Chapter 9 – History, Session, Feud
Hogwarts
Transfiguration Classroom
Friday, 9 September, 1938
First Year Slytherin Class
Professor Dumbledore walked amongst the students. This year's incoming students were so numerous that each house required their own classes. Headmaster Dippet had suggested that the students from the four houses be randomly paired between their classes. What rubbish, he thought. First, who would be the one to choose how the students would be placed? How could the students be scheduled so that no overlaps would happen? It was far easier to simply schedule the students by houses. The students would lose the chance to fraternize with other houses. It mattered not. The separation will heighten the natural competition between the houses. So far, it seemed to e working. Each house kept an eagle eye on their house counters.
"Very well done, Tom." Dumbledore paused in front of Tom Riddle. Tom was a surprise. As a muggle raised orphan, he should be behind the others. Instead, he was the first to perfect every transfiguration introduced. He must have a magical forebear. He decided that he must look into it. He knew Tom would appreciate knowing where he came from. "Twenty points to Slytherin. Please stay after when the class is over. Why don't you help your deskmate. He seems to be struggling." Tom looked at his neighbor. His strand of straw had shortened, but nothing else.
The other students looked askance at Tom. He'd just earned points, but was being held after.
"Yes, Professor." Tom acknowledged his professor.
Forty minutes later, the class ended. Professor Dumbledore stood at his desk. "For all of you who have not completed the transfiguration, continue practicing and a three-foot parchment describing the use of one's will in transfigurations will be due next Friday." He smiled at the children as they left.
Shortly, only Tom was left. "I was wondering if you would like to receive extra lessons, Tom. I've been impressed with your ability and feel you could excel in this class. Would you be interested in meeting with me once a week for extra lessons?"
"Sir," Tom began cautiously, "I appreciate this. Could you tell me what I would be studying?"
"Come, sit down." His professor gestured to the desk directly in front of him. "What would you think of learning wandless transfigurations? You would continue in class with your wand, but I would teach you to cast the same spells wandlessly privately."
Tom smiled, "I would like that, sir."
"Wonderful, my boy," Albus smiled. "Come see me every Monday after dinner. We'll begin this Monday."
Hogwarts
Professor Dumbledore's Office
Evening Monday, 12 September, 1938
Albus was looking around his office preparing for Tom. He cleared a small area in the center of his office. He then transfigured two upholstered armchairs, placing them facing each other. AS he finished, he heard a knock.
"Come in," he called out.
Tom Riddle opened the door and entered.
"Come in, my boy," he grinned at the boy. "Sit down." He motioned to one of the chairs. As the boy moved to sit down, he took the other chair.
"Are you ready to begin learning how to cast magic without your wand?" He watched as the boy smiled at him and lowered his guard just a little.
"Yes, sir." Tom hesitantly smiled back.
"Do you remember what we talked about when I visited you at the orphanage?" the professor asked.
"Yes, sir." Tom answered in a puzzled tone.
"Wonderful, my boy. The reason I bring this up is that the ability to cast spells wandlessly shows others that one is a powerful wizard." Albus continued. "Not every wizard can cast in this manner. Most of the ones that can are limited to what you will find to be first and second year spells." He paused, looking at his pupil. "Do you have an idea why this should be?"
Tom took a few moments to think, "Do they not have enough power, sir?" He answered respectfully.
"No, that's not it, my boy." Albus' eyes twinkled. "While one must be powerful to cast without a wand, it does not limit the spells. There is another factor. It is will. One must be powerful and have a strong will to succeed at this."
"Sir?" Tom asked waiting on Albus to acknowledge him. "How does one measure their strength of will?"
"That is a personal measure, my boy." Albus began. "I have found that those with the strongest wills are those that have already overcome obstacles. You, yourself, Tom have already overcome several. You were orphaned as a babe. In addition, you have spent your life in the orphanage where you were born. Lastly, you have magic and those around you did not. They could not understand you."
"I don't understand, sir." Tom asked. "You described how most of the others in the orphanage have been raised. The only difference was magic."
"That's right, my boy," Albus smiled at the boy. "You overcame what others would see as problems without letting them affect you."
"Thank you, sir." Tom was still confused. To cover this, he then asked. "How will we begin?"
"We need to work and discover what helps you to focus your will. It is different for everyone. For myself, I want to do well for the largest number of people. I focus on what the greatest good for the wizarding world is." Albus smiled at the boy. "You need to find your own focus. When we know your this, we will begin practicing casting magic."
Albus paused as he waited for the young man to nod in understanding.
"Wonderful!" Albus smiled. "Let's begin our session. To find what can focus your will, you need to learn how to meditate. Not only will this help your focus, it will make learning Occlumency easier when you are ready for that."
Tom looked eager. "What do I need to do?"
"Relax, my boy, relax." Albus stood up and moved behind the boy. "Close your eyes. Imagine a candle, watch the flame. Once you have the image stable, let the color change. Find a color that feels calm to you. When you get to this point, let me know. I will be behind you, holding your shoulders, letting my magic flow into you. This should help keep your attention on the task."
Tom nodded, "I'm ready to start, sir."
"Very well, my boy," Albus placed his hands on the young boy's shoulders, "You may begin." Albus watched as his student began the first steps to self-discovery. He let his magic flow into the boy and closed his own eyes in support. He began sending pulses of calm, support, and friendship to Tom as the boy looked for his candle. He smiled. In a few years and with proper guidance, this boy will be groomed and be ready to help move the Magical world forward for the Greater Good.
Potter Mansion
Harry's bedroom
Friday, 3 January, 1986
22:00 hours
Lily had waited for Harry's going to sleep. Once he was, she took over the body. "Mimsy?"
With a pop, Mimsy popped in. She looked at the boy in bed. Noticing a difference, "Yes, Lady Lily?"
"Have we integrated the Crouch, LeStrange, and Malfoy elves into the family?" Lily asked.
