The Cover Up
Harry stepped to the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Professor Snape had informed him that the Headmaster wanted to talk to him. It was in the middle of Divination, but this posed no problem, as Harry was freed from having to go to classes for the remainder of the week. Or rather, he still didn't have to, since he was still excused due to the third task, despite its tragic ending.
Harry had been surprised how soon Madam Pomfrey had let him go. Apparently after a night of regrowing the bones in his arm with skele-gro, and a few other foul tasting potions, and he was good to go.
"Harry, come in." Harry heard through the door. As he complied, he noticed that Hermione was also waiting for him. She must have been excused from Arithmancy.
"How are you, Harry?" Hermione asked immediately, with a concerned face. "What happened? The whole school is filled with rumors."
"Fleur died yesterday. To be honest I don't really know what to make of it." Harry wanted to explain more about how his friend had died. He was unable to move his lips though. The oath he had taken prevented them from opening.
"That is dreadful. How did it happen?" Hermione showed real concern.
"The race was going well for the first two days." Harry tried to explain. "Around noon on Wednesday, Fleur and I were having lunch, when Johnson approached us, being chased by Krum. Then we were…" Again he was cut off by the oath.
"Yes? Then what?" Hermione became agitated. She hated not knowing things. "Does this have anything to do with your secrets this year?"
"No, Miss Granger, this has nothing to do with Harry's Legilimency training this year." The Headmaster cut in. He smiled brightly, in his normal way, then sobered up for a moment. "What Harry is trying to talk about is that Voldemort has returned using a dark ritual, sacrificing Fleur Delacour." And instantly his normal, slightly loopy demeanor returned.
"They told you, without asking for you to take a vow of silence?" Harry jumped to this conclusion before Hermione could unleash any of her countless questions.
"An old man, like I am, has many tricks up his sleeve." Dumbledore's eyes sparkled. "I hope your Legilimency training progresses swiftly, then I will be able to share some."
"Okay, Harry, Professor Dumbledore, this begs too many questions." Hermione finally cut in. "And Harry, later I will want to know details about your secrets. But lets stay focused on the matter at hand. What happened yesterday?"
Harry did not know how the Headmaster had done it, but since Hermione now knew of 'the possibility of the Dark Lords return,' she did not fall under its requirements, and Harry could speak freely of the previous day's events. He quickly explained what had befallen them the day before.
Hermione was shaken up. The death of a fellow student, the injury of two more, and finally the return of the Dark Lord was quite a bit to take in. Professor Dumbledore smiled serenely, "Thank you Harry, this confirms what Alastor told me yesterday."
That brought up several questions Harry had. "What is happening to Professor Moody? The Aurors yesterday took him in, and when we spoke after the battle, he mentioned that they would likely frame him."
"That is indeed what will happen. It is not clear who believes what in the Ministry, but both the Wizengamot members who are in denial and the Minister's staff who know need to have a plausible explanation for Miss Delacour's death. The clear revelation that Director Crouch was behind this is too embarrassing. And he escaped justice, by dying. They need to show that they will correct the threat and punish the offender. Since Alastor was found with a wand full of killing curses, he is an obvious scrape goat. He also fits fairly easily as an excuse for the case of Mafalda. And since he put a trace on you, that will be construed as evil intent towards you."
"Will he not be able to use the veritaserum defense?" Hermione asked.
"This would be a risk for the cover up, but lucky for them, he is known by the Auror Department to be resistant to both the imperio and veritaserum." The Headmaster smiled at Harry, "Which I hear you learned from him."
"I have no idea about veritaserum." Harry muttered.
Hermione frowned in irritation. Why did the Headmaster always have to go onto, relatively, unimportant tangents? "But would you not be able to help him by uncovering the cover up? If you share with the wizarding world that Voldemort returned, then they would have no reason to continue their cover up, and it would not help them to put Professor Moody into Azkaban."
"Being able to ignore oaths is not something that you advertise, Miss Granger." Dumbledore twinkled at Hermione, "The number of people who know about this is very small. I would be the most logical cause, if rumors start. I will try to help my friend in other ways, not by getting into suspicion myself."
"What can you do, Professor?" Harry asked.
"I'm afraid not too much." Dumbledore smiled widely, "At least not much I can tell you without making you accessory to crime. But I will take care of him."
"What about the real inside man?" Harry asked. "Crouch obviously had at least two partners. Who were they?"
"From how the other Death Eater at the ritual reacted it is possible that it is Bartemius's son, Bartemius Junior. He is supposed to be dead, but then again, he was also supposed to have been sentenced by his father, who it turns out, is a Death Eater himself. As to the inside man, I am really at loss as to his identity. The Aurors have stopped their investigation, since they blame it on Alastor."
