Chapter 5 – Beginnings

Author's Note: The world building has been completed. In this chapter, we see the first inklings of what Lord Black and Lady Longbottom are planning. We see more of what Lily is planning. What is a blood feud?

Wednesday 7 August, 1985

Early in the morning, Lily's clone spell ended. She renewed it and recreated the Lillian clone. She set the spell to last for eighteen hours. This would be long enough to mimic a normal day. It would also give her time to assimilate everything Lillian did.

Lillian, the primary animate, gently woke Harry. "Harry, time to wake up."

"I'm sleepy. Can I sleep some more?" he kept his eyes closed.

Lillian shook his shoulder and pulled the covers down, "You need to wake up my little man. A lot is happening today."

He opened his eyes. They widened in surprise. His mother stood there. That wasn't right. She was in his head. 'Mum?' he asked internally. Harry sat up and slid away from Lillian.

Lily answered Harry, 'Son, I know this is confusing. I created a spell allowing me to make a temporary copy of myself. I'm still with you. She's me also. I'll know everything that she does when the spell ends.'

'What should I call her?' Harry was still confused, but his Mum was calming him down.

"Could you call her Mum?' Lily asked. 'She's really me.'

"Mum?" Harry slowly asked, looking at Lillian.

Lillian smiled. She reached out and put Harry in a huge hug. "Harry, I've been wanting to hug you again for so long." Lillian started crying.

"Why are you crying?" Harry asked.

"I'm so happy." Lillian answered.

After a few minutes, she pulled back. Looking at Harry, she started, "I have someone to introduce you to. Her name is Jessamine. She's going to live with us. I'd like you to treat her like a sister."

"Live with us?" Harry was unsure. "A girl?" He wondered how he would play with her. How do girls play?

"I think you'll like her. She can use magic, just like you." Lillian explained.

"Okay." Harry was still unsure. He let himself be led from the room to the dining room.

When they arrived, there was a girl talking with Mimsy sitting waiting for them. Her hair was a very dark blonde. She was holding a Paddington Bear stuffed toy. Harry and Lillian walked forward.

"Mistress Lillian and Master Harry!" Mimsy smiled as she saw them. The girl turned towards them shyly. When she saw Harry, she cringed. She held her toy tight to her chest.

Seeing her move back, Harry smiled at her. "Hi my name is Harry. You're Jessamine, right?" He asked as he moved towards her.

Lillian urged her forward. "Come on Jess, say hello to Harry."

"Hello, Harry." Jessamine almost whispered. She remembered the abuse Petunia allowed. She knew she had been under spells. That didn't mean that she didn't feel responsible for her actions. "Call me Jess. I hope we can be friends." This was a second chance. This time, she would make better choices.

Harry smiled. He was getting a friend! "I'm sure we will."

Lily, in Harry's mind, smiled. She stayed quiet. The situation was confusing enough to Harry without her adding anything to it.

"Mimsy," Lillian asked the little elf, "What do you have ready for these two little ones to eat?"

After the two completed their meal, Lillian suggested they go play. All of Harry's toys and games were in his room. They would need to open a play room where both could keep their things. Jess was an adult in a five-year old's body and Harry had Lily's and most of Tom Riddle's knowledge in his head. They may be more mature than their apparent ages, but she knew Petunia would enjoy playing with Harry. Harry was still a child in temperament.

She excused as they left. "Mimsy, can you come back when they are settled?"

"Yes, Mistress Lillian."

A few minutes later, Mimsy popped back. Lillian had waited for her. "Let's move to the office, Mimsy." She stood up and walked with the house elf to her office.

"The Potter family account manager is coming this afternoon. I need them to agree to a vow before I can meet him." Lillian sat at the desk. "I am writing it down. Can you give him this when he arrives?" Seeing Mimsy's nod, she continues, "If he doesn't agree to make the vow, I'd like you to escort back to the floo. Is that okay?"

"Of course, Mistress Lillian." Mimsy agreed.

With that, the two began discussing where Jessamine's room would be. They decided to use the room next to Harry's. A play area would be set up in the sitting room. With only Harry and Jess, it would not get any use for years. Mimsy got Boro to help her in setting everything up. Grov had been up all night and most of the morning setting up the fire at Number 4 Privet.

Everything had been prepared when the account manager arrived. Orevein entered via the floo. Mimsy was there waiting for him.

"Mimsy be happy to see Accounts Manager Orevein." Mimsy smiled at the goblin.

"I'm glad for you. Your happiness does not add to my account. I am here at the mansion of a dead Lord and Lady. Can you tell me why I am wasting my time?" He gruffly asked.

Mimsy wrung her hands, "Mimsy not be able to tells you unless you agree to this." She pulled out Lillian's parchment.

Orevein looked at it with a sneer. "Wasting more of my time?" He said as he took it. He read it.

Orevein,

To meet with me, I need you to take the following vow.

I will not divulge anything that I learn today to any sentient being. The exception being if harm would come to you or the Goblin nation if they were unaware of a danger.

I tell you this now and will make a vow on it, if you feel the need, nothing that will be said today will be harmful to goblins. This will be on the nature of divulging family magical secrets.

