A/N Still playing in her sandbox.
Chapter 7: Finding He Is Destined to Follow His Destiny to Determine the Destinies for All
"City Hall" held their most important find to date. Chase brought Harry with him and they looked through the paperwork there. Both had been surprised to find that dozens of the plots of property already had different styles of homes on them and wondered what their purpose was.
Harry was the one who found a notebook from Lily. Opening it, he started reading, stopped, and then repeated reading it aloud.
Harry, only you can find this book as it is under a fidelis that only you were told. You can tell others by repeating the secret: "The city management book of Marauder's Haven is the Chudley Cannon's orange book with a picture of the 1975 Puddlemere United team on its cover." It explains the magic of this place as well as why no one is here now.
We knew that our deaths and your survival would bring about the end of the first war. I created a modified fidelis for this property. Eight weeks after we died, people began to feel pressure to return to the outside world; that pressure increased over time. Sixteen weeks after we died, people would begin to forget about this location. Technically, the entire property is owned by you now. However, the homes were paid for by those who moved in. Later in this book, you will find a list of the people who paid for their own homes to be built, those who took loans out from us and the fraction of the home that they currently own, those where Diggers & Towers own a portion, and those that we own outright.
Peter Pettigrew was obliviated of this knowledge by six different people. His memories of this place are so hopelessly lost that they will never comeback. You will be safe from him here.
At its peak, this Marauder's Haven was a sanctuary city to over 500 first-generation witches and wizards and their families and to over 200 half-blood witches and wizards and their families. You will notice we have several garage doors with labels of different cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, West Yorkshire, Glasgow, Southhampton, Liverpool, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Nottingham, Sheffield, Oxford, Bath, Belfast, Cardiff, Holyhead, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Dublin, Cork, Lifford, Dover, Plymouth, Norwich, Scarborough, Douglas, Perth, Carlisle, Stranraer, plus a few more. In each of the larger places, the Potter family holds entire multi-storey car parks. Those structures will appear as two-storey car parks to people who do not know about magic. People who know about magic will see higher levels, usually only one or two additional levels. We have made it so that no one would have to drive more than a single hour to get to one of our garages and be transported here to safely. Once here, Diggers & Towers construction would build their houses for them to their specifications. If they paid for the price of materials, and the labor, then they would own the property outright. Sometimes, Diggers & Towers would build the home for free and they would hold a share in the ownership. It created a mess of accounting work, but it worked out in the end.
When you find this, Harry, times are going to start getting dangerous again. You NEED to reopen the sanctuary now. Do repairs at each of the garages using magic. Then, in each local paper and in the Daily Prophet, take out stories titled, "Marauder's Haven Garages are once more open for business." That is the magical password that unlocks the modified fidelis to those who were previously in the know. You will need to write a generic story about the young heir of the properties finally reached an age where he could understand what was going on with them and give approval for their improvement. That will unlock the charm that these are owned by Harry James Potter. The Marauder Vaults in Gringotts are primarily to do with the Haven. Please do not spend that money unless you absolutely have to.
The individual chapters of this book serve separate purposes. Note, this is a never-ending journal, so you can add chapters as you want.
Chap. 1: How to use the journal most effectively
Chap. 2: Details of the protections on Marauder's Haven.
Chap. 3: How to add parking garages and gates to the property. (I know that populations will expand greatly before you are able to take over and more garages will be necessary. The end of the chapter provides several suggestions.)
Chap. 4: The modified fidelis charm and how to let people read it when they come to live here
Chap. 5: The space expansion charms that permit this 250-acre plot of land to be expanded to 2,500 acres with room to expand to 250,000,000 acres. (This includes instructions for how to do those expansion charms as, eventually, farms will be needed, too. What you see now is the expansion charms applied to approximately 0.000002250 acres or, roughly, 1.5 cm x 2.0 cm (we literally had cast the runes on a pole, shrink the pole down, and then transfer the runes from the pole to the ground before activating them. The rest of those acres, which look empty now, can be expanded by one-million-fold as well. Further, if you go to the property limits, you will find 360 totems that are 0.25 feet (7.6 cm) tall but appear to be 25,000 feet tall. These are also space enhancements that ensure that you have your own airspace as well that will not interfere with anything flying overhead. I have not foreseen anything that would require you to come anywhere close to those elevations. Warn Bryton that, although none of these buildings have an expansion charm on them yet, the most he can do is increase their vertical space by one-hundred-fold.)
Chap. 6: Diggers & Towers have both died now. (This chapter explains how to replace them as well as their wills relating to the property they owned. The rest of their families had all been killed before they moved here. They left everything to you as some of my premonitions could be replayed via pensieve. Right now, their elves are in use as builders in a trust agreement monitored by Priscilla Owens, a half-blood. She leases them out to people who need construction projects done. Owl her after you meet with the Queen. SHE REMEMBERS ALREADY.)
Chap. 7: Running the Credit Union and why we set it up.
Ch.7.a. Backing by the Bank of the Gnomes. DO NOT TRUST THE GOBLINS.
Chap. 9: Pensieve Theater, Movie Theater, Live Theater, Parks, Streets, Pools, and Other Urban Planning
Chap. 10: Interactions with the Monarchy and the Prime Minister. (Includes an appointment of a Deputy Minister for Magic that reports directly to the Prime Minister.)
Ch.10.f. Office summons from the Queen of England for the owner of Marauder's Haven and companions of choice for 15 July 1991.
Ch.10.g. Official, magical ownership statement for Harry James Potter as current owner
Ch.10.h Official Statement of Age of Harry James Potter, showing time-travel
Chap. 11: Royal Magical Post-Office Management
Chap. 12: Law Enforcement, Judicial System, Rights of the Individual, Jails, and Prisons
Chap. 14: Education Plans: (By this point, Bryton has already made dozens of changes. This chapter explains what else he should do and how to do it so that it will best fit with the magic of the town.)
Ch.14.a. Magic School Plans.
Ch.14.b. Plans for the Non-Magical School
Ch.14.c. Plans for Adult School and Official School Records for Magicals
Ch.14.d. Plans for the Apprenticeships
Ch.14.e. Plans for the Royal University of Magic
Chap. 15: Future Expansion Plans:
Ch.15.a. Stadiums and Seating Plans
Ch.15.b. Non-Magical Zoo
Ch.15.c. Magical Zoo
Ch.15.d. Lake with Shipping Portal
Appendix: Property ownership log and loan-payment logs for Marauder's Haven and P&T
We are sorry for dropping such a huge responsibility on you at such a young age. Bryton and Penny are good for you. Let them help you.
When Harry finished, he collapsed and said, "Bloody hell!"
Chase, gently chided him, "Do not swear at your age, but yes, this is now a Charlie Does the Foxtrot. I remember my family lived here when You-Know-Who was at his worst. Why were your parents being so secretive about this place?"
"Do not call him that. It is ridiculous and you know it. Besides, we know his pathetic name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. Call him Tommy Boy, if you want."
Chase actually blushed and asked, "When did you get to be so smart?"
"I remember you telling me about your training where you had to fight this group that wore masks and did not have a unit name. The military referred to as the nameless or the faceless, right?"
"Yes."
"I apologize in advance but, 'Give the fucker a name and he is not nearly as scary.'"
Chase laughed and said, "You dare quote me back to myself?"
"Of course. It keeps you honest."
It did not take Harry long to figure out who he would take with him. He decided to go with his younger self, Chase, and Dr. Smoothling.
All four of them sat down, went through the introduction to the book, and then started studying the Royal Procedure.
