Title: Angelus Fortuna
Author: Crimson Rosary
Summary: After watching the near-death experience of his godfather, Harry finally decides that Dumbledore doesn't really have the power he claims to have. In order to protect himself, his family and his friends, Harry chooses to side with Voldemort. But what does the Dark Lord have to say to that?
Pairing: LVHP
Rating: M
Author's Note: This is my first ever LVHP story! Please don't hate! Enjoy! If you don't like Male x Male, please press the back button or the red box on the corner. Manipulative!Dumbledore, Ron/Hermione/Ginny/Certain Weasley Bashing! Alive!Sirius, Good!Voldemort, Characters will be a bit OOC.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Harry Potter; all those belong to J.K. Rowling.
'Thoughts'
{Parseltongue}
[Telepathy]
Chapter 10
Happy Birthday
All sets of eyes shot up and stared as Harry burst through the room, muttering angrily underneath his breath until his volume got louder and louder with each step that he took.
"That stupid, incorrigible, self-absorbed. . ."
"Harry?"
". . . sweet, thoughtful bastard." Harry ended in a whisper, with soft eyes looking into the distance.
"Harry?" George asked, after the young Marauder had ignored his twin counterpart's call.
"Harry!" The twins shouted together.
"Yes?"
"What happened?" Luna asked worriedly.
"I bet he ripped Tom a new one," Neville grinned. Harry smiled embarrassedly.
"Yeah, he admitted to doing so – just to test you. I'm so sorry Neville."
"It's fine!" Neville insisted. "And besides, he probably did it to protect you. I bet he said that too right?"
Harry nodded his head. "He said that it would be better for me to hate him because he knew I couldn't hate you guys."
"I think you have something more to say?" Luna prodded.
"It's obvious isn't it?" Harry gestured all around him. "I've switched sides. Tom saved me – took care of me after my magic apparated me to his manor before I fell unconscious. I was in a healing coma for a week. He treated me like an equal – or as much of an equal as he could. He's so sweet and thoughtful. . ."
"And he wants to see if we're loyal to you."
Harry gave them a lopsided smile, "I might have said something about you guys always having my back."
"Oh, Harry!" Luna squealed, jumping the Gryffindor with a warm embrace.
"So you guys are. . .fine with all this?" Harry asked above Luna's head of curly blond hair.
"Fine with this?" Neville repeated.
"We're with the remaining marauders! And walking side by side with death eaters!" Fred said.
"And, we're the only ones that you've admitted that you trust more than the other two of the Golden trio." George said.
"Plus, we kind of made our stance clear when we saw that news article and sort of pranked the living daylights out of our little brother." They chimed. "We get a rush of adrenaline, yeah?"
Harry turned to Neville, and the Gryffindor shrugged his shoulders. "As long as you send Bellatrix to Azkaban or whatever, her punishment, while not by my hands, is better than having her ruin the lives of other families."
Harry frowned, "Neville – about Lestrange,"
The shy Gryffindor held up a hand to stop his friend's apology. "I admit that staying in the same area, much less the same house, as the people responsible for my parents' stay in St. Mungo's is not reasonable in any way whatsoever, things will work out in the end."
Slowly nodding, Harry looked at the blond in his arms. "Luna?" Harry asked.
The blonde beamed at him, "I'm always with you, Harry. After all, you believed me when no one else would. And you protected me!"
"Well. . ." Fred grinned slyly.
"Isn't he just a horrible bastard?" George grinned wickedly.
…..
"HE'S SUCH A HORRIBLE BASTARD!" Petunia shouted.
This was the fifth time in two weeks that she received a letter delivered by a blasted winged beast, looking fiercer than any owl she'd ever seen. It certainly looked quite monstrous compared to the white-feathered animal that her freakish nephew brought home each year.
With a shriek, she ripped the envelope to shreds and threw them into the fireplace.
It wouldn't do for Vernon to see it. No, no, no. She wished to live a normal life – and yet, not even God would answer her prayers – insistent on having magic be a part of her life, even when the boy, whom had been beaten to the very inch of his life, was still leaving his mark even after he had disappeared from their abode.
When that devilish Headmaster of his came to ask about his whereabouts, Petunia had just slammed the door in his face.
Petunia puffed his chest out in a smug fashion, remembering the gobsmacked look on his old, weathered face. That'd show him. They hadn't wanted the freak after all. And good riddance! He was finally gone.
But oh, why oh why did his freakishness not disappear?
Petunia heard the car door slam from the front of their little two-story house and quickly opened the oven door just as it dinged.
"I'm home, Pet!"
"Dinner's ready, Vernon." Petunia said smiling, drying her hands on her little waist-tied apron. "Go wash up."
She watched as her lovely, muscular husband lumbered off with a measured gait. Ah, how graceful he was when he took command of the things in his life. Yes; Petunia had no doubt that her little Duddykins would join in the fantastic image that his father portrayed to their jealous neighbors.
"Duddykins, dinner time." Petunia called out into the living room.
Dudley grunted and turned the television off, lumbering over to the dining room and planting his bottom onto the seat that was directly across from the television standing before the entrance of their little backyard patio.
"What's for dinner, Pet?"
