August the 12th. Hastingstown.
The cracking sound of the apparition signaled the appearance in the back alley of two persons, two women to be more precise. Nymphadora Tonks, dressed in civil clothing, looked out of their spot to see that they haven't been detected, letting her to let out a sigh of relief, as well as to signal her companion an all clear signal. Once she got it, Bellatrix Black, formerly Lestrange, had let out a sigh of relief as well, before she and her companion went out of the alley and onto the streets of the town, with people upon which they came across graciously greeting them in a polite fashion.
It was a relatively small town, barely over seven thousand souls, with the majority of the buildings being only up to two or three levels highs and made in a traditional British style. It had a sense of good old English hospitality and an air of a Victorian era in, as if the time had somehow stopped here and allowed the old era to be preserved here. Of course, that wasn't entirely true, as there were modern automobiles, shops and other stuff, but overall the atmosphere was truly one of an old small English town, of which there are so many romances.
While Nymphadora was taking it all in, Bellatrix was trying her best to relax and let go of the anxiety that she has been feeling for all day, not helped by the fact that she was literally surrounded by Muggles. As a pureblooded Black witch, Bellatrix has associated herself only with the Wizarding World, and has barely ever left it to see the Muggle Britain, and that was ages ago, back before her aunt and father had made her into a murderous psychopath in service of Voldemort. She still shuddered when recalling her darker self, or a fake persona, which ever it was, but at least now she had left her suicidal and self-pitying tendencies behind her, having once more acquired the inner will and strength, thanks to her family.
Regulus hadn't lied when he said that he'd be able to set up a hearing for Bellatrix in a jiffy, and that he did. Barely two days passed after her mental release, Bellatrix faced an ICW's Court, where in a private session, with all the evidences that Regulus and Cassiopeia had presented of Bellatrix having been controlled through Dark Magical Arts, she was pardoned of her crimes and exonerated. She was in shock and tears when she had heard, her feet failing her, and only thanks to Regulus and Andromeda, who had come to support her, did she not plant her face into the floor. Right after she was released, Andromeda and Ted Tonks took Bellatrix into their house, where Cassiopeia and Andromeda began to heal here, a process which was by now largely complete, but the recuperation time had allowed her to reconnect with her family.
Regulus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda were the first to accept her back, with Andromeda not leaving her sister's side for long hours, spending them together in talks and recounts of what had happened. Bellatrix was most grateful to Andromeda for these talks, as well as for just being there for her and helping her. She had also gained a chance to get to know Ted Tonks and their daughter more closely, and she now understood completely why Arcturus liked the guy, which said volumes already.
Ted and Nymphadora were easy-going, caring and kind, but also internally strong and protective, with Ted definitely being the head of the family, even if he let Andromeda say otherwise. Nymphadora, though initially on the defensives, did connect with her aunt, especially through the fact that Bella's daughter and Andy's daughter were closest friends. Bellatrix had spent hours just listening about her daughter's life, only daring to interrupt Nymphadora when she wanted more details on something. Nymphadora didn't mind at all talking with her aunt, and it was clear by now that they were close. Cassiopeia had never been all too close to most of the Blacks, having been the closest with Dorea and her children and grandchildren, but she accepted Bellatrix without any hostilities, which was already something. Faye trusted her husband's word, and too had accepted Bellatrix, but it was clear that the two would need to first learn one another before they would become friends.
The same was true about Henry and Rose Le Fay, former Potters, of whom Bellatrix had learned the truth much to her shock. While the former was initially hostile to her, given the fact of Bellatrix partaking in the attack against Dorea and Charlus Potter, he did calm down after Cassiopeia and Regulus had explained everything. It was clear that he wasn't pleased with the two of the going behind his and everyone else's back, but he did accept their decision, and after Bellatrix had revealed that she extensive and detailed knowledge on Voldemort, Death Eaters and much more, she and Henry had formed a productive and amicable relation. Rose took to Bellatrix much quicker than her brother, something that surprised Bellatrix a little, but not dissuaded her from connecting with the girl. Rose reminded Bellatrix of a younger Andromeda, a notion which brought a nostalgic feel of its own, but didn't sour their relations.
Arcturus Black had always stated with clear words his thoughts and feelings about Bellatrix, seeing her as a mad dog and an unworthy of Black name witch. The meeting between the two was an initially cold and pragmatic test, during which Arcturus had gone through all of Bellatrix's being and mind, using Leggimence and more to see if she truly was a Black witch or not. After hours of grueling testing, Arcturus did relent and accepted officially Bellatrix Black back, annulling her marriage with Rodolphus, as well as offering membership to Cornelia and even her son, after Bellatrix had asked him of it. Arcturus agreed, even though he has clearly stated that he felt repulsed with the idea of Weasley and Prewett blood being mixed again with Blacks. After the downfall of Weasleys, as well as after what had happened with Rose, Arcturus had taken a clearly hostile position towards them, something that Bellatrix supported.
However, even her renewed hatred of Weasleys, Prewetts and Lestranges wasn't going to stop her from seeing her daughter and grandson, to whom she and Nymphadora were going at the moment. Trying to blend in, they walked at a relaxed pace, or at least pretended to do so, in Bellatrix's case, as she was clearly out of her depth in this place, not to mention having spent near decade and a half in prison. Nymphadora glanced at her companion and spoke to her in quiet voice.
