A/N – Wow! I'm posting the second chapter in less than a week. With any luck I'll have more time to start posting more regularly for both my stories.
Chapter 23 – I Can't Believe The News Today
Tuesday morning found Cornelius Fudge in his office early in the morning as usual. He had his morning cup of coffee and sat down to read the morning Prophet as he usually did. He took a sip of the fresh coffee picked up that paper and nearly choked as he read the small story on the first page. He painfully blew his nose to get the remainder of the coffee out of it and read the article again.
"Not good," he thought, "how in Merlin's name find out about that."
Trying to calm himself, he went over to the floo. Throwing a pinch of powder in, he stuck his head into the fire and said, "Albus, are you there?"
Albus Dumbledore looked in surprise to see Cornelius floo calling him at this time of the morning. "Cornelius, to what do I owe this call?"
"I need to speak to you. Can I please come through?"
Albus agreed and seconds later Fudge was in his office. Albus noticed the fresh coffee stains on the Minister's shirt and said, "Now what seems to be the matter?"
He handed Albus the paper, "Look at this! But I warn you – you don't want to have a mouthful of coffee when you read it."
Albus looked down at the story and muttered "Oh dear."
/Scene Break/
At the same time, Molly was up making breakfast for Ron and Ginny and herself. She heard a tapping at the window and let the paper-owl in. She took the copy of the Prophet and paid the owl. The owl flew off and she thought she would relax for a bit and enjoy her coffee and the paper.
Moments later she was scourgefying her apron as she had just repeated Cornelius' feat of high-pressure nasal ejection of a hot caffeinated beverage.
/Scene Break/
Lucius Malfoy woke up Tuesday morning hoping that it would be better than Monday. In the past 48 hours, his son and heir was turned into a squib by his own stupidity, he lost potential control of the Black Family fortune because said son was usurped by his nemesis as the head of the Black Family, he lost a sizeable chunk of his fortune when that same nemesis dissolved his marriage and reclaimed the dowry the Black's had paid for her. So in effect, he was sitting in his mansion almost knutless with no heir, no wife and he was a wanted fugitive from the Ministry.
The Dark Lord had humiliated him when he commanded him to continue to support and house the squib since he would not be able to keep Draco a secret forever. He also had to plan the takeover of the Ministry. He definitely needed Albus' help on this one. A full-scale takeover of the Ministry had to be architected properly, or else too many of the population would start to side against the pureblooded Death Eaters. Maybe there was a way this could lead to the final showdown between Potter and the Dark Lord. Things may be looking up.
The morning delivery of the Prophet interrupted his musings. One of his house elves had delivered it with his morning coffee. Lucius took a sip and read the front page.
New Black Head Pops Onto Scene
By Prophet Correspondent Rita Skeeter
This reporter has learned that a new Head of House has been named for the Most Noble and Ancient Black Family. Sources revealed that the Last Will and Testament of the Lord Sirius Orion Black was read at Gringotts on Sunday. The Black Family has some of the most stringent rules in terms of Head of House succession. Normally the succession of a Head of House is a structured affair and public notices are set out to all of the media. However, we at the Daily Prophet were not informed of the Reading and a quick check confirmed that no media outlets were notified.
The Daily Prophet attempted to contact the Ministry and obtain records of the identity of the new Lord Black and those requests were summarily denied. It seems the Ministry records had been ordered sealed by none other than Minister Fudge and Chief Warlock Dumbledore. Both were unavailable for comment and no one at the Ministry would comment on why the records were sealed.
We keep our own archives of family trees and relationships and our research based on our records indicated that Draco Malfoy (Son of Lord Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa – nee Black – Malfoy) was the most likely candidate for the title of Lord Black. In fact a good friend of young Mr. Malfoy who happened to be at the Bank on Sunday saw Mrs. Malfoy and her son attend a function that this reporter believes now was the Reading of the Will. According to our source Mr. Malfoy appeared to be wearing very expensive robes and clothing to the occasion that leads us to believe he expected to be named Lord Black.
