After a wonderful honeymoon through Japan, I have finally returned to fanfiction! I appreciate all the lovely and patient reviews I received. I hope you will all enjoy the chapter!
In a haze, Harry walked behind the Weasleys who had so suddenly apparated him to St Mungo's. Guests and Healers walked past, but the teen hardly took notice of them, only fixated on the thought of Ginny. Ron had said she was awake and asking for him... How long ago had it been that she'd been transported to the hospital exactly? Had they been able to treat her? If she was awake, surely that was a good sign right? but Ron had nearly been in tears...
The door in front of them swung open, and Mr Weasley came out, his hair disheveled and his hands trembling. Any life that had returned since the death of his wife was gone again. Harry's heart skipped a beat. Surely she couldn't be... ''Dad?'' Ron's voice sounded shrill in the hallway, and the man looked up, trying to smile.
''She's still there,'' he whispered, but by the tone of his voice Harry could hear it was close. They all rushed into the room, and the smell of rot made them all stumble. Ginny lay there, but she was barely recognisable. Her skin was covered in crusts out of which green pus trickled down, the obvious cause of the smell. An man in green Healer robes stood at her bedside, but Harry did not recognise him from previous visits.
The room was empty further. There had been no time for Ginny to add a personal touch, and no other patients shared her room. He couldn't blame the Healers for her isolation, with that stench. The floor, walls and ceiling were all so white that it nearly hurt his eyes, and the only splash of colour that wasn't the Ginny herself, came from a small bouquet of arums in a vase and a single card on her nightstand. He thought the arums had been bad taste: they were white as well, and only the green stems stood out against the backdrop of the room.
''How is she doing?'' he asked as calmly as possible.
The man gave him a rather shocked look before it was smoothed over. He had undoubtedly not been informed of that Harry would be here as well. ''Ah, Mr Potter... it is.. well... the situation is rather critical.'' Harry looked down at Ginny, whose eyes were closed. ''She was awake before,'' the Healer instantly said, almost as if defending himself. ''There is not much we can do, she arrived yesterday afternoon and was already in a bad place. The nurse at Hogwarts could only keep the poison from spreading to the brain and other vital organs, instead directing it to the surface... But as you can see, that is being eaten away now. Try not to get her skin in the vicinity of your mouth or any open wounds, it could spread.''
''Is there no antidote?'' Harry asked, feeling desperate.
''We were informed the poison came from the knifes of one in the Assassin's Guild. Their poisons are notorious. When one has finally been unraveled and an antidote been found, they develop a new one to make sure it will always be lethal. Bezoars and other general antidotes also had no effect. We are trying to analyse the ingredients within the poison but that will take days, if not weeks. Perhaps there would have been a chance had she been transported here more quickly, but now she has not enough time left. Her treatment currently slows the process as much as possible and erases the pain. I am sorry, but her passing is... inevitable.''
''You are a Healer! Heal her then!'' George suddenly cried, flinging himself at the bed of his little sister and taking her hand. ''Ginny, Ginny, can you hear me?''
Before the Healer could pull George away, Ginny's eyelashes fluttered a bit and she opened her eyes slowly, and it took time for her to fix her gaze on her brother as if it cost her a great deal of energy.
''Forge?'' she asked, sounding sleepy. Slowly, she sat up, wincing as she did so. Reluctantly, George pulled away, perhaps having the advice of the Healer in his mind about not touching her too much. With their job, Harry was certain they had small wounds everywhere.
''We heard you finally awoke,'' her brother said, carefully taking her hand in his. ''You wanted to tell us all something?''
''Is Harry here too?'' she asked softly, and Harry stepped in view, crouching down in front of her face.
''I'm here,'' he muttered. ''And so is Ron, and your dad.''
''I spoke to dad before,'' she said, her voice sounding far away. ''He didn't like me saying goodbye.''
''You're not going anywhere'' Ron chimed in, balling his fists. ''You're going to get better first!'' Ginny laughed at that, and then got a coughing fit, trying to cover her mouth with the bed sheet. She asked the Healer to leave the room and waited until he closed the door behind him before speaking again.
''Ron, you idiot,'' she said, suddenly sounding a bit more awake. ''I'm not dumb. When I got those knives in me I knew already that I would die. Thanks to Harry I got a few extra days to say goodbye, but I know how things stand. The Healers need to be honest to their patients, don't you know that? And you can be damned sure that I wanted to know what was going on with me, wanted the truth. I won't survive another two days, even with all the potions they give me. It's too short time to find a cure. There was talk of some experimental spell, but that would either make it four days or instant death with 50/50 chance, and even after four days they could never figure out this poison and brew an antidote. Now they can at least use me when I'm dead to develop a cure.'' Ron opened his mouth again, but she gave him a look, and he snapped it shut instantly. ''I don't want to rot away for two more days here during which my skin turns completely green and I start to fall apart. I want to say goodbye and get it over with. Dad wasn't happy when I asked him for permission, but he understands...''
