Chapter 8 – The Ministry and Mayhem
Remus Lupin sat in the staff lounge after finishing the grading of the second year essays. He gazed into the flames in the fireplace as he thought about Harry Potter, son and godson of his best friends, a boy Moony recognized as pack. After hearing about Harry's upbringing at Lily's sister's house, he had to fight to keep the wolf under control, even though it was past the full moon. He wanted to rip out the throats of the Dursleys and wouldn't mind punishing Albus Dumbledore as well.
The normally gentle man sighed heavily. Had he been so indoctrinated into believing the propaganda about everyone's favorite Leader of the Light that he failed to think for himself? He could have tracked Harry down and checked on him outside of the house or at school if the wards wouldn't let him close to the house.
He failed Harry just as much as he failed Sirius. Even now, his guilt over Sirius was just starting to abate, and that was only because his friend had forgiven him repeatedly for not fighting for him to have a fair trial; something even the real Death Eaters had.
A cup of steaming tea entered his line of vision and he looked up to see Minerva offering him the cup. He accepted the cup and said gently "Thank you, Minerva." He sipped it and let the warmth filter down and slowly unclench pain in his chest.
The Transfiguration teacher sat down in the overstuffed chair next to him and sipped her own tea. Without looking at him, she asked gently, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Remus considered the offer. He wasn't one to gossip about the Headmaster and his decisions, but Minerva was his former Head of House and the Deputy Headmistress. Surely she could help him decipher what had happened to his cub?
He turned slightly towards the older woman. "Sirius and I visited Harry this weekend. He's looking very good and enjoying his new school. But there were things I learned during that visit that…unsettled me."
Thirty minutes later, Albus strolled into the staff lounge. He had made it through much of the paper work on his desk and wanted to reward himself with tea and biscuits and some friendly faces. He smiled cheerfully at Minerva and Remus, who were sitting in front of the fire. It was good to see the DADA teacher accepted by the other staff members.
He was only a few feet into the room when an angry Scottish brogue disturbed the serene setting. "Albus Dumbledore, didn't I tell you the Dursleys were the worst sort of Muggles! That puir bairn had to be put on nutrient potions for malnutrition and he needed them for the two years he was here!" The elderly wizard paled as his eyes shifted looking for an escape. "I wonder if it's too late to find another career," he reflected in the moments before Minerva reached him.
Harry couldn't hold back the smile as he recognized the handwriting on the letters in his incoming mail box. He had one from Sirius, Hermione and Neville.
Dear Harry,
I know I said something after Dumbledore left, but I just wanted to say again how proud I was of you and your handling of the Headmaster. Most people don't think about questioning his decisions and judgments, but you and I are visible proof that his decisions aren't always correct.
I probably shouldn't tell you this, but Remus and I had some conversations reminiscent to our old Marauder days, and he's been pranking the Headmaster for you. While the Headmaster was out of his office, Remus spelled his box of lemon sherbets to randomly taste like brussel sprouts or wilted spinach. He convinced a house elf that seems to be devoted to you to assist in pranking the Headmaster's meals. The house elf, Dobby, secured all of the Headmaster's socks, and Remus spelled a third of them to either make his drinks taste like spoiled yak milk (is there good yak milk?) or his meals to taste like raw liver and sauerkraut. He also spelled single threads that he sewed into the hems of the Headmaster's robes to cause it to sound like he suffers from extreme flatulence.
I'm still on nutrient potions and am seeing a mind healer. She's actually amazed that I'm as coherent as I am after so many years, and is now interested in a study on the abilities of animagi to help patients control stress and maintain mental health. Go figure.
If you're interested, I would like to rent a house near the Academy for the winter holidays and have you stay with me. We could try all of the winter sports they have in the area and do some shopping. I have twelve years of gifts and fun to make up for!
Your Dogfather,
Sirius
Harry grinned at the signature as well as at the renewal of the offer to rent a house near the Academy so that Sirius was near Harry and could offer him a home for the holidays. He was still a bit hesitant with both Sirius and Remus; the adults in his life prior to St. Croix hadn't done much to earn the trust he had once freely given them. The teachers in his primary school had ignored obvious signs of abuse. The Headmaster had dropped him at the Dursleys and disregarded him for ten years. Professor McGonagall hadn't done much to help ensure a Muggle-raised child succeeded at Hogwarts, plus she ignored his concerns when he came to her about the Philosopher's Stone. Snape was continually abusive and the DADA teachers had been either possessed or incompetent. He needed Sirius and Remus to prove themselves to him, and they were obviously seemed to be trying. He felt cautiously optimistic that he might be able to form a family with Sirius.
He turned to Hermione's letter and had to chuckle at the precise and familiar writing that seemed to flow across the page.
