ma'am. Hugs that you want to last forever. Besides, how many times have I told you to call me Harry."
"And how many times have I told you I'll call you Harry when you start calling me Aunt Ami, like Susan does?"
At that time the Floo burst into life, the green flames catching their attention.
"Amelia, if you would send Harry along now? There are a few things I'd like to discuss with him before he heads off to your alliance meeting tonight."
The voice of Minerva McGonagall came through. Harry let out a sigh as he reluctantly released Susan from his arms. Before she was fully out of his grasp though, the girl did as she had ever time they'd had to separate. A quick peck on the cheek had him blushing, yet moving slightly slower, even as Amelia rolled her eyes.
"He's about to step through Minerva."
The elder Bones witch replied as Harry gave her a quick hug before moving towards the mantle. Moments later he was brushing the soot off of himself while the his transfiguration professor waited for his attention.
"I left a change of clothes that were more appropriate for the meeting set out so all I'll have to do is shower and change. Meaning so long as I still have twenty minutes to get ready we're good to start talking about whatever it was you wanted to discuss."
Harry commented when he finally looked up.
"Firstly, as you know it took us a bit longer to finish with our grading for the last term. Your results are back, and even though we let them know that you had a magical block that was affecting your mental abilities, they wanted to let you know that there was a marked improvement from the first term last school year."
He had already been expecting that, so Harry just nodded at his guardian's words. He accepted the parchment that she handed to him even as she continued to speak.
"Now as I mentioned to you before we left, along with your grades you were sent a list of the electives. Remember you must select at least two."
Once more Harry nodded to her words. For the moment he decided to ignore the grades. Instead he focused on the section that held the list of electives for him to chose from. His eyes scrolled through the options, before he glanced up to his professor with a question in his eyes.
"There were several electives you told me about that aren't listed here."
"Aye. There is a reason however. Due to prerequisites and funding, they wouldn't be on that list. The electives I mentioned to you that aren't on the general list are considered invite only. You need to have a basic understanding of some other subjects, including other electives, before you can take the classes. I merely brought them up as a way of making you think about what you'd like to do after you've finished your schooling. Those invite only classes are Alchemy, Enchanting, Healing, Wandlore, and Warding by the way."
"Shouldn't these 'invite only' classes be mentioned anyway? I mean Enchanting for example. I was interested when you mentioned it, but without knowing the prerequisites I assume I wouldn't be invited to take the class."
"It's generally assumed that a parent or older sibling will bring the topic up with the students. However you are correct that without taking the proper classes you would not be offered the chance to take the class on Enchanting."
Minerva replied, causing Harry to frown heavily.
"But what about the muggle-born students. How are they supposed to know?"
He bitterly and somewhat sarcastically asked. It both caught the witch of guard, and caused her to blink as she realized what he was getting at with his question.
"I've never thought about it before, but your right. It's unfair to those that didn't grow up in the wizarding world. I'll speak with the other house heads about it. I don't know if they'll agree, but from now on I will mention it to the second years at the end of the school year."
Happy that she would work on making things a bit more equal Harry gave her a sheepish smile as he apologized for being rude about it. Of course the professor waved him off, saying if he hadn't been so snappish with his comment she might not have realized what he was getting at. Then she proceeded to explain the invite only classes to him.
Alchemy was only offered after a student had taken their OWLs because it required a mixture of Arithmancy, Enchanting, and Potions, at a highly advanced level in order to even comprehend the basics. The minimum required grades to be considered for the class were at least an Outstanding in Arithmancy and Enchanting, with a high Exceeds Expectations in Potions.
Enchanting as the professor had mentioned as an example would be something he could take up in his fourth year, so long as professor Flitwick felt his charms grade allowed, because the short professor doubled as the Enchanting professor. Aside from Charms, the class also required at least a years worth of study into Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Of all the invite only classes available at Hogwarts, Enchanting was the only one available before taking the OWLs.
