Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: AHarry Potter, a first year student, who is very good at art, is going to a foreign school. As Harry Potter. At Beauxbatons, in France. Sirius has provided a scholarship to this child as a diversion to THE Meddling, Nosey, Buttinski Headmaster.
THE Harry Potter, going to school as Harry of House Black, and is a third form in most classes at Alexandria Magical Académie in Cairo, Egypt. In a palace, like some schools, not a castle, like Hogwarts.
Thank you, kind reader, rb2312 for the excellent thoughts from a previous review.
These stories are written with references from all sorts of sources, including Star Trek. Just playing with the toys in the sandbox.
**OO**
Chapter 9 Precepts and Pedagogues
**OO**
The Headmaster was unamused. The letter with James' journal entry that Harry sent was hacked to tiny bits with a powerfully cast spell. No, no, no! Sirius Black had to be guilty! He had to!
If he wasn't, Albus could be seen as having made a huge error.
In the line of duty or not, Albus thought for sure that Sirius Black had killed again, and followed through with his threat, rather promise, of the consequences.
Albus didn't even realize he was lying to himself.
Albus would have removed anyone trying to claim Harry's guardianship. Alice was unwise to challenge him so. The chink in the wards was easy to create using blood magic. He hadn't liked doing it, but one had to see the greater picture. He hadn't killed Augusta when she survived the attack, after all. Neville should have been raised by Muriel's squib nephew if things had gone truly right there, but still.
Neville was fine, Harry was fine. He just needed the right guardian.
Sirius had killed too much, and needed to face the consequences of his actions. It was just convenient that this meant he was unavailable to take in his godson.
Dumbledore now had to plan how best to arrange for Sirius to lose custody. He was the only one who understood the Chosen one's path. Only he could guide him.
Only he would mourn the loss of the boy so very deeply.
Hopefully Neville would survive. Oh, now there was a thought. Perhaps Neville could raise the young Potter heir with Ginevra? Yes, and have little Longbottoms too…
**OO**
September 2nd, Hogwarts, morning
Narcissa Malfoy had heard the knock on the outside door. She ignored the muttered swear next to her and tried to ignore the sounds coming from the other room; she snuggled back deeper into her blankets and attempted to drift back to sleep.
But when she heard her son's voice she woke up completely.
Deciding to make a point, she dressed, well, sort-of. She threw on Severus' far too short nightshirt as a nightgown, and pulled on his lovely brocade bathrobe she had given him last year for Yule, over that. She sniffed the collar, his masculine scent lingering, and put it on, as though a warm hug from him.
Delicately gliding in, she joined the two wizards.
Their conversation interrupted, she kissed Severus on the cheek before taking a gentle finger to Draco's chin.
"Don't gape dear. It's unbecoming."
"You…Severus…What?"
Narcissa smiled gently, "We are going to have to teach our dear boy some lessons. Come sit for some tea. Dobby? Oh drat…Daisy, no…"
"Dittany? Tea please." Severus called. Narcissa sat on the loveseat, and Severus slid in next to her pointing to his own armchair for his godson. He wordlessly conjured slippers for Cissa's bare feet to keep them warm against the cold of the dungeon stone floor.
"Yes. Your mother and I are together. We were planning on telling you soon. Waiting a year and a day after that public kiss does seem rather…pointless."
Narcissa smirked, "I am Slytherin. I was taking advantage of the current situation. You truly did save Draco's life. And I merely showed you my appreciation."
"Several times." Severus purred in her ear, but not loud enough for Draco to hear.
"But Father…Mother? Did you kill Father to be with Severus? How long have you been like this? Tell me the truth!"
"I did not kill your father! I swear this on my magic. We only got together for the first time last night. You know about Mina. Lucius had a long time Mistress. If we ever see Dobby again, you can ask him. I gave Dobby a necklace to throw away that your father was going to give to her. It was an expected anniversary gift, and she was very…distraught to not get it. That is all the truth I can give you."
Draco mulled this over, never putting together Dobby's 'rubbish' winding up on Hermione's neck.
"Draco, haven't you been happy this summer?" Narcissa asked. "I know you miss your father. But I did not agree with the direction that he wanted to go with raising you. You know this."
Draco nodded. "I have been happy. Much happier this summer than ever before, even with attending the baby mandrakes. What will happen next? Are you two…? Will you marry?"
"Yes, but not immediately." Severus had asked her last night, before becoming involved. Severus had even given her the ring. He already had Lord Prince's approval.
The three hundred and twenty days of waiting to even ask had disappeared, and now, their marriage date had been set.
"Yule? Or during the holiday? We'll all talk about it. I must say, you are handling this well." Narcissa pointed out.
"It's the calming draught I spelled into his stomach, my love." Severus stated.
"Oh? Is that why I feel so…disjointed?" Draco asked. "Where will we live?" He finally demanded.
"Mostly here until after your NEWTs. Then? You'll inherit the manor. I will live here with Severus I suspect." Her tone made it clear she wasn't living there ever again.
"Don't forget we have options. There's Prince Hall. There is much potential there; I understand it to be a gardener's and brewer's haven. Grandfather will be ecstatic for this news and will welcome us all there. I've grown quite fond of the old fellow; he's turned into a rather incredible mentor." Severus pointed out.
She would not mention Grimmauld Place to either of the wizards; first off for its current deplorable but ameliorating condition. The second, because she didn't want Draco ever looking for her there. It was going to be a little oasis to escape life here near shopping and restaurants. A place for her and Severus to be alone.
"Or we could all live muggle in your parents' home." Narcissa teased, trying not to smile.
"Home? Did you not label it 'hovel, sweet hovel' once?"
"Perhaps, but I was being a bit…cruel."
"Cruel? No. Truthful, yes. No, my dove, you deserve a fine manor, and all of the elves, Dittany and the other Prince elves will be happy to see the Hall shine again. How could it not, if you lived there? And my grandfather will make us all welcome." Ending with a sweet kiss to her upturned lips.
Draco made a gagging noise and headed for the door, but not before stopping beside his mother, "I have to go to breakfast. Before I lose my appetite." Draco kissed his mother's cheek. He didn't know how to react to his godfather, but smoothed down his hair that Severus had mussed with a smile.
"See you in class, sir."
