"Talk"
"Thoughts"
"Writing"
"Spell"
Armahgeddon: In the Canon it is but I decided on 8 because of research I did for the story.
i like cheese: I attempted to justify that earlier by stating Wizard and Witches mentally age faster.
Trent Foley: What 3 positive numbers give the same results when multiplied and added together? 1, 2, and 3. 1+2+3= 6 1x2x3=6
Navn Ukjent: The map is huge, plus there are hundreds of names on it. Also unlike Canon Harry has no real reason to look in the Gryffindor Common room to spot the name, unlike canon.
ArturiusRex8: I realize that but decided to go with it so there was a way to distinguish the keys.
YuukiAsuna-Chan: He has no idea it could be something like the Philosopher's Stone, he just wants to see what's there.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Hogwarts had never been as lively in the past few years as it was the days before the Yule break. News had spread that Snape would not be returning after the break, the Gryffindors had yet to stop celebrating. Harry was glad to be rid of the man but was annoyed that Rita had mentioned his involvement with the hearing, now people kept bothering him with praise. This made it difficult for him to do any research on getting past the troll, Tom's memories showed him some effective spells but Harry wasn't powerful enough to use those yet. Fortunately, after checking with Odin, Potter Manor had a vast library for him to look through, he was also planning to visit the main Black Family home Grimmauld Place. He was sure there would be plenty of books of a dark nature for him to look through.
"Harry." Harry turned to see Nott leaning against the wall outside of the library. "We have a problem."
Harry frowned. "What is it?" He walked over to the boy.
"I was collecting the bets form last week and two Seventh Years refuse to pay." Theodore informed him while keeping an eye out.
Harry sighed, he knew it was a matter of time before someone tested him. "I'll inform the Twins."
"I already did." Theodore said quickly. "Earlier this week and they've gotten them a couple times but, and no offense to the Weasley's, their Seventh Years and know how to fix the pranks easy enough."
"I see." Harry said absently, that was not good. "What are their names?"
"Mason Barrington and Alistair Walden." Nott replied.
"Alright." Harry said with a nod. "Come with me." Nott cocked an eyebrow but followed after Harry as the green eyed wizard, though he did get curious when Harry led them into an empty classroom. "Obviously these two are going to require a heavy hand, the question is." Harry turned and looked at Theodore. "How far are you willing to go?"
Nott blinked at the question, anyone else would think it was extremely odd to hear it coming from Harry Potter. Having worked with him Theodore had found he was not like everyone had thought he would be like, but even this sent a small chill up Theo's spine. "What do you have in mind?"
"Before I begin I'm going to need a magical vow that you will not share what we're going to talk about." Harry said. "I should mention that by talking the vow I will also see that as a sign of trust." While the twins had a mischievous streak Harry doubted they would have the stomachs for his future work, he had a feeling Theo could and would though.
Theo's mind was racing with what could possibly be going on, though he couldn't deny the possibility of gaining Harry's trust. He knew the boy had big ideas and he had no doubt Harry would achieve great things. "Alright what do I need to say?" Theodore answered, after all he would eventually be Lord Nott and would need powerful allies.
Harry grinned. "Swear you will not reveal anything we discuss between the two of us to anyone without my permission, on your magic."
"I Theodore Arthur Nott, solemnly swear on my magic I will not reveal anything discussed between myself and Lord Harry Potter." A flash of magic signified the vow Theo made and Harry smiled.
"Excellent." Harry pulled out the Marauders Map. "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Theo's eyes went wide as he saw the map come to life.
"What is that?" He asked as he looked it over.
"An invention of my father and his friends." Harry replied. "This map shows the location of everyone in Hogwarts in real time." Harry looked towards the Slytherin common room and placed his finger there. "As you can see our two friends are not in the common room, which is good." The two then began scanning the map for the two Seventh Years.
"Here they are." Nott said as he pointed to a hall on the second floor. "It looks like their leaving Transfiguration."
"Then we can cut them off before they get to the Slytherin Common room." Harry said as he grabbed the map and pulled out his wand. "Mischief managed." He turned to Nott. "I'm going to disillusion you, follow me and when we confront Barrington and Walden I want you to get behind them. If they draw their wands hit them with body binds alright." Theodore nodded. "Calamitatis"
Theo felt the magic flow over him, he had never been disillusioned before and looked down at his hands but saw them. "Is it working?"
