"Talking"

"Thoughts"

Disclamier: I do not own Harry Potter

Albus looked up from his desk as the Floo sparked to life. "Albus are you there?" He heard the voice of Severus ask.

Straightening his glasses Albus moved to the Floo. "Yes Severus I'm here, how may I help you?"

"Do you mind if I come through?" Snape asked. "Some business we should discuss and I'd rather not be kneeling the whole time."

"Of course." Dumbledore replied and stepped back to give Snape room to come through. He moved to his desk as the man came through and gestured to a chair. "What seems to be the matter?

Severus sighed and moved to the chair. "Odd happenings."

"Tea? Lemon Drop?" Dumbledore asked as he took his seat.

"No thank you." Severus replied with a shake of his head. "I'm here to see if you've heard the talk circulating amongst the Purebloods and older families?"

Dumbledore frowned, talking amongst that crowd did not lead to good results usually. "I have not heard much save a few worries from some concerned parents after the Halloween incident." Luckily nothing had happened since that night, it was a bit worrisome but he decided it was just a Pureblood joke to scare the Muggleborn's. "What has you worried?"

"Lucius has come to me asking if you had confided in me news of more attacks." Severus answered. "Others from the old days have also been meeting with Pureblood families not associated with them usually, word is going around after the Troll incident last year, that you may not be as in control at Hogwarts as you claim."

Dumbledore frowned. "No students have been injured beyond normal injuries these past two years." True the incidents were not normal and could cause alarm but he saw nothing to indicate he was doing a bad job.

"Lucius is up to something." Severus replied. "He seems nervous that nothing odd is going on, he even spoke kindly to Arthur Weasely the other day in plain sight of everyone at the Ministry." That surprised Dumbledore.

"Did you happen to overhear what they discussed?" Albus asked curiously.

"Apparently they were involved in some sort of disagreement when they ran into each other shopping for their children's supplies." Snape reported. "Lucius apologized, claiming some ridiculous reason about a bad business deal that day, and asked how his family was getting along." Snape shook his head. "But worst of all Fudge was meeting with Bones about Hagrid."

"What?" Dumbledore was again surprised. "What could they have possibly.." It struck him. "The last time the chamber was opened." He sighed and shook his head. "That is worrisome."

Snape nodded. "Another plot by Lucius no doubt, he may have slipped in his finances but still holds power over much of the Pureblood Faction. Though I have no idea what he is planning."

Albus leaned back into his chair and sighed. "If Hagrid is arrested Lucius will most assuredly remind everyone I was the one who hired him."

"Casting more doubt on your ability to run the school." Snape finished for him. "What would you have me do?"

"Keep in touch with Lucius and see if you can discover what it is he is up to." Albus answered after a second. "I will reach out to some of my friends to see what Lucius and the others are discussing with them."

Severus nodded and stood to leave, Albus waited until the Floo went dark before massaging his head. The immediate problem would be protecting Hagrid; he couldn't worry about what the Pureblood families were up to until he discovered what they were discussing. "Sirius would surely come to his defense, if anyone knows of false imprisonment it would be him." Thinking of Sirius suddenly made Albus think of Harry. "He did hire that lawyer against Severus and I believe he has a soft spot for Hagrid." "Willow."

A house elf popped into the office. "Yes Headsmasters?"

"Would you please tell Professor Flitwick I would like to speak with Harry Potter when both are available?" Albus asked.

"Yes sirs." Willow answered and popped away.

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Harry walked beside Flitwick into the Headmaster's office, all the while wondering what he was being called in for. Ever since the chamber run in with Ginny he hadn't been up to anything, and he doubted she had told anyone she was committing the acts or possessed. He was surprised when the girl started talking to Luna, who he was still watching over, it turns out they were old friends. Luna confided she was glad Ginny was no longer bothered by whatever magical creatures she saw around her and was happy to have her friend back.

"Filius, Lord Potter-Black." Dumbledore nodded to both as they came into the office. "Thank you for coming so quickly."

"Of course Albus." Flitwick replied as he hopped into a chair. "May I ask why you called for Harry, at least I assume you wanted to speak to him and I'm just here as his Head of House."

"Word has reached me that Hagrid may soon find himself in a bit of hot water so to say and I was hoping Lord Potter-Black might offer assistance." Dumbledore said, Flitwick gasped while Harry straightened in his seat.

"What could Hagrid have possibly done?" Flitwick asked.

"Do you happen to know the reason he was expelled?" Dumbledore asked.

Flitwick paused for a second. "Oh dear, but surely no one could blame him again."

