Hey everyone,
Wow, I'm not sure which of you read this and my True Family story, but of all my Sly Cooper stories, is this my favorite Crossover and is True Family my favorite Story. I just love the simplicity of True Family and the way that the Past, Present and Future of both Harry Potter and Sly Cooper mix together in this one.
You agree with me,
Venquine1990
Chapter 06
Breaking The News
Bill's POV
Rin-Gin's last words before we said goodbye to High-Master Rigslow, informed Fleur of what will probably happen soon and left for Headquarters are still ringing through my head and while the High-Master gave both me and Fleur the day off, did Fleur decide to remain within Gringotts and spread the word of the Coopers having returned.
When we returned everyone had been shocked to see what Rin-Gin really looked like. Well, everyone bar Ron and Sirius, who had just smiled and Ron had broken everyone out of their stupor as he had said: "Looking good, mate. Just – smaller than before, aren't you little Shorty?" But Rin-Gin had not taken offence and had laughed instead.
The rest of the day he had spend alongside his father, showing him the papers Charlie and I had been able to collect and Bentley asking me if I could make him a Portkey back home so he could gather some things he believed Sly and his son would appreciate having while here. I had complied and the turtle had returned an hour later.
With him, he had carried Sly Cooper's own cane, a few electronics to which he had mentioned that perhaps the Goblins could make them be useable like High-Master Rigslow had mentioned being able to do with his wheelchair as well as a book that looks as ancient and powerful as the Pyramids that I study and break into in Egypt.
The turtle had then told me that this was the original Thievius Raccoonus from which the pages I and my brother had found actually came from and the fact that this book was now here had shocked me, yet Rin-Gin and Sly had taken great pleasure in reading through the ancient tome until mum had called them down for dinner.
Yet, when the team arrives in the kitchen are some of the kids shocked to see members of the Order seated at the already enlarged table, yet because I feel that Rin-Gin will make his move tonight, had I used a bit of my own magic, that I had been taught at Gringotts, to call as many Order members without alerting Dumbledore.
Several of them are now looking either uncomfortable, irritated such as Snape or around the room in search for their Leader, yet all of them look wide eyed and shocked when they see the Coopers and their team enter the kitchen, Rin-Gin taking a seat between his father and Sirius as if he has been living here for weeks.
"What – what exactly are – are we looking at here?" One of the more indirect members of the Order then asks, this person only having become a member because she was loyal to Dumbledore's words, yet not really being able to do anything other than keep her neighborhood safe and report to the Order about the actions taking place there.
"I'm Rin-Gin, this is my father, Sly and my mother, Carmelita. Over there we have Bentley Turtle, Murray the Hippo and Dimitri Lousteau. We are the Cooper Gang, pleased to meet you." Rin-Gin then says, his voice devoid of any real emotion and shocking a few of those around him such as Professor McGonagall.
Yet the woman seems to also recognize the sound of his voice as it didn't change when Harry became Rin-Gin again and instead of asking about the sudden change or anything, does the woman seem to get angry and turn to my twin brothers as she asks: "Mrs. Weasley, what do you think you have done to Mr. Potter this time?"
But while the twins look at her shocked and many look between my brothers and their Head of House, does Rin-Gin keep his eyes on his plate as he says: "Sure is easy, isn't it Professor?" Making the woman turn to him before he levels her a glare and snaps: "Accusing people of doing something bad instead of asking what happened?"
The woman tenses in shock and Rin-Gin goes on: "After all, that's what you did when Hermione and me were caught by Filch on top of the Astronomy Tower. You just accused us due to the little bit of information you had been able to gather and didn't even wait two minutes after asking us if we had anything to say for ourselves.
Questions such as why are there rumors about a dragon or Why isn't Mr. Weasley with you didn't even come up that night and don't try telling me different, you even lied to me that night and you know it." By now the anger shown between the two is almost tangible and Snape seems only too eager to increase this as he asks:
"Then enlighten us, oh Saint Potter, what exactly did Professor McGonagall – your Head of House – lie about that night?" Yet Rin-Gin seems to have expected this and asks: "Tell me, Professor, do the words I'm disgusted. Four students out of bed in one night! I've never heard of such a thing before perhaps ring a bell?"
And while the woman herself whitens, do Sirius and Remus hit themselves on the head and does Sirius even mutter: "You have got to be kidding me." While Snape, in the mean time, seems to be enjoying the angry and shocked display he just caused, but apparently is Rin-Gin not about to let the man off the hook as he asks:
"Or how about you, Professor Snape? Do the words two more for Azkaban tonight perhaps ring a bell? Or how about the words All I have to do is call the Dementors once we get out of the Willow. They'll be very pleased to see you, Black … pleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresay. Does that sound familiar?"
