Hey everyone,
So this chapter I am going to need your help. I am going to keep Harry and Sirius out of the story for a while, keeping them out cold and asleep, so if you spot either of them responding to the book's contents, please let me know. I will try to not do it, but as many of you know, I keep making small mistakes like that from time to time.
Also, I made a few adaptations to chapters 3, 22, 37, 39 and I believe a few others. The fact that the Time Travelers knew the truth about Sirius but stayed quiet has been added to chapters 3 and 22, Crouch has been added to chapter 37 and a few things have been edited in regards to him and Winky in chapter 39.
Adaptations galore,
Venquine1990
Chapter 40
Reading With Less
3rd of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Albus' POV
"I don't like saying it, but we best read on. I don't like reading without Harry or Sirius, but until we know a way that Harry can be awake without his new ability causing him danger or harm, we will just worry for him. It's best he and his father stay asleep until we have our solution." I tell the Great Hall at large, looking at my grandson in concern.
"Grandpa, I can make that solution. Jessie and I can create a disk of wind that Harry can stand on or rest his feet on when seated." My other grandson then suddenly says before young Mss. Weasley says: "And when they get tired, Iris and I can create non-burnable flames to keep the shadows away from Harry's feet."
"And I can do the same as long as Harry has something made of glass around his legs, like an anklet made of glass or pearls." Jack says, his twin and his younger brothers all nodding to prove they can do the same. This makes me smile at the lot of them and I say: "That is wonderful, but rest can also help Harry right now.
It can help him restore his mental, emotional state from the barrage of darkness Junior assaulted him with." At this the Gang and the Squad nod and then Mr. Bryce says: "Besides, it doesn't look like the next chapter will really be in the lad's interest. It concerns your world's Ministry." At which Lucius stands up and says:
"Then I guess it's best I read next. I am not sure if I really was part of that group of – misfits – or not, but I would like to know what damage they caused really was like." At this, while the elder man can clearly see that Lucius is struggling with this sense of doubt and seems to respect it, does he hand the blonde the book, who instantly reads.
Mayhem at … him forget."
This makes a lot of those around look concerned and worried and Mss. Granger murmurs: "That sounds really horrible, even if it is the lesser of the two evils." And she turns to Regulus, who nods and says: "We would have started negotiations last break, but our backstories took priority." At which she nods as Lucius reads on.
They heard … the lane.
At this Arthur pulls Molly closer and Lily says: "You might not believe me, Molly, but I know how it feels. To be somewhere away from your family and then finding out they were in some kind of potential danger." Yet this confuses me and I ask: "Lily, how did –?" And the woman sighs and rolls her eyes as she says:
"The bastard had a House-elf take old issues of the Daily Prophet checked and send to our dollhouse if anything about Harry or the others was in them. The poor thing was horribly ill because the world considered her master dead, but it kept following orders." At this some people glare at Barty, who cringes as Lucius reads on.
"Oh thank … the treetops.
"That is just horrible. That is going to cause a nationwide panic. That is obviously where the mayhem is coming from." Mrs. Granger angrily states at this and Mr. Granger turns to Lucius and asks: "Is there a mention of another picture? Like of the Ministry working to subdue the suspects?" But Lucius shakes his head and reads on.
"You're all … Fred… George…"
This instantly causes cringing all across the hall and yet, I notice that Regulus is actually among those that cringe. Others also notice this and they also notice how the man lowers his head after cringing. "Mum?" Jeremy asks, but Regulus shakes his head and says: "House matters. I – I'd rather –." And I feel pride as Arthur says:
"My family is already suffering from our personal space being invaded in return for the safety of the Wizarding World being guaranteed. Others shouldn't make the same sacrifice. Just wait until the end of the chapter and then take your family to explain this, Regulus." And the younger man nods before Lucius reads on.
"Come on … Rita Skeeter."
And this makes everyone who was ever a victim of the woman's sharp quill groan in annoyance, yet some of the students – who are obviously great fans of her writing – look at this shocked and affronted. Then James says: "To be honest, that is a change I saw coming. Only the MMB can make that woman famous."
"I BEG YOUR PARDON!" Some of the Gryffindors in the older years yell at the man, but he rolls his eyes and says: "Don't bother. I'll talk to you after you've fallen victim to her carelessness. She cares for no one and is too fame-obsessed to be allowed in a position like that. And for the record, Missy, I speak from personal experience."