"It hides you from others but doesn't make you invisible." Harry answered. "No come on it doesn't last very long." Harry turned and headed out of the room at a quick pace. Theodore quickly followed and made sure to stay behind Harry so as not to bump into anyone.
Harry used the map again as they walked to check on the Slytherins, luckily they we going to get in front of them. Arriving in the hallway before the Slytherin common room Harry had Theo wait against the wall while he stood against the opposite one he kept the map out and to his side, since he didn't know what the boys looked like he needed it to identify them. Soon enough the duo became visible down the hall.
Both were tall and carried themselves well, obviously from pureblood families. The one on the right, Barrington according to the map, was a bit bigger and had brown hair that he combed to the right. Walden had longer black hair that he had pulled back into a short ponytail. Harry pushed off the wall and walked to the middle of the hall.
"Good afternoon gentlemen." Harry said as he eyed the duo, both had paused when Harry walked into the middle of the hall.
"Potter." Walden replied, Harry held back a smirk for not using his proper title. "Let me guess here to try and collect?"
"Maybe if you get on your knees and beg will consider it." Barrington said, both chuckling at the statement.
"You will pay or suffer the consequences." Harry replied evenly, both boys paused then started laughing again.
"You think you can threaten us?" Walden said and to Harry's delight they both drew their wands and pointed them at Harry. "We could hex you five times over before you could…."
"Petrificus totalus" Harry heard Nott cast and hit Walden, Barrington spun quickly but faltered when he didn't see anyone.
"Petrificus totalus" Harry quickly drew his wand and hit Barrington, as the boy hit the ground Harry walked over to them and used his foot so both were looking up at him. Quickly he reached down to take their wands before tossing them to the side. "Now then, os confractus" Aiming at Walden's wand arm a blue light flew from Harry's wand.
"Ugggghhhhhhhh!" A loud crack filled the hall and since he was paralyzed Walden could only grunt in pain, though his eyes were wide and moving fast as he struggled against the spell.
"That was the bone breaking hex." Harry said as he locked eyes with Barrington. "Nasty spell but Madam Pomfrey will be able to fix that arm. Now I know what you're thinking." Harry smirked. "Once were free you're in trouble Potter, well for your information I'll be fine. See you two seem to forget I'm the Lord of an Ancient and Noble House, by pointing your wands at me without provocation you threatened me. As a result I can defend myself anyway I see fit." He saw the realization in Barrington's eyes. "Now sure I might get a detention for casting spells in the hall but who's Dumbledore going to believe when he asks why it happened?" Harry knelt down. "We leave Hogwarts for the break on Friday, if Nott hasn't given me my money by then I will make it my single goal for the winter holiday to grind your family names so far into the dirt so that even Muggleborns have a better reputation then you." Harry didn't care about blood status but knew these two did. "Move your eyes up and down if you understand." Barrington quickly did as instructed. "Good and make sure your buddy understands." Harry chuckled. "I don't think he's in a listening mood right now." Harry stood back up. "Oh and if you try to get revenge I'll have the Weasley twins start using curses instead of pranks." Harry turned on his heel and started down the hall, he knew the Twins wouldn't do that unless they were in danger but the thought of it would scare the Slytherins.
"Can you lift the spell Harry?" Theo asked after they had walked down the hall.
Harry nodded and waved his wand in the direction of the voice. "Finite" Theo appeared and the two continued to walk in silence.
"That was interesting." Theo finnaly said, he wouldn't lie and say he wasn't shocked by the act, he figured Harry had a cold side to him but not that cold.
"Word will eventually spread and anyone who was thinking of stiffing us will know what happens." Harry replied. "People respond to strength and power Nott, remember that." Theo nodded. "Go to the library and wait for a while, it wouldn't be good for you to be the one to discover them." The teen nodded again. "Go before anyone see's us together."
"I'll come see you when they pay." Theo said before turning down a hallway and heading towards the library. Harry gave a nod as the boy left and continued on his way to the Ravenclaw common room, he only had a few days to get his winter plans in order and wanted to go over them again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hogwarts Express xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Yep it's all here Harry." George said as he and Fred finished stacking the coins from Barrington and Walden. The two had paid yesterday night, out of sight from anyone else to save face, and Theo had brought Harry the money on the train.
"Good." Harry replied without looking up from his book, he had no doubt they would pay him in full. He did wonder if they would try and rat him out but it seems his message had done it's job.
"So big plans for the holiday Nottikins?" Fred asked with a grin, which George matched. The twins had become somewhat friendly with Nott since they all worked together and enjoyed teasing the Slytherin.