Early on the morning of 14 July 1991, Harry sent out a snowy-white owl he had found in the owlery with a letter to the Queen's Scheduler that read, [A/N: Apologies if I butchered Royal correspondence]
Greetings to the Queen's Scheduler:
Please remind Her Royal Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth that she made an appointment with my parents on 15 July 1981 for her and Prime Minister, Sir John Major to meet with me and three companions for tea at 4:00 PM.
The Prime Minister should have inherited this appointment from his predecessor.
Sincerely,
Harry James Potter, Lord of Glamorgan (1093 line), Acting Earl of Devonshire while the Earl of Devonshire has languished in Azkaban prison for a decade without trial.
Harry was very surprised to receive a reply less than an hour later and from the Queen herself that read,
Greetings Harry James Potter, Lord of Glamorgan (1093 line), Acting Earl of Devonshire, and Deputy Minister for Magic.
We look forward with great pleasure to tea with you on the morrow at Balmoral Castle. Our Royal Wizard Sir Dennis Woodworth shall meet you at the portkey arrival gate at 3:30. The enclosed portkey will activate at precisely 3:30 tomorrow afternoon. Our Royal Wizard shall then prepare you for meeting with Us as customs have changed since We last met your parents.
However, given how gifted a seer your mother was, We doubt you will need the lessons. We have made casual bets with Our advisors based on your mother's predictions and, as they say, We have cleaned house.
Our understanding is you will be there along with a younger version of yourself. We are looking forward to seeing that magic demonstrated.
On a more formal note, We understand that your entire party currently spends most of its time in the non-magical world. However, as you are representing your magical titles, you should come dressed in clothing of that style. The others can come in clothing of whatever style they prefer.
You may bring your weapons with you, but you shall leave them in the custody of the Royal Wizard before you meet with Us.
Rest assured, Lord Glamorgan, We know what this meeting is about and will take it and you seriously. Our humor in this letter was to help put you at ease given your young age. We know that the Commonwealth is once more in danger and will assist you as we did your parents.
Elizabeth R.
Fortunately for Harry, Penny, Chase and Junior were staying with him that entire day as his nerves were rising. He nearly passed out as he read the letter, then silently passed it to Penny, who passed it to Chase, who passed it to Junior, who did pass out from anxiety, which actually relieved a bit of Harry's anxiety.
The four spent the day going over what they planned to say in the presence of the Queen and the Prime Minister.
Luckily, Lily had predicted what attire they had needed and had included sketches of it in the book for all four of them. After signing the confidentiality agreement Chase had prepared following Lily's template, Tyson Twilfitt, the half-owner had served them himself.
Fortunately, Tyson remembered preparing similar robes for James and Lily Potter, Frank and Alice Longbottom, and a few others.
He looked at Lily's sketches and made the appropriate changes to his existing plans. He then created them from the finest fabric he had. He also sold each a pair of Herbidean black dragonhide boots
Harry left 1,000 G lighter, but he felt everyone would appear very well dressed. The formal attire would be complete just days before they were supposed to meet the Queen.
On the date of the actual meeting, the four went back to Twifflitt's for a final fitting.
They then spent the rest of the morning and most of the early afternoon practicing what they would say. Junior was the most nervous. He did not have any planned conversation. Smoothling was the second most nervous. As an adult who had attended high end functions before, she was better prepared than Junior.
However, both Chase and Harry had met with goblin Royalty, so meeting the Queen and Prime Minister was not nearly as intimidating. Although, if they knew what was to come, they would have been very intimidated.
Precisely at 3:30, the portkey activated, sweeping all four away. As always, both Harrys managed to land satisfactorily because their martial arts training helped them stick to their feet, even if they wobbled a bit.
Harry, as the highest "ranked" person there, stood straight and addressed the Royal Wizard, "Excuse me, Sir Woodworth, but how should we address you?"
"That is a good question and should depend on how formal this event is. For now, you may address me as you just did, as Sir Woodworth. However, if the queen states that we should be less formal, that means you should address me as Sir Dennis and the Prime Minister simply as 'Prime Minister.' Under no circumstances should you address Her Majesty in any other way. The same in true with the other members of the Royal Family who will be there. The expected attendance right now is Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Her Highness, Princess Diana, and His Royal Highness, Prince William from the Royal Family; the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Right Honorable Kenneth Baker; Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Developmental Affairs, the Right Honorable Douglas Hurd; Leader of the House of Commons, the Right Honorable John McGregor; and Leader of the House of Lords, the Right Honorable David Waddington.
"Typically, in cases like this, when she asks to become more informal, she would still refer to the Prime Minster as Prime Minster and then the Right Honorable John McGregor as John to avoid any confusion or, if she did not want to be that informal, she would refer to them as Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Miss as they prefer.
"Regardless, you will need to take your cue from here. ALWAYS address the Royal Family with their title, not their name.
"Now, let me take a look at you."
He surveyed each of their attire and asked Harry, "Are any of them your vassals or friends?"
Harry banged his head against his hand and said, "Yes, sir."
He then whispered something in Penny's ear and, with her permission, asked her to kneel. The Royal Wizard stopped him. "No, ask for Her Majesty's permission and do so in their presence if she grants it."
Harry agreed, "Yes, Sir. Sensei Bryton Adam Chase is already my vassal through House Potter, though."
"That is fine." The Royal Wizard then waved his wand and the embroidery for the Potter family crest and for the Lord of Glamorgan appeared on Chase's right breast in a substantially smaller size compared to those on Harry's left breast.
Sir Woodworth then asked them to deposit all weapons, including sheathes and holsters into the magic trunks he presented.
Harry was doing so, but paused and said, "Sensei Chase, Junior, and myself all have weapons, sheathes, and holsters that return to us automatically within certain time periods."
The Royal Wizard replied, "These will work on all but a few magical items. If you possess those, Her Majesty needs to know that, as well."
Harry nodded his head and then put the rest of his weapons (including the cloak of invisibility) into his trunk while the others did so with theirs.
Precisely at 4:00 PM, Sir Woodworth knocked on an otherwise unassuming door. When it opened, the wizard handed another man a note and then stood back from the door.
That man then introduced each of them as they entered the chamber. Harry was followed by Chase, who was followed by Penny, who was followed by Junior, who was in-turn followed by the Royal Wizard.
"Welcome, Lord Glamorgan and friends. We are most excited to speak with you. Please present your documents."
Both Harry and Junior came to the Royal Wizard and handed them copies of the same parchment that bore a drop of their blood and confirmed their identities and ages. Interestingly, Junior's titles were all Presumptive while Harry's titles were the actual titles.
At a nod from the queen, one of the Queen's Guard drew a blade and charged towards Junior.
Chase immediately put Junior behind him and Harry roared in anger as he cast a wandless, "PROTEGO HORRIBLUS!" that created a glowing shield around his younger self and Chase."
As soon as he had cast, Penny bee-lined it to be standing directly behind Harry, knowing it was the safest place to be.
As Harry cast the spell, first the wand he had taken from Dumbledore (and it's holster) appeared on his arm. Then, the Cloak of Invisibility appeared around his shoulders. Finally, all his sheathes appeared on his arms, legs, and back, just as their corresponding matches did to Junior and Chase.
"What is this betrayal, your Majesty? What have we done to deserve this?"
Harry voice was barely concealing the contempt he was feeling at that point.
Queen Elizabeth turned to her guard and said, "Stand down. He has passed the test."
