Chapter 6

August 1st 1991

Harry was sitting in the living room looking through one of his school books when he saw his father walk past the door in wizard robes.

"Dad?"

Carl's head popped back into the room when he heard his name. "Yeah?"

"Are you going somewhere?"

Carl frowned for a moment before answering. "There's a small situation I need to take care of in magical Britain, I should be home by dinner. Katelyn's taking care of the shop, are you going to be alright by yourself today?"

"Daaaaad!" Harry whined. "I'm eleven, not two!"

Carl smiled walking fully into the room to ruffle the boys hair. "I know, but I worry sometimes."

Harry only smiled then got up to hug Carl around the middle. "I'll be fine Dad."

Once Carl had said his goodbyes to Harry, he made his way to their back yard where he could activate his international portkey. When he got outside he started going over everything in his head. He had deliberately not told Harry his reasons for going today. Harry didn't like to be reminded that he was adopted. And telling him that he had a godfather who, may or may not have betrayed his birth parents, and either wanted him dead, or might want custody of him, was not a good idea. To make matters even more complicated he was meeting with a woman who, for all pretense and purpose, should have held a role similar to that of a grandmother. Carl didn't doubt for a second that when the old witch heard what Lucius had discovered, she would be out for blood. The really scary thing though was that Carl wasn't sure if he wanted to hold her back, or help her. He brought these thoughts to an abrupt stop when he stepped behind the tree in his yard. Reaching into one of his pockets he removed a silver bracelet that would act as his portkey.

Thankfully Lucius had made arrangements to meet with the Lady Longbottom in the Leaky Cauldron. So his portkey only had to take him to one of the routine portkey points in Diagon Ally. The Ally it's self was packed. Mostly new students come to buy there school supplies. He glanced over and saw a pleasantly plump woman scrutinizing the prices outside an apothecary. It took Carl a moment to recognize her, but when he did he couldn't resist a jibe to an old friend.

"Well, well, well, Miss Prewett, what have you done to you're self this time?" Carl said from behind her in a rather impressive interpretation of a withered old man.

Molly whirled around sending her fiery curls spinning as she looked at the person who had spoken like her old tutor. When she saw Carl her face lit up. "Carl Martin Shill! I haven't seen you in, Merlin what's it been? thirty years?" she said engulfing him in a tight hug.

When Molly was younger, before she was with Arthur Weasley, she had been a Prewett. And over the summers her father had arranged for a tutor for her. Little did he know that, that tutor was good friends with Carl's Father, so they often got to see each other growing up. `

"Something like that. What are you doing here though? I would have thought you would have become a world renown duelist by this point." Molly had wanted to be a duelist when she was younger he knew. And she probably would have been the best. No one worked a wand quite like she did.

Molly just sighed at the reminder of her childhood dream. "You know how life is," just as she was answering a small boy with bright red hair and a face full of freckles came up behind Molly.

"Mum we got the stuff you said he needed. Percy checked all the prices already."

"Thank you dear. Ron, I want you to meet an old friend of mine. This is Carl." Molly said gesturing to said man. Carl took a knee in front of the boy and held out his hand to him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Ron."

"Ron nodded and shook Carl's hand as a small hoard of red headed children made their way over to them. He had to do a double take before he turned to Molly.

"Someone's been busy."

"Oh, hush you." Molly admonished good playfully. "Perhaps we might catch up over lunch?"

"Another time Molly, I have a meeting I need to get to. But here's my address, floo call me sometime." he said pulling out a small piece of paper and pen from another of his many pockets.

"I'll hold you to that." she said taking the paper with a smile.

Carl had always enjoyed Molly's company. He had heard her brothers had died in the war and had tried to get in contact with her then, but her name must have changed because all his letters were sent back to him. And now it seemed she had five children, FIVE! He loved Harry but one was hard enough.

Carl quickly made his way towards the leaky cauldron. He really didn't need to be late.. he was lucky that just as he walked in he noticed Lucius standing at the Bar. Upon seeing Carl Lucius made his way over to him.

"I was beginning to get worried." he said with a relieved expression.

"Ran into an old friend, I'm not late am I?" Carl asked glancing around for a clock.

"No you just made it. Augusta is waiting upstairs in a private room." Lucius answered turning to lead the way.

Private rooms were available to high paying customers who wished to discuss business with out fear of being over heard. When he entered the room the first thing that Carl noted was that there was a hat on the table with a vulture on it. Whats more, it was blinking, the damned thing was alive! The second thing he noted was that Augusta was indeed, very old. Witches and wizards could sometimes live for a longer span then normal if their magic was strong enough. That didn't stop the aging process however. One look at the lady Longbottom and Carl knew she was a prime example of this. She had grey hair that was pulled back into a tight bun. Her face was wrinkled with more then a few crows feet around her eyes. On her bottom lip was what appeared to be the remains of an old beauty mark her frame was thin and frail looking, yet she sat their with a certain level of grace that demanded you show her respect. She also radiated an aura that proved just because she was old, didn't mean she was weak.