Harry understood too, but he didn't want to believe it. He had carried her to the Hospital wing with the thought that it was her only hope for survival... and now she would die anyways? So soon?
''You have not even seen all your brothers yet...'' he spoke.
The girl sat up and crossed her arms, an imitation of her mother who would not take any talk back. ''Bill just left, actually, and Percy sent a card. Asshole. Even this is not enough for him to face Dad and the others. Bill told me that Charlie is currently away from his usual spot with the dragons and cannot be reached, so I'll have to do without him, but he would not make it here in the coming days then either if he has no access to anyone.'' Her voice sounded harder, not accepting any other opinions. ''I wanted to tell you all of my decision, and please do not try to talk it out of me.''
''As if we could ever try to talk anything out of you,'' It was the first time Fred spoke since they had entered the room. ''I just want to say that... I'm sorry, and I'm sure that goes for Georgie as well. Sorry for not inventing more useful things. While we were experimenting with new Muggle products, we could have better used our time to find a cure to your illness.'' Harry wondered if he was joking, but the tone and somber face told him that Fred really thought they might have been able to make that.
''You make people happy even in sad times,'' Ginny spoke. ''Please keep doing so, it is very necessary these days. Hogwarts always becomes a little bit brighter now when someone is able to smuggle in some fireworks or other products.''
''You had so much to live for,'' Harry suddenly spoke, his voice cracking. ''Remember what we talked about at Hogwarts? Next year you might have become a Chaser. After school you wanted to go to the Holyhead Harpies. You really want to give up on your dreams?''
''Of course I don't want to.'' She was angry now. ''But I only have the choice between now or in a few days! A choice between going gracefully or turning into a rotting, bumbling lunatic when it reaches my brain! There are no dreams or hopes anymore Harry! And you know what, I don't regret it one bit. It was you or me, and you have already saved so many people in your lifetime, me included, that I thought it was time for someone to do something back for you. I am proud to say that I saved your life, and proud I will die!''
Another coughing fit undermined her strong posture a bit, but Harry's respect for her could not be taken away by it. He felt a sudden twitch in his mind, and the temperature in the room dropped several degrees. Maybe Marvolo should look into his family history to see if anyone ever mated with a Dementor. It wouldn't be surprising.
Marvolo approached the bed, and Ginny's eyes widened when she saw him. ''Well said, Ms Weasley,'' he commented, and then: ''Harry told me a funny story the other day, about you. He was also very persistent in making me show up here.''
Ginny lowered her hand from her mouth, and her eyes flicked to Harry. ''You kept your promise.'' Somehow, wonder lay in her tone.
''A bad trait of mine,'' he grimaced. ''People always make me promise things I maybe shouldn't do.''
''My Lord,'' the other Weasleys muttered when he turned to them.
''You should probably say your goodbyes now,'' Marvolo said, his voice leaving no room for any objections. Harry had expected that after such an order, it would all be very forced, but the brothers moved as one and went to Ginny's bedside again, Fred sitting at the head and George and Ron each holding one of her hands. Each muttered their goodbyes, and in their eyes Harry could see the knowledge of that this was the last time they would speak to their sister. As they left, Harry felt Ron's gaze on him. He knew it was unfair that he would see Ginny alive longer, but it could not be different. The girl had asked for him specifically, and Harry had guessed that she wanted to speak about Marvolo. Now the man actually showed up personally, he knew something final was happening, and no other eyes and ears should be in the room.
Ginny looked at Voldemort with an burning curiousity, and she could not seem to look away. Harry found the scene to be very odd as Marvolo summoned a chair and sat down. He tried to make out his lover's feelings, and found reluctance, disgust and, surprisingly, gratitude.
''It is a pleasure to meet you in person... my Lord.'' the girl said. ''I am surprised to see you though. Harry said you are a busy man, and I have done nothing to...'' her words caught in her throat and died. A few seconds ticked by, and she sucked in her breath, starting anew. ''Sorry, I just realise I have nothing to lose anymore, and there's no need for me to babble meaninglessly. I don't know why you came, but I'm glad. Tom...''
Harry had expected Marvolo to be on his feet in a flash, to pull his wand out and curse Ginny, but the man only sat there and stared at her calmly. ''I do not like that name,'' he simply said. ''I haven't used it in nearly fifty years.''
