Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter (though I very much wish I did), I don't even own Charlus Potter who is actually a canon character :(

Warning: There is minor language, I never did quite understand what was considered bad language, so while I'm sure most teens and older have seen much worse than 'damn', I've been advised to still slap a warning on just in case it does offend anyone. While there isn't a copious amount, be warned there are in places, minor language (is it even considered minor?).

Just a note for those who didn't see in the previous chapter, Charles has been changed to Charlus, as according to the wiki, Dorea Black married Charlus Potter, and I debated over it before deciding it was easier to edit previous chapters then try and remake the family tree. Sorry about all the editing that's been going on, only I don't have a beta reader, and things I miss the first time always seem to pop up after I've posted the chapter.

Also sorry it's taken to long to post the next chapter, I'm a university student and so I've gotten caught up in student life.

Anyways, enjoy :)

~~BREAKLINE~~

Chapter 3: The Mastermind is always a Woman

1981, 7th November, Ministry of Magic, Court Room 10 Side Room

Of course, as with all good things, the moment doesn't last long, and Charlus Potter goes from delighted father reuniting with his lost son to a raging dragon within seconds, and James found himself on the receiving end of his father's wrath. While not often seen, Charlus Potter's temper was legendary in all circles, and many went out of their way to avoid upsetting the Potter patriarch.

"You foolish, stupid, arrogant, twit of a child, what on earth possessed you into thinking it was a good plan to become a Death Eater, did you even use that brain of yours or is your head as hollow as Severus always claimed it was! Do you know how much your mother and I went though? Everyone was telling me to disown you as soon as those lists were published. You fool!" Word after word spilled out of his father's mouth, as the man released the burdens of the heavy years of grief he endured. The others stood to the side, allowing the man to have his say, there would be angry scolding from them later, for now, they let the man make his peace.

Despite this, James took the brunt of his father's rage with a stony face, having once again gotten control of his emotions, locking them tightly within himself, though the mention of his mother made him flinch slightly. If James was honest with himself, he couldn't identify the emotion that he had locked in himself, it had been a long time since he had felt emotions beyond amusement and anger. He knew he had been shocked to see his father sitting in the court room, but anything beyond shock was an emotion he had long since forgotten.

James noted his father was still ranting in his soft spoken voice, never raising his voice but still able to convey the huge amounts of anger, grief and relief he felt. Orion had discreetly cast privacy wards, judging from the lack of reporters nosing about, though the news would be plastered all over the Daily Prophet tomorrow. He'd expect nothing less from Rita Skeeter.

"Why did you do this?" Sirius asked quietly, eyes narrowed at his father, who, while had released him from the bone crushing hug he had been greeted with, still hadn't let go. It was as if he almost didn't believe Sirius was in his arms. "I do not claim to know what you have endured and suffered, but at least allow me to reduce some of that burden from you, my child. I cannot blame you for what your Mother had wrought; you have saved your brother from what is the equivalent of slavery," Despite the words meant to sooth, all Sirius felt was dread, his father didn't know what had happened to his mother, that was the only reason Sirius could see for why he still had his father's favour.

"The question isn't why, it's how, we aren't some lower ranked outer circle members, we're inner circle, the things we've done, the things I've done…you can't just erase that. All we left behind in our wake were widows, orphans and death. Why aren't those families demanding justice right now?" James asked quietly, he had known the consequences and had been fully prepared to accept the punishment. He still didn't understand how his father had secured what was essentially a slap on the wrist.

"I merely called in a few favours, something I often wish you had the ability to do," Charlus said mournfully, knowing that none of his current associates would accept James, even if they voted to pardon him of his crimes. "Don't forget you let a little gold slip on the side, and if I remember right, the amount of secrets people don't want to be released publically all seem to be written in that little notebook you like so much." Orion added sardonically, voice dripping with amusement.

"Well, I can't claim all the credit; after all, I certainly have no influence on Dark families such as the Malfoys, that was all Orion's doing." Charlus added, nodding to the taller man. "So in the end, it took bribes, blackmail and influence," James said.

"More than that, your circumstances did help things, protecting ones family and blood appeals to a lot of purebloods, especially those that understand that sometimes, to do the right thing, one must first do the wrong thing," Charlus said, anger finally under control once more. "But even so, yes, there was rather a lot of bribes and blackmail involved,"

"Now come, your mother is waiting, and I am sure both Mr Lupin and Mr Pettigrew have some firm words for you, though that can wait till we return to the manor, we can't risk nosy reporters overhearing now can we?" Charlus added cheerfully, and if anyone else was watching, they wouldn't have believed the man was a ball of rage mere moments before. Regulus lit up at the prospect of leaving the Ministry, dragging Sirius with him as he went ahead towards the floo exits, babbling about all that had happened while the two were apart. Sirius, who hadn't seen his brother for three years, was content to let himself be dragged, smiling at the joy his brother was showing, completely unlike his usual pureblood mask.