A fee of 1 galleon will be paid to you once the vow has been made. Time is money, and money is never to be wasted.

L. Potter

Mimsy watched him carefully. His irritation grew as he read it. Fortunately, his curiosity grew alongside with it.

After a short internal debate, Orevein snorted, "With no risk, there is no profit." He promptly made the vow.

Mimsy quickly gave him the galleon. "Mimsy be taking you to Mistress Lillian now." She led him to the office. Lillian was sitting at the desk.

He stopped and stared from the entranceway. "Lady Potter? Our records show you as deceased."

Lillian stood up and motioned the goblin towards a wooden chair placed in front of her desk. "We have much to discuss, Account Manager Orevein. The least of which is my current state of being. I will not waste your time with frivolities. Before I begin, I need to know whether you have accessed the records James and I left. This will let me know where to start."

Appreciating a magical who doesn't waste time asking about inane things like the weather, he nodded his agreement. "As the Potter accounts manager, it was necessary to review those. They were quite enlightening."

Leaning back into her chair, Lillian smiled, "Then let me start when Voldemort came calling. James tried to protect us and give us time to port out. Typically, there were anti-port and anti-apparation fields in place prior to his entrance. Harry and I were in the nursery. Voldemort broke through the door. For some reason, he asked me to step aside while he killed Harry. I prayed to my goddess. She must have answered my prayer. Voldemort sent the killing curse at me. I didn't notice anything being different. I was still standing between him and Harry. His focus changed to Harry. I jumped between them. When the Avada Kedavra struck me, I was pushed back into Harry. The spell reversed onto Voldemort. His spirit broke from his body and split. One portion tried to attach itself to Harry. The other sped away. The soul portion started attacking Harry's soul and magical core. I fought tooth and nail. When I finally overcame the piece of dung, Harry was four-years old with my sister being abused. I called on a Potter elf." She indicated Mimsy. "Mimsy. We proceeded in getting Harry away form that house. Until last night, my sister and her family thought he was still there."

She stopped. "I've glossed over quite a bit. Do you have any questions, before I continue?"

"What is your relationship with the young Lord?" Orevein asked. "If he is being possessed by you, then Gringotts will be required to exorcise you. Our contracts are with the living heir."

"Good question, and one I have been careful with." Lillian began. "I have found that I am surviving within Harry because my magical core was fused with his when I was pushed into him. I have kept my memories and consciousness separate from his. He is in charge whenever he is awake. I use his body only when he's asleep. We can communicate internally."

"If your core is connected to Harry's, how can you be in front of me?"

"If you are wondering if Harry is asleep and I've glamoured his appearance. The answer is no." Lillian carefully answered. "Harry's core is undoubtedly the largest I have ever heard of or seen. In addition, his ability to recover magic is remarkably fast. What you are seeing in front of you is an animated mannequin. In my research for a method of being separate from Harry, I created a new spell. This spell will be a Potter family spell. It is extremely difficult to cast as its' power requirement is larger than most wizard's cores. In Harry's case, he loses less than a third of his reserves. Once it is cast, the spell becomes self-powering. When the spell ends, everything I've done goes back to the caster. In this case, Lily Potter. She will not be giving this spell to Harry until he is ready for it."

Orevein sat calculating his response. "I need to see proof that the Heir is not being harmed by this symbiosis."

"Would you like to see Harry?" Lillian offered, "I can send for him and introduce you."

"Hmph. Do so. I am not here for introductions. The faster we get these preliminaries out of the way, we can begin profiting." Orevein frowned.

Lillian called for Mimsy. She had popped out of the room when the two began to talk.

"Mimsy be here Mistress Lillian." With a pop, Mimsy returned.

"Can you bring Harry and Jessamine? Orevein would like to be introduced." Lillian kindly asked the elf.

"Mimsy be only a moment." Mimsy snapped her finger and was gone.

"While we are waiting, have there been attempts to take or control the Potter accounts and holdings?" Lillian asked.

"Oh, yes. They left very frustrated." Orevein smirked. "I will proffer no further details until your claim that Harry is here and safe is dealt with." He pulled out a notebook and began making notes.

Lillian nodded her understanding. She turned to her desk and began working. It was never a good idea to let a goblin know that you had nothing to do.

Mimsy knocked on the door to the office. She stood outside the room with two children. Lillian smiled, "Come in. I'd like to introduce you to Account Manager Orevein. He is in charge of the Potter family accounts. Harry, come forward and shake his hand."

Harry shyly walked forward. Mimsy and Jessamine walked with him. When he was within reaching distance, he reached his hand out. "It's nice to meet you, Account Manager Orevein." He politely offered.

Orevein smiled at the boy, "Thank you, Heir Potter. It is nice to meet you. It's a remarkable young wizard who knows the proper titles."

"This cute little girl is Jessamine Evans." Lillian introduced the girl who once was Petunia Dursley.

Jessamine stepped forward next to Harry. She half-curtsied as she spoke, "It is a pleasure to meet you," she looked at Harry briefly, "Account Manager Orevein."

