Victor Whitehall sat at the table watching the flames burn brightly. He knew soon that it would be time soon to see if Lily Potter had indeed been his daughter. It wasn't long after the news about the court date broke that the Pureblood Elite started demanding answers. The Daily Prophet reported that Willow was discovered in America and that she was Harry's sister. They didn't know where in America she had been or the specifics of how she was adopted by an American Muggle family but the possible truth behind Lily's origins had been leaked. Whitehall himself had made sure of this as he didn't trust Dumbledore and believed the man would possibly try to cover it up in some way.
Victor had contacted Marcy the day after he had meet with Edward Winslow. She had immediately filed papers to pursue custody of his grandchildren. He had Charles Braner leak the story to the press to block any attempt Dumbledore tried to make and had him hire a work crew to repair and refurbish Whitehall Manor in Scotland.
He moved to France when he married Nanora but never sold his lands in England. When his wife died, he inherited all her land and money as she had no close family to claim it. When he moved back to England, he sold off Nanora's property cheap to her distant relatives and bought an acre of land on Enchanted Island and built Whitehall Cottage. Now that he would be gaining custody of his grandchildren Whitehall Manor would be restored to its former glory. He would keep the cottage as it didn't cost much to maintain.
Snarltooth looked at Whitehall and asked. "Lord Whitehall, if you would provide a small sample of your blood for testing so we could verify whether Lady Lily Potter was your daughter or not, we can conclude with the testing." Victor didn't hesitate as he pulled out a small vial and filled it with blood from his left index finger. He quickly passed it to the Goblin.
Snarltooth took the vial and pored the blood on another ruin to the left of the circle he drew around Harry and Willow's blood. With a single swish of his finger the blood outside the circle glowed. It began to pulse a red light as it moved towards the circle containing the children's blood. It passed through the barrier with minimal resistance. "Let it be known that on this day, July 1, 1993, I Snarltooth of Gringotts, do so confirm That Lady Lily Potter was the daughter of Lord Victor Whitehall. This makes both Harry and Willow Potter the soul hairs to the Whitehall family." Once again, there was a flurry of quills as the reporters started writing.
Judge Hawthorn waited for the noise to die down before continuing. "Now that the matter of blood verification is closed, we will move on to the matter of custody. It is my understanding that Harry has lived with his Muggle relatives sense 1981 but the Dursley family will not be contesting custody of Harry nor seek to gain custody of Willow. Is this true Professor Dumbledore?"
"Yes, your Honor, it is true. The Dursleys do not believe they are able to fully take care of three children. They also do not wish to separate Harry and Willow so decided to relinquish their rights to custody." Albus said. The truth was Petunia was livid when she discovered that she would be required to take custody of a niece she didn't even know about.
As soon as Albus had learned about Whitehall he went to the Dursley's home, without Auror Gibbs, to talk with the family. Albus had tried to explain the situation about Whitehall to Petunia but apparently, she already knew. It had been a privet matter that Lily was conceived as the result of an affair. Both Petunia and Lily had always known they were half-sisters. Oddly, no one ever thought that Lily's magic could have come from her biological father. The late Mrs. Evens never mentioned the man's name nor did she speak of anything odd about him, so everyone assumed he was normal.
There was nothing Albus could do but gather Harry and his belongings and leave. He had taken Harry back to Hogwarts to await the Goblin blood verification herring. It wasn't long after that the herring was changed to the Ministry so all matters could be resolved at once. Auror Gibbs was still angry that Albus had gone behind his back and meet the Dursleys without him.
"Very well. Mr. Winslow, I was also told that the family that adopted Willow had died. Is there no one in America that would wish to fight for custody of Ms. Potter?" Hawthorn asked.
"She has a large gathering of friends your Honor, but no one that believes they would win custody of her against Lord Whitehall." Eddie explained. "Ira and Sheila Rosenberg had no living family ether."
"I understand that you, Albus Dumbledore, applied to be the guardian of both Potter children. Could you explain to the court why you believe you should gain custody instead of Lord Whitehall?" Hawthorn inquired.