Draco shook his head on the way to the hall. His life had just changed again. His father had implied that his mother had been sneaking out with someone. Impossible with her vows. But Draco knew his godfather. Yes, he loved his mother, but something had changed last night. He was certain that was the first time they…kissed.
He was not thinking about it. His mother was so…she was his Mother!
Perhaps after eggs and toast and some slices of blood sausage, these things would make more sense.
**OO**
September 2nd, AMA
Harry was surprised to see Sirius join them in beginning Arithmancy.
"I never took it in school, and I have to take it as part of my Mastery." The man explained, whispering and looking embarrassed.
Harry didn't know why he was acting sheepish until he saw the professor.
'Had to take the course, Padfoot?' Harry thought to himself. He had a witch, but if he didn't, he could understand wanting to spend time with this one.
With Hermione sitting directly beside him, Harry found it easy to stay focused on the work, and actually had a blast. He was fond of problem-solving, and puzzles, and Arithmancy was the basis on which spell creation happened.
Smirking at his godfather, Harry took notes and admired Hermione's new method of writing down questions as she went, so she wouldn't appear to be a pest.
There were no points here for their House for right answers. No houses. Here, points were given –or lost– based on personal merit and/or group efforts for projects. 'As it should be', thought Harry.
And both Hermione and Harry sighed in relief at the professionalism in most of their classes.
**OO**
Hermione had debated taking this class, but had decided to do so for a very odd reason. She and her mother had been walking around one of Cairo's muggle women's bazaars, and Hermione had found the most beautiful beaded bag.
She wanted to enchant it to hold more than just a small little purse normally could.
Their muealim was an older witch with blue eyes, blonde hair, and a strong face. Tall, willowy; one could almost feel her wintry magic at her fingertips.
A woman from the northlands living in the desert?
"My name is Ericka Eiríksdóttir. Yes, the last name is a mouthful, so call me Professor Ericka or Muealim Ericka as you prefer.
"My ancestors were explorers, and a branch settled here. Why? Maybe they tired of the snow, but I want to show you one of the senior projects from last year."
The class descended to a basement level, and a hallway that had many doors very close together. From the outside, it appeared that these were private study rooms.
The instructor unlocked one of them. Of course it was bigger on the inside, but it was cold. Frosty cold. Most of them were in lightweight robes, and they started to shiver. The instructor asked permission first, then started casting warming charms on her students. Harry and Hermione cast them on each other, before the instructor got to them. She beamed in approval.
Benches were on one side of the room, and hosted a wall of cubbies. Most were empty, but there were a few that boasted a pair of ice skates. The room was large enough that the dozen students could easily come in and stand without entering past the carpeted areas.
The main floor of the room, which had little handrails around it, was bright blue in color, shining dimly in the dark room.
"Ice skating rink?" Hermione blurted, then put her hand over her mouth.
"Yes indeed. But more. Look up." The muealim pointed out. Delighted at her student's quick recognition.
On the outside wall, Owl windows had been created, and there were a few owls sleeping up in the rafters. One was clearly a diurnal raptor, and was looking down at one of the students as though smirking.
"Hed? Hedwig, is that you?" Harry asked.
To answer, the graceful bird took off, and did some aerial maneuvers to amuse her boy before landing on his outstretched arm. He petted her and complemented her intelligence in finding this refuge from the heat. She in turn, moved up his arm to head rub his cheek. Much to the boy's delight and embarrassment.
"I see that I am not the only misplaced one here. Lovely owl, Mr Black. This room started as a small study cubicle, but the magic was so impressive, it was voted to keep here as part of the Enchanting Classes portfolio."
"I need to learn how to do this to make a place like it at home." Harry opined.
Hedwig nodded in agreement, making the other students chuckle at her antics.
The blonde witch nodded encouragement, "You will not be starting with such grand projects, of course, but I wanted to show you this to let you start feeding your imaginations of just what some of the possibilities are."
Harry kissed his owl on top of her feathery head as they left. The instructor spoke directly to the snowy; reassuring her that it was fine for her to come and visit, just please keep the area clean and neat. She liked to skate there.
The owl prek'd an agreement, and on the way to another room, the professor promised to give Harry a copy of the key so that he could come and visit his owl.
**OO**
AMA
Hermione wanted to gush at the magical workbook both she and Harry were given in their Offensive and Defensive (O&D) magic class. The Muealim (Professor), Dhareef al-Siddique, did a thorough job of explaining the class requirements and goals.
Once a student had a spell down, something checked off by one of the class assistants, or the professor himself during posted times, then they received full credit for that spell.
As their second class was ending, Harry and Hermione's last class of the day, the guard, Aufrer, walked in and motioned for Harry to stay. Hermione began to go out the door, but Harry grabbed her arm.
Anything he wanted to say could be said in front of her or not at all. Harry was keeping enough secrets from her as it was in regards to hunting down dark lord bits.
The guard addressed the professor.
"Harry of House Black has had previous past…problems. I want to sponsor him for Defense Club."
Muealim al-Siddique had been listening and mildly objected, "He's not of age, Mameluke, why would you?"
Harry got the gist of what Aufrer was saying, without sharing confidences, so he spoke up, "There was a very bad wizard who snuck into my previous school two different ways in my first and second year. He tried to kill me, and my instruction in Defense was…pathetic? Lacking? My guardian, I should say my new guardian, has been teaching me over the summer. Enough to stun someone, make loud noises and get away, but I don't know enough."
The muealim was clearly dubious about this, and asked the boy to open his workbook. He taught him the sandstorm spell, very useful outside and in any street.
Harry hadn't seen it before, but learned it quickly. The instructor then went through three more spells even as Hermione, standing nearby, was struggling with the first.
In Charms and Transfiguration, it was always a race to see which one was first. They were both excellent students, though Hermione always had an edge in Charms, while Harry held an edge in Transfiguration.
Normally, in Defense, Harry would help her or pretend to struggle himself in order to not hurt her feelings, but this was not the time.
Muealim al-Siddique nodded. "I knew you were powerful, but you also have a clever mind. Something that you clearly used to keep ahead of your attackers in the past. You may come to the Defense Club, as may Taliba Granger. If your attacker finds you here in Egypt, she will be in danger as well. Gaining extra defense will help you both."
Taliba was the term some professors used instead of Miss and meant female Student. Talab was the male form. It was another way of saying Student so-and-so.