"Relax your posture a bit, let go of the stiffness. It's not like the folks here will bite you, although you do draw up to us a few curious onlookers." Nymphadora said to Bellatrix. "Good thing that Mom gave you normal clothing instead of all those robes and gowns. You'd have looked like a Wicked Witch of the West for these folks."
"Even if I knew whom you meant, that still doesn't mean that I am comfortable around them, or in these garments." Bellatrix muttered, dressed in a black jacket, with blouse underneath, long dark skirt and sandals. "Seriously, how do Muggles wear all of it? It makes me feel almost naked without my robe, not to mention the underwear…"
"You do have to give credit to that one, as that works far better in enticing the man than pantaloons." Nymphadora chuckled, with Bellatrix looking at her with a small glare. "Give it time, and you'll get used to them. Plus, with your figure, I think can get yourself admirers in no time."
"I am not looking for any romances any time soon." Bellatrix stated with some coldness. "The last man I was with raped me regularly, with my dark self-enjoying, while the one before that was only interested in a certain red-haired bitch who had eyes on youngest of Potters…"
"Wait, you and Severus Snape?! Yak, I saw the photos of him when he wasn't a walking Frankenstein monster, and even then he didn't look all that appealing to me…" Nymphadora stated to her.
"I wasn't talking about Snape. I couldn't care less about him. No, Lily Evans had turned the heads of more than just Snape, including one Theodore Nott Senior." Bellatrix stated to Nymphadora. "Shame I didn't get to kill her, honestly. After what I've heard from Cassiopeia and Henry about her, she would've been someone that I'd not regret killing. She, and James Potter too. That bastard deserves death even more than Lily."
"Really? Sounds to me like you know something that Harry shouldn't probably hear about him, less he does something stupid." Nymphadora stated, with Bellatrix casting a glance at her. "He has a tendency to do things without thinking them through fully and last time, it had resulted in him being imprisoned in Azkaban. And I don't want to lose him again." Nym stated with strength.
"Andy did mention that the two of you were together, although neither you nor that Davis witch are going to be Lady Le Fay." Bellatrix mused. "Let's just say, that the fall of House Potter during the war has been orchestrated not by Dark Lord, but by its current 'official' Lord. We simply followed the information proved to us." Nym widened her eyes at what Bellatrix just told her.
"Morgana's hairy cunt… James was the one who revealed where Charlus and Dorea were?" Nym asked of Bellatrix in a hollow voice, with Bellatrix nodding. "We all thought that it was Pettigrew who sold them out, but not James. We knew he was a cunt, but to do this…"
"Oh he never did directly do so, he had Pettigrew for it. The Marauders knew full well who was the mole, or rat in this case, in the Order, and we knew full well that it was Potter feeding us information about not just Lord and Lady Potters, but also about Michael and Gabriel." Bellatrix informed Nymphadora. "The Dark Lord was all too pleased to use the greed and ambitions of James agaisnt his enemies, especially agaisnt Michael and Gabriel, as those two were among the strongest members of the Order, with Michael being considered someone capable of matching the Dark Lord. He always did state that it was shame he never got to test out that statement for its validity."
"Wait, we all thought that Dark Lord himself had killed Michael. You mean to tell me that he wasn't killed by Death Eaters like Gabriel?" Bellatrix shook her head.
"No, in his death, there was no hand of Death Eaters, as well as in deaths of his wife and children. He was married to a sister of Evan Rosier, and that was enough to give him a sort of immunity from Death Eaters. Isabella and her children died thanks to Snape, probably by the orders of Dumbledore. If you want my personal opinion, Michael died at the hands of Dumbledore, after he had gotten too close to something he wasn't supposed to look into." Bella said to Nymphadora. "His body wasn't found, right?"
"Yeah… Perhaps it is best that Harry doesn't hear about it for now. Maybe, after the ball." Nym thought out loud.
"Maybe. Speaking of your lover, why isn't he with us today? I was under the impression that he wanted to meet Cornelia too." Bellatrix asked of Nymphadora.
"Got a call from Minister of Magic himself, who wanted a meeting with him in person. Harry decided to indulge the idiot, so he is in the Ministry today." Nymphadora told Bellatrix. "His appearance and status have caused one hell of a shitstorm in the Ministry and Wizarding World as a whole. In one fell swoop, he had discredited House Potter, cast shade on Dumbledore, made a fool of the Boy Who Lived, not to mention has garnered the interest of the Minister. I'm thinking that Fudge will try and get Harry under his thumb in some way, probably by making him a Ministry worker or something like that."
"I doubt that he'll agree to that, given the fact of him already being essentially a king in all but name…" Bellatrix chuckled. "He really doesn't give much meaning to purity of blood and origin, not to mention race, does he?"