Lucius paused for a moment, "This can't be right," he thought, "Draco has a good friend?"
The Prophet has not found anyone willing to talk about the proceedings during the will reading or afterwards but there are rumours that Minister Fudge even made a brief appearance at Gringotts. The Daily Prophet could find no witch or wizard who could (or would) confirm the identity of Lord Black.
Not to be deterred, this reporter arranged a meeting with a Mr. Griphook who is the Gringotts Senior Account Manager in charge of the Black Family accounts. We at the Prophet understand Gringotts policy of privacy for all of their account holders and are very sensitive and respectful to the Goblins and their code of conduct. For this reason, this reporter only asked one question of the busy Mr. Griphook namely if he could shed any light on the identity of the new Lord Black.
My dear readers, if I had not heard the words myself, I would not have believed them. Mr. Griphook responded, "Miss Skeeter, our customer records are confidential especially for a valued client like Lord Potter-Black."
It seems that the new Lord Black other than Harry Potter the Boy-Who-Lived and from the answer I received from Mr. Griphook, Lord Potter-Black assumed the title of Lord Potter as well. As subsequent check with the Ministry confirmed that Minister Fudge and Chief Warlock Dumbledore had sealed the Potter family records as well.
This raises a number of questions that we at The Daily Prophet are trying to find answers to:
Why was the naming of a new Head for not one but Two Ancient and Noble families suppressed by the Minister and the Chief Warlock?
How was Harry Potter named Lord Black? It is true that our records indicate that he was distantly related to Lord Black but nowhere near enough to be in line for the Head of House title.
What plans does Lord Potter-Black have for his seats in the Wizengamot?
Will Lord Potter-Black be returning for his sixth year at Hogwarts in September?
And finally – ladies brace yourselves – how serious is his current relationship with long time friend the muggleborn witch Hermione Granger? This reporter witnessed them greet each other in a very affectionate manner before having lunch with another couple yesterday in Diagon Alley.
A floo call to the Malfoy residence was answered by a house-elf who stated that no one from the family was available for comment. The Daily Prophet also tried contacting Lord Potter-Black and Miss Granger and neither could be reached.
We will bring you more news on this story as our intrepid reporters uncover it.
Related Articles:
Harry Potter – The School Years – Page 3
Harry Potter – Known Relationships – Page 5
Albus Dumbledore – History of Secrecy – Page 2
Minister Fudge – Vendetta against Lord Potter-Black? – Page 2
/Scene Break/
All over England wizards and witches were waking up to this story. It became the talk over breakfast and around the coffee stations at magical workplaces across the country.
Reactions were mixed. A certain faction of purebloods were appalled that the Head of two Ancient and Noble families was 'associating' with a Mudblood. Certain more open-minded parents were contemplating sending Lord Potter-Black marriage contracts offering their daughters – some even considering suggesting Lord Potter-Black take two wives. Most current Gryffindor students were laughing about Draco Malfoy being denied his birthright. Slytherin's were wondering just how much being a Lord would go to Potter's head. A certain red-haired brother and sister from Gryffindor took the news considerably well and with an unusually calm demeanor – it may have had something to do with the fact that their mother had mixed a high-potency calming draft into their first glasses of pumpkin juice.
In fact, very few people did not have a reaction one way or another. Most of the Order Eaters had stopped reading The Daily Prophet a long time ago and those who still did saw the story as old news.
The person at the centre of the story was just waking up from a well-deserved sleep after a long, painful Monday. He noticed that his girlfriend who was also part of said story had stayed at his side all night. He determined it was a most pleasant way to wake up in the morning.
/Scene Break/
Jeeves finally woke Harry and Hermione at half past eight. They had agreed to meet Tom and Severus for breakfast in the main kitchen at nine. After a few short, passionate kisses, Hermione left for her room to get ready and Harry had a quick shower. The potions Jeeves had provided last night helped, but he was still quite sore.
They walked into the kitchen hand in hand right on time to find Severus, Tom, Luna, Neville and Narcissa waiting for them.