Mimsy looked nervous, "They bes no LeStrange elves. They were killed by their family. The others? They's be scared, Lady Lily. They be thinking that if they don't be coming to youse, they will stay bonded. They think you be giving them clothes."
"Have you starting telling abused elves of my offer of sanctuary?" Lily was perturbed. She had assumed that the elves from the conquered families would be grateful. She chided herself. She knew she was kind and would treat them with respect. They knew only fear of punishments. She sighed. "Let me transform into myself. Then call them all to my office. I will let you know when I am ready." She stood up and using Harry's metamorph ability, changed his body into her old one. She then wandlessly transfigured his too small pajamas into a white skirt and blouse. She then spelled his house slippers into a pair of low heeled pumps.
A few minutes later, she sat behind the desk in her office. "Mimsy?"
"Yes, Lady Lily?" Mimsy popped in.
"Please call the other elves in." Lily said softly.
Mimsy snapped her fingers. With a crackling pop, four elves appeared in front of Lily. They took one look at her, eeped, and huddled together.
"Winky be a good elf!" A female began wailing, "Winky not be wanting clothes." When she finished, all four began crying.
Lily stood up, moved around the desk, and crouched down to be at eye level with the elves. "My name is Lily Potter." She paused until she had their attention. "I promise that I will never give you clothes, unless you ask for them. I would like to bind you to the Potter family, not as servants, but as friends. This will mean that you will not ever be required to torture yourself for failing. I cannot promise that you'll never be asked to do something you don't want to. However, I do promise that you can object to any order. We can then talk it over."
"Dobby not understand," Dobby looked at her. "Elveses must do what our masters and mistresses be telling us. When wes do bad, we must punish ourselves."
Lily shook her head, "Not anymore, Dobby." She answered the young elf directly. "I cannot imagine any house elf failing in their work, but if one of the Potter elves fall short, their punishment is to rest and do no work for one day."
A collective gasp was heard from the four, they were conditioned to constantly work. The mere thought of being idle sent shivers of fear through them.
"What are your names?" Lily asked. She pointed at Winky. "You called yourself Winky." Shifting her focus to Dobby, "Your name is Dobby, correct?" Seeing both elves nod, she smiled at the two older elves. She had a feeling that they were Dobby's parents.
The two remaining elves shared a hesitant glance. The male then moved slightly in front of the other female, "Swabby be Dobby's Da." Pointing at the female behind him, "Swabby's mate, Flopsy be Dobby's ma."
Lily grinned at them. Gently, she began, "I am very pleased to meet all of you. I hope to be your friend. If you choose to bond with my family, you will be given a uniform and will be kept busy. The Potter's now own the properties that the Malfoy, Crouch, and LeStrange families held. They all need to be cleaned and repaired. Beyond that, I hope to have more work."
The four elves looked at each other. Afraid to say yes and afraid to say no.
Finally, Lily offered one more time, "Will you be my friend and my family's friend?"
The four were overcome. For the first time, ever, a witch asked to be their friend, not mistress.
"Aye, Lady Lily Potter," Swabby nodded his head, "Swabby's family be bonding with yours."
Winky couldn't find her voice. She simply nodded.
"I, Lily Potter, mother of Heir Harry Potter, offer House Potter as magical sustenance and binding to Swabby, Flopsy, Dobby, and Winky. They are to be friends of the House. When they need help, the family will be there. When the family asks, they will be there. With their acceptance, may Magic be our bond." Lily raised her wand. Magic swirled in the room. They felt it building up.
In unison, the elves answered, "I, Winky/Dobby/Flopsy/Swabby, agree to be bound to the Potter family as friends." This completed the binding. The magic in the room swirled through Lily and each elf. A link was made between them.
"Thank you, my friends." Lily hugged them. The four froze. None had ever had a witch or wizard touch them without an intention of harm. They melted into her arms.
Mimsy began softly crying.
When Lily moved to disengage, she told them. "Your uniforms must consist of a top and either pants or a skirt. Eventually, you will each wear the Potter coat of arms over your left breast. Harry must be protected for several more years, until he is safe, we must hide your affiliations."
They all nodded. "Mimsy is head elf. If you have any questions, go to her. If she cannot explain fully, I want you to feel free to come to me. I need you all to remember, I want to be your friend. You are not my slaves." She looked each elf in the eyes to reinforce this. She knew they would need much encouragement to heal their abused souls.
"The first request I have is of a former Malfoy elf." She looked at them. Swabby nodded to her. "Swabby, there is a diary that Lord Voldemort gave to Lucius. It is evil and must be cleansed. Do you know the book I am talking of?"
"Yes, Lady Lily," he answered. "Swabby not be liking it."
Lily went to her desk. She opened a drawer and pulled out a box and a pair of leather gloves, "Can you put the book in this box?"
"Yes, Lady Lily, Swabby can be doing," he answered hesitantly.
"Wonderful," Lily smiled at him. "The book is very dangerous. I need you to wear these gloves. I'm afraid it would hurt you, if you touched it. This box is spelled to contain magic. Its' evil will not be able to affect you if the lid is closed."
"Swabby be proud to be getting this for Lady Lily." Swabby moved to take the box and gloves. As he took them, Lily gave him a brief hug.
"Be safe, Swabby." Lily held him. "When you get back, we'll talk about the plans for Malfoy manor."
He left and returned within minutes. Lily checked the box and confirmed the diary was contained within. "Mimsy, could you take this to Orevein in the morning?" She placed the box in the drawer she pulled it from and locked it. She gave the key to Mimsy.
"Mimsy be taking it, Lady Lily."
Lily turned back to the four elves. "Over the next few weeks, the Malfoy manor is being restructured into an orphanage for magical children. When it is ready, we will begin looking to bring in children from all over the country. Our priority will be muggle-born orphans. They have the most need. We will take in any magical orphan that have no family able to support them. Your jobs will be to help them adjust and show them love."