And while the pleased smirk on the man's face slowly sours down to an angry glare, does Rin-Gin keep a steady angry glance his way and ask: "And finally, how exactly were you, professor, planning to keep those Dementors under control, if you had two people around you that were both very badly affected by them – one of them yours truly?"
And while Ron, Hermione, Sirius and Remus all turn white, all of them realizing that Rin-Gin has a point, does Snape send one of his deadliest glares Rin-Gin's way, but it seems as if transforming back to his original form has made the Foxcoon immune to the anger of his teacher as he keeps a level gaze and calmly says:
"Face facts, Snape. You were so hell-bent on revenge you were willing to commit murder for it, including on a boy that, had he been injured under your care, his fame would have made the Ministry sentence you to death. So be glad that that boy is officially dead as of this morning or I would have valid reason to press charges.
And we have two Aurors in the Order, so I'd watch my step from now on. Lord and Heir Potter are dead and the Potter line has a new Lady in charge. And trust me, she's Spanish so she's highly temperamental and already proved to me this morning that she is just as protective of me as Lillian Potter when she sacrificed herself for me."
And while the Foxcoon's face kept it level angry look, did his voice sound cold and dead when he warned Snape to watch his step and about what kind of woman his mother was, to the terrifying shock of some of those around me, the worry of the one he speaks to and the loving pride of his mother, who grabs his paw in support.
Yet, while everyone either glances at Snape in curiosity or at Rin-Gin in either shock or concern, does Rin-Gin ladle himself some of the food set around the table, his friends and family smiling in pride until his next words shock them as he says: "Also Professor McGonagall, Gryffindor will be needing a new Seeker next year."
"Harry – I – I mean Rin-Gin – you'll win your trial, you don't have to say things like that." Hermione says, but Harry keeps his face passive and says: "Oh, I'm not saying it because I fear losing my hearing, I'm saying it because my dad's going to teach me what it's like to be a Master Thief. He said I have 8 years to catch up on."
He then looks up and levels the entire room with a strong and determined glance as he says: "So I will be going to my Hearing, make no mistake about that, but I won't be going back to Hogwarts next year. I will be training in France and be traveling across the world to learn all that my Family has left to teach me, which is apparently a lot."
And the silence that follows this statement is only broken by how calmly Harry is helping fill up the plates of himself and his family before Ron asks: "But – but if you're - if you're not joining us at Hogwarts then – then why –?" But before my youngest brother can finish his sentence, does Professor McGonagall say:
"Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Weasley. Mr. Potter will be returning –." But then Sly calmly says: "Cooper." Shocking the woman and making her ask: "What?" But Sly keeps calm and says: "Rin-Gin is a Cooper, not a Potter. He gave all rights and responsibilities tied to House Potter to my wife and accepted his birthright.
Which, I would like to remind you, I am in control over, just like I have first and last say over where my son goes and what he does in his life. He is and remains my son and because of that does my word overrule yours, Professor McGonagall, and he and I decided this morning that he will not be returning to Hogwarts for his Fifth year."
"But what about O.W.L.s?" Hermione asks and Harry says: "I checked, Hermione, and the Ministry in French will be more than willing to give me a chance to do my own personal O.W.L.s next Christmas as long as I study both my Family History and the subjects they teach at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."
"But you're a Hogwarts student, not a Beauxbatons student." Hermione argues and Rin-Gin replies: "And yet they teach the exact same subjects and the exact same material, just in different ways and through the course of different years. The French Ministry has seen my records at Hogwarts and deem me worthy of Independent O.W.L.s."
The girl seems shocked at hearing this and then McGonagall asks: "And why would you want to go there, Mr. Potter? Why not just here at our own Ministry? In the country in which you were born?" But Rin-Gin ignores her and Sly asks: "Are you perhaps deaf or something? Or are you just too stubborn for your own good?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" The woman snaps and Sly mutters: "And I thought the English were a patient kind." Making his wife smirk at him before he tells a steaming Professor McGonagall: "I mean that I already told you earlier that Rin-Gin is a Cooper, not a Potter and that he is my son. Also, he was born in Paris, not England."
"And what proof exactly do you have to sustain that this is Mr. Potter?" Professor Snape then tries and Rin-Gin asks: "Are you trying to deny that I just quoted something you said in the presence of another teacher at the time, Professor? Are you really – wait, I forgot, you will do anything to lie the blame wherever it doesn't belong."
The man glares at Rin-Gin at hearing this and says: "Prove it." But Rin-Gin ignores the biting tone and says: "First year, you took five points from Gryffindor because I had my back to Neville when he forgot to take the Cure for Boils off of the fire before adding the porcupine quills, while he was partnered with Seamus and I with Ron."
The man snarls at this silently, having apparently believed himself incapable of receiving any evidence from the lad, but Rin-Gin seems uncaring to this as he says: "Now this might not be all that big when concerning evidence, but I do have an iron-clad theory that makes you guilty of the current feud between the Lions and the Snakes."