Dear Harry,
Sirius and Professor Lupin sound like very good friends of your father. I'm glad that you had a chance to meet them personally. I hope your godfather continues to recover steadily from his imprisonment.
So your Healer gave you the growth potion after all and you gained two inches? Congratulations! I know you hated being one of the shorter boys in the class and am happy for you!
As you can imagine, I've been researching other schools since you chose not to return to Hogwarts. Terry Boot, a Third Year in Ravenclaw, shared a table with me in the library the other day and asked me about it. The next day, half a dozen Ravenclaw students came to see me to review my research results and began their own confirmation into the international standing of Hogwarts. They were not pleased that they may not be receiving a premier education, and my results show that Hogwarts is falling behind other schools especially in History and Potions. One of the Ravenclaws, Penny Clearwater, wants to correlate our Potions results with the impact to related careers, such as Potions Masters, Healers, and Aurors. I shared a little bit with my parents and we're going to discuss my future more during the Christmas holidays.
Ron and I don't do much together these days; he's been spending more time with Dean and Seamus. He's more interested in chess and Quidditch than in school, so we don't have that much in common. I've been working with Neville as well as more of the Ravenclaws. Neville's been doing much better in Potions lately and says it's all due to the book you sent him. Professor Snape has even transferred more of his attention from Neville to Ron.
Missing you,
Hermione
Thank goodness Hermione was finding friends or at least study companions with other students. He had been afraid that a break with Ron would end with her being isolated again, but was pleased to see she still had friendly acquaintances. He turned to the next letter, pleased to see Neville's seal on it.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for your letter and offering to be a "pen pal". I like that term and concept and would be delighted to be yours as well.
I have to thank you again for the book you sent. I have a much better understanding of the basics of potions brewing now, and believe it or not, have actually been getting Acceptable on my potions, which is probably the best I can hope for. Snape has even cut back on his comments to me during class!
Even though I'm doing better on Potions, I'm still best at Herbology. I think I may lead House Longbottom into growing rare potion ingredients in the future. It would be both interesting and lucrative if I can set up the greenhouses properly.
I passed along Hermione's initial research into how Hogwarts test results compare to other schools to my grandmother. Did I ever mention that she sits on the Board of Governors? She's going to ask for an investigation into the school's standing and the qualifications of the staff.
Are you still enjoying Charms, Transfiguration and Battle Magics best? How about your teachers?
Dutifully yours,
Neville F. Longbottom
Harry tucked the letters away and made a note to respond to everyone as soon as his homework was done. Perhaps he would also write a note to Remus Lupin thanking him for visiting and offering to write to him more often as well. If the man was willing to prank the Headmaster on his behalf, it was the least he could do.
As the weather turned colder and the trees outfitted themselves in their brilliant fall colours, Sirius Black slowly recovered his health. He gained two stone and while he still needed to gain more, he was no longer emaciated. His eyes still bore a haunted look at times, but his sessions with the Mind Healer had helped him control his emotions better. At her suggestion, he began training in Occlumency to help that aspect of his recovery. He met with his cousin Andromeda Tonks who had been cast out from the Family when she married a Muggle named Ted Tonks. He found the man quite likable and re-invited Andromeda into the House of Black along with her daughter Nymphadora. Slowly he began to take on his duties as the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, although managing the estates, businesses, vaults and Wizengamot seat was a bit overwhelming.
As the Winter Holidays approached, Sirius contacted a local realtor in Stillwater and found a three bedroom cottage to rent on one of the many nearby lakes. He was ecstatic when Harry agreed to spend the holidays with him and Remus.
The Blair House Residence quarters were connected to the Floo network for the break to make it easier for the students to return home for the holidays. Harry and Sirius scheduled time for him to come through on the first day of the holiday for a quick campus tour.
The fireplace gave a whoosh and Sirius stepped out with an eager look on his face. He spotted Harry and went to him eagerly. Harry held out a hand, which the older man gripped and was then pulled into a warm hug and an emotional "Harry, I've missed you Pup. I'm so glad you wanted to join me for Christmas!"
Harry forced himself to relax into the hug. "Thank you for inviting me, Padfoot. I'm looking forward to getting away from my homework and exploring all those winter sports. I brushed up on my cushioning charms for ice skating. I think I'll need it!"
He withdrew from the hug slowly, surprised at his own reluctance. "I thought you might want to see the House before we explore the campus."
After an hour touring Blair House and the main highlights of the campus, they returned to the Residence and Floo'd to the cottage.
"Remus, it's good to see you again," he said to the werewolf who was waiting for them. The man looked tired after the recent full moon, but his amber eyes were warm and kind.