The trio of Severus Snape, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew followed at a more sedated pace, though they too were eager to leave, the tension of the day finally draining out of them now that they knew their friends were no longer in danger of being thrown in Azkaban. Despite both Sirius and James' attempts, the rest of the Marauders hadn't given up on their friends. To Remus, the two were forever part of his pack, even now, when they smelt of dark, foreboding things, and not even the sharp smell of the dark mark on their forearms would convince him to abandon his pack members.

Peter Pettigrew on the other hand, was both overjoyed and horrified about the return of the duo, though that horror stemmed more from the blank look on James' face, which reflected no emotion, even now, when he was free. Unlike the others, Peter had gone to watch the other trials, one part for his job as a member of the Witch Watchers, one part curiosity for while he had been a scout and spy during the war, he never had to get close to the battlefield, and thus, had never truly seen Death Eaters up close and personal. Throughout the trials, as he documented each Death Eater for the department, he had seen all kinds of witches and wizards, from the truly insane and fanatical, to the downright greedy and backstabbing. He had never seen a Death Eater like James or Sirius though, who distanced themselves from their emotions. He wondered what was going to happen when the emotions do catch up to them, though knew when it did, he would also be there to help.

Severus on the other hand, had been contemplating the problem that was Harry James Snape. Now that James and Sirius was free, though under the supervision of both Lord Potter and Lord Black, as well as Headmaster Dumbledore, he could turn to his other concerns, including the problem of returning to work. While his department had been lenient in giving him paid leave, the department was still short handed, having lost a number of good wizards in the war, and with both rogue Death Eater and Dark Wizards not associated with You-Know-Who still loose, his superior and captain had firmly requested, which basically meant ordered, he returned to work as soon as possible. That still left the question of who would look after baby Harry, now that his mother was no longer there to do so.

Behind them, James walked with his father and Orion, waiting for the moment they would be out of earshot of the others ahead. "We aren't like those misguided little fools who follow in the Dark Lord's shadow, hoping for some of his praise but fearing his even a drop of his anger. You should have just sent us to Azkaban," James muttered quietly, making sure Remus' sensitive ears didn't pick up his words. His father looked at him sadly, seeing his child for who he was for the first time in five years.

"You may have forgotten what love feels like, but I for one, have not, and for good or ill, you are my son and I love you. I will always be there to help you, even if you think you do not need it or want it," Charlus said, cupping James face in his hands, letting his son see the truth in his eyes. James in turn, looked away, unable to respond to the open love the man had on his face. "You will regret this one day," James said softly, eyes staring ahead. "No, I don't think I will," Charlus disagreed, allowing himself a true smile, something he didn't have the luxury of ever since the list with his son's name on was published. His son was coming home, after five long years; his son was finally coming home. Charlus Potter savoured the moment, knowing that nothing could ruin the high he felt.

No one paid attention to the large, fat blue beetle, with rather distinct antenna scurrying around behind them.

~~BREAKLINE~~

1981, 7th November, Potter Manor, Main Living Room

Dorea Potter née Black was quietly rocking baby Harry, who Augusta Longbottom had dropped off earlier that day, as she waited for her husband and her nephew to return. Having only been born 9 years after her, Orion Black felt more like a cousin then a nephew, though they had only started talking again recently, for while the Potter name was an old and respected pureblood name, it was also not a 'Dark' family, something a Black shouldn't be associating with according to those who were particularly zealous within the family. She had never liked Walburga, and she knew the only reason she hadn't been blasted off the family tree for marrying into the Potter's was due to her seniority over Walburga. The woman dare not try and disown a woman who was both her senior and had committed no 'crime'.

The thought that something Walburga had thought up had dragged James, her son, into it caused her no ends of grief and anger, and she knew that if it wasn't for the fact that Walburga was already dead, she would have put the woman into a grave herself. As it was, she often took delight in throwing particularly insulting words at the portrait of Walburga stuck up in the Black's London manor. It didn't help matters that she had taken a liking to Sirius, her great-nephew, as well when James had brought him over to the Potter's manor after their first year. Sirius had been a happy, playful child, completely the opposite of what she expected a child of Walburga would be like (she had later met Regulus and realised that Walburga's claws had simply sunk deeper into Sirius' brother instead).

If all went well, her husband would be returning with her child, and as soon as she got her hands on those two fools, she was going to show them that she was still a Black, no matter what her family name was now. As if sensing her patience was at a limit, the fireplace lit up, turning green as people stepped though the floo one by one. Regulus was first, followed by Sirius, both landing gracefully, as befitting heirs of powerful, noble houses. Severus followed, his training meaning he too, landed without much hassle. Sirius had moved to catch the next person through, who was Remus, the man landing awkwardly as Sirius helped steady the man. It seemed that some things never changed. A rat scurried out of Remus' pocket, before shifting back into Peter, who had apparently decided he'd rather hitchhike. Finally, her nephew stepped through, followed by her husband and her son.