Healing was only offered post OWLs, as it was a subject that required Charms and Potions at a high level in order to understand the basics. In fact, the required score on the OWLs to take Healing was an Outstanding in both classes in order to even be considered for the Healing class. Though the professor did mention that students could ask to take an apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey if they didn't quite make the grade. Apparently that was set into place because the number of people passing Potions at a high enough level had dropped significantly since Snape became the Potions Master at Hogwarts.
Wandlore could have been a pre OWLs class, but with the amount of study it required, the staff had agreed it was better being offered post OWLs, as students could trim their schedule down so as to have more study time, since the study of the different materials and how they interact during the crafting process was quite time intensive. Wandlore only required Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology, and the scores that the school wanted before contacting Olivander to teach were high Exceeds Expectations in both.
Warding was the invite only class that offered the most interest to Harry, as he had an affinity for it. The school required Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as prerequisites, though McGonagall mentioned that Arithmancy only played a part in the subject if you were trying to invent new wards. As a post OWLs subject it required an Exceeds Expectations in Arithmancy and an Outstanding in Ancient Runes in order to be considered.
Once the explanation had finished harry let out a hefty sigh. In the case of Enchanting, just like his other classes there was a minimum grade requirement to carry on with it after his OWLs, but he was still pretty interested in the idea.
"I'd like to be able to take Enchanting and Warding when I can. So that means I'll be signing up for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. But I wanted to take Care of Magical Creatures as well. I mean I've already seen several different kinds of magical creatures, and it's an interesting topic."
His guardian and professor had to frown at the reminder of his escapades in the school. Trolls, a cerberus, a basilisk (Harry hadn't told her about the fact he and Ron had met the acromantula nest that was in the Forbidden Forrest). She couldn't help but wonder what was next.
"You can still sign up for the class. Remember I said a minimum of two electives. Most students take two or three just so they have something to fall back on if their grades aren't good enough after OWLs. In fact if I recall correctly that exact combination is what you father took. I know your mother didn't take Care of Magical Creatures, instead taking Muggle Studies as she'd heard that it was out of date and wanted to know just how far out of date it actually was, but she did take Arithmancy and Ancient Runes."
The elderly woman mentioned, knowing Harry would take the information about his parents into consideration on what classes to take in order to make them proud. However she was unaware that he already knew that, as the information had been in the earlier sections of their journals. The same journals he'd used to publish the information about why the family had gone into hiding, and who their secret keeper was.
"I just brought it up to get an opinion. I don't want to burn myself out, especially since you and the headmaster offered to help me with my animagus ability."
McGonagall just smiled softly.
"If you truly wish to take Care of Magical Creatures, then I suggest you do so. As a natural animagus the process won't be too difficult or time consuming. We just need to figure out what your form is, and then guide you through the process of using magic on yourself without channeling it through your wand. As a natural animagus you get to skip the trial of having to transfigure yourself one limb at a time in practicing to take your form."
He had yet to reveal to anyone the conversation he'd had with Fawkes about his animagus form, so Harry had to suppress the eye roll at the mention of having to figure out what it would be. Partly because he still wasn't sure if he believed the bird, and partly because he wanted to speak with the phoenix about learning the different abilities that came with being a phoenix first. That didn't stop an idea from sparking in his head.
"Professor, as I'm sure you've noticed I tend to do better when given a visual for what I'm supposed to do. If as you say my animagus form is a bird of some kind, do you think we could convince the headmaster to have Fawkes present when I transform? It would be nice to have a visual on learning to fly with wings instead of a broom."
"Of course Mr. Potter, of course we can. Albus has said that Fawkes seems rather affectionate towards you, so I'm sure he could get the bird to agree. Now, if your certain on your class choices I'd prepare your reply. If not think about it for the next day or so before deciding. It's preferred that you reply before the supply list is sent out."
Harry nodded, then checked the time. As he wanted to get a quick shower in before leaving to the Diggory's home for the alliance meeting he realized there wasn't time to write out his reply with his elective choices.