All four began smiling at the thought of caring for children. Lily continued, "Until it is ready, I need the four of you to go to all of the old LeStrange, Malfoy and Crouch properties. I would like you to make them all ready for habitation. Mimsy will share the locations with you. All but the Malfoy mansion have been placed under unplottable and Fidelius spells. No one can know what we own or where the properties are. Even once the orphanage is operational, Mimsy will work out a rotation where you each will ensure each property is clean and ready."
The four elves looked extremely happy. They were going to be doing what they loved, for a family that treated them as friends.
Swabby started to speak, Flopsy interrupted him. "Flopsy be the oldest elf." She stared her mate down. "Wes be happy to be doing this, Lady Lily."
"Thank you, all." Lily smiled kindly, "I look forward to working with you all for a long time." She turned serious, "There are some family secrets that you will learn. I know that you will never break our trust. Mimsy will let you know what has happened up to now. I want each of you to know what has happened and what is being planned. Without your help, the plans will fail. It is late, I must get back to bed." She stood up, and with one last smile at the elves, she left her office. "Mimsy, can you finish the discussion?"
She went back to Harry's room. With some reluctance, she let her body default back to Harry's. She then cancelled the spells on her clothing. She then climbed into Harry's bed and allowed his body to rest. Since she was a spirit, she never slept. She had learned that if she kept Harry's body up all night, he would be tired the next day. Therefore, she spent her time at night reviewing what Lillian and, sometimes, Lilas had done the day before. When she had extra time, she reviewed Tom's early memories. The last memory she watched was Tom's first extra lesson with Albus. The feel of his magic flowing into Tom's shoulders felt wrong to her. She needed to continue to see if her intuition was correct.
Gaunt Shack
Little Hangletom
Saturday, 4 January, 1986
A double crack of apparations were sounded outside the gate leading to the Gaunt shack. The two figures stepped forward. The primary animate of Lily Potter, Lillian strode forward. Beside her, strode another animate. This one went by Lelya. She stood an inch taller than Lillian. She sported slightly wavy, silky black hair, olive complexioned skin, and brown eyes. Most looking at her would see someone of Mediterranean descent. Thus, why she went by Lelya. Her body, was a slightly larger version of Lillian's.
Being formed from the same soul, they found that they could speak to each other nonverbally. They moved forward to the edge of the wards. They quickly moved through them. Since they held Tom Riddle's memories, they knew the wards and spells that had been left to trap the unwary.
With the ability to understand Parseltongue and cast Parsel magic, the two quickly reached the center of the hovel. Lelya opened the floor and pulled the golden box out. The compulsion to open the box and put the ring on, was immediately felt. Lillian having stayed back, cast the counter charm. Lelya was freed.
Lelya pulled a charmed moleskin bag out and opened it. Placing the golden box within it, she closed the drawstring. Standing up, she moved to Lillian. They both quickly exited the hut, replacing the traps and wards. Once outside of the property line, Lillian took the bag and apparated to Gringott's. She was to deliver the horcrux to him.
Lelya apparated to Flourish and Blotts. It was her task to see what new books had come on the market. Lily wanted to keep her knowledge current. After she finished selecting non-fiction books on potions, transfigurations, and charms, she moved to the fiction section. As she perused the titles, she found an entire wall covering the so-called adventures of Harry Potter, Boy Who Lived and World-Wide Adventurer. She hid her anger. Taking a copy of every volume along with her other selections, she made her purchases. Once she left, she apparated back to the manor.
Lily would be engaging Orevein and her lawyers soon.
Ministry of Magic
Wizengamot Chanbers
Friday, 31 January, 1986
Minister Fudge and Chief Warlock Dumbledore entered the chambers. The various members settled down in preparation for the start of the meeting. Fudge made his way to his seat and sat down. Dumbledore made his way to the podium.
He took a gavel and banged it. "Hear ye, all peoples present, this first Wizengamot session of 1986 is called to order. Roll shall be called. If a quorum is present, we shall proceed to address the published agenda."
The Sergeant-At-Arms took attendance. She announced a quorum was indeed present.
"Thank you, Madam. We shall begin. Our first order of business is a presentation on the financing of the reparations due to those persons incarcerated illegally at Azkaban. Madam Bones shall present the findings."
"Thank you, Chief Warlock." Amelia stood. "Minister, and fellow members. At the direction of this body, the DMLE partnered with Gringotts. The estates of Millicent Bagnold, Cornelius Fudge, Albus Dumbledore, the late Dolores Umbridge, and the late Bartemius Crouch were audited. The results of the audits were surprising. Here are copies of the summaries." She raised her wand, flicking it at a pile of parchments in front of her. The individual papers then flew to each member's desk. Amelia paused to let the members read the parchments. Murmurs began rising.
"The figures are accurate. The property values were determined by the appraised values for tax purposes and where available purchase prices." Amelia frowned as she looked at Fudge.
Grangrot
Chief Auditor
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
Auditing Service
North Side Diagon Alley, London England
Date: Thursday, 30 January, 1986
Lady Amelia Bones
Head, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Ministry of Magic
Lady Bones,
The audit is complete. The results are below. 280 million galleons have been recovered. Each detainee shall receive 12,016,407.56 galleons. Gringotts awaits your direction in regards to processing a divestment strategy.