The account manager stood up. He reached for the girl's hand. As he took it, he said, "I am surprised to find such a darling young witch." He politely kissed the back of her hand.

Jessamine froze. She looked at her hand. She looked at the goblin. Her surprise and nervousness boiled over. She giggled lightly as she backed up to Mimsy.

"Account Manager," Lillian caught his attention, "One of the first items of business I'd like to take care of is for both youngsters to be given an inheritance test. I want you to know that Harry is who I say he is. This will make our work smoother. I have a suspicion regarding Jessamine. I'd like to know for sure. Did you bring the materials for a test?"

"Never tell a goblin how to make a profit, my dear." Orevein smirked. "When I realized, I was coming to a Potter property, I prepared for this possibility." He wasn't going to admit that he never expected to be giving two tests. He brought extra pages to charge extra if an imposter was found.

"I'll give Harry's first." He pulled out a thick parchment. The desk being too high for either child to reach, he laid it on the floor. "Harry, I'm going to need a few drops of blood from you. I will have to prick you with a special knife. It will hurt a little, but I promise to heal you right after. Can you be a brave warrior for me?" He asked.

Harry looked at Mimsy and Lillian. They both urged him forward. He hesitated for a few more seconds. Lillian guessed that he was asking Lily if it would be okay. He walked forward and held his left hand out to the goblin. His eyes grew large when Orevein pulled a small dagger. It was covered in runes and the metal shone brightly.

Orevein tightly held the boy's hand. "I'm going to prick your finger, right here." He pointed at the end of the pinky finger. "I need to hold it over the parchment so that it can catch the blood. I promise this will be quick." He paused, and asked, "Ready young warrior?"

Harry nodded.

With a sharp motion, Orevein stabbed the end of Harry's finger. Harry automatically pulled back, but the goblin was far stronger. Harry did not move at all. In just a few seconds, blood flowed out and onto the document. Once the parchment activated, he quickly healed the cut. "See nothing to it. I know full grown wizards who scream when they give blood. You are a brave boy." Orevein was patient and kind to Harry. Goblins may be a fierce race, but they cherish children.

Harry James Potter

Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter

Secondary Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

Secondary Heir to the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Hufflepuff

Son of James Potter and Lily Evans Potter

Grandson of Fleamont Potter and Euphemia Potter

Grandson of Charles Evans and Iris Puffer Evans

"This is mostly what I expected. I didn't expect Hufflepuff." Lillian said as she read the results. "Mimsy, please take Harry to the play room. Jess needs to have her inheritance test performed and I don't want him to see her get hurt."

Mimsy understood the reason and ushered the boy out of the room.

"It's okay, Jess! It only hurts a little." Harry encouraged Jess. "I'll have Patty bear waiting for you."

Once the door was shut, it was Jess's turn.

Jessamine Evans, formerly Petunia Evans Dursley

Heir of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Hufflepuff

Sixth in line for heirship to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

Daughter of Charles Evans and Iris Puffer Evans

Granddaughter of John Evans and Abigail Black Evans

Granddaughter of Godwin Puffer and Victoria Smith

Lillian gasped as she read the results. Jessamine didn't know what to think. Seeing the look on her face, Lillian asked, "Jess, why don't you go to Harry? He's waiting on you and probably concerned. We can discuss this later."

"Okay, Lillian," Jess stammered out.

"Mimsy?" Lillian called out. Mimsy popped in. "Can you take Jess to Harry?"

Yes, Mistress Lillian. Mimsy can be doing that." Mimsy held Jess's hand and apparated out with a snap of her fingers.

Orevein profits in his future. An abandoned house! He would be the one to open the vaults for the first time in centuries. He was already imaging how he could use the funds to generate income for the young girl and the bank.

Seeing the galleons floating in the goblin's eyes, Lillian suppressed a laugh. "That was somewhat unexpected. Imagine, my family being the direct line descendants of Helga Hufflepuff."

"Somewhat unexpected?" Orevein queried.

Sighing, Lillian offered, "Yes. Somewhat. I discovered last night that my sister, Petunia, was not a muggle. She was a witch that had her magic bound when an infant. I don't know why. She had no memories of the event. Our parents were surprised when it was discovered I was a witch. They would have been very supportive, if we both had been."

"How did you discover this?" The goblin asked.

"I had just completed testing this spell two days ago when one of my elves told me something strange was happening at the Dursleys." She began. Lillian everything that happened.

"You were able to force a full transfiguration onto a muggle?" Orevein was awed. "You turned him into the likeness of your sister?"

"With the ability to see as a spirit, it's not that difficult to find where the body's template is held within the magical core. Yes, even muggles have magical cores. They are only large enough to keep them alive." Lillian grinned, showing her teeth. "Vernon was so concerned with being normal that I helped him out. I placed a geas on him that all of his actions be filtered through his idea of what a normal woman would do. He knows everything that is happening. Before he can say or do anything, he must answer to himself, 'What would a normal woman do?' He cannot tell anyone who he was. If he somehow found a wizard or witch and persuaded them that she was Vernon, I let him know that most likely he would be obliviated and forget that he ever was anyone other than Petunia Dursley. I believe that was the perfect punishment."