"May I ask what is going on Headmaster?" Harry asked, he didn't like being kept in the dark and he highly doubted Hagrid of all people could have done something wrong.

"Of course Lord Potter-Black." Dumbledore replied. "You see the last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened there was a death and Hagrid was blamed and expelled." He sighed. "While we have had no deaths, or any problems since Halloween, I fear someone is out to discredit me and use Hagrid as a means."

"How so Headmaster?" Harry asked curiously.

"Why I was the one who hired him as groundskeeper." Dumbledore answered. "I believe they will use him, along with the troll incident last year, to try and remove me from my position."

Harry nodded. "I hope you do not take offense in me saying whoever thought Hagrid capable of allowing someone to die and not taking the blame for it is an idiot." Dumbledore chuckled and shook his head. "I will of course be happy to ensure Hagrid not only escapes this injustice but that he is forgiven for his past." Harry stood. "If you will excuse me I should contact my lawyers right away, do you by chance know when they will press charges?"

"I do not." Dumbledore replied. "But now that I am aware of your concern and involvement I will be sure to not only notify you should they arrive for Hagrid but make sure they are aware of who is helping him." Harry nodded and left the office.

"Albus who is trying to displace you from Hogwarts?" Flitwick asked after Harry was gone.

Dumbledore frowned. "I cannot be positive but signs point to Lucius Malfoy."

"I see." Flitwick said and got to his feet. "Albus we may not always see eye to eye but in my opinion you do as good a job as any Witch or Wizard would, if not more."

"Thank you Filius." Dumbledore replied, touched by the words. Flitwick nodded and then headed out the door.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hagrid's Hut xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

William Walker and Harry moved through the chilling air towards Hagrid's home, Harry had given the lawyer a quick rundown of the possible problem and Walker decided he should meet with Hagrid to get the facts straight. Harry had gotten Dumbledore's permission to bring the man to Hogwarts and even informed Hagrid of the possible arrest, which Harry was glad for as this would have been an awkward conversation if not. Arriving Harry banged on the door and the sound of Fang's barking filled the air.

"Back Fang, get ya mug way from the door." Hagrid's voice boomed out as he opened the door. "Ello Harry, sir." Hagrid nodded to Walker and then moved back. "Come in, get you outta the cold."

"Thank you Hagrid." Harry said as they walked inside, Fang began sniffing around them.

"William Walker Mr. Hagrid." William introduced himself and shook Hagrid's hand.

"Pleasure Mr. Walker." Hagrid replied. "I thank ye and Harry for elpin me out with this mess."

"Everyone deserves justice Mr. Hagrid." Walker said as he looked around the hut. "Now Lord Potter-Black has informed me some of your past and how it might be twisted to incarcerate you but there are things we need to get clear." He opened his case and pulled out a quill, ink and parchment before clearing a spot on a table. "First about the incident in question that lead to your expulsion, who was it that accused you of having the beast that killed one Myrtle Warren."

"Tom Riddle." Hagrid said sadly as he sat down. "He was a Slytherin Prefect, also claimed I was raising werewolves cubs and wrestling trolls in the Forbidden Forest."

Walker quickly scratched that all down. "I see, and do you happen to know whatever happened to this Mr. Riddle."

Hagrid shrugged. "Not sure, not a bloke I'd keep up with." Walker nodded while Harry held back a smile, wondering what they would do if they knew who Riddle was.

"Well if you are brought up on charges we will demand him to come and go on trial as well." Walker replied. "If we can get his accusations thrown out it will help. Now what creature was it you were actually raising in the school?"

Hagrid fidgeted. "Names Aragog, hes an Acromantula."

Walker paused and looked up at Hagrid. "An Acromantula, those can be quite dangerous but as far as I know cannot paralyze nor kill without leaving marks." He wrote. "And from my own research no marks of any kind were found on the bodies."

"Aragog never hurt a soul." Hagrid said quickly. "Only eat the scraps I snuck to him."

"I did not accuse him." Walker replied. "Merely making sure I have the right facts, though I will say Mr. Hagrid with this information I can indeed keep you from going to Azkaban but an Acromantula is classified as a XXXXX Beast. Raising one in a school with no permits or qualifications would guarantee you an expulsion and a heavy fine." Hagrid frowned.

"Is there no way to get his wand back?" Harry asked, Walker hummed.

"That could be a bit tricky but expulsion from a school does not guarantee the snapping of a wand. We could argue he should be allowed his wand back." Walker muttered before writing more down.

"Could I get a Mastery then?" Hagrid asked. "Always wanted to try m'hand at teachin."

