Beta: JGNelson (friend) (did we even beta this?!)
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 One – Startling News
Attempting to spread some blackberry jam on some slices of toast whilst alternating spoonfuls of baby food to Gomeisa and Orion, Sirius looks up as Amelia enters into the kitchen and places several letters in front of him.
Brows furrowing, Sirius looks up at Amelia and asks confused, "What are these?"
"Your mail of course" answers Amelia shaking her head gently.
"My mail? Seems like quite a lot more than usual" remarks Sirius wiping baby food away from the corner of Gomeisa's mouth before swapping with Amelia for feeding.
Using his wand to slice through the first envelope, Sirius reads it over, turning it over in his hands to read the backside, then quickly opens and reads the rest of the letters. Sighing, Sirius takes a bite of his now cold and jamless toast, scrunching his brows in thought.
"Anything interesting dear?" Amelia asks after a few minutes of toast crunching from Sirius.
"This has backfired quite nicely I must admit. Thankfully despite the stress of running The Marauder Emporium and helping Remus with the warding program I am left with a fine head of hair" remarks Sirius shaking his head like a dog.
"The letters, what did they say?" iterates Amelia in a serious tone of voice.
Sighing, Sirius answers, "Most think I should be the head of some group, similar to The Order of the Phoenix, since that they think Dumbledore is more or less the blind leading the blind."
Left eyebrow rising above the other, Amelia gives a single mirthless chuckle before responding, "Makes sense to me. You've provided the wizarding community to what could be considered the magical equivalent of muggle equipment, given back to the community for St. Mungoes, employ people who may not have the same opportunities based on 'blood-status' despite yours. No matter what you do, people WILL be watching what you do or not do. You're the so called wild card in this fight between those whom believe Voldemort has returned and those who don't believe. Some who believe Voldemort has returned but dislike what you are doing could be throwing you into Voldemort's supporter camp since you're not supporting Dumbledore who has been the figurehead against Voldemort for decades, there are those who believe Voldemort has returned and think you're against him since you've provided at least more details, not to mention video and audio proof of his existence. Then there are those who don't think Voldemort has returned because the video and audio quality isn't the best because the recorder was under Harry's shirt, and honestly you should have been more honest about that before having Daphne give it to him as a gift as a 'just in case', but I'll spare you THAT talk until later. Finally there are those who say because Voldemort was defeated over a decade ago that it is impossible that he is back, because the magic that has returned him is so obscure that it just seems like a fabricated tale to help bolster sales at the store."
Bowing his head for several seconds, Sirius lifts his head and says, "They are entitled to their opinion on this, although I vehemently am against Voldemort."
"Then I would recommend you taking a position that solidifies what you stand for to clear away any doubt that people have" remarks Amelia calmly.
"Maybe I'll start my own group and be the top dog, haha" remarks Sirius with a smirk.
"What would you call your group then? The Order of the Shaggy Black Dog?" asks Amelia smirking.
"Unimaginative, but how about 'Defenders of Society?" offers Sirius.
"Where would you hold meetings? And don't tell me you'd just build a random building on some piece of property and have everyone use a special PRT to get in and out. I've seen both your personal and business ledgers, and I know that while the business has some spare funds on hand, and as do you, the amount of funds would probably not cover a new building even if combined. And your frivolous purchases, notably missing the precise level of details as the others, are subject to guess other than 'Investment' as marked. Are you being blackmailed or coerced into providing funds to someone else" states Amelia looking at Sirius seriously with concern in her voice.
"Amelia, dear, it is part of a plan of investment for a few long term pieces which are still coming together. There are some plans in the works to increase revenue without shirking quality in items, without raising the price of the flats, and without harming our valued employees earning potential, which I consider more of family. We are both earning, paying our bills monthly, and still putting away towards our eventual retirement. I think once you see what is in store, that your fears will be assuaged. I assure you, I too have been looking over the ledgers to watch expenses" Sirius says in a reassuring tone.
"Ok, I trust you. Just please keep me in the loop."