Harry looked at Tom with sympathy and said, "I went through hell yesterday and I was just an observer. You must feel close to death."
Tom looked pensive for a moment and said, "While I do feel physically like I allowed a mountain troll to use me for clubbing practice, mentally and emotionally I feel strangely better."
Narcissa nodded in understanding, "It's hard to place it, but you look different. I can't quite put my finger on it, but you look more human – no offense mind you."
"None taken. I feel different too."
Hermione asked the question that had been burning in her mind all night, "What happened to the Horcrux?"
Tom looked around and said, "The soul fragment was successfully reintegrated. I think that's why I feel and look better. Unfortunately, the deck of cards was destroyed."
Hermione's expression remained impassive, but Harry knew how much pain she was feeling – or rather he was feeling from her. As soon as Tom gave the answer to her question her hand, which had been lovingly entwined with Harry's underneath the table constricted and Harry was wondering just how soon the bones in his hands would start popping.
"So," Hermione said in an emotionless voice, "we are back to the beginning."
"It would seem so," Tom said, "perhaps you and I should spend some more time researching this."
Luna piped up, "I would like to help as well. Maybe Harry can get rid of the Nargle infestation at the same time." She said this with 'Loony' at full intensity causing those around the table to wonder exactly what she had volunteered to do.
Hermione remained unfazed, "OK, the three of us will be start our research right after breakfast. May I suggest Tom that you let your soul heal itself for a few days before you try to integrate the next one?"
"Yes, I think that would be wise. It looks like Harry had a lot of the pain but none of the gain last night."
Harry looked around, "Can I help with the research?"
Hermione shook her head; "I completely forgot to mention to you that Tonks needs to talk to you about Madame Bones. She also said that Madame Bones contacted her yesterday since she tried to reach you and her owl returned with the message undelivered. I asked Hedwig to fly to the Ministry with a note for Madame Bones explaining that you are in a secure location that no owls can find. She sent Hedwig back with her note. You have an appointment with her this afternoon."
At that moment Hedwig flew into the kitchen and landed in front of Harry. She stared at him.
"Hello girl. How are you?" He went to pet her and she nipped him. When he pulled his hand away she continued to stare at him.
"I've been ignoring you haven't I?"
To everyone's surprise it looked like Hedwig nodded.
"I'm sorry girl. Let me finish breakfast and contact Tonks. Then we can spend the rest of the morning together. How does that sound?"
Hedwig seemed to think about it for a second and then hopped on to Harry's shoulder and nuzzled him with her head. He fed her a piece of Bacon from his plate.
Narcissa looked at Harry and asked, "Harry, I've noticed that your owl seems to interact directly with you. I've never heard of an owl doing any thing remotely like that."
Harry thought for a moment and shrugged, "I'm not sure. If I were to guess I would say that Hedwig was my only companion at the Dursleys and she saw a lot of bad things happen to me. I think she literally took me under her wing and decided I needed taking care of. I've stopped questioning why she does the things she does, I'm just grateful she's for lack of a better term 'adopted' me."
Everyone around the table laughed. Harry held up his hands in surrender, "Hey, I'm not kidding. We are the best of friends but I know enough not to piss Hedwig off."
That elicited more laughter and helped lift the heavy mood from around the table. The rest of breakfast was light conversation. Harry, Tom and Severus found out the Order Eaters meeting was rescheduled for that evening since Harry and Tom were 'indisposed'. Tom agreed to share the memory of his horcrux integration with the whole group. Hedwig ate some more bacon and flew off after Harry promised again that he would spend the morning with her outside.
Shortly before breakfast broke up Tonks and Remus arrived. Tonks tossed that morning's copy of the Prophet on the table as the elves prepared another to places at the table for breakfast. Narcissa was the first to pick it up.
"Well Lord Potter-Black and Miss Granger, the cat is out of the bag. You are officially an 'item'." Narcissa said in a very playful demeanour.