And this time I am the one to actually discover how true this is as I experience the same bout of pain that both poor Mss. Rosie and poor Sirius have been suffering from. At this, instantly, the younger versions of Mss. Longbottom, Mss. Lovegood and Mss. Weasley rush for me. And their healing relieves the pain in a wondrous way.
I then notice that the student who had been glaring at my nephew is now looking at me in shock and I mutter: "Yes, Mss. Randels. There was actually an article that, if Mss. Skeeter had published it, would have ruined me, my House, my Family and, at the same time, given James, Charlus and I the right to challenge her to an Honor Duel."
This makes the girl gasp so hard she reaches for her chest with a hand and others, such as Lucius, are also looking at me in shock. "Like I said, she doesn't deserve any kind of role of news reporting. She cares more for ratings than truth and will happily make the community do the same." At which Lucius grimaces as he reads on.
"That woman's … Non-Wizard Part-Humans —"
And this, especially the disbelieving way that Lucius reads this bit, breaks the ice created by the revelation caused by James and myself. And while Percy turns red, do I notice the twins move a little closer and I read their lips as they whisper: "Nicely done, big bro. We're proud of you." Making him feel better as Lucius reads on.
"Do us … to Percy.
And his exasperation is shared with most of the Great Hall, while those that are fans of the woman are still looking slightly convinced, but then Lily says: "And that is exactly why the Muggles have one unified statement for interfering or gossiping press officials." Which instantly piques the interest of all of the adults, who turn to her.
The woman shrugs and says: "It's really simple. No comments. It doesn't confirm or deny anything and it doesn't give any reporter – not even someone like Skeeter – anything they can use against the person being interviewed. It works wonders, really." And it's obvious all adults plan to use this from now on as Lucius reads on.
"Nobody was … smoothing over."
"Well, you certainly have your work cut out for you." Bertha then tries another attack, yet this time she has obviously gone too far. Edena and Iris both jump up and Iris snarls: "I'm sorry, but I thought we just concluded that the culprit of this mayhem-causing was Skeeter not our dad." And Edena goes on where her sister left off:
"Yeah, seriously! What is your problem? Why do you keep attacking our dad like that? What has he ever done against you anyway?" And while Bertha just glares at them, does Arthur stand up and say: "Edena, Iris, just sit down. I get this kind of behavior all the time. I'm used to it and kept to being true to my morals and being.
I feel the better victory is holding onto who you are and what makes you who you are instead of trying to change those who are more stubborn than they call you. I know who I am, I know what I do is right and for the good of the Wizarding World and I know I have the bigger gift than anyone who has a higher salary than me."
And the way that the man looks around at not just his family, but also those that are friends of his family makes me smile in proud and agreement with the man, who is getting a warm hug and loving kiss on the cheek from his wife, whereas Bertha is left spluttering in indignation. Yet Lucius ignores this as he reads on.
"I'll come … has she?"
And this is such a sudden change of topics that it causes a lot of confusion and sounds of shock to ring through the hall. Yet there are, of course, a few who do get this and James sighs as he looks at the boy who is lying across his, Jeffrey and Jessie's lap and says: "They've been apart for years, but are still close. Thank Merlin." And Harry sleeps on as Lucius reads on.
"Hedwig, dear … wasn't he?"
And while this was mentioned in passing in the second chapter, does it still cause a horrible sense of fear to go through the student body. And while I now slightly regret that Harry is asleep, does Severus quickly make sure to send Calming Draughts to all those who are in need of it before his close friend continues his reading.
"I'm sure … already did.
This makes the girl in question smile at her friend in gratitude before she says: "I certainly would appreciate that if he did it in this timeline, but I know Harry and his past well enough to come to this conclusion myself." At which Sirius shrugs and says: "It's the thought that counts." Mss. Granger nods and Lucius reads on.
"It was … fraud says?"
And while this makes the woman in question huff in indignation, do I think: "She knows her term of service is running to an end anyway. Though I do need to see if I can find someone more – qualified – to take her place before I officially terminate her." And while I make a mental note of this, do I listen to Lucius, who just reads on.
"You weren't … Wormtail escaped."
"And that one has nothing on the one the girls made. I mean, it's terrifying, but – well, considering that the other one proved how powerful and terrifying Pettigrew really is and how it speaks of him actually besting You-Know-Who to the title of Dark Lord." Yet at this Edena puts a hand on Jason's shoulder and says:
"Jason, be a dear and shut up. There are already plenty of students here who fear Voldemort something horrible and you are making their states not much better with this talk of someone potentially worse than him." Making the young leader of the Gang cringe and mumble apologies to the Hall at large as his uncle reads on.