A sadness entered her eyes, and her hand twitched, as if she wanted to reach out to him. ''I see,'' she only said.
Whatever you say here only matters to her, Harry thought. She will die soon.
If I did not know that, I would have put her under the Cruciatus curse for calling me that. It still does not mean I have to stoop down to the level of a simpering child I do not even know.
At least you came, Harry sighed.
Silence stretched out between the three of them. He had no idea what to say... he'd seen her a few days ago at Hogwarts, and the few topics they usually touched had already been spoken about. Harry had never been really good at talking, if he was honest. Perhaps it was because as a child he'd always been alone with none to talk to apart from the spiders in his closet. When he was with Ron and Hermione they often just sat there, or he listened while they talked, or played games. Even with Marvolo he didn't talk that much. For once, Ginny, who was usually of the same witty caliber as Fred and George, also was without words. It reminded him of the time that she couldn't bring out a single sound when in his presence.
To the surprise of them both, it was finally Marvolo who broke the silence: ''Harry mentioned that you had hoped to share your memories. I wish to see them.'' He did not give any further explanation.
Had he really only come because Harry had threatened to not speak to him in case he hadn't, or was there more? The odd gratitude he'd felt... Maybe it was because the girl had jumped in front of Harry. If she hadn't, it would have been him lying in the hospital bed there... not even that, he would have been chained at Hogwarts and left his body without having said his goodbyes to his lover or friends.
The girl blinked and a spark entered her eyes, in sharp contrast to her sickly body. ''I've read about Legilimency... in my second year, when everything started. I thought the book made use of mind-control magic, and he always knew what I was thinking so...''
''It worked differently,'' Marvolo muttered. His fingers reached out for Ginny's face and he turned it so that she looked right into his eyes. Harry tried to suppress the pang of jealousy he felt all of a sudden as the red orbs that he loved to have on him, were on his friend now, as intensely as if they were sucking out her soul. Ginny's eyes became glassy as her memories were being sifted through. Harry sucked in his breath when through the mind-link, he became aware of both their thoughts. He had never had the link open while Marvolo performed Legilimency on someone as far as he could remember, and it was an odd feeling. It was as if visions swam through his mind. He saw flashes of the diary, still completely whole, Ginny's hand writing in it, gripping it tightly as she received an answer...
The door behind them creaked open, and the Healer of before came in. If seeing Harry had already broken his calm demeanor, it was nothing to how he acted when seeing the Dark Lord sitting at his patient's bed. The potions on the metal tray he was carrying would have fallen off if Harry would not have flicked his wand to use a levitation charm on them.
Glad to have something to do other than look into Ginny's memories through the link, the teen walked to the man and helped him to put the potions on it again. ''Apologies,'' he muttered. ''I guess he didn't stop by the front desk, did he? What is your name?''
''Helbert Spleen,'' the man nervously said.
''I recognise that name from somewhere.''
Healer Spleen smiled. ''Perhaps from the Prophet? I sometimes have an advice column in it, a bit of a side job to keep the people more in touch with the hospital.'' On Harry's thoughtful nod, he looked over to the bed and whispered: ''Is everything there... okay?''
''Oh, yes. Yes of course. Are those potions for Ginny?''
''Correct, they are for Ms Weasley, but she has not been very cooperative in taking them, because the one that takes away pain also slows the senses. Did she inform you of...''
''Her decision?'' Harry finished his sentence. He looked over to the bed, but Marvolo's back blocked the view on the girl's face. Another few flashes were visible in his mind's eye, of how the young Tom Riddle rose from the pages, talking to the girl. ''She did. Not sure how to feel, but it's her choice. I'm only happy for her that her father did not go against her wishes.''
The Healer hummed. ''Personally I dislike it, I hate to shorten the life of patients rather than try to lengthen it but... everyone thinks differently about it. Who knows what I'd do in the same situation. In either case...'' he threw another nervous look at the other side of the room. ''Could you make sure she takes these?'' Harry had to hide a laugh by turning around and pretending to look to the window. He knew that people had a good reason to fear Marvolo, but it was still always funny in situations they had absolutely no reason to.
''I will. We'd appreciate a bit of privacy again too... I'll inform the front desk when we leave.'' Marvolo had broken his stiff position, and the swarm of visions had stopped, so the Legilimency must have ended. Spleen slipped back through the door and Harry returned. It had been a strange experience that he would not like to repeat, but at least he had been part of the experience in a way.
His lover's facial features had lost a bit of their usual hardness, and he motioned for his fiancé to come closer. Ginny still stared a bit dazed, as if far away.