"I've made five steaks, mashed potatoes with homemade gravy and a little asparagus to go with it." Petunia said smiling, filling her two favorite men's plates with the thick, greasy slabs of meat – making sure to pile on the mashed potatoes and drown the dish with her special, homemade gravy. She always relished in how her two most favorite men in the world would enjoy her handmade meals.
Petunia gave them little vegetables, because men needed their meat – especially her Duddykins, who was well on his way to becoming a strapping young man. When Vernon made a sound of approval, complimenting her on her cooking, Petunia smiled shyly and added a little more gravy to his mashed potatoes.
"And dessert?" Dudley asked, his eyes darting away from the television for a fraction of a second.
Petunia simpered, smoothing the bangs on her son's head. "Your favorite – Queen of Puddings – and, I added extra whipped cream to it."
Dudley grinned and dug in heartily, little bits of potatoes falling from the corners of his mouth. Petunia grimaced, but, nonetheless, cleaned him up.
In the middle of their dinner, a loud screech had their heads whipping up into the air, a perfect imitation of an ostrich, after it had removed its head from a hole in the ground.
Petunia gasped and Vernon's face turned putrid purple. An owl had flown in through their patio and dropped an envelope directly into Vernon's mashed potatoes, before flying back out.
"What is this?" He asked, gripping the envelope with a white fist.
"That freakish world has been sending us letters nonstop!" Petunia complained, wringing her hands on her apron.
Tearing the seal apart, Vernon pulled the letter out and read it, his putrid purple face turning, if possible, stark white before it reverted to an angry crimson color.
"What is this?!" He roared, nostrils flaring with his anger. "What is this nonsense?!"
Petunia attempted to speak, but could not and was forced to show her emotions through tearing apart her flimsily-made apron. Vernon made to speak about the letter's contents but found that he too, could not do so and instead, took it upon himself to rip up the letter and set it on fire in the fireplace.
That brat even had the audacity to cheekily include, "All of your problems will go away if you pay back every pound you owe me."
Confident that he had removed the freakishness placed upon him, he went to speak, but it looked as if Vernon was choking on the air he breathed.
Roaring with fury, Vernon flipped their wooden coffee table over and lumbered up the stairs, slamming the bedroom door closed.
"Mum?"
"Yes Dudley?"
"Are we still having dessert?"
"Yes, of course." She smiled. If the freakishness had only touched her and Vernon, she was fine with it. As long as it hasn't contaminated her beautiful son, then it was fine.
But what she didn't know was that – during one of the times she had been out – Dudley had snuck back in and had found a letter by himself. Of course, he had read it and had thrown it out – believing it to be a fraud, a prank. It didn't matter what that freak Potter had sent them, his parents would get it sorted out. They always did.
Oh, how wrong she was.
This time around, there would be nothing they could do.
…..
"They've received it!" Harry giggled, excusing himself from his friends and making his way towards his lover's office.
"They've received it!" He repeated, upon opening the door. Tom was busy signing documents – being a Dark Lord did not excuse one from doing their paperwork or shirking their duties.
"So you're no longer upset with me?" Tom asked, ruby red eyes never leaving his paperwork.
Harry ignored that comment, too happy to care. The Dursley's were going to get their comeuppance.
Tom gave a little, "They?"
"The Dursleys!" Harry smiled, plopping himself onto Tom's lap without so much as a by your leave. Tom did nothing but adjust Harry on his lap, lightly wrapping an arm around his thin waist. "Gringotts sent me a letter verifying that all three has touched and read through its contents. But I'm sure they'll ignore it and once they miss the first few payments, it'll be downhill for them."
Tom couldn't adjust himself when he felt how elated his little lover was. In fact, Harry had felt his excitement, which turned his revenge-fulfilling mood into one of arousal.
"Tom? I'm not objecting to this… but I hope that's for me." Harry said slyly, grinding his butt onto the erection he felt.
Tom groaned and tightened his arms, confining the Gryffindor against his chest, preventing him from exciting him even further. "Not now. When I have regained my human appearance, then it will all be for you." He said salaciously, nibbling upon Harry's earlobe before the Gryffindor sprung free from his constraints.
"O-Okay." Harry nodded his head jerkily. He covered his mouth with an arm, narrowing his eyes at Tom's chuckle.
Damn. Tom knew he was aroused and blushing – not a good combination, but Harry couldn't help but fantasize all about their first time.
"Are you going to stay?"
"Yes," Harry nodded his head, "But I'm still mad at you," and proceeded to sit by the seating area a few feet away, watching Tom do his work until he got bored and fell asleep.
…..
Tom, whom had finished up with half of his documents, soon awakened Harry from his slumber. The Dark Lord had been alerted by one of his house elves that an early dinner had been arranged and was awaiting their presence.
Together, Tom led his sleepy stumbling little lover down the corridors and towards the dining hall.
"Tom?" Harry muttered softly, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He leaned against the Dark Lord and nuzzled into the warmth of his chest. "Is it time already?" He yawned.
Tom smiled. His lover had slightly forgiven him from that action alone. "Yes. Not much of a surprise birthday party when you know what will happen."
Harry nodded his head in agreement, "But I'll let them have their fun. Birthdays are important – we only have one each year after all."
Tom kept silent, agreeing with his lover. Though his birthday came once a year, he had not really celebrated it since his days at Hogwarts. And even then, it was just gifts from those that followed him, who wished to rise in his rankings after they had graduated. Sure most of their presents were practical gifts like tomes he'd read and acquire magical knowledge from, but others that weren't as close to him as his followers were, had sent him money – money that he had saved up and used during his stay at the orphanage in the summers he had had to return.
