AN: Well done to everyone who recognized the Bar. When I was looking for trainers for Harry I couldn't help but pay homage to my favorite Rouges. If you don't know what I'm talking about check out the Cynster novels by Stephanie Laurens. Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews.

The Political Battlefield

The group moved to a well-appointed study, where there were discussions, arguments, and plans involving what needed to be done first. Spencer was arguing the necessity of securing Harry's accounts with Sebastian, while Devlin and Vane were planning the best way to storm the Ministry. Severus and Luc were having a discussion about how much to reveal about Harry's being a Black.

Harry and Gabriel were sitting in chairs next to the fire chatting about nothing in particular. Out of all the members of the Bar, Harry had spent the most time with Gabriel; he was the youngest of them at 25, so Harry felt fairly comfortable with him. Comfortable enough to ask, "Gabriel, what did Devlin mean about you being the bastard children of Death Eaters?"

Gabriel raised his piercing blue eyes. "Just what he said; all of us, the Bar, we're the illegitimate children of Death Eaters."

Seeing the confused look in Harry's eyes, Gabriel explained further. "It was some idea from the first war, Voldemort had his senior Death Eaters seduce supposed blood traitors; he wanted to breed his own army. We are the result. Luc is the only one of us with a good idea of who his father is, and only because the Malfoy genes show clearly in him."

"What about your mothers?" Harry asked.

"We were all raised in the same orphanage; our mothers couldn't stand the thought of us," Gabriel said easily, and Harry sensed this was something the group had long come to terms with.

While the two younger men were talking, Luc and Severus approached. Luc took the lead by saying, "Harry, you need to present a strong front tomorrow at the Ministry, and you can't do that dressed as you are now. Do you have dress robes?"

It took Harry a moment to switch gears. "No, I outgrew the ones I had," he managed finally. Luc looked him over before saying, "I don't think any of ours will work for you, the closest to you in size is Sebastian, and his coloring is too dissimilar to yours. We'll have to call in a tailor."

Harry looked at the elegant man and said sarcastically, "I thought you were the Dark Arts expert, not my personal shopper." This remark caused Snape and Gabriel to erupt into peals of laughter.

Luc turned to glare at Severus. "Oh be quiet, Severus. Honestly, you both are in dire need of someone to take your wardrobes in hand. Severus, you dress like a crow, and Harry looks like a beggar. I'm Floo calling the tailor and you two ill-dressed louts can kiss my arse."

Luc strode, offended, from the room, and Severus turned to the bemused young man. "Harry, Luc is also well versed in pure-blood tradition, as it often goes hand in hand with some of the Dark Arts. You would do well to put your wardrobe in his hands."

Chagrined, Harry said, "I'll apologize, but I was talking to Gabriel about something serious and it seemed a frivolous interruption."

Gabriel struggled to contain his laughter but managed to gasp out, "Don't apologize, the git deserved it. I've been telling him the same thing for ages now. Besides, around here you have to give as good as you get or you'll be eaten alive. We're all a sarcastic bunch of bastards, that's why Severus fits in so well."

Luc returned from making his Floo call, stating the tailor would be by in a little while, so the group convened around the dinner table. As they were enjoying a roast with all the trimmings and good wine, the talk turned to what needed to be accomplished in the morning. Vane started, "Harry, we're all going with you tomorrow as a show of strength. We'll take Lestrange and Pettigrew in with us and march them in the middle of us all, take them up to the Fudge's office and demand a meeting right then."

At the mention of Fudge, Devlin snorted. Harry turned to him. "Don't like Fudge much?"

Devlin rolled his eyes and drawled, "I despise the mewling little sycophant. He's not fit to run an owl post, much less the Ministry." Everyone laughed; that summed up the Minister well.

Vane shook off his laughter and continued, "At some point word will get to Dumbledore. Hopefully we will be in the Minister's office by then, but we'll get to that in a minute. First, you want to demand that they clear your godfather's name, trials for the nasty duo next. You getting all this?"

Harry nodded. "See mewling sycophant, make him do what already should have been done, avenge Sirius, check," he said facetiously. This set off a new round of laughter; the young man was fitting in well.

"Okay, when that's done, make sure that the Ministry is not going after Severus. If we can get to that point before Dumbledore interrupts, we should be home free." Vane took a sip of wine to moisten his throat.