"Just a quiet time at home." Nott replied, his family consisted of only him and his father so they rarely did anything exciting. It wasn't the best but Theodore had grown used to it so he didn't complain.
"And what of you illustrious leader?" George asked.
"I bet he'll be scheming on how to take in all the students Christmas money." Fred said with a chuckle.
"I can plan that once were back." Harry said with a small grin. "I actually have a lot to do over the break, first of which is the last annual meeting of the Wizengamot."
"Sounds fun." The twins said together.
"Quite." Harry said over his book. "Now close your mouths so I can finish reading."
"What are you reading Harry?" Nott asked at the twins began scooping the money into a bag.
"This is a book on the laws passed by the Wizengamot." Harry said without looking away from his book.
"Sounds like-"
"A fun read."
Harry glared at the twins, silencing them. "It's research."
"I think our dear Lord is turning into a bookworm."
"Perhaps we should introduce him to Granger?"
"If she's as annoying out of class as in class I think Harry might kill her." Theo said with a smirk.
Harry paused and thought about the name. "Isn't she the bushy haired girl that trys to answer every question?" The boys nodded to him. "Hmm, she seems to be a bit of a know it all." He then went back to reading.
"She's a bit bossy to." Fred replied.
"Always telling us off when we prank someone." George nodded.
"Someone needs to keep you two in check." Theo mumbled and the twins chuckled.
"She does remind me of mum a bit." Fred answered.
"Aye, gives me a bit of nostalgia when she yells at us." George gave a fake sigh then grinned. "And when she yells at Ronnikins it's quite hilarious." They both laughed at the thought.
Harry tuned them out as they started a game of exploding snaps, he was focusing on the book he had picked up. His reason was to look over all the new laws that came into effect after the war, the reason was he had a feeling some suspicious actions were going on inside the Wizengamot. He was happy to find there was some fishy business, this particular book was a special copy that listed all the votes for, against and abstaining from each law. In several he found the Black Family had voted, even though no one was legally allowed to cast the vote for them. He assumed it was Malfoy but while looking he noticed a few times Malfoy had voted against or abstained and still the Blacks voted for.
He had pulled out a blank notebook, something that interested the three wizard raised boys, and started listing the laws. After a while he looked them over and noticed almost all of them affected magical creatures and muggleborns. "Whoever did this obviously is a pureblood to the extreme, hell even Malfoy is smart enough to not vote against everything involving muggleborns to keep from arousing suspicion. Whoever this person is they don't mind people knowing they have a strong dislike of muggleborns and magical creatures." Harry brushed it off, it was pointless to wonder and since none of the laws passed by a single vote they would not be revoked. He could however demand compensation for the misuse of his family's name, while he had plenty of money it was always nice to have more.
Soon enough they were at Platform 9 and ¾ and Harry was walking towards the muggle entrance, he knew Sarah and Michael would have arranged for Vernon to pick him up. They had planned it out before he broke contact with them, after all they weren't sure if Dumbledore would have him watched, at least until he made it to the Dursley's. Walking through the hidden entrance Harry continued to the street and looked around, he easily found Vernon standing next to his car.
"Boy." Vernon said as Harry approached him.
"Vernon." Harry said with a nod before getting into the car.
"No luggage?" Vernon asked as he got in and started down the road.
"Already at my home." Harry replied, earning a look from Vernon. "I will be staying only a few days and then you will not have to see me ever again." Vernon nodded and then clicked on the radio as he drove home.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bridge Street, Little Whinging xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sarah Jacobs looked up when she heard a thump land in front of her and smiled as she stood. "Hello Harry."
The boy grumbed as he stood up. "So I discovered my Mother also had problems with the Floo, I assume all Wizard travel as well."
"Well at least you have someone to blame it on now." Sarah said as she walked over and pulled him into a hug. "Now come and tell me about Hogwarts." Since they couldn't risk contact yet she only knew what the prophet had written about him.
"Where is Michael, I would rather not have to say it all twice?" Harry asked.
"He's away on business so you'll have to." She replied. "Now come tell me all about school and what you've been doing."
And so Harry started at the train ride and gave Sarah an overview of his school year, she of course made snide remarks at certain points. Harry was glad she seemed thrilled at his actions with the gambling, Malfoy and with dealing with the Slytherin duo.
"Well this has been an exciting year for you." She said after he was done. "And it's only half way done."
Harry nodded. "Do you have any idea how to get past the troll?" He doubted she did but he could hope.