Handing Harry over to an awaiting Severus, she marched the three strides across to the fireplace, completely ignoring both Orion and Charlus, stopping to strand in front of one James Potter, face carefully blank. Her husband was like a dragon, when angry, his temper was spectacular, with all the rage and explosions befitting a Gryffindor of his status. She on the other hand, had always been a Slytherin, like all her family, and so, she was going to let her son squirm for a bit, it always had as much an impact as her husband's rage after all.

"So, the prodigal son returns, and not crawling back begging forgiveness either. You would have gone to Azkaban if not for your father. Yet you walk in here without a hint of regret. So arrogant, even now, you walk with that cloak of arrogance, but I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised, after all, no one dared to knock you off that self made throne of yours, did they?" Both Mother and Son stood and stared at each other, eyes the same colour and shape bore into each other, both cold and steeled clashing as the two stared each other down. They both knew, James Potter had far more things, personality wise, in common with his Mother then his Father, though he had gotten his Father's sense of courage rather than his Mother's sense of self preservation.

Eventually, James turned away, he could never really stare into his Mother's eyes for long, for as cold as they were, there was still the spark of love, and looking into them only reminded him of the things he had resolved to leave behind that day on the Hogwarts Express years ago. Sirius silently slid next to him, hand clutching the edge of his robe sleeves.

He looks like a lost child Dorea noted absently. Sirius had never looked like a small child before, growing up in Walburga's house meant that Sirius, as eldest and heir, had grown up faster than most children, while other purebloods were spoiled, often entering Hogwarts with a haunty attitude (even James), Sirius had entered with hidden bitterness and a growing need to rebel. She wasn't sure if he was a Gryffindor because he possessed the traits of a Gryffindor or if he had merely wanted to spite his family. He was vindictive like that.

"We didn't ask you to interfere," Sirius said quietly, though James had positioned himself so that Sirius was behind him, acting as a physical shield. While both men were well built, James had the broader shoulders and larger physical presence, the build of a chaser. Sirius in comparison was leaner, having been built for agility and flexibility.

"And what would you have us do? Abandon you to rot away in Azkaban?" Remus suddenly roared, finally allowing his hold over the wolf to falter, now that they weren't in danger of being overheard. It had taken considerable control to not allow his instincts to take over, the danger to his pack mates grated at his senses, the urge to whip out a wand and curse the ones keeping them from leaving into oblivion had been strong, only Peter's sense in taking his wand away and Severus' constant warning glares kept him from doing so. Now there was no one to stop him, Remus decided it was his turn to wring the two out.

"Yes, that is exactly what you should have done!" James snapped, anger finally getting the better of him. "Why anyone wants the stain of being associated with known Death Eaters is beyond me, and don't argue that we aren't known, the only ones more infamous then us is the Lestrange's, I thought I made myself clear years ago. I have no ties to the Potter family, it is merely your own stubbornness that I even keep my name at all. I waited for that letter every day, every day without fail, I would check for that letter, telling me I was disowned, that I wasn't a son of the House of Potter. Why did you think we disbanded the marauders? We didn't want the names of Lupin and Pettigrew to always be linked to murderous Death Eaters because of silly school friendships,"

So caught up in his rage, James did not see it coming, until his cheek stung, he head whipped to the side. All he could hear was Remus Lupin's snarls, and turning back to look at the werewolf, he noted that the man's eyes were already glowing amber, hand still raised from where he had punched James across the face. "Don't you ever say it was a silly school friendship, don't you dare tell me you studied for five years to master Animagus transformations on a whim," the man said quietly.

"Did you think you were protecting us? Somehow keeping us safe, that because of your loyalty You-Know-Who wouldn't come after our lives?" Remus snarled, canines baring themselves at James.

"No, we made sure of that ourselves," Sirius said, drawing some of Remus' anger off James and onto himself. "The Dark Lord had been negotiating with many werewolf pack Alpha's, he already had given Fenrir Greyback enough incentive to ally with him and he was gaining more influence in the communities, fast. You know he was Moony, we've heard you were travelling around the different packs. We couldn't let him Moony, he would have made all werewolves lives hell, we couldn't let the Dark Lord do that to you Moony,"

Remus looked at Sirius with a look of growing shock and horror, the implications of what the man said slowly sinking in. Around him, looks of varying degrees of horror were setting in, only those who did not know about the incidents Sirius was referring to, watched in silent confusion.

"Prongs, Padfoot, tell me you didn't. Tell me you did not do what I think you did," Remus whispered softly, even as tears gathered in his eyes. "Damn it Padfoot, tell me you didn't!" Remus screamed, hands gripping Sirius' robes, slamming him into the wall. "I did, and in the exact same situation, I'd do it again," Sirius said. That was enough for Remus, who released the man, sobs raking though his body, even while he still clenched Sirius' robes.