There was … Hedwig-free sky.
At this Jeffrey looks at his brother in concern and he says: "He knew. In his heart, he has already recognized Sirius as his actual birth father. And because he believes himself an orphan, that is doubly as important to him." At which James cards through his son's hair and whispers: "And I just know Sirius will be there for him, anytime, anywhere."
To which I go to sit next to the younger adult man and say: "We all will, Sirius. His future self has gone to lengths further than anyone could have ever expected of him to give us this chance and we owe it to that to be there for him, whenever he is in need of us." Which makes James smile at me as Lucius continues the chapter.
"Come and … will play…
"You can't fix everything with Quidditch, Ron!" Mss. Granger snaps at her friend, who snaps back: "Maybe not, but I can always try to distract my friend with it." And like so many other times this year, does the duo start their usual arguing. At this I pull out my wand and cast a silent privacy charm at them, silencing their raising voices.
"Albus!" Molly shrieks, but I sternly say: "They are seated too closely to Harry. We have made enough loud noises and I don't want to disturb him anymore than he needs." And to put action to my words, do I make sure to cast another Sleeping Charm at my grandson, James smiling at me gratefully and Molly nodding as Lucius reads on.
You can … to cinders."
Yet at this Amelia sends a glare at Barty and snaps: "That is beyond low, Barty. Percy is only working for you for two months and you are redirecting your hate mail to him? Seriously? I get you don't think high of new employees, but that is just immoral." And while Barty cringes at this and some students look disgusted, does Lucius read on.
"Why are … on sticks."
At this James snickers and he says: "Ah, good old Dung. Glad to know that he hasn't changed a bloody single bit. Guess Pettigrew didn't think he could do much wrong or cause any harm by changing him." And while I feel quite curious about the story behind my nephew knowing this man, does Lucius continue his chapter.
Mrs. Weasley … "mortal peril."
This makes James really brighten up and the Prewett twins smile at their sister in utter pride. James turns to the woman in question and asks: "You kept it? You actually kept it? I didn't think you would." Shocking the woman and she asks: "Why shouldn't I? What makes you think I wouldn't keep it?" And James answers:
"My mum had it made. She had it made for your wedding for Arthur. She accidentally told you which Charms Master she hired to get it to add hands every time your family grew and you had this look of being uncomfortable for some time after. Mum was really worried you wouldn't use it, because you thought it had cost too much."
This shocks the woman and the Prewet twins speak up as one of them says: "We promised Dorea we would make sure you'd use it." And the other laughs and says: "And it sure was a close-call as we argued with you all throughout you expecting Bill.""Then the little bugger came and you wouldn't go without that crazy clock."
The two then chorus and at this Molly smiles. Yet then Edena gasps and asks: "Wait! Mum, you're – you're not hurting?" And the woman shakes her head to which her younger daughter says: "Then that's it! That's the first memory that is remembered similarly by those cursed and those not." Which shocks most of us all.
"Well, that makes sense." Isaac then suddenly says and we all turn to him as he says: "Mrs. Weasley obviously considers Harry as one of her own and this memory gives her a valid reason behind that, her gratitude for such a brilliant gift. It'd be foolish of Pettigrew to try and change that, to have it altered or replaced by another memory."
At this all of us and then Jessie asks: "You do know what that means, right? It means that a lot of memories that tie others to our House in a good way are probably unchanged as well." And the whole group of parents, kids and friends share in the boy's enthusiasm over this before Lucius regains our attention as he reads on.
Eight of … Department first –"
At this Irma gets shocked when a note gets shot out of her file and the reason why she is shocked is explained as she says: "But – I already read that note. It's the one I read when we read of Percy and his Cauldron Bottom report. Why is it coming out again?" To which another note, this one more at the front, shoots out.
The girl pulls it out and reads: "Percy is great, but his vice is his ego. I can't see that happen, not again." And the girl gasps, proving there is more to the note. She then looks up, looks at Harry shortly before she turns to Percy and says: "I can't lose my brother, not to himself." Which worries Percy and Lucius grimaces before reading.
"Don't you … Diagon Alley.
This seems to worry James and he turns to Molly as he says: "See if you can get your son to come here, Molly. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that this makes me worried. Worried that others might abuse the lenient way Goblins now treat the secrecy and privacy of their clients." Molly nods at this and Lucius reads on.