Once the guard had stood down, she turned to Harry and said, "You stand down as well, Lord Glamorgan. This was a test requested by your mother with the exact results she foretold.
"We will know why you cast that particular spell, Lord Glamorgan."
"Your Highness, it is the only spell I know that can protect from a physical attack that is not also an attack itself."
"Even seeing your younger self attacked, you took no offensive action. We will know why."
"Your Highness, sometimes it is necessary to watch and learn rather than react off the cuff. I do not know how I knew it, but I knew the wand and cloak would come to me if I needed them. I did not intend to arm the others around me."
As the shield faded away, the appearance of Junior with two blades in his hands and his back against Chase's in a defensive position shocked most of the people in the room. They also could not help but notice that Chase had two swords in hand.
Prince William called out, "Cool! I want to learn how to do that."
Prince Edward looked at his son and glared the child into submission while Princess Diana took his hand in hers and rubbed it gently.
The Queen, meanwhile, stood and came to Chase and said, "Sensei Bryton Adam Chase, We will know. Would you attack Us?"
"At the present, my answer is no, Your Highness. You have done nothing to warrant an attack on you. Even if you ordered your entire guard to attack us, the most we would do would be to disable them"
"We would like a demonstration as to how you would do such a thing."
Harry pointed his hands out, one at the Royal Wizard and one at the most dangerous looking of the Royal Guard. Junior caught on quickly and followed suit. Within four seconds, they had all ten of the guards, their leader, and the Royal Wizard out cold with stunning spells.
The Right Honorable Herd could not contain himself any longer. "These people are dangerous! Why are we meeting with them?"
The Queen ignored him and looked Harry in the eye and said, "Edward, get my father's sword."
"Yes, mother."
Harry was shocked to see just how calm the Royals Family was. Seeing his surprise, the Queen spoke again. "Peace, Lord Glamorgan of Wales. Your mother told Us that We should test you for the oldest prophecy we have on record."
"If I may ask, Your Highness, what did that prophecy foretell."
She replied, "One as two with two shall appear before you. Attacking youth shall see The One come Protector. Weapons forbidden shall aid His need, brought by Destiny. The One shall protect the Realm and be known the First of the Magical Knights. His line shall continue to serve with Destiny until the Crown's betrayal of the knighthood leads to the Crown's own demise."
Harry was pretty sure he heard Chase mutter, "Oh, bloody hell." He was certain his younger self had said it. He just sighed and asked, "Why me?"
At this point, Prince Edward had returned with the sword. He picked up the tale saying, "Merlin himself gave this prophecy to the Pendragons. It was the most treasured item in the Pendragon stronghold as they believed that it meant they would never fall, despite Merlin telling them that their interpretation was incorrect. For each Crown since then, the prophecy has remained a secret, told only to one sworn by magic to protect it and to the successor to the crown. Somehow, through the Royal Wizard's records, we know that the language of the prophecy has changed as the spoken word has changed.
"During on of the last times I met your mother, she fell into a trance. The prophecy sphere that only a member of the Crown can hold appeared beside her and joined her in a strange harmony as she gave the same prophecy. However, your mother's version ended with, "The First Knight approaches, born to those who have thrice defied each Dark One, born as the seventh month dies, and the Dark Ones shall mark him an equal, but the Knight shall have powers the Dark Ones know not. Only the Knight can defeat or die by the Dark Ones. The First Knight must defeat the Dark Ones or the world shall be consumed in a flaming winter.
"When your mother finished, your father said, 'That is not the prophecy that Dumbledore told us.'
"Your mother replied, 'Dumbledore lies to himself and does not see himself as dark. He is one who shall lead to our destruction.'
We wished to know what this Destiny, for we could hear the capital D in it. Your parents had brought along a Sirius Orion Black and he explained that there is a wand with a bloody history known by several names, including the Wand of Destiny. It is supposed to be undefeatable in combat, but not by trickery.
"He also told us of a tale of three brothers where Death provided three brothers with objects of immense power. One was an unbeatable wand that held a destiny of its own. The second was a stone that could bring back a shadow of the dead. The third was the Cloak of Invisibility, which would hide someone until they decided their destiny had arrived."
"Royal records indicate that in 793, three young brothers came in possession of these three objects and each was entrusted to guard it with their life. All three brothers already had children. The first was a braggart and was murdered in his sleep. The Wand of Destiny was lost. The second's wife convinced him to commit suicide because she was in so much pain coming back to him. He did and the stone was lost among his descendants. The third lived a very long and fulfilling life before he gave his son the Cloak of Invisibility and presented himself for Death to take. The Cloak has been passed down the family line ever sense and merged into the Glamorgan line when the only remaining child of the Glamorgan line married a boy named Potter and that Potter's son married the last of the third brother's line, a young woman named Rose.
"We have long tracked the Potter family just like the other Crowns that knew of the line and the story. We knew before your father showed us that he had the Cloak of Invisibility."
"You now hold two objects of Destiny. The one you lack is just a reminder that everyone has a destiny which concludes with passing on to be with those you love."
By this point, both Harrys and Chase had put their weapons away.
The Queen rose from her chair and said, "Kneel Lord Glamorgan of Wales. Harry did as the Queen instructed and then listened as the Court announcer from before read off his supposed accomplishments and stating that his life satisfied two of the most vexing prophecies in England. His younger self was in awe.
At the end of it, the Queen gently tapped each of his shoulders and said, "Rise, Sir Harry James Potter, First of the Magical Knights."
A very shaken Harry then joined in the discussion that included updating all the rights and legal documents in the journal so that they were compliant with modern law and how to ready Marauder's Haven for the future rush of first-generation witches and wizards and their families along with half-bloods and their families.
The Queen also ordered him, "You will need to contact Troji of the Gnomes. He shall resume his duties as the operator of Marauder Royal Credit Union."
"We know that you intend to create a school on the property and fully support that. At this time, you will need to send invitations to interested students. Instruct them to not share the information contained in the letter with anyone to whom the letter does not address. Then, sign it as 'Lord Glamorgan, First of Her Majesty's Magical Knights.' We have already taken the liberty of preparing a seal for your use. If you push your magic into the seal as you imprint it, none except the Crown will be able to disobey your order.
"We understand that a goblin rebellion is upon us. Warn those that you know will help. The Prime Minister will provide you with military support from SAS. We want those worrisome beasts gone from the Commonwealth. They have caused Us nothing but trouble over the centuries."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"We have one further request of you. Your mother notified us that one of Us would demonstrate magical abilities before your arrival. Prince William has already done so. We ask that you accept Prince William and Princess Diana into your city for one day each week and then have both, I believe the phrase is 'turn back' so neither disappears from the public's eye."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Related to that request, while the Prince and Princess are in your city, We ask that you glamor them and refer to them as Will and Di, respectively so that they are not recognized. We are placing Our precious family in your care, First of the Magical Knights."
"I understand, Your Majesty. I shall protect their identities to the best of my abilities and I shall protect their lives with my own."
"We shall look for your formal invitation. Good night."
With that the Royals left the room, leaving a slightly confused and very concerned group of powerful people with the Harrys, Chase, and Smoothling.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, the John Major spoke. "If you could give me your contact information, I shall arrange for the appropriate people to meet with you and those you trust most about this goblin problem."
Chase conjured a piece of paper and wrote down his contact information and the three telephone numbers for Marauder's Haven.
The Royal Wizard then escorted them off the property where they used a portkey Harry always carried to return to trunk.