"Considering that he and Rose had been treated by the society as low class squibs, and how their parents and their friends had looked down and detested them, you can see why Harry has much less problem with non-magicals or those of non-magical origin, even if he is a Slytherin through and through." Nymphadora said to Bellatrix. "He is a decent human being, which is like being a paragon of virtue these days, especially in the Wizarding World, who does the right thing, even if it's seen as foolishness by others. I remember him saving a first-year Gryffindor girl from a Troll, when not even her own Head of the House had bothered to notice her missing. He also never took shit from anyone, especially Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape, a trait that I remember getting him into more trouble than anything else… And something that made me fall for him." Nym said with a small blush.
"Cherish him, Nym. People like him are relics these days, from what I have learned" Bellatrix said to her, before the two of them stopped at the entrance into the tailor's shop. "Is… Is that it?"
"Yep, that's the place Harry told me about." Nym confirmed. "Well, no sense standing here and waiting. Let's go in and reintroduce Cornie's arse to my boot." Nym was already moving towards the door, when Bellatrix suddenly stopped her, grabbing her hand. "Hey, what's the matter? Don't tell me that you are chickening out, auntie?"
"N-no, I a-am not." Bellatrix stammered, her heart racing and thoughts getting a little jumbled up. "I'm just… Do you think that she'll… Accept me, after everything and all that has happened?"
"Look, I know Cornie, or at least knew her five years ago, and I know for a fact that that she didn't believe you being all that evil and stuff, even if you were." Nym said to her, before softly taking her aunt's hand into her own. "Cornelia's missed you, missed you badly. Whenever she had managed to snuck out to my house, she'd make my Mom spill her guts about you, asking about everything, every single little detail. She was ashamed of her family, true, but she wasn't ashamed of her mother and she wanted her to be with her. She always did want someone on whom she could fully rely and… I guess that's what had drawn her Charlie Weasley. The point is, she'll accept you, and if she isn't fully convinced, we'll convince her good and proper, okay?"
"Okay." Bellatrix sighed, before she and Nymphadora opened up the door into the shop and stepped in.
It was a relatively large shop, with manikins displaying gowns, dresses, various garments. The interior was a welcoming and warm one, with a few doors leading into the working place of Cornelia. Nymphadora and Bellatrix observed the place on any signs of information that could help them, but found nothing. The shop seemed empty, but it was possible that Cornelia was simply in the back. Nym made her way to the stand and rang the bell placed there, before she and Bellatrix heard the voice.
"Just a sec, I'm packing your dress, Mrs. Langdon." Nym's eyes widened when she recognized the voice of her cousin and best friend, as did Bellatrix, before they heard the footsteps from the back.
The door in front of Nym opened up and from there stepped out a young woman in her early twenties, dressed in a beige cardigan, jeans and sneakers. She looked like a younger version of Bellatrix Black, with her hair being cut short and reaching only the base of her head, while her eyes were of a warm tone of violet. She had softer slightly softer facial lines than her mother, but that didn't diminish her beauty. Nym looked in surprise at her cousin while Bellatrix simply stood there, looking at her daughter, all grown up. Tears started to well up without a control, with Nymphadora failing to speak up like usual.
Cornelia Lestrange, having stepped into the shop, too had widened her eyes and felt how her heart had skipped a beat at the sight of the two people she had least expected to see in her life. It took her less than a second to recognize her best friend and cousin Nymphadora, with her bright brown hair and dark eyes, dressed in civil clothing. Even though she was a Metamorph, Cornelia would've recognized her anywhere and without mistake, but she was not the one on whom she had focused up her main attention. That object was a woman, who looked like her older version, yet not so much, even with the a few grey lines in her hair. Cornelia hadn't seen the woman before her in many years, yet has remembered her always, not as a murderous psychopath and maniac like most do, but as a mother. A mother, that had been taken away from her and whom she wished to have again in the past.
Stepping out from the stand shocked Cornelia spoke up to them both.
"N-Nym? M-Mom?" She looked at them both, with Nymphadora being the first unfrozen from shock and walking up to her.
"Oh damn it, c'mere, you girl." Without wasting a second, Nymphadora encased her cousin and best friend in a warm and tight hug. "Damn it, Cornie, do you even know how scared I was when you left? Never, never do this to me, Cornie, do you hear?! I don't want to lose my sister to anyone or anything again like this." Nymphadora simply kept Cornelia close, with Cornelia accepting it, before they detached, with Nym allowed Cornie to come close to her mother.
"Cornelia…" Bellatrix let out of her mouth as she looked at her. "I… I don't even know what to… You are so…" Failing to say anything proper, Bellatrix wasn't expecting to see her daughter move towards her and embrace her, weeping openly at the sight of her mother.
"Please tell me that this is for real." She told her through tears, with Bellatrix embracing her close. "Please, tell me that this isn't a dream or anything. Please… Tell that it is really you, Mom."
"It is me, my little Angel." Bellatrix said to her with tears, hugging her, with Cornelia smiling at the mention of her childhood name. "I am here, we both are here for you. And I am not letting you go, Cornelia, not this time, nor ever."
"So do I, girl. And you also owe me to kick your bottom for faking your death." Nym responded to her in a joking manner, as Cornelia detached from her mother.
"You never change, Nym… God it's so great to see you too." Cornelia told her, before her eyes widened from the realization of something important. "Wait, how did you find me? Who else knows? Does Dumbledore and Weasleys know?!" Cornelia was about to go into a panic, before Bellatrix took her daughter into her arms and calmed her.