Charlie was … any chance?"
"Boys, I have a first assignment for you, to see how much work I am going to have teaching you." Regulus says in response to this and the twins nod excitedly, that is until Regulus goes on and says: "Create a commercial speech, detailing your plans for the future, that speaks to your mother in such a way it convinces her of them."
The two look shocked at this and Regulus smirks at them as he says: "You can't be successful sellers of any product – if you don't know how to advertise and speak to different kinds of public. That's a vital talent of shop owners." And this seems to inspire and motivate the twins, who start whispering to each other as Lucius reads on.
"Now, Mum … completely exhausted.
And while this makes Bertha look derisive and seems to confuse Cornelius, Barty and Ludo, do Amelia and I share a worried look and she asks: "Arthur, how high is the chance that you are taking on jobs of other Departments because you feel responsible for all this?" And Arthur's wince is all the answer the two of us need.
"Oh Arthur." Molly moans at him in concern and Arthur chuckles while his ears are red and he says: "Really, Molly-dear, it –." But Cornelius catches my glance and says: "No excuses, Arthur. If this happens, you are not to come to work. If you do, you will be suspended without pay. No objections." The man snaps at the end.
Arthur grimaces at this, closing his mouth and sitting back down as he had tried to stand up to voice his objection. Cornelius then turns to Regulus and the Grangers and says: "Another thing we will have to discuss. How to keep reporters like Mss. Skeeter from – well –." And the three adults nod at him before Lucius reads on.
"Well, the … ages ago."
This makes Bertha grimace and she mutters: "Do you think this is going to be it? That this will make people find out that I am actually dead?" But to this I sigh and say: "Unfortunately not, Mss. Jorkins. Voldemort has too much use out of you being considered missing. He will try to keep it that way until he has his way."
This makes the woman lower her head and seems to scare a lot of those around me. "Professor, are you sure? I mean, surely an article like this will inspire Mr. Bagman to set up search teams, right?" To which Regulus sighs and says: "He probably will and that will probably happen, but – Albus is right. And speaks from experience.
This happened a lot during the first few years of the last war too, Hermione. Someone would go missing in March of 1971, the news of that missing status would come out in June – and the body wouldn't be found until December the following year." And while this horrifies the girl and her parents hug her close, does Lucius read.
"Mr. Crouch … Percy hotly.
"I wasn't accusing the elf of conjuring the Mark, Percy. I was speaking from experience in regards to what Rita can get out of a simple statement like that. You already saw for yourself what she made out of my statements. Imagine what she will do to someone as important as Barty." Arthur tells his son, who nods and Lucius reads on.
"If you … behind him.
Yet here Irma gets shocked again and she picks the note out of the file as she reads: "Stop there! The next bit is too private and even worse than the argument between Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the twins when I arrived at the Burrow. Consider that a preview of this one. Don't read on!" She looks up at this and says:
"He wrote the first and last line twice, making the words double as thick. There was also a bit at the bottom saying that it's best of the Weasleys just read that bit themselves. He does call it something they need to fix." And a sigh of relief goes through the entire hall when Lucius closes the book, a look of respect on his face.
"Let's break. Then I can put Harry to bed, so we don't accidentally wake him, the Weasleys can read their bit and the Grangers and Reg can have their discussions with Amelia and the others." James then says and everyone nods, yet I notice the Gang all sharing dark looks and then remember it. The promise they made for the next chapter.
Ooooooh boy,
Personally I am not entirely sure if I am really going to let them break from reading next chapter. To be honest, I think I am going to let the Gang remind everyone of their promise as well and then have them put individual stories in between the next chapter. This does mean that GoF chapter 11 will either be really long or split up.
Either way, I don't think I made it sound as if Harry was awake at any point in this story and I am personally VERY glad for both the decision I made last chapter and the file as that made sure I didn't have to share this personal – and in my opinion horrible – bit of dilemma between mother and son with the Great Hall.
Next chapter: James puts Harry to bed and enjoys it just the way he always thought he would if he ever got out of his prison, Jeremy reminds everyone of the promise he and the Gang made and a supposedly insignificant chapter suddenly gets a deeper meaning. But what stories will be shared and what will they be like?
Hope you enjoyed,
Venquine1990
PS. Please, if you feel like it, reread the story. You will find quite a few changes have been made this last month. Not to all chapters, but to a nice few.