"Thank you for permitting me to join you and Sirius for the Holidays, Harry" the man responded with a gentle smile.
"Well of course you would join us!" exclaimed Sirius. "I wouldn't leave anyone alone at Hogwarts for the holidays."
"Absolutely not," Harry agreed, remembering his two years at his former school.
They took turns making meals, although Sirius usually cheated and apparated to a nearby restaurant for take-out when it was his turn. Harry graciously ignored the boxes he found in the trash, but Remus teased his friend about his lack of cooking skills, suggesting he needed a wife to look out for him.
"Bite your tongue!" the man gasped in mock horror. "I'll hire a house elf if I need to!"
The trio spent one afternoon ice skating and all agreed that the cushioning charms were important. Downhill skiing another day was quickly abandoned after collisions with rocks, ravines and each other, but they all found cross-country skiing fun, especially when they ended with hot chocolate accompanied by tiny white marshmallows.
They spent time shopping in both the magical and non-magical shops shopping for Christmas and to Harry's delight, they bought a tree and decorated it. One evening was spent wrapping the gifts that would go back to Hogwarts and both older men were impressed with Harry's two-way mail box as he sent off presents to his Hogwarts friends.
He sent Hermione an Ever Sharp Never Ending Ink dictating quill for her research, as well as a long-sleeved t-shirt he customized. On the front of the shirt was a picture of a long-haired girl surrounded by dozens of books of every type with the words "There's no such thing as too many books" below. The shirt was charmed to have more books added over time until they appeared to be spilling off both the front and back of the shirt.
He sent Neville the additional botany books from the St. Croix classes as well as his own customized long-sleeved shirt. This showed an animated young man with a whip and a chair taming a lion-headed plant that grew from a seedling to ten feet tall over time. The slogan read "Who ever said working with plants was easy?"
A wizarding camera made its way to Arthur and Molly Weasley to record their family moments, as well as a basket of American gourmet foods that they wouldn't likely get to experience in Britain. He also sent Mr. Weasley the book "How Things Work" from a non-magical bookstore. He added a mixed box of candy and healthy snacks for Ron, even though the boy hadn't written to him in four months. If the friendship was ending, he wanted it to end on a cordial note.
Sirius and Harry joined together and bought a new wardrobe for Remus as his Christmas gift. They included attire that could pass in both the magical and non-magical worlds, but especially gave him new acromantula silk teaching robes with personal comfort heating and cooling charms and spelled to rebound most jinxes and hexes.
Prior to the holiday, Harry received permission to work on a special Transfiguration project as a present for his godfather. With the assistance of Mr. Latham, he transfigured wooden blocks into carvings of a stag, a grim and a wolf playing with one another. Even while playing, the wolf seemed to be more dignified than the other two; while the stag pranced tossing its antlers and the grinning grim looked ready to pounce on the other two. He received extra credit for the detail involved in the transfiguration and hoped Sirius would enjoy the carvings.
Harry woke up early on Christmas morning to a large furry dog bounding on his bed and slobbering on his face. "Eww! Gerrof!" the boy cried as he pushed at the heavy dog. Sirius transformed back, laughing at his godson's disgusted face as he wiped it dry.
He tickled the boy's sides and exclaimed, "But Harry, it's CHRISTMAS! It's time to get up and open presents!"
Remus was quietly amused by Sirius' rambunctious and infectious good mood as Harry became equally excited once he was more awake. Sirius crawled under the tree and handed out presents.
Harry received a book on careers in the wizarding world from Hermione, a jumper from Mrs. Weasley, and a plant that sounded like it hummed a tune from Neville. He wasn't surprised to see nothing from Ron and tried not to be disappointed. Remus gave him a belt buckle that he was delighted to see held a stag as well as a book on Advanced Protections and Defensive Spells.
The werewolf was surprised and touched at the new wardrobe, protesting slightly but trying the new clothes on with evident pleasure. "Thank you both very much," he offered after seeing an image of a dignified professor in the mirror.
Sirius looked up from his carved figures to smile at his friend. "Look Moony, it's the three of us." He stroked the wood faces and smiled at the antics of their likenesses. Remus looked the carvings over carefully before adding, "These are exceptionally well-done, Harry. You have real talent." Harry couldn't help but blush at the praise.
Sirius turned back to Harry with an eager smile. "And now it's my turn, Harry!" He handed him a long box covered in red and gold paper. "Open, open, open," he chanted, squirming in anticipation.
Remus shook his head at his friend's excitement as Harry tore off the paper. Harry opened the box and gasped. "Sirius! But…but…"
"Do you like it? It's the newest broom on the market, a Firebolt. You mentioned that your roommate's fire lizard pretty much destroyed your broom by accident."