Hermione was grim for a moment. She did not like not knowing. Then she perked up with another question: "How is what happened yesterday connected to Mafalda's kidnapping?"
"It is clear to me that the goal of the kidnapping was primarily to acquire enough of the blue elixir, and only secondarily to get more funds." Harry said. "The ritual yesterday clearly needed the blue stuff to make a body for Voldemort. It was everywhere."
"What else happened in this ritual?" Hermione was once again in her element. "What happened to Fleur and to Angelina and Krum?"
"From what Harry told us, I think it is safe to say that it uses the sacrifice of one or more humans to create a body for someone who has taken the steps to become a shade." Dumbledore looked at them as if that explained everything.
Hermione was exasperated. "They changed course in the middle of it. First they wanted to sacrifice all Triwizard Champions, but then when Professor Moody intervened, they cut it short, and only sacrifice Fleur. How does that work, how can you change the ritual so promptly."
"You can't normally change a ritual once you started it. Not without lots of colorful endings." Dumbledore smiled. "I remember my brother once, he waned to …" Hermione coughed, and the Headmaster resumed, "Anyway, Some rituals have some flexibility, however. This ritual clearly had various options in the quantity and the method of the human sacrifice. Voldemort would have preferred to use all four champions. From this I would conclude that at least some of the abilities of the sacrifices, magical or otherwise, would transfer to the new body. The arrival of Alastor obviously disturbed their plans."
"So if Professor Moody had not interfered, all of us Champions would have died, and 'You-Know-Who' would be even stronger?" Harry tried to clarify. The Headmaster nodded, with a wide and inappropriate smile on his face.
"Does this mean that Fleur's vela nature will have any impact on the new body of Voldemort?" Hermione asked.
"Possibly." Dumbledore looked thoughtfully. "I am not familiar enough with this ritual to know for sure. We will just have to see."
"Can anyone do this ritual?" This seemed dangerous to Harry. Suddenly countless people without scruples would try to resurrect their loved ones.
"It is not trivial, not impossible, but not trivial to make certain that you become a shade after you loose your body." Dumbledore smiled reassuringly. "This and the ingredients, namely human lives, would seem to make it prohibitively expensive for most people. And as much as I want to foster learning, I think that will be all I say about this particular ritual."
"I was curious about the location." Hermione did not want to leave her favorite topic, so she shifted it slightly. "Harry said it was located at an old stone circle. Are all stone circles ritual sites?"
"Yes, they were build by our ancestors before wand magic was invented." Dumbledore said. "They are generally lower level ritual sites, but there are some higher levels. Stonehenge is most known among those, it is the third strongest Magical cite after Hogwarts and the Ministry. But there are others, like the one yesterday, that are also seven circle sites."
"What is going to happen to Mafalda?" Harry shifted the conversation. He was uncomfortable talking to the Headmaster about rituals so openly, and wanted to discuss this with Hermione privately.
"Mafalda is now cursed. The wound she received is only semi-treatable. The healers will have to monitor her for the foreseeable future. People will only see her blue hair, since the back should be closing now, but it could easily open up again."
"She missed several months of classes." Hermione said. "What does that mean for her academically?"
"Hogwarts is not in the practice of holding students back for things outside of their control." The Headmasters smile turned a little droopy. "Indeed as some of your class mates illustrate, hoggy, warty Hogwarts is not in the habit of holding anyone back."
Hermione looked a bit grim at that statement.
"I, again, can't give you details, it's between the Ministry and the Weasleys right now, but I can say that the Minister is embarrassed by this and also wants to cover it up."
"Professor Dumbledore, when I spoke with Professor Moody, he instructed me to get a book on Legilimency out of his shelf. Could we go to his room and get it after this?" Harry asked.
"Yes, lets go now. We need to conclude this soon, I have a staff meeting coming up." The Headmaster rose from the desk.
The three proceeded to go to Moody's room. They were silent as they walked through the deserted hallways. In the room, Harry followed Moody's instructions to the letter. He knew of the former Aurors justified paranoia, and had no desire to test the traps. Dumbledore inspected the book with approval. He encouraged to practice its methods during the summer.
Then the three went to different directions. Hermione had class to attend, but she made clear that she wanted to talk to Harry after dinner.
HPU
That evening, dinner was more tense than normally. It was Harry's first time back for a meal since the beginning of the last task. Usually during dinner there were vibrant conversations throughout the room. Today the buzzing of discussions and laughter was not heard. Only muted whispers ensured that the Great Hall was not in silence. In the right corner by the door, the small media podium was filled to the brim. Before dinner was served, the Headmaster rose.