"What?" Hermione and Harry said in unison and both tried to snatch the paper away from her but Narcissa was too fast.
Narcissa started reading in an entertainment reporter's nasally voice, "And finally – ladies brace yourselves – how serious is his current relationship with long time friend the muggleborn witch Hermione Granger? This reporter witnessed them greet each other in a very affectionate manner before having lunch with another couple yesterday in Diagon Alley. Oh Harry, they even have a follow-up story on your previous romantic relationships." She was having way too much fun with this. Especially when Harry and Hermione both started to blush. Even Severus and Tom were laughing at the couple's reaction.
Finally Harry held Hermione's hand and said, "I'm glad everyone knows. Now all those guys out there who thought they might have a chance with you know you are with me now."
Tonks looked at her and said, "But you know Hermione, you are going to be the target of hatred for almost all of the unmarried – and even some of the married – witches between the ages of 13 and 35."
"35!" Harry yelled, "I'm a few weeks shy of 16, that's just sick."
Tonks teased further, "Deal with it lover boy. That Quidditch physique and those eyes are to die for. 15 or 50, there are witches out there who would kill for a chance to ride your broomstick."
Harry went beet red and the double entendre. Hermione if possible was even redder. Tonks just looked and said "Gotcha!"
Harry bowed in deference to Tonks, "You've won this round."
Narcissa applauded and got up and hugged her niece, "You are so much Andy's daughter."
Tom and Severus looked like they were going to be sick and just excused themselves to go start the research. Hermione and Luna excused themselves and went to join them. However as Hermione left to head to the guesthouses, Luna headed for the library in the Manor.
"Luna, we have all the books on horcruxes in the guesthouse."
"Ah, but those aren't they books I'm researching silly. They don't have the information to get rid of the right Nargles. You would know that if you've been studying them as long as I have." She then hummed to herself and skipped to the library.
Hermione just shook her head and left to follow Tom and Severus.
/Scene Break/
Albus sat down at his desk after Cornelius had left. The news of Lord Potter-Black had been revealed sooner than he had hoped. He and Fudge needed to do some damage control. Hopefully the explanation that Fudge and him has put together would explain their reasoning enough that the wizarding population would accept it.
It was almost 9:00 and he was expecting Alastor for breakfast. As he left to make his way down to the Great Hall he heard another voice coming from his Floo. "Albus, it's Lucius. We need to talk."
Dumbledore considered things for a moment and then invited Lucius through. He quickly scribbled a note on some parchment and asked Fawkes to deliver it to Minerva. It explained he would be late for breakfast and asked that she entertain Alastor until he got to the Great Hall.
He turned to the man standing by the fireplace, "Lucius, please have a seat. We have much to discuss."
"Damn right we do Albus," Lucius snarled as he sat down. "My life is on the verge of ruin."
Albus assumed the grandfather image complete with the twinkle in his eye, "Ruin Lucius? Surely you are exaggerating."
"Cut the twinkle crap Albus. I'm talking about the end of the Malfoy line."
The twinkle abruptly disappeared. The end of a pureblood line was one thing Albus took very seriously. "How can that be Lucius? Is there something wrong with Draco?" Albus was not going to let Lucius know what he heard from Severus – at least not yet.
"Draco has no more magic. He's a squib Albus. According to the succession rights of the Malfoy family, he can't become head of the house anymore."
Albus was shocked – a pureblood heir losing his magic? It was relatively unheard of. "Lucius, has this to do with the promise he made to Tom?"
"How did you … oh, never mind. Yes, this does have to do with that. Apparently my son swore on his magic that he would pledge the allegiance of the Black Family to the Dark Lord after the reading of the will. When he didn't become Lord Black, Tom called in the oath humiliating me in the process."
"Humiliating you?"
"Yes, he made me swear to support Draco and not cast him out of the house and disown him like the filthy squib he is."
Albus thought quickly, "Lucius, I know how we can explain this and make you come out looking good."
"How Albus?"