What do you want me to do? Harry asked.
Just sit here. Don't worry about her wounds, I already cast a liquid-repelling spell on your skin when I entered the room. A few motions of his fingers made the lock on the door click. I don't want anyone else to enter.
Harry came closer and took her impossibly white, small hand into his.
''You were a real Gryffindor, Ginevra,'' Marvolo spoke, his voice sounding a bit ironic. Harry wasn't sure if he had meant it as a compliment to her or not.
''How odd then, tht it was the Heir of Slytherin that gave me the strength to be brave,'' she muttered. ''Those times, your words... they pulled me through all the days in which I didn't know what my next step would be. When I had no friends, when my family saw me as weak and my crush didn't want to come close to me. Sorry Harry,'' she added in afterthought.
''We're here for you,'' he just whispered back, giving her fingers a squeeze, which she returned as much as she was able to, although the movement apparently caused her pain, as she grimaced.
''Thank you.''
Harry saw tears glistening in her eyes, and had a hard time keeping himself together. This was not about him or Marvolo now. This was about giving a dear friend the last happy moments she would have. ''You've been incredibly strong. I will never forget about you.''
She smiled a bit. ''Neither will I, if I still retain even a slight bit of my mind in death... At least that's one adventure you cannot leave me out of. But I would ask of you to help me with the first steps at least.''
''I... don't understand,'' Harry said, at the same moment Marvolo pulled his wand and nodded. ''Hey, what do you... what are you doing? No, wait!''
Ginny looked at him with a sad smile. ''This is my choice. I want it now.''
''You have known me better than most, Ginevra,'' Marvolo whispered, putting the wand to her temple. ''I am amazed by how much my Horcrux trusted you. And even so, even after you found out how it used you to live, you kept my secrets, only in exchange for the words it... I... wrote. You would have made a wonderful addition to my army. I am thankful for that you saved Harry's life, and I vow to ensure every person in Britain will know of your sacrifice. I hereby declare you the first heroine of the New British Empire.'' Every word was said in the same grave, low tone, and Harry's heart clenched. There was nothing he could add to it but the pressure of his hands, the last human contact she'd have. He knew what would happen now. Somewhere in his mind he registered what was happening, but he could not move.
Ginny did not close her eyes, instead fixing them on Marvolo's. ''Green also looked good on you,'' she whispered. ''They used to be a bit like Harry's. Do you think I will find that piece of you on the other side? The boy in the book?'' Desperation now, and he wondered who was clinging more to whom. He vaguely registered that her touch became colder, as if she was already fleeing from this world.
''Perhaps. Even I do not know the mysteries of death. Farewell, Ginevra Weasley.'' Her hands held on tighter to Harry's, and his stomach turned, his vision becoming blurry with tears.
''I die with pride, I die in love. Thank you both'' she whispered, closing her eyes at last, right before the green rush of the Killing curse ripped the life from her.
The door closed behind him, and his ears felt as if they were filled with water, as if he was back in the Black lake, that moment right before surfacing, where his lungs had not received any oxygen anymore and he'd been close to fainting. His vision swam with the image of her lifeless face and he shuddered. He needed to get out of here. Harry started running down the corridor without listening to whatever Marvolo shouted after him, down the bright white stairs, past the portraits of all the previous Healers, men and women who had devoted their life to medicine and had still not reached the point of finding a cure for Ginny's poison in all those centuries.
He did not halt even when he reached the first floor and the entrance, but ran straight for the door, a scream building up in his throat. He flung the doors open and released it, a group of people standing right outside jumping at the sound. Harry's knees gave in and he collapsed on the pavement, releasing all the tears he'd had to hold back before to seem strong. He did not want to care so much anymore. It hurt too much, as if his heart was cracking all over.
A hand appeared in his blurry vision, and with an effort that seemed humanly impossible, Harry looked up, an unfamiliar face looking at him.
''Who are you?'' he croaked, but more for formality, as he already grasped the hand and clung to it for dear life. This man could have been the next assassin and Harry still would not have been able to let go right now.
''An admirer, Mr Potter,'' the stranger answered. His voice was calming, and reminded him of Kingsley. Slightly suspicious, because it really sounded exactly like Kingsley, he tried to look closer through his tears, but the man in front of him bore no physical resemblance to the Order member he'd known. The face was old, with long gray hair hanging past his shoulders. This person was undoubtedly a wizard though, wearing a long night blue robe. Harry tried to remember what had happened to Kingsley after he'd stepped down from the elections in favour of Sirius... He'd been there during a few of the raids, and fought in the Battle of France, but Harry could not remember seeing him during the Battle