Giving Amelia a kiss on the cheek, Sirius answers, "I will. Have a good day at work dear" before taking his used dishes to the sink where he places them.
/*deep in Zenith*/
Taking a seat at the island on a barstool, Harry yawns while taking a drink from his goblet before looking down at the envelope with his name on it.
"Hope it's my Hogwarts letter" Harry muses in the early morning hours, opening the envelope. Scanning through the list of required books, Harry pauses, squints, then sighs before continuing down the list. "I suppose this year will be a train wreck too."
Looking at the still twilight horizon through a window, Harry yawns once more before saying, "I wonder what Fred and George are up to, meeting with Sirius over the summer."
"Are those our Hogwarts letters?" Daphne asks coming down the stairs and taking a seat beside Harry.
"Yes, and oddly earlier than normal in my opinion" comments Harry as Daphne neatly slits open her letter.
"How you two do this morning after morning, I don't know" states Susan coming into the kitchen, taking a seat at the island and putting her head down on the counter.
"Practice and repetition" answers Harry quietly.
Eyes narrowing as she continues down the letter, Daphne remarks, "This seems much more formal than previous letters; I wonder if something has changed at Hogwarts?"
"I thought so as well, I wonder if we could slip into Hogwarts unnoticed and check around" Harry muses aloud.
"You're thinking of breaking into Hogwarts during the summer break just to wander around and inspect offices to see whom is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts or even worse just to walk around?!" exclaims Daphne surprised.
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry remarks, "I've got my Invisibility Cloak, so unless I make a large mistake like tripping or something, I'll be fine. Besides which, I've got my PRT so I can just stuff my cloak in a pocket and transport my way out and back to here."
"Reckless. I implore you to consider all of the ramifications of pursuing such a foolhardy" remarks Daphne with a hint of ice in her voice.
"Ok" answers Harry.
/* more build up here. But why though? Why not just leave this where and how it is to see how people react to my thoughts being written in as a transition?*/
Sitting down at the crowded table at the Burrow, Ron stifles a yawn before peering down blearily at the letter standing in his way of placing food on his plate for breakfast.
"Hogwarts letter?"
Opening the envelope, Ron simply stares as silver badge with a letter 'P' falls into his bowl of porridge. Continuing to stare at the badge sinking into the porridge, Ron contemplates what to do next when a voice shrilly announces, " I don't believe it! I don't believe it! Oh, Ron, how wonderful! A prefect! That's everyone in the family!"(*)
Looking up from his plate, George remarks, " What are Fred and I, next-door neighbours?" (*)
"Let it go, we've got other matters to tend to" Fred remarks to George quietly before getting up from his place at the table and slipping out the kitchen door with George following as their mother gushes over Ron.
"We should have a party for you and your friends before you go back to Hogwarts, Ron. For becoming a Prefect" remarks Mrs. Weasley with a smile on her face.
"Merlin's beard, Ron's a prefect?" remarks Ginny blanching as she enters the room.
"Your brother is a prefect" replies Mrs. Weasley waving her wand retrieving and cleaning the badge that had been sinking into the bowl of porridge of Ron.
"Well, congratulations. Do you know whom you will be a prefect with?" asks Ginny as she sits down at the table.
Shaking his head, Ron answers, "Nope. But I'm surprised it wasn't Harry or Neville who got it."
"Well, be happy that you've gotten something that Harry hasn't and won't" offers Ginny putting a few pieces of toast on her plate. Seconds later, the narrow banded watch on Ginny's wrist lights up and displays a message. Touching the screen and swiping, Ginny remarks, "Apparently Daphne and Susan are looking to have a pool party and are inviting me. Ron, you're invited too as Harry will also be there."
"Mum, why not see if we can do the prefect gathering with Harry?" remarks Ron before resuming his consumption of his porridge with gusto.
Pausing to think, Mrs. Weasley says, "Let's check with Remus and Sirius before we do such a thing. Another thing, where are Fred and George?"
Thinking fast, Ginny answers, "They had plans with Sirius."