XxXxXxXxX
Harry did his best to avoid fidgeting. Since he had suggested it would be better to unseat Malfoy so as to prevent him from pushing against them as they tried to get Sirius free, he and Dumbledore felt it best that Harry be the one to bring up and present the evidence that could help Sirius. As Harry couldn't do so until he became a member, they had to wait for the July meeting of the Wizengamot. In order to help them along a bit, that they had also decided to let part of the story leak, so that the public knew Harry was emancipated, and therefore could claim the seats without a fight about his age.
"The meeting has started. The scribe has almost finished with the reading of the minutes from the last meeting. You'll want to be in the room when the Chief Warlock calls for all who have business before the body to come forth."
The Auror guard that Amelia had stationed with him in the waiting room commented after Harry sighed for the fifth time in the span of ten minutes. Nodding in thanks Harry forcefully calmed himself before following the Auror towards the Wizengamot's chambers. They entered just in time to hear Dumbledore speak the words the Auror had mentioned, so Harry strode forth putting on a brave face as he did.
"I have business before this august body."
He announced as he stopped in the center of the room looking straight up at the Chief Warlock. Harry didn't know it, but he was slightly radiating his magic in such a way as to give him a powerful presence. One that stopped all who had even thought to protest his approach.
"Very well. State your business."
"I, Harry James Potter, by right of magical emancipation and blood step forth to claim my seat as the Lord Addlemore. Furthermore, I step forth to claim my seat as the Lord Gryffindor."
Thanks to the press, everyone knew that Harry had become the Lord Gryffindor because of his magical emancipation. But aside from his allies, there were none that knew, or even expected him to claim the Lordship for the long defunct Addlemore family. However, Dumbledore was ready. Not giving time for it to sink in and cause an uproar, he spoke.
"Present your proof of Lordship for verification."
Harry nodded, before holding his hand out. While everyone in the room could see the ring on his hand, only those sitting close to Dumbledore could see it clearly. Of course he had his heir rings as Heir Black and Heir Peverell, along side the family signet ring of House Potter as well. But since they didn't allow him a seat on the Wizengamot yet he wasn't wearing them on the same hand as the Addlemore ring.
"On my hand I wear the ring of the Addlemore family."
After they verified he was in fact the Lord Addlemore, Harry's hand moved to his side, removing the disillusionment charm that hid the Sword of Gryffindor. There were several hisses about him carrying a weapon into the chamber, but Dumbledore glared them all into submission.
"Lords are entitled to carrying a family weapon, such as an ancestral blade, no matter their location."
He reminded them before gesturing for Harry to speak about his claim to the Gryffindor title.
"As the Lordship of the Gryffindor family comes from a time before the use of signet rings, the previous Lord Gryffindor, Godric Gryffindor, bound the family title to his sword. Thusly I present the sword of Gryffindor as my verification of my right as the current Lord Gryffindor."
Dumbledore nodded.
"The records do show that the title is bound to the sword instead of a family ring. Furthermore I myself can verify that the sword in your hand is in fact the sword of Gryffindor. Therefore I welcome you to the Wizengamot, my Lord. As you hold two titles, the previous one is how you shall be addressed as part of the Wizengamot."
Following the protocol Harry bowed. He did not however move from the center of the chamber. Confusion rippled through those that weren't aware of the plan.
"You have further business before the body?"
Harry just barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the fact Dumbledore had to stick with traditional etiquette as was expected of the Wizengamot members.
"Indeed. In becoming emancipated, I gained the position of Head of house Potter. As such I was able to enter the familial vault at Gringotts to retrieve my parents will. According to their will I have found that a great injustice has been done to a fellow Lord."
The shock that the majority of the body felt was evident as sounds of confusion mixed with sounds of outrage at the idea of a Lord being wronged. After a moment protocol was breached. As the Chief Warlock, it should have been Dumbledore that asked who the Lord in question was and what the evidence of wrong doing was. But the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, was the one to inquire. The tone of his voice made Harry narrow his eyes in anger. Cornelius' voice was laced with a mixture of disbelieve and sarcasm.
"Who is this Lord, and what injustice has been done?"