"Certainly, your Honor." Albus began. "My reasons for wanting custody are quite simple. I want to honor Lily and James Potter and what they stood for. The Potter's have always been a wizarding family that desired equal rights for both magic and non-magic people. They bravely fought Voldemort and his Death Eaters to insure they were brought to justice for all their atrocities. They sought equal rights for Werewolves and various other magical creatures. They would have wanted their children brought up in such a way as to honor those values. I believe Lord Whitehall could inevitable undermine their wishes."
"Objection your Honor! The clams of Albus Dumbledore are unfounded and bias towards nothing but vicious rumors about my client. The Supreme Mugwump is only trying to shine a dark light on Lord Whitehall's claim of custody by bringing up lies told about him over a decade ago." Exclaimed Marcy Goodman. "What gives him the right to say that Lord Whitehall would undermine his late daughter's wishes regarding Harry and Willow?"
Dumbledore rain a hand threw his beard and said. "Going back generations the Potters and the Whitehalls have been political adversaries on just about every aspect and argument for the last three hundred years. It is also well known that Acel, Marq, and Tavin, Victor Whitehalls own sons, fought and died as Death Eaters. Lord Whitehall has been known to associate with several people who, at one time, where considered to possible be Death Eaters. I am not saying that the man is guilty of anything, but where he stands on certain political issues is clear. I believe that if the Potters where alive today they would clash heavily against Whitehall in every aspect of our society. I believe that the wishes of the Potters should be taken into consideration and that is why I applied for custody."
"So, you believe that should my client gain custody of Harry and Willow he'll have them grow up to be Death Eaters? That he would want them to follow the same path that got their uncles killed? Do you honestly believe he wanted his sons to turn out the way they did?" Asked Goodman.
"Of course not." said Dumbledore. "However, we cannot overlook the possibility that Lord Whitehall's actions and decisions in the way he raised his sons lead to that unfortunate outcome. As the parent some of the blame does rest on his shoulders."
"Enough!" Shouted Judge Hawthorn. "Must I remind you all that this is not a court case but a hearing to see if we can resolve all matters without a court case. If the Courts and the Ministry agree on all aspects of this hearing there will be no need for a custody case. In my own opinion I see no legal reason that would keep Lord Victor Whitehall from becoming the legal guardian of his grandchildren. Do you have anything to say Madam Undersecretary Umbridge?
"No, Judge Hawthorn, I do not." Dolores Umbridge said with a false giggle. "Why I can understand Headmaster Dumbledore's concerns regarding the Potters possible wishes for their children, I see no legal reason to name him guardian based on the argument. The political stance regarding those of lesser blood is irrelevant." Dolores gave a small shrug of her shoulders and put a false smile on her face.
"Then, unless new evidence is brought to light, Lord Whitehall shall have soul custody of his grandchildren." Explained Argus Hawthorn. "Let us know move on to Magical Guardian Rights for the Potter children. Mr. Winslow, do you have anything to say in regarding Willow Potter's Magical Rights Guardian?"
"Yes, your Honor I do." Edward began. "It would seem we can't resolve this matter simple. The main problem comes from the fact Willow herself can't move to England with the way your legal system is set up. The wandless magic she practices would get her locked up for about forty years the moment she crossed international waters without a protective visa. However, a protective visa won't work if she becomes a citizen of England because, they only apply to people who are visiting England from Wandless territories and countries."
"Ehm." Delores interrupted with a fake cough. "Excuse me young man but I don't see the problem. Ms. Potter will have to conform to the proper magics of the English Wizarding Community and simply forgo her usual barbaric outdated practices of wandless magic."
Though no one else would have phrased it so rudely most where thinking the same thing. Albus didn't care what magic the girl used as long as she didn't hurt herself and Victor just wanted his granddaughter but nether understood why what magic she practiced would be a problem.