Opening up the doors, noise suddenly exploded all around him as confetti dropped from the ceilings.
"Surprise! Happy birthday!" was shouted at Harry. And though he knew of the planned event, he still jumped at the screams.
"Thanks guys," The Gryffindor smiled. The twins were still throwing confetti at him, using their magic liberally as was their privilege since becoming seventeen-year-olds.
"Happy birthday, cub." Remus smiled, giving him a warm hug before scurrying away. He didn't want to hurt any of them, and the full moon was in a few hours' time. He would have a quick meal before running to the forest behind Riddle Manor.
"Pup, happy birthday!" Sirius smiled, embracing his godson. He threw a weak glare at Tom's place, but it was easily deflected with an amused smirk and a rising of the Dark Lord's eyebrows.
Hermione watched as the others came and congratulated Harry on his sixteenth birthday. And for once, she was not the first to do so. She knew that Harry had forgiven her for her naïve beliefs and actions, but he had not really forgotten. Neville, Luna and the twins made sure she remembered. And although they did not actively pursue their suspicions towards her, their subtle actions of ignoring her or trying to keep her away from Harry, did more than necessary to show that they didn't trust in her anymore – or, at least didn't trust in her as much as they used to. And Hermione didn't know how much trust they had originally put in her in the first place.
"Happy birthday, Harry." Hermione smiled. Her smile faltered though, when Tom moved in closer behind him.
"Thanks, Hermione." Harry smiled before turning to grace the Dark Lord with a beatific smile that showed more of Harry than she had ever seen before.
The birthday boy allowed Tom to escort him to his seat and once the two were seated, Harry's friends and family came next on his side just as Tom's most trusted followers sat on his right. It was a private affair after all, so the guest list was small and short, but had the most important of all guests – important to both Tom and Harry.
"This is the best birthday ever." Harry announced, an hour into his dinner. The blooming responses from his friends and family washed over him like a tsunami, filling him with warmth, love and care. Even Tom's supportive squeeze of his hand had filled him to the brim.
Dinner ended on a high note when Harry was escorted to his rooms, arms filled with shrunken gifts from friends, family and new acquaintances. And while he was giddy about having, possibly the best birthday ever, he was more excited for Tom's "reincarnation" so to speak.
…..
At the end of the meal, Remus could feel the beginnings of Moony trying to claw his way out and into the moonlight of the full moon.
Sensing his mate's anxiousness to get out of such a confined area, Fenrir held out a hand and waited with bated breath.
"Do you trust me?"
Remus quirked an eyebrow, "Dear sir, have you been watching Disney movies?"
Fenrir shook his head, "What?"
Remus chuckled, placing his hand in Fenrir's, "Never mind."
"Remus –"
The werewolf turned around and saw Sirius lingering hesitantly behind him.
"What is it, Sirius?"
Dark grey eyes gave him a once over before speaking, "Will you be okay?" Without me, was unspoken and Remus understood.
"I haven't ran with a pack for over a decade, Sirius," Remus stated, and the unintentional jab at the animagus's years in Azkaban had Sirius flinching. "I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow."
The werewolf gave Sirius's shoulder a firm squeeze and followed Fenrir out of the dining room.
"Wolf haven, Merlin's Castle." Fenrir said, and the two were whisked away.
Landing on their feet, Fenrir headed towards the castle, absentmindedly pulling Remus along the way. The younger of the two was still gobsmacked at seeing the sight of Merlin's Castle. He'd read about Merlin in books, heard about him from legends and rumors, but never would he have guessed, that in a million years – or rather in his entire life time – would he be able to come and go as he pleased.
"Where are the others?" Remus asked. The castle was slightly less noisier than the first couple of times he'd been there.
"We're all getting ready for the full moon. They're probably heading towards the forests now. No one really likes transforming in such confined spaces – it makes the wolf anxious."
Remus made a noncommittal noise, but finally he understood why Moony would act tense with such limited space. "Are we going out to the forests then?"
Fenrir nodded his head. "The moon will be out soon. Those who have yet to eat will eat dinner before heading there." He answered, chest rumbling with how deep his voice had gone. "Those who live in the forests already have their things marked and placed together. The house elves will drop food for the newer packs, so they can feed in the night. Other than that, the more experienced packs can go hunting."
"Am I classified as experienced or unseasoned?"
Fenrir turned around, barking in laughter. "You will join my pack. You have much to learn."
…..
"Is Severus brewing the potion?" Harry asked. He was kneeling besides Tom, who was sitting in their pool-like bathtub. The Dark Lord was soaking in purified water that contained potions that would cleanse his body of any remnants. A burning incense sat besides the tub, soothing Tom's muscles and clearing his mind.
"He is," Tom murmured, head leaning back against the side. He lazily poured water over his shoulders before wiping them down with a clean cloth that Harry handed over.
"How long do you have to stay like this?" Harry inquired.
"The moon will be at its peak at midnight," answered Tom. "The potion has been brewing for a good month and has been left to simmer for two days. It should turn a clear, translucent white, an hour before it's needed. When it cools, it'll be poured in the cauldron and I will step into it."