Oreview bared his teeth, "Are you sure there's no goblin blood in your family tree? That is a beautiful revenge." As an afterthought, he added, "I'll make a note to never cross you."

"I don't think I have any goblin in me." She smiled, "Thank you for the compliment. However, we are now coming to the second part of our meeting." She leaned forward to emphasize her next words, "I lost my husband, lost my parents, lost my in-laws, and lost my life all due to Tom Riddle's lunacy. He is not dead. He will return and attempt to kill my son. As a mother, I will do everything to keep him safe. Therefore, Tom Riddle and his band of idiots must be ended. I want them destroyed, physically and financially. I want them dead. I want their families to suffer worse than mine. In goblin terms, I want their blood on the ground and their gold in my vaults." She grinned, showing her teeth. "As a muggle born, I was not taught to understand or work with the Goblin nation. I need forgiveness and training for any faux pas I make. I ask what the Potter Account Manager can do to help remove these people from the world?"

"Depending on the circumstance, either quite a lot or nothing at all," Orevein answered. "There are some items we can immediately start with. You need to learn gobbledegook and our customs. To take control of your enemies' assets, you must declare a blood feud with Lord Voldemort and his death Eaters."

"A point, Riddle branded his followers with his Dark Mark. In effect, they became his vassals, does the declaration need to be sent to each Death Eater?" Lillian asked. "I would think that declaring the blood feud on Tom that notifying his vassals would be superfluous. Wouldn't you agree?"

Orevein smiled viciously. "You think like a goblin mother. Yes. If the Lord is in a conflict, his vassals are automatically included. Are you ready to take this step?"

"If the announcement can be hidden, yes I am." Lillian answered. "I don't want Harry to face any more danger than he currently is in."

"I believe the announcement can be buried within the normal Gringotts paperwork sent to the Ministry." Orevein mused. "They rarely do more than file what we send them. It must be registered in both places. Otherwise, the feud would be illegal."

"Good. Let's make that happen." Lillian agreed. "We can wait a few months before trying anything. I have another spell I am working on. It is a variant of the Expecto Patronum spell. With my variant, the spirit manifested will be fully sentient and capable of spell craft. This will also become a Potter family spell. Regardless, the Death Eaters will find their lives severely shortened."

Changing the subject slightly, Lillian asked, "Tell me Orevein, what do you know of horcruxes?"

"Nothing. What are they?" He wondered where she was going with this.

"They are what Tom Riddle has used to keep from dying." Lillian answered. "I know this because when I defeated the soul piece of his, I stole his knowledge and memories. I know everything that he did the night he killed my family. If his memories are correct, there is a high probability that there is one in the Lestrange vaults. I'll leave it to you to learn of the ritual he used. My hope is that the item can be cleansed without destruction."

"I make no promises. Gringotts must make the decision." Orevein grimaced. "Is there anything else, Lady Potter?"

"Yes, I need to send Harry and Jess to school. They are of age." Lillian smiled at the goblin. "It will make them stand out if it is noticed that they do not attend. Jess has the memories of my sister Petunia. There is a side effect to modifying the body's base image. Her emotional maturity has been reset to be that of a five-year old. Harry is similar. He has perfect memory and access to my memories. His emotional maturity is a concern. His abuse may have stunted his growth. They both need to grow up."

"What exactly do you need from Gringotts?"

"I need paperwork showing that they are fraternal twins. Have their birthday be April first. This will throw off anyone searching for Harry." Lillian asked. "I can change their looks. Give them both brown hair and blue eyes. Once they go to Hogwarts, we can revert the changes, if they choose."

"This will be done within the week." Her account manager stated firmly. "May we send a goblin healer to check them and give them their inoculations? To register into a school, we will need to have those."

"Yes, please." Lillian smiled. "I had forgotten the necessity of a medical check-up. I believe that is all I wanted to discuss today. Is there any business that you needed to discuss?"

"The only business I needed was to see Heir Potter safe. Your accounts are growing and safe. No one can access them. Sirius Black is Harry's guardian. Headmaster Dumbledore has attempted to access the vaults and properties by right of being Harry's 'Magical Guardian'. It is the view of Gringotts that he has not standing. To allay suspicion, we granted Dumbledore access to the false vault. He has been told that the vault is Harry's vault as the Potter heir. You and your husband were very prudent. We have been keeping tally of all funds removed from the vault. When an accounting is made, be sure that we will know what is owed."

"How soon can we expect the goblin language and customs instructor? I'd like Jess and Harry both to learn." Lillian asked.

"We'll send one when the healer is sent."

"Oh, for security's sake, can we set up a private portkey? One that can only be activated from Gringotts with your approval and from here with mine?" Lillian thought out loud.

"Yes, Lady Potter." Orevein allowed. "There will be a charge to your accounts, but it will be minimal."

"I believe our business is complete." Lillian stood up and walked with Orevein to the floo room. "I want you to know how much I appreciate your and the bank's support. My only concern is keeping Harry safe." She watched as he took some floo powder. "May the blood of our enemies flow and their gold overflow our coffers Account Manager Orevein."