Harry's magic spiked a bit, hearing that Hermione might be in danger due to him, as he was using a spell to send detritus on the ground towards dueling dummies. The sticks and debris suddenly impaled the dummy at eyes, throat and groin - all places of weakness.
"Uh…When you turn fifteen, you can join the dueling team, Talab Black. I look forward to winning many competitions in future. In the meantime, I welcome you to join the Defense Club." The muealim bowed. "Have you thought of buying a staff?"
"I do have one at home, professor, I mean, muealim, and would be happy to bring it with me."
"Please do."
The handsome Arab wizard then went over and corrected Hermione's wand movement for the first spell and was surprised to find that her magic was nearly as powerful as his, once she got it.
Harry clapped at her success and Hermione blushed. It was a good spell to distract and escape.
"Did you know that by practicing to exhaustion each night you can build your magic? Only do so if you are in a secure place, or have a guard nearby. Mamelukes are available to stay as guests in your home overnight for very reasonable rates for this purpose." Aufrer offered with a wink.
The muealim scoffed, "You want to get paid to sleep? His family would have the best wards."
Harry looked up, and up at the man who was quickly becoming a friend, "Aren't you a little tall to be a goblin?"
The professor and guard both laughed at his jest. This was so very different from Hogwarts, and Harry felt a camaraderie with these mentors already.
Harry then bowed to both wizards, "Thank you. I will talk to Lord Black about all of this, including your kind offer to stay with us. There might be times when we need an extra wizard around. And taste test some of my projects from cooking class. Thank you." Harry offered, with a wink as he and Hermione scooted out the door.
Aufrer called, "I'm a Mameluke and proud, but I am not sure I am brave enough to endure your cooking."
The little girl genie appeared just then and kicked the guard in the shin lightly. "Be nice!"
Offering his arm to Hermione, it was time to go home. They wondered what Dobby or Daisy would have ready for them today as they rode their bikes to Harry's.
**OO**
As soon as everyone was gone, the blonde genie, no longer appearing as a child, but as a beautiful young woman, "Yes, Master?" she kissed his cheek, making him smile.
"What do you think of the new students? The Brits?" Dhareef asked.
"Powerful, kind. They both want to protect the other. I sense no malice towards you or anyone."
"They have been targeted. If you hear of another genie looking for a good home…"
"I will, Master. You know we like to gossip."
He prepared for his last class of the day. First forms. So very dangerous.
**OO**
Hogwarts
The fallout from the dementors attacking the train was huge.
Sally-Anne Perks was the granddaughter of a Black. Was one of the parents a near-squib kicked out like Perseus? That part remained a mystery. But she had enough Black blood that the dementors honed in on her.
The night of the attack, Moody had sent Albus a howler, and then went home to drink more than was wise.
Remus Lupin was sent a key to a new vault, and was told that he'd better get new teaching robes at the weekend. The savior of the Longbottom heir should not be dressed like a ragamuffin. What would others think? That Augusta was being stingy?
And if that wasn't bad enough, several students, including Neville received a summons to a Will reading at Gringotts London.
Peter Pettigrew had recently passed away, his Will had activated, and they were beneficiaries.
Ron receiving one of the letters had him confused, but not Percy. He was sitting there, wearing his ghostly Head Boy badge, and explained that their parents had been in Dumbledore's secret order with Pettigrew. Ron and Harry had played as babies. Pettigrew had no children of his own, so as friends of their parents, likely wanted to share with their children. Ron was just one of the lucky ones.
"Cor! Does this mean that I'll get to see Harry?" Ron asked.
"Most likely. The Reading is set for a weekend, and France isn't that far away."
Neville nodded, and put his letter away. Good. He hadn't been close to Harry, but now that the boy was gone, he wished he'd approached him.
Maybe if Dumbledore was sacked, and they let him take the classes he wanted, Harry would come back.
Severus was very surprised to see a Gringotts' notification, written by dictaquill, come to him as well.
'From the desk of Spurnik, Potter Account Manager,
'Heir Potter has asked that in honor of Lily Potter, you accept his bequest from Peter Pettigrew to use for your research. He doesn't want gold from the person who betrayed his mother. Let it go for good.'
Written below this official wording was a hand-written note.
'Please join the Will reading. It should prove enlightening.'
Severus shared the missive with Narcissa. Pettigrew? Wasn't that one of James' friends?
Realization bloomed on her face. Pettigrew! That was the man that Sirius supposedly murdered in cold blood. Her cousin hadn't been put into prison for murdering muggles - but for killing this man!
But if his will only recently activated…
Dumbledore was late for breakfast, and was clearly not looking forward to the day. Narcissa waited for the opportune moment.
Narcissa leaned over, "So, Headmaster, I see you got a Gringotts letter too. Likely the same one that Heir Longbottom received. Interesting, as the life stone went dark over the summer. May I ask, wasn't it Peter Pettigrew's death that was the reason for Sirius' imprisonment? I know it wasn't for the Potters' betrayal as Sirius was never a Death Eater. My husband knew it as well. All of us knew it. My grandfather couldn't get others to act. Not even you, who he served, supposedly."
Albus dropped his fork mid-bite and opened the black envelope. The man paled, then brightened.
"Well, well. If he left me something, then he likely left Harry something. Good, good. We can talk! Smooth things over and bring him back. I need him to go with me to Little Hang…uh, somewhere."
Albus shook his head. He was about to reveal information to people. How silly!
Narcissa too shook her head, did this man never stop? Wheels within wheels. Disgusted, she turned back to her breakfast.
**OO**
The castle suddenly felt…lighter. The ceiling cleared of the grey clouds that had been threatening all morning, and sunlight filtered in.
The oppression everyone felt was gone! It was gone!
Red-robed aurors came in. Master Auror Moody was in the lead.
"Dumbledore? Did you get a Will summons this morning?" Moody demanded.
"I did, but I can't share…"
Moody held up his own envelope.
"With the death of two people on the train yesterday, the dementors have been recalled. Fudge was sent letters demanding them be recalled or the school closed. We're here to escort you to Bones' office. Just a friendly chat, I am told."
Narcissa smirked into her grapefruit. 'A friendly chat?' With or without brass knuckles, cat-o'nine tails, crucios or other means of torture.'