"It's brilliant!" Harry assured him. "Look at it! I'll bet this broom can make a Wronski Feint easier than ever!" He jumped up and gave his godfather the first hug he ever initiated himself. "Thank you!" All three of them ignored the suspiciously bright eyes that they shared.
After a big breakfast, Harry spent the morning flying and decided that the Firebolt was the best broom ever designed. He came in only reluctantly at lunch, not wanting to get off, especially with all the warming charms Remus had put on him. However, over lunch Sirius gave him something else to think about.
"Harry, I know I've mentioned something about getting a house near your school, but I didn't want to go too fast and make any assumptions about what you wanted. What do you think? Shall we go look at houses or is it too soon to think about it?"
Harry looked at his godfather and the hope he was trying but failing to hide behind a mask of indifference. He looked at the gentle werewolf and back to Sirius, examining his face in minute detail. Just as Sirius thought he would say no, the teen replied, "If you're sure you want me, I would love to have you nearby and be part of your family."
After several hugs and a few noisy minutes complete with nose-blowing, the trio contacted the wizarding realtor who found the rental cottage. He quickly pulled the available houses in the magical section of Stillwater. They found that many magical families were around Long Lake and accepted the keys to four houses and the apparation coordinates.
The first house was built in red brick with a grey slate roof, set on a lot that had been cleared of most of the surrounding trees. It had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a nice study/library and a potions shed out back. However, the lots were rather small and "Too close to the neighbors" was Sirius' comment.
The second house was a white two-story colonial that boasted four bedrooms and three baths. However the kitchen was out-of-date and there was no study or library, something Sirius felt was a must. "The rooms don't seem to be laid out the best," noted Harry. "They seem a bit choppy, don't they?" The other two agreed and they moved on to the next house.
The third property was on five acres. The house had a great kitchen and a good-sized library, four bedrooms and four baths. Remus pointed out the natural hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings which gave the house character. Besides the house, the property included a stable for up to four horses and boasted a small 3 room guest cottage. "Now this is more like it," approved Sirius. "There's room for all of us and a couple of guests. The cottage could be for guests, or a studio." All of them agreed to put it on the short list.
The realtor put what he considered the best house at the bottom of the list, saving it for last. When they apparated in front of the house, they found it resembled a small manor house on the shore of Long Lake. It featured generous rooms with twelve foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and a newly updated kitchen. They entered into an impressive foyer and staircase that led to the second floor. The main floor hosted a living room with fireplace, a combined library/study, kitchen, dining room, sunroom, and French doors to the back. Upstairs featured three bedrooms with en suite baths and walk-in closets, as well as small balconies.
"I think I'm sold," exclaimed Sirius after examining the main floor and upstairs bedrooms. "Let's take a look downstairs first," advised the more cautious Remus.
The basement contained a family room, three more bedrooms and baths, and an exercise room that was also warded for spell work, making it a valuable addition. One of the bedrooms was designed with special ventilation and slate floors so that it could be converted to a potions labs if desired. Sirius looked over the realtor card. "The property has ten acres. This says it has a large flower garden in back plus an herb garden on the side of the house. Since I can't see it under the snow, I'll take his word for it."
He grinned at Remus and Harry. "What do you say? Have we found Black Manor?" With Remus' meticulous inspection and Harry's hopeful nod, they all agreed that it was perfect.
That night after Harry had gone to bed, Sirius poured a drink for himself and his friend. "You know Moony, you've been great these past few months. I don't know if I could have recovered so far without your help and support." He ignored his friend's depreciating noises. "Once you're done for the year at Hogwarts, I want to hire you. I need someone to help me as I try to work my way back into civilized society, especially one away from Britain. I need someone to help me oversee the Black fortune and to help with the Black seat on the Wizengamot. I don't want to have to port key there for every session."
Remus blinked and sipped his drink, trying to think through the request. It was a kind offer, and he didn't accept charity, but he knew that his friend did need help after more than a decade in Azkaban. "Have you considered asking your cousin Andromeda to be your proxy at the Wizengamot? As a solicitor, she could also take on the legal responsibilities for the House."
Sirius beamed a smile at him. "Now see, that's exactly what I need you for! To point out the things right in front of my face. That's a great idea!" The two friends began to outline plans for how to proceed once the year was finished at the beginning of summer.
After the winter break, Harry returned to school energized and ready to tackle the remainder of the year. He appreciated the growing friendship with Elias and the Templeton twins, and he was on friendly terms with several others, even though it didn't reach the same depth he had enjoyed with Hermione and Ron. But after being turned on by so many Hogwarts students, he was reluctant to open himself up again too soon.