"Unfortunatly I do not but I have faith you will find a way." She replied with a pat on his arm. "Now what do you have planned for your Manor?"
Harry grinned and stood up. "I'll let you know after it works." He then pulled out a sock, which was a portkey set to the Dursleys. "Prison." He felt the normal tug and soon disappeared from the house.
Sarah chuckled and shook he head as Harry left, amused that after everything Harry had been through he could still act like the child he was.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Potter Manor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Harry sat at his desk looking over some papaerwork he had received from the goblins, it had been a week since the break began and the Wizengamot meet in three days. He couldn't hold back a grin everytime he thought about how people would react to the news he was Lord Black.
"Master sir." Harry looked over to see Odin standing in front of him.
"Yes Odin?"
"Professors Flitywick is heres." Odin replied and pointed towards the door.
"Wonderful." Harry replied with a smile and stood. "Take him to the sitting room, I will meet you there."
Odin nodded and was gone with a pop, Harry quickly made his way down towards the room. Entering it he saw Flitwick looking around the room. "Good afternoon professor and thank you for coming."
"Ah my pleasure Mr. Potter." Filius replied. "I must say I am rather intrigued by your letter." He smiled.
Harry paused when he heard that, he smiled as he found something else he had in common with his parents. "Well it seems I have more in common with her, the reason I asked you here was to help preform the Fidelius Charm on the Manor and one other property."
Flitwick looked surprised. "I see, yes that is a wonderful idea. I suppose you will be the Secret Keeper then?"
"Of course but." Harry grinned. "I have done all the work myself and only needed your help as I do not have the power to do it." Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it over. "All the dimensions of both houses are here so you should have everything you need."
Filius took the parchment and moved over to one of the chairs to sit and look it over. He was rather impressed a First Year had done all the work involved with the charm, not many people realized it was more than a simple flick of the wrist. "This other property." Filius said as he looked it over. "Where is it?"
"Number 12 Grimmauld Place." Harry replied, Filius nodded.
"Why there?" The Charm Professor was curious why Harry wanted to hide two houses. "I don't recall your Father and Mother ever mentioning that as one of their homes, only here and Godric's Hollow."
Harry tapped his arm rest. "It does not belong to the Potters." Harry was going to reveal it soon anyway and this would be an excellent test of trust for Flitwick. "It is the Black Family home."
Flitwick's eyebrows shot up. "Black? Then why are you hiding it?" His mind was racing and soon something clicked. "You're the new Lord Black aren't you, of course. Dorea Potter née Black was James mother, meaning you have just as much claim as young Malfoy." Flitwick smirked. "You just beat him to the punch as they say." Harry chuckled, though was a bit surprised Flitwick put all the pieces together so quickly. "Though how did you know to become Lord Black?"
"When I took a blood test at Gringotts to prove who I was it revealed I was Heir to the Black Family." Harry answered. "Apparently the late Orion Black decided his son should not be disowned, incase of the Light winning."
"But Sirius Black was a traitor." Filius said quickly, Harry leaned back in his chair.
"So I hear." Harry replied. "Tell me professor you were his professor, as well as my parents, do you think all that time he was lying?"
Filius sighed. "All that time no, however Mr. Potter as the war dragged on it was not unheard of for people to switch sides." He sighed again. "I can't say I wasn't surprised but also I accepted it."
"If the man switched sides why would he name me his heir?" Harry asked, again Filius looked surprised.
"That I cannot answer." The professor stroked his chin. "It is curious though there could have been a reason."
"And I intend to find out." Harry said. "After the Wizengamot I will talk to the head of the DMLE, I think I have the right to look through the trail minutes."
Flitwick nodded. "Yes I believe you do."
"I hope I can count on your discretion, at least for the next few days Professor."
"Of course Harry." Flitwick said with a smile. "Now come Mr. Potter, lots to do and little time to do it, I suggest we start with Grimmauld Place as there will be people about and I will need to place some wards before we begin." Adjusting his robe Flitwick started towards the fireplace he entered from with Harry hot on his heels.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wizengamot Chambers, Ministry of Magic xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Harry had to suppress a groan as he made his way through the chamber and towards his seat. The Wizengamot chamber was a large circular room, at one end was a raised area that had four tiers to it, from his reading Harry knew the Minister sat highest then the Chief Warlock, head of the DMLE and then the Ministers Undersecretary. Opposite them was a raised balcony that was for the Ancient and Noble houses to sit, between them were seats for all the Noble Houses. Making his up the staircase Harry found the other Lord and Ladies sitting already, though they all turned when he walked onto the balcony.