"Calm down, Angel, you are safe. Only House of Black knows that you are here, and no one else, especially Weasleys and Dumbledore." Bellatrix spoke calmingly to her daughter, soothing her, before she calmed down completely and detached from her. "We found you thanks to Prince Le Fay, who is a member of our House. He and the other Blacks, safe for Sirius, are firmly agaisnt both Dumbledore, and the Dark Lord, and neither know about you and your son."
"Thank God, but wait, h-how are you here, Mom? Not that I am not glad to see you, but…" Cornelia was interrupted by Nymphadora.
"You can thank Regulus Black for that, as well as Auntie Cassiopeia. Turns out, our Grandpa and Aunt Walburga were utter nutjobs and had used some crazy Black ritual to make your Mom into a psycho that everyone knew her as, but they messed up, so she was able to raise you without her dark psycho self doing any harm to you. Anyway, long story short, your Mom got fixed up, Regulus got her pardoned in the ICW's Court, and now we are here to introduce my boot to your arse for not coming to us for help with disappearing and your son." Nymphadora stated to her.
"I couldn't do it, Nym, especially after my Grandparents had all but opened up a hunt on me after they've learned about my condition and who was the father. They were out to kill me, and I don't mean metaphorically." Cornelia told them both. "Lestranges have always cared for their blood, even more than Blacks, and given their violent and bloody history with Prewetts and Weasleys… I instantly became their number one target, and if I went to Weasleys, it would've been no better. God, Charlie outright told me that if I ever told anyone about our relationship, he'd make it clear to everyone that I had seduced him and make me into a whore in the eyes of everyone…"
"If I ever get my hands on that damned red-haired bastard, he'll pay with his life for what he has done to you." Bellatrix said darkly.
"And as for Arcturus… You know how much he loathed Mom, right?" Nym nodded to Cornelia. "As for your parents, I was scared that your mom wouldn't let me in, not to mention that I didn't want to endanger you in any way."
"Silly Cornie, you know that Mom would've taken you in without batting an eye, and Dad would've personally gone and strangled up your lover boy for what he did to you." Nym told her, making Cornelia smile a little. "So you've faked your death and went to live here, with your kid. How did you manage?"
"It wasn't easy, especially at first when I knew no one around here, but people here are nice and far better than the magical folk, so I've pulled through." Cornelia spoke as she looked at her mother. "The money that you've left me in your private vault have also helped, though I didn't borrow all that much. Just enough get me on stable feet, with shop, supplies, essentials for Justin and other things before I started to earn enough money to pay for it all on my own."
"Those are your money, Cornelia. Yours and Justin's, my grandson." Bellatrix said to her with a smile. "A grandson, which I would like to meet, if that is okay with you. I know all about how that Weasley boy betrayed your trust, but I know that your son is far more your child than he is his, and that he is innocent of anything and all his father has done. I… I simply want to meet him, to get to know my grandson, i-if you will allow it."
"Yes, I will. Just give me a few minutes, I've got a client coming in for her dress and afterwards, I'll take you to him." Bellatrix and Nymphadora nodded to her, moving away from Cornelia and her client, before they were done, and the trio headed into the back of shop and upstairs.
Once there, Cornelia opened up a door into her son's room, revealing a small boy, with messy black hair and blue eyes, dressed in a white shirt and black shorts, drawing pictures with pencils. Bellatrix looked warmly at her grandson, seeing not a progeny of Weasley, but a beautiful young child, her grandson, preoccupied with his drawings. Cornelia smiled, before speaking softly.
"Justin." She saw her son snapped out from entranced drawing process and looked at his mom with surprised eyes. "Sweetie, I want you to meet someone very precious to me, okay?"
"Okay." He said without missing a beat, rising up and looking up at the women. "Hi, I'm Justin. It's nice to meet you." He smiled to them a sincere and kind smile, with Bellatrix smiling to him, along with Nymphadora.
"Gosh, he's so sweet and yummy that I could just eat him." Nym said jokingly. "Hi there, little guy. I'm Tonks, or you can call me Nym or Dora, if you like. I'm your Mom's awesome older sister."
"Younger sister, cousin." Cornelia reminded to her with a stern look. "By no less than four months, might I add."
"Aw, can't you just let me have my moment with your kid. Besides, I can always make myself look older." Nym demonstrated it by aging herself up just by a few years through her metamorphic abilities.
"Wow, you are a Witch, just like Mommy, aren't you?" Justin looked at her with wide eyes.
"Yep, though this little trick only I can do, and not even your Mom can replicate it." Nym smiled to him.
"Wow, and who are you? Mom says that people always say each other's name when they meet for the first time." Justin turned his head to Bellatrix, who smiled wider to him than before.
"That is true, and I am Bellatrix, but you can call me Bella… Or Grandmother Bella." Justin widened his eyes at her, before turning to his Mom. "I am your Mom's Mom and your Grandmother, Justin."
"Mom told me that bad people hurt you and didn't let you come back to her, and that Grandfather is really bad." Justin told them. "Are you back forever? Are you going to stay?"
"Yes, yes I am, and I'm not letting anyone hurt me or you, or your mother, not even Grandfather." Bellatrix stepped closer, and hugged her grandson from the first time, holding him close to herself and not letting him go.