Millicent Bagnold
Galleons: 282,825,958
Sickles: 240,659,686
Knuts: 34,092
Properties: 15
Investments: 45,876,488
Divestment: 171,429,491
Cornelius Fudge
Galleons: 171,519,662
Sickles: 189,076,257
Knuts: 154,392
Properties: 23
Investments: 3,286,346
Divestment: 92,964,795
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Galleons: 43,874,233
Sickles: 54,871,039
Knuts: 234,199
Properties: 234,199
Investments: 432,000
Divestment: 23,767,208
Bartemius Crouch Senior
Galleons: 0
Sickles: 0
Knuts: 1
Properties: 0
Investments: 0
Divestment: 0
Dolores Umbridge
Galleons: 250,456
Sickles: 438,765
Knuts: 321,554
Properties: 1
Investments: 0
Divestment: 138,459
"Lady Bones?" Madam Professor Griselda Marchbanks requested Amelia's attention. Having received it, she continued, "While I am sure to have more, two questions seem to jump off the page. Firstly, can you explain the valuation of the Former Minister Bagnold's and Minister Fudge's properties? Secondly, what happened to the Crouch inheritance?"
Amelia nodded to the older witch, "I, too, asked about the Crouch estate. Gringotts informed me of a feud that existed between the Crouch family and one other. With the death of Crouch Senior followed by his son's execution, the offended family took possession of the Crouch estate."
"What?" "Which family?" "This is an outrage!" "What of the Crouch seat?"
"I asked the name of the other family. Grangrot replied that as the information was not pertinent to the audit, he had not retrieved it." Amelia answered with a frown. She did not like being told no. "When I returned to the Ministry, the archives were searched for any issues between the Crouch and any other family. No feuds directly involving the Crouch family was on record. It is not a requirement to register feuds with the Ministry." A susurration of anger flowed through the chamber.
"What of the Fudge and Bagnold properties?" Madam Marchbanks asked a second time.
"It seems that for tax purposes each of their properties, all improvements and contents have been valued at one galleon each. Some properties were sold at Ministry auction for back taxes. The only records for these shows one bidder at each. The winning bids were one galleon." Lady Bones voice showed anger at this. As the Head of the DMLE, she fought corruption daily. This showed the rot lived at the highest levels.
A riot of sound erupted. "Outrageous!" "How did this come about?" "I call for an investigation!"
Narcissa Blackett raised her wand, "Lady Bones?" Amelia acknowledged her when the murmuring subsided.
"Lady Blackett, you have a question?" Amelia yielded the floor.
"More of a proposal than a question, Lady Bones," Narcissa formally answered. "There seems to be the possibility that some improprieties may have occurred with the purchase and valuation of certain properties. To remove even the suggestion, I propose the twenty-four victims each receive one of the properties of Bagnold, Crouch, and Umbridge. I am sure that if Ex-Minister Bagnold or Minister Fudge wish to repurchase their primary residences, an appropriate amount can be negotiated with Gringotts. This will take care of twenty-six of the thirty-nine properties." She paused. "Of the remaining thirteen properties, I move that they be publicly auctioned. All proceeds in excess of one galleon per dwelling be given to a charity, such as St. Mungo's."
"Or to an orphanage, my Lady?" Elphias Doge called out.
She nodded her head, "If this body so decides." She looked around the chamber. "I would abstain from the discussion. The conflict of interest should be obvious." Many of the members, from each faction, smiled at her.
"With all due respect to my esteemed colleagues," the Chief Warlock interrupted. "We seem to have moved beyond the review of the audit. Might I impose upon this august body to bring our attention back to reviewing the audit results?" He let his gaze rove across each member.
"Hear, hear, Chief Warlock!" "Good Job, Sir!" "We are on point." "What are you trying to stop?", again various voices shouted out. Dumbledore smiled patiently. After a few moments, he said, "Thank you all. Lady Bones, you may continue."
Amelia controlled any irritation in his having curtailed the discussion. "Thank you, Chief Warlock. To continue the audit summary, there were no further surprises." She paused. "The full audit can be viewed by appointment within the DMLE or at Gringotts. The details will be restricted to members of the Wizengamot only."
Taking a breath, "I move that we approve the audit summary as given. This approval to accept all parts including the amount of the required divestments."
"Second!" Lord Fabian Prewett yelled.
"A motion has been made and seconded." The Chief Warlock announced. "Is there any discussion?"
Minister Fudge looked at the former Malfoy seat. He knew that Lucius would have found a means to sidetrack this entire fiasco. Narcissa Blackett, formerly Malfoy, caught his gaze and calmly smiled back at him. He dropped his gaze. With the Black family regaining their footing, she would not help him. He dropped his gaze.
"I would like to amend the motion, Chief Warlock." Lord Cyrus Greengrass stood. Cornelius looked at him with hope in his eyes.
"Yes, Lord Greengrass?" Dumbledore gave him the floor.
"I find myself in agreement with Lady Blackett. The obvious improprieties taken with how the Fudge, Bagnold, and Umbridge properties have been handled lay a stain on this body and our government. Therefore, I move the motion be amended. The thirty-nine properties valued at one galleon or less shall be offered to the twenty-four victims. Each victim may take possession of one property. The homes and all contents not previously documented as family heirlooms will be considered as one unit. Fudge and Bagnold may purchase their primary domiciles at a value as determined by Gringotts. The remaining thirteen estates shall be auctioned off. All proceeds to be handled by Gringotts. The Wizengamot to divide the funds between St. Mungos and the Safe Haven Home."
"I second the amendment." Lady Longbottom raised her wand.
"The amendment has been moved and seconded." Dumbledore confirmed. "I now open the floor to discussion."
"I call a vote on the full motion as amended." Lord Black spoke for the first time.
"The vote has been called." Dumbledore nodded towards his peer. "All those in favor of the motion as amended?" He paused as the Greengrass and Longbottom factions all approved. "All those against?" Lord Black raised his wand, followed shortly by most of the dark faction. "Abstentions?" Narcissa Blackett and Fabian Prewett raised their wands.
"The motion has been approved. All properties belonging to the Bagnold and Fudge families will be frozen. Minister Fudge and Former Minister Bagnold will be allowed to remain in their primary residences for a" He paused in thought, "period of three months or they repurchase the properties."
Lord Arcturus Black started to speak.
Lord Fabian Prewett yelled, "I call for a vote of confidence in the Minister. His actions show little regard for the citizens of this country."