"HOW! How am I guilty of that? How do you believe me responsible for something that has been going on for thousands of years?" Snape then jumps up as he snarls and Rin-Gin replies: "I don't hold you responsible for starting it, Professor, but for keeping it going when it should have been buried centuries ago."
The sour man glares at the calm and tranquil Foxcoon and Rin-Gin goes on as she says: "It's quite simple, really. You treat Gryffindors like a bully, they hate you, but aren't stupid enough to go against you, so they attack your Snakes, who complain to you, making your treatment of the lions worse, making them hate you even more."
At this the angry glare that Snape sends Rin-Gin changes from one of simple hatred to one of undeniable rage and while I have no doubt that the man is furious for how iron clad Rin-Gin's theory actually is, does he say: "In case –." But Rin-Gin seems to have thought ahead and interrupts the man as he says:
"I know like no other that life isn't supposed to be fair or easy or even just a walk in the park, but that doesn't mean that when you were assigned the position of Head of Slytherin House, your job description told you to be rude, a bully or even ignorant to the health and safety of any students that aren't part of your own house.
And of that too I have several pieces of evidence and before you even start –." Here Rin-Gin does raise his voice for a second, shocking Snape as he had wanted to interrupt the Foxcoon and Rin-Gin says: "You are not the only one who I have evidence of bad or dangerous behavior against; you're just the most prominent currently present."
The man grumbles at this and sits down before Rin-Gin takes a deep breath and sits back down as he says: "Either way, I will not be returning to Hogwarts, but I will show up at the Ministry for my hearing, simply because I wish to leave Hogwarts on my terms, not those of someone who is willing to slander a fifteen year old."
And while some of those around us now cringe at the words, the tone itself having kept calm and peaceful, does Rin-Gin simply continue eating and while everyone now seems to settle down, Snape and McGonagall both having a look on their face that proves that neither is willing to let these matters go anytime soon.
Yet Rin-Gin ignores this, taking a few bites of his meal before he says: "Also, you all might want to remain after dinner, I have some more news, which comes from Gringotts directly that I wish to discuss you and which is why William made sure to call all of you without alerting Dumbledore of him wanting all of you present."
And while quite a few members of the Order now look at me shocked, do I just focus on being there as a silent support for Rin-Gin and when dinner is over, does mum make sure all of the empty plates, cups, goblets, pots and pans are in the sink, a wave of her wand charming it all to wash itself before everyone refocuses on Rin-Gin.
The young Foxcoon had started a conversation between himself, his dad and Sirius and while we all looks at the conversing trio, does Sly say: "Then it's agreed. You and Bentley will both be Rin-Gin's godfathers and you will help me train Rin-Gin as a proper Heir to a powerful house, while Bentley helps him become a Master Thief."
And while many eyes widen around the room, do Rin-Gin and Sirius nod and does Rin-Gin hug his father and say: "Thanks dad, Sirius has done so much for me and I can tell that you really care for Bentley, but –." But then the turtle in question interrupts the lad and says: "But I'd be a horrible godfather if I didn't rely on help."
Making the three men next to him laugh at his little humor before Snape says: "Potter, we're waiting." But Rin-Gin just ignores him and the man snarls: "Potter!" Only to be ignored again. Then Ronald snickers and says: "Rin-Gin, you're keeping everyone waiting here, mate. Cut it out and tell them the news, will you?"
And while Snape sends my younger brother an angry glare that tells him to stay out of it, does Rin-Gin crane himself to see Ron and say: "Sure Ron, sorry about that." Making Snape almost get a jetlag, he turns his head back so swiftly and Rin-Gin takes a deep breath before he says: "My news that I have to share – isn't good."
Instantly he has everyone's interest and he says: "I heard this tale first and foremost from a Goblin, who is also a High-Master for Gringotts and who acknowledged both my Potter and my Cooper Heritage. It is the honest truth and – well, it – it puts a legendary tale – in a very bad light but it also has a link to my new looks."
Some of those around me nod, most of them looking intrigued while some of them look worried, but just when Rin-Gin wants to continue talking, does Sirius lie a sudden hand on his arm and say: "Another floo user." Making everyone turn to the fireplace, of which the magic seems to be fighting whoever tries to get through.
Sirius runs over and taps his wand on the mantle before an angry glare slowly grows to show on his face, the anger building and turning into a rage that I have only ever seen on my own mother's face and while he nearly breaks his wand in his own death-grip, does he tap the fireplace again, his magic blocking the passage.