"The injustice that has been done is illegal incarceration as the Lord in question was thrown in prison without even a trial."
Harry returned glaring at the Minister of Magic. It was a look full of venom, and despite the fact Harry wasn't even thirteen years old it caused the older wizard to flinch.
"As for who, the Lord in question is Lord Sirius Orion Black."
If he'd bothered to try, Harry wouldn't have even been able to count ten seconds worth of silence before the room exploded with sound. Despite having been told what the wizarding world thought of his should be guardian, Harry was caught off guard by how vehemently they reacted upon hearing Sirius' name. It drew his attention so much that he actually jumped when Dumbledore raised his wand and cast a spell that created the sound of a cannon blast in order to rein in the room.
"I must protest! Everyone knows that Black is guilty! Besides it's on the record that he was disowned. There is no current Lord Black, though as the son of a daughter of the Black family, young Draco Malfoy is the last male of the family and will be able to claim the seat upon his majority as he is the current Heir."
Came the voice of a man Harry didn't know but recognized from the descriptions by the adults of his familial alliance. Theodore Nott Sr. Out of the corner of his eye Harry noticed the Minister sneering at him. But he held his head high. Raising a hand, Harry waited for the room to notice the non Lordship rings he wore.
"Lord Addlemore if you would explain?"
Augusta's voice called down to him. In his head Harry thanked the woman. She had draw their attention to the rings.
"It's quite simple. If as Lord Nott said, Draco Malfoy, were the current Heir of house Black, then how come I have the ring?"
Despite the warnings, Harry couldn't help but smirk at the way those that weren't in the know had their jaws hit the floor. He didn't let the silence at his comment last long though, as he had to make them see he wasn't going to let them walk over him with their supposed knowledge.
"Clearly some of you thought I was too young and ignorant to understand. But I ask of you, who in their right mind would speak up about something like this without proof? Besides, unlike Lord Nott, I can answer the question I just put forth."
As he spoke the other Lord's name Harry turned towards him and gave a light sneer of disdain. Dumbledore cleared his throat ready to reprimand him, but Harry didn't give the man a chance. He had to prove to them he wasn't someone that could be pushed around or ignored because of his inexperience.
"After realizing that laying claim to the Sword of Gryffindor in order to slay the beast that was threatening Hogwarts had emancipated me, it was suggested I take the inheritance ceremony at Gringotts. The results of which lead me to the Potter family vault where I found my parents will," here he pulled out a copy he'd made specifically for the purpose of showing it to the public without risking the original.
Clearing his throat Harry began to read.
"We, James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter (nee Evans), being of sound mind, declare this to be our last will and testament.
Due to the uncertain times we currently live in, Lily and I have decided to ask that our will be made public after it has been read. There are several reasons for this, but the largest is because our best friend Sirius Black is a hot head that would rush off without thinking.
At the time of signing this will we have gone into hiding from Voldemort, so we can safely raise our son Harry. It should be noted that there is a prophecy orb in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic that we have been warned could possibly be about Harry. Should we pass on, we would like whoever his guardian is to confirm if the prophecy is in fact about Harry. To maximize our protection as best we can we have decided to use the Fidelius charm. The Secret Keeper for us is Peter Pettigrew. Aside from Peter, the only other people that know of our location are Frank and Alice Longbottom, as Alice is Harry's oath-sworn godmother (as Lily is for Alice's son Neville), and Sirius Black as he is Harry's oath-sworn godfather and third parent as we allowed him to blood adopt Harry.
If Harry has perished along side us, then as the last Lord Potter, I, James Charlus Potter, name our closest kin to be Sirius Black. Note: The Black family WILL NOT be allowed to simply absorb the Potter estate, as he has been publicly disowned by the Blacks, despite the fact that the Lord Black has not officially done so."
Harry let the silence sit for a moment, taking the time to look around the room at the peoples reactions. Most were spluttering messes, but he noticed a few people that were sitting in the public section seemed relieved. It was curios, but he had to put them out of his mind and continue on making his point.