Chapter 8:
Chase had also done the research necessary to formally form a school. He had filed the paperwork with Madam Marchbanks and had pulled her aside and said, "This should not be anyone's business, yet. Harry Potter will not be going to Hogwarts so long as Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid, and Minerva McGonagall are there. He is starting this school and intends to invite thirteen others to join him, including some big names. He does not expect all them to come, but he is adamant that he has to invite them. He has his mother's ability to predict. For some of them, he sees that if he does not invite them, they will not survive their time at Hogwarts."
Realizing he was serious and remembering how well Lily did on her divination NEWT, a NEWT that she hid and never officially graded because the score would have brought Lily undue attention, Marchbanks immediately agreed to keep it a secret for as long as she could.
"Who do you have lined up for teachers, so far?"
"These are the 'for sures.' Lily Potter's portrait is going to teach potions."
"She will require a living assistant there to help control the class and take care of any mishaps."
"Tentatively, Harry believes Nymphadora Tonks will do it."
"Why would she want to do that? That young lady is set on becoming an auror."
"Harry believes Nymphadora will disrupt her NEWT potion half way through the brewing process and achieve a score that will prevent her from becoming an auror. Rather than pay for a tutor that was most likely taught by Snape as well, he believes Nymphadora will jump at the chance to be trained by Lily instead."
"Ah, yes. I believe in your class there were an even dozen of you who barely scraped an Exceeds Expectations in the OWL. Of that dozen, seven of you achieved Outstandings on the NEWT and each of you accredited it to Lily Evans.
"With my own eyes, I saw Lily Evans have a premonition about Severus Snape that led her to crying as she told me, 'If I answer this question correctly, my not-a-friend-anymore Severus will score lower than me. Even if he only gets the high score because he tied for it, having the high score will cause him to be less bitter towards the world.'
"She then proceeded to give me word-for-word the answer Severus Snape would a couple of hours later. After the exam, I pulled her aside and asked what she would have said if she had not known about Severus Snape. She replied with the textbook answer and then another three minutes where she critiqued the accepted answer with examples from her own work. I sat with her for six more hours as we redid her exam with her adding in details from her own work. Her official files indicate that she scored the same high O as Severus Snape. However, my personal records indicate that she had the highest potions score in over 300 years. To make sure I was not being biased towards the woman, I asked Professor Tofty to watch my memories. He felt obligated that we give her the O**** she deserved. However, I refused telling him that it was outside the physical examination and that inside the examination, she had faltered. Although he did sign in my personal notes that he agreed with my assessment.
"To get back on track, though, who else?"
"I have learned occlumency from a textbook and have taught Harry as far as I could. I am in an awkward position as I would never ask this. However, Harry had a premonition that you would repeatedly test both of our shields and eventually teach him legilimency. Would you be willing to at least consider testing his shields before the start of the school year and give him some recommendations? He told me that he is certain that you would know him better by that time."
with Nymphadora Tonks as the physical teacher.
Mr. Potter:
Thank you for bringing in Director Bones to speak with me last night and to undo that old man's manipulations of my brain. Somethings are still fuzzy and unclear, but what is clear to me is that my staff and I have not been treating you fairly.
Unfortunately, last night I did not manage to get her contact information. I know of at least eight of your previous instructors who also say the same nonsense about that that I spouted last night. Perhaps she would be able to remove their brainwashing as well.
With respect to your requested schedule change, I am happy to comply with your request. However, as I am sure that you are going through much emotional upheaval right now, I believe your request is too ambitious.
Rather than set you up for failure, let caution guide us. I wish to ensure that you are able to take the time necessary to process everything and to begin to recover.
With that in mind, Botany has a mandatory lab component to it. That course is offered during 0 period. Your other course requests are all available for independent study. I would suggest that you take advantage of that option. With your entire school day officially free, you can always come in to speak with one of your instructors during the instructor's prep period. Further, if you are struggling with a class, each of your selections meets during the first four periods of the day. That means that you can sit in on the class as you see fit. Finally, for all our independent study courses, the lectures from the year before are recorded and available to download in VCR format. Please let me know what you think of this option.
I believe that meeting with a mental health professional would be in your best interests. It also appears that you will be frequently meeting with government officials to resolve the injustices you have faced. Independent study would give you the necessary freedom during the day for both of those pursuits.
Further, if you are taking those remaining classes as independent study, you can draw one or even all them out over two years if needed.
If you insist on taking the remaining five classes in person, I will help you to do so.
With deepest regrets for the troubles you have experienced and continue to experience,
Headmistress Diane Robinson
Harry printed off a copy of the e-mail and showed it to Chase.
"Well, that would make things much easier. Your mother's flat has a room where electronics work. At least, there is an old television, an old stereo, and some electric lights. We could turn that into your non-magical education space."
"That would work. I will need a computer, though. Let me e-mail the headmistress. Our school uses RM Education systems. I'd like to get something compatible if I can."
Robinson wrote back only fifteen minutes later with a recommendation for a specific model of computer, specific software to obtain, and a specific printer model to use. She also gave him the contact information for the school's representative with a note to specify that it should be quoted at the same rate as for the Academy.
Harry sent the representative an e-mail immediately.
Having already changed into his dress robes for the day, Harry was then ready to floo to Amelia's office.
Upon Harry's arrival at the Wizengamot chamber, the same healer from the day before scanned him.
"I told you no magic until this afternoon! What did you do?"
"I apologize, Healer Jones. I sincerely forgot about that last night."
Amelia said, "It is my fault, Emma. Dumbledore also cast charms on Heir Potter's teachers and school officials. We were cutting off Harry's headmistress from causing Heir Potter all manner of problems in the muggle world. Neither of us remembered the restriction.
"Heir Potter is not even a teenager yet. As the responsible adult who was with him, it was my error."
Marchbanks spoke up. "I was also present when the decision was made. In light of the significance of what could happen if no action was taken, even I forgot about the restriction."
Jones grumbled before saying, "Your core has not recharged yet. Be back here at 6:00 and we will see if you are able to safely use your magic without draining yourself further."
"Thank you, Healer Jones."
With the afternoon free, Harry and Chase returned to the dojo. Harry checked his e-mail to find that he had a response from the RM Education Representative.
The £ 7,018.92 quote had seemed excessive to Harry. However, Chase liked that the deal included a free upgrade to any software for the entire time Harry continued to enroll at the school, a warranty on the machine itself that extended for three years from the date of purchase, and the option to use £ 3,500 of his purchase price as a trade-in value towards an upgraded model. He said that it was a good deal.
"Technically, you can stay enrolled at the Academy part time for seven more years. Just the software upgrades alone would be worthwhile. Also, this model already comes with Windows 3.1 installed."
The computer came with over thirty different software titles frequently used in British secondary schools, including a program that would allow Harry to search the Oxford and Cambridge University library catalogs and to access computerized information databases like ERIC. Fortunately, Harry was already familiar with much of the software due to the required computing courses over the last four years of his non-magical education.
"Okay! Okay! You win. We will order it this afternoon."
Harry replied to the e-mail. "I am inclined to accept this offer. However, the price does seem a bit high to me. If you are willing to include a year's worth of toner, I will accept and issue a check to your office this afternoon."
At Chase's raised eyebrow, Harry said, "Never accept their first offer."
Chase chuckled.
Receiving a near immediate reply that they would include a year's worth of toner and the address to send the check, Harry immediately responded, "The check will go out in this afternoon's mail."
Turning to Chase, he said, "Damn. I should have asked for two years of toner."