"How could you Padfoot, how could you, those were innocent people, they did nothing wrong," Remus sobbed.

"I hate to break this up but…what is he talking about?" Peter asked nervously.

"It was covered up, I don't think much of the Ministry knows there even was an incident, let alone its consequences. After all, those pro-werewolf laws we have came from this incident. In fact, I only know because I was one of the Hit Wizards sent on scene as soon as it was reported. As for the incident…he is talking about the massacre of the only werewolf safe haven in Britain, a quaint village no bigger than Hogsmeade called Canifis. No man, woman or child were alive, the entire area was lit up with the Dark Mark." Severus explained.

This only brought up a new round of sobbing from Remus, who had found friends in the town hidden from all, and had finally been coming to terms with what he was. That had been snatched from him one dark, grisly night, when he had tried to floo to the town inn and found he was blocked out only to hear later that the town no longer existed. Even now, the area that had once been a safe haven for all werewolves fleeing muggles and wizards alike, was now a deserted ghost town, no one daring to restore what had been marked by You-Know-Who.

"Why?" Remus asked though sobs.

"Because no sane werewolf associated with the Dark Lord after that, because the ministry realised werewolves were just as vulnerable as wizards and witches, because I'd rather murder entire populations of innocent people then see you forced into the same position we were," Sirius replied apathetically, honestly feeling no regret about any of his actions. They had protected their best friend. That was what had been important, nothing more, nothing less.

"So…are you horrified enough to disassociate with us now?" Sirius asked brightly, smile blooming across his face. "You wish," Remus snarled back, stalking across the room in a manner similar to a wolf stalking its prey. "You're still my pack, regardless of what you've done. Any werewolf will understand that, even if a pair of idiotic wizards don't," Remus said, giving the duo a pointed look.

"The fallout will be terrible," James warned, eyes darkening. He honestly couldn't understand their stubbornness; there was more benefit to discarding himself and Sirius then to cling onto the duo. "I was already used to prejudice, the Ministry were all for rounding up all of Britain's werewolves and shipping them off to Azkaban or some other remote island in the middle of nowhere. One more reason for their distain isn't going to kill me," Remus said, brushing off their hidden concern with careless ease. That didn't mean he forgave them for what they had done, but he wasn't the type to hold every little thing against them, they would have had a falling out years ago if he had.

"Let us worry about that," Orion said, dark eyes gleaming with a sort of anticipation at a particularly difficult challenge. Orion had always found challenges amusing, especially ones that made a fool of those he deemed fools yet stubbornly portrayed themselves as competent. "I already have an agreement with the Malfoys, who as you know own many of the wizarding worlds magazine companies, and Xenophilius owes Charlus a few favours, not many people know the Potter's have a share in The Quibbler, besides he's far too busy these days looking after his daughter. Really, the only paper stupid enough to print anything is the Prophet, but not even Skeeter would dare,"

"If all goes according to plan, you're names will appear on the list of people cleared of being willing Death Eaters, you didn't leave behind enough witnesses to contest the story. You didn't leave behind widows and orphans, only corpses and death." Charlus said sadly, truly upset that so many had died, whole families gone, because his son no longer knew the meaning of mercy. "I choose you James, no matter how much you try to change my mind, I will not be swayed."

James could see the conviction on his father's eyes, there truly was no turning back now that they had gotten this far. "Very well, I hope you do not live to regret your actions," James said. Dorea smiled at the declaration, hands clapping together to get the attention of everyone in the room. "Now that's sorted, let's eat, I know they don't feed prisoners well, and the rest of you didn't even stop for breakfast this morning," she declared, arms linking together with Charlus and James, dragging the two towards the main dining room. James let himself be dragged, sharing a look with Sirius, both smiling softly at the small sense of home they felt.

It wasn't according to plan, they had both been more then prepared to be discarded away, but somehow, the fact that they hadn't been, brought a sense of hope, something they hadn't let themselves feel for a long time.

~~BREAKLINE~~

1981, 8th November, Potter Manor, Main Dining Room

The scene that greeted the marauders as they came down from the family wing, wasn't the pleasant morning that they had hoped for, but a rather chaotic flurry of activity, Charlus was busy firecalling a number of people, Orion was also in the dining room, a flurry of letters being sent and received.

The previous night, Sirius had refused to return to Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Regulus had then insisted on staying with his brother, not truly believing that Sirius wouldn't disappear if he looked elsewhere. Eventually, only Orion left, he was still the Head of the House of Black and had postponed any business he would have normally conducted to attend the trial. Severus had wanted to leave, as he was still a target for leftover Death Eaters wishing for revenge, but the Potter's quickly pointed out their wards were just as strong as any other purebloods of their status and more importantly, they had three fully trained battle wizards (even if two of them were former Death Eaters) and could more than easily fend of attacks from zealous outer ring members.