"Lord Potter." A tall elderly woman said as she walked towards him, she wore black robes but Harry was drawn to her ridiculous hat with a vulture on it. "Madam Longbottom." She held out her hand, Harry smiled and brought it to his lips.
"A pleasure Madam Longbottom." Harry said with a smile.
"Allow me to introduce you." She took Harrys arm and guided him towards the others. "Gentlemen while I'm sure you all know of him allow me to introduce you to Lord Potter." She pointed to the man farthest to the left. "These are Lord Rodrick Boot, Lord Tiberius Ogden, Lady Alexia Granville, Lord George Winters." The men each stepped forward and shook Harry's hand when introduced and kissed Lady Granville's hand. "The others will hopefully arrive on time." She replied with a huff.
"Come now Augusta." Tiberius said with a grin. "There is plenty of time for the others to arrive." He turned to Harry. "Come lad, I'll bet you've yet to have a taste of Firewhiskey and there's nothing to help these meetings pass by." He slung an arm around Harry's shoulders and guided him towards a bar set in the back wall.
"Tiberius I will not have you corrupting the boy so young." Augusta said as she quickly pulled the older man's arm off Harry. "Now get him a proper drink, come Harry I will show you to your seat." Harry allowed her to manhandle him as it wouldn't do to cause a scene. "I hear you in Ravenclaw, how do you find the house?"
"I like it quite well Madam." Harry replied.
She nodded. "I of course thought you would be in Gryffindor, like my young grandson. Tell me have you meet Neville?"
"I have not but I would be happy to seek him out when we return to Hogwarts." Harry answered, she nodded to him.
"I would appreciate it, he needs a proper influence if he's going to become a Lord." Harry had to hold back a snort of amusement at the comment. "Here we are."
They stood in front of a large wooden seat with a high back, at the top was the Potter family crest. Harry ran a hand over it. "A beautiful piece of craftsmanship."
"That they are." Harry turned to see Lord Boot behind them. "Tell me Lord Potter how is my young nephew Terry doing?"
"Well Lord Boot, he seems to enjoy Charms the most." Harry informed the man.
"Good, though I have a bone to pick with your Head of House." Rodrick said. "Seems he showed my nephew a rather embarissing article written about me." The man sighed. "You don't by chance have enough pull with Dumbledore to get it removed?" Harry chuckled.
"I have not had much contact with the Headmaster but he seems to be the kind of man who enjoys a good joke so I doubt he will let you." Harry replied, Rodrick sighed again before nodding and walking towards the bar.
Madam Longbottom clicked her tongue as he walked away. "Doing something so shameful to be publicized, it serves him right to be caught by his family." She then looked over as people entered the balcony. "If you will excuse me I need to speak with Lord Feilding." She then hurried off.
"Ah the vulture is circling again." Tiberius said as he approached and held out a drink for Harry. "Only the best for us Lords." He winked at Harry.
Harry took the glass and sniffed, he could tell it was alcohol and assumed the man ignored Madam Longbottom. "Thank you Lord Ogden."
"Bah Tiberius is fine lad." The man replied. "I'm to old to bother with pleasantries." He leaned in close. "Plus it's a hell of a lot more fun doing whatever I want." He let out a bark of laughter. "Cheers lad." Tapping Harry's glass the man threw his drink back, finishing off his drink. Harry took a hesitant drink to taste, the liquid burned his tongue and he flinched back. "Don't feel bad lad, takes a few to get used to it."
"I can imagine." Harry replied. "You seem almost immune to it." Ogden laughed again.
"It's Ogden's Firewhiskey lad." The older Wizard grinned. "Wouldn't be the Head of the Family if I couldn't handle a bit of fire now would I?"
"I suppose not." Harry replied with a grin of his own. "How long has you family been making Firewhiskey?"
"Since 1903, we started with beer but my great grandfather created this recipe after trying some muggle whiskey." Tiberius smiled. "Been our best product ever since." He suddenly frowned. "Bullocks, Percy's showed up." Harry looked over to see a Lord walking onto the balcony. "Trust me on this lad, never owe money to someone your forced to sit next to at least four times a year. Percy you old coot!" Ogden grinned as he walked towards the new arrival.
Harry watched amused as the man walked off, he definitely didn't think he would meet a man like him. Swirling the glass Harry brought it up and took a small sip again, it still burned but he pushed past it to get a taste. Walking to the railing Harry looked down as more Lords and Ladies filed into the room, he smirked as he thought of how the day was going to go.