Arcturus showed no emotion, but was pleased. Lord Prewett beat him to the punch. This would prove advantageous. "I second the call."
"A motion for a vote of condifence in the Minister has been called and seconded." Dumbledore proceeded. "A vote will be scheduled as the first order of business in the next Wizengamot session."
"Chief Warlock," Lord Greengrass spoke.
"Yes, Lord Greengrass?" Albus answered.
"I want to formally acknowledge that of the persons audited, your results show your honesty." Lord Greengrass stated. "I applaud your honesty."
"Thank you, My Lord." Albus smiled at him.
"I find I have a concern." Cyrus Greengrass frowned. "It is the role of the Chief Warlock to oversee the Wizengamot and work with the Minister, is it not?"
"Yes, Lord Greengrass." Albus said with his usual assurance. He was wondering where this was going.
"Would you not agree that the position of Chief Warlock is therefore an important and time consuming one?" Cyrus asked.
"Yes, My Lord, it is." Albus began fearing where this was leading. Lord Black and Lady Longbottom were sitting back letting this go on. Without any discussion with them, Cyrus was asking the questions they had split with each other.
Cyrus Greengrass nodded in agreement. "I fear, Chief Warlock, that your time has been split too much. You are the Chief Warlock, the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, and Headmaster of Hogwarts. While you have done an admirable job in each, with what we have learned today, I respectfully ask you to pull back to just one position. It is imperative that we show the citizens of Wizarding Britain that our government works for them. Given the results of the audit, could anyone in here expect our citizens to trust us?"
The Chief Warlock said nothing.
"With all due respect, Chief Warlock Dumbledore," Cyrus continued, "I ask you to spend the next month considering stepping down from two of your positions."
"I thank you for your concern, Lord Greengrass." Dumbledore coldly replied.
"That concludes the business to be brought today. I will entertain a motion to adjourn," the Chief Warlock announced with a weary smile.
"Chief Warlock, there is one more item to be discussed today." Lord Arcturus Black stood. "That is the matter of Harry James Potter, his custody, and the Potter will."
Albus smiled at the Lord, "My dear Lord Black, we discussed this last month. As I stated then, I will bring forward the documentation showing Harry is happy and loved soon. I simply have not had the time to collate all of the parchments."
"Let's start with that." Lord Black intoned. "Is Scion Potter being fostered by a muggle or magical family? I am curious as I would expect that if he were with a magical family, his whereabouts would be known."
"For security reasons, I am not at liberty to divulge any information on the boy." Albus said in a patronizing tone, "My Lord, Harry's safety is my primary concern. Would you not agree that there are elements within our country that would dearly love to harm the boy?" As he said this, he looked around the room letting his gaze stop briefly on each individual wearing full sleeves.
"While true, similar elements would find joy in harming myself, Lord Greengrass, Minister Fudge, or Lady Longbottom. Yet, we and our families are safe." Lord Black stated with a small amount of force. "Your question, Chief Warlock, is something of a red herring. It attempts to move our attention from the fact that the last remaining member of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter is being held against the wishes of the Wizengamot."
"What are you suggesting, Lord Black?" Albus lost his smile.
Arcturus held himself. He quietly sat down. Letting the tension build, he leant forward. Seeing suspicion on the faces on the majority of the members, he finally spoke. "Suggesting, Chief Warlock? I am not suggesting anything. I am simply pointing out the way it looks. What would you think, Lord Greengrass, if the last member of your family was hidden away and the family's will sealed? Would you think my family is secure? Or, would you fear that something nefarious could be occurring?"
Lord Greengrass glowered at Lord Black. Nodding his head at him, he sat back and turned his glare on Dumbledore as the import of the words settled. "I would think the latter, Lord Black."
"As the Chief Warlock," Albus interjected. "I find these innuendos beneath the sanctity of this body. I assure you, Harry Potter is safe and loved."
"When is the last time you have personally seen the child?" Lord Black asked.
"I have someone monitoring the family. They see them daily." Albus answered. "They have my full trust. Personally, I last saw the tyke when he was turned over to his guardians."
Nodding, Lord Black frowned, "If I am hearing this correctly, you have not seen the boy in four years. You rely on a monitor. Do you get regular reports?"
"Yes," Albus ground out. He did not like being interrogated and it was showing.
"Are they dated? Can you have an elf bring us the latest communique?" Lord Black smiled. "We do not need to see all of the documentation today. A confirmation of my grandson's Sirius' godson being healthy can suffice for now." He leaned back, "I expect to see the full documentation at the next Wizengamot."
"Very well," Albus sighed. "Amelia, would you be so kind as to modify the wards to allow an elf from Hogwarts into the chamber?"
"Yes, Chief Warlock," Amelia looked at the auror behind her. "I need the name of the elf."
"Certainly," He smiled at her, trying to show how gracious he was being. "I will be calling Feesey a young, female Hogwarts elf."
Amelia looked at the man behind her. He looked up and nodded to her. "You may call the elf, sir."
"Feesey" Dumbledore called gently.
"Yous be callin Feesey, Headmaster?" a small elf stood shyly.
"Feesey, can you bring me the parchment that," He leaned down to the elf and began speaking very softly.
"Feesey bes right back!" She said with excitement. In less than ten seconds, she popped back in carrying a rolled up parchment, which she handed to Dumbledore. "Wills there be anything else, Headmaster?"
"No, Feesey, and thank you." He smiled at her.
With a squeal of happiness, she popped back to where she came from. Amelia looked behind her. The auror was removing Feesey from the ward scheme.
The Chief Warlock unrolled the parchment and confirmed it was the correct one. "Lord Black, I hope this will suffice?" He sent the parchment to the other.