Dumbledore bowed his head. "You're in charge while I am gone, Minerva…"
The deputy bristled. "With what time, Albus? I have classes to teach, and have to meet with my new first years."
The brave Scotswoman was furious with Dumbledore for allowing Fudge to send dementors here. One of her own had died and he was looking like he was the victim. Potter had made it clear in his letter to her it was due to yearly dangers that he was not here. And this one came early.
Albus tried putting on his sad mentor face but she was not looking at him at all.
"Professor McGonagall has duties, as do your other heads. I assure you, I am most capable of discipline in your absence." Narcissa offered. The castle had made it clear that she was welcome.
The headmaster had a dozen aurors waiting for him, and had known this approach was coming the minute he'd heard about the tragedy on the train. He turned to the aurors, "Continue back to the Ministry. I have a few things to handle, and I will join you there shortly." He then turned back to the former Slytherin, "Thank you, Narcissa. You were always an excellent Prefect. You'll do well as my substitute. Thank you for the kind offer. Carry on.
"Hogwarts, Narcissa Malfoy will act in my stead."
"Narcissa Black, headmaster. I thought you got the notice." Narcissa's small smile was not friendly in the least.
Ignoring her, and the aurors, the man went to head up to his office, and seemed surprised to see that Moody and his pack of minions were still there.
"Alastor, you must have things to do. I will join you once I have everything arranged here."
"Nice one," one of the young aurors clapped, gaining a few silver coins from Moody.
"I said that you would come along nicely, but this one here has your measure better than me. Don't make me stun you, Albus. Further resistance will see you in the interrogation rooms instead of being treated as an ally."
The old wizard put on his disappointed face, but no cuffs were put on his wrists.
As the Headmaster was escorted away, Draco started smirking until sharp looks from both his mother and godfather ended his plans before they could get started.
And Potter wasn't even here. No fair!
Narcissa's eyes then focused on the twins, and for the first time since they came to the school, they felt that perhaps today was not a good day to prank anyone. But that sharp look had been noted elsewhere.
After everyone was gone to classes, Severus stopped and purred in her ear, "The look you just gave them? If I didn't have to teach, I'd want to take you back to my quarters."
"We are making up for lost time, are we not?" She wanted to claim his lips but settled for kissing his cheek. "Severus, darling, I have a feeling that my cousin is about to be exonerated. At last. I do love him, my cousin Sirius, you know. Agape; family love. I hope that you won't mind me seeing him now and again."
"He hated me for being dark; and I hated him for being a berk. We are adults now. Draco is of his House. As are you."
"You figured it out."
"My lady? I have no idea what you are talking about." Severus winked, and then turned to go to his classroom via a shortcut. The castle loved its professors who looked after unruly teens.
He stopped himself from whistling in the corridor. And managed to get his smile under control before being surrounded by students.
**OO**
Harry came home for lunch; Sirius was in class, so it was just him and Dobby right now.
Neither male knew what Daisy was up to and Harry would never dream of asking aloud for fear of interrupting her day.
"It seems like a year since it was just us in the tent Dobby. I never thanked you for being there for me. And now I have a home with you and my godfather. And Daisy too!"
Harry took a bite of sandwich, as Dobby nodded and thought about Harry's statement.
"It's hard to believe how much better life is now. Daisy and I being…we are together. Here. Happy."
"So, you like Egypt alright?"
"Oh yes. Some of my cousins worked here with…Dobby not supposed to talk about that. Sorry."
"No, I get it. You guys are brilliant at keeping secrets."
Dobby shook his head. He and Daisy disagreed about that topic all the time.
It was nearly time to head back to class.
"I know you don't like heights, but will you try a carpet with us later? I'm shopping with Dan afterschool."
Dobby shuddered, while Harry cleaned up. "Nevermind. Wanna walk with me back to school?"
Taking the appearance of an elderly wizard in local garb, Dobby did, and escorted Harry back to school.
The lad truly had no idea that Dobby in some ways was just as dangerous and far more dedicated to Harry's safety than any Mameluke at the palace.
**OO**
Dan and Harry met after classes the next day as Harry was done for the day. Hermione was trying her hand at Divination. Harry had heard stories about Trelawney, and wanted to avoid the whole mess.
"I found a carpet dealer, did some preliminary shopping, and want to get a nice good size family model." Dan rubbed his hands in excitement.
"If they can carry cargo, why not muggles…Oops. Dan, I'm sorry. I was doing that talking thing. My foot just slipped in. I'm sorry." Harry apologized.
"No, no! You don't want me spending gold for a flying carpet that acts much like a regular one if I tried to use it. I agree. So, ready to go shopping?"
The school was a good one, and had the students' safety in mind. This said, every student had a passive and active portkey that would take them to different parts of the school depending on the situation if needed.
Harry was told, due to his celebrity, that he was to wear it at all times, not just when on campus. So he did, and he was.
Wearing it that is.
The magic carpet seller was an honest merchant. Well, he might have been planning on upping the price a little for the well-dressed foreigners, but not steal from them. Or poison them, as nearly happened. Killing customers was not good for repeat business or one's reputation.
Dan wanted to make sure that any carpet purchased could hold three adults –Dan, Emma, Sirius–, two teens –Harry and Hermione–, a dog, as Dan was still a bit confused about that, and two house-elves, extra small.
The carpet the man was rolling out had been put away for a while, and a creature had found it a comfortable place to snooze.
The magical Egyptian snake, a Burton's Carpet Viper, had camouflage capabilities, and was highly venomous. Its poison was sought out in many antidotes.
And it really didn't like being tossed around by unrolling it.
Snapping and hissing at the vendor first, it next leapt towards Dan's face.
Quicker than stealing a snitch, Harry caught the snake just below its extendible jaw, and the magical snake immediately turned and successfully bit him.
Detecting danger, the portkey engaged, removing Harry from the dangerous scene, but portkeys don't have brains.
The danger was still connected to his hand, right between his thumb and pointer finger. And because it was in the afternoon, Harry was tossed, rather deposited in the training room where the guards hung out when not on duty.
It should be pointed out that Harry landing on top of a man in the middle of training was not actually his fault as he did not make said portkey.
The snake detached from Harry's hand upon the rough landing, and was then upset not just at the vendor, himself, and Dan (who Harry thought the most innocent of all involved), Harry now had the snake hissing in language most foul at the guard he'd landed on top of. Or should he say guard commander. Oops.