As James had predicted, the fallout the morning after was large, messy and all around scandalous.

Scattered on the table was a collection of every newspaper, magazine and printed word that was published that morning. Sat on the very top, with pictures depicting the trial, was the Daily Prophet, the headlines declaring the very reason the entire house was in the flurry.

DEATH EATERS WALK FREE, SHOCKING BEHIND THE SCENE'S EXTORTION BY OUR SOCIETIES HIGHEST MEMBERS

By Rita Skeeter

Following yesterday's shocking trial, certain facts about our society's highest members came to light, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. As I am sure many readers are aware of, yesterday's main trial was that of the notorious duo, Sirius Black, 22, and his fellow Death Eater, James Potter, 21. I am sure, that walking into the trial, I was thinking the same thing many of you were also thinking, that they would be thrown in Azkaban for life. Imagine my surprise, when the Potter family lawyer walks into the room, and then proceeds to defend these heinous criminals, citing excuses such as protecting ones family and pleas of coercion!

Dear readers, you must be thinking how outrageous, surely Lord Potter was there to condemn his wayward son, not attempt to allow him to walk free, and yet, before my eyes, the Potter family lawyer, Bartley Burke, silver tongue of the lawyer world himself, talked circles around main prosecutor Barty Crouch Sr. However, Potter and Black's crimes are well known, being the youngest within You-Know-Who's inner circle, our Wizengamot would surely not be swayed by such sly words. Alas, my faith was shaken, for Potter and Black indeed walked free, to the delight of both Lords Potter and Black, and close family members, including, shockingly, Severus Snape, who, as we know, is due to be awarded another Order of Merlin, First Class.

Such a miscarriage of justice, as a reporter, I could not sit and accept the verdict. After many hours of investigating, I finally found the shocking truth, our most respected members, Lords of Noble and Ancient families, had blackmailed, bribed and silenced any who would dare speak out against this injustice!

However, this reporter will not be swayed, I will stand by the truth and report it exactly as it happens, dear readers, stay tuned, by the time Rita Skeeter is finished, justice will be served!

For full trial coverage, turn to page 2…

"I didn't give her enough credit, she's more daring then I thought," James said, skimming through the article. There wasn't actually much in the article itself, no mention of sources, none of the misquoted interviews Skeeter was notorious for. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that there HAD been a large quantity of blackmail and bribes involved, James would have thought Skeeter had pulled the story out of a hat.

"I don't get it, why did Skeeter leave out her sources?" Sirius asked, head tilted ever so slightly as he read through the article. "Fear of the wrath of Lord Potter maybe?" James muttered to Sirius, as he nodded towards where Charlus Potter was talking rapidly into the floo, sounding angry and just the tiny bit flustered. "I doubt that would stop Skeeter, it always sounds more creditable with misquoted interviewees backing the story," Severus said sarcastically, having picked up parts of the duos conversation.

"She does sell paper's better than any other journalist at the Daily Prophet, I suppose she thinks that makes her untouchable," Remus said from where he had been sipping his morning tea, while he rarely had the chance to drink tea of the quality the Potter's had, when he did, he tended to savor it, ignoring the flurry of activity around him. Peter had also started writing to contacts in the ministry, Skeeter's sources couldn't hide from the Witch Watcher's any better than Death Eater's could.

"She doesn't have sources,"

That got everyone's attention, as Charlus stood up from where he had been firecalling his many contacts. "Skeeter not having sources? That can't be right, the woman always has sources," Orion muttered, frowning at Charlus. "My contacts tell me she didn't go and interview anyone, just went straight to her office and started writing. I also checked with every member who we had to…persuade, and they all swear to me they have not said a word,"

"Perhaps, Skeeter merely wrote the most scandalous story she could think of, and by pure chance, it just happened to be reality?" Peter offered. "It doesn't matter where she pulled the story from, she's very popular, and the average sheep of the wizarding world would take her word to be law." Dorea pointed out, a statement that Charlus had to acknowledge held quite a bit of truth.

"We'll just have to discredit her then," Orion said, smirking in a way Sirius recognized as the predatory face his father wore whenever he was about to do a particularly ruthless business deal. "In fact, I have already begun the process of acquiring the Daily Prophet, Skeeter doesn't own the paper after all, and Barnabas was more than happy to sign over the rights to the paper provided he remained Editer-in-chief. Turns out the Prophet took a big loss passing out free newspapers during the war,"

"My friend, I hope it will not burden you if I ask for a full retraction of this morning's paper?" Charlus asked, to which Orion merely grinned further, nodding that it was more than fine. "Miss Skeeter will also need to write a formal apology as well of course. Writing a story without the proper evidence for such accusations, not something a senior veteran journalist should be doing. Perhaps, a demotion is in order as well, she needs to learn not to write such nasty lies about upstanding members of society,"

"It is a shame the war is over, otherwise I would have liked to send such a skilled and experienced reporter onto the warzone, rather than rely on Auror reports. I shall merely have to see if there is any other position that would require a woman of Skeeters…capabilities." Orion said, voice oozing with anticipation.