Lord Black let it settled on his desk. He opened it and quickly scanned it. It showed a date of Friday, 27 December 1985. The text read that Harry had a Happy Christmas and was enjoying his presents. Arcturus knew this was false. He felt a small amount happiness catching Dumbledore in a lie. He would not be calling him on this. This was only one nail of the many which would be needed to seal the coffin. He cast a Gemino on the parchment, sharing it with the rest of the chamber's members.
"Chief Warlock, I request a formal vote on unsealing the Potter will be held in the March Wizengamot session." Arcturus sat back. "Our next session, with a vote of confidence being held, already has a full agenda. Wouldn't you agree, sir?"
"Yes, Lord Black," the Chief Warlock acquiesced.
Lady Longbottom sat stoically. She had enjoyed today's session. "I make a move for adjournment, Chief Warlock."
Madam Marchbank's voice called out behind her, "Second, and I call for the vote!"
"A move to adjourn has been made and seconded." The Chief Warlock intentionally cut off any debate. "All those in favor?" Glancing around the chamber, he called out tersely, "A majority are in favor. This, the first session of the Wizengamot of 1986 is now adjourned. I look forward to meeting with you all in four weeks."
Orevein's Office
Gringotts
Tuesday, 11 February, 1986
09:30 hours
Lillian Potter, the animated clone of Lady Lily Potter, entered the office. Without waiting for acknowledgement, she took the chair in front of Orevein.
In Gobbledygook, she bared her teeth, "May our gold be increased today, Orevein."
"May our enemies tremble at our names, Lillian," Orevein grimaced in a semblance of a smile. "What business brings you here today?"
"Several things," Lillian began, "Have you discovered how Petunia's core was bound? Is there evidence that any other child suffered the same?"
With a frown, Orevein opened a drawer and took a parchment out. "Our investigators are limited in what we can access in the Ministry. We discovered that between 1947 and 1978, three hundred forty-seven muggle-born children attended Hogwarts whose eldest sibling was not magical."
Lillian paled at this. "What about younger siblings?"
"Good question, Lillian." Orevein frowned. "We found that in every case, only the eldest child did not have magic."
"Have you been able to check to see if any of them had bound cores?" Lillian asked, afraid of the answer she would receive.
"Very few, Lillian." Orevein shook his head. "Most of these families were killed during the war. We found twelve people to test. All of them were found to have bound cores. Our investigators were curious and as part of the testing conducted inheritance tests. Each had some magical ancestry. Three would have been the primary heirs to Lordships that are inactive. An inactive Lordship is one that has a valid heir, but they are not known. If these families have seats on the Wizengamot, the Chief Warlock holds the proxy votes."
"How could this have been done?" Lillian was sick.
"We don't know exactly. Again, the answers are in the Ministry where we have no access. However, the entire staff of the Improper Use of Magic Office were killed by Death Eaters in 1978." Orevein shrugged. "If I didn't know that the Ministry was above reproach and scrupulously honest, I would suspect malfeasance."
"Why?" Lillian thought of the fracturing of her relationship with Petunia. "Why would someone do this? What would it gain them?"
"Two reasons come easily to mind, Lillian." Orevein responded. "If someone was afraid that a squib line could take an abandoned Lordship, this would be a prudent action. The balance of power would stay unchanged. The other? In the families we found, each had been broken. Just like Petunia and yourself, the eldest grew to hate magic. This had the action of weakening the International Act of Wizarding Secrecy. There are muggles who know of magic and hate everything about it. If the purpose behind this was to weaken the IAWS, the perpetrator was planning on a very long-term basis."
"I don't like either of these reasons." Lillian shook her head. "If either is right, I sincerely hope that it was the first. A simple power play." Her gaze stiffening, "It is confirmed that since 1978 that these bindings have stopped?"
"To the best of our knowledge, Lillian." Orevein put the parchment away.
Shaking herself from her reverie, Lillian shifted subjects, "I promised Petunia before she became Jessamine that I would follow-up and ensure that Dudley was being treated well. It's been almost a little over a year, how is he doing?"
Orevein smiled at this. "We've been monitoring Dudley and 'Petunia' as you asked. I must say, Lillian, I hope never to earn your ire. What was done to Vernon was a masterpiece of vengeance."
"Oh?" Lillian smiled. "Thank you. Coming from you, this is quite the complement."
"For the first six months after the fire, Petunia," he paused and interjected, "Vernon doesn't exist any longer and goes by that name, it is easier for me to refer to her with this name. Petunia and Dudley lived with Mrs. Arabella Figg. A squib who raises kneazles and was visited by Albus Dumbledore the day of the fire."
"That's very curious. Do you think Dumbledore had her there to watch Harry?" the animate asked.
Orevein nodded, "It seems that way. Records show that Arabella purchased and moved there in early 1981."
"While we were in hiding?" Lillian wanted confirmation.
"Yes," Orevein said with some irritation. "It seems as if someone anticipated your and James' deaths."
Lillian's eyes crinkled in anger, "That smug, patronizing, manipulative, man."
"Back to Petunia," Orevein brought the conversation back on track. "She went on a tear at the beginning. She bought several books on etiquette, dressing, and language. In addition, she bought books on child-raising. From the outside, it looked like she was trying to become a normal woman."
"Ha, ha, ha," Lillian snickered. "I guess the geas is working."
"Geas?"
"Yes, I placed a geas on her that all of her actions be filtered through her idea of what a normal woman would do." Lillian giggled. "She must have really confused."
"Again, I do not want to anger you. However, she seems to be better now," Orevein chuckled. "Living with Mrs. Figg helped her tremendously then. Dudley was not happy for quite a while. When Petunia read that children must not see food as a punishment or a reward, she began restricting Dudley's food. He is now within a normal range of weight. He did not like it. There were some major tantrums. Petunia went to her book and followed its' advice."
"Petunia told me that Vernon was clueless when it came to parenting." Lillian tole Orevein, "He told her that taking care of the home and children were the woman's duty. As the man, he would follow her lead in the house. She, as the woman, was to let him handle everything else."