"Dear guests, dear students, we are together again. But we are missing a brave young lady. Once again the Triwizard Tournament robbed us of a bright life full of potential. Several delegates of the Ministry of Magic are here for some clarification as to how this occurred. I don't think this can be truly explained, but let us listen to what they want to tell us. Before we do that, however, let us observe a minute of silence in memory of Champion Fleur Delacour of France."
The hall fell into silence. It was a little eerie to have so many people present, without a sound.
After what did not feel like a minute to Harry, Ludo Bagman stepped forward. Close behind him were Madam Umbridge, Director Bones of the DMLE and Percy Weasley in his role as acting Deputy-Director of International Magical Cooperation.
"We all mourn the tragic death of Champion Delacour, but the Triwizard Tournament can hardly be blamed for this catastrophe. I have with me Director Bones of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Madam Umbridge of the Minister's office. They will be able to explain to you what happened."
Photography flashes went off as the two witches went to the center of the stage.
"The DMLE is currently investigating the case of the murder of Fleur Delacour and Director Bartemius Crouch Sr. To protect the innocent, we cannot reveal all our …" Director Bones began.
"The Ministry has a reasonably clear idea of the final event of this years Triwizard Tournament." Madam Umbridge cut in. Director Bones frowned but let the other witch proceed. Harry now understood that this witch was very influential, but could still not understand why the Director of the DMLE let herself be trampled over like this. Madam Umbridge continued. "After three days that unfolded according to plan, Mr. Percy Weasley here, followed Mr. Alastor Moody to a grizzly site of death. Mr. Weasley had followed Mr. Moody due to his concern over the disappearance of his boss, Director Crouch. When he had tracked the former Auror he found destruction. A strange ritual had been performed, both Ms. Delacour and Director Crouch lay dead, and the other Champions severely wounded. He followed correct procedure and promptly called the proper authorities. They determined that at least Director Crouch had been killed using the killing curse. Mr. Moody's wand was shown to be the culprit. Mr. Moody is in custody, and is awaiting trial. Are there any questions?" Madam Umbridge looked at the press corps.
"What was Moody's motivation?" a reporter cried out.
"We have not determined his motivation," Director Bones answered, "All I can say is that he was let go into retirement, due to concerns over his paranoid behavior."
"We would have been hesitant to let him teach here at Hogwarts, had we been consulted about the matter." Madam Umbridge added.
More questions rained down on the two witches, but Director Bagman stepped up to the podium. He held a heavy bag in his left hand, and a golden medal in his right. "I am sure we can discuss this more at the Ministry, but let us conclude on a more positive note. The Triwizard Tournament has ended, and so it is time for us to crown a winner. This is an unusual ending, but the judges convened and we agreed that we have a worthy champion."
Harry looked at the other judges. Headmaster Dumbledore looked serene, but the other two headmasters had a frown on their faces.
"Since the third task was disrupted," Bagman's face showed how he regarded a man who would disrupt a person who would disrupt a fair sport, "we had to find another way to determine our champion. Fortunately for us, Mr. Potter was both the leader in points, and the only champion standing after the fight that disrupted our Tournament. With this in mind we agreed to award him the undying glory and the one thousand Galleons that come with the title of Triwizard Champion. Mr. Potter would you please come up."
Harry reluctantly came forward. After all that had happened he did not really care about the title. The next few minutes passed by painfully, but thankfully rather quickly. Harry just had to stand there as Ludo Bagman and Madam Umbridge praised British Wizarding society. He received a golden medal, and the bag full of Galleons, and shuffled back to his seat.
After the meal a good number of students and teachers came up to Harry and congratulated him on his victory. He tried to be appreciative of them, but really rather would have gone and met Hermione right away.
One of the people who came to him was Snape. "I suppose I should say congratulations, Potter. You will at least be happy to keep your room."
"Thank you, but I'd rather have Fleur alive." Harry wanted to say more. More about Voldemort, about what had transpired. But he could not, the oath prevented him.
"There is nothing we can do about that. We have to keep living, despite the people we loose." Snape said with a low voice. He looked at his shoes, and seemed to be talking more to himself.
Harry swallowed, and tried to change the conversation. "About next year, I was wondering if I could take Ancient Runes instead of Divination next year?"
"I don't think that will be possible. You are already are two years behind your classmates in this subject. Self study might be your best chance." Snape was obviously not in a great mood all of the sudden.
Harry frowned. At least he could ask Hermione for help. "What about our sessions? Could we have one more before the summer?"