Several hours later.
The small family had stayed in for hours, with Bellatrix not letting her grandson out sight and not tiring from him asking her and Nym all kinds of questions. Cornelia even thought about intervening and letting her mother and cousin a chance to breathe before he started asking them something more, but the two Black women were alright and didn't mind at all. They shared a wonderful lunch, during which Nym would constantly make faces just to make Justin laugh, even when Cornelia openly had threatened to hex her with a wand. Bellatrix simply sat there and watched it all with a smile on her face.
It was past noon, and with all the excitement, Justin felt a little sleepy, so Cornelia had let him go and take a nap, while Nymphadora suddenly received a call through Imp from Kingsley, informing her that Dumbledore was looking for her. After she left, Cornelia and Bellatrix were left alone in the kitchen drinking tea, with Bellatrix speaking up.
"He looks so happy and sweet when he's sleeping. I can't help but remember you being the very same way when you've slept on my lap." Bella said with a small smile to Cornelia. "I am sorry I wasn't there for you, for both of you, Cornelia. I wish I was stronger."
"I know, and don't apologize, Mom. I am just happy that you here now, healthy and free." Cornelia said to her. "You were already strong enough to not let whatever was in control of you to hurt me, and let me have a mother I knew loved and cared for me, when opposed to father that loathed and nearly hated my very existence… And all because I wasn't a son he wanted."
"He won't be having any sons anymore, not for much longer and from Azkaban, where he'll rot for the rest of his life with his brother." Bellatrix said to her, assuring her. "And even if Voldemort breaks them out somehow, they won't get nowhere near you and Justin, not with me and House of Black on watch."
"So, the rumors are true?" Cornelia asked of her mother, who nodded to her, letting the younger mother to let out a sigh. "Goddamn it, why do the worst of the worst are unable to just stay dead? And if he is back, than you are standing against him now, with Dumbledore or…"
"House of Black, as well as I, stands against them all, Cornelia, with Prince Le Fay and his realm with us." Bellatrix told her. "Do you know anything about that big castle not far from here to the coast? That's where House Le Fay resides, Albion's Hearth, and he's firmly agaisnt Voldemort and Dumbledore."
"Yeah, I know about the place, as do the folks around here. People believe it to be haunted and cursed, as no one who went there got back, ever." Cornelia stated. "Spoke about ghosts haunting it, or that it was some sort of secret military object, but my guess was that it was simply too charmed up to be looted out. Anyway, and I take it that Prince Le Fay has helped out not from the good of the heart, so what does he want in return for this reunion?"
"Actually, this was the part of our agreement, so he finding you was paying me up for my information." Bellatrix told Cornelia. "I've come here to see my daughter and my grandson, Cornelia, and to offer any help and protection that I can. You don't need to hide and you can return back to the Wizarding World, House of Black is ready to accept both you and Justin in."
"Sounds rather tempting, Mom, but… Don't take this the wrong way, I am really glad to see you and Nym, and I am excited to have you with us, but I am not looking forward to returning back into the Wizarding World." Cornelia told her. "Before you start up about me not being a proper witch or something like that, let me just say, that this is our with Justin home, a place that he calls his home. And I am not taking it away from him, and I won't let anyone from the Wizarding World hurt him in any way, especially with Weasleys out there. We have a life, a good life here, Mom, and I won't change for anything. I like tailoring, and I love this town and its people, and I've come to appreciate this life, Mom, so sorry, but I am coming back just to be a Witch."
"And I haven't come here to drag you out there, Cornelia." Bella assured her, taking her hand into her own. "I came here to be with you, and make sure that you are safe and happy. If this is where you are content with your son, than I am happy. I can understand you resentment of Wizarding World, and I'm starting to think about giving the Muggle World a try. And when I said about House of Black welcoming you two, I meant as a family that accepts its members, not as resources to be used. If you don't want to show up in Wizarding World and remain as you are, than we won't ruin your life and let you be. Prince Le Fay will do the same, though he will have some of his subjects look out for you and this town, seeing as this is his territory. I just want to be there for you, Cornelia, to make up for all those years I've lost, to help however I can and get to know you and Justin. If you will let me…"
"I thought we've established that I'm all for it, Mom." Cornelia said to her with a smile. "And Justin wouldn't let you go either. You've already captivated him, Mom, and once he likes something, he doesn't let it go. I would know, since he gets it from me."
"And you get that from me, Angel." Bellatrix smiled to her, as they sat together and sipped tea, as they should have done for so many years they robbed of.
Earlier. Ministry of Magic.
The Floo portal flared up in green fires, as a small group of people exited it, being led by none other than Henry Arthur Le Fay, who was dressed in colors of his House, with an ultramarine rich long coat, with golden embroidery, along with symbol of his House on the upper areas of his sleeve. He also had dark pants and boots, with a white shirt underneath and dark vest above it.