"If I may… 'Everyone knows' Sirius Black is guilty you said Lord Nott? Clearly everyone is wrong. Had Sirius been guilty he wouldn't have survived long enough to be thrown in Azkaban. Now I will concede that he might be guilty of killing Pettigrew and those muggles. But as my blood adoptive parent, he would have been acting under Vendetta. The law in regards to Vendetta means that Sirius would not have been sentenced with jail time however."
Once more Dumbledore opened his mouth to reprimand Harry for not maintaining at least a civil level of courtesy towards his fellow Lord. But Harry was on a roll.
"I'll forgive that mistake as my parent's will hadn't seen the light of day until recently. However, you stated that it's on the record that he'd been disowned. Remind me how a public disownment by his mother would supersede the Lord Black's refusal to remove Sirius from the family... It wouldn't. As the last male of the Black line, the title of Lord Black belongs to Sirius and has since the fall of the previous Lord. That is the only way that magic itself would recognize me as the Heir Black, despite the fact my paternal grandmother was Dorea Black before marriage."
This time Dumbledore wouldn't let himself be cut off.
"Lord Addlemore! You will maintain civility with all members of this body."
Harry who had been staring down Nott, turned to face the elderly wizard at that.
"Begging your pardon Chief Warlock, but a point had to be made. The entity of this august body is at least twice my age. With just a glance I could tell many were looking down on me, thinking I'm too young, ignorant, and inexperienced to handle the responsibilities. Lord Nott merely provided me with the opportunity to prove that I am not to be underestimated."
Knowing that Harry was right, the elderly wizard just sighed.
"Of course Lord Addlemore."
As he was looking at Dumbledore, Harry didn't noticed the look of pride that was on the faces of Augusta Longbottom and Amelia Bones. It was a bit rough, but they both felt Harry handled the matter well.
"Now, as it's been pointed out that the true Lord Black has been indisposed, and I am the Heir Black," Harry started as he turned to face Lucius Malfoy. "You have usurped that seat. As I am acting in my Lord's stead, I revoke your permission to sit in place of the Lord Black. You are not my Regent, nor have you ever been, nor do I acknowledge you as my proxy. Remove yourself."
He made sure to use the proper wording, though he dropped the word unknowingly from his statement, as Harry doubted that Lucius Malfoy didn't know that Sirius was the true Lord Black all this time. Of course Lucius scowled at him as he moved. The man couldn't risk staying in the seat and loosing face as it would be seen as line theft should he not comply. But that didn't mean he wasn't angered by the lose of his prestige.
As he watched the man move towards the public seating, Harry realized he had a decision to make. He'd seen the look Lucius had shot towards the Minister. Clearly Fudge was corrupt enough to be in the older Malfoy's pocket. If he spearheaded the charge to free Sirius now, then there was a chance that Fudge would use one of his few ministerial privileges to block him. Or he could let the news of the day trickle out. Getting the public opinion on Sirius's side might would be a major boost.
Shaking his head with a sigh, Harry moved to seat himself. Some of the more savvy members of the Wizengamot nodded in approval.
"Lord Addlemore, you brought this matter to our attention, why are you not pursuing it further?"
came the voice of another member. When Harry turned to see who, it was one of the younger faces.
"I may be a Gryffindor both by blood and by personality, but that doesn't mean I am stupid. Politics is a game, and while I may not have the experience the rest of you do, I am willing to play. However, as a reminder, I am Sirius' Heir. If he were to pass, I will be made Lord Black."
Harry responded, turning to stare directly at Lucius Malfoy, making sure the man understood he would be destroyed should something happen to Sirius now that the truth was out there. Of course his warning was for the whole room, and they were all smart enough to understand. No one would be willing to arrange an 'accident' for Sirius now. If they did it would be their end. Harry already had plenty of power with just two Lordships, they didn't want to think about how much power he'd have with a third.
Glancing around the room Harry saw quite a few of the older members nod their heads to him in acceptance and approval of his response. He had managed to impress them. Despite his distaste for politics he found himself smiling at his achievement. 'I'm willing to play the game for now. Once Sirius is free, I'm handing all responsibility to him though.'