"Well it could be difficult but with proper backing and introductions you could achieve it." Walker replied than looked at the parchment he had been writing on. "I believe with this information we should, instead of waiting, make a case to have Mr. Hagrid's wand returned to him."

"Ya think'n that be smart?" Hagrid asked.

"I agree." Harry said. "If we beat it to the punch we can avoid more problems and it's on our terms."

"I can draft a proposal and have it to the D.M.L.E by tomorrow." Walker said as he began packing up his things. "Mr. Hagrid I would advise if anyone does approach you about anything involving this matter to immediately find Lord Potter-Black or Albus Dumbledore, say nothing to them no matter what they may say to you."

Hagrid nodded and stood up to shake the man's hand. "I can't thank ya enough Mr. Walker, mean a lot to me even if ya can't talk em into getting me wand back."

Walker patted he man's hands. "Think nothing of it Mr. Hagrid."

"I will see you away Mr. Walker." Harry said and stood. "It was good seeing you Hagrid."

"Thank you to Arry." Hagrid said with a smile, Harry nodded and left with Walker.

"The case seems better than I originally thought." Harry said as they walked.

"I spoke true in there." Walker replied. "Especially if I toss your name around as well."

"Do it." Harry replied.

"Very well Lord Potter-Black." Walker replied.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ministry of Magic, London xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cornelius Fudge was a bit nervous as he waited for Amelia Bones, she had called him earlier today saying she needed to discuss something that showed up on her desk today. He was nervous because only things of grave importance crossed her desk and he was not sure what that could be involving him.

"Minister." Fudge nearly jumped as Delores Umbridge, his Undersecretary, waltzed into the room.

"Delores please knock." Fudge said as he used a handkerchief to wipe his brow. "Now how can I help you, I'm expecting Amelia Bones for a meeting."

The plump woman raised an eyebrow. "Whatever for? You are quite busy looking over these budget proposals." She lifted the files she was holding and moved to place them on his desk.

"I'm not sure but she does not make appointments for no reason." Fudge replied.

"I do not." Amelia said from the doorway. "However this will be quick." She walked into the office and handed a file to Fudge. "Today I was visited by William Walker, a lawyer from Walker and Allen, and he presented me with this. Now I bring this up because you had me research the incident involving Rubeus Hagrid a few days ago."

"The Hogwarts halfbreed groundskeeper?" Delores said sharply, Amelia had to close her eyes and calm herself. She did not like Delores at all, especially the woman's hatred of everything not Pureblood

"What is all of this?" Fudge asked as he scanned the file. "Their claiming the incident was a mistake?"

"Yes." Amelia replied. "This is stating that Hagrid did not release the beast dubbed "Slytherin's Beast" or open the chamber. As such they believe the snapping of his wand should be revoked."

"Preposterous." Delores declared. "The Ministry does not make mistakes."

"Sirius Black." Amelia shot back and Delores sputtered. "Cornelius I simply wanted to bring to your attention that someone is looking into the matter as well."

"How can a man who lives in a hut afford an attorney?" Fudge muttered as he read over the file. "Ah here's something."

"Minister?" Delores asked intrigued, she may not know what he was doing but would do what she could so the Ministry did not look bad.

"Right here." He pointed to a paragraph. "They are not asking for reinstatement to Hogwarts for him because he does admit to raising a Classification XXXXX Beast."

"Highly illegal." Delores claimed.

"But in the event the Beast has not harmed any person or property it is only punishable by a fine." Amelia informed them.

"Hmph, I doubt he makes enough tending to the grounds to pay such a fine." Umbridge said. "And if he cannot then he will just have to spend some time in Azkaban, where he was going to end up anyway.

"Most likely he will get a loan from or have it paid by the same person who hired a lawyer for him." Amelia replied. "Lord Potter-Black."

Cornelius stiffened. "Potter is helping with this?" He suddenly had a large reservation about the whole thing. "Well maybe we were a bit rash, Amelia could you have a trusted Auror look into the matter and report back their findings?"

Amelia smirked at Delores who looked shocked. "Kingsley Shacklebolt would be happy to, he was one of the men who helped with Sirius Black. I'm sure he will do everything by the book and even Lord Potter-Black will be happy with the results."

"Excellent." Fudge replied and closed the file. "Now if you will both excuse me I need some alone time." Both woman nodded and left the office, though Umbridge narrowed her eyes at Amelia's back as they left. Fudge sighed as they closed the door and wiped his brow again, Lucius had been the one to bring Hagrid's prior deeds to his attention and he did think it was a good way to show the people the Ministry was still strong especially with the Scilly Island incidents. Of course now that Harry Potter was involved those thoughts were different. "Lucius has always had my back before but if I start looking to Potter I gain a lot more, especially with his losing face last year." He grinned at that idea and the thought of getting Harry Potter to the Ministry Winter Ball so they could be seen together.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Gringotts xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Welcome Lord Potter-Black." Goldtooth said as Harry walked into his office.

