Beta: A mix of comments, was told they weren't done reading
Original release date: 9/12/2019
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other canon universe, in addition to any references to things in the real world that currently exist. AU.
Chapter Seventy – The Unionizing Division
"As we have all seen, Lord Voldemort is back, in thanks to Mr. Potter and the Marauders Emporium. Until he has been defeated, he will sow discord into society, and we must remain vigilant to not allow that discord to come to fruition. Fortunately neither Mr. Malfoy or Mr. Potter came to any serious harm whilst facing off against Lord Voldemort" states Dumbledore solemnly.
Tuning out the rest of the speech, Harry stares down at his Omni Play, switching between screens until Dumbledore finishes giving his speech and food appears on the platers on the table. "So Harry, what is the plan?" inquiries Hermione leaning in towards Harry.
Blinking rapidly in confusion, Harry replies, "What do you mean?"
"Fighting against Lord Voldemort of course."
Putting some food onto his plate, Harry answers, "I'm personally going to continue to exercise and practice otherwise I'm going to wait and see. I don't have an information network set up to provide me any intel on where he is, what he is doing, what the goal is, etc. I'll let the adults play and go from there."
"Is that all you've got for a plan? To sit around and wait?" asks Ron somewhat incredulously.
Pausing, Harry replies, "Yes. For now at least. I'd like to see what the adults do, considering that some don't exactly see me as an adult yet.
"But what do you think that the adults will do if the ministry refuses to accept that Lord Voldemort has returned" inquiries Hermione with worry plastered on her face.
"First, the only thing that 'Lord Voldemort' lords over anyone is fear, he is not a proper lord. Second, if the ministry won't listen to Dumbledore or believe the video evidence, then why would they believe students? So I'll wait and see what happens before I make my own move" answers Harry firmly.
Eating the rest of the meal, everyone departs back to their respective living quarters for the leaving of the castle the next day. Grabbing his trunk and his broom, Harry puts his trunk in a pocket before making his way down the moving staircases and into the Entrance Hall where other students congregate before spilling out into the courtyard and front lawn. Watching as Beauxbaton students mingling briefly, waiting for their headmistress, Harry pauses as Fleur alongside her sister comes up to him.
"'arry, I 'ave taken a job with your family. 'aving graduated Beauxbaton, I 'ave decided to improve my eenglush" Fleur states with a smile.
Slightly taken back, Harry inquiries, "What will you be doing, where will you be staying, do you need some place to stay?"
Patting Harry's arm gently, Fleur replies, "You shall see", before turning around and walking towards the house sized carriage that she had arrived in, sister trailing behind her giving Harry furtive glances.
"So we might see her again. Interesting" remarks Daphne coolly.
"I wonder what her role will be, but you know what, that's fine. It'll be nice to see her" states Harry thoughtfully.
"Potter, what do I do?" comes a desperate voice.
Turning on his heel, Harry faces Draco dragging his trunk behind him.
"What do you mean?"
"Well…since I now live in…in a flat your family owns that is on the outskirts of Hogsmeade, I don't really need to take the Hogwarts Express home do I?" answers Draco at a somewhat loss of words.
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry answers calmly, "You can take the train back to Kings Cross Station if you want, or you can just use your PRT and go right there. Personally I'm going to ride the train and go from there as to enjoy time with friends."
Pausing to think, Draco remarks quietly, "Thanks Potter. I might just take…just directly home" before looking around and heading down a deserted hallway before disappearing.
"I think he needs some time alone to reflect before he'll come around" Daphne remarks thoughtfully.
"I hope so. Being disowned, losing familial wealth and privilege, it's got to be quite the shock. Hopefully he doesn't spiral downwards into some form of depression" Harry muses aloud.
"Let's get to the train" remarks Daphne quietly before pulling gently on Harry's sleeve.
Getting on the train, Daphne and Harry gather in an empty compartment with Neville, Hermione, and Ron joining. Several minutes into the trip, a knock comes at the door, and the faces of Fred and George appear in the glass. "Heya Harry, got a minute?"
Standing and moving awkwardly around the gathered individuals, Harry makes his way into the compartment hallway and shuts the door behind him.