Another thirty minutes of meeting people went by before Harry heard a gavel banging. "Everyone please take their seats!" Looking over Harry saw the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, sitting in his seat. "Welcome to our final meeting of the year." Fudge said with a smile. "Now I'm sure we all have other things to do today so let me make this as brief as possible." He nodded to everyone. "Now First I would like to welcome our newest Lords, first let us welcome the Boy-Who-Lived Lord Harry Potter." There was a polite applause for him and Harry stood and gave a nod. "And Lord Black." Everyone turned only to see the seat empty and whispering began filling the hall. "Order."
"Hem hem." Everyone turned as a woman, clad in all pink stood from her spot at the undersecretary desk. "Minister, it seems all those reports of their being a Lord Black were lies." She looked smug. "I suggest we start an investigation of the goblins or a false report."
"Excuse me madam undersecretary." Harry called out drawing everyone's attention. "But Lord Black is in fact here." Everyone seemed confused for a few seconds before it clicked, and then began the shouting. Harry was amused by it all but did his best to hold back his chuckle.
"ORDER ORDER!" Fudge yelled as he slammed the gavel. "Lord Potter this is no time for jokes, I will forgive you because of your age this time but next time you will be held accountable."
"Madam Longbottom." Harry said as he turned to the woman, seated on his left. "Surely you have seen the Black Family ring." Switching his rings Harry held out his hand, the elderly witch looked down and gasped before grabbing his hand and examining the ring further.
"He is telling the truth Minister." Augusta finally said. "He is Lord Black." Again the shouting commenced, this time he could hear more fury in the mix.
"ORDER!" Fudge finally yelled though he seemed a bit perplexed as well, he turned to Dumbledore and was speaking quietly to the man. After a minute of discussion.
"Well it seems we are welcoming just a single new Lord." Fudge announced. "Welcome Lord Potter-Black."
"Impossible!" Someone yelled and Harry looked down to see a man moving towards the Minister. "There is no way he can be Lord Black!"
"And why is that?" Harry called out as he moved back to his seat.
"You are a Half-blood that's why!" The man snarled as he spun and glared at Harry. "Only a Pureblood can take that mantle."
"I, Harry James Potter-Black, solemnly swear on my life and magic that I am Lord Black." Harry called out, he heard a few gasps and wasn't sure if it was because they thought he was lying or realized he was being truthful. He waited a few seconds before smiling. "Seems I'm still alive." Pulling out his wand he pointed it upwards."Lumos" His wand shot out a bright light and he cut it off after a few seconds. "Well what do you say now?"
The man was red with anger but kept his mouth shut as he stomped back to his seat, Harry knew he needed to figure out who the man was and keep an eye on him. Soon everyone else took their seats and Fudge regained control of the meeting, Harry patiently sat and listened as Fudge went over reports of the past year. "Now then is there any new business to discuss."
"I wish to discuss something Minister." Harry called out and stood.
Fudge nodded. "What business do you have for the Wizengamot Lord Potter-Black?"
"I have discovered someone has used the Black Family vote in the past decade." Harry announced causing whispers to pick up again.
"A serious crime, what proof do you have?" Fudge asked.
"I received the Ministry copy of Laws and the Black Family vote is noted down for several laws over the past decade since the fall of Voldemort." People gasped at the name and Fudge jumped a little.
"I see." Fudge said with a frown. "That is concreate evidence then, Amelia please assign someone to look into that." He looked down at the head of the DMLE, a stern looking redhead.
"Of course." She replied with a nod.
"Good." Fudge replied with a nod of his own. "We will keep you informed Lord Potter-Black."
"I thank you Minister but there is the matter of it still being used." Harry replied. "I find it a dishonor that it went on for so long and demand compensation, along with a change in the records to show the Blacks abstained in all votes, as it should have been."
"But how can we compensate you if we don't have a culprit?" Fudge asked.
"I believe in cases such as these the Ministry must pay Cornelius." Dumbledore replied from his seat. "When the culprit is caught we will be reimbursed." Fudge didn't look happy but nodded.
"Very well." He said then looked around. "Any other new business?" No one said anything. "Very well I call this meeting to an end." With a bang of his gavel everyone stood and started to leave, Harry noticed the man that had been upset about his Lord status pushed his way out quickly.