Edward addressed everyone when he spoke. "Like almost everyone in this room, Willow was born with a celestial magical core. Unlike anyone in this room Willow practiced other forms of magic that we are unfamiliar with. Some of the magical rights that she has invoked always keep a permanent magical ability continuously active. There are also a few meditation and magic control practices she needs to do periodically to keep her magic under full control, so it doesn't harm herself or others. With the process of integration other magics have gone through with in herself, Willow can simply never quit using Earth and Spirit Magics. Not without potentially fatal consequences."
Judge Hawthorn taped his fingers on the table thinking. Finally, he said. "This does pose a problem. Does the A.R.W.K. have a solution?"
"Yes, your Honor they do." said Eddie. "Since England doesn't fully acknowledge the rights and customs of Free Magic countries and territories, Willow will be made an official citizen of the A.R.W.K., sense they do, and be given diplomatic status. We can see no other way around the issue unless any of you know away."
There was a lot of low talk and whispers coming from the crowed as the reporters began to talk among themselves. This was an interesting turn of advents.
"The laws regarding wandless magic and the illegal practice of wandless magic are quite clear. We will have to see if an exception could be made for Ms. Potter. Albus suggestions?" asked Hawthorn.
"I can think of nothing that could legally allow Ms. Potter to continue practicing wandless magic unless we simply make an exception in her case. I do believe diplomatic immunity is a little extreme." said Dumbledore.
"Unfortunately, a simple exception won't work. The A.R.F.M. will not relinquish Willow to wizarding custody until she has the protection of diplomatic immunity. A simple exception could be unfairly taken away later whereas immunity cannot." explained Eddie.
"They can't keep my granddaughter! They have no right. I'm her blood she belongs with me as well as her brother Harry!" exclaimed Victor.
"I'm afraid Lord Whitehall they can. England does not recognize the A.R.F.M. as its own country. They see the whole country as a territory of the A.R.W.K. so there for have no legal agreements with the A.R.F.M. and its courts. If they decide to keep her and hide her away for her own protection, they will. Even when it comes to protective visas a wandless practitioner must obtain one from a country that does recognize wandless magic rights before they come to England and various other countries that don't recognize wandless magic. With the way some people have been handled when they come to your country with protective visas, there are a lot of people in the A.R.F.M. that don't wont Willow coming her for any reason." said Eddie.
There was a loud uproar form the benches as everyone in attendance tried to talk over themselves. Argus Hawthorn began to wave his wand threw the air and send out loud bangs. An Auror came in from outside and stood by the door to await orders.
"Order in the court! Order in the court! Any more outbursts like that and I'll have you all thrown out." shouted Judge Hawthorn. Finally, everyone began to settle down. "The discussion of Willow Potter's diplomatic status will have to wait until the Wizengamot can convene on July 3 in two days."
Harry was angry with what he was hearing. Dumbledore had explained to him the difference in a wizarding country and a free magic country when he had asked questions about Willow. He understood that England didn't acknowledge free magic territories because of the arguments about the other forms of magic and their supposed inferior capability compared to wizarding magics. Now it would seem that wizard bigotry would get in the way of him and his sister reuniting. He wondered if he would be allowed to go and visit his sister, or if she would actually be hidden away somewhere.
Albus was confused. He understood the need to protect Willow from unfair laws that could potentially be used against her later on, should the political climate turn for the worst, but couldn't see what the problem would be now. He decided to get the discussion back to the Magical Guardian issue. He was still hopeful he could retain the magical guardian rights to Harry and get Willow's.
"I do not see how this will be a problem in deciding the Magical Guardian for Harry and Willow, Mr. Winslow?" Dumbledore politely inquired.
"That's because, Professor Dumbledore, if you allow Willow diplomatic immunity, she'll be under the legal system of the A.R.W.K., not the England Ministry of Magic. The American laws regarding Magical Guardian are not as strict as England. This woman next to me is my client as well and is a well-known Vampiress named Drusilla." explained Eddie.
"Why would you bring such a creature here? Are you insane? She could try to kill everyone here!" Exclaimed Umbridge.