"Will it hurt?" Harry asked, worriedly. He knew about pain, and he didn't want his lover to feel any.
"What is beauty without pain?"
"Don't be stupid," Harry scowled. He turned away huffing, "Fine, don't tell me. I don't care anyway."
Tom raised an eyebrow, amused at his young lover's petulant behavior. "There will be pain, and I will feel it. After all, Wormtail botched up the potion for my resurrection." Tom sneered. Then he wiped all traces of his anger from view; he had to keep calm and relaxed. "In order to revert back to my human self, it must be done."
Harry slowly turned his head to look at Tom from the corner of his eye. "Really?"
"Yes, Harry." Tom chuckled softly. "There will be pain. It will hurt, but I will grit my teeth and bear it."
"I'll make sure there's a pain-relieving potion and a Dreamless Sleep when you get out." Harry promised.
"Thank you."
…..
Out in the backyard, away from the rest of the occupants of Riddle Manor, stood Harry, Tom, Severus, Lucius, and Sirius. As Tom stood beside the large cauldron with Severus at his side, Harry, Lucius and Sirius began to inscribe runes into the side of the black metal pot.
After about a half hour, the three stood up, adjusting their stance from being bent over for too long.
A quick, "Aguamenti" filled the cauldron half way before Severus began to pour the potions he had brewed for this particular ritual. Stirring the concoction clockwise twice, Severus stepped back and everyone turned away, allowing Tom some modesty as he undressed and stepped into the cauldron.
Three minutes later, everyone turned to face Tom, and allowing the three strongest wizards to continue on the ritual, Lucius and Sirius retired to the sidelines, watching as Harry, Severus and Tom began.
Making eye contact was easy for Harry and Severus – they had done it many years during their time in Hogwarts – each glance a showing of how much the duo had hated each other. However, this time, it was of understanding and trust in the other and without further ado, they began to chant as Tom gently doused himself with the concoction, making sure that every single part of his body had touched the potion mixture.
When they were half way through their verse, the moon had reached its peak and moonlight shone directly done at the cauldron and its occupant. This had the runes glowing with the power of the moon's light and with the magic that was embedded in the inscription upon inscribing the runes, the cauldron glowed three different colors – silver for Lucius's magic, green for Harry's magic and grey for Sirius's magic.
The magic from the runes, combined with the magic from Harry and Severus's chanting, along with Tom willingly allowing his magic to flow outward and into the potion, the three half-blood wizards seemed to glow in an ethereal light.
As sweat beaded down their foreheads, Lucius and Sirius could see the toll that fell upon the two wizards. Yet, they knew they could not interfere.
As Harry and Severus drew to a close, the last few words were unheard by Tom, whom had sunk below the potions' surface, allowing the concoction to envelope his body. The cauldron began to simmer, yet there was no fire lit. Simmers became bubbling and the bubbling contents just about boiled over, yet it stayed within the cauldron's space. And as the last bit of moonlight left the cauldron, the runes lit up one final time in a blinding light before the earth shook and everyone took a tumble.
Magic lingered in the air, and none of them spoke a word. If the spell worked, the potions within the cauldron should be gone, leaving Tom a new person – a new body and appearance, removing him from his serpentine form.
Five minutes later, a hand popped out from the cauldron, clutching its sides.
"Tom!" Harry rushed over, followed by everyone else and, like before the beginning of the spell, the three adults allowed Tom some modesty to dress. Harry, though, stared unashamed at his actions. He quickly grabbed the robe that Tom had discarded and helped his lover out of the cauldron and into his robes.
"You're gorgeous," Harry muttered.
Tom smirked, "Thank you."
"You chose your twenty-six-year-old self? Why?"
"Makes it easier to accompany you to social events without having to constantly put on a glamour." Tom easily said. He tied the belt of the robe and brought Harry close to his side. "Plus, it will match the story of what I gave to the Minister when we first met."
"My Lord," Severus and Lucius muttered, bowing down.
Sirius didn't know what to do, eyes flitting from the young human-looking Dark Lord to the loyal Death Eaters kneeling on the ground.
"Severus, Lucius, rise." Tom ordered. "There is no need for formalities. The two of you have done well and will be rewarded properly."
Harry tugged on the hem of Tom's sleeve, bringing his lover down to his level. Whispering into his ear, Tom pulled away smirking. "Severus, Lucius, the both of you will take the week off. If I require your assistance, I will call for you."
"Yes, My Lord. Thank you, My Lord." The two whispered.
"And Black,"
"Yes?"
"Thank you." Tom said sincerely. And his honest smile stunned Harry's godfather, as the couple walked past the trio and into Riddle Manor.
…..
"This is brilliant! This is probably the best day in my entire life!" Harry laughed. "Birthday party with friends and family and a lover and getting to know more people and making everyone I know happier."
Tom chuckled throatily. "If I didn't know it any better, you would probably be spitting out rainbows whilst you ride a unicorn."
Harry rolled his eyes, "I have no doubt that I can ride a unicorn – if only they showed more of a predilection towards the male gender. But rainbows. . . I'll see what I can do, your honor."
Tom smirked, wrapping his arm around his little lover's shoulders. The ones closest to him have been informed – bar Fenrir, as the alpha was busy on tonight's full moon, but Fenrir shall be informed at the werewolf's earliest convenience, and then maybe, just maybe, the rest of his followers will be privy to the change.