"What's happening?" Harry asks turning to the twins.
"It's that Sirius has asked George and I here to go on some business trips with him, just thought you might have an idea on what they are about. We're totally baffled honestly speaking" Fred answers openly.
Shaking his head, Harry answers, "Honestly I haven't got the faintest clue on what Sirius is doing. But is it only Sirius or is Remus involved in any way?"
"Only Sirius, and he said to not mention anything to Remus, said he'd disapprove of whatever we're going to end up be doing" answers George.
Brows furrowing, Harry remarks, "I'll keep it quiet, as I figure he's got his reasons. Good luck with whatever it is" before heading back to the compartment.
/*hours later*/
Exiting from the train and retrieving their belongings, Harry and Daphne spot Susan a few cars down and join her.
"I wonder how having two babies around will be?" wonders Susan aloud.
Hearing the clearing of a throat behind them, the trio turn around to face Remus in jeans, a worn light brown sweater with the collar of a light blue shirt poking above the sweater collar.
"You won't need to worry about hearing Orion and Gomeisa cry because we're going to a new house. It was originally more of a vacation residence, but considering that Amelia and Sirius have their hands full with Gomeisa and Orion and how noisy the house is, we figured you all wouldn't mind a move to a quieter and more fun place" remarks Remus with a hint of worry in his voice as he leads the trio out of the admin building and out the back door.
Following a well worn dirt path, Remus stops just outside of two perpendicular sets of sunflowers before saying quietly. "I hope you all don't judge me for the sudden change in living arrangements although we shall get the rest of your stuff shortly. Now, just walk past me and see your new home."
Looking at Susan and Daphne, Harry wordlessly takes the lead and walks past the sunflowers and almost instantly a shimmering bubble envelopes him before revealing beautiful clearing containing a two story stone façade, with a wrap around porch on the first floor, and a wrap around balcony on the second floor, with wrought iron fence with pine trees lining the edge of the clearing.
"This…this is our new home?" inquiries Daphne quietly.
Coming from behind, Remus answers, "Yes it is. Other than a Quidditch pitch, it has everything that the other house has, including the bedrooms with attached bathrooms. There is a large kitchen in the back of the first floor, and a open air common space inside. Why don't you three go in and explore versus me telling you what it has."
The three students enter through the wooden plank door reinforced with steel, they stop in awe as they see the medium dark toned wood floor with a lighter shade of wood for the walls, three black cloth couches in the shape of a U in the common area on their left and right with enough room to walk three people side by side between the two areas, with a very large kitchen with spacious black granite counter tops with golden flecks that sit on top of wooden cabinets of the same color as the walls, with a single dark brown door near the far right corner of the kitchen.
Overlooking the first floor is the second floor balcony with three doors spaced equidistant apart, with stairs leading upwards to the balconies from the front of the house.
"Wow" remarks Susan in awe, eyes as wide as dinner plates.
"And you all haven't seen it all yet. You should take a peek through the door in the kitchen" remarks Remus with a smile on his face as he arrives inside.
"Ok?" remarks Daphne before heading towards the door and opening it.
Gasping, Daphne asks, "Is that really a pool out there?"
"Yes, Daphne, it is. It starts shallow but gradually deepens to about three meters with a diving board in the deepest portion. Additionally there is a spiral staircase leading to the second floor balcony that leads to the bedrooms" Remus remarks with a smile on his face.
"Remus, this is just a guess, but is the real reason why we've come here because of Voldemort coming back?" Harry offers frankly. Waiting and receiving no answer, Harry walks over to one of the half a dozen wooden slat benches and inspects it and begins to maneuver it from a flat surface to be in some semblance of a chair with the back at a forty five degree angle.
Sighing loudly after a minute or so, Remus replies, "Harry, you are correct. We first built this as a summer home to allow you all the ability to spend time at a more…entertaining place. With a pool, nature surrounding you, we felt that you all would be happier. Then with the fourth task and Voldemort returning to life, we thought it would be best to move you three to a safer/more secluded location. The warding design here surpasses what the other house has, so it is safer. You children, students are our future and we want to protect you from our failures to reign in Voldemort. While not perfect, this gives you three room to come into your own and learn skills such as cooking, practicing your swimming skills, or even just lazing about and enjoying life."