Judge Hawthorn banged his wand again to restore order. "Mr. Winslow, I told you I knew who this woman was before we began. Despite the fact she is with you, the law offers her no protection and I could order her destroyed right know if I wanted." The Auror by the door made to draw his wand but the Judge waved him off. Delores looked like she was on the verge of shock and Drusilla looked at the ceiling. She didn't appear to have any clue what was going on.
Eddie reached into his waist pocket and pulled out a scroll. "This is a legal document signed by both the American Magical President, the American Muggle President, and the Muggle Prime Minister that protects Drusilla from termination while she is in England until this matter is resolved. Although it was signed by the Muggle Prime Minister it must still be honored by the Wizarding Community." Eddie passed the scroll to Argus.
After looking it over the Judge gave a nod. "Very well. We will honor the document. The moment this hearing is concluded she must leave England or be destroyed. Know, why is she here?"
"Under England law a Vampire cannot hold any title or legal position including Magical Guardian. Under American law no creature without a mortal soul or full spectrum of human emotion can hold any title or legal position." Eddie stated.
"We know this already. We are the ones who wrote those laws and the wording is a small mater. All Vampires are soulless corpses that are controlled and enhanced by the demon soul that inhabits them." said Delores hotly.
"That may be true Madam Undersecretary, but my client is not soulless. Threw a series of events she and her chide William had their souls restored to them in the seventy's. Drusilla has been Willow's Magical Guardian since Willow was eight. If Willow is allowed diplomatic immunity Drusilla will remain Guardian." explained Eddie.
"What you are saying is impossible, Mr. Winslow, do you have any proof. I am afraid we simply can't take your word on this as we have never seen such a thing. How do we know this isn't some sort of lie?" Asked Delores.
"A simple chick of her aura would suffice. If she has an aura, she has a soul." explained Dumbledore. With that he took out his wand a gave it a wave. Immediately blues, reds, greens, and blacks, began to form around Drusilla. She clapped her hands together like a little child and exclaimed "There so pretty."
Everyone looked at her oddly, but no one could deny she had a soul. "This still doesn't matter. She will simply have to relinquish control of those rights to Lord Whitehall." Said Umbridge.
The room seemed to grow colder as Drusilla focused on Delores Umbridge. Delores found it much harder to breath and had a strong urge to soil herself as she grew pail. "The little tree gave to me her trust when she asked me to take guardianship. I will relinquish my rights only when she asks me to. Her and no one else." Drusilla went back to staring at the ceiling calmly as if nothing had been said.
Dumbledore's mind was thinking quickly. There was only one possible conclusion where this was headed. He also believed it could be a potential disaster. "If Willow is given diplomatic immunity then that would also mean Harry and Lord Whitehall would have to share in that immunity. If so, then not only could Drusilla attempt to keep guardianship of Willow she could also apply for Harry's. She has also been Willow's Magical Guardian since she was eight giving her the strongest claim to the Potter children's magical rights. Is this what you are after Mr. Winslow?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore, this is what I've been leading up to this whole time. You should also know that should diplomatic immunity be granted then the matter of Magical Guardian will be resolved in an American court." Eddie explained.
Harry was a little worried about what he was happening. He didn't fully understand what a Magical Guardian did, but he would rather have someone he knew rather than a Vampire he didn't. However, she seemed to have affection for Willow. He honestly didn't know what to think.
The reporters in the stands began to talk among themselves again. The Judge was forced to regain order again. Finally, he addressed the whole room when he said. "This will conclude the hearing for today. The matter of Magical Guardian shall remain open for now. Albus Dumbledore shall holed magical guardianship of Harry Potter and Drusilla shall holed magical guardianship over Willow until the courts decide what will happen. Harry Potter and Willow Potter are now under the sole custody of their grandfather Lord Victor Whitehall. Is there anything else that must be addressed at this time?" The Judge asked.
"I am afraid there is one more thing your honor." Edward said. "The Healers at the Los Angeles Loving Angels Arms Hospital in California would like the body of Lily Potter to be exhumed and shipped to them. They believe the remaining magical core within Lady Lily's body could be used to greatly help in Willow's recovery."
These time there was no way to restore order to the reporters.