Orevein's eyes widened in surprise, she had just proclaimed kinship with him. He liked this female. "The blood of our enemies and their gold shall be ours, Lady Potter." He turned to the floo. "Orevein Office, Gringotts." He strode forward and was gone.

Standing in front of the remains of Number 4 Privet Drive was an old man wearing a purple velvet suit. His wore a lavender shirt with ruffles on the sleeves. All in all, he looked like he was wearing a tuxedoe from the middle 1970's. The man was Albus Dumbledore. When he left his office that morning, all the tracking charms and instruments in his office were fine. Completing his rounds of the school, he had taken lunch prior to returning to his office.

The office was quiet when he entered. That was when he noticed. Everything was stopped. He frowned. This could only mean one thing; Harry Potter was dead. He needed to investigate. He apparated to the edge of the Hogwart's wards and quickly crossed them. With a crack, he apparated to Little Whinging. He then transformed his robes into appropriate muggle wear.

He walked the perimeter of the property. The ward stones were undisturbed. In fact, the wards were still up but very weak. He assumed that without Harry's power feeding them, they were waning. He entered the property. Dumbledore walked up to the front entryway. The door no longer existed. Stepping inside, he cast spells designed to detect magic. There were no traces of accidental or active wizard magic. The fire must have been an accident. He needed to see Arabella.

He left the burnt out wreck. Mrs. Figg's home was across the street from the Dursley's. He was knocking on her door within moments. A weeping woman opened the door.

"Yes," she started. Recognizing her visitor, "Headmaster Dumbledore! It's horrible. Come inside. I'll make a cup of tea."

"What happened, Arabella?" he asked gently. He followed her to the living room. Sitting on the couch were Petunia and Dudley Dursley. Petunia and Dudley looked to be in shock after crying themselves out.

He moved towards an upholstered chair and sat. He looked at Arabella. "Let's leave the tea, my dear. Why not just tell me what happened?"

Arabella looked at Petunia. She didn't move as she held Dudley. "It's awful. Harry and Vernon were sick this morning. Petunia had planned on taking Dudley and Harry to the zoo. She left early this morning. We think Vernon must have smoked a cigar and fell asleep with it lit. We won't know for sure until the investigation is complete. The fire investigator told us that based on what he saw, he expected it was an accidental fire."

"What of Vernon and Harry?"

Petunia started crying. Dudley started crying with her.

"They, they both are dead, Headmaster." Arabella sniffed herself.

He sat back. What did this mean to the prophecy? Was Tom vulnerable? He stood up. "You have my condolences Mrs. Dursley. Losing one's husband and nephew, it must terrible." He went to her.

Petunia looked at him. Hatred burnt in her eyes. "It's your fault. If you hadn't forced Harry on us, we would be a completely normal, happy family. I don't want your condolences. The best gift you could give me is to leave and never let me see you again." She lowered her eyes. It didn't feel normal to stare a man in the eyes. She kissed the top of Dudley's head and turned away.

Albus nodded, "Then I shall take my leave. Arabella, I look forward to seeing you some other time." He left the home. Finding an alleyway, he apparated back to Hogwarts. Once inside the ward, he apparated into his office. One cannot apparate in or out of Hogwarts. Most people assumed that you couldn't apparate within the wards. It simply was not true. You couldn't cross the wards. It would be a nightmare if his sixth and seventh year students apparated from class to class.

Monday, 30 September 1985

Ministry of Magic

Quarterly Wizengamot Session

"With the last of the scheduled business items completed, is there any business to be brought up? " The Chief Warlock asked. "If there is not further business, then a motion to adjourn will be accepted."

"A moment, Chief Warlock," Lady Longbottom slowly rose from her seat. "I have an item that blossomed into fourteen to be brought up." She waited his granting her the floor.

"Proceed, Lady Longbottom," Dumbledore answered. Internally he was quite puzzled. She was one of the scions of the light side. He always knew what would be put forward by this faction. This time, he knew nothing.

"I recently travelled to Azkaban. The purpose was to interview the Lestranges." She continued. "That was a personal matter and has no bearing on the issue at hand. As I passed the cell of one of the unfortunates, she asked me when her trial would be scheduled. I told her she was a silly woman. She would not be enjoying the comforts of the prison if she had not been tried."

A murmur of "Here, Here" went around the room. She paused to let it settle. "Imagine my surprise when she vowed on her magic and her life that no such trial had occurred. Magic accepted her vow with a blinding flash." She paused and scanned the auditorium. Many of the Light and Grey faction were looking sick. The Dark faction were masking their emotions. It was notable the Barty Crouch and Dumbledore did not look surprised. "Expecting to see a corpse, I was astonished when she stood in front of me, quite alive."

"When I returned, my factors quietly scoured the list of prisoners in Azkaban against the trial records. They found that fourteen individuals had been sent to Azkaban without trials during the last war." She was interrupted with shouting. There was a mix of denials and calls for justice. "Using my standing in the Wizengamot and the Lady of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom, I had these unfortunates brought from prison today." She turned to Lady Bones. "I apologize to you as the head of the DMLE, but the treatment these persons had from the DMLE led to distrust on their part. I cannot blame them. It is a basic tenet of our system that everyone accused of crimes must be given a trial."