"Sorry, it's Commander Zahur right? I didn't mean to drop in on you like that."
And there was Aufrer coming out to see what the ruckus was. Darius, one of the guards who had been sparring with Zahur before Harry's sudden appearance, was rolling on the floor, laughing so hard tears were leaking out.
The snake was now snapping at Aufrer, and Harry prevented him from being bitten in a quick action, removing himself from on top of Zahur who was more than happy to see the Heir of House Black suddenly arrive. Well, or so Harry presumed from his words.
The guard commander that Harry landed on was clearly saying that Harry was a nice guy and they should invite him to the next company picnic. Rapidly. In Arabic. The rude gestures, shouting and pointing were emphasizing his inclusion, right?
Then their medic, a serious young man with a small pointed beard shook his wand at everyone and took over.
"You hurt?" he asked in broken English.
Harry nodded. He'd taken the language potion, but everyone was speaking too fast.
"Snake. Bite. Me." Harry stated carefully. He held up the macerated fleshy bit between his thumb and pointer finger. The healer tutted, not seeing the viper yet.
He didn't mean to make the man scream like a girl holding up the snake in his hand. It had bitten him twice, and Harry was feeling a bit nauseous for it, but it would pass.
He hoped.
Several things happened after that. One of the men came with a magical snake basket. Harry had to extract its fangs from his hand as the snake bit him a third time when trying to assure Aufrer's ongoing good health.
Harry got the snake off his hand and into the basket.
The healer called for help, and they prepared to take Harry to the morgue on a floating cot. But Harry thought they said Mosque, and asked if they could take Hermione along as well. It was a Friday, and he thought it would be a peaceful thing to do.
Darius had finally recovered from laughing enough to help his and Aufrer's boss to his feet. Commander Zahur did not like pranks or pranksters and Harry had already been warned about him. Before Harry could object, he kicked the basket over and pulled out his sword to kill the snake. All the while, he was thinking that all of it was a prank of some sort and thought he was chopping up a magical construct. He was surprised at the very realistic snake blood and bits.
That made Harry mad as the snake was just being a snake. Alright, so it reminded him of Muealim Flitwick or a bit like old grumpy Snape, but it had been startled and couldn't calm down to listen to Harry!
The commander then told Harry that he had to clean up the mess if he didn't die. And the man called him a name, Mushkila, that amounted to 'Trouble.'
Harry sighed. Getting in trouble was his superpower, that was for sure!
The healer conjured a box and magically swept up the bits, made Harry lay down, and took him to the local hospital where his girlfriend and guardian were called so they could be with him when he passed away.
But he didn't, and around dinner, they finally let him go home with Harry feeling grumpy, Hermione worried, the Grangers mystified, and Sirius laughing as Harry now had his Marauder name.
Mushi! The shortened version of trouble that Commander Zahur had called him.
**OO**
DMLE, London
Albus was relieved that it was the three of them in Amelia's small office. He had worried about going to a holding cell. His status brought him some niceties.
Albus fingered the black letter sent to Moody. Yes, he'd gotten one just like it. No he couldn't explain it.
Amelia then pulled her copy of Harry's letter.
It took all of his self control and legendary occlumency skills to not react to Amelia's actions. He'd destroyed that letter. No! Why had Harry betrayed him like this?
Amelia presented it calmly, "Are you going to tell me that a teenager could figure out how to copy his father's handwriting; handwriting he hadn't seen before, mind you, so perfectly that it matches some of James Potter's old reports?"
Bones would keep things like that. Albus put on his grandfatherly face.
"I don't know what to say to make either of you happy. There was only a finger left! You can ask Cornelius himself – he was there and saw it all!"
"We did. Do you know what the pictures left out of that investigation? Blood. Blood spatter, brain matter and other body bits. If you have a finger left, there's usually something more. Look at the muggles that were blasted further down the street. Each person seems to multiply once you remove the skin holding them together, even without magic!
"But of Pettigrew? There was merely a tiny pool of blood, beside the neatly severed finger, lying next to a gutter. Suspicious that, wouldn't you say?
"Percy Weasley, yes, I know that we don't take ghost's testimony too seriously, but he found a rat when he was five, and gave it to his little brother when he was fifteen. Awfully old for a rat. Oh, and he was missing a toe.
"The boy sent him to Potter with a post owl! Sending a rat with an owl? Potter wrote to Ron to say the rat died in his sleep but Potter confessed to me that his owl attacked it in his presence. He didn't want to make his friend upset."
Albus interrupted, "Harry is here? Where is he? It is vital that I speak to the boy!"
Moody was standing, just barely outside Albus' normal view, as he was seated across from Amelia. The grizzled auror leaned in, "We'll both get to say hello to the lad at the Will reading. Now, can we please chat about something else?"
Amelia picked up her story, "So it appears that we owe Hedwig the Owl an Order of Merlin for taking out a deadly Death Eater who was clearly a long term mole. Well, rat. She did well for taking out the rubbish, and now we have his Will to have read to us."
"And the notices go out after the holiday ends as it is expensive to get international post mailed." Dumbledore stroked his beard. "Oh dear. What have I done?" He was wearing the face of innocence and sadness.
Moody attacked now, "It's what you didn't do, Dumbledore. Black was an auror! While I was getting put back together, and Amelia here was taking care of a traumatized toddler, you let Fudge throw Black into prison without a trial. What were you thinking? He was an auror, and of all people, an Heir to a noble house! A pureblood. Everyone deserves a fair trial and if anyone deserved a fair trial, it was him!"
"I didn't want him to use his gold to slip justice like Lucius and others had done! He deserved to go to prison for a bit! Think about his actions! Killing instead of stunning! He'd done it in the line before!" Albus claimed. "Twice!"
"What? Shafiq's youngest? That Rosier witch? They were throwing killing curses around like confetti! Black didn't commit murder. He saved lives, and faced a fair tribunal. Twice!"
"Are you sure that no one was bribed?" Albus wanted to shout. He knew someone was, and the Blacks were one of the wealthiest families.
Amelia shook her head, "I don't like hearing what I am hearing. Sirius Black killed twice in the line of duty, in all of the many, many fire fights that were killing hundreds, and you think he deserves prison for it? No trial for Pettigrew's death, even though his death was in doubt?"