"I will have to say no again. Our sessions this year have consumed quite a bit of my time. In addition there have been some changes these past day's that will take up more of my time. This year it was warranted, due to the Tournament, but I won't be able to help you next year."
"How will I be able to improve? Is there another teacher who maybe would have the time?"
"I suppose you will have to ask around." Without another word Snape stormed off. Harry was surprised at the mood swing. Snape was never a pleasant fellow to be around, but this year he had appeared to warm up to Harry.
What had happened to change that?
HPU
Later Harry met with Hermione in one of the many abandoned class rooms.
"So tell me what are your secrets?" Hermione bored into Harry with her stare.
"Besides my hunt for Mafalda…" Harry said.
"Stop stalling, I already know about that."
"I have been learning Legilimency with Professor Snap."
"Can you explain what that means?"
Harry proceeded to explain what he had learned about the mind arts throughout the year. Hermione was fascinated by the subject and wanted to learn Legilimency herself. Harry promised to show her some Legilimency exercises, and to give her some of the reading he had. When he thought about it, he already had quite a few texts that he didn't need anymore. He had to warn her, however, without a proficient Legilimens she would only be able to do the bare basics. But they didn't stop there. He shared more about his adventures throughout the years. Of his encounters with Voldemort and of his struggles in Slytherin. And then the topic returned to Hermione's favorite topic.
"I asked Snape about learning Runes, but he suggested that I would do better to study them on my own. Could you help me with that?"
"Of course, I'll give you some of my texts to study this summer. I'll also copy some of my notes on rituals. And I'll try to explain anything that you need me to."
"It sounds like we both have much to learn this summer. But I want to warn you about doing any rituals on your own this summer. I am not saying we should not investigate them more, I don't think I could stop you." Harry smiled. "I know you would do them alone if I would not help. But what I am trying to say is that they are very dangerous."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I know they are dangerous, I'll be careful I promise."
"Hermione, I don't think you get how dangerous they are. You saw what that ritual did to Mafalda. But you did not see the ritual that brought Voldemort back to life." Harry grabbed her arm, "The ritual was designed to suck the magic out of some human sacrifices. It uses that magic and the blue elixir they got from Mafalda to create a new body. It … it was … gross."
Hermione became more serious.
"Johnson and Krum where in this pool of blue blood, and they could not do anything. They were not even bound, but they could only shiver. They failed to get out of a pool a few inches deep, because the ritual was draining them. And then," Harry suppressed a shudder, "and then Crouch just stabbed Fleur. She was there a moment, and then she was gone, Hermione. It left nothing but her bones. I know you are fascinated by this whole thing, but you have to believe me, rituals are dangerous. While that ritual was going on, it suppressed all other magic. Moody threw an AK at Voldemort while it was still going on, and the curse just fizzled out. Hermione, the ritual just fizzled out the killing curse. The are powerful and dangerous. Don't do them lightly."
"What do you want me to do? Just give up on the most fascinating magic there is?"
"No, but please promise me that you won't do a ritual without me there."
Hermione looked into Harry's eyes and he feared that she would begin to argue, but to his surprise, her face softened. "Okay, if you really insist, I promise to not do a single ritual until I check it with you first."
"Thank you, Hermione, that makes me a lot less stressed for the summer." Harry smiled relieved.
"And this changed my summer plans drastically. You know I was already sett to experiment with simple rituals, I figure only wand magic is monitored by the trace. I was hoping to find out if I could have some magic at home. We will have to meet some time, do some more research and preparations for this fall."
"Sounds like we have lots to do this summer. Runes, rituals and Legilimency!"
To Be Continued in: Harry Potter Unbound: Factions
The first chapter is already posted, you can find it on my user page.
77 day's since the last update. Sorry to take so long, but at least there is a double post. I'm proud to finish the first book of this series. First fanfiction story 'completed.' Nice! So, I have a bunch of questions, looking at this story does it make sense? Does this chapter clear up any loose ends besides the inside Death Eater? And yes, Dumbledore being able to ignore the oath is a big deal, and how he does it will be explained sometime in the future. I am also really not sure how I am doing regarding the pace of the story. Any review would be much appreciated. What parts of writing do you think I am weakest in. What do I do well? Etc. Do you think my writing has improved? I think I improved, but I see more room for improvements. Please leave a review, with any thoughts you have about the story so far.
As far as the story goes, I changed the tasks, but a lot of the original elements are the same, I'll try to be more AU in the next book. I tried to portray Harry as reactive in this story, but slowly improving. In the next book, I want to show how he becomes proactive.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it!