The rest of the occupants in the room had quietly and subtly slipped further across the dining room, leaving the two lords to plot in the corner. Plausible deniability for when this particular scheme backfired in their faces. Despite the considerable amount of power both wielded, the likelihood was that both would decide the current scheme was far too boring, and eventually Skeeter would end up either incredibly dead, or mentally insane. The original Potter-Black duo could out-do their sons any day. Skeeter wouldn't know what hit her.

~~BREAKLINE~~

1981, 8th November, Diagon Alley, Daily Prophet HQ, Rita Skeeter's Office

It had been the scoop of the century, she had argued, an once in a lifetime opportunity. Those were the stories that would make or break lives, people, careers. And she had been right, the Prophet flew off the shelves, selling out faster than they could print, demand was at an all time high, and all because of her. She had been responsible. Her! Not old Barnabas Cuffe, who didn't know the first thing about writing a proper absolutely scandalous article, or that jealous sow in advice that insisted people bought the paper for her wonderful advice (and here, if Rita hadn't been in a very serious, very important meeting, would have rolled her eyes at the absolute stupidity of the thought that people bought the paper for advice of all things). She had been on a metaphorical high; a giddiness that seeped thought her, flooding her senses with the feeling of triumph, as the press sold out, demand unable to meet the current supply. Witches and Wizards who normally scoffed at the Prophet were buying the paper, even goblins were buying the paper. She was top of the world.

That had been exactly one hour, 14 minutes and 20 seconds ago. Now? Now she was looking at the men who shot her career to unimaginable heights, the men who had manipulated an impartial court to free (because it was freed, even if on paper, there had been punishment) two notorious Death Eaters, the most notorious, if you asked the right people. The men she had been warned never to cross.

She hadn't believed it of course, Orion Black, perhaps, but not Charlus Potter, kindly, warm old man that he was, who had a sweet smile for everyone, and really, how was she suppose to believe the man was a threat when he looked so…not threatening? At this moment however, she could believe it. The once sweet smile currently held a hidden malice, and the normally soft, warm eyes were glowing with a dragon's rage, a deep fire that Rita knew would burn her up until all that was left were ashes. She had made a mistake, Rita realized, she had poked the wrong dragon, and now, she was in the dragon's treasure room, while the dragon was awake, her greed had gotten the better of her.

Charlus Potter, not the kind and gentle Charlus Potter, but Lord Potter, was sat in front of her, without the usual warmth members of society were used to. Had Rita been the type to back down, she might have started asking, even begging for forgiveness. Had she been a Slytherin, she might have considered saving her own skin over her ambition. As it was, the hat had decided she was far braver then she was cunning, though if she was honest, the hat most likely would say something different now then when she had been an 11-year old girl, too scared of the stories of Dark Wizards to let the hat send her to the serpent house. Considering Bellatrix had been in the same year as her, she probably made the right choice.

"Lord Potter, Lord Black, to what do I owe this honor?" First rule of journalism, deny any involvement even as your name is splashed across the papers. Potter had no evidence what she wrote was false, even if she had no evidence what she said was true, and no one knew she was an animagus, there was no chance the two knew she had heard the information straight from their mouths.

"Why, didn't you know, dear Rita? Barnabas was recently bought out, the war was hard on him, he lost his wife and son as you know. He wished to retire and look after his remaining daughter, and well…how could I deny an old friend a request such as this? Charlus was more than happy to lend a hand, so you see, as of…oh…20 minutes ago, we now have majority shares of the Daily Prophet," Black said, smile all teeth and promise that her life would be miserable unless she did something to rectify the matter, fast.

"Well, I suppose congratulations are in order?" Rita asked, fake smile plastered over her face, it had been the first thing she had mastered when she first started her career, an excellent poker face and the winning smile that convinced people everything was ok. "You have, after all, acquired the most lucrative paper in the business." A little flattery also never hurt anyone, Rita always believed.

"Unfortunately, the paper will be going though some rough times, this morning's paper has been recalled and every buyer refunded," Lord Potter said sadly, shaking his head in mock grief at having to reduce the Prophets profits. "An article that had no basis was to blame, you see. This paper sells cold, hard facts Miss Skeeter, not scandals you pulled from thin air to tell a funny little story. Sirius and James were tried in a fair court, headed by impartial judges. The fact that the court was sympathetic enough to allow them to have a considerably reduced sentence was the result of a good lawyer and the courts kindness." Lord Black added, when he saw that Rita had started to protest such an action.