The remainder of the school year passed quickly and soon year-end exams were upon them. Harry was proud to present his grades to Sirius. "Outstandings in Battle Magics, Charms and Transfiguration and EE's in every other class!" exclaimed his pleased godfather as he pulled the teen into a rough hug. "I'm so proud of you, Pup! Your parents would be proud as well."
"I'm especially happy with the EE in Potions," Harry replied. "I had to work so hard to try to catch up, but it's been worth it." He ignored but privately agreed with the "incompetent greasy git" comments from his godfather. "I also passed the exam for the first year of Arithmancy thanks to Ashwini's tutoring, and we're halfway through the next year. I'll keep working on that this summer."
"Not too hard," Sirius grinned. "We have a lot of fun planned for the summer! You and I have twelve years to make up for."
Shortly after the beginning of summer, Remus joined them at the new Black Manor. The three of them spent time decorating the new house, and then explored all of the summer time activities the area offered. They also visited several nearby communities as they traveled around the state. Harry continued with his Arithmancy studies, following a pre-written plan provided by Ashwini in addition to some pre-studying in biology and healing. Harry wanted to be sure to be ready to take those courses during the next term.
One morning late in the summer, Harry walked in to a very somber duo at the breakfast table. "What's wrong?" he asked.
Sirius and Remus glanced at each other. He frowned and added, "Come on, Padfoot, Moony…no secrets. That's what Dumbledore did and I hated it!"
Sirius grimaced, "Ouch, low blow Pup. Don't compare me to the old coot. OK, we just heard that one of the Order's members – from Dumbledore's old group – a former Auror by the name of Alastor Moody was kidnapped by former Death Eaters. From what the letter said, they used a particularly nasty ritual using the bone of You-Know-Who's father, blood from Moody as an enemy, and then the sacrifice of a body part by Barty Crouch Jr."
"A man who was supposed to be dead," threw in Remus. "Supposedly he died in Azkaban."
Sirius nodded and then continued. "The ritual gave You-Know-Who a new body. Moody was able to kill several Death Eaters, but they killed him. When the Aurors arrived to investigate all the Killing Curses being cast, they found Moody's ghost. He remained long enough to tell them how he was killed and about the ritual before he passed on."
Harry sat down heavily and rubbed his forehead in resignation. "So Voldemort is back again? I faced him my first two years at Hogwarts and have to say I didn't miss him last year. But now he's not just a spirit but alive again? Great, just great." He looked at both men. "Do you think he'll be content in England or is he going to be coming after me here?"
"We don't know, Pup. But we're going to strengthen the wards on the property. I've got some wards from the Black family that will rebuff anyone not approved by the ward holder. And St. Croix is very well protected. We'll make sure your Principal knows about this though."
The remainder of the summer was tense before the new school year began. Sirius and Remus cast every protective spell possible on the new house and property, and then hired the local Gringotts branch to add anything they could to it. They both also spent time spelling every piece of clothing Harry owned, to reflect curses, hexes and jinxes. "He's going to have every advantageous we can think of," said a fierce Sirius.
Harry was delighted to see that Hermione's parents agreed that another school might be better for her. Although he hoped she would join him at St. Croix, she and her parents agreed upon Magic and Spellcrafting Lyceum in Crete, Greece. Hermione was excited about their program on spell crafting and creating new spells. Although it lacked non-magical classes, Hermione's parents signed her up for extension classes offered on-line, since the Lyceum had warded rooms that permitted computers to work.
Once back at St. Croix Academy, Harry continued with his core classes, but added both Biology and Healing. He continued to share a room with Elias and the regal Xolotl and enjoyed the fire lizard's bossy manners. Hedwig was kept busy with weekly runs between the Manor and the school.
Remus sipped his breakfast tea and looked curiously as his friend glowered at a letter from England. "Something wrong, Padfoot?"
Sirius looked up from a missive from Andromeda. "Andy thinks that Dumbledore and Fudge are up to something, but she doesn't know what. The two have been contacting various members of the Wizengamot privately, but she's been excluded as well as her block of supporters." He ran his hand through his hair and admitted, "It makes me nervous when Albus and Fudge do anything together."
Hedwig flew into the room and landed in front of Sirius and held out her leg. "Good girl," the man praised her and offered her a strip of bacon. He unfolded the letter and read, while sipping his tea. "Bollocks!" he shouted and spewed his tea across the table. Hedwig launched herself off the table and flew around the room before landing on Remus' chair, and glared at Sirius.
"Sorry Hedwig. Remus, listen to this."
Dear Sirius,
I just received a letter from Neville Longbottom and wanted to pass along some news. He said that he overheard a conversation between his Grandmother, Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden regarding the threat of Voldemort. They all hold seats on the Wizengamot. Neville said that my name came up in discussions happening behind the scenes along with a proposal to bring me back to Britain! Neville's Gran and her two friends are against it and his Gran was furious that 'any responsible adult would propose involving a 14-year old boy in a war with a Dark Lord.' But it makes me nervous. I'll send a copy of the letter to Anarosa, just in case.