"My Lady," Carl greeted with a polite bow. " it is an honor to meet you. I take it Lucius did not inform you of our reasons for calling you here?"

"He did not." she said eying the Malfoy patriarch, showing that she didn't trust him. "Perhaps, young man, you would be kind enough to explain that to me."

"Of course mi Lady. Perhaps we should have a seat. This could take a while." Carl replied gesturing to the three chairs and table that had been set up in the room.

Taking her seat Augusta waited for him to continue. It was with a heavy sigh that Carl did so.

"First and for most, I ask that for the sake of time you do not, whats a good term for it Lucius? React?"

"Over react I suppose."

"Yes well, I had Lucius doing some research into the living conditions that Harry Potter was placed in at the time of his parent's deaths. More pointedly 'why' he was placed there instead of with one of his Godparents. My reason for this is that I am his Adoptive Father."Carl continued to explain. "It was during this search that some rather...disturbing information came to light."

Augusta gestured for him to continue, pointedly ignoring him on the point of being Harry's Guardian.

"As I'm sure you are aware you're Daughter-in-Law was Harry's Godmother."

"Of this I am quite aware, yes."

"Were you aware that just the day before she was attacked, she made inquiries into Harry's location so that she could take custody?"

Augusta blinked at that. "I was not. I was under the impression that she was not aware of Lily and Jame's demise until just before she was attacked. Are you suggesting that the attack was planned because of her attempt to take custody?"

"That is exactly what I believe."

Augusta furrowed her brow in angered thought. She had never considered that, but now that she did it made sense. "Perhaps it was a plan laid out by Sirius Black. So he could take custody and raise the boy to be dark."

"That is the other reason for our asking you here on such short notice" Lucius replied as Carl stood to pace the room.

"Are you aware, that Black never received a trial at the time of his arrest?" Carl questioned from the curtained window on the far side of the room.

Augusta shook her head. "I was not, there were so many cases back then that exceptions were made so not all of the members of the Wizengamot had to attend every trial. By the time Black was arrested I was busy taking care of my Grandson, and insuring the best healers saw to my son and his wife." Augusta explained sadly petting the Vulture on her hat absent-mindedly.

Carl mentally shook his head at the action before continuing on. "It is my belief that the two are more then mere coincidence." Carl said sitting back down with a serious look on his face. "Harry had already been placed in his Aunt's charge by that point. The only two who would have been able to legally arrest custody from her were removed from the equation in short order. I think the whole thing was orchestrated."

"Orchestrated?" Augusta queried. "By whom? And you do realize that that is a very dangerous thing to accuse a person of. However," she continued her eyes showing a fire that could only belong to one who knew how to fight and was willing. "If what you suggest serves to be in any way true, I will personally kill the son of a whore who attacked my family." she spat, all pretense to the appearance of a magical Lady of Nobel birth, gone for a moment before returning just as quickly.

Carl nodded in agreement. "Then might I suggest we discover if Black is truly guilty?"

"Indeed, what do you need from me?" she questioned with a knowing look.

"We need you to call for a meeting of the entire Wizengamot. In which we will call for the immediate trial of Sirius Black."

Augusta shook her head. Sadly. "If what you say is true then the individual in question may attempt to stop us."

"Oh, not to worry" Carl said with a slightly evil smirk. "I have a little announcement I intend to make before that, that will allow me to undo anything anyone attempts. At least in this case."

"What sort of announcement?" she asked curious.

"Now that would be telling. How long will it take for the meeting to be called?

"I can have them there early this evening if you like." the eldest in the room replied. She may not know what his man was planning, but she did know one thing. He had come to her for a reason. They had a mutual enemy, and he wanted her help in dealing with them, and she was only too happy to oblige.

Augusta looked Around the room at all of the Lords and ladies who had gathered already. All that was left now was Nicholas and Albus. She couldn't help but wonder how they would react to the information that was about to come to light. Glancing up at the clock she noted with some satisfaction that the meeting would be starting soon. It was just as she was checking the time that a ruffled looking Nicholas Flemel walked in followed by a disgruntled looking Albus. Apparently they had gotten into another of their infamous fights over something or other again. Nicholas took his seat followed by Albus who waited a moment before banging his Gavel on the podium.

"This Emergency meeting of the Wizengamot council will come to order, let the date be noted as August the 1st of the year 1991 at seven fifteen in the evening. Point of order, The Lady Augusta Longbottom has the floor." he said gesturing to Augusta.

"Thank you Chief Warlock," she said with a small curtsey before she walked down to the floor. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot. Several matters have been brought to my attention this evening that required I call for this emergency Meeting. Before we get to that however," she said looking to the visitors box where Carl was waiting. "I have some one here who wishes to make an announcement."

with that Carl descended to the floor and bowed to Augusta in the formal manner it was required to be.

"Thank you my Lady. " he said before glancing around at the Wizengamot as a whole. He noted with a bit of glee that Dumbledore's face had gone pale.