Behind him followed a group of High Elves, dressed in relatively civilian clothing for Magical Society, with their crimson and golden robes, coats and cowls, which served to hide away weapons, both for melee and ranged. These were High Elves were an Honor Phoenix Guard, some of the most lethal and skilled warriors on Earth, even among other Magical races. Trained in both the non-magical and magical ways of combat, they are the definition of lethal beauty in combat, who were led by their leader, a young looking High Elven woman, with platinum blond long hair, made into a high long tail, and blue eyes, which seemed to look right into someone's soul. Her name was Carissa Whitefeather, captain of the Phoenix Guard unit assigned by King Hirandyl to guard Prince Le Fay and House Le Fay in general. And now she was at her liege's right side, moving carefully and watching for any trouble, not caring for the fact that they were drawing attention.
Nor did Henry care for it, simply glad that the people were giving him a wide berth and eased his path to the Minister. It was an interesting surprise for him and others, to receive a personal invitation to Minister, delivered by Fudge's own personal owl. Henry didn't anticipate that Fudge would act so soon, but perhaps it was a lapse of his own judgment and underestimation, something that he would have to deal with. Still, he answered the summon swiftly, agreeing to the meeting and arriving in time, though with a small armed force for protection, an advice from Carissa, who had pointed out that his appearance and speech in the Wizengamot has made him quite some powerful enemies.
After almost two weeks, the Wizarding World's political situation and balance of power has changed to an almost unrecognizable before state. If House of Potter was a political powerhouse, largely due to the status of William and help of Dumbledore, than now they've been mired with mud, having lost an enormous amount of prestige, political power and even authority. Not many Houses would forgive what they have done, and there were now only a very small number of Houses that dared to even communicate with House Potter after it was revealed that they have mistreated their children, as well as their part in incarceration of Harry Potter.
Words of Rose have caused many Noble Houses to question if Harry Potter was truly the one responsible of unleashing The Basilisk, or if he was simply an escape goat for Dumbledore and his supporters, who were unable to deal with the crisis. In any case, the glory and revered status of House Potter was now a thing of the past, and even The Boy Who Lived, after the Prince Le Fay's words, has become a glorified pariah in the community.
As for Dumbledore, he had obviously tried to contain the situation and avoid any major damage to his own reputation and status, but he was too late, as his reputation has taken a significant hit, and people no longer looked at him as an infallible wise sage and savior from Grindelwald. No, now people started to ask uncomfortable for him questions, as well as think that he wasn't fully suited anymore to run Hogwarts, especially given the fact of numerous threats that have sprung up in there for children over the years, with Basilisk and Acromantulas being just some of them. Amelia was already in the process of forming a commission to access and judge the actions of Dumbledore and his staff in regards to teaching and protecting children in Hogwarts. For now, he was able to delay it through his back channels in the Ministry, but perhaps Harry would be able to sway the Minister to hasten the process of forming said commission, if enough reason was given to him.
Harry and his guards have reached the doors of Minister's cabinet, where they were met by a mop of ginger hair of Weasley, dressed in the official Ministry's robes. It didn't take long for Henry recognize the third son of Weasleys, the always arrogant, high strung and hungry for the authority and power Percy Weasley. He looked shocked at the entourage of Prince Le Fay, before he spoke up.
"I-I am sorry, but Minister is expecting a guest to arrive, so he is an available." Percy stated to them. "You should've arranged an audience in advance, if you wanted to meet the Minister."
"And you should know those that the Minister expects, clerk." Carissa told to the arrogant young man. "Your Minister expects Prince Le Fay, and he is here for their audience. Now, stand aside and let us pass."
"I'm afraid that I have to verify your identity, and even so, you can't just barge into Minister's office with such a mob of people all at once." Percy said in indignation. "Your numbers, and the fact that you are clearly of inhuman origin is enough for me to call up the Aurors and…"
"And shut your mouth and open your eyes for all our sakes, especially yours, if you value your post, Weasley." Kingsley Shacklebolt came up and spoke up, before turning to Prince Le Fay. "Prince Le Fay, a pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise, Auror Shacklebolt." Harry shook his hand. "It would seem that my security detail and Minister's secretary are in a conflict of sorts. Could you clarify the situation, so that we may all get back to our business?"
"Certainly, Prince Le Fay." Shacklebolt nodded to him, before turning to Percy. "Weasley, this man is Prince Henry Arthur Le Fay, and he is the man that the Minister is waiting for. Stop trying to play center of the earth and let them past."
"Very well, but I am afraid that only one person can go in with Prince Le Fay. Standard protocol and procedure." Percy Weasley relented, with Prince Le Fay nodding to him.
"Very well, than the rest of my security detail will wait here, to keep you company and respond if there is a… an accident of any sort in works. Carissa, you are with me." High Elf captain nodded to him, moving ahead of her liege, pushing Weasley off their path and opening the door for them.
Harry and Carissa stepped inside the cabinet, where they were greeted by the sight of Minister Cornelius Fudge and his Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, sitting at the table and waiting for him. Minister and his minion put on their sweetest looking smiles and faces, rising up to greet their guests, with the former moving ahead to greet his guest.
"Ah, Prince Le Fay, welcome, welcome. It is so good to see you again, milord." He hurried to shack hands with Prince. "I am very grateful and honored that you have answered my invitation in such a short notice, though you've left with no time to prepare a proper welcoming."
"The feeling is mutual, Minister, though no such things were necessary. I believe this was to be a private discussion between us." Harry looked at the pink toad who smiled sweetly to him.