"There will be no reason for him to get control of you; you are legally an adult and Severus' apprentice." Vane looked at Harry to make sure he understood. Satisfied that the younger man was keeping up, he continued, "This is where we needed your input. As the head of two old families, Black and Potter, you have two seats in the Wizengamot. Do you want to take them up, or would you like to appoint advocates? Before you answer, let me tell you what it entails."

Harry sat in shock as Vane explained the responsibilities of the seats; he had had no idea about seats on the Wizengamot. Why had he not been told this?

Severus saw the glazed look in the young man's eyes and stopped Vane with a raised hand. "Harry, did you not know about the seats?"

The young man slowly shook his head. "No clue, it was never mentioned. When you were talking about political power I just thought you meant my name would carry weight, not that I had an actual say in the government."

"Another oversight on Dumbledore's part," Devlin growled. "You should have been preparing for this since you were eleven."

Harry couldn't help but agree. "Vane, who would be the advocates? I don't know nearly enough about wizarding government to do it now."

Vane looked to Devlin who said, "Harry, Vane and I would be honored if you allowed us to be your advocates."

Wanting Harry to understand what they were offering, Vane explained, "We can't cast votes without your permission. It would be our job to explain to you the laws and regulations up for consideration. We would also vet anyone who approached looking for support."

Harry was relieved, that sounded ideal to him. "Thanks, that would be brilliant," he rushed to say.

Spencer looked down the table and asked, "So, Harry, I guess you don't know about the Black and Potter vaults and properties either."

The young man just dropped his head to the table and banged it a couple of times until Severus took pity on him. "Come, Harry," he said soothingly, "let's go for a walk. It will clear your head."

After a walk around the gardens with Severus who demanded nothing from him, nor sprung any more surprises on him, Harry felt much more in control. Soon, Luc called them in, saying the tailor was here, and the young man allowed the blond to drag him into the study where Luc and the short little tailor poked, measured and talked about him as if he wasn't there at all. When they finished the tailor promised to have the robes ready early the next morning, and Harry once again found himself ensconced in a chair and plied with tea. The conversation picked up again, this time with pointers on the best way to handle Fudge.

Severus wasn't worried about Fudge; a two-year-old could outwit the man. No, he had another concern. "Harry, when Dumbledore does arrive, be firm with him. But the most important point to remember is unless you desire him to be apprised of all these plans, then do not for Merlin's sake let him look you in the eye. You're simply unable to protect your mind if your life depended on it… Or anyone else's for that matter, as your unlamented godfather could attest to; if the mangy mutt was alive to attest to anything, that is."

Harry stared at Severus in disbelief. How could he bring that up? He'd apologized; they'd talked about Severus being a bastard. "Snape, you git, that was a low blow; I'm well aware of what my failure at Occlumency cost. I don't need you to remind me." With a hurt and angered look on his face, Harry threw his drink in Snape's face and stalked out of the room.

Devlin broke the rising tension in the room with a lazy, "Well, the brat certainly has a temper. Tell me, Severus, were you attempting to provoke him, or are you really just that much of a bastard?"

Severus glared at him. Wiping his face, he snarled, "Please excuse me. I will return shortly."

Harry stalked the gardens, occasionally kicking at a shrub as he tried to cool his temper. He knew he had to go back in there, but he was still angry. Hearing footsteps behind him, the young man utilized his survival-honed reflexes to turn, wand drawn, on the dark figure approaching him. Recognizing Snape, he lowered the wand but did not put it away; he thought he still might hex him. "You didn't even last six hours before turning back into a bastard," he spat.

Severus flinched, aware he had broken their agreement. "Harry, I apologize, that remark was poorly done of me. I find that some habits are harder to break than I anticipated. Don't throw this chance away because of one remark."

Harry interrupted him, "Severus, I'm not leaving, or going back on the deal. I'm pissed; I left so I could cool off. But really you're an arse, just so you know."

Relieved that Harry was not leaving and seemed to understand it would take time for Severus to change, the dark man sneered, "And you are an impertinent brat." Growing more serious, Severus added, "Harry, if I say something similar, simply inform me. I don't enjoy having drinks tossed in my face. I am endeavoring to remember who you are now, not who I thought you were."

Harry knew how much it cost the proud man to say that. With a small smile on his face, he walked over and offered his hand. When Severus took it, he replied, "I can live with that."

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The decision was made that Harry and Severus would spend the night at Sinister Place; Harry passed a restful night in the richly decorated guest room. The problems started early the next morning, when Luc approached the sleeping young man, took hold of a shoulder and shook. He soon found himself bound, and hanging upside down stuck to the wall. His shouting brought the rest of the household running to Harry's room, where, upon witnessing the scene, Severus and the Bar proceeded to laugh until they were well out of breath, much to Luc's dismay.