"So you mean to shelter us from Voldemort because you all want to try to handle him on your own, yes? Then why did you have Neville and I learn how to fight well before Hogwarts? Because of some prophecy that you haven't completely clued me into completely? Because you're having regrets after seeing Voldemort's vindictiveness? Because—" Harry begins with ire in his voice.
"YES! You may have faced off of Voldemort many successful times, but NEVER before in his own body! Frankly Harry, I'm surprised you haven't picked up on the fact that several adults are concerned about the resurgence of Voldemort. And while you've done exceptionally well, there has been some luck involved, and I believe the next time you won't be so lucky. If you weren't able to activate the PRT, to reappear in the stadium, you might have been killed! And that…that scares me, to lose you. Think about Susan, daphne, Sirius, and of course Amelia, how they would react, how they would feel if you were suddenly gone from their lives. Now don't stop there but think about how EVERYONE else would feel if you die, or had died in front of them by the hands of Voldemort! The Boy Who Lived slaughtered by the one whom he had destroyed thirteen years previous. Whether or not you believe it, you are still a symbol of hope in society although it hasn't quite reached dark enough for you to see it. Once the random acts of violence occur, the unexplainable deaths, then you shall truly see the beginning of the darkness that you being alive illuminates" Remus interrupts firmly.
Taking a seat on the seat he had propped up a minute or so previously, Harry asks, "Then what is our plan? Other than being a figurehead, where do I fit into play? What tools are we needing to make certain Voldemort no longer exist? The horcruxes, how many have we destroyed, and how many more do we need to find/hunt down? I think at the root of it all, I think that should be our starting point."
Pausing to think, Remus exhales before saying, "I think that is a good start as well. So starting with the locket and your scar, we've got two. Based on the book or two Sirius had on horcruxes, they only imparted splitting one's soul in half, so we're not certain how many he would have made."
"Seven?" Susan mentions quietly.
"Seven? Seven what?" asks Harry confused turning to face Susan.
"Seven of these…horcruxes? From Arithmancy, the number seven is seen as a very powerful and magical number. So, why not make seven horcruxes?" Susan answers thoughtfully.
"*sigh* I didn't figure Divination wouldn't be useful, but it seems like a lot bigger waste of time than it did in the first place. So if two out of seven horcruxes have been destroyed, then it is a start, but not nearly enough. Even less is what kind of objects would house a piece of his soul" Harry remarks tiredly, shoulders sagging.
"I don't think Voldemort would be make every day objects contain a piece of his soul, it would need to be something valuable or rare" muses Remus aloud, deep in thought.
"I was bound to the tombstone of Voldemort's father, so perhaps we can discover his family tree using that and see what they had/where they lived and go from there?" Harry offers attempting to be helpful.
"That would take a lot of time to hunt down every relative of his and find out more about them. Guessing at Voldemort's actions, he's already handled such loose ends" Remus rebukes.
"Daphne, Susan, what are your thoughts?" asks Harry as Wilhelm crawls up his left sleeve and perches on Harry's shoulder.
Pausing to think, Daphne answers first, "I think heirlooms. They are precious to most families, so it makes some sense."
"I agree with Daphne. So we'd need to know about his family to find such a thing" answers Susan brightly.
"But where to start is the issue. I think that Dumbledore might have a better idea" Harry remarks with a hint of disappointment.
Rubbing his temples, Remus adds, "I agree with the points you three have brought up, and I think for now it would be best to follow the headmaster. The only other option I can think of is to see if Mr. Croaker from the Department of Mysteries has any other starting point. However, I am quite hesitant to do such a thing as with Voldemort returning and the minister not accepting that fact, now would be the time to begin placing his own lackeys into the ministry for future manipulation."
As Harry opens his mouth to speak, Remus interrupts, "However how about you three enjoy your summer and let us adults to do the probing of Dumbledore for information and go from there?"
"I think—" Harry begins to say before Daphne walks over and places her hand over his mouth before saying, "Thank you, we shall enjoy our summer."