"That tells me a few things. Let me tell you what happened last summer when Marjorie Dursley tried to get Petunia to give her Dudley and the insurance money." Orevein smiled.
The Figg Home
Privet Drive, Little Whinging
The doorbell of the house rang. Before anyone could get up from their chairs, it rang again and continued until the door was opened.
"Can I help you?" Mrs. Figg asked irritably.
"Yes, you can show me to my beautiful nephew and his mother." A large woman began to enter the house. She was wearing a business suit. It comprised a green-checked woolen jacket and skirt. Under the jacket, she wore a matching blouse. It was light green. She wore sensible black flats. Finishing the ensemble, she wore a small necklace with amber beads. Her left hand held a leash which was attached to an English bulldog. "I am Marjorie Dursley."
"I'm sorry, you cannot bring your dog into my home." Arabella stopped the woman.
"My little Ripper is a sweatheart," Marjorie cooed at her dog. "He is a perfect gentleman."
"You cannot bring him into my home." Arabella said crossly. "My cats do not get along with dogs and I would not like to see your animal hurt. If you must, tie his leash to my fence."
"Well, I never!" Marjorie sniffed. "Who doesn't love Ripper?" She tried to get past Arabella. Arabella did not move.
"You can either take your dog home and come back or tie him outside," Arabella coldly stated. "Which will it be?"
"Humph," Marjorie sniffed. "It's too late in the day to go home and back. I will tie Ripper in your yard."
Arabella watched the woman. When her dog was safely tied, she led Marjorie to the front sitting room. "Wait here, Ms. Dursley, I will let Petunia and Dudley know you are here."
"I can't wait to see Dudley." Marjorie said. "Without Vernon around to keep her in check, I'm afraid of what she has done to him."
Arabella overheard her as she was leaving the room. She sniffed. What an obnoxious woman.
"Petunia, dear?" Arabella called softly outside Petunia's room.
"Yes?"
"A Marjorie Dursley is here." Arabella said sourly. "I assume she was Vernon's sister."
"That's right." Petunia said with excitement. "She told me that she was coming today."
"She's in the front sitting room, dear." Arabella let her know. "Be careful, my dear."
"Why? She's my sister-in-law and Dudley's aunt." Petunia asked.
"Just be careful." Arabella grabbed the other woman in a shoulder to shoulder hug. "There's something about her I don't like."
"Thanks, Arabella." Petunia smiled at the other woman, before disengaging and moving towards her visitor.
"Marjorie!" Petunia happily shouted. She wore a simple house dress. It was white with a rose-based floral design. On her feet were a pair of white sandals. Her hair had grown out, reaching an inch past her shoulders. In addition, it had been allowed to return to blonde. The longer length framed her face and visually shortened her neck. Her pretty looks had been restored. "It's so good to see you." Deep inside, Vernon was very happy to see her. She looked forward to reconnecting with her. "I haven't seen you since the funerals. It's been, what, six months?" She moved forward and gave Marjorie a quick hug. She then moved back and sat down, crossing her ankles.
"Something like that, Petunia." Marjorie smiled at the other woman. Petunia had not been good enough for her brother. She hoped that the woman would understood this fact. "How has Dudley handled the loss of his father?"
"Dudley struggled," Petunia answered, "We both went to grief counseling. It's been hard, but we both are much better. How have you been?"
"I've never been better." Marjorie began boasting. "My dog breeding business has really taken off. Ripper, my English Bulldog, won best of class at Crufts. Since then, I cannot breed enough pups. Ripper has been used by other breeders."
"That's good, Marjorie," Petunia slowly stated, "I was asking how you've been handling Vernon's passing."
"Oh, that." Marjorie made a moue, "I miss the darling man. He was a treasure, but one must live. Right, dear?"
Disappointed in her lack of caring, Petunia slowly responded, "I guess, Marjorie."
"Wonderful," Marjorie turned the conversation back. "I've been thinking about you and poor Dudley being homeless. Living with a," she leaned forward and whispered, "Cat Lady." She rolled her eyes. Letting her voice return to normal, "Where is that rascal, Dudley?" She looked towards the back of the house.
"Marjorie," Petunia waited until she had the other woman's attention. "He's at school. It's a school day. If we knew you were coming, we would have invited you to dinner when you can see him."
"I forgot." Marjorie excused herself. "It's been so long since I had to worry about school, it slipped my mind. Thinking on it, it's probably for the best."
"Oh?" Petunia crossed her legs and turned slightly in her seat. Instead of facing Marjorie directly, she now looked at her across her right shoulder. "Why?"
"Well, dear," Marjorie began, "I thought that I would help you out. I understand the pressure you've been under. It's hard for a single mother to find a job and raise a son. Especially one who has not held a job since university."
"That's true, I've been getting recertified." Petunia replied. "I'll be fini…"
"I am here for you, dear." Marjorie ignored the other woman. "Here's what we will do. We'll pack up all of Dudley's things and he'll move in with me. To allow you to focus on getting a job and on your feet, pf course."
"I don't think," Petunia crossed her arms.
"You don't need to think about this at all. To enroll Dudley in school, you'll give me parental rights." Marjorie rolled on. "You will be able to focus on getting back on your feet. There will be one thing more, my dear. Vernon's insurance. I'll need half of it. We need to keep Dudders happy and healthy." Marjorie reached into her purse and pulled several documents out, already pre-filled. "All you need to do is sign where I show you."
Petunia was livid. The combination of betrayal and bullying was beyond the pale. She began yelling, "Just who do you think you are? Dudley is MY son, not yours. The insurance is MINE not YOURS." She grabbed the papers and began shredding them.
"Who do I think I am?" Marjorie sneered at Petunia. "I am Vernon's sister and Dudley's aunt. You came from the Evans family. Your whole family are freaks. You are a freak and were not good enough for Vernon. I don't know why he married you, but I do not want Dudley marred by your freakishness."