The materials Dragonflame had provided Harry with the day before included a checkbook that would work in the non-magical world. However, to maintain appearances, the checks required a guardian's countersignature. The checks were charmed to permit Andi, Chase, Remus, Augusta, Amelia, or Tonks to serve as that guardian. The check would show the proper information for whichever one of them signed the document.
These checks linked directly to the Prongslet Personal Vault, although Harry had signed an agreement stating he would reimburse any funds used for his education with funds in his Trust Fund.
Harry wrote the check out and wrote in the memo line, "Quote ED-91-XS-390SA as modified via e-mail." Both he and Chase signed it. Harry then placed the check into an envelope and put it in his mailbox.
After it had flashed away, Harry said, "Oops. I hope he is not working at his office today."
"Too late now. Let's go to your mother's place and look at the magic-free room.
A quick floo later, the two stepped in to what had been Lily's magic-free room.
Like several other rooms in the flat, the magic-free room was massive. Currently, less than half of it was in use.
"Well, first of all, I think it is definitely fair to say that you will need some modern electronics: a computer or two, a printer, a new television, a new stereo, and a VCR at least. You will also need some new furniture. Those sofas look like they have seen better days."
"I'd also like to get a bigger desk and some additional lights. This would be a good room to do my studying in if it had a little additional light."
"Agreed."
"Why do you think the room is so big?"
"Knowing your father and his friends, this room was likely supposed to be a recreational room for them. I do not recognize all the runes I see here, but these two are magic-dampening runes. These are for soundproofing an area. If I had to guess, I would say the open space was a play space for Nymphadora or that they had planned on this flat being a living option for you and had created more open space for you."
"Oh." That was all Harry could say at the time. From the wills, he knew that his parents had loved him and had taken many steps to ensure he was safe. Even though he was not certain that the expansion of the room really was a step, for some reason it hit Harry hard.
Trying to refocus his attention, Harry took out a tape measure and, with help from Chase, started measuring the dimensions of the room. He recorded the dimensions on his padfolio.
Before they left Lily's Pad, Harry had picked up the old rotary style phone on his mother's desk. On the bottom of the phone, a taped piece of paper read, "Service address: 1321 S Cambridge Way Ste 1216."
A service representative answered the phone when Harry dialed zero. She assured Harry that the phone could be reconnected by the following Friday and that the wiring in the building was sufficient to be able to handle voice or data. Harry wondered how that was possible.
When the two exited through the muggle door, Harry and Chase were shocked when the door disappeared. Instead, there was a small service box labeled Suite 1216. Chase opened the box and was surprised to see that it had better wiring than his dojo did. The box contained electrical wiring and circuit breakers, phone wiring, high-speed internet cable, and cable wiring.
Others in the hallway were staring at the two men and seemed not to notice the open box.
Harry shrugged and said, "Maybe it is charmed to not be noticeable unless you are actively looking for Suite 1216."
"I guess that makes sense. I have never heard of a charm like that other than the fidelis. Then again, your mother was an absolute genius. It would not surprise me if she came up with this on her own. You definitely come by your intelligence naturally. That is probably how she got around the location being unplottable but still able to access non-magical utilities."
The two went to a nearby electronics store where Chase splurged. He decided Harry needed a color dot matrix printer, a scanner, a copier, a FAX machine, a digital phone with an answering machine and a second handset that was cordless, a twenty-five-inch color television, a VCR, several extension cords and surge protectors, and a full stereo system with seven speakers.
Harry tried not to think about how much money he had just dropped in the electronics store.
The next store was a furniture store. Originally, Harry had wanted to get a wooden desk like the ones he had seen at Gringotts. However, after exploring the store, he decided instead to purchase two L-shaped glass desks. The type of desk he selected could be set up with the L at either end. Harry planned on setting up the desks so that the short-arms of the Ls faced each other. In between them, he would place two printer stands. The desk facing out into the room would have his computer so he could face the TV while he was working. The L next to that would contain the scanner. Next to that would be his printers. The other L would contain the copier. All the remaining office equipment would sit on the long-edge facing the wall. Harry also selected ten different light fixtures for around the room.
Instead of a large wooded desk, Harry selected a conference table similar to the ones used at Gringotts. Harry selected an oak finish for the table, a five drawer lateral file cabinet, and six five-shelf bookcases. He also selected a matching audiovisual station. After sketching out the room on his padfolio, Harry realized that two sofas would fit in the room as well. Finally, he selected six very comfortable chairs that would go well with the oak and with the glass desks. Not that he really expected it, but if Prince Ragnok or Princess Ragnup ever came to his flat, Harry wanted to ensure that they were comfortable. Better to be safe than sorry.
The electronics store would deliver everything Sunday afternoon between 3:30 and 5:00. Chase had the furniture store bring everything out and set it on a loading dock. As soon as everyone was gone, he shrunk down all the purchases and put them in his pocket.
Chase then apparated Harry back to Lily's Pad.
Since they had already seen assembled models of all the furniture, it took only minutes for Chase to assemble everything. A single aedifica was sufficient to assemble each piece of furniture.
Chase gave Harry a conjured stick and had him practice both the pronunciation and the wand movements. Harry also practiced the pronunciation and wand movements for the spells that Chase used to move the furniture. Chase made corrections as necessary to Harry's wand movements and pronunciation.
As it was only 4:30 in the afternoon when they finished, they flooed back to Chase's dojo and sparred for an hour before cleaning up and redressing in their dress robes from earlier.
When they flooed into Amelia's office, she informed him, "Diggle has finally removed his personal belongings from the Potter Wizengamot Office, Harry. You can now use that floo to get here. The floo address is simply 'Potter Wizengamot Office.' I will help you to set a personal password on it so that only those you personally want to can visit. Curse breakers are still going through the Black Wizengamot Office to ensure Malfoy did not leave anything insidious behind.
"Thank you, Amelia."
Harry's core had recovered that afternoon. He spent four hours removing all Dumbledore's magic from eight different members of the Wizengamot and the memory charms from two others. He also removed all Dumbledore's magic from both Amelia and Marchbanks as his very last acts for the night..
During his first break, Marchbanks handed Harry and Chase envelopes. "All of the others have already been sent out. The meeting with WCPS will take place tomorrow morning at 8:30 in Conference Room 3, just down the hall.
After leaving the Ministry of Magic, Harry made his way to Lily's Pad and crawled into the master bedroom there. He spent the next two hours doing meditation and breathing exercises. Once more, he was starting to feel overwhelmed.
The last few days had been trial after trial. Tomorrow would determine who gained control of him and he was terrified that it would be one of Dumbledore's flunkies.
Harry drew at least a little comfort from seeing that the bracer on his arm indicated that he had already filled the five smaller gemstones. That meant that his magical power had doubled from where it was on Wednesday. However, he made a note to bring that up with Gringotts. He should not be charging the stones that rapidly.
A/N: Still not mine.
Chapter 5: I'm Moving Out
Sunday, 4 August 1991
Harry had not slept well, but he still got up at his regular 4:30 AM. When he stripped down to shower, he threw the clothes he had been wearing into the magical washing machine inside the walk-in closet.
By the time he had finished showering, Harry's clothes were done and hanging in the closet.
"Damn. That's convenient."
Harry changed back into the clothes he had worn the day before. Chase had already used magic the night before to clean all four sets of robes. Before he left for the Ministry, Harry would put on the emerald green robes he had worn that first day.
Seeing that it was still only 4:50 in the morning, Harry decided to look around some more. Harry's parents had left the bedroom closet well stocked with both women's and men's clothing. Harry laughed at the bellbottom pants before pulling out what had first drawn his attention.