"I didn't send him to prison. Fudge did." Albus was the portrait of innocence.
"And couldn't without your approval! You just didn't raise a stink over the man using his war-time powers. Blast it man!" Moody shouted.
Wasn't one of them supposed to be on his side? They were both playing 'tough auror' and no one seemed to understand him!
"I have a paper you want to sign. It is going to the muggles. It states there was a mistake, and Sirius Black is free to go. You will also sign this parchment stating the same for the one going to the ICW and going to the Wizengamot. If you refuse, and we have to do it the long way, your dirty laundry will be aired in public.
"I have already recalled the dementors." Amelia stated.
Albus had wanted the dementors there so he could try and use them to find horcruxes. But he couldn't share that with anyone!
Now, a child had been killed. How awful! He didn't think they would attack an innocent. He'd read somewhere about them. One of Gilderoy's books? He wasn't sure. Of course, now that he thought about it, Lockhart hadn't been the Ravenclaw scholar his image had made him appear. Alas, alas.
Albus' occlumency allowed none of his 3:00 AM thoughts of Sirius needing to go to prison show in his face, betraying him.
There was nothing for it. He signed the parchment work, noting that Fudge had already signed. Amelia signed right after him. No evidence of a crime. Well, not unless you were looking for…well, too late now. The minister would be facing backlash over this, as would he for backing the man.
He just hoped the next minister looked to him for advice as well. Dumbledore just wanted what was best for society.
"Albus? Susan said that Enchanting was back. That you'd made a mistake with some numbers, and the school could afford it."
"House Malfoy made up for the loss of the mandrakes from last Spring. I shouldn't have been so rash to think that there would be a shortfall." Albus thought it sounded sincere. He wasn't the one who had brought back the younger Lynch professor. The father had taught there for years, retiring to let the son continue the tradition. But he was dangerous. Had students using their thoughts, imaginations for magic. No, no. But the Board of Governors had gone behind his back. Again.
"Oh? Here's me thinking that you'd let the Potter lad know at the will reading that you'd acquired a time-turner. You know, so that if he and his girlfriend wanted to take all of the electives, they could?" Moody twitted.
Albus winced, and strengthened his Occlumency shields.
"Well, the Potter's hold a seat I don't want him to lose. Not his fault if his guardian takes him away. Despite what he might say as the reason." Albus condescended.
"I think you really believe that, Albus. How very sad for you. Good day, and don't be surprised if you see curse-breakers in and out of the school. Fudge is supporting the governors over your objections. There is to be a curse-breaking contest for the DADA post curse. And guess what? The best way to keep the students safe from 'the strangers' was to ask for a magical oath. Who would have thought of that?" Amelia pointed to her office door in clear dismissal.
She didn't want him wringing his hands, and trying to come up with half-baked excuses. She had enough in her time, and wondered if she, Augusta and Naricssa couldn't come up with a coven to exorcize this demon from Hogwarts.
The man left without another word.
**OO**
"Guess he doesn't love me anymore." Moody growled.
"You're going to this Will-reading? If Potter does show, which I doubt, protect the boy? Please? I owe Black. At least some of the drain on my budget will stop. I had no idea that Black was secretly listed as active. But I'm not going to complain about him being paid when it was the government who put him there. Small compensation for his time. Believe it or not, I truly thought he had a trial and was guilty."
"Me too. I mean, I owe him. Fudge throwing Hagrid in Azkaban without a trial was a mistake."
"How are you doing on your task?"
"Nearly done. Most prisoners not only had fair trials, but demanded Veritaserum so they could spout their Dark gibberish. Only the most obsessed of the Death Eaters were imprisoned due to Albus' pleas for the Greater Good of society. The rest, like Lucius, got away with murder. For a time." Moody shared.
"Well, I know that Lady Malfoy didn't do it. She's taken a magical oath. And there was no trace of her in that cottage. Only Mina Edgecombe's and Lucius Malfoy's magic was detected." Amelia informed.
"Unless telling the elf to throw away the valuable trinket counts as part of it? That sounds like jealousy, and nothing more. Theft maybe, but the gold came from her own vault, so not even that." Moody shook his head, "I'd blamed Snape after hearing about her kissing him, but she'd nearly lost her son. And I know she wasn't stepping out on him. Black wedding contracts. He could cheat after the heir was conceived, but she couldn't."
"Typical, typical." The witch shook her head.
"I'll watch out for Potter. I'm going to send him a copy of this in case his godfather decides to visit them."
"MOODY!" Amelia shouted. "Please tell me that you have already figured this out!"
"What?"
"Harry Potter! Alphard clearly took Sirius Black in. Harry Potter didn't generate the evidence, of that I am sure! But he shared, as he wants to openly travel with his godfather. Visit here. Other places."
"Of course! Thank you, Amelia!" Moody chuckled. She was close. Very close.
Moody remembered a late night, alone with James and Sirius, laughing and crying, three sheets to the wind drunk over losing their great uncle Alphard who had been quite a prankster. His body lost, no proof of a crime. The boys had been so distraught.
They'd all toasted his memory.
**OO**
Fudge had been dodging howlers all morning. There he was! His salvation! It was Albus' idea in the first place to send dementors; well, his and Dolores.
His undersecretary was missing that morning, but there was Dumbledore.
"You must help me! They are talking about a special session to remove me from office for trying to have Black Kissed. I didn't know he was innocent!"
Albus put on his concerned face and stroked his beard. "And you are worried? But Cornelius, who could be better than you as Minister?"
Fudge proceeded to tell Dumbledore of several people, all competent who would do well in the position. And then shared the names of several people interested in the position.
Alas, the intersection of those two groups did not a Venn Diagram make.
But it did give Albus some ideas.
"You have my complete support in this, Cornelius. You were trying to do what was best for all of society. Too bad that no one knew that dementors would attack a child."
And that's when Fudge knew. He was going to be blamed for everything. Thirty years of public service, and it was all naught.
Why had he gone along with that idea to begin with?
**OO**
AMA
Aufrer told him the following Monday that Harry should not, under any circumstances, make the commander so mad again.
Harry defended,"What? Because I didn't die? I didn't activate the portkey!"
"I know. If you had, you would have been taken to the infirmary. He knows it. Everyone does. But everyone also saw the snake bite you. Several times."