After freeing the blonde, Harry shooed everyone from the room and took advantage of the luxurious bathroom. A long hot shower later, Harry emerged wrapped in a towel to find Luc laying his new robes on the bed. "You can leave," he drawled. "I've been dressing myself for quite a while."

Luc rolled his eyes and smirked. "Come now, don't be shy. You can close your eyes if you're embarrassed. I want to see how they look on you."

Harry groaned, grabbed the robes and headed back into the bathroom; 'Pervert' was the parting shot over his shoulder. As he closed the door he heard, 'Spoilsport' in reply.

When he looked in the mirror, Harry had to admit Luc had good taste, the dark green robes looked nice on him. The silken robes were the nicest thing he'd ever worn; the black velvet trim set them off well. Harry walked into his bedroom to find it full again. "What is it with you lot and my bedroom?" he demanded.

Harry received no reply; at the expectant looks, he reluctantly turned in place so they could see the full picture. The wolf whistles combined with Gabriel's 'Harry looks edible when cleaned up' caused young man to blush. When the laughter and catcalls from the group continued, Harry drew his wand and threatened them all.

Finally, Severus shushed the rowdy men and turned to the young man before him. "You look respectable; you need to do something with that mop on your head though."

Harry rolled his eyes and rummaged through his bag to find a brush. Finding it in the bottom of his bag, he was surprised when it was snatched out of his hands. Harry soon found himself sitting in a chair before Gabriel who brushed out the wet shoulder-length locks. Another group decision with no input from the young man in question found him with the front portion of his hair held back with a black clip.

Severus and Devlin watched the group with amused smiles until Vane said, "If you lot are through playing dress-up, it's time to go." The comment earned a rude hand gesture from Harry, but they were ready to leave.

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The Ministry of Magic was bustling with mid-morning energy. Ministry employees were crossing the Atrium going from one department to another. Visitors, checking with security and getting lost, roamed the open area. There was a work crew rebuilding the Fountain of Magical Brotherhood. Everyone present stopped, however, at the sight of eight well-dressed, powerful men striding though the front doors with two smaller figures obscured in the middle of the group. The men did not stop to check in with security; the guard never even thought to ask them to. Every person in the Atrium turned and watched as the group entered the lifts. Later some would say that the boy who lived gave a cheery wave as the lift doors closed.

The Bar Sinister plus Harry Potter and Severus Snape exited the lift at Level One and approached a familiar redhead sitting at a desk before an impressive set of double doors. Harry looked at Percy Weasley and grinned, saying, "Hi, Percy, we need to see Minister Fudge."

Percy was taken aback with so many powerful gazes turned his way, so he snapped at the one he was most comfortable with, "Harry Potter, what gives you the right to walk in here and demand to see Minister Fudge?" Percy really had a head of steam going now. "The Minister is a very busy man. If you don't have an appointment, I can't let you in. And I know you're not scheduled to see him today."

Harry was still grinning. "No, I don't have an appointment, but Fudge will see me."

Percy swelled up like a blowfish. "And why is that?"

Harry leaned down and said softly, "Because, Percy, I killed Voldemort. Did no one tell you?"

Percy turned as red as his hair, looked to Professor Snape, who nodded in confirmation, and said, "One moment please, gentlemen." He hurriedly knocked on the double doors and entered.

In short order the eight men found themselves escorted by an abashed Percy into Minister Fudge's office. Harry turned to say bye to Percy when he heard a sound he hoped to never hear again. "Hem, hem, Mr. Potter, what brings you here today, intruding on Minister Fudge's busy schedule?"

Harry turned with growing horror and saw the toad-like form of Dolores Umbridge. "Oh no, Severus, please make her go away. I will never keep my temper under control with her here," Harry pleaded with the Potions master in a whisper.

Severus turned to the Minister and spoke in his coldest voice, dripping with malice, "Minister, Mr. Potter is uncomfortable with that woman here. Are you aware that she tortured him and several other students in her time at Hogwarts? I will not even mention her attempt at using Veritaserum to question a minor without his guardian's approval, or, for that matter, his guardian's knowledge."

The Minister understood the implied threat and said hastily, "Dolores, perhaps it would be best if you waited outside with Weasley; go now." Shooting everyone in the room a glare, Umbridge turned to head out the door, clearly unhappy. Harry couldn't resist and made clopping noises with his tongue as she was leaving, earning him a cuff to the head from Severus.