When the meeting was finally adjourned, Harry let out a sigh before looking to see what his allies thought of his performance. A wink from Augusta told him that she was satisfied with how he handled himself. Amelia offered a nod instead of a wink, but the message was the same. Amos Diggory was smirking as he mimicked doffing his hat to Harry. Dumbledore offered a small smile when he made eye contact, though his eyes held a touch of disapproval. 'So he's the only one not completely happy with how I handled things. I should have expected that.' Harry told himself before he was jarred out of his thoughts by the approach of Cornelius Fudge.
Before the man could speak, Harry held his hand out in a motion to stop.
"Don't even try to talk me out of doing the right thing for my godfather slash adoptive. In fact either help move things along, or stay out of the way. I can't guarantee you staying as the Minister otherwise."
His words caused the older man to bristle.
"Now see here-"
"No. YOU see here. This is your only chance to avoid being publicly destroyed and humiliated. You and I both know my name carries more weight than yours does. I am giving you a chance to do the right thing. I may have backed off to avoid causing you to use your ministerial privileges to block the demand for a trial. But that doesn't mean I don't have ways to counter the fact you're in Lucius Malfoy's pocket."
His point made Harry spun on his heel and walked away. He heard the spluttering of Fudge, but he didn't smile. He'd drawn the line, and it was up to the incompetent man to figure out which side he'd be on.
XxXxXxXxX
Harry had gone straight to the Bones ancestral home after he left the Wizengamot meeting. Of course Amelia was going to be hosting their alliance meeting, so it made sense. But that wasn't why he had gotten there so quickly. The moment he finished brushing the soot off of himself from Floo travel he found Susan wrapping her arms around him.
Leaning into the hug and putting his head on her shoulder he took a deep breath. If it weren't for their bond he'd have thought it strange just how easily her presence could calm him.
"I needed this."
He muttered in her ear before her arms loosened enough to for her to grab his hand and pull the boy towards a couch to sit on. She didn't say anything, but he could tell that the young witch was waiting for him to explain. So he did. At the end Susan was shaking her head in amusement.
"You tore into a fellow Lord, shut down the Minister before he could even speak, and may have upset Dumbledore with your attitude… The press is going to eat this up when it gets out."
"But it won't get out. Well the part about shutting down the Minister at least."
Amelia commented as she joined the two of them. Unlike Harry who was still wearing the plum colored robe that symbolized his status as a member of the Wizengamot, she had taken hers off, reverting to her normal grey colored robes.
Harry moved his head from Susan's shoulder and nodded to the older Bones woman.
"You made the right call backing off and not pushing on Sirius' behalf just yet. As for how you handled the Minister, I'm not sure I agree."
"I wasn't threatening him. I was just stating simple facts. Thanks to my abilities as a natural Occlumens being unblocked, I have really good memory. Good enough to provide a pensive memory of Lucius Malfoy giving Ginny the enchanted diary that possessed her and set loose a basilisk on school children."
Susan and Amelia both went wide eyed at Harry's statement.
"Personally I want to go public with it, but Dumbledore thinks the Malfoy's can be redeemed, so he suggested we use my memory to get some concessions out of Lucius instead. Curtail his power and make him reflect on things, were the exact words the headmaster used when he suggested it."
"Harry. I want to see this memory."
Amelia commented in a rather authoritative tone. Harry nodded as the woman called for a house elf to bring her pensive. He followed her instructions on how to pull a memory out of his mind to be placed in a pensive and sat back as she watched. It was only a couple minutes, but when she came out Amelia was frowning.
"Normally I'd side with you and say to hell with Dumbledore's idea… But in this instance, I'm in agreement with the headmaster. It's better not to bring this to the public. Even if you were to combined it with your memory of the events that happened in the Chamber, it's circumstantial. The public opinion will be against him yes, but that won't stop him from bribing his way out."
In response Harry let out a tired and bitter sigh. He really hated the idea that Lucius's money would get him out of trouble. Amelia could understand and relate to his feelings on the matter. But she fixed him with a look.