Bartemius Crouch was on his feet, "This is most irregular. What the hell are you getting at? We were at war and didn't have time for the niceties. I don't know who is on your list, but I guarantee that they are all guilty."

With a dismissive laugh, Lord Black sneered, "Mr. Crouch, for your sake, pray that they are. I am sure that the families of any that were incarcerated illegally will be looking for you. Just to talk, nothing more."

Several of the Dark faction and a few of the Grey laughed along with Lord Black. Lord Black and Lady Longbottom made note of who did not.

Lady Bones stood up, Lady Longbottom nodded to her, "Are these individuals here and ready for their trials?"

"All fourteen are available at my call. Many are purebloods and have agreed to the use of Veritaserum. They all proclaim their innocence." Lady Longbottom answered. Turning to Dumbledore, she declared, "I move that these fourteen be given their trials today. If they are guilty, then their sentences can either be confirmed or commuted. If they are innocent, we must make amends."

"I second." Lady Bones seconded.

"Are we sure that having trials today is such a good idea?" Dumbledore attempted to dissuade the group. Without knowing who the fourteen were, his control of the session was lost. "After all, we have had a long session."

"Balderdash, these people have been in prison for no less than five years." Lord Greengrass of the Greys interrupted Dumbledore. "Are you saying that keeping them in jail for a few more days so that we can have the afternoon free is acceptable?"

"Of course not, Lord Greengrass, my suggestion was to allow everyone an opportunity to come at this fresh." The Chief Warlock back pedaled.

"I call for an end to the discussion and an immediate vote." Lord Greengrass angrily glared at Dumbledore.

Shoulders dropping in acquiescence, Dumbledore called the vote. "All those in favor of the motion?" The Grey faction all raised their wands. The Light faction followed.

Seeing that the motion will pass without his vote, Lord Black abstained, as did the majority of the Dark faction.

"Against?" Dumbledore continued. There were a few scattered wands lit. Both Lady Longbottom and Lord Black, noted that Bartemius Crouch, Cornelius Fudge, and Dolores Umbridge were against the motion.

"The Ayes have it." The Chief Warlock announced. "How soon can you have the conv… accused available?"

"They will be here within five minutes." Lady Longbottom stated. Those in the chamber were confused. How had she sent the message?

"May we know who these personages are while we wait, Lady Longbottom?" Lucius Malfoy had lain back allowing the session move forward. Any day that Dumbledore was surprised was one to savor. He saw his opportunity to be seen and remembered now.

She turned to Malfoy, "Chief Wizard Dumbledore, may we have the chamber sealed so that none may leave? I would prefer not to divulge anything that could be promptly leaked by a low-level staffer or secretary." Dumbledore agreed. The aurors, who were sitting next to the entranceways, closed the doors and stood in front of them.

"Thank you for your patience." She nodded to her colleagues. She waved her wand and spoke a charm. On each desk a parchment appeared. "The parchment contains the name, charge, sentence, years in Azkaban, and former vocation. I shall read them to you.

Margaret Jones, theft, life, 7, Seamstress

Samuel Graves, murder, life, 9, auror

Theophilia Crow, treason, life, 6, storekeeper

Andrea Smithson, theft, life, 7, storekeeper

James Anderson, treason, life, 8, bookmaker

Angelique Delacroix, theft, life, 10, waitress

Rodney Hyslop, murder, life, 6, bookmaker

Susannah Jeffries, not listed, life, 6, storekeeper

Abraham Greenwood, murder, life, 7, farmer

Deborah Johnstone, murder, 7, waitress

Philmore Stratford, treason, life, 3, bookmaker"

Augusta paused in her reading, "Please note Philmore has been in Azkaban for three years. The war ended four years ago. I am sure that it will be enlightening to know how this occurred. I fear that the excuse that a war was being fought and there was not time for niceties like trials will fall rather flat. There are three more to go. These were quite the surprise.

Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Prewett, Fabian Prewett, murder, life, 4, auror

Gideon Prewett, murder, life, 4 auror

Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Sirius Black, murder, life, 4, auror"

As the names went on, Lord Black was keenly watching the members from the Ministry. Madam Bones anger grew with each name. Starting with Philmore Stratford, she had gone white with controlled anger. Curiously, Bartemius Crouch looked afraid. He hid it well, but Lord Black had been a politician too long to be misled. Madam Umbridge had started with Philmore's name, very curious. Fudge was being a coward. It was easy to see that he was considering how to save his job. Dumbledore never budged until his grandson's name was called. Albus had jerked at that. Arcturus' face never changed. Internally, he knew. Arcuturus saw that several others as he had. Lords Malfoy and Greengrass, specifically, had been carefully monitoring the others.

Again, a huge outcry arose. Two Heir to noble houses had been thrown into Azkaban with no trials. The Prewett twins had been declared dead heroes lost fighting Death Eaters. The nobility in the Wizengamot were beside themselves.

Madam Umbridge stood up, "Hrm, I have duties that must be attended to." She began walking to the closest exit. "Out of my way, Aurors." They didn't move.