Have to run to class, but wanted to send this along first.
Harry
Letters and visits flew between Anarosa and the displaced Brits over the next few weeks. They weren't sure what Fudge and Dumbledore were planning, but they tried to prepare for any contingency. It didn't come as a surprise then, when Sirius received a letter with the seal of the Ministry of Magic several weeks later.
"Bah!" the man growled, sounding very much like his animagus form. "Listen to this, Moony. They're making 'an official' request to me as Harry's guardian to bring him to the Ministry of Magic for a meeting. Like that's going to happen! How stupid do they think we are?"
After conferring with Anarosa, Sirius responded briefly saying that it was inappropriate to withdraw the boy from his classes, but that they would be willing to meet with the Minister at St. Croix Academy on a weekend convenient to them both.
After several terse notes from the Ministry with which Sirius refused to cooperate, a meeting was scheduled for a Saturday morning (late afternoon British time). Principal Graham permitted her office to be used and authorized the Floo in a secured room in the building to receive International visitors for a 10-minute period.
At eleven o'clock, Michael Talbot stood in the receiving room when the Floo flared green and two Aurors stepped out and stood on either side of the fireplace. "Vice Principal Talbot here on behalf of the Principal to greet our guests," he said easily to the Aurors.
One was a tall bald black man with a gold hoop earring in his right ear while the other was a tough-looking wizard with very short wiry grey hair. The black man spoke first, "Aurors Shacklebolt and Dawlish. The Chief Warlock and Minister will be coming through momentarily."
The Floo flared again and a tall, but thin elderly wizard with a long silver beard came through. He was wearing long robes and a purple cloak with high-heeled buckled boots. His blue eyes sparkled at Talbot behind half-moon spectacles. "Vice Principal Talbot, isn't it? Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore, at your service," he said with aplomb. "I believe we are only waiting for Cornelius now."
Finally, the fireplace flashed for the last time, and a portly little man wearing a pin-striped suit and purple boots strode out. Talbot bowed slightly as he greeted their guest. "Welcome gentlemen. I'm Vice Principal Talbot of the St. Croix Academy. If you'll follow me, I'll show you the way to the Principal's office where we'll be meeting."
A brief walk brought them to the Principal's waiting room. "Gentlemen," began Michael Talbot, "As agreed upon, all wands and port keys must be left outside of her office for the duration of the meeting. There are no exceptions. Any attempt to bypass this restriction will result in the meeting being summarily ended." He opened a box that already held several wands, including a Holly wand that Albus recognized. With a nod, the other four men placed their wands and several brooches inside the box.
Sirius and Harry waited inside, along with Andromeda Tonks and Anarosa Diaz at the far side of the room furthest from the newcomers. Principal Graham stood next to a tall blond man dressed in an impeccable grey suit. Talbot began the introductions, "Principal Graham, may I introduce the British Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore and Aurors Shacklebolt and Dawlish. Gentlemen, this is Principal Victoria Graham and her guest, Senator Daniel Anderson."
Fudge looked surprised and glanced briefly at Dumbledore before smiling congenially. "A pleasure to meet you both. I wasn't aware that we would have a representative of the government joining us today."
Senator Anderson stepped forward to shake hands with the Minister. "We would not fail to greet such an auspicious guest without proper ceremony, Mr. Minister, even in as small a setting as this. Your position demands that respect."
The small portly man preened at the perceived compliment. "Yes, of course. I would do the same, naturally." He turned towards Harry and made to take a step forward, but found himself intercepted by the Senator, who graciously guided him towards a comfortable chair.
After being seated, the Minister immediately tried to take control of the meeting. "Mr. Potter, it is a pleasure to meet you finally. Of course, we all know how you saved the day back in 1981."
Harry inclined his head briefly. "Minister Fudge, thank you for coming here today. I believe you know my godfather, Sirius Black and his cousin Andromeda Tonks of the Ancient and Noble House of Black." He waited for an embarrassed nod from the Minister before proceeding. "Permit me to introduce Mrs. Anarosa Diaz, my solicitor."
A brief smile twitched the corners of the Chief Warlock's lips as he recognized the woman from his previous meeting with Harry. The boy had a solicitor back then?
Once tea was offered and declined, the Minister gestured at Dumbledore. "I think you are the one who can best explain why we're here, Chief Warlock."