"Lord Potter-Black." Ripjaw said from the end of the desk. "Thank you for coming today."

"Goldtooth, Ripjaw." Harry said with a nod to both. "What news do you have for me."

"For the Potter accounts all is going relatively well." Goldtooth answered. "A few of the newer companies that you had me invest in did not pan out. I was able to get a small amount of your investment back but it was a loss." He slid a piece of parchment to Harry as the young Wizard sat. "These are the companies and your total loss."

Harry sighed. "Unfortunate but somethings don't always work out."

Ripjaw slid a piece of parchment to Harry as well. "These are your losses for the Black accounts." Harry nodded and looked the parchment over. "But we did not call this meeting to bare only bad news, it seems that a few inhabitants of the Scilly Islands are looking to sell off their lands."

"Are they now?" Harry put the papers down. "How much land and where?"

Goldtooth picked up a piece of parchment. "A fair amount though the best deals would be from the Mannering's and Swinney. They are next to each other and would give you about ten acres of land, more than enough for your plans."

"And they are the smallest lots with no businesses near them so they will not be as sort after as the others." Goldtooth informed him.

"With your permission we will begin negotiating." Ripjaw said. "With a bit of luck the people causing problems on the islands might just increase their assaults and we might be able to drop the price by a few hundred galleons." Both goblins grinned at him, after all Harry may not have told them but when he said to be on the lookout for sales and then suddenly there are assaults for the first time since Voldemort on the islands, well they weren't stupid.

Harry smirked back. "We can only hope Ripjaw, we will need to start also setting up bids for contractors, architects, warders and the like." Harry hummed. "If possible reach out internationally, might drive local business's with a corner on the market to drop prices some. This will be a Potter venture only as well." Goldtooth nodded and began writing while Ripjaw growled but nodded, he didn't like losing out on such a grand enterprise. "Ripjaw take the properties Goldtooth has found in Diagon Alley and find the best deal then begin the same measures for construction, that will be exclusively a Black family venture."

"Yes Lord Potter-Black." Ripjaw replied, pleased he was getting something at least.

"Hopefully by summer we will be in business Ripjaw." Harry said.

"I will begin immediately Lord Potter-Black." Ripjaw replied, time was money after all.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hogwarts xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Harry walked into the common room with a small smile on his face, despite the recent hiccups with Voldemort things were going well for him. If it all went well he will have a new business for both families to deal with for years to come.

"Hello Harry Potter." Harry turned and saw Luna sitting at a table with two books opened and parchment in front of her.

"Luna." Harry said. "How are you today?"

"I am well thank you." Luna replied. "I hope your business went well, I've been trying hard to learn about gambling for the summer."

Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Why would you need to wait for summer?"

"Daddy didn't give me any spending money for Hogwarts so I will have to wait for the summer." Luna replied with a smile than went back to her work.

Harry stared at her for a few seconds, his mind reeling at the fact she could say things so meaningful but to anyone else completely random. "Luna, what exactly do you mean by that?" Harry asked quietly and sat down next to her. "After all school is closed for the summer and we won't be here to bet."

"Not here but at your new pub." Luna replied. "Daddy would probably like to have an interview after you announce it."

Harry was even more bewildered. "How could she possibly know about something that hasn't even began to be built or planned?" "Luna no one knows about that so how do you?" He didn't feel like playing games with her about this.

"I saw it." She replied casually but stopped writing.

"Saw it? As in you're a seer?" Harry asked now intrigued.

Luna hummed. "Possibly, I do not choose what I see and cannot look for anything specifically like a true seer could." She shrugged. "I get glimpses of things that could possibly happen, not everything does but some do. I think yours will because you are not someone who would let his plans fail easily and I knew you were going to Gringotts today so when you came in happy its logical to think it's about that."

Harry chuckled, he honestly found this all amusing. "I see, well I hope you can keep it all to yourself."

"Of course it would be very rude to tell people about your business before you do." Luna replied.

"Well thank you Luna." Harry said and got up. "And if you see any…Nargles was it?" Luna nodded. "Around me please do let me know." He got up to leave.

"Okay Harry." Luna replied and went back to her homework. Harry wondered if he could use this but with her unable to focus her abilities he doubted it.

"But if I keep up good relations with her I'll bet she would be more than happy to tell me of any impending problems." Harry thought.