"If you three need anything, feel free to call for Dobby. I'll be in the admin building, somewhere on the second or third floor. The fridge has a good bit of food, and so does the pantry if you want or need any food—" Remus begins before getting interrupted.
"Are we to start cooking for ourselves then?" Harry inquires cocking his head to the side.
"Yes, unless you truly think that you are incapable of achieving such a thing. Kreacher and Amelia aren't cooking at the moment, and Sirius…hasn't really improved his ability to cook over the years" Remus replies, attempting to suppress a smirk.
"If we are in Zenith, then are we allowed to have friends over?" inquires Harry curiously.
"Like whom are you thinking of?" asks Remus curiously.
"At least the Weasley's, perhaps Draco? I'm figure he probably feels fairly…well I think that he needs some friends. Neville, Hermione, and I figure Susan and Daphne have a few friends that they'd like to see. Or if we can't have some friends over, then are we allowed to go to their house?" answers Harry.
"I'd like to see Hannah at least" Susan adds before brushing a strand of her red hair behind her left ear.
Pausing to think, Remus answers, "Hannah shouldn't be an issue to come here, same thing with Draco, the Weasley's, Hermione, and Neville."
"Is there a limit to how many people are allowed to be here at any given time?" Daphne asks curiously.
"No? Just don't do anything stupid" answers Remus looking at Harry at the end.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Harry asks.
"Because you've done some things that could be considered crazy/stupid. Anyways, have fun and I'll be in the admin building getting things done if you have any other questions or issues" replies Remus before going through the house, leaving the three alone.
"I think we should have a pool party" remarks Daphne as she bends over and puts her right hand into the pool, swishing it around briefly.
As a thought pops into his head, Harry gives a devilish smile before running towards Daphne before bouncing off of an invisible shield.
"I won't let you push Daphne into the pool" states Susan firmly, wand aimed at Harry's chest.
Putting his hands up slowly in the air, Harry smiles before saying, "You caught me."
Feeling his body go rigid, Harry's eyes go wide as Daphne comes into view, wand withdrawn, "I think it's only fair if you get to experience what you were going to put me through" before moving her wand towards the pool with Harry's body following.
Splashing into the water, Harry feels the rigidness leave and swims towards the surface, gulping in air as his head breaks the surface.
"So how does it feel?" asks Daphne smirking as she puts her hands on her hips, still in Hogwarts attire.
Maintaining his head above the water, Harry smiles and answers back, "Pretty good. I think it would be pleasant to have a pool party here, it's certainly big enough. With the pit large enough to put some wood in and have not quite a bonfire but still a fire, I think we'd have a nice atmosphere."
"Good. Just don't forget to get your glasses and join us to select our rooms" reminds Daphne coolly, suppressing a smirk.
Tapping her foot on the floor, Daphne puts her hands on her hips and remarks, "Surely he would have found his glasses and dried himself off by now."
"I can see that you two care for each other. As much as Harry tries to be perfect, such as Remus has tried to instill him to be, he takes after Sirius. You have a more serious nature, befitting the title of 'Ice Queen' you have at Hogwarts, so you two pair together quiet nicely.
Several minutes later, Harry joins Daphne and Susan on the balcony, clothes dry. "So, what are you all thinking of for rooming?"
"You on one side, and us girls on the other side?" offers Daphne looking at Harry coolly.
Pausing to think, Harry replies, "Sure. Makes sense" before heading to his left, the three set of rooms on the left when facing the front door.
Shoulders sagging slightly, Daphne purses her lips before turning to Susan and asking, "Which room would you like to have?"
"Um, the middle one?" Susan answers somewhat uncertainly.
"Then I'll take the one closest one to the pool" Daphne remarks before heading to her room. Opening the dark stained wooden door, Daphne enters into the spacious, empty, and dark brown colored carpet with light colored wood walls and stands there before the slight popping sound brings Daphne back to her sense.
"Dobby is here to assist Mistress Daphne. Would Mistress Daphne like Dobby to retrieve her belongings?" Dobby asks in his high pitched voice.
Looking around the room, Daphne answers, "Yes, please. And please place my bed under the window on the outside wall, just before the sliding glass door to the balcony."
"Dobby understands" states Dobby before disappearing with a slight pop.