"I think I can explain that. The basilisk. I got bit by that, healed with phoenix tears and survived. So, what's anything compared to that?"
The Mameluke nodded. "Miss Granger doesn't want a flying carpet anymore, I hear."
Harry was miffed at that, "It's not fair. She wasn't even there!"
"And it is a good thing that she was not, otherwise your magic might have destroyed the snake there, splattering everyone. Including her."
Harry shook his head. "I really am sorry, but I don't know what I could have done better. The snake would have killed Dan if it had bit him."
The guard patted his back, "Or me. I won't forget that. Look at your memory in a pensieve. You might have done all of the right things and still feel that way, young mage."
Harry sent homemade treats to the guardroom as an apology, and a weekend to a nice resort for the guard commander and a guest.
But he hoped that he wouldn't have to use his school portkey anytime soon. They were powerful for a reason.
**OO**
Cairo
After school on Monday, Dan bought a racing carpet for Harry. Dan couldn't fly it alone, and it really only sat four adults comfortably, but it was sleek, fast, and done in vivid crimson and vibrant gold.
It was perfect for school carpet racing.
And had no Carpet Vipers from Burton or uptown Vashon either.
Harry tried to pay for it, but Dan insisted. He also bought the one that squibs could use. He got both carpets for a good price, and the shop owner taught them how to use both.
The vendor was most apologetic about the snake, and said that he would ask for help from the school to put up some wards.
He had tried himself, and collected a few snakes that were now hissing in a basket.
Harry took that off his hands and called for a school genie.
"Do you know if the zoo would like some magical snakes? Do you know who I should ask?"
The blue genie was less than happy with the lidded hissing basket, but popped away with the slithering container.
Valuable free snakes were appreciated, and the school received a nice donation from the maharajah's purser.
**OO**
Maharajah's Palace
As was traditional, the first class of magical creatures was held in the Magical Menagerie of the Palace of the Maharajah.
He gave generously to the school, would acquire new animals upon request, if available, and was generally seen as a sponsor of the arts.
His personal secretary welcomed Harry of House Black and gave him a voucher for the tearoom and gift shoppe in appreciation for some of the new critters added to the potions research department of the palace.
Harry was of course drawn to the reptile house, and the couple went there first. Hermione was attracted to a mewing sound, and the assistant was petting something. As Harry got closer he heard words as well.
"ƺBehind the ears a bit more. There, there. Ahhh.ƺ"
Harry was shocked. What was that! It had the face of a kitten, but the body of a snake.
"This is a Hoogtraal's Coon Cat, of course. Venomous, but can be tamed with the right handling. I am immune to most poisons, but I ask that you keep your distance." The lady Docent requested.
The snake purred at Harry, "ƺI would never bite a speaker, even if I was shedding. Hello Speaker.ƺ"
Harry looked up, "Oh, please sir. She likes me. May I?"
"ƺHello Kitty.ƺ" Harry couldn't resist, and didn't wait for a response to his request. The snake was purring, the assistant did not try to stop his approach.
Harry conversed with the kitty-snake briefly, making sure it was happy and well fed. The cat said that she had a suitable servant who gave her fat mice to eat and was content.
"I've never seen him react like that before. Parselmouth? If you are interested in a job when you're older, you should talk to the manager."
"Ma'am? It's a female snake, just to let you know. And she likes you as well." No way Harry telling her that the snake thought of her as a servant.
The assistant then continued her spiel to the students there, answering questions at the end.
"That was very…odd." Hermione looked a little sick.
"What? Clearly an experimental animal that took, don't you think? Minotaurs are real. Centaurs. I wonder if they have one of those scorpion people here. You know. Like a centaur, only with an engorged scorpion body! That would be so brill to see one. Too bad we never really got a chance to talk to the British centaurs. 'Mars is bright?' I didn't get their lingo."
"Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra." Hermione said.
"Temba, his arms wide." Harry replied.
The couple hugged.
This, this more than anything, proved to Harry that no other witch would ever match him. Hermione was his witch.
She beamed at him, and they went on to the next display.
**OO**
Black Villa
While the teens were at school, the parchment came. The first was from the ICW, letting Sirius know that a terrible injustice had been done to him. They would be investigating Albus Dumbledore's actions in this matter.
They gave him parchment to carry with him when traveling that would let any officer of the law know that he was a free man.
Sirius was so glad Harry wasn't home at the time, as he broke down weeping. Daisy came over and sat on the arm of his chair, hugging his upper arm.
She gave him a minute, and then told him a joke that Dobby told her that Alphard made up. It was one that no 'highborn' lady would ever repeat, and was just so incongruous coming from her that he nearly fell out of his chair laughing.
Not so much at the joke but how Daisy said it.
The man hugged the elf gently and blessed her for being so good to him.
Then the box rang again. Fudge's letter had come through. Not as nicely worded but the notice would be going out in the press that he was innocent.
Oh, and it was never too early to donate to his re-election fund. With Lucius' terrible murder, he had a spot on his 'inner circle' and offered Sirius a place in it.
Lord Black made a copy of the letter to send immediately to Amelia, double checking that it was first, sincere, and second, let her know that other people than Lucius were likely buying Fudge.
And he didn't mean the confection.
Her note back was of appreciation for the headaches he caused her, but she did let him know that she had put articles in several papers, muggle and magical of his exoneration.
Sirius tried to find the missing whiskey that was not in the whiskey decanter. That was iced tea. Again.
Daisy!
The free elf had been told that alcohol and his therapy didn't mix, and alcohol wasn't really supposed to be imported to this region.
She had taken to putting whiskey-colored beverages of all sorts into fancy crystal decanters. And Sirius couldn't find the real stuff!
Daisy included home-made headache draughts back to Amelia with the thank you note that Sirius had written after giving up on the quest for something potable.
Instead, she got him to promise to ride out to the school on his bicycle to watch Harry practice that football game when the children were back from their field trip in a few hours.
Daisy had threatened Dobby in regards to messing with the round ball used for matches, and Dobby hung his head. He'd been caught.
Harry's scoring might have suffered a little after that first practice, but every goal earned since then was really his own efforts.
**OO**
Maharajah's Palace
Hermione and Harry took both pictures and notes on the runes of the 'endangered enclosure.'
A man with a beard and nearly as tall as Hagrid, but with a thinner and more spindly build, came out to explain the next display.