"That's Henry Lowther." Harry turned to see Ogden walking up to him. "Big blood purist, don't worry though he's al bark and no bite. Was brought up on charges of being a Death Eater but under Veritaserum he revealed to be too scared to fight." Harry nodded, he still was going to keep an eye out on the man. "Seems you're a little more then you seem as well."
Harry smirked. "If you will excuse me I need to speak with the Minister." Harry started to leave but paused. "It was nice meeting you Lord Ogden, until next time." The man chuckled and nodded to Harry.
As he walked down the stairs Harry drew his wand and hid it up his sleeve, he doubted anyone would try something but he wanted to be ready. He was a bit surprised to see Lucious standing at the bottom of the stairs, though not very. "Lord Malfoy." Harry said with a smile, the man stared at him for a minute before turning and storming off. Harry chuckled and shook his head before heading towards the minister's booth.
"Lord Potter-Black." Dumbledore said as he saw the boy approaching, Harry could see a bit of mirth in his eyes. "I must say this has been the most interesting meeting I have attended."
Harry grinned at the Headmaster. "I hope you enjoyed it sir?"
"Quite so, though I do have some questions about this Lord Black business." Dumbledore replied. "Perhaps we could meet later on?"
"I'm afraid I have a full schedule sir." Harry replied though he could have made time he had no interest in meeting with the man. "We will have to discuss it back at Hogwarts." Dumbledore frowned but nodded.
"Very well, have a wonderful holiday Lord Potter-Black." Dumbledore sighed and turned to leave.
Harry quickly made his way to the Minister, not wanting to get caught in a conversation again. "Minister Fudge." Harry called out to get the man's attention, who immediately cut off conversation with his Undersecretary and walked towards Harry with a large smile.
"Ah Lord Potter-Black, I must say you caused a bit of trouble today." Fudge said as he shook Harry's hand.
"I am sorry for that sir but I knew no one would believe me unless I was here." Harry replied. "Thus why I kept it a secret."
"Of course." Fudge nodded in understanding. "Though you could have trusted the Ministry."
"Gossip always finds a way sir." Harry cracked a smile and the man chuckled with a nod.
"True true." Fudge replied. "Now is there anything I can do for you?"
"Actually sir I hoped to talk with you and the Head of the DMLE." Harry answered somewhat quietly.
"Is there a problem?" Fudge asked as he turned. "Dolores please go and tell Amelia to meet me in my office immediately, come this way Lord Potter-Black." Harry nodded and quickly followed after the man. "Now what is it that needs my attention and the DMLE's?"
"I believe it best to wait until we are in a secure place to discuss this sir." Harry said. "I wouldn't want to cause a panic and this might."
Fudge paused for a second but quickly recovered, he was starting to get worried about what Harry wanted. "Yes well my office is just ahead." Fudge quickened his pace and soon was opening his office door for Harry.
The office was large with a massive desk on one end, paintings and pictures decorated all the walls. Two comfortable chairs were in front of the desk and a large plushy couch was against the right side of the doorway. "A lovely office sir."
"Thank you Lord Potter-Black." Fudge replied with a grin.
"Please sir, call me Harry." Harry said, knowing it would make the man like him more.
"Of course and feel free to refer to me as Cornelius." Fudge looked extremely pleased as he spoke but was cut off by a knock before he could continue. "Yes?"
"It's Amelia, you called for me?" Harry heard a woman's voice ask.
"Ah yes please come in Amelia." Fudge called out as he walked towards the door. Quickly the door opened and the redheaded witch from the Wizengamot entered, Harry could see some similarities between her and her niece Susan. "Amelia allow me to introduce Lord Potter-Back."
Harry walked and took the woman's hand. "A pleasure Madam Bones."
"Lord Potter-Black." She replied with a nod. "May I ask why I was called here?"
"Perhaps we can take a seat?" Harry asked as he gestured to the chairs.
"Of course." Fudge said as he moved towards the desk.
Taking a seat Harry leaned back in the chair. "As you now know I am Lord Black, what I didn't want to say was how I knew to become Lord Black. It seems Sirius Black named me his heir." Both adults gasped.
"What?" Bones asked shocked. "Why would he do that?"
"Surely there is some mistake?" Fudge said.
"That is what I want to find out." Harry replied. "I hoped to get a copy of the minutes from his trial to see if it reveled anything."
"I can see why you wished to talk in private." Fudge said as he pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed his head. "Black is a serious matter."
"I don't recall his trial." Amelia said as she rubbed her chin. "Though the Aruor's were quite busy at the time, I must have been on assignment." She looked to Fudge. "What about you Cornelius?"