Looking down at Harry, Tom had no doubt that his lover's true friends would know about his transformation.
…..
"How was last night, Remus?"
The werewolf flushed and fidgeted, eyes flickering over to Fenrir, but smiled nonetheless. "I felt… liberated. When I tried fighting against it in the beginning, I felt the pain. But, thankfully Fenrir was there. He reminded me to stay calm and to embrace the werewolf inside of me. My transformation into Moony didn't hurt and I was able to think clearly without Moony screaming at me all night."
He turned to Fenrir and grabbed his hand with a fond smile. Fenrir returned with a roguish smile, lighting up Remus's cheeks. Harry was only confused for a couple of seconds before he saw the way they were eyeing each other up.
"Were there any problems?" Harry noticed Sirius trying to eavesdrop from across the table.
"I met Fenrir's pack, but I don't think they like me."
"Nonsense." Fenrir interjected, "They just need to get used to you. I won't allow anyone to take my mate away."
"Maybe you have to beat them into submission," Harry grinned evilly. Sirius smirked and turned away, deeming Remus all right.
"Yes… perhaps," Remus muttered, sharing a look with the werewolf besides him.
The Gryffindor smiled secretly and left the new couple alone, opting to eat his deliciously made breakfast. Thank god he was growing; he never thought the damage from the Dursley's would have ever been reversed.
Hedwig and a few more owls flew into the dining room and delivered their packages. Seeing a letter for her, Hermione quickly opened it, thinking it was from her parents and their week long vacation in Spain before the jetted off to Switzerland. She had declined their invitation after all; she would be with Harry, the Weasleys and the rest of the Order, so it wasn't advantageous of her to fly half way across the world.
Brown eyes ran across the length of the missive, flickering back to the Hogwarts crest in the upper right hand corner. Hermione sighed and looked at the letter in her hands. Of course, what else would this letter be about?
Now that she knew about Dumbledore's theft, the Gryffindor really couldn't continue accepting the scholarship fund. But without it, how was she going to pay off the exorbitant bill? Mentally calculating in her head, she realized that her parents would have to dip into her college funds, and possibly into their savings, for her to complete her last two years of education.
She lifted her head and looked around at the people sitting there and dining. They were rich and didn't have to worry about the funds, but Hermione knew that when she entered the magical world, that she would be at a disadvantage.
"What's the matter?" Harry asked.
"It's nothing," she answered.
With a frown, Harry snatched her letter and took a look at it. Hermione refrained from commenting on that action, knowing that comparing his behavior to Ron's would not be such a good idea in the long run.
"You didn't tell me you've declined the scholarships." Harry said, looking up at her.
"I didn't want to take any more of your money. I promised you I'd pay it all back – every single Knut of it."
Harry frowned, "But now you've got to pay," he looked back at the parchment, "50,000 pounds; that's just a little over… how much is that over?" Harry asked, turning to look at his lover.
Lucius answered for him, "A little over 10,040 galleons."
"Why do you need to pay so much? And for what?" Tom asked, his dark brown eyebrows furrowing with interest.
"Hermione's got to pay 50,000 pounds in Hogwarts tuition. At least, I had my trust vault to pay off my tuition, but Hermione's a muggleborn."
The ones who've grown up in the Wizarding World shared a look of confusion.
"What do you mean, Harry?" Neville inquired. "We never had to pay tuition to go to Hogwarts."
"That's absurd." Harry denied, "It says so right here! 'Hermione Jean Granger, in light of you declining your offered scholarships, your Hogwarts tuition is now at 50,000 British pounds – equivalent to 10,040 Galleons, 2 Sickles and 21 Knuts. The latest your payment can be is on September 1st, at approximately 11AM. Should your payment be late, it cannot be deferred and your seat as a Sixth Year will be denied.' Look here!"
The missive was unceremoniously shoved in front of Tom's face. The Dark Lord read and reread it before handing it off to Lucius. The blond's face pinked in anger. Obviously, he'd seen the signature at the very bottom. "What hogwash! No one has had to pay for Hogwarts since the Founders' time! How long has he been sending you these lies?!"
"Um… well, during my summer before first year, before Professor McGonagall had taken my parents and I to Diagon Alley for our things, we received a letter stating that we had had to pay the amount stated. But, a second letter behind that had stated that, as a muggleborn, I was offered scholarships to pay off that amount. Dumbledore has written that he'd be glad to offer up a scholarship of 20,000 galleons. Of course, it also included all expenses paid – for our school supplies, uniform, and anything that we might need for the upcoming frigid Scottish weather, or replacements. The letter explicitly listed out the things that the scholarship would cover for, and my parents liked that idea that everything their daughter would ever need would be covered by the offered scholarship."
"And this… scholarship," Lucius sneered. "Was it for the entire year?"
Hermione shook her head, "No, it was only for half a year. That's why when the Winter Holidays came, another letter was sent to my parents. It offered the same amount of 20,000 Galleons. Anything left over was for my own use. Plus, it helped that the remaining amount allowed me to get my bi-annual and annual Wizarding shots – especially the shot against Dragon Pox. My parents didn't want me to catch any magical illnesses or diseases, and without a proper provider or insurance company, we had to pay out of pocket. It was expensive, but the remaining amount covered it."