"And yet, you saw fit to bring this… Person along with you, milord." Dolores barely managed to contain her façade of a sweet looking woman. "I am sorry, but could you introduce us to your companion."
"Certainly. This is Carissa Whitefeather, captain of my High Elven security contingent, and one of my personal bodyguards." Said High Elf nodded curtly. "Given my position and status, a matter of personal security is treated by my vassals quite seriously, so at the advice, I have deployed their recommended contingents. A decision that I happen to be comfortable with."
"Yes, well, if you trust this non-human, than so shall we." Cornelius stated without any care for his words. "Ah, Prince Le Fay, this is my personal Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge."
"We have met, not long before the Wizengamot session." Prince Le Fay stated coldly, with Dolores not losing her smile. "And I recall you trying to order an Auror to arrest me for my disagreement with a general view on a certain piece of decoration in the Atrium."
"Oh, it was a minor mistake, milord. Had I been aware of your status, there wouldn't have been any incident whatsoever." Dolores assured him and Minister.
"Hm, I believe there was a matter you wished to discuss with me, Minister?" Harry turned his head to Fudge, who nodded and led them to the table, with him and Dolores taking seats at the head of the table, while Harry sat in front of them, with Carissa standing.
"Is your companion not going to sit?" Dolores asked of Prince Le Fay, with Carissa answering.
"Being seated obstructs my movements and increases time for me to properly react to a possible threat." Carissa simply stated.
"Surely you do not expect to find yourself in any form of trouble, especially within the Ministry's walls, milord." Fudge laughed openly at the statement he just gave to them all.
"Who knows, Minister, who knows…" Harry mysteriously and cryptically said to them. "Now, I believe there was a matter you wished to discuss? We are both busy persons, and as I am currently in the middle of organizing a proper ball in honor of the Ministry, I believe it would be prudent that we've departed with the social drivel and gotten to the point, Minister."
"Y-you certainly don't mince words, milord." Fudge gulped. "Very well, I shall be honest with you. The Ministry has been informed through Head of the DMLE about your… reforms, concerning the magical beings and creatures that inhabit your realm. The nature of said reforms happens to be in conflict with Ministry's set policies in that area, milord."
"I am well aware of it, Minister, as I am quite well aware about the deeply unjust and unfounded prejudice that is prevalent among the Ministry's workers and ranks, reaching to the very top of the power chain." Harry stated without missing a beat, with Fudge gulping again, and Dolores eyeing him with a barely contained hatred. "Fortunately, I happen to be free of such foolish notions, and see no point in following an ultimately wasteful and flawed policy, regarding magical races."
"You can't honestly see those half-breeds and animals as equal to us Wizards and Witches, Prince Le Fay." Dolores Umbridge stated without a care of the fact that Carissa was here. "And your opinion of Muggles is also concerning, not to mention that there are rumors of you courting a half-blooded witch, rumored to be a full blooded Muggle." Harry resisted an urge to laugh at this particular rumor, even if it was half true.
"Clearly, you have become a victim of rampant rumors, Ms. Undersecretary. And, as a personal advice, you should revise your knowledge about the magical beings and creatures, because what you have said just now could see made a laughing stock in any educated society." Harry saw her become red with anger, while he turned to Fudge. "As for my views about them, I see them equal to us, and I happen to even admire those of non-magical origin. Their ability to adapt and evolve past their limitations, as well as progress their technologies is something I find worth respect and admiration. The Wizarding World could learn much from them."
"As if they have anything of worth to offer us." Dolores said without care.
"Quite a few things, among which we already utilize the train to Hogwarts, a model of which is already considered antiquated and helplessly obsolete by non-magical standards." Harry said without missing a beat. "I could give you a list of things that would serve to improve the general conduct of Ministry, if you want, but I believe that we are derailing from our point. Minister, I believe it is clear that I have no intention to reverse my decisions, regarding the magical beings, sworn to me by their oaths."
"Yes, yes, I can see that clearly." Fudge nodded to him. "And, given the fact of your rights and autonomy, you are fully in the right to enact them, but you must understand that there are many in our society that may not get the right message with these reforms. They may feel threatened with such a wide berth of freedoms, given to magical races."
"And I do believe that I have made it perfectly clear, that should there be an altercation or conflict of any sort, it will be dealt with swiftly and accordingly." Prince Le Fay reminded Minister. "However, it would seem that my word isn't much of a guarantee for many. I suppose that you have a solution to placate any possible rising tensions?"
"Indeed I do." Fudge proudly stated. "Now, the Ministry will not hamper any of your rights and privileges, which we won't. But it has also reached our ears that you have formed a Council of sorts, to help you in governing your realm, made of representatives of magical races that are bound to you. However, it would appear that there isn't anyone to represent the interests of Magical Britain itself in there, as well as the Witches and Wizards."
"Your information isn't accurate, not completely, Minister." Harry stated to him. "I have already appointed Lord Greengrass, one of my recently sworn vassals, to a position of councilor on matters with magical Nobility, while Miss Patricia Davis has been appointed as councilor and representative of the first generation magical population. As for my non-magical representative, that post is currently vacant, though not for long, but if you are referring to someone representing the interests of Ministry itself, I believe I would be willing to accommodate. Who would you recommend for that posting, Minister?"