"No but everything was very chaotic back then." Fudge answered. "I see no reason you couldn't get a copy." He said before looking at Amelia. "Do you agree Amelia?"
She paused for a second and then nodded. "I think it is fine." She stood and walked to the door. "Waters run down to the records room and get me a copy of the Sirius Black trial minutes." Harry heard a man mumble and she nodded before coming back in. "They should be here in a moment."
"Thank you Madam Bones." Harry said with a smile, his plan was going easier then he thought.
"So tell me Harry how are you enjoying Hogwarts?" Fudge asked, Harry fell into a conversation as they waited, though he found Fudge to be a bit annoying.
Soon enough someone knocked on the door. "Must be Waters." Amelia said as she turned to the door. "Enter." Harry wanted to chuckle at how she didn't even ask Fudge for permission. A lanky blonde haired man entered and he was sweating. "Well where is the copy?" Amelia asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"Um…well….ma'am we couldn't find the minutes." Waters fumbled out.
"What do you mean?" Amelia asked sternly as she stood.
"I went down and asked for the minutes and after a bit the woman, Rebecca Smith, came back and said she couldn't find them." He replied. "I even went back there and looked myself but they weren't there."
"Someone has stolen them?" Fudge asked as he stood. "Preposterous."
"Well sir you see I thought maybe it was misfiled so I had Rebecca look for the trial date, so we could look in similar date files, but we couldn't find that either." Waters spoke quickly and did his best to push the blame off of himself.
Amelia sighed. "Waters go and get me Barty Crouch." The man quickly nodded and ran out of the office.
"I apologize Harry." Fudge said. "It seems someone has made careless mistakes."
"Crouch will hopefully have an idea, he was our main judge at the time and would have been there." Amelia informed him. "He might even be able to give you a memory to view."
"Of course he will." Fudge quickly said. "And I can get you a pensive to watch it in."
"I have a pensive but I appreciate the thought sir." Harry said before another knock was heard.
"Enter." Both Fudge and Amelia said, a man with black robes entered.
"You called for me Amelia?" Crouch said as he looked at the rooms inhabitants.
"Yes it seems someone has misfiled the minutes for Sirius Blacks trial." She paused when she noticed him go pale. "Lord Potter-Black wanted a copy of them but since we can't find them we will need your memory of the trial, after all you were the judge correct?"
Crouch cleared his throat and pulled at his collar. "I think the minutes would be better, I shall go locate them."
"Barty!" Amelia snapped as the man moved towards the door. "What's going on?" She narrowed her eyes at him and pulled out her wand.
Crouches eyes darted from her to Fudge. "We were swamped and everyone knew he was guilty, I didn't see the problem."
"What are you talking about Crouch?" Fudge asked and Harry wanted to smack his forehead with how thick the man was.
"You threw him in Azkaban without a trial?" Amelia understood right away. "You gave your own son a trial!"
"He's guilty why does it matter?" Crouch yelled in his defense.
"Because I have questions." Harry replied and stood to look at the man. "About the death and betrayal of my parents." Crouch gulped as he saw Harry.
"Go back to your office Barty." Amelia ordered. "I will come by and we can have a long discussion about your future." The man paled but nodded and quickly fled. "If you have one." Amelia mumbled as he slammed the door.
"This is terrible." Fudge muttered as he dabbed his head again. "The prophet is going to have a field day with this."
"Don't worry Minister." Harry said. "It's not your fault Crouch failed to do his duty." Fudge perked up at the statement. "But it seems I am at a dead end." He frowned.
"Because he received no trial we will have to give him one." Amelia sighed out. "This is going to be a circus."
"If there is anything I can do please let me know Cornelius." Harry said. "And I hope you will inform me when the trial is, I would like to be there."
"Of course Harry." Fudge said as he stood and walked around the desk. "I will keep you informed but being in Azkaban for ten years will have taken its toll on him."
"I will order him moved to a holding cell in the department Cornelius." Amelia said. "With luck we can get him well enough to stand trial after the New Year."
Fudge nodded. "I agree, best to get this done with as quickly as possible." He turned to Harry. "If you need anything feel free to ask me Harry."
"Of course Cornelius." Harry said as he shook the man's hand. "Have a nice day Madam Bones." Harry gave her a nod before heading to the door, while it would take some time Sirius should be free sometime in January. "But I have other things to worry about until then." He thought as he exited the office and headed for the floo.