"These are misunderstood beasties. They are. Hunted near to extinction. You have to have a special license to hunt one of these beauties. Can they be dangerous? Sure, but then so can yer dear Aunt Sally given provocation!"
"Daryl! What are you doing out here? This is my display!"
"Sure it is, but you're going to tell all these good folk why we're deliberately hunting them to extinction. Beautiful animals! It's wrong! Wrong!"
A different person, shaking their head, and carrying what appeared to be a bucket of chicken bits with blood, handed the bucket over, and pointed to a nearby enclosure.
Hermione whispered in Harry's ear, "Does Hagrid have a brother that we don't know about?"
"Seems likely. Who knows what other family is around? This area was a huge attraction for many Brits." Harry whispered back.
Hermione nodded as the official Docent started the lecture on the dangers of a wild nundu; how to avoid them, how to ward tents against them, and how to kill them from a distance if necessary.
And when they attacked, it was you or them. The display was a bit graphic for some of the more sensitive students, but Harry thought it amazing.
Where was this sort of thing when he had to face a basilisk alone?
**OO**
They had a special exhibit from Gringotts that day; one of their fire-breathing guard dragons. Unlike the British ones, these were neither blind nor slaves, but free to come and go.
Thieves would be foolish to try and find their deep cavern entrances, and such a guardian would know who was welcome…and who was welcome to be their snack.
Harry never realized that he slipped into parseltongue when he said, ƺ"You are so beautiful! Your scales! Your wings! You are one magnificent lady."ƺ
ƺ"Speaker? Well, of course I am. I am Forsasha, of the clan that guards Gringotts. I remember you from the races. You cheered for me. And gave me tasty snacks."ƺ
ƺ"I'm Harry, just Harry. Well, of clan Black I suppose. It's so nice to see you again."ƺ
ƺ"That is a good, strong clan. I have met Goldrub. He is an honorable goblin. But you should beware, Speaker Harry of clan Black: You have enemies in the caverns there."ƺ
ƺ"Yeah, I saw. Maybe we shouldn't have come. But this school seems so much safer than Hogwarts where I came from."ƺ
ƺ"All the world is dangerous, friend Speaker. The key to safety is to know your enemies and kill them before they can kill you."ƺ
Harry pondered her words. How to explain that if he just went around killing people like Lucius Malfoy, he'd get locked up.
ƺ"May I visit you again, Friend Forsasha? You are so lovely. I would treasure a scale from you the next time you shed."ƺ
ƺ"At least you ask. Others come and take."ƺ
To the amazement of the crowd, the opalescent being took one of her bright white scales from under a vestigial wing, and gave it to Harry.
ƺ"I like you, Harry of Clan Black. Come and visit me anon. I will give you and your mate a ride through a sea of sand. Bring your breathing apparatus."ƺ
He bowed deeply in gratitude. She then jumped, propelling herself with flame like a jet engine, impossibly high, and dove into the sands of the enclosure.
Within moments, she was completely gone.
"Do you think that maybe Frank Herbert was a squib, traveling in the desert and saw that?" Hermione breathed in awe.
"Maybe so. Wow. Just wow. Did you see that Hermione? She invited us to go riding. Again. She is the same dragon from the giant Wyrm race that I told you about. I need to bring you with us the next time we go."
Harry moved the scale in his hands back and forth, its pearly opalescence mesmerizing.
**OO**
Hermione shuddered as she read the progressive signs with information on the Giant Sand Wyrms. Their diet was one thing, but their method of travel?
They dove through the sand, creating a magical shield that supposedly protected any riders and eased the wyrm's passage through the sand. Harry had told Hermione about the races; the riders were not immediately ejected when going underground. But, but…how scary would that be, being under the sand like that?
And fire from both ends? Harry was a bit like Hagrid, the girl thought, in terms of making friends with the dangerous.
Hermione would not be accepting any racing or riding invitations anytime soon.
**OO**
Being free to walk around as Sirius Black again had the man planning to go to London with Harry for the Will-reading.
They were being asked for help, as Hogwarts wouldn't unstick Salazaar's portrait from above the fireplace in the Slytherin common room, and Severus wanted to unlock an inner room in the Chamber of Secrets.
Severus had no idea that Albus had locked Salazar in on purpose.
**OO**
Narcissa had finally gotten to go to Azkaban. Moody had offered to escort her and Andi, as he had an errand to finish on the men's side of the prison.
This gave 'Cissa an idea. She warned her sister that the basilisk had been killed, and Dumbledore and Moody were going to be scouring the Chamber of Secrets as soon as they found a parselmouth.
Bella shrieked, "No! They can't! Our master's familiar is hidden there! Wait! I have a memory you can use to get in and rescue her!
"Go to Gringotts! I've hidden my key to my vault in your personal study, it's taped in the second year charms book. Give the gold to Draco, but there's a cup. You must keep it safe!"
"I will sister. I will. Oh, before I go, Imperio. Tell me truly! Does the master have anything else like the cup?"
She told everything to her sister, everything she knew. Narcissa then cast the memory charm. No one heard anything around them either.
"Obliviate."
They were close. So close. A Peverell ring? Why would that evil being ruin a Peverell ring with a horcrux?
**OO**
A/N: Story recommend: Your story recommendation here -
**OO**
A/N: Story recommendation: Kind reader csheila recommends Head Boy Potter by Katjor. One shots showing Harry making changes by befriending first years.
Summary: Harry as head boy cracks down on bullying and decides that he's going to help improve the relations between the houses. The first years happen to find a special place in his heart though as he helps them with their first year. A series of one-shots.
s/10942945/1/Head-Boy-Potter
**OO**
I have lost who recommended this - thank you, kind reader! PM me, and I will add the credit.
A/N: Story recommendation: Return To Life By: potter8668
Someone asked me to try my hand at doing a story about one of Harry's parents either remaining alive or in a coma or something. This is my result. James Potter returns to life thanks to his wife Lily but not when he was supposed to. Instead it was a few years later, only to find that nothing was correct. It was now time to live up to his heritage. Dumbledore bashing. James P centric
s/13890906/7/Harry-Potter-and-the-DMLE
**OO**
Alexandria Magical Académie (AMA)
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
﷼Arabic language
Dhareef al-Siddique - O & D professor
Taliba female Student. Talab was the male form.
Mushkila, trouble