A trunk labeled "Lily M. Potter" was in one corner of the closet.
Harry pulled it out next to his bed and opened it up.
The inside of the trunk was filled with all kinds of books. As Harry looked through the books, he realized that he had an entire collection of books bought pre-Hogwarts, then for all seven years of Hogwarts, and then for what one of his classmates would call "light reading."
Harry saw that his mother also had a copy of 1000 Magical Herbs and Fungi. Opening her rather worn book, he was amazed at all the notes he saw throughout the book.
Her copy of Fantastic Beasts was also marked up heavily. After a quick glance through the books, he realized that his mother had marked up all her books. Her potions books were amazing. Nearly every single potion had multiple lines of instructions crossed out and replaced with clearer or sometimes completely different constructions. Many of her notes began with, "Sev says…"
Harry was so engrossed in the books that he did not notice how much time had passed until Chase cleared his throat.
"What are you reading?"
"These are my mother's school books. She's changed most of the instructions."
Chase laughed, "Yes, your mother was brilliant in potions, especially when she was working with Severus Snape. The two of them would bounce ideas off each other and then test them out.
"The potions books Hogwarts uses have not been updated in over 100 years so they do not incorporate any new findings or techniques. Both your mother and Snape would spend several hours in the library each week to read about advances in potions and then to figure out how to incorporate them into their own brewing."
"I've never felt so close to my mum." Harry had not realized it until this point that he was crying and apparently had been for quite some time.
"I understand. Unfortunately, it is already 8:15. Let me freshen you up, then put on your dress robes. We need to leave in less than five minutes."
A couple of charms later, Harry hastily putting on his dress robes, and an anti-wrinkling charm meant they were readily to leave by 8:18.
Chase and Harry arrived at Conference Room 3 right at 8:25. As they entered the room, Harry could tell that they were the last to arrive. He was surprised to find Dragonflame there.
He was disappointed to notice that Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Hestia Jones, and Emmeline Vance all wore some level of a scowl on their faces. Penny Smoothling, however, was looking at him with open curiosity.
Severus Snape stood up and walked over to the two of them before they could seat themselves.
"Chase, are you the one who has been watching over Potter under Dumbledore's nose these past few years?"
"Yes, Professor Snape. I have been."
"Have you been teaching him about his mother?"
"Yes."
Harry looked up at the, he was not afraid to admit, exceptionally intimidating man. "Professor Snape, are you the Sev that my mum references in her potions books?"
Snape looked like Harry had physically sucker-punched him. It only took him a few seconds for him to regain his composure before he turned to Katherine Brown and said, "I wish to drop my objection to Mr. Potter's current placement. It is clear to me that he is in very good hands with Bryton Chase."
"Severus!"
"No, Minerva. This is my call to make."
Unfortunately, that just made the scowls on Dumbledore's other three stooges more pronounced.
Brown formally started the meeting, "We are here to determine the proper placement of Acting Lord Harry James Potter. Acting Lord Potter, are you …"
"Excuse me, Madam Brown. Please, for convenience, call me Heir Potter. There is no reason to be so formal here."
"Thank you, Heir Potter. As I was saying, are you aware that this guardianship agreement only extends for one year?"
"I did not know the specific length of time, only that it would not be permanent. So long as there is no undue outside influence, I will respect the decisions you make here today."
"And if you think there is undue outside influence?"
Dragonflame was the one who responded, "Friend Potter has access to many resources outside the jurisdiction of the British Ministry of Magic and already has the portkeys to access those places. He could be in any number of jurisdictions that lack extradition treaties with the British Ministry of Magic. I believe one of those portkeys is set to take him away if he is stunned."
"I see. What would you consider as undue influence?"
"If I were placed under the control of someone who was not named in my parents' wills and if the wishes of all those named who already know me were not taken into account."
"I understand Heir Potter. However, you must know that I must make a determination of what is in your best interests based on my own findings and opinions."
"Oh, I have no doubt about that. However, you must know that I must do what I think is required to keep me safe from another attempt at wiping my memory, kidnapping me, murdering me, and stealing from me."
McGonagall scoffed. "What nonsense is this?"
"Acting Headmistress McGonagall, you would sit here and deny that when my non-magical guardians and I all turned down the Hogwarts offer, you did absolutely nothing as Dumbledore cast memory charms on all three of my non-magical family members and on myself? That he then ordered me to go with Hagrid?"
"The Headmaster was merely acting in your best interests, Harry."
"It is Heir Potter. I have already expressed to you, Dumbledore, and Hagrid that I wish to be addressed properly by you and all the members of your staff. It was the repeated implications by Dumbledore and Hagrid that I had improper sexual relationships with them that turned me off to your school, especially when your reprimand of him was just ignored."
"You have to understand that Headmaster Dumbledore knows best, Mr. Potter."
Dragonflame spoke up. "Pardon me for interrupting, but I was a witness to these events. Did Dumbledore have Friend Potter's best interests at heart when he conspired with Clan Grip to take over Friend Potter's accounts and to take his life before he reached his majority to ensure that the funds could not go to anyone else?
"Did Dumbledore have Friend Potter's best interests at heart when he illegally emptied the Potter Family Vault and the Potter Heirloom Vault?
"Did Dumbledore have Friend Potter's best interests at heart when he repeatedly tried to prevent Friend Potter from meeting with the Goblin Nation as was his right and duty when he turned eleven?
"Did Dumbledore have Friend Potter's best interests at heart when he bound 80% of his magic when your dark lord fell and left it bound at that level throughout his childhood?"
Amelia Bones took over, "Did Dumbledore have Heir Potter's best interests at heart when he knowingly suppressed the information that Sirius Black was innocent and that Alice Longbottom could be healed? When he completely, unilaterally ignored the Potters' wills and placed Friend Potter with the only people his parents explicitly excluded from guardianship?
"Did Dumbledore have Harry's best interests at heart when he memory charmed dozens of teachers, nurses, doctors, school administration officials, police officers, and neighbors so that they forgot all the abuse Harry suffered at the hands of the Dursleys and instead remembered, 'you always make up tales like that. You are a disgusting little liar and cannot be trusted. You live with a loving family who takes very good care of you.'"
Emmeline Vance looked at Amelia and asked flat out, "Director Bones, is all this accurate?"
"Yes. When the goblins try Dumbledore, this and much more will see the light of day. As soon as they are finished with him, I will see him before the Wizengamot on thousands of charges related to him abusing his power, including cold blooded murder."
"Minerva, did Dumbledore actually attempt to memory charm Mr. Potter and his supposed guardians to get around a decision that was theirs to make without interference?"
"Yes, Emmeline. He did. But I am sure that he had his reasons."
Vance shook her head. "I withdraw my objection to Bryton's Chase's temporary custody on the condition that this matter be reopened should Headmaster Dumbledore be found innocent."
"Emmeline!"
"Do not 'Emmeline!' me Minerva McGonagall. I am just as disgusted with you for your failure to protect Heir Potter. Just… Don't start, Minerva."
McGonagall looked like she had been slapped.
"I do not know where all this hatred and distrust is coming from. But you and Severus both owe Dumbledore for what he has done for you. How can you betray him like this?"
Hestia Jones chimed in. "I agree. This level of betrayal is unacceptable. I could expect it from someone with no family and no honor like Mr. Chase. Severus, Emmeline, I am completely disgusted with both of you. How could you?"
