Tides and Time

By Michael Weyer

Part Three: Press and Portents

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

HE LIVES

Ministry confirms resurrection of You-Know-Who

Sirius Black Innocent!

Exclusive by Rita Skeeter

In her wildest dreams, this reporter couldn't possibly conceive anything as incredible as the events that transpired at Hogwarts school last evening. Following the death of Cedric Diggory at the Triwizard Cup, it appeared things could not get more incredible. That was, until this reporter was present at the scene in the offices of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

As unbelievable as it sounds, a mysterious stranger calling himself "the Doctor" interrupted a meeting between Cornelius Fudge and the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter about the death of Diggory. Before our startled eyes, this Doctor produced a rat from his pocket and made it transform into none other than Peter Pettigrew, the long-believed dead friend of James and Lilly Potter. Questioned under Veritaserum, Pettigrew admitted that he was the one who led the Dark Lord to the Potters and was thus responsible for his death. He further confessed that he had sliced off his own finger and then blown up the street of muggles to frame Sirius Black. Thus, for thirteen years, the wizarding world has wrongfully blamed Black for the murder of the Potters and for being in league with You Know Who, which deserves an apology.

But the shocks did not stop there! Pettigrew implicated Defense of the Dark Arts teacher Alistor "Mad-Eye" Moody of having been the one to enter Potter's name in the Goblet of Fire. After being subdued, "Moody" was revealed to be another long-thought dead figure, Barty Crouch Jr. Aside from confessing to the murder of his own father, Crouch Jr. also backed up the claims of both Pettigrew and Potter: That You Know Who has been resurrected and is once more among us.

After initial flustering, Minister of Magic Fudge has begun to take steps to try and deal with this problem such as ordering a full-scale investigation into the presence of former Death Eaters among the Ministry's ranks and issuing an immediate pardon for Black. However, this reporter was present at the start when Fudge refused to accept the possibility of You Know Who's return and seemed to be more worried about his political position than the dangers to the wizarding community. Far be it for me to insert my personal opinions into the facts but I do believe that Fudge is no longer suited to properly lead the Wizarding World against the threat of a reborn You Know Who.

As for this mysterious "Doctor," he vanished as suddenly as he had appeared and no records of his name or existence are found in Ministry records. Whoever this man may be, it would appear the Wizarding world owes him a debt for clearing an innocent man and alerting us to a deadly threat.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

FUDGE OUT, DUMBLEDORE IN!

Minister forced out by no-confidence vote, Dumbledore new Acting Minister

New Reforms made to face You-Know-Who

As expected, the meeting of the Wizgnmot following the revelation of the return of You-Know-Who was quite charged with emotion. Still, few expected the utter venom given to Minister Fudge over his handling of the last few years of the efforts by Death Eaters to resurrect You-Know-Who.

Fudge attempted to get the meeting off on a good note by introducing the newly exonerated Sirius Black and offer a formal apology for what he termed "the tragic misunderstanding." His goodwill offer blew up in his face as Black proceeded to unleash a verbal tirade on the Ministry, past and present, for not giving him a fair trial or even a chance to tell his side, for ignoring the claims of his innocence made last year and the evidence of You-Know-Who's growing influence from beyond. He finished by blasting the hypocrisy of the Magic community for acting like they hadn't spent the last thirteen years painting him as the most dangerous man alive and believing that all would be forgiven, saying he was willing to fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named but that he wouldn't become "a Ministry stooge" to do it. (See pages 8-9 for the full text of his speech and reactions)

Black's words apparently had an effect on the council as more and more members pressed Fudge on his plans to deal with You-Know-Who and his followers. Many pointed out how, despite being implicated as a key Death Eater leader, Lucius Malfoy was still allowed to wander free along with others who, not coincidentally, were major contributors to Fudge's campaigns. The Minister tried to deflect such questions but as more and more asked, it became clear that he was out of his element.

Malcom Tarsan, a relative newcomer to the Wizgnmot, took up the podium to speak out about Fudge's inactions. Having spent several years working with the American Wizarding community, Tarsan shocked everyone by referring to You-Know-Who by his true name and said that the Americans actually laughed about British wizards being too afraid to even call him by name. He went on to blast Fudge for his inaction and that he still did not want to fully accept the return of the Dark Lord. "What will it take, Minister?" he demanded. "(You-Know-Who) to show up in the Ministry basement at the head of a Death Eater contingent? He is back and we must prepare and if you cannot do it…well, it's time to find someone who can!"

Tarsan's words seemed to invigorate the rest of the Wizgnmot, his call for new leadership seconded and within an hour, Cornelius Fudge had been effectively voted out of office. As there is still a full year left on his current term, the decision was made to appoint an Acting Minister for the remainder of his time. It was Tarsan who nominated Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, saying that as Dumbledore had been warning of the Dark Lord's return for some time, it was only proper that he be the one to prepare for the battle with You-Know-Who. An overwhelming majority agreed and thus Dumbledore was voted in quickly.