With the room clear of the malign influence of Umbridge, the men arrayed themselves in chairs around the Minister's desk, all with the exception of Devlin and Gabriel, who stood guard over the captives. Fudge looked like he was in over his head but willing to give it a valiant try nevertheless. "Mr. Potter, what can I do for you today?" Suddenly realizing whom Potter brought with him, Fudge leaped to his feet and exclaimed, "Sweet Merlin, Potter, do you know who these men are?"

Harry glared at him coldly. "Minister, these are my friends, if that is what you mean."

Devlin snorted. "Sit down, Fudge, hear the brat out. Do your job and we'll leave you in peace."

Harry gave the Minister a minute to collect his scattered wits, before starting his demands. "I want you to clear Sirius Black of all charges," he stated curtly. "Then you will try Peter Pettigrew for betraying my parents. After that you will have trial for Sirius' murderer, Bellatrix Lestrange."

The Minister stared at him, obviously wondering where the boy had got the nerve to order him around. "Mr. Potter, Peter Pettigrew is dead, and while I would dearly love to try Lestrange no one knows where she is." As soon as he finished, Devlin and Gabriel removed the hoods covering their prisoners. Minister Fudge slumped back in his chair, eyes glazed with shock, immune to all attempts to get his attention. He was practically hyperventilating.

Five minutes later saw the Minister returning to normal now that he was pumped full of calming draught, courtesy of a disgusted Potions master. Once he was calm the Minister quickly filled out the necessary papers to clear Sirius' name. In short order he had the papers in Harry's hands and the two prisoners in the hands of the Aurors.

That finished, Harry began his next set of demands. "Minister, I want your personal assurance, and a written document stating that Severus Snape is not a Death Eater. That he did, in fact, spy for many years on behalf of the wizarding world, and that he will not be prosecuted for any activity during that time frame."

The Minister was startled; he disliked Snape and did not want to do the man any favors. "Why in Merlin's name would I do that? What assurance do I have that it's true?"

Harry only smiled coldly and said, "You have my assurance, and you will do it because you owe me. I took care of Voldemort for you, saving your career which, until today, was rapidly heading downhill because of your lack of action. Do as I ask and I will not speak out against you."

Fudge knew he would be a fool to turn down the offer; it was the best he could hope for. He quickly wrote what was asked for and handed it to Potter. "Here, you have my word; I will not press for, nor allow any prosecution of the man."

A disturbance of some sort turned Harry's attention to the door. Shouting could be heard, then silence; a second later came a knock and Percy Weasley came into the room escorting Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin and Alastor Moody. Dumbledore and Moody went to Fudge's side and the three of them were soon arguing.

Remus came over to Harry and knelt beside his chair. "Harry, good to see you, you're looking good," he said softly

Harry smiled at his parents' friend. "Hey, Remus, I'm glad to see you too. Before I forget, Sirius said to give you this."

Harry handed Lupin a pouch. Looking inside it, Remus saw twenty galleons. Understanding at once, he started laughing. "Padfoot always pays his losses."

Harry nodded and handed the papers clearing Sirius to Remus. "Here, Moony, have a look at these," he encouraged.

Remus' smile grew the longer he read. Handing the papers back, he said, "Good job, kiddo, he would have liked that."

Remus looked around the room, taking in the men gathered there. "Harry, how in the world did you end up with the Bar Sinister?" he questioned softly.

With a laugh, Harry waved the question away. "It's a long story, and I'll have to tell you later. For now I have a headmaster to get off my back. I'll owl you when I have a chance." With that Harry stood up to enter the fray.

Harry joined the arguing men, with Severus and Devlin at his side. Taking a deep breath to brace himself for the confrontation to come, he said, "Excuse me."

No one was listening. He raised his voice. "Excuse me!" Finally the men's attention was on him. "Headmaster, Professor Moody, why are you here? You interrupted a private meeting," stated Harry coolly. "I have unfinished business with Minister Fudge."

Fudge looked like Christmas came early; someone was standing up to Dumbledore, something he wished he had the guts to do more often. "Harry, my dear boy, I was arranging to take you back to Hogwarts. Where you will be safe," Dumbledore said.

Harry felt his temper rising. The man refused to believe he could take care of himself; this had to end, now. "Headmaster, with all due respect, please stay out of my business. I am capable of seeing to my own safety and anything else that needs to be done."