The elderly wizard sighed heavily as he glanced apologetically at both Harry and Sirius. "I'm afraid what I have to share isn't common knowledge, nor is it pleasant to hear. I'm sorry to have to share it at all. Back in 1979, I interviewed Sybil Trelawney for the Divination position and to my surprise, she actually gave a startling prophecy. She told me, "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives..."
He looked sadly at Harry again. "The prophecy could have fit you or Neville Longbottom. Both of your parents defied Voldemort multiple times and you were both born at the end of the seventh month. However, Voldemort sought you out first and marked you with that curse scar, making you his equal. I'm sorry to say Harry, that only you can defeat him."
The solemnity of the moment was disrupted by a loud derisive snort from Sirius. Andromeda laid a hand on his arm and said "I can understand your concern Chief Warlock, but it would appear to me that the prophecy was fulfilled when the Dark Lord was 'vanquished' in 1981 as Harry most certainly lived through the following years and is still alive since Voldemort's rebirth."
Cornelius Fudge tried to push down his irritation. Firstly he had to give up a Saturday night to travel to the United States to try to convince the teen to return to his mother country. The Boy-Who-Lived should be honoured to save his fellow witches and wizards! Now that irritating Black representative who continually thwarted him on the Wizengamot had the audacity to say the prophecy was fulfilled? "I'm sorry, but your interpretation is incorrect, Mrs. Tonks. Young Mr. Potter here is required to return to fulfill the prophecy." He sat back confident that he would have his way.
Anarosa spoke up next. "Would you please explain to me Minister Fudge just how Harry could be 'required' to fulfill anything as nebulous as a prophecy?"
"If I might..." began Dumbledore. At Fudge's nod he continued, "In 1716, Marcus Stone was the acknowledged object of a prophecy that stated that only he could cure a plague. He chose not to study healing or potions to help fulfill the prophecy, and thousands of people died to the plague. As a result, in 1723 the Prophecy Compulsion Laws were enacted. These state that anyone directly involved in a prophecy that impacts others, can be compelled to ensure the prophecy is completed once it is set in motion."
Anarosa leaned forward in her chair and asked softly, "Are you saying that you have a law that enslaves and coerces your citizens? Even children?" She looked at both men with revulsion. "How can you live with yourself when you're trying to force a child to fight a mass murderer? You knew that Voldemort was a problem, but you failed to remove him from power and now want a fourteen year old to shield you from your own actions or lack thereof?"
There was an uncomfortable silence, before Fudge responded, "Your interpretation of events is not the common one, but I will respect your right to it. In the same way, you must respect our right to follow the laws of our country. Mr. Potter must return to Britain and he must fulfill the prophecy."
Sirius glared at the Chief Warlock who was looking at Harry and then away again. "Tell me, Albus, what else aren't you telling us? There is obviously more, besides trying to set a young untrained teenager against a seventy year old killer."
The elderly wizard nodded and then looked at Harry with grief-stricken eyes. "Harry, after you destroyed the diary in the Chamber of Secrets, I discovered it was a rather vile thing called a horcrux, or a soul anchor. I believe Voldemort has several more, but what is most heart-breaking is that I believe he created one in that scar of yours when he killed your mother. You reacted in the presence of Quirrell and I believe that your ability to speak parseltongue was absorbed when the horcrux was created." His voice was tender and regretful, "Harry my dear boy, Voldemort will never truly be destroyed unless all of his horcruxes are destroyed."
Anarosa answered for Harry, "Then you will be pleased to know that it wasn't a horcrux Headmaster, but a parasitic leech that permitted Voldemort to retain his wraith form. If anyone had bothered to have the injured child treated by a qualified Healer after the brutal murder of his parents that night, they would have discovered it wasn't a horcrux at all. The curse scar allowed the disembodied spirit to drain Harry's magic and life force to sustain it. If it had been treated immediately, perhaps the spirit would never have been able to come back."
Harry lifted his bangs and showed the barely visible scar. "Besides being given nutrient potions my second day here, the dark magic in the scar was identified and specialists came to rid me of it. They transferred the leech to another creature and it is no more. Within hours, I felt better than I ever had." His eyes were bitter as he briefly met those of the Headmaster.
After an embarrassing silence the British visitors, Fudge demanded pompously, "Scar or not, we must insist that Mr. Potter be turned over to the Ministry of Magic to fulfill the prophecy according to the Law of 1723."
Andromeda responded, "Again Mr. Minister, we believe the prophecy was fulfilled in 1981. My suggestion is to get someone on the inside of Voldemort's terrorist organization to poison him, dose him with the Draught of Living Death, to lead him into an ambush, decapitate him or use any of a thousand ways to make sure he is incapacitated. The fight belongs to the Aurors, not Mr. Potter."
Fudge was irritable now as he spit out, "No! A quorum of the Wizengamot voted in special session to bind Mr. Potter to the Prophecy Compulsion Laws until Voldemort is permanently vanquished. That vote stands."