"Draco will continue in his NEWT studies at Hogwarts. You will explain that he contracted a rare disease over the summer that sapped his magical core. We'll say that you sent him to a private clinic in China that specializes in this malady and they are not sure when or it he will ever recover. In the meantime, Hogwarts will not turn it's back on a student and will allow him to continue to take NEWT courses in Potions, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures and the theory parts of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. He will also be allowed to continue on the Slytherin Quidditch team if he so desires. While there is still 'hope' he may recover, we do not have to let anyone know he is no longer your heir."
Lucius smiled for the first time in a couple of days, "Thank you Albus, that will give me time."
"In the meantime, you and Narcissa have to come up with a new heir if you know what I mean."
"Um, that's my next problem. Lord Black dissolved our marriage and reclaimed her dowry. My liquid assets are vastly depleted and Narcissa is now Narcissa Black."
"I had suspected that is what Sirius meant." Seeing the questioning look on Lucius' face Dumbledore continued, "Sirius stated in his will that he had only one thing to bequeath to Narcissa however she would have to speak to the new Lord Black in private. This was one of the possible things that would have warranted such a request."
"I need your help to find a new wife. The Malfoy family cannot be without an heir."
"I will make enquiries around to families who have older, unmarried daughters. I could also inquire about magical orphans. Mr. Potter became Lord Black because of a blood adoption. You could consider that."
"No. One of the earliest Malfoys considered it 'bad faith' to create an heir in that way and any type of adoption for the purpose of creating an heir was banned in the family charter. Even Scorpius managed to produce a suitable magical male human heir."
Albus held back a snicker at the mention of Scorpius and maintained his serious face. "Very well, we will have to see who you can marry. However, the available pool of people I can talk to is small right now since you are a fugitive."
"I know! I'm not sure what Bella was thinking when she broke us out, but now I have to provide a plan to the Dark Lord by September on how he can secretly take over the Ministry."
"Take over the Ministry? I did not think he would try to act that quickly. I thought he would try to further destabilize our society. You and your advisors were supposed to convince him that attacking more muggle and muggleborn targets would spread fear and panic."
"Well obviously he's not listening. There are two major assignments he left us with before he took off to Merlin knows where with Snape. I got the assignment to draft the plans to take over the Ministry quietly."
"And the other assignment?"
"Well initially Draco had this assignment, but being a squib kind of meant he could not complete it. So I got Bella's assignment and Bella got Draco's."
"What is Bella's assignment?"
"To kill you."
Albus paled and sat back in his chair heavily. "That explains much."
"What do you mean?"
Albus described the events of yesterday, "everywhere I went Bella showed up with her team. How is she tracking me?"
"I don't know. Tom didn't let me in on it."
"I need you to find out for me. Talk to Bella and see what she knows. The only place she isn't bothering me is Hogwarts. That may be the key. I need to be able to move around without me finding her at every turn."
"I'll see if I can talk to Bella today. Although," Lucius allowed himself a smirk, "I'll only be able to find her if you are at Hogwarts."
Albus ignored the last comment and moved on, "I want you to continue your plans for taking over the Ministry. I can review it as your complete draft proposals and provide some advice on strategy and method. We can use this to our advantage to force the confrontation between Tom and the boy. As for your being a fugitive, let me work something out with Cornelius."
Lucius got up and went to the fireplace. He turned and faced the Headmaster, "Thank you for your time today Albus. As always, I appreciate your assistance and wisdom. I will try to find out what I can to help solve your little problem with Bella."
Albus nodded to him and made his way down to the Great Hall as Lucius disappeared into the flames.
/Scene Break/
Harry looked over at Tonks, "So Tonks, Hermione mentioned that you needed to talk to me about Madame Bones."
"Yes Harry, she called me in to meet with her yesterday. We had an interesting conversation. She wanted to know about the battle at the DoM and why I was there. I told her as much as I could about the Order of the Phoenix without breaking my oaths." She went on for the next 10 minutes to discuss her discussion with Amelia.
"So why does she want to see me?"