"Ms. Dolores Umbridge, of course." Dolores smiled sweetly to him. "She has been one of my most loyal and efficient workers, as well as my most trusted advisor for many years. She has the experience and is well versed in many matters, so I am certain that she will make an excellent advisor to you."
"A notion that we do not share, Minister." Harry rebuffed him and Dolores. "The fact of her treating magical beings as beneath her, as well as her attitude towards the non-magicals, not to mention certain rumors I have heard, regarding her other views on things leaves me in belief of her not being suited for such a role. Especially when there could be someone more… Productive, up to times and open-minded person filling that role."
"Well, I suppose that you have a recommendation?" Minister asked of Harry, ignoring Dolores.
"I happen to have one." Harry said to Minister. "During my work with DMLE on eradication of the Acromantula threat, I have made an acquaintance with one of the Aurors, Ms. Nymphadora Druella Tonks. She struck me as a loyal to the Ministry, yet an active and bright person. As you are aware, House of Black is my closest ally, and I believe that Arcturus Black would react quite positively, to see her moved to a position of prestige and responsibly such as my advisor, especially at your behest."
"Yes, I have heard of this Auror, but she is only a half-blood and I was under the impression that House of Black has severed contact with her mother, Andromeda Tonks, due to her marrying a muggle." Fudge said to Harry.
"Lord Arcturus has admitted to me in private, that he plans to enact certain changes in the House of Black, one which would see it's more promising and lesser connected through nobility and blood persons brought closer into the household." Henry said to him, as if sharing a secret. "Lady Bones, with whom I remain in contact, has stated that Ms. Tonks' loyalty is to Ministry, and she is wasting her abilities while in DMLE. Apparently, she was one of the brightest Witches of her generation in Hogwarts. It would be a shame to see such potential wasted without letting it flourish, and if she were to be appointed at your behest, Minister, I would be positively grateful for making such a well thought choice. And my gratitude is expressed through actions, that I can assure you."
"Is it? And what form of… gratitude could expect for considering your words?" Fudge already began to think of possible things that Prince Le Fay could get to him.
"Such as my personal support in the upcoming elections, as well as of all my vassals and friends. Along with that, I could provide you with resources and advice to see Dumbledore effectively removed from his position of power." Harry let out the smallest of smiles. "We both would prefer that relic of antiquity finally retired from power and public, and I believe, that we combining our efforts would see him finally allowed to rest from all that responsibility and power."
"Would you mind sharing with me, what is your reasoning for distrusting Dumbledore?" Fudge asked of Harry, who nodded to him.
"I do not trust Dumbledore simply due to the fact of him having far too much power and influence, and acting like an old and tired man that he makes himself to be. He abuses power for his own benefits, as seen with the unjust imprisoning of Harry Potter, along with covering up all the information concerning trouble in Hogwarts, like with Basilisk and follies with Tri-Wizard Tournament. If you ask me, I say that the man likes to God with everyone and that such man shouldn't be trusted with protecting and guiding future generation of Magical Britain. Just the fact of his employing a known Death Eater, as well as constant change of DADA's teachers speaks for itself." Harry reminded Fudge of all it, with him nodding to it. "If anything, someone should've long have looked into this case more thoroughly and made sure, that children are safe and sound, and that they receive a proper education from responsible and professional teachers. Perhaps, the Ministry could supervise such an inspection?"
"Hm, you have a valid point, and you make a sound point as well." Fudge admitted to Prince Le Fay. "I shall consult with Ms. Bones on all of that, she has been at Dumbledore's throat about creating a commission. As for our matter, I believe I will consider it and give you my answer before the ball, but I believe that we will be able to have a productive relation, Prince Le Fay."
"I happen to believe so as well, Minister." Harry smiled to him, internally chuckling at a scheme done well.
Meanwhile. Hogwarts.
Dumbledore's Floo portal lighted up, and from it exited Nymphadora Tonks, nearly stumbling out on a full meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. She was surprised to see nearly all of the Order assembled looking at her, while not seeing Kingsley anywhere near. Collecting her thoughts and senses, she looked at Dumbledore and spoke up.
"Hey, what's up? I wasn't aware that we had a meeting today, and I'm pretty certain I didn't forget that. Also, where's Shacks?" Nym asked without missing a beat.
"Kingsley is currently on a mission of the Order in the Ministry, but that is beside the point." Dumbledore said. "Nymphadora, it has come to our attention that you may possess certain information regarding a very important topic, and we would like you to share it with all of us, for the Greater Good of all."
"Well, if I had known anything important about either Le Fay or Voldemort, I would've told you. I may be back in good graces with House of Black, but Arcturus keeps me and my folks in the dark about Le Fays." Nymphadora lied to them all without any trace.
"Yes, we are aware of it, but there is something that you can tell us about that may help us." Dumbledore spoke.
"Yeah, and what is it?"
"Harry Potter."
Well, looks like there is a plot twist… Sorry, but I couldn't help myself. Not much to speak of, except that it will be cleared up soon enough.
Next time: Order's plots; Marauders unleash a catastrophe upon House Le Fay