"And the extra 10,000 galleons you've received each year?" Rodolphus asked, pulling everyone's memory to the article written a few weeks ago, with the large blown-up picture of embezzlement from Harry's vaults.
Hermione shook her head, "I didn't know what it was for. But the letter from Dumbledore stated that, because I was at the top of my class, I was offered another scholarship, so if I could keep my grades up, I could keep it."
They looked at her with unreadable expressions, and Hermione didn't like it, but she didn't fault them for it.
"You don't understand. I didn't want my parents to pay for me. 50,000 pounds may not seem like a lot to a family of three with both parents as private dentistry practitioners, but they've also got to pay for their own practice, their own supplies, our living. So, with most of the money that remained, I either saved it up in the vault I've opened, or I've converted it to British pounds so that my parents didn't have to worry about anything."
Harry ran his hand over Tom's smooth skin, calming the closed fist that had occurred in the midst of his anger. "It's all right, Tom. I've forgiven Hermione. It's not her fault. It's Dumbledore's."
"This – this subterfuge – Is it just you?!" Lucius hissed.
Hermione thought about it and shook her head. "I'm not sure. I assumed that it was like this for all muggleborn students. Plus, I never really asked, because it never really popped up in a conversation before – until now," She glared at Harry, who returned her look with an innocent one.
"At least Harry had –"
"Found out all about this –"
"So we can help destroy –"
"Dumbledore's image and prestige."
"Fred and George are right," Neville agreed. "If he's been doing this as a headmaster – and for the six years you've been at Hogwarts…"
"Who knows how long he's been doing it when he's been the Headmaster for over twenty years." Luna said, her eyes completely focused and devoid of any glazed look.
"Twenty?" Harry wrinkled his nose, "He could have done this without Headmaster Dippet's knowing! He could have done this as a Transfiguration Professor – heading over to talk to first year muggleborn students about this! Especially since he would be revered after defeating Grindelwald before he took up his post as the Transfiguration Professor of Hogwarts."
"The Dumbledore family has never been an affluent family. In fact, they're not even considered to be a Noble House, so they do not have considerable wealth. This could explain how he was able to get funding for the war between himself and Grindelwald – as well as funding the Order. Not to mention the funding for the war against Tom." Lucius mused, silver eyes glazed in thought, before it cleared and resumed rereading the contents of Hermione's letter.
"Oh Merlin," Hermione paled, "That's almost sixty years… eighty years he could have been filling his vaults with the muggleborn students' money… and then a good fifteen for when he'd acquired Harry's vaults as his magical guardian."
Everyone looked sick to their stomachs… Dumbledore had played the muggleborns like a fiddle. The purebloods were untouchable, as they had grown up with the magical world's customs, traditions, laws and the knowledge, but the muggleborns… they were free game to the old manipulative coot.
"I- I think I'm going to be sick," Hermione ran out of the room, leaving empty silence within the dining room, all appetites lost.
…..
"Hermione, are you all right?" Harry asked, hearing his friend retching within the bathroom. He gave her a few minutes to pull herself together before knocking on the door again. This time, it opened up and Hermione was so pale and her skin looked so withdrawn, it was as if she had caught something deadly.
"I-I'm sorry about that. I ruined everyone's breakfast." She bemoaned.
"It's not your fault," Harry whispered, bringing her into a hug. She needed the comfort and with how strong her grip was, she welcomed it. "He's been doing this long before any of us were born – so don't think badly of yourself."
"I can't believe I trusted him," She murmured, tears filling her eyes. "I'm so, so, so sorry, Harry. I don't know how you can take all of this."
The Gryffindor ran his hand through her springy brown locks, "Just think Hermione. If he's been doing this for years, he must have accumulated a lot. Then, when we take him down, everything in his vaults will be returned to their rightful owners. Let's move on from this and ignore that missive he's sent you. When he falls, everything will right itself."
Hermione giggled, pulling away and drying her eyes. "You mean when Tom takes him down?"
"Yes, isn't my lover lovely?" came Harry's wicked grin.
…..
"How are you feeling?" Remus asked.
"I could ask you the same thing," Harry retorted with a playful smile. Hermione had retrieved her letter and returned to her room, choosing to stay there until lunch arrived.
"There wasn't as much pain as I thought there would be. Not as horrible as you must feel either." The werewolf said. "I didn't think Albus had it in him to do this, especially since he was the leader of the Light – the person who saw the good in people."
"Yes, and all of the prestige, honor and fans has made him think that he's omnipotent." Harry scoffed.
"We can use that," Sirius said, with a crazy glint in his eyes.
"How so?"
"He thinks he's Merlin's second coming?" Sirius cackled, "We'll show him how wrong he is."
…..
A few days later, the Daily Prophet had launched a full spiel on Dumbledore, with the help of an "anonymous" tip, which included a picture of Hermione's 'tuition fee' letter – with her name removed of course.
The article spoke of how Hogwarts had never ever made its students pay to earn an education. With the right nudge, Skeeter also tore at Dumbledore's employment history at Hogwarts, using the same words that Harry had ordered her to use, if she did not want to be sent to Azkaban for being found out to be an illegal animagus.
With their thoughts and connections shown in fine print, for all to see, there was no way anyone could think anything else of Dumbledore and his schemes. It helped that the picture would zoom into whichever part the readers would point their finger to – enlarging the text, especially Dumbledore's signature at the very bottom, for everyone to see.