"I think she is trying to find out as much as she can about Fudge and Dumbledore. Dumbledore blocked her access to you so she could not ask questions about the battle at the DoM and the circumstances leading up to it. However, now that you are Lord Potter-Black, Dumbledore can't block access to you and it's your decision to meet with her. Harry, I think you should. Cover what she wants to cover and then tell her about the conspiracy when the opportunity arises. You can trust her. I told her a number of things that would get me thrown into Azkaban or even kissed, but she let me go and even allowed me to come up with the cover story."
Harry thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement. "OK, I'll send a note with Hedwig that I'll meet with her at 2."
As if on queue, Hedwig came flying back in. Narcissa stifled a giggle – he hadn't even called her.
Harry scribbled a note and looked at his familiar, "Hedwig, can you deliver this to Amelia Bones right away please?"
She just looked at him.
"I know I promised to spend the morning with you. The sooner you get back the sooner we can play."
She stared at him some more. More giggles erupted around the table.
"How about I spend tomorrow morning with you as well?"
She hooted and nodded once and extended her leg. "Thanks girl!" he said as she flew off.
Narcissa said, "Poor Hermione, she doesn't stand a chance. Hedwig already has you whipped."
"Tonks? Can you come with me to the meeting?"
"Sorry Harry I can't. Remus and I have big plans today."
Harry noticed Remus was pale, "What's up?"
"We are spending the entire day buying him a new wardrobe."
Harry looked at Remus, "Clothing shopping with your girlfriend Moony? That's one of the nine circles of hell."
Tonks stuck her tongue out at Harry and led Remus away. They were gone with a soft 'pop'.
Narcissa excused herself and left the room as well. Neville who had remained silent and enjoyed the show was about to leave when Harry stopped him.
"Nev, can you come with me this afternoon?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, you were there at the DoM. You were in the DA and know what Umbridge was like. You're also part of our new group. I'd like you there with me."
"OK Harry."
"Great. I'll meet you in the Lobby of the Ministry at quarter to two."
/Scene Break/
Narcissa was sitting outside on a bench near the stream that passed through the estate. She had a parchment in her hand and was writing furiously. Every once in a while she would stop and absentmindedly chew on her sugar quill. She would then scratch something out and write different words instead.
This was the first in a series of little 'projects' Andy and her had thought up to get back at Lucius for the hell he put her through. She giggled to herself and thought, "Merlin, what's come over me? Ever since Harry annulled my marriage and I got reunited with Andy I've felt so light and free. I haven't giggled so much in years."
The note was finally finished. She'd talk to Harry about it this evening. In order for this to work, the note would have to come from Lord Black.
As she sat back to enjoy the perfect summer morning she thought that Andy and her should talk to the Weasley twins. Their reputation for revenge preceded them and they just might be able to help with some of these little 'projects.'
/Scene Break/
Bella had her team assembled and on alert for Dumbledore's first movement of the day. As the waited having breakfast, she silently thanked her Dark Lord for this assignment. It played to her strengths. Besides it gave her a chance to deal with her repressed issues with the Headmaster from her school days.
Her team was fairly relaxed as well. All recruits, she had chosen them because of their hatred of the man. She couldn't have anyone on her team who actually respected Dumbledore – they might try to save him in the heat of the moment.
Bella wasn't actually ready to kill him yet. Yes, most people may consider her crazy, but if there is one thing she had learned from her Dark Lord it was the power of terror. Make the victim feel completely powerless before you take their life. Yes, she intended to 'play' with Albus first. He had to know that wherever an whenever he went out she would be there taunting him, threatening him. Only once his paranoia took hold would she actually start battling him and trying to fulfill her mission.
She was startled from her juicy plans by the appearance of Lucius coming towards her.
"Lucy!" she yelled noticing him visibly wincing, "How sweet you came to see me. I may not be able to stay very long, Albus may decide to leave and I want to welcome him wherever he goes."
"Really Bella? Do you have his schedule?"