Personally, Orion thought Skeeter was being rather naive, she should have been prepared for such retaliation, she hadn't gone for just any members of society, she had gone for two of the most influential Houses in their society, the only reason she hadn't mysteriously disappeared was more due to any negative impact on Charlus' House then him questioning his morals. His own associates certainly held little care for his methods, viewing his actions as necessity in ensuring his sons release, many would have done the same in his position. Had Bellatrix accepted the help, he was sure his brother in law Cygnus would have done everything in his power to have her released. The only difference between them was that he had been willing to ignore his child's wishes.

"Now Lord Black, I don't know where you heard such nonsense but I assure you, all Prophet articles are completely, 100% fact, even today's front page spread, especially today's front page headlines," Rita's smile had turned rather sharp at this point, she still held all the card's as far as she was concerned, her quick quotes quill recording noisily beside her.

"Let's drop this delicate dance, shall we? We both know Rita Skeeter, all of us here, that you have absolutely no basis for your accusations, no sources, no quotes, no 'witnesses' crawling out of the woodwork. So tell me, Miss Poison Pen, this guarantee of 100% fact. Where. Is. Your. Proof?" Lord Potter ground out, eyes blazing with promises of retribution.

Rita, despite all her bravado, all her talks of how much power she held with her articles, with her quill, flinched at the cold voice that was Lord Potter. The Quill was mightier than the sword but the wand beat them both and as far as she was concerned, both Lord Potter and Lord Black didn't become Heads of House's by being weak. Still, even they wouldn't dare, not in public, not in the open.

"I heard you," she hissed, lowering her voice. "Letting a little gold slip, the little notebook filled with secrets, your…darker contacts, I heard it all,"

Neither man so much as flinched, she had hissed out the words she knew were exactly what the two had said, and yet, neither showed any signs of reaction. It was unnerving, Rita was used to shock, fear, anger, emotions people let slip when their carefully guarded skeletons in the closet were burst open to the world.

"Miss Skeeter, you should consider your next course of action very carefully," Lord Black said, voice betraying nothing, eyes glittering steel. "That information was obtained illegally, of that I have no doubt, there were privacy wards erected, strong ones, so you are either secretly an unspeakable, or a powerful Dark witch, of which I can see you being neither. If we wished to, bringing you before a full Wizengamot court is within our power, and then it will be our word against yours, and I can assure you, that the members of the Wizengamot are far more likely to listen to me then to a woman who's reputation is filled with Poison Pen lies. So tell me, Miss Skeeter, which is it, are you a Dark Witch or an unspeakable? Neither will protect you, either way,"

Rita looked at the two men in front of her, two men who she was beginning to realize, held more power then she had initially believed, and even if she held the ultimate trump card, she didn't feel powerful. In fact, she felt vulnerable, being watched as if prey to a predator, rather than the hunter that she was.

"Come now, I was only doing my job, Lord Black, the Prophet needed the income, surely you see the benefits of today's headlines, the Prophet sold out, I broke every record possible! Surely, a little tarnished reputation is worth the money," Rita said, finally letting her true feelings show. She hadn't cared how the two men had secured their son's release, or why, but the fact remained, it made a brilliantly scandalous story.

"Well then, I hope your own reputation can take a little tarnish, because you will be writing an article for the evening paper, apologizing to the public for such an untrue and inaccurate article." Lord Potter said cheerfully, as if discussing the weather instead of the rest of her career. "This evening's edition…but surely…!"

"Surely what, Miss Skeeter? You had then trial written up by this morning, I'm sure you can manage a simple note like this," Lord Black said pleasantly, as he stood to leave. "A word of advice Miss Skeeter, the next party who discovers your animagus form may not be as forgiving as us," Lord Potter said as he exited; smile once again the soft, gentle once society was used to.

"Oh, and before I forget," Lord Black added, flickering his wand. Rita flinched, however instead of affecting her, there was a blast of heat from beside her, where her quick quotes quill burst into flames, notebook and all. "I trust there are no further questions, Miss Skeeter?" Lord Black smirked, making Rita quiver slightly, wishing nothing more then to wipe the arrogant smirk of his face.

"None," she said through clenched teeth, unable to maintain her sense of calm. She suppose she could have been worse off, without a job or dead in a ditch somewhere, the blame falling on rogue Death Eaters rather than two upstanding members of society. Nodding in satisfaction, Lord Black left, leaving Rita to contemplate what she should do.

She could expose them, she didn't need her notebook for that, she wasn't going to forget that particular encounter anytime soon, she doubts she ever will, Besides, her backup had been scribbling away hiding inside her desk, under more wards then even her home. She spent more time at the office then her humble one bedroom apartment anyways.

She could take the reputation hit, it wasn't like she couldn't, she had enough readers that even if a bit discredited, she wouldn't lose her popularity anytime soon. Still, it was infuriating, the truth was right before her and she couldn't scream it to the world.