"First let me begin by stating that there are those of you here who know me by one name while others may know me by another," he said making sure to look each person in the eye. He didn't like the spotlight, but he was going to be damned if he let these people intimidate him. "My purpose in coming here today, is to first reveal who I truly am. For some I am Orius Marcus Shill, Arch Mage of the Ancient Rite, Head of house Emrys, and Merlin's one true heir," he paused as he let the murmurs and whispers sink in as he had dropped the glamor on his ring. "Others may know me as Carl Martin Shill. An American Wizard who Adopted Harry Potter." again he let the whispers go for a moment before continuing. "I am both of these. And resent events have made it clear that I can no longer play one role separate from the other. For this reason I have decided to reveal myself to this Body, in order to correct the mistakes it has made." this time there was a deafening roar of accusations and utter outrage.

"You can't be Serious!"

"Why now!?"

"You have no Business here American!"

"What mistakes!"

Augusta was surprised, but she had maintained her composure and was about to pull out her wand when a loud bang was heard on the other side of the room. Looking over she saw Nicholas standing there with his staff in hand. He didn't pull it out often, as it took allot of power to wield, but when he did people listened.

"What mistakes?" he asked quietly, yet it was so quiet in the court room that you could here a pin drop. At first Carl thought he was talking to him until he continued. "Has this Body forgotten it's place?!" he thundered. "This is the Arch Mage you idealistic buffoons! It is not you're place to question his judgment! Nor anyone's! it is you're job to take the criticism that is bestowed upon you in order to make this government better!" he vanished his staff and bowed in Carl's direction. "I apologize my liege. I knew your ancestor Bartholomew. Clever man he was, I believe his sister succeeded him correct?"

Carl smiled and nodded at the Ancient wizard who returned the smile and sat back down. Carl made a mental note to speak with the man at a later date.

"Thank you, now, in reference to the 'mistakes' I spoke of before." said Carl gaining a steely glint in his eye when Dumbledore made to speak, which shut him up promptly. "I speak of a crime that was committed almost a decade ago. In which a suspect was arrested and sent off to Azkaban prison, 'without a trial' and he remains there till this very day." there were a few curios whispers at this but no one thought to interrupt.

"Now by the Law's set down by this very body, every Wizard, regardless of status, is required to stand trial in order to defend themselves. I have been informed that some of you may not have been present at the time as the large number of arrests was taking it's toll, I can sympathize. This situation however, will be rectified, or I will be forced to take matters into my own hands." Carl turned to see a man with dirty blond hair stand to speak, but Carl had been warned about this man by Lucius. "And yes,Lord Parkinson, that is within the realm of what I can do here."he said watching as Parkinson sat back down with an expression of anger on his brow. He then turned to Dumbledore who was trying very hard not to pass out. "Will this body comply, Chief Warlock?"

Dumbledore took a moment to breathe before answering. He hadn't expected the Arch Mage to take an interest in Black's case. But there might have been a way for him to turn this to his advantage. Forcing the twinkle back into his eye, he looked to the Arch Mage with a smile.

"But of course my Lord. Have arrangements been made for this prisoner to be brought here?" he was careful not to say Black's name, as it had not been mentioned as of yet.

Carl leveled his gaze at the old man but nodded just the same. "He should be here withing the hour. Another man off to the left stood and Carl noted that Dumbledore seemed to not approve of this action.

"Forgive me you're Eminence, but I feel I need to ask a question of you?" he said gaining Carl's full attention.

"And you are?" Carl asked

"Dumbledore, Abeforth Dumbledore." he replied at Carl's confused expression he explained. "Ordinarily the Wizengamot seat is held by the head of the family. However in full official meetings like this one. If the head holds another position, such as chief Warlock, the next in line must take up the position. Temporarily of course." he explained.

He looked allot like his brother. A bit more muscle and he still had a few odd streaks of red hair running through his beard. He also did not wear glasses.

"Then you may ask Mr. Dumbledore."

"Would it be possible for you to explain the living conditions in which the boy was found. We have all heard that he was removed due to abuse, but the severity has never been explained in any detail."

This earned several nods around the room, some were even Death eaters that Lucius had warned him about. He noted, with no small amount of satisfaction that the color had drained from the chief Warlock's face.

"Very well," he said as he began to explain how he had found Harry.

A/N: Thank you everyone who reviewed! again i am sorry the last chapter was so short. it was meant to be a teaser for this one. Now for the Poll rankings

in First right now is Harry/Luna with 8 votes

in second is Harry/Draco with 7 votes

Third Harry/Hermione with 6 votes

Harry/Daphne and Harry/Twin both have 5

Harry/Ginny and Harry/Blaise both have 3

keep on voting and remember i'm taking down all Harry pairings around the ninth Chapter. so if your Favorite harry Pairing isn't picked you can still help chose a second pairing. just so everyone knows i will do at least one gay pairing. my mind is made up on that. also, i like Harry/Draco as much as the next person. but i am holding a poll for a reason. if it doesn't get picked i can write another story where the two of them are together. although i suggest you checkout Rise of the Drackens by StarLight Massacre. i am admittedly hooked.