"Under Secretary, do you understand the meaning of closed?" Lady Bones asked. She was angry and had zero patience.

"I know what it means. I am the Under Secretary and must leave. You are simply the head of the DMLE. I order you to let me leave." Umbridge haughtily ordered. She knew Fudge would back her.

"You are under arrest. John, take her wand and place her in restraints." Amelia snapped out. Noticing the Minister starting to speak, she continued, "Minister, if you are planning on telling me to release her or let her leave, I will have you placed in restraint. This session has been sealed. Under seal, any person attempting to leave is in contempt of this body. The minimum penalty for this is removal from this body and permanent removal from any position within our government. Accomplices receive the same charge."

Fudge purpled in rage. He had been about to order that Dolores be freed and allowed to leave. "Thank you, Madam Bones, for the legal lesson. I was simply going to commend you in your efforts to comply with the law. Well done." Everyone in the room understood what his intent had been.

There was a knock on the main chamber door. Lady Bones nodded in Fudge's direction. "Prime Minister, if it please you, it seems the accused are here. May we confirm this and let them in?"

Waving a hand, Fudge disinterestedly said, "Yes, of course, Madam. Do your duty."

The senior auror at the door, Alastor Moody checked his partner. He used his magical eye and confirmed fifteen people outside of the door. He cracked it open. He saw fourteen very bedraggled, starved people being led by Algernon Longbottom in his finest robes. "Enter." Moody growled.

Algernon led the accused into the Wizengamot chambers. He nodded toward his sister. "I have been given notice that these fourteen unfortunate souls are being given their trials. I brought them here under my protection and peace. I ask on my honor, will they see trials today?"

Dumbledore answered sullenly, "Yes, Mr. Longbottom. We are ready to see justice done today."

"We have been told that each of you agree to Veritaserum questioning. Is this correct?" Lady Bones asked in her capacity as DMLE head.

The prisoners all nodded and affirmed that they agreed.

"Very well, we shall start. We will go in the order that Lady Longbottom provided. Margaret Jones, step forward." She continued.

The truth serum was administered and verified effective.

"You are accused of theft. The charge specifically states that you stole 500 galleons from," Amelia glared at Bartemius Crouch. "Bartemius Crouch. Is this true?

"No." The woman answered

"Do you know why the charge was levelled?"

"Yes,"

"I object!" Crouch stood up. "She answered that she is innocent. No further questioning is required."

"If this were a normal case, you would be accurate, Lord Crouch." Lady Bones acerbically answered, "The crime here was her false imprisonment. Please answer the question, Ms. Jones."

"Mr. Crouch came to my shop wanting some specialty pieces created. He had asked for clothes with overlapping metal scaling to cover the torso. When I finished, I presented it to him along with the bill of 100 galleons. He told me that since it was for the war effort, that it should be free. I was to consider it part of my taxes. I told him that it cost me 75 galleons for the materials. The 25 galleons for labor was already 50 galleons lower than my normal fee would have been. I was trying to do my part. He scoffed and again told me to write it off. I then threatened to sue him. He pulled out his wand and the next thing I knew I was in Azkaban."

"Moody, place Crouch under arrest." Lady Bones started to say. Before she could say anything more, Moody had stunned Crouch.

"He was going for his wand." Moody marched over. He pulled the man's wand out and placed suppression cuffs on him.

"Constant Vigilance?" Lady Bones asked him.

"Damn right, Ma'am." He answered.

"Is there anyone in here that feels she is guilty of anything more than trying to be paid for her work?" Lady Bones asked the chamber. No one spoke up. "At the end of the trials, anyone who is found not guilty will be immediately sent to St. Mungo's for treatments. Reparations will be decided at the next Wizengamot session." Her face was stone. She knew that by postponing the reparations discussion, the public would have a chance to decry what had been done. She looked at both Dumbledore and Fudge daring them to naysay her.

It didn't take long to process the next nine. Samuel Graves saw Bartemius Crouch Junior kill a muggle.

Theophilia Crow's treason? She demanded payment and called Crouch a "Right Bastard."

Andrea Smithson theft was the same as Margaret Jones. She wanted to be paid.

James Anderson treason? Crouch had lost 1,000 galleons betting and James called the debt. The treason was that Crouch would have been inconvenienced.

Angelique Delacroix theft? She refused his advances.

Rodney Hyslop murder? He had called Crouch's debt. He'd never seen a dead body.

Susannah Jeffries? He hadn't bothered to charge her. When she attempted to get Crouch to pay for his goods, off she went.

Abraham Greenwood murder? He had called the Aurors after a Death Eater attack. In describing the voice of the one who had killed his wife, Crouch had startled. Quickly stunned, Abraham woke in Azkaban.

Deborah Johnstone murder? She laughed at him when he asked her to sleep with him.

The Wizengamot was surprised with the next prisoner's story. He'd been sent to Azkaban without a trial after the war ended. Philmore Stratford's treason? Dolores Umbridge had broken into his shop and demanded to see the gambling records of his clients. He had refused. She turned to an auror and had him arrested. She then stated that she was the law and not obeying her was tantamount to treason.