"Oh, Lucy, I don't need a schedule. Any time he leaves the castle I just know where he is. I have no idea how but I suspect our Lord gave me the ability to read his mind enough to know where he is."
"Well why haven't you finished your mission yet?"
"Lucy, the Dark Lord said to kill him – not when. I'm taking my time and enjoying this assignment. I'll kill him when the time is right."
She looked at him with a playfully evil grin on her face, "And how is that squib son of yours today? Has he been to visit his friends yet?" She laughed at him, "Lucy, Lucy, Lucy, you are out of favour with the Dark Lord. I hope your plan for the Ministry meets with his approval. I can't imagine what else he might do to your family."
Lucius didn't say another word – he was not going to provide Bellatrix with any more ammunition. Suddenly she had a look of recognition and said to her team, "Let's go!" and they disappeared leaving a bewildered Lucius behind wondering just how she was tracking Albus.
/Scene Break/
Nymphadora was having the time of her life. She knew this was slow torture for Remus shopping for clothes, trying on different outfits for her to see. However it had to be done. She was tired of seeing her new boyfriend in run down clothes and every time he came out wearing something new that actually fit he was a different man altogether.
She realized that they had only been together as a couple of less than a week, but they had known each other for the past two years. She had been immediately attracted to the seemingly shy and reserved man. As she got to know him she saw the intelligence underneath and his gentle nature. Whenever Remus and Sirius would tell her about the Marauders, she started to see the mischievous glint in his eyes.
The fact that he was a werewolf did not bother her at all. He was only a beast for one night a month and the rest of the time he was the Remus she knew and came to love. Besides, the wolf in him made him very interesting.
Remus came out of the change room to model the latest outfit Tonks had wanted him to try. He looked at her and noticed that her hair had gotten a bit darker pink than when he went in and she was blushing. Remus knew that look very well and smiled knowing that he was one lucky man. Looking into the mirror he saw himself in a muggle suit and tie. The cut of the suit fit him well and he was surprised at how it made him feel. He was no longer the werewolf just trying to get by, he saw a handsome, and confident man looking back at him. Maybe buying clothing wasn't so bad at all.
He looked over at Nymphadora with love. He had known her for close to two years and there had been an attraction between them from the start. He had tried to keep his distance because of the age gap, but when she came to him last week and started flirting, he could not help but reciprocate. That led to them both discovering the other had the same feelings. Now they had found a cottage to share and would be moving in by next week. He planned to ask Bill to help erect the wards around it.
Remus felt more alive than he had for a long time. He got a glint in his eye and decided it was his turn to try something. He looked at Tonks and winked. She got up and hugged him and told him how sexy his current outfit looked. He whispered in her ear, "I need help changing. I've already placed the silencing and notice-me-not charms."
Nymphadora's hair changed colour to match the blush that little bit of news created.
/Scene Break/
Hermione, Tom and Severus had spent the morning going over all of the books from the Black library that even mentioned Horcruxes in passing. There was absolutely no mention of people being used as Horcruxes or even any clue on how to remove a Horcrux without damaging the 'vessel'. Hermione was beyond frustrated but did not give up hope.
They agreed to go back through the entire Black library if they had to. Failure was not an option to anyone here. Tom needed to reintegrate as many soul fragments as possible since one had already been lost with the destruction of the diary. Losing Harry was not even in the realm of possibility as Tom and Severus were constantly reminded.
/Scene Break/
Lucius arrived home and summoned his 'son'.
Draco arrived with the same downtrodden look he had since he had lost his Magic. Lucius had already worked on his story since Draco was not aware of his close relationship with the Headmaster. Lucius was not yet ready to include Draco in their plans since Draco had never been able to keep hi mouth shut. Lucius normally had no dealings with the Muggle world, but he once heard a quote attributed to an American Muggle President and he had tried to instill it in Draco with no tangible result. It went, 'Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.'
"Draco, I spoke to professor Dumbledore today."
"What for? I can't go back for my NEWTs as a squib!"