"Are they now baby-sitting for him?" quizzes Mrs. Weasley curiously.
"Could be, they didn't say. They did say that they were considering their future with Sirius and Remus though" offers Ginny carefully.
Hearing that the twins are thinking of their future, Mrs. Weasley smiles and says, "That's good, I'll leave them be then."
/*elsewhere in the world*/
"What do you think about a pool party, Harry?" asks Daphne taking a seat on Harry's bed, smoothing out her skirt.
Turning around from his position at his desk, Harry responds, "What, do you mean having one?"
"Yes. And inviting our friends, like Hermione, Ginny, Neville, etc."
"I suppose I'm not against it" answers Harry shortly, turning back to his desk.
Looking at Harry's back for several second, Daphne speaks, "It's rude to be remain occupied with something else when you have a guest in your room, not even including that I'm your girlfriend", smirking.
Shuffling some papers around, Harry opens a drawer, stores the paper, before turning his chair around to face Daphne, "You're right, I'm sorry."
"So, what do you think about it being themed?"
Blinking several times, Harry asks, "Themed? Themed how?"
"Like matching colors, or a certain period in time such as the Victorian age. Something like that?"
"Why would we need a theme again? I'm confused" remarks Harry confusion in his voice.
"Nevermind. Anyways, the pool can be heated, so do you have a swimsuit or trunks?"
Pausing to think again, Harry replies, "I think so, but they may not fit, so I may need to buy a new set."
Smiling, Daphne remarks, "We should invite Susan and go to Diagon Alley then."
"I think you'd be best at talking to Susan about going shopping. Some scarlet and gold trunks should be just fine for me. I'm more into functional over appearance in this case" offers Harry.
"You're right, maybe you, Neville, and Ron can do that while Susan, Ginny, and I go off on our own" comments Daphne looking at Harry.
"That sounds like a plan to me" answers Harry.
"Also, Ron has been made a prefect" Daphne casually remarks.
Blinking a few times in succession, Harry speaks, "He has? Then perhaps we should focus a party more for him? I mean, he is our friend and some times I do manage to overshadow him. But not a party that just comes out and tells him that it's mostly for him, but something that makes him more of a focus than normal as appreciation. I don't think I'm conveying exactly what I'm thinking—"
"I understand. I agree that we should do something like that" remarks Daphne with a smile.
/*a few hours later*/
Pulling his cloak tighter around him, Harry slips deeper into the castle, dodging the stray ghost wandering through the castle. Hunkering down in a secluded corner of an abandoned classroom, Harry quietly slips out his Omni Play from a robe pocket and slides through several screens before reaching the displays of the still active cameras in the hallways. "A better password is needed than 'Dumbledore' for security, but I digress" mutters Harry before slowly viewing the cameras and the hallways.
Swiping through the several four camera views per page, Harry pauses as a camera catches a stout individual leading the way down the hallway as Filch follows behind, carrying a multitude of bags. Quickly searching through every other possible view and finding absolutely nothing more, Harry then looks through any documents put on the Hogwarts teacher network, and finds the professor roster. "Beside the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is…Ministry Appointed? That can't be good. At least every other teacher is the—wait, what?!" exclaims Harry in surprise.
Hearing the door unlock and swing open, Harry's muscles tighten as two nameless ghosts float in, completely oblivious to the outburst that Harry had. 'To get out of here, I need to take off my cloak and put it in my pocket. But if I do that then I risk being caught. At the same time, the longer I linger, the greater the chance that I get caught by professor' Harry thinks to himself, looking around for any inspiration. Spotting a dusty cabinet, Harry creeps slowly over the floor to move more out of the line of sight of the still speaking ghosts before slowly pulling his cloak off and stuffing it in his pocket before activating his PRT, disappearing from the castle.
/*a few days later*/
Looking around the backyard, friends and family mingling in the early afternoon sunlight, Sirius smiles as the sight of everyone enjoying themselves despite being armed with the knowledge of Voldemort still lurking on the horizon.