Before either could answer her, Harry turned to Brown and said, "Madam Brown, this is the kind of thing that I was speaking of when I spoke of undue influence. Should I be placed under either Acting Headmistress McGonagall's or Hestia Jones's authority, their responses today clearly indicate that it will be under Dumbledore's authority and that they are unwilling or unable to question what he has done.
Before Brown could respond, Amelia said, "I have already declared Sensei Chase is an appropriate guardian for Mr. Potter."
Dragonflame added, "Princess Ragnup, Account Manager Dragonbite, and I had also agreed with that assessment. Upon our mutual agreement, we have offered to reimburse Sensei Chase for all his expenses related to Harry since he became involved in the boy's life."
Augusta Longbottom spoke up next, "While I would love to Heir Potter to come live with my Neville and me, I know that is not in his best interests. He has been let down by too many adults. He does not know the rest of us well enough to trust us.
"Sensei Chase and the others who are listed above him on the chain of custody all agree that Sensei Chase's guardianship makes the most sense at this point in time and that a future decision can be made once Heir Potter has a chance get to know the rest of us."
Andi and Amelia both said, "I concur."
From the shadows of the back corner, Remus added, "James Potter and Sirius Black were my best friends. James would love it that Harry had someone so dedicated to him. Sirius would do anything in his power to ensure that Harry was safe, healthy, and happy. Once he understands the situation, I have no doubt that he will also agree that at least temporary custody by Sensei Chase is the best course of action."
"Mr. Black's opinion is irrelevant. He is a convicted murderer."
"No, Ms. Jones, he is not. Sirius Black never got a trial. It has been verified by the Goblin Nation, by Director Bones, and by the Wizengamot. I expect to oversee his trial in the upcoming week. Your precious Dumbledore sent the man to prison without a trial and then memory charmed the entire Wizengamot. Every single Wizengamot member seated at the time of the Potters' deaths recalled they were sick for the day of the trial but that Black was convicted by an overwhelming majority."
"He then memory charmed my family and my son's and his wife's healers to believe there was no chance of recovery."
Andi spoke next, "He memory charmed me to forget about the will."
Amelia, "Same with me."
Chase said, "Same with me. While I did not recall that the Potters asked if I was willing to serve as a guardian, I did recall that Harry existed and, when I made my way back to Britain, I hunted him down to make sure he was being taken care of."
Brown cut everyone off and said, "Ms. Smoothling, you have not yet had anything to say. What is your opinion?"
"I do not remember the Potters asking me if I would serve as Heir Potter's guardian. The request to be here this morning caught me quite off guard.
"However, I am a mental health professional with the title 'Doctor' in the non-magical world and 'Healer' in the magical world and I have been watching Heir Potter throughout this proceeding.
"My candid analysis is that he is terrified that he might lose the one stable person in his life, he is masking to the best of his ability, and that he is just barely holding it together.
"I have seen him reach for his wand several times when Acting Headmistress McGonagall and Hestia Jones have been speaking. I am not sure he could even cast anything at them. It is clear to me that Heir Potter feels threatened by both of them. It is also clear to me that he has no idea what to think of Professor Snape and Emmeline Vance. He is wound so tight right now waiting for a trap to spring that it is amazing that we are not experiencing waves of accidental magic."
When she paused, Harry added in his defense, "I do not wish to harm them. If that were the case, I would have reached for my daggers." Several pairs of eyes jumped up at that statement. "I just want to see how much of the bullcrap they are spewing is actually them and how much is Dumbledore's spells. I'd like to cast a finite incantatem on each of the four to remove all the old goat's influence."
McGonagall scoffed. "You foolish boy. Even if you knew how to cast the spell, your power is so weak that you would never be able to remove any magic Dumbledore cast, not that I believe that he has ever or would ever cast anything on me without my permission."
Harry withdrew the Elder Wand. "Do you recognize this wand?"
Snape eyed him wearily and asked, "How did you come to be in possession of Dumbledore's wand?"
"I took it from him in combat. It recognizes me as its owner now."
Snape looked highly doubtful. "You disarmed Dumbledore?"
"Yes. He was trying to kidnap and had already hurt several of the goblins that were attempting to help me. When he drew his wand, I stabbed through his hand causing him to drop it. It gave off sparks when I picked it up and tossed it out of his reach."
"Surely you do not believe this nonsense, Severus!"
"Let's assume you are right. If Heir Potter messes up a finite incantatem, it will have no effect on me. The same is true if he casts it and the Headmaster has not cast anything on me or if the Headmaster has and Heir Potter is not powerful enough to overcome the magic.
"The thing is, Minerva, I know for a fact that Dumbledore has cast memory spells on me. I for one would like to know what he has made me forget."
"Auror Shacklebolt taught me how to cast the spell. Um, I need to know which you would prefer. I can remove any memory charms, any compulsion charms, or all magic he has ever cast on you."
Amelia said, "Professor Snape, I warn you, it will be disorienting."
Snape nodded an acknowledgement and then turned to face Harry. "Attempt to remove all the magic he has ever cast on me."
Harry calmed himself, focused on his magic, practiced the wand movement, and then cast the spell on Snape with as much power as he could draw.
As memories came rushing back to him and he became aware of more and more compulsion charms, Snape started shaking violently. Eventually, he threw up and said, "If that bastard ever gets released from prison, I will put my death eater training to use and kill him myself.
"He charmed me to think of Lily as and to call her a mudblood. He cast compulsions on me to go after the Marauders. He cast a compulsion on me to chase down Lupin's secret. He cast a compulsion on me to join the Dark Lord.
"The things he has made me do with the Slytherins make me sick to my stomach. How could I have ever let it get that bad within my house?
"The blinders are permanently off of me, Minerva. Dumbledore is a monster. He is just as evil as the Dark Lord ever was.
"Dowager Longbottom, I know of the potion that will cure your son and daughter-in-law. I will make it as soon as I feel competent in the lab again.
"Minerva, I am resigning my post at the end of this academic year or when Dumbledore gains control of the school, whichever comes first."
He then turned to Brown. "In absolutely no uncertain terms, let me be clear. As long as Minerva, Hestia, or even Emmeline are unwilling to have Heir Potter remove Dumbledore's magic, you should deny them even visitation with him."
"I need to leave now and try to sort my memories."
Snape stood up and almost made it to the door before he passed out completely.
Smoothling made her way over to him and cast several diagnostic charms on him.
"Oh! That is a massive number of memory charms and compulsions to have removed all at once. Let's leave him here until the end of this meeting so I can keep track of him. Then, I can take him to his preferred healer."
Marchbanks spoke up then. "There is one other matter that you should consider before you decide on custody. This is the education plan that Sensei Chase has developed and submitted for Heir Potter's education. It was approved by my office yesterday."
Brown's eyebrows rose into her hairline. "Bloody hell. This isn't a joke is it?"
"No, he has firm commitments from the goblins. Now look at the second form."
"Bryton Chase, Remus Lupin, Andromeda Tonks, Augusta Longbottom, Nymphadora Tonks, and … you, Madam Marchbanks?"
"Yes. Seeing as Sensei Chase only had two days organize this and get it approved, I think it is a very thorough job. Not only that, but he let Heir Potter select some of the tutors directly. My understanding is that the goblins are on the list due to their volunteering and Heir Potter's desire to involve them."
Minerva scoffed. "You expect me to be impressed that he got some low level goblins to tutor him? I'm sure all he had to do was pay them for their time."
Dragonflame growled. "You dare to call Prince Ragnok, Princess Ragnup, Commander Bloodfang, an Account Manger, and myself to be low level goblins? I will grant you that my grandson would fit that bill. However, all Friend Potter's training is at the expense of the Goblin Nation courtesy of a joint declaration of Prince Rangok and Princess Ragnup.