At the very end of Rita's article, she called upon graduates of Hogwarts – either muggleborn, half blood or even pureblood – and said that whomever had received such a missive or even had to pay tuition fees to enter Hogwarts, should let the Daily Prophet know so they could call foul play on Albus Dumbledore. Though they would not be rewarded for such an action, Rita encouraged them to do so, stating, "Once evidence piles up, not even the Wizengamot could shut down such an incriminating case".
The guests at Riddle Manor could only grin in glee, knowing that Dumbledore's reign would soon fall.
…..
We are joined today by Supreme Mugwump, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Headmaster Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, as we address the articles written about him last week. While it has been a couple of days since Chief Warlock Dumbledore has paid his fine, it has been a busy week for the wizard. As it is, the Daily Prophet has called Journalist Rita Skeeter to meet with our guest, though all questions will come from The Daily Prophet as the interviewer.
D.P.: Thank you for graciously accepting our interview, Mr. Dumbledore.
A.P.W.B.D.: Of course; we must clear the air concerning the accusations towards my thievery of all the muggleborn students that have entered our prestigious school of Hogwarts.
D.P.: Yes, but before we touch upon the topic – we, at the Daily Prophet, would like to address the issue of your thievery of Lord Potter's inheritance. Do you refute such accusations?
A.P.W.B.D.: Of course, my dear. Harry is just mistaken in this situation. I have not stolen from him – merely acquired the gold that came with being his magical guardian.
D.P.: So, you received the stipend that the magical guardian is credited to have?
A.P.W.B.D.: Correct. It was well within my rights to do so.
D.P.: Yet, (reporter shuffles through paperwork) it says here, that the amount you've obtained is well over the monthly allowance the average magical guardian receives… about 50,000 galleons more from 1982 to 1990 and approximately 250,000 galleons from 1991 to 1995.
(Dumbledore is seen smiling without a care in the world.)
A.P.W.B.D.: It's understandable that you'd pick these out to talk about. But yes, this is correct. These were specifically to create a new vault for Harry for his own allowances – it was so, when he entered Hogwarts, he would have another vault saved up just in case he spent all his money. We all remember that James Potter was born to Charlus and Dorea after many tries, and therefore was spoiled growing up. I did not want Harry to regret spending all that money when he could have saved up for something worthwhile in the future.
D.P.: And this – as you say – is your duty to him as his Magical Guardian, to protect Lord Potter from making potential mistakes?
A.P.W.B.D.: That is correct.
D.P.: That's strange, considering – you weren't the Boy-Who-Lived's magical guardian in the first place. You were self-appointed and it was under your authority that his living arrangements be kept locked up and hidden from view. Thankfully, because of this situation we've found ourselves in, the Ministry has released a copy of Lord Potter's ministerial paperwork concerning his guardianship.
A.P.W.B.D.: I did not want any Death Eaters to find him. The war – while over due to Voldemort's disappearance – was still occurring because the Ministry still required its Aurors to capture the remaining followers.
D.P.: This has yet to address the fact that you self appointed yourself as Lord Potter's magical guardian. Did he have no further family members to care for him?
A.P.W.B.D.: Growing up in the magical world would make the boy arrogant. Everyone would praise him and his ego would inflate. I did not want that.
D.P.: This is all about what you wanted. What about Lord Potter? I'm sure he had some guardians that would've done right caring for him. Like you said, his grandmother was Dorea Potter nee Black – surely there were other family members in the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black that could care for him.
A.P.W.B.D.: Yes, but -
D.P.: Or is it because you thought that Lucius Malfoy – married to Narcissa Malfoy nee Black – would lead Lord Potter down the wrong path, even though Lord Malfoy was found innocent of all his crimes.
A.P.W.B.D.: No comment. (He frowns.)
D.P.: (Smiles) Of course. Another topic then; since you were found to have stolen from Lord Potter, what have you done with all that money? What have you used it for? Surely, in his reports that Lord Potter has shared with us, he would have seen that there was another vault, under his name, other than his trust vault prepared by his parents. Yet, in none of the documents he's shown to us, was there such a thing.
A.P.W.B.D.: Like I've previously stated, all the money has gone towards his other vault. Perhaps, he's forgotten to show them to you to paint me in a negative light.
D.P.: There is no need to open up another vault for Lord Potter when he already has a trust vault and a family vault. There is no need for excuses - and why would he do that? Is there something missing?
A.P.W.B.D.: (He locks his jaw before he is seen looking remorseful and sighing deeply) It is possible that he has never forgiven me for not doing my best in making sure Sirius was proven innocent.
D.P.: Surely you can't be serious. 'Not doing [your] best'? You didn't try at all. You were there yourself when Lord Black was acquitted of all crimes.
A.P.W.B.D.: It is sad to say that I have wronged Lord Black for all these years. However, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement back then, Bartemius Crouch Sr., believed that sending Death Eaters straight to Azkaban was beneficial to the Wizarding World. To allow a trial for any and all Death Eaters caught would have proven to be detrimental to the, already, low morality of our people. It was best to be safe than sorry; and so, I trusted in Bartemius' decision to send any Death Eater to the prison.
D.P.: However, you were also the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot during these times. You have been since the early 1970's. How is it possible that the Head of the DMLE has more power than the Chief Warlock when it comes to giving trials to any innocent or guilty?