"It's nice that you are having a party for Ron becoming a prefect" remarks Mrs. Weasley coming alongside Sirius.
Smiling, Sirius turns to Mrs. Weasley and says, "I don't see why I wouldn't. Spending time together, congratulating Ron, building memories, and not worrying about Voldemort, this combines them all. And it gives Remus a chance to give Ron pointers on being a prefect because Remus wanted to dole out that information."
"Remus was a prefect?!" exclaims Mrs. Weasley in surprise.
Nodding his head, Sirius answers, "Yes he was. I have a feeling it was to help 'guide' James and I to be less…problematic? Heh, it's debatable on if it worked or not."
"Congratulations Ron becoming a prefect" Harry says with a smile, giving Ron a gentle slap on the back.
"Thanks mate. Honestly confused why McGonagall gave it to me. No idea who the other prefect is though" offers Ron honestly.
"I'm sure we'll find out when the term starts. But" starts Harry before looking around at Neville, Daphne, and Hermione and continues quieter, "Our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is one being assigned by the Ministry of Magic."
"How do you know that?" asks Hermione, eyes narrowing.
"HARRY! You snuck into Hogwarts and peeked around, didn't you?" Daphne accuses turning to Harry and narrowing her eyes as well.
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry answers, "And if I did?"
"What if you had gotten caught?"
"And I'd have still used the same method to slip out of there" answers Harry nonchalantly.
"We had this conversation before. I am disappointed in you" states Daphne icily enough that all conversation around stops.
Feeling like an icicle stabbing him in the heart, Harry stumbles quietly to a pool chair and sits, hands over his heart. Murmuring to himself, Harry monologues, "That…hurts. If this is what others feel for….I'd assume betrayal of trust, then I can see why Daphne was upset."
"Harry" comes a soft and feminine voice from his right.
Turning to the unannounced figure, Harry sees Susan standing a few feet away.
"May I sit down?" asks Susan quietly.
Seeing Harry nod his head, Susan takes a seat beside Harry, the two sitting quietly for a few minutes before Susan speaks up, "Harry, do you understand why Daphne is upset with you having gone to Hogwarts after she asked you not to?"
Waiting several moments for a response and not having one forthcoming, Susan continues, "It's because you're her last bastion of hope. She's lost her family, more importantly her sister that means so much to her, she's been disowned by her parents, been transferred from one house at Hogwarts to another, something that really hasn't happened but maybe twice in the entire history, and you, her knight in shining armor and boyfriend, goes against what she asks of you, pleads of you, and she's hurt. You've betrayed her trust. You must work to restore her trust."
Reflecting silently for a few minutes, Harry flinches as Susan lightly places her hand on his and asks quietly, "Are you ok?"
"Yes, thank you. I think I have an idea on what I need to do" answers Harry before standing up and looking around for Daphne.
Spotting Daphne, Harry walks over and puts his arm around her shoulders causing her to stop her conversation with Luna.
"What are you doing?" accuses Daphne looking at Harry.
"Uh-" answers Harry before the sensation of hands pushing against his chest registers in his brain, causing him to grab at the closest object; Daphne's still outstretched arms.
Falling into the pool behind him, Harry feels Daphne collide with him in the pool going under the surface momentarily. Surfacing moments later, glasses having fallen off, Harry stares into Daphne's blue eyes before saying quietly so only the two of them could hear, "I'm sorry that I betrayed your trust. Can you forgive me?"
"Forgiven" murmurs Daphne before wrapping her arms around Harry's neck and kissing him, causing them both to sink under the water for several seconds.
"Should we be concerned?" remarks Remus beginning to frown.
Chuckling, Sirius responds, "They are having a moment of adolescent love. Only if we see blood or bodies surface should we be concerned."
"Sirius…" growls Amelia coming alongside the aforementioned individual.
Seconds later the couple break the surface of the pool, eliciting whistles from Sirius, and claps from the other party goers. "Told you they'd be ok" remarks Sirius smirking, giving a gentle nudge to Amelia.