Perhaps this was what her mother had felt all the time, also a journalist, though one that exposed real secrets and truths. Her mother had always taught her that the truth was a precious thing, far more precious than money or fame. She had never understood those words, her mother's career had also taken her life, the secrets she dug up finally catching up with her.

I swore never to turn out like her, now look at me Rita thought bitterly, smiling at the irony. Intimidation had never stopped her demanding and stubborn mother, who had given up everything for her job, even her family, and her daughter. All she had was this job, no family to return to and no family or friends to miss her, besides she wasn't about to let two men, powerful men, influential men, but just men all the same, stop her from shooting her career higher than even the stars.

Taking out her hidden notebook and quick quotes quill, flipping though, she noted in satisfaction it had recorded the entire meeting. She'd show them, Rita Skeeter did not bow to intimidation.

That was when she felt the tip of a wand touch her neck.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you,"

~~BREAKLINE~~

1981, November 8th, Potter Manor, Family Dining Room

The screech of an owl filled the room, as a large brown owl flew in, the evening copy of the Daily Prophet clutched in its talons. Anticipation radiated off Charlus, and even Orion was tense, instead of the usual control he held over his emotions. Dorea however, merely ignored it, as she casually kept chatting to Severus, helping him feed Harry, having been used to a much fussier baby then the sweet little thing currently sucking on the warm bottle of milk a house elf had prepared.

Still, while the occupants of the room ignored the owl, two men had greedily grabbed the paper, not able to wait a second longer. Remus made sure to feed and pay the owl, shaking his head, seeing the resemblance between father and child.

The paper's headlines were as Dorea expected it to be, a tearful apology from Rita Skeeter.

MORNING PROPHET RECALLED! RITA SKEETER'S HEARTFELT APOLOGY

By Barnabas Cuffe

Following this morning's shocking headlines, the Daily Prophet has recalled all copies of this morning's issue, refunding all customers, after allegations of false information came to light. Prophet correspondent, Rita Skeeter launched a further investigation into such accusations and found evidence of sources falsifying evidence. Her apology to the public is as follows:

To all my loyal and dear readers,

I truly am sorry that you had read such a false and inaccurate story such as this morning's article. Due to an unreliable source, I was lead to believe that two of our society's most prestigious members had been secretly consorting with Death Eaters and their ilk. I must apologize to you all, the readers, as well as Lord's Potter and Black, for writing such lies, in my haste. Furthermore, I would like to apologize to James Potter and Sirius Black, for my unjust and inappropriate accusations and slander, and I reassure the public that both men were indeed, cleared of being willing Death Eaters.

I truly am sorry for the misunderstanding. This incident has taught this reporter to always confirm source reliability from now on, and I hope will allow me to grow as a journalist.

Sincerely, Rita Skeeter

"That woman can salvage even a dire situation as this morning; perhaps keeping her around isn't so bad an idea after all. If nothing else, she makes a wonderful fixer," Orion noted, having finished reading Rita's attempt at maintaining her reputation while appeasing the two Lords she had offended. "I was expecting her to dig herself a deeper grave, I even left her that second notepad in her desk,"

"Oh stop complaining Orion, the fact she didn't is a blessing, clearly the woman is smarter then you seem to give her credit for. I know you didn't get to use the more…creative part of you little scheme but you should be glad things went right for once, instead of having to fall on the backup plan you two always seem to have," Dorea scolded, patting her nephew's hand gently.

Still, she could tell the two men were sulking, they had been prepared for an entirely different article to be delivered, had been hoping for it in fact. She knew each and every printing press had been prepared to print a special Bartley had specially written for when Skeeter had exposed the nature of this morning's meeting. She also knew that certain Ministry banned Dark artifacts Orion had lying around the Black Manor would have found their way into Skeeter's apartment, and all that would be required is an anonymous tip to the Aurors.

Apparently, neither had planned for Skeeter herself to throw a wrench in the words so to speak.

"I suppose I better inform Bartley to cancel tomorrow morning's special," Charlus sighed glumly, he had been looking forward to fighting fire with fire, even if he was going to use a raging inferno against Rita's matchstick. "I suppose those artifacts are staying put as well," Orion added, sounding equally dejected.

Dorea merely laughed in amusement, even as she sent her son a knowing smile, which was returned with a roll of the eyes. It really had been a good idea to send the boys after their fathers, the elder duo could cause more trouble than their children any day. It was a good thing she was used to cleaning up after them by now.

~~BREAKLINE~~

Sorry this took so long! University tends to do that, mountains of work and lectures. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Reviews are always welcome as well as informing me if there's anything inconsistent that jumps out at people! If you notice, I am constantly reediting little details when I reread though previous chapters, so there have been minor changes to fix things that didn't make sense!

Chapter's will be slower, as I have a large amount of university work at the moment, but I do have more chapters in the works, so they will keep coming, even if it a slower pace.