A.P.W.B.D.: In times of war, my dear, the Head of the DMLE may draft several conditions that will protect the Wizarding World's citizens. What can I do but to agree with the safety of our denizens?
D.P.: Then is it also, not your right to make sure that the guilty are found as such, and the innocent not blamed for any claims?
A.P.W.B.D.: Yes, I must agree. It was a mistake on my part.
D.P.: A stain that lasted more than ten years.
A.P.W.B.D.: …Yes.
(Let the readers note that Dumbledore was seen gritting his teeth, eyes flashing wildly with disapproval as he bit out his answer.)
D.P.: Very well. Thank you for clearing that up for us, Headmaster.
A.P.W.B.D.: Not at all, my dear. Shall we move to the next topic?
D.P.: Yes, about that – there is evidence going back about half a century ago, where you have lied to and stolen from muggleborns entering our world. For what reason would you lie to our muggleborn students for such a long period?
A.P.W.B.D.: I did not extort the muggleborns, for their tuition has gone into warding Hogwarts for many years to come, paying the salaries of our highly proficient professors, the supplies that our students use during their classes, the food we eat, the bedding that the students lay on, and even to the care of the magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest. There are many more examples, but I trust that you understand the picture I'm painting.
D.P.: So, that is to say, the monies received are all for the good of the school and the students.
A.P.W.B.D.: That is correct.
D.P.: Even though you have nabbed approximately 40,000 galleons from each muggleborn student that have entered Hogwarts? I did not think that food had cost more than one thousand galleons for the whole school term.
A.P.W.B.D.: Now you jest. (A.D. chuckles.) At Hogwarts, we have approximately fifteen professors for roughly three hundred students, give or take a couple of children. Of these three hundred children, let's say, ten percent of them are muggleborn children. As such, only thirty children are paying tuition to Hogwarts. Even then, not all of them can afford to come to Hogwarts. That is why I took it upon myself to hand out scholarships – the money within these grants provides the muggleborn students, who have just entered the Wizarding World, the opportunity to explore the new world they've entered.
D.P.: So, that is to say, each year, you receive nearly 1.2 million galleons. And of these 1.2 million, foodcosts about half a million. We can't let our children starve, can we?
A.P.W.B.D.: My dear, I do not enjoy the connotations you're implying.
D.P.: Of course, my apologies. But hypothetically, let's say that food does cost about half a million galleons. Do you use up the 1.2 million galleons you receive?
A.P.W.B.D.: I try to save some for, as muggles say, a rainy day. Not all 1.2 million is wasted and these extra galleons can provide entertainment for the students in forms of parties, club activities, and even school equipment.
D.P.: I see; you try… Speaking of which, the school equipment. If you do have extra galleons lying around, how is it that the school brooms have never been exchanged for brand new and safer brooms? And stronger wards around the school? If that were true, the troll and possessed Defense Against the Dark Arts professor back in 1991, a basilisk in 1992, acquitted-of-murder Lord Black and proven-to-be-Death Eater Peter Pettigrew in 1993, Death Eater Bartemius Crouch Jr. and an Imperius'd Bulgarian National Quidditch Seeker Victor Krum in 1994, would not have occurred at all! Perhaps, there aren't enough galleons left, as you have told us.
A.P.W.B.D.: I beg your pardon!
(Headmaster Dumbledore was seen to be bright red with fury; his blue eyes glistening with uncontained anger as his magic swept wildly and crackled loudly through the room. Both reporter and cameraman were required to form shields to protect themselves from harm from the magical backlash. He shot up from his seat and made his way over, posture threatening and poised for attack.)
D.P.: That's all the time we have! Thank you for allowing us to interview you Headmaster Dumbledore!
Headmaster Dumbledore has been found to be tricky in wording his answers, but let not his responses fool you, my dear readers. If he has been taking 1.2 million galleons each year from future students, there are still many things in Hogwarts that are not, as he says, in need of replacing. Please send us your thoughts of this interview and even better, your experiences while students at Hogwarts! Let us 'clear the air' of any uncertainties. And this is the latest edition of The Daily Prophet.
…..
After peals of laughter, the occupants of Malfoy Manor wiped away their tears and amusement at how Dumbledore had managed to make a fool out of himself. The picture that sat side-by-side besides the interview, showed a furious Dumbledore storming over to the cameraman – obviously trying to prevent the image of his meltdown from appearing all across Wizarding Britain. There were even bits and pieces of explosions in the background, such as the table in the small left corner of the image and even the lamp overhead had exploded with glass, raining glass shards all over the trio, yet Dumbledore had just continued on as if nothing had fazed him.
Both Tom and Harry had even mentioned paying Skeeter a lump sum, just for this beautifully written article. Even Lucius had approved of the written meeting, urging Harry to reward Skeeter for her enlightening conversation.
"Your meeting today with the Lords and Ladies is in half an hour, My Lord."
"I understand," Tom said, finishing his lunch. The morning was turning out to be a great start for the rest of his day.
…..
A/N: Well, here's chapter 10! And for the tuition/scholarship scene, I'd like to thank my reader and reviewer, Badru, for giving me that idea. Honestly, I'd never even thought of that before, but I've worked it into the story, and hopefully this helps! Thank you once again, Badru!