"Look I know how you feel. I feel the same. But that's the way it's always been. Those with money have the power, and those with power don't want to give it up. I fight it when I can, but sometimes discretion is the better part of valor."
He really didn't like it, but Harry nodded slowly. Amelia was at least open with her thoughts on the matter.
"Right, well I'm going to try and get some work done in my study. Susan, try to get him relaxed enough that he's not still brooding over the Lucius issue when the others arrive for the meeting."
"Yes ma'am."
Susan responded cheekily, hoping to lighting the mood a bit. If it weren't for the fact her arms were still wrapped around Harry, and that she had no intention of moving them any time soon, she'd have offered a salute as well. Amelia rolled her eyes as she walked away. When she turned to look at Harry, Susan saw a bit of mirth in his eyes.
"What now?"
He shrugged.
"I don't know. I was hoping you'd have a clue of what we could do to kill time."
"Not really. Although, speaking of clues. You mentioned that your inheritance ceremony results said you were a natural animagus. Have you figured out what your form is?"
While they had grown a lot closer, and Harry was acknowledging the thoughts and feelings the bond amplified, he was still caught off guard by the stray thought that she should be the first one to know about his form. Of course she could see it in his facial expression.
"Harry. Remember, you don't HAVE to tell me. It's your choice."
"I know Sue. I'm just… It caught me off guard. My first thought in response to your question was that you should be the first person to know, aside from myself obviously, about my form."
Deciding that she needed to tease him a bit, Susan smirked as she tilted her head back and gave an overly exaggerated and haughty "Of course I should be the first to know. I'm the most important person in your life."
Harry just blinked at her before he burst into laughter. She joined in after a moment. When they finally stopped giggling at her taunting Harry gave Susan a soft smile.
"Despite the fact you were playing around, it is true. Which is probably why my first reaction was that you should know about my animagus form before anyone else."
His red headed soulmate blushed lightly at his words though she looked pleased.
"Alright, no need to butter me up."
"Anyway, I haven't told anyone else about this but yes I do know what my form is. Did you know that a natural animagus has the ability to communicate with whatever species they turn into?"
Susan nodded.
"Yeah, it's something about being so intrinsically linked to the animal that you can instinctively understand them. Wait, you are a Parselmouth, don't tell me that it's because of your animagus form."
But Harry shook his head.
"Nope. My Parselmouth abilities come from the Addlemore line I'm descended from on my mum's side. My animagus abilities come from my dads' side. Along with my Air Elemental abilities. Professor Dumbledore told me that Air Elementals always have a bird for their animagus form."
Susan tilted her head in thought after hearing that. He could hear her muttering different kinds of birds as she tried to figure out what his animagus form was.
"Sue."
But she didn't respond.
"Sue."
A bit louder. Yet still she didn't react.
"Sue!"
This time he put his face right by her ear. It made her jump, but he had her attention again.
"Meanie."
She pouted.
"You were getting distracted trying to figure it out. Now, when we talked about everything, we jumped over the conversations that happened after I woke up from the chat with my parents."
"We did?"
Harry nodded.
"Yeah. We kinda focused on the fact that my dad told me about Sirius, and what I needed to to in order to help him."
"Oh."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. Shaking his head he smiled.
"Anyway, when I woke up I had several conversations. One with the Sorting Hat, which is how I found out that using the sword had emancipated me. One with Ginny when she woke up, obviously. But I also had a chat with Fawkes."
"Makes sense. I mean you had to thank the bird for coming to help you."
Susan commented, Harry's attempt to hint to her his form having gone right over her head.
"Sue. I said I had a chat with Fawkes. I mean yes I did thank the phoenix for helping me, but that wasn't all I talked about."
This time it clicked with her. Having grown up in a home that had magical portraits of her ancestors, several of whom were animagus themselves, including two that had been magical creatures, she knew that the transfiguration books lied about being unable to be a magical creature animagus.
"Your a phoenix animagus?!"