"Who was it, Black? A death Eater? Malfoy, perhaps?" Moody asks, having stumped over when he saw the glare grow on Sirius's face, but the Dog Animagus shakes his head and says: "No, it was someone even worse. It was our hidden Pettigrew." Shocking everyone before Harry makes the entire room go silent as he says:
"I don't know whether to call this interruption a blessing for bringing the news so easily or a curse seeing how hard it is explaining all of this in the first place." And while many of those around me look at him shocked, does Emmeline ask: "Wait, we really have a hidden Pettigrew amongst us? Another traitor?"
And Sirius, Sly, Carmelita, Bentley, Murray, Rin-Gin and I myself all nod, our united agreement shocking many before McGonagall asks: "Who?" And Rin-Gin retorts: "What was the one reason you never suspected Pettigrew?" And while the woman looks at him, does she say: "Because he showed to have no magical talent at all."
Rin-Gin nods, his face tinged in effort and he says: "He pretended to be weak and soft, which is why you underestimated him and it was so easy for him to win all of your trust. His reputation was based on his weakness. However, the reputation of our hidden Pettigrew is an even better one – because of its incredible power."
Many of those around him now look at each other in confusion and worry and Rin-Gin says: "First of all, it's none of those currently present. Second of all, who is the one person you would always expect to only do what is best for each and everyone here?" And slowly but surely do I see realization appear on everyone's faces.
"No! No, it – it can't be." McGonagall says and then Snape snarls: "What evidence do you have to sustain this, Potter?" But Rin-Gin looks at McGonagall and asks: "Professor, what reason could I possibly have to go against the one man that was willing to stand up for me in front of the Minister For Magic himself?"
And while Snape is again furious at being ignored, does McGonagall whiten even more before Rin-Gin goes on and says: "High-Master Rigslow told me that, three days before Dumbledore defeated Grindlewald, my great-grandfather swore he would be the one to kill Grindlewald and avenge his murdered partner.
The partner was a Goblin, so I doubt High-Master Rigslow would lie about something like this, however, while Dumbledore gained fame for his defeat of Grindlewald, did my family – my old, adopted family – gain popularity, name and fortune by becoming known as Friends to Gringotts, both my great, my grand and my father."
This makes many people share shocked looks and Rin-Gin asks: "Did James, Charlus and the late Lord Potter not represent the Goblin Nation whenever and wherever possible?" And many of those that must have known either James or Charlus Potter now nod, their wide eyes turning back to normal as they do and Rin-Gin says:
"Being a Friend to the Goblins automatically allows one to get a certain amount of money per month for representing them in front of the Wizarding world and so, while Dumbledore's name made him greatly-respected, he never gained the fortune that my family made. Yet he was there when the Potters got a chance to have their line ended."
"He heard the reason You-Know-Who was after you and your adopted parents." McGonagall mutters and while this shocks me and makes Rin-Gin tense for a short second, does he shake his head and say: "He was there – when Lady Lillian admitted that an accident in her fourth year made her incapable of bearing a child."
And while shock almost takes all of the oxygen out of the room as at least half the group gasp loudly, do the eyes of mostly Snape, Remus and McGonagall widen before Snape asks: "Lily was infertile?" His tone and the usage of Lady Potter's first name catching my attention and Rin-Gin's as well who gazes at him as he nods and says:
"She was and, probably because they trusted Dumbledore like everyone else does, did they go to him before meeting with the Goblins. He also –." Yet at this point does a new sound interrupt the young lad and the sound comes from Sirius, who is leaning against the wall next to the fireplace, his wand still in hand.
The man draws everyone's attention due to the strange noise coming from his robe pocket, but the man himself seems careless as to the noise and plucks a simple pocket watch from the breast pocket of his robe, unclasping it and asking: "Yes?" His bored tone proving he's not in the mood for whoever is on the other line.
And that person is apparently Dumbledore as the man says: "Sirius, Grimmauld Place –." But then Sirius clasps the pocket watch closed again and throws it away, everyone looking shocked before he says: "I already heard the whole story from Bill, Sly and Rin-Gin. Do you really think I feel like listening to that guy?"
And while the Cooper Gang smiles at their son's godfather in pride, does my mum bristle and say: "Sirius, that man is the leader of the Order. You are to –." But then Sirius sends her a questioning glance and says: "I already defaulted to the Cooper Order so I no longer answer to that man anymore. Sorry, Molly, try again."
And the fact that this man defaulted to a different team, one of which the leader is actually the father of his own godson and is sitting at the same table as the rest of us seems to be the last shock for some of those around me as there are actually a few of the ladies of Sirius' age that pass out while everyone else looks at him flabbergasted.
Well, that's that.
Harry has officially taken on the name Rin-Gin, no longer answers to his old name and Sirius is the first to have switched teams. But even with all the evidence that Rin-Gin and the Cooper Gang have to offer, will it be enough to break through the indescribable reputation of trust and respect that Dumbledore has gotten himself?
Read on next month,
Venquine1990