"I told him that you had contracted a rare disease and that your magical core was severely weakened. He thinks that you are at a special clinic in China right now but that your magic may not have regenerated enough by the time school starts."
"And this helps me how?"
"You can continue in your studies with subjects that do not require actual magic and sit for your NEWTs. It will also give you an opportunity to get close to Harry Potter. You just have to stay out of sight for the summer."
"Why are you doing this?"
"I want you to exact our revenge on Lord Potter-Black. I don't want our family to be any further disgraced. I want to give you a chance to redeem yourself and prove that you are still useful to me."
Draco smiled an evil smile and said, "Thank you for this opportunity father. I will not fail you."
/Scene Break/
Arthur floo-called the Ministry and took the day off work. He said that he had been feeling strange for the past few days and was going to get himself checked out.
Arriving at St. Mungo's he spoke to a healer who ordered a series of tests. Arthur specifically asked them to check for any potion contamination and run a full scan for spells and charms.
/Scene Break/
Albus and a disillusioned Moody had apparated to Diagon Alley as a test. They had walked no further than tow paces when there were multiple pops behind them. Dumbledore cringed when Bella started saying, "Oh good morning Headmaster. Did you finally come to play?"
Instead of apparating right away, Dumbledore wanted to stall Bella so Moody could scan for possible tracking spells. "Hello Bella, this is getting to be quite a habit of yours. To what do I owe your sudden interest in me?"
"Now, now Headmaster. A girl's got to have her secrets. Let's just say if I were an animagus, I think I would be a cat."
"A cat? You mean like professor McGonagall?" Albus didn't get it.
Moody on the other hand smiled. He knew what she meant. Bella might be a psychopath, but she wasn't stupid.
"Enough of this professor! Let's play!" Bella and the Death Eaters raised their wands at the headmaster and several bystanders.
Dumbledore knew that Bella wanted him, but he could not risk some of the pureblood families in the area – he apparated away. Moody still hadn't been detected. He watched as Bella paused and then said, "He's back at Hogwarts. I was so looking forward to playing today." She pouted and then addressed her team, "Back to Headquarters"
Moody headed back to the gates of Hogwarts once Bella and her team were gone. Dumbledore was waiting for him just inside the gates.
Dumbledore was impatient, "Well Alastor. You see what I had to put up with yesterday? Did you find anything?"
"I detected no spells or charms that I know of. I watched her after you left – it's almost like she's reading your mind."
"My Occlumency barriers are in place. However I will take the time today to meditate and check on them. One thing still puzzles me though."
"What's that?"
"Based on what Lucius told me her orders are to kill me. Why doesn't she just try to do that?"
"Because she's a cat."
"What does that have to do with it?"
"Albus, have you never had a pet cat?"
"No, we had dogs at my family residence and lots of goats, but no cats – mother was allergic. In my adult life I have preferred avian companions and once Fawkes joined me I had no need for a pet."
"Well, there is one thing about cats you should know."
"And that is?"
"They are obsessed with playing with their food. Cat's don't just stalk and kill their prey. They play with it in an almost sadistic way. Once they get bored, death quickly follows."
"Oh." Albus said and then realization hit him, "Oh my!"
/Scene Break/
The early afternoon found Luna surrounded by half-open books in the Potter library. She had been following a certain avenue of research in an attempt to solve both Harry's and Tom's dilemma – Tom needed the soul fragment attached to Harry and Harry needed to survive its extraction.
She had come up with a possible solution several hours ago, however her Ravenclaw secondary traits ensured that she would thoroughly research the solution before proposing it.
She sat back from the books. The magic she researched had never been used for this purpose however she had calculated an 80 percent probability that it would work. Going back to her research notes she checked them over and ensured that she had properly identified all of her research material. She would want Hermione and most likely Tom to check this over but especially Hermione.
"After all," she said to herself, "to make this work Hermione will have to be involved and risk herself too."
A/N – As always thank you for all your reviews. One reviewer has helped me decide what we are going to do with Harry the Horcrux, but I'll leave that secret to between just Luna and me right now.