The Prewett's crime was to have seen Bartemius Crouch, Jr. with Bellatrix LeStrange and the two LeStrange brothers in Death Eater robes two weeks Saturday 17 October, 1981. This was over two weeks prior to the attack on the Longbottoms. They had been on a stake out. When they reported their findings to Crouch, they woke in Azkaban.

The last prisoner was brought forward, Sirius Black. Many in the auditorium were sure that he was guilty. They remembered what the Prophet had said. He even had said it was his fault. He was the Secret Keeper. He was even the right hand of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The Veritaserum wsa administered and tested.

"Sirius Black, did you betray the Potters?" Lady Bones asked.

"No, we were brothers. I would have died for James and Lily." Sirius said lethargically.

"Were you the Secret Keeper?" Amelia followed up.

"No."

"Who was?"

"Peter Pettigrew. It was my suggestion to use him. I knew I would be a target. We felt we would be pranking He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

"Did you kill Mr. Pettigrew and the muggles?"

"No, I had cornered the rat. He yelled out his lies. He cast something behind him that blew up the street. I saw him change into his rat form before the aurors arrived."

"Animal form?"

"Yes, Peter was a rat animagus."

"What happened once you were in custody?"

"Crouch took control. I remember being in holding. At some point I was stunned, when I was awoken I was in Azkaban."

"Were you ever the Secret Keeper?"

"No."

Seeing where this was going, Dumbledore interrupted. "I feel that we should stop here. He has proven his innocence. I move that we declare him innocent, revoke Peter Pettigrew's Order of Merlin, and put a warrant out for him. I'm sure Sirius would be able to give you a description of Peter's animagus form."

"I second that!" Elphias Doge supported his friend.

Quickly taking control, Dumbledore called the vote, "A proposition has been heard and seconded." He paused looking around the chamber. "Is there any discussion on this or can we complete today's proceeding."

He hesitated only long enough for someone to draw a breath. "There being no discussion, all those in favor signify so." He looked at the members. A clear majority was voting for the motion. "Seeing a clear majority, the motion passes. Do I have a motion to close today's session?"

"I make the motion," Elphias shouted.

"Seconded," drawled Lord Malfoy. There would be some major changes started because of this meeting. He needed to determine how to turn them to his favor.

"No discussion being offered, all those in favor?" Dumbledore had talked over Madam Bones. "The ayes have it. Today's meeting is closed." He stayed in his seat. He wanted to rush back to his office, but his pattern was to stay in place until the chambers cleared. His position would be weakened if he was seen to run away.

Lady Amelia Bones was furious with the Chief Warlock. She suspected that he either cast the Fidelius or had known Black was innocent. She looked to her Aurors, "Get Crouch and Umbridge into holding cells. People, we are doing this by the book. Check their wands, freeze their accounts, search their offices and homes. I want them charged with abuse of office, false imprisonment, illegal use of government personnel, and attempted line assassinations."

She looked at Crouch, "Imprisoning Aurors because they saw the wrong people? You, sir, disgust me."

"When I find out who helped you, they will be off the force. If they knew their actions were wrong, you'll be keeping their company in prison." She seethed at the thought of her people being used in this manner.

She motioned for the prisoners to be taken away. She smiled, "When they have been booked, have them sent to the holding cells in Azkaban. With the severity of their crimes, our security may not be strong enough to hold them." She enjoyed seeing their faces whiten in fright. Alastor Moody, John Dawlish and the other aurors all grinned.

"I agree. I'm not sure but some Aurors may be tempted let accidents happen to them, once word gets out." Moody roughly shoved the two prisoners out of the room.

With a sigh, Lady Bones tried to center herself. The fourteen innocents were on their way to St. Mungo's. She detested the corruption rampant in the Ministry. She would be cleaning house beginning in the morning. She walked towards Lady Longbottom.

"Lady Longbottom?" The lady in question turned towards her. "I want to thank you for bringing this forward. I am embarrassed that my department hadn't rooted this out."

"No need to thank me, Lady Bones," the dowager nodded to her. "It is the duty of any citizen to seek justice. I find myself troubled with the criminal activities planned and executed by those two. Is there not a department within the DMLE that investigates charges of corruption and malfeasance?"

"No," Amelia answered, "It was disbanded during the war. When I took over as Head of the DMLE, the funding for the unit was never approved. As you know, the budget of the DMLE has been decreased every year since the end of the war."

"I see." Augusta thought for a moment, "I never realized that the cuts had been that severe. The overall budget has increased every year. I will work to have your budget brought back up. As a country, we cannot allow criminal activity to be allowed within the government. Do you have anyone now that can begin reviewing the cases of all prisoners?"

"Yes, I have some people who can do this." Amelia agreed.

"Good. I hope my solicitors found everyone. I fear that they did not." Augusta shivered. "The thought of innocent people in that loathsome place."

"I agree." Deciding to disengage, Amelia stepped back, "With your permission, Lady Longbottom, I need to get this started." She glanced around. She noticed that Lords Greengrass and Black had been listening. It is rare that the leaders of the Light, Grey, and Dark factions stood together, she mused.