The headmaster sadly shook his head and began again the litany that only he could keep Harry safe. Harry argued with him for several minutes. Devlin turned to Severus and spoke in a low voice, "The old man is going to alienate the boy, all in the name of keeping him safe. Hell, I've known Harry for a day and even I can see he's going about it the wrong way."

Severus nodded and drawled, "Yes, with Potter you need to include him in the decisions. I cannot blame Potter for being angry; there is nothing as distasteful as having your life arranged for you. Although the brat does need protection, mostly from himself."

Devlin locked his pale green eyes on the black ones. "Severus, you're not fooling me. You're protecting the brat now; you would have even without that alliance of yours."

Severus sneered. "You are just as guilty as I am. Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't have offered your services even if the brat failed your little test?"

Devlin's only response was a soft 'Touché.'

Severus could see Harry was close to losing his temper. Knowing that the destruction of another office would not be beneficial now, he stepped in. "Headmaster, Minister, this entire argument is a waste of time. Mr. Potter is an emancipated adult, his decisions are his own. If the concern is his education, steps have been taken to insure he completes his N.E.W.T's."

Dumbledore turned on Severus. "Severus, what steps are you referring to? Harry's name no longer appears in Hogwarts books. Why would you even be aware of Mr. Potter's plans?"

Finally seeing his chance, Harry cut in, "The reason my name is not in Hogwarts books any longer, Headmaster, is because Professor Snape offered me an apprenticeship, and I accepted it."

There were several moments of stunned silence from the headmaster, Fudge and Moody at the concept of Harry Potter and Severus Snape voluntarily working together. Harry turned to the Minister and raised an eyebrow, Fudge quickly understood his role.

"Now see here, Albus, if the boy is emancipated then I will have to deny your petition for guardianship. His educational needs are in his hands," Fudge stated imperiously. Turning to Harry, he suggested, "Mr. Potter, if I could just see your papers, we can put this all behind us."

Harry handed over the papers giving him his freedom; the Minister looked them over and handed them back. "The papers are in order," he concluded pompously. "Mr. Potter is an adult in the eyes of the law. Petition denied."

Turning back to Harry he said, "I wish you luck in pursuit of your Mastery."

As Dumbledore, Moody and Remus were herded out of the office by Fudge, Devlin turned to Severus. "How much do you bet Fudge faints at Harry's next request?"

Severus snorted. "Highly doubtful, I gave him enough calming draught to reduce a raging hippogriff to a child's riding pony."

Devlin looked like someone took away his favorite toy. "Bastard, ruin all my fun."

Fudge sat at his desk once again and asked, "Now, Mr. Potter, what else can I do for you today?"

Harry smiled. "Just this last thing, it's an easy one. I need you to approve my advocates to the two seats I hold on the Wizengamot."

The portly Minister looked surprised. "Two seats… I know about the Potter seat. What is the second?"

"Minister, in his will Sirius Black named me his heir, of everything. Including the Black seat." The Minister slumped in his seat and waved his hand defeatedly. "Very well, Mr. Potter, who are your advocates?"

Devlin and Vane stood up; Fudge turned an unattractive shade of red. "Oh no," he mumbled, "not those two. Do you have any idea what type of trouble they would cause in the Wizengamot?"

Harry just kept smiling. "Trouble that is long overdue. Yes, Minister, they are my advocates. What's more, I would like to formally petition that when I'm able to take over my seat you offer Devlin one of his own on the Wizengamot."

The entire room was silent; this had not been part of the plan. Harry held Fudge's eyes. He knew the older man would cave in. He wasn't sure how Devlin would react, but the man had already done so much for him, that he wanted to return the favor. Finally, Fudge broke eye contact and replied, "Very well, I accept your advocates, and if that man manages to carry out his duties in accordance to the decrees I will offer him a seat as you requested. May Merlin save us all." Harry grinned at Devlin, who simply raised an eyebrow, then nodded in thanks.

The group headed for the door when Harry turned back to the Minister once again. "Minister, am I going to have to do the whole appointment thing if I want to see you again?"

Severus laughed inwardly when he saw Fudge discover what he himself already knew − that it was best to simply give in to Potter. The brat was an unstoppable force always in motion, and you either joined or got run over. "Mr. Potter, my door is open to you anytime," Fudge said in resignation.

Harry gave his thanks and they left. Walking back through the Atrium, Harry suddenly remembered the date. "Hey, did you know today is my birthday?"