/*maybe a transition here? Though it is technically the same time/place*/
"Ron, here are some gifts from your father and I for you becoming prefect" states Mrs. Weasley joyfully as she hands a sitting Ron an oddly shaped gifts.
Tearing off the wrapping of the first package, Ron says in a deflated tone, "Robes?"
"Dear, feel them" urges Mrs. Weasley frowning slightly.
Obliging, Ron rubs a sleeve between his fingers, face changing into surprise. "These…are softer than the others."
"They are made of a finer quality than your other robes. You can wear them on dates or whatever you choose" answers Mrs. Weasley.
/*some time later*/
As Ron walks by, Sirius calls out, "Ron, a minute of your time if you don't mind."
"Sure" answers Ron shrugging his shoulders, following Sirius towards a secluded portion of the yard.
Turning around after going a sufficient distance, Sirius says, "So, prefect. You'll be walking around the hallways even after hours looking for stragglers, deducting points. But, the question is, why did Dumbledore have new cameras installed that can assist in such a task? Anyways, Remus's and mine gift is this; a pass that makes the new cameras think you're not even there. Essentially, after hours the cameras send out a wireless signal looking for any of these 'pass' holders and if it detects one, doesn't turn on the recording portion, doesn't make any alerts on any of the teachers devices that alerts them if a student is out of bed. Now, I'm only giving you one, not even Harry has one. Even his invisibility cloak won't stop the cameras from making an alert as they can still 'see' you, even if the recording shows nothing there. This pass will make you invisible to the cameras, though if coupled with the cloak, would make you invisible to everyone who can't hear you. Now, I'm not condoning any action such as walking around at night with a girl, I'm also not saying you should explore Hogwarts and have fun using the same map that Harry and Neville have that shows them where staff are so you can enjoy a nice exploration as well. Definitely can't condone breaking the rules" giving Ron a wink as he hands Ron a thin, rectangular, metallic object.
"Huh?" remarks Ron blinking in rapid succession, still holding the pass in his hands.
"Don't get caught" answers Sirius as he walks back towards the rest of the party, twilight turning darker.
Looking down at the non-descript object in his hands, Ron smiles and slides it into his jeans pocket.
/*in a location where three prank loving individuals are meeting days later*/
Standing outside of a building in the twilight, Sirius remarks, "Do you think that this will be an acceptable location?"
"Definitely" chorus Fred and George excitedly.
"Will probably need some modifications though. Is it just the store rights, or the entire building we're getting?" asks George.
"Do you want rights to the land as well?" Sirius asks turning to the twins.
"Of course we do. George and I have some plans for it" answers Fred with a smirk.
Shrugging his shoulders, Sirius remarks, "I'll see what I can do then."
Staring at the vacant building for several more seconds, the trio remain quiet until Sirius speaks, "Did you two set 'it' up before you left?"
"I did" answers Fred before George comments, "And I tested it, it works."
Smiling, Sirius asks, "Are you ready for the next piece of business then?"
"Of course" chorus Fred and George in unison, a grin on their face.
Author note: Thanks to all for reading, reviewing, following, etc! Chapters will take probably a month or two (hopefully a month release) to write and quality check, as I do want to write a grammatically correct chapter, but also have solid ideas and provide logical movement for my ideas to take shape, in addition to dialogue. I bounce ideas off of betas, which I'd like to shout out to asma20 for assisting me, and even beta'ing a chapter that got released, but their portion wasn't released because I had sent an incomplete chapter. My apologies and thank you for assisting me. I have been playing a lot of Ark Survival Evolved, thus writing has taken more of a backseat to my playing than I have wished. Also, as I am pretty certain I remarked before, I am writing this on the fly, so my plans do change as I encounter new things in life (or watch more anime, haha).
(*) excerpt from the books and not my writing. (I just thought it was too good of two lines to not include it).
Thanks for also bearing with me since chapter 69 was released on the first of 2019 and to finally get two new chapters (with chapter 72 more than likely in November? For the 6th anniversary). Gotta figure out how the new year goes and what my plan for *redacted* goes. :)