"Get out!" Petunia stood up and pointed at the front door. "I don't care if I ever see you again."
Marjorie huffed. "I was hoping that you would be sensible." She stood up. "I'll be taking my leave. This won't be the last time you hear from me."
Petunia stared at her, following her to the door. Once Marjorie was across the threshold, the door slammed behind her.
Petunia began shaking as her anger ebbed. Arabella came out from the kitchen. "I heard everything, dear. A nasty woman, that one." She held Petunia around the shoulders and led her back to the living room. Sitting Petunia down, she moved toward the kitchen, "I believe we both need a cup of tea. I'll be back in a flash."
Petunia sat back in her seat. Closing her eyes, she walked through everything that had just happened. Did she react as a normal woman would have? Based on the books she had read on mothering and etiquette, she did. A mother protecting her child trumped civilized behaviors. There was no way that Marjorie, her former sister, would get her hands on Dudley. She was very transparent. She was after the insurance money. Dudley was the means to get to it. Her anger mostly gone, she mused that if she hadn't discovered the book, 'The Feminine Mystique', and other feminist works, she might have allowed Marjorie to steamroll her. He had been raised that women were rule the home and the man to provide for it. Vernon would have allowed Marjorie's play. Vernon had no idea how to be a parent, other than to follow Petunia's directions. Petunia, on the other hand, had dove into parenting. She had gone through grief counseling with her son. She had learned that it was good to say no sometimes. Dudley was now better behaved and healthier than he had ever been. The nerve of that b, woman. She laughed at herself. When she self-censored her words, she knew that she was becoming a good woman. Normal would come from being good she thought to herself.
"Jessa will be happy to hear how well Dudley is doing." Lillian said to Orevein. "Has Marjorie made any further moves to take control of the money or Dudley?"
"She went to a lawyer and tried to get the will challenged. It was thrown out. Marjorie hired a private detective to find evidence that Petunia was not a fit parent." Orevein smiled. "He found nothing. We are protecting them per your instructions."
"Good." Lillian's face turned serious. "Have you heard or seen the Harry Potter, Boy Who Lived, books?"
His eyebrows rising in surprise, "No, Lillian. I cannot say I have. There have been no contracts approved in his name or royalties provided to the Potter vaults. What would you have done?"
"I want them destroyed. The authors, the publishers, and whoever thought to make money on Harry's name." Lillian's eyes flashed. "He will have a hard enough time when he goes to Hogwarts. He doesn't need false fame added to it."
"I agree, Lillian." Orevein showed his teeth in a smile. "Any who would profit off a child is lower than scum. Our lawyers will get to the bottom of this."
"Thank you, Orevein." Lillian smiled. "Let's talk of the horcruxes. We now have the diary, ring and cup. The diadem is stored in Hogwarts. It can wait. We need to get the locket. I cannot get to this one without help. There is a blood ward on the entrance. Past that, one must cross an inferi filled lake to an island. The locket is at the bottom of a vessel filled with an especially vicious potion which must be drunk before the locket can be removed. The potion will cause the drinker agony along with forcing them to relive their worst memories. An added torture for the drinker is that they will be given an insatiable thirst. If any of the lake water is drunk, the inferi are set to attack."
"Riddle was a vicious man." Orevein shuddered. It is one thing to die an honorable death in battle. This was completely different.
"What do you need from me?" Orevein asked. The divide between goblin banker and witch client no longer existed.
"If a curse breaker could be assigned to help retrieve the locket," Lillian answered. "He or she would be able to open the blood warded doorway."
"What of the potion or Inferi?" Orevein asked.
Lillian grimaced, "Once the door is open, I and Lelya should be able to finish. I would prefer that they stay outside waiting on our return. If they went in and died, I don't know." Lillian shook her head. "I've seen enough death. They would be protected outside."
"True, Lillian," Orevein gently said. "However, you forget one major thing. Goblins do not care to be protected from danger. Our Curse Breakers live for danger. They will come with you. If nothing else, they will catalog the protections and help prepare counters if something along the same lines are seen in the future."
Smiling in chagrin, Lillian acquiesced, "You are right. I did forget the nobility of goblins."
"I'll find a Curse Breaker to work with you." Orevein nodded. "I would suggest that you change your appearance when you perform the retrieval. They will be under oath not to mention the task. If they see and recognize you, others might notice."
"As my friend, Alastor Moody, would say, Constant Vigilance!" Lillian giggled. "He would agree with your suggestion."
"Any other business, Lillian?"
"One last item, the feud." Lillian sat forward. "Dolohov, Rookwood, and Macnair. The first two are in Azkaban. Macnair lives alone. Those three are the next on the list. None have lordships. Their deaths will be unnoticed."
"I'll make sure Gringotts is ready for their demise." Orevein agreed.
Thursday Morning Edition of the Daily Prophet
Thursday, 20 February, 1986
OBITUARY SECTION
Antonin Dolohov
Mr. Dolohov died from prolonged Dementor exposure Tuesday morning. Convicted of being a Death Eater, his crimes are too long to list in this column. Prior to becoming a follower of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, he achieved Masteries in Arithmancy and Charms. He created several dark spells. He has no known family or survivors.
Augustus Rookwood
Mr. Rookwood died from prolonged Dementor exposure Tuesday morning. He became a follower of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named immediately after Hogwarts. He has no known family or survivors.
Walden Macnair
Mr. Macnair died in Hogsmeade Monday evening. St. Mungo's has determined that the cause of death was accidental. In a tragic event, he tripped upon leaving an inn and died from the injuries sustained. Accused of being a Death Eater, Mr. Macnair at his trial provided evidence that he had been Imperiused and forced to follow He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He has since worked in the Ministry of Magic. He has no family or survivors.
AUTHOR's NOTE
I hope you are enjoying this story. I look forward to reading your reviews. If you have any questions, I will answer them.