"You should not insert yourself into goblin matters, Acting Headmistress McGonagall. You may find yourself prohibited from Gringotts."
Madam Brown spoke up.
"I have just one more line of questioning before I make my decision. Mr. Chase, where would Harry live if he were in your custody?"
"We are educating him in an unplottable property in Cambridge. Harry has taken over the master bedroom there. My dojo only has one bedroom, so it is out of the question. Harry suggested that I take one of the bedrooms at the property."
"Are these facilities sufficient to support a family of two?"
Marchbanks said, "The facilities are more than sufficient."
"What safety procedures will be in place to ensure that Mr. Potter does not get into trouble when no one is present to supervise him?"
Harry responded to that one, rubbing his head. "Well, the wards are attuned to me. So, there isn't really much they could do to keep me out of anywhere. However, I have obligations that require me to be out in public at least six days a week. I have a motivation to stay out of things I am not supposed to get into. I also have a lot of experience with that. Living with the Dursleys, going somewhere or doing something I was permitted to was sufficient to ensure a severe beating. I also do not have any disciplinary issues with my previous schools…well, except for detentions for claiming that I was hurt."
Smoothling spoke up and asked, "Heir Potter, are you seeing a therapist of any sort?"
"No, ma'am, Dr. Smoothling."
"I see. It is my professional opinion that Bryton Chase is the best possible choice for Heir Potter's guardian at this time. I ask that Harry consider meeting with a therapist or a mental health healer so he can better process his trauma.
"I am not saying that person has to be me, but I would be honored to assist you if you are interested, Heir Potter."
Harry looked at Chase.
"It is your call, Harry. I actually agree with the recommendation that you see someone to help you process everything. I will not tell you that you have to speak with Dr. Smoothling. However, I will tell you that I believe she is someone who is trustworthy and she is someone who can understand both parts of your life."
Harry looked down and muttered, "Okay. I'll think about it."
Brown said, "So ordered."
She signed several different documents and then handed copies of them over to Chase, Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones, Andromeda Tonks, Severus Snape (still passed out on the conjured bed), and Penny Smoothling.
"I am mandating that Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones, and Andromeda Tonks have at least weekly contact with Heir Potter. It is up to Heir Potter whether or not Severus Snape and Penny Smoothling should have access to him.
"You will be contacted by a muggle CPS office in either Cambridge or Surrey. Do not worry. These documents are sent automatically to someone in the know at both locations. One of those persons will do your site visits and file regular reports.
"I agree with Healer Smoothling's recommendation and am including a mandate that you see a therapist or a healer at least once every two weeks until that person believes that you can see him or her less frequently.
She signed another form and handed it to McGonagall, Jones, and Vance. "You are prohibited from any contact until you have had any memory charms and compulsions placed by Dumbledore removed. Once you have done so, you are not to initiate contact. Heir Potter will be informed of the change. He will contact you if he desires it."
"We will reconvene on Heir Potter's birthday next year to decide if this placement is still idea and if any changes in the requirements or restrictions are appropriate."
She then banged her gavel and said, "We are adjourned."
Chase said, "We are not done yet."
Brown looked at him with disapproval. "I say we are."
Dragonflame handed Chase a document.
"This is the oath you need to swear prior to you being an acceptable guardian based on the Potter wills."
Once Chase was done, Brown asked, "Are we finished now?"
Dragonflame said, "Yes, I believe so. Now that the requirements of the Potter wills have been carried out, no one should be able to overturn this decision based on those grounds."
Brown left in a huff.
Marchbanks spoke up, "Fudge caught wind of the hearing. He thought it was tomorrow. She has a meeting with him in about half an hour to discuss the hearing. She intentionally did not correct his misconceptions. Fudge does not forget perceived slights like that."
Harry tore a piece of paper from his padfolio and wrote on it,
Professor Snape,
I hope you feel better soon. Thank you for trusting me to remove Dumbledore's magic from you. I would like to hear more stories about mum and you, if you do not mind.
Both of my parents must have seen something good in you for them to have agreed to put you on the list of potential guardians.
I realize your time is valuable. Perhaps you can find some potions ingredients that you would like in my mother's greenhouse or at the Potter Manor grounds. Maybe sometime we can brew together.
I just want you to know that I do not blame you for what Dumbledore made you do. As far as I am concerned, all that matters is what you do now that you know about it and are free of the compulsions. I would like to think that my mother would feel the same way.
If you would like to communicate, any mail addressed to my name goes to a Diagon Alley mailbox. Alternatively, you can floo me at Lily's Pad.
Harry James Potter
While Harry was writing his short letter, Healer Smoothling was arguing with the Dumbledore contingent.
"Look. I absolutely refuse to release him into your custody. None of you are healers or even mediwitches. I have begun treating him in a crisis. I have two options: personally turn him over to the healer of his choice or take him to St. Mungo's so they can oversee his recovery. We are being kept in Conference Room 3 of Wizarding CPS."
The argument went back and forth for several more minutes before Minerva said that the healer was an embarrassment to her house.
She then cast a messenger patronus. "Poppy, Severus is in need of your expertise. Please bring a copy of his medical records so that the," here the scorn in McGonagall's voice was very evident, "healer will release him into your custody. Harry Potter has caused severe damage to Severus's mind."
After the messenger left, Harry spoke up, "After seeing the lies and manipulation you just spouted, I am doubly glad that I will not be at Hogwarts subject to your authority. You, ma'am, disgust me. Stay away from me.
"Also, you should expect to be called before the Wizengamot on charges of slander."
Healer Smoothling also addressed the older witch. "You may not think much of me, but the fact that I am Board Certified by the Ministry and practice at St. Mungo's should indicate to you that I am competent. I know Madam Pomphrey is exceptional at what she does, but that you would think that a mediwitch whose primary focus is on children would be better suited to help Professor Snape recover indicates a lack of basis in reality in your decision making."
Pomphrey had walked in during Smoothling's statement. Recognizing her former pupil, she called out, "Penny Smoothling! How wonderful to see you again. Were you successful?"
"Yes, Poppy, I was. I attended both medical school and healer training at Stanford University. I then was on the faculty at Columbia's School of Medicine and Columbia's Institute of Magical Studies in New York for a year. Finally, I spent some time working at the Mayo Clinic studying how to combine non-magical medicine with magical users and how to use magic to help non-magicals heal more quickly from magic induced mental trauma."
"Good, good! It is so nice to see that you were successful. I am glad that my advice to search for what you wanted in the States worked out for you.
"Now, what happened to my patient?"
Smoothling summarized the events that had led to Snape passing out.
"So, at his own request, he has experienced a major trauma that unlocked many hidden memories, exposed and removed many compulsion charms, and then generically removed other magic that Albus had cast on him?"
"Correct."
"Well, my recommendation would be for him to be confined to bed for the next several days. I know Severus has faced many horrible situations in the past, but it sounds like some of these memories have rocked his foundation of who he thought he was.
"A mild pain relief potion every few hours would also help out. However, the best thing would be for him to confide in someone that could understand his experiences."
"Yes. I am about to undergo the same procedure. However, as I do not believe that Dumbledore ever took much interest in me, I believe it will be substantially less dramatic."
"Would you like me to watch over you until you have recovered?"
"I would appreciate it. Heir Potter, are you willing to perform the finite incantatem on me?"
"Of course, Healer Smoothling."