/*Half an hour or so later*/
Looking around at his room, Harry smiles at the two Omni Connects sitting side by side on a wooden desk with scarlet table cover. "So, how do having two or more Omni Connect work?" comes a voice from the doorway.
Turning to face Daphne standing in the doorway, Harry smiles and remarks, "You're welcome into my room you know. But answering your question, they work with an update that has been pushed to allow you to transport to each one if you specify it before hand, just like before. What has changed is that you can set up different patterns such as tapping your PRT four times rapidly, holding a finger down for a three seconds, etc, to activate and go to different locations."
"Good to know. The reason I'm here is to let you know that Remus reneged on the dinner prep for the evening as we've got guests downstairs" states Daphne coolly, crossing her arms.
Furrowing his brows, Harry asks, "Who are the guests?"
"You'll find out when you go downstairs" replies Daphne before turning on her heel and exiting the room.
Looking down at his jeans and plain black t shirt, Harry shrugs before exiting his room, wand in his jeans pocket. Descending the metal stairs closest to him, Harry arrives in the common area and makes his way to the brightly lit and enormous kitchen where an island with barstools placed around it has several individuals perched around it.
"There you are, Harry. I decided to have a welcoming party for those of us in Zenith, since we have a lot of newcomers. Beginning with introducts, I am Remus Lupin, followed by Susan Bones, Daphne Greengrass, Harry Potter, and Dobby our wonderful house elf. Then we have our excellent students, Penny who is in the warding program, Fleur Delacour who has graduated from Beauxbaton and working for us, and finally but certainly not least, Narcissa and Draco Malfoy. Welcome to the community!"
As the welcomes die down, Remus speaks, "Now this will be buffet style so grab a plate and eat to your hearts content. This means you too Dobby, since you're family as well."
"Dobby is thankful for master Remus being so thoughtful" remarks Dobby brushing a single stray tear from his eyes.
After putting some food on his plate, Harry walks over to the sullen looking Draco standing by himself, a plate of food in his hands. "So are you getting used to your new bedroom?" asks Harry.
Taking a bite of shepards pie, Draco replies sullenly, "Why do you care?"
"I'm not your enemy, I'm friend, or at least I'd like to think so. Despite our past, I know you need friends more than enemies, and I'm not out to make enemies" Harry answers firmly.
Rolling his eyes, Draco comments, "It's not too bad of a flat I suppose. Not as luxurious as…as the house but it'll do I suppose."
"If you ever need to speak, I'm here. Since I was crowned the victor of the Triwizard Tournament and you weren't despite us both touching the cup at the same time, I wondered if you wanted the thousand galleon prize money" Harry inquires quietly.
Narrowing his eyes, Draco growls quietly, "Trying to be all buddy buddy with me Potter? Trying to be nice to me before you feel bad that I've just lost so much? Wanting to save favors up for when you need it and make it inopportune for me?"
"I'm not trying to inconvenience you, just be a friend. If you don't want the money, then I won't force you" replies Harry quietly and equally as dangerously.
Glaring at Harry for several tense and long seconds, Draco whispers, "I'll take them. But that doesn't mean we're best of friends yet."
"That's fine, I wasn't expecting it. Just trying to be there for you if you need it" answers Harry calmly.
"I'd like to propose a toast. To new beginnings, to good friends, and to good health" announces Remus, interrupting conversation.
"Cheers!" choruses everyone, lifting a goblet into the air.
Draco breaks away and sits down at a couch while Daphne and Susan gather around Harry. "What happened?" Daphne asks quietly.
"Just a conversation that ended, so we parted" answers Harry.
"I think you're lying. I saw some anger in at least Draco's face" accuses Susan, brows furrowing.
Mentally wrestling for several seconds, Harry exhales before glancing around and then saying quietly, "We disagreed over me giving him the Triwizard Tournament money, and said he didn't want to be indebted to me, which I agreed he wouldn't be."
"You're giving him the money?" asks Susan incredulously.
"I've already got the official entry for 'winning', and I don't need the money honestly, so I'd just assume share it/give it to someone else, and it's Draco in this case" answers Harry.