In the rising tension, Senator Anderson's calm voice was soothing. "Tell me Minister Fudge, how do you propose to force a citizen of the United States to become an indentured slave to Britain?"
Fudge's face turned purple as he blustered, "What? Harry Potter is a British citizen and under our jurisdiction!"
Andromeda Tonks smiled sweetly in satisfaction. "Perhaps if you had spoken to me as the Black proxy on the Wizengamot, you could have been saved this embarrassment. Harry James Potter renounced his British citizenship last year. He is a naturalized citizen of the United States of America. I know as I worked with Ms. Diaz on the paperwork."
Senator Anderson added calmly, "Needless to say, if you attempt to kidnap or otherwise coerce him, the full power of the U.S. Magical Government will move to protect one of our citizens."
Albus Dumbledore was stunned. He hadn't expected the teen to take such actions, but it would do him no good; he couldn't flee from his destiny. He said mildly, "A minor can't renounce citizenship."
Sirius smirked and spoke up for the first time. "Harry is emancipated, Albus. He has the standing of an adult in the United States."
Fudge bristled, "Our law preceded his change of allegiance!"
Andromeda maintained her composure, but her voice was clipped as she replied, "Irrelevant, Minister Fudge. He is a citizen of the United States of America. Do you really want to state that your government has the authority to enslave the citizens of other countries?"
Senator Anderson crossed his legs and leaned elegantly back in his chair as he templed his fingers. "I believe that I can say with the approval of the Magical President of the United States, that if the International Confederation of Wizards does not fervently oppose any country attempting to enslave the citizen of another country for any reason, the United States will withdraw from that organization and suspend diplomatic relations with any country supporting such an outrageous claim."
Sirius grinned maliciously at the disgruntled guests. "I believe our discussion is at an end, gentlemen."
"There are other horcruxes," began Dumbledore.
"So find and destroy them and then annihilate Voldemort. This is not Harry's fight and never should have been. He fulfilled the prophecy by "vanquishing" the self-named dark lord back in 1981."
Anderson added, "Surely in a country with as many adult wizards as Britain has, they can assemble a squad of hit wizards to take him out? If not, I'm sure the President would be willing to supplement your forces with our own forces. I would be pleased to discuss it with you Mr. Minister once Mr. Potter's group exits."
At a nearly invisible movement from Fudge, Dawlish stepped out glaring at the young teen, while Shacklebolt moved out more reluctantly. Sirius stood and pushed Harry behind him, as Anarosa and Andromeda stood on either side of him. Anderson said calmly, "Minister Fudge, is it your intention to start an international conflict between your country and the United States? If so, please be aware that this meeting is being monitored and our own Aurors are within the building waiting for my signal. Do you really want me to give it?" He stared at the portly minister with dispassionate eyes.
The portly man hadn't risen to Minister without recognizing a losing fight. "No," Fudge said curtly. "Stand down you two." He turned to Anderson and added, "Let's discuss what your government is willing to offer to help destroy this mad man."
"Of course, Minister," the blonde Senator deadpanned, "It would be an honour and a pleasure."
Boy-Who-Lives is Boy-Who-Flees
By Rita Skeeter
Harry Potter became the acclaimed Boy-Who-Lived after being the only person known to have survived the Killing Curse on Halloween night in 1981. His survival also heralded the defeat of the Dark Lord Voldemort. The boy then disappeared for the next decade, only reappearing in the public eye when he began his education at Hogwarts.
"He was always a trouble-maker," said former classmate Draco Malfoy. "He received special privileges, like having a broom and playing on his House Quidditch team in his First Year, something none of the other students were permitted."
"He was frightening in Second Year," confided Pansy Parkinson, a young woman in the same year group. "He's a Parselmouth, you know, and everyone thought he was the Heir of Slytherin. I'm not surprised that he would abandon the good witches and wizards of Britain like he did."
"Harry Potter chose to transfer to another school after his Second Year," admitted Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. "We can only wish him the best for now."
"Young Mr. Potter chose to transfer to the St. Croix Academy in the United States," disclosed Auror John Dawlish. "He was asked to return to help with the current crisis with You-Know-Who, but steadfastly refused with the full support of his Godfather, former convict Sirius Black."
This reporter learned that a special session of the Wizengamot met in secret to vote on compelling Mr. Potter to return to Britain. It was later learned that the Boy-Who-Lived renounced his citizenship and became a citizen of the United States.
One can only hope that Mr. Potter has not chosen to refuse his help because he is offering it to the Dark Lord. Perhaps the citizens of Britain can help turn the Boy-Who-Lived from the dark path he is choosing to follow.
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