The Headmaster seemed surprised at the decision, his speech short but promising that he would do his best to live up to the history of the office. He promised to make several immediate moves, the first being to detain proven known Death Eaters and question their current loyalties, with Lucius Malfoy first on the list. He also surprised by proposing envoys be sent to giants and centaurs to try and recruit them as allies in the upcoming battle. Dumbledore warned that the Dark Lord's power had grown in his time away and that this war may be more devastating than the last. But with warning and time to prepare, there was the chance to prevail (see pages 3-4 for full speech).

No word yet as to who will succeed Dumbledore as Headmaster of Hogwarts or the current status of the school. Reports have it that the newly freed Black has taken custody of his godson, Harry Potter but no word on their exact whereabouts is known at this time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Death Eaters in the small manor knew better than to interrupt Lord Voldemort at this time. They could tell when their master was in a foul mood and wisely kept their distance. They were rather busy anyway ensuring they could escape the Aurors hunting them all down.

On a large chair that he made a throne, Voldermort sat, angrily brooding. This was supposed to be a moment of triumph for him. Newly reborn, more powerful than ever and ready to rebuild his armies. Losing Potter had been an annoyance to him, no doubt. But far more troubling was the loss of Pettigrew and Crouch.

It wasn't that those two were that important or effective, of course. But they had alerted the Wizarding world to his return and led to Fudge's ouster. A key part of Voldemort's plan was his knowledge and Fudge would refuse to accept his return, thanks to the influence of Malfoy. It would give him time to rebuild his forces, call the Dementors and find that damnable prophecy.

Now, Dumbledore was in charge and Voldemort knew he would do what Fudge would not. Malfoy had already been arrested, along with a dozen others and the remaining Death Eaters were rushing to hide. Voldemort was also sure that the Dementors were being kept under stricter control, which would make gathering them more difficult.

He sighed deeply. This had upset all his plans. Oh, he had no doubt he would win, of course. But now he had less time than he expected and that changed things a bit. He tightened his fists at the thought that somehow, some way, Harry Potter was responsible. He was going to kill that boy. That was a vital part of his plans, to kill him long and slow as an example of his power.

"Now there's a man who doesn't look like he's having a good day."

Voldemort leapt from his chair, his wand out and aimed at the shadowy corner where a figure stood. The man was keeping to the darkness, only his tall outline present. "Who are you?" the Dark Lord hissed. "How did you get here?"

"No one you know," the man answered in a deep voice. "My methods are my own. However, I believe you and I would benefit by a talk."

"A talk?" Voldermort sneered. "Why would I talk to anyone I do not know?"

"Because," the man said. "I am the one who can allow you to achieve your victory and rule the Wizarding world."

Voldermort sniffed, an odd sight seeing as how he didn't have a nose. "I need no help from you. I will conquer the Wizarding world on my own."

The man chuckled. "Such confidence. I like that. But confidence is not all you need here. Dumbledore and the Ministry are more competent than you believe and of course, let's not forget about Potter."

Voldemort snarled. "I do not need some mystery man dictating to me what I must do!" he hissed, raising his wand. "AVADA KEDAVARA!" The deadly green bolt shot out from his wand and toward the figure. Inches before it could strike, however, the bolt seemed to blossom against some sort of shield and for the briefest second, Voldemort saw a tall, somewhat young-looking man in a suit illuminated. It faded and the man seemed to smile. "Well, that was impolite."

For one of the few times in his life, Voldemort was struck speechless. "Impossible," he muttered. "No one can withstand the Killing Curse."

"I believe Potter would disagree," the figure stated. "And as you can tell, it only works if it hits me."

"It can't be deflected…not even Potter could create a shield for it."

The man nodded. "True. Which means I must have a lot to offer." He took a step forward but remained in the shadows. "Accept my offer of aid, Lord Voldemort…and I can guarantee the Ministry shall fall. Dumbledore shall fall. And Harry Potter will most definitely fall."

Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "And what do you get out of it?"

"Chaos is my main forte," the figure lightly answered. "Trust me, I have no interest in ruling the magic world or any nonsense such as that. But I have a vested interest in seeing you in control. Accept my aid…and we shall both achieve victory."

Voldemort stroked his chin as he considered this. The idea of accepting aid from anyone was anathema to him but something told him this strange had something special to offer. If he could withstand the Killing Curse meant he had power. And such power could be more than beneficial to the Dark Lord.

"Perhaps…" he said carefully. "We shall have a talk."

The figure chuckled as he stepped into the light. As soon as he was clearly seen, Voldermort's realized that his plans were going to be falling into place much easier.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Next: A new year begins and Harry meets an old friend with a new face.