"So that trophy in your room, it's the Triwizard Tournament cup that transported you to the graveyard then?" Daphne asks curiously.
"Yes, I was given it after they cleared it of any remaining charms, hexes, etc. I think Fudge just happened to have it engraved with my name while it was being checked. Whatever. I wonder whom we will have for our fifth year DADA teacher" answers Harry.
"Why don't you enjoy your newly christened summer break instead of worrying about the term coming up in a few months?" remarks Remus breaking into the conversation.
"Why not focus on reality and how to prepare for it?" Harry remarks back seriously.
Sighing, Remus remarks, "Harry, I want to apologize for having you and Neville do what not even adults do in your youth, training for fights that you shouldn't be in. It has taken away from your…innocence, your youthful mindset. I do appreciate your concern and we will be including you on what we do, you are not yet an adult and you're still in school, so why not be a teenager while you still can, before the world thrusts upon you more responsibility? I know that I'm not a perfect parent/guardian figure, but please enjoy what you can now. That was the original plan for this, this house. To allow you, Susan, Daphne, and your friends to hang out, free from the worries of the world. Make lasting memories and enjoy them."
"Are you just trying to placate me and do everything you can to shelter us?" Harry accuses.
Taking a hold of Harry's right arm, Daphne remarks, "Harry, calm down. Remus hasn't snubbed you before, so why think that he has now?"
"Harry, we adults don't know everything yet, so we are gathering information to better make plans by, so while we are doing that, and it will take time, please enjoy your time here with Susan and Daphne. Please just trust and believe in me" asks Remus with a hint of pleading in his voice.
Not breaking eye contact for several seconds, Harry finally replies, "Fine. I trust you, you haven't led me wrong yet. I'm sorry."
"Harry, after what you've done and been through the past week, I don't blame you for being on edge. Relax and enjoy life. Sirius, Amelia, and I know that this is important to you, so don't worry" speaks Remus calmly, giving a smile.
/*elsewhere in the world*/
Slumping down in his chair, Sirius peers down at the sleeping black haired baby in his arms. Exhaling quietly, Sirius lifts his head towards the ceiling, feeling exhausted after Orion's constant cries for feeding, diaper changes, and general restlessness. "At least your older sister is much more well behaved, scamp. Still wouldn't trade either one of you two though" comments Sirius wearily and quietly aloud.
A few minutes later, Sirius begins to snore while still clutching Orion in his arms, both sleeping peacefully.
/*a few days later at Grimmauld Place*/
"As you all know, Lord Voldemort has returned. We must band together to fight this monstrosity that has returned seemingly from death's door. Together we can protect innocent lives from terrible misfortune" Dumbledore states firmly.
Looking around at the three dozen or so adults in the room, Sirius speaks up, "What is the plan then?"
"By staying together in groups, not giving too much personal information, in addition to upgraded wards—" Dumbledore begins.
"Those are obvious actions. Let me make myself more clear, what are we going to do to actually remove the threat of Voldemort from our midst?" interrupts Sirius firmly.
"Staying safe and dissuading people from returning to or entering into service with Voldemort is part of my plan" states Dumbledore calmly.
Audibly sighing in the otherwise quiet room, Sirius remarks with a hint of ire, "That will not be one hundred effective as you should be aware. Are we planning on doing any form of strike against him and his followers? Do they have any assets that can been seized or reduced to lessen Voldemort's effectiveness? And a question I think a lot of us know would be how did he return despite being dead for thirteen years?"
"That is something I am researching extensively currently. Given that the ministry officially does not acknowledge that Voldemort has returned, we will be unable to operate in the open without receiving any ire from the minister" answers Dumbledore firmly.
"So correct me if I'm wrong, but you want us to sit here, do nothing, have our children return to Hogwarts and live as much of a normal life while you sit and do 'research' and keep any significant planning/information to yourself and let you do all of the work yourself? That we are essentially kept in the dark from any critical information that we could utilize to help thwart Voldemort? Is that correct?" Sirius speaks up loudly.
"It is for the greater good that I am doing this" answers Dumbledore.
Shaking his head, Sirius speaks up, "Then I'm out. You can keep using the place for Order of the Phoenix use, but I don't want part of a group where information is restricted and people aren't kept in the know. Blind faith may have gotten you somewhere before, but I'm not placing blind faith in someone who can't tell us much. If you can give us something to work on, even his family lineage, places he lived before assuming the form and name of Voldemort, then we can help do something."
"Sirius, there are things that you can't dream to imagine—" begins Dumbledore before being interrupted by Sirius, "Horcruxes. That is what has kept Voldemort alive. That is what brought him back to life. Horcruxes allow one to split their soul in half. He's made at least one obviously, so we need to track down and see if he's possibly made any more. It's a dark magic and not much will destroy one. You think you hold all of the cards to defeating Voldemort, but you're wrong, you don't" before turning around with a swish of his cloak, and walking out the door.
Arriving home just a minute later, Sirius enters into the house slowly as the frustration trickles out of his body. Taking the sleeping Gomeisa from Amelia, Sirius eases himself slowly into a padded rocking chair, rocking back and forth gently.
"How did the meeting go?" Amelia asks cradling Orion in the nook of her left arm.
As the seconds tick by, Amelia looks up at Sirius, silently watching her husband mentally wrestle with himself before he answers tersely, "I do not have too much faith in Dumbledore, but I hope he follows our plan even if he isn't aware of it."
"So what is the next step?"
"Keep my family alive and defeat Voldemort" states Sirius firmly.
"And by leaving the clue of Horcruxes existing will lead him on figuring out some of them, while we work on another side. A pincer move of stopping Voldemort, in addition to other sections that I will be attending to" adds Sirius quickly seeing Amelia's eyes narrow.
"'Attending to'? What specifically do you mean?" asks Amelia, eyes still narrowed.
Eyes moving from side to side rapidly, Sirius asks, "When do you go back to work again?"
"Tomorrow morning. Now, what business will you be 'attending to'?" Amelia asks again with a quiet but dangerous tone.
"Some trips with the twins about some business prospects" answers Sirius quickly.
"Business prospects? Such as?"
"You will see in time, if they pan out. Just trust me" Sirius replies, attempting to assuage his wife's concerns.
"Just don't be breaking the law. I'm off to bed, take care of Gomeisa and Orion for me, please" remarks Amelia slowly easing up from her seat and gently handing Orion to Sirius.
Rocking back and forth gently in his chair with his son and daughter in his arms, Sirius muses aloud, "Daddy will protect and help create a world where you won't have to worry about anything or anyone like Voldemort."
/*elsewhere in the world*/
"Albus, what will we do about Sirius Black?"
Making a steeple from his fingers, Dumbledore replies, "Don't worry Minerva, I have a plan."
Author note: Thanks for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following! I began to re-read the series, and…some of the more glaring errors just looked at me. Happy belated Valentines Day to you all (I'll be spent it alone in my apartment either sleeping or playing Ark Survival Evolved on Xbox). Chapter one, the goblins don't fetch the money for you, they take you to your vault. *facepalm*. And then Harry doing magic before going to Ollivanders, oh my. I almost want to rewrite some of these chapters to be frankly better. And honestly speaking, I might do that for the master document and then re-release them (which has happened since the original writing of this). Please note that Daphne hasn't been adopted by Amelia and Sirius, Daphne is just living with them until I reveal my ultimate plan (whenever I stop playing Ark so much, hyuk). Belated addition, this chapter was to be released in the first half of the year…but I literally was dumping hours into Ark (and got pregnant with a few Reaper Kings, etc) and then when I went to release this and chapter 71 at the same time for Harry's birthday, I discovered that chapter 71 wasn't finished. Then I got sick, so…here are two chapters for you all (with my guess 72 being on the 6th anniversary).
-DaveC - Thank you for reading and reviewing as far as you have (although you said were going to stop reading, so you won't more than likely see this). There is a good bit of retail mention, but the Marauders Emporium has an impact on the series (from broadcasting the return of Voldemort, to what the Weasley twins do in their future from roughly the end of book five to even past that, to how and what is in the Battle for Hogwarts to face off against Voldemort). I'm also living vicariously through the series as I'll probably not open my own business in real life and the likes.
-Teachergirl – You're quite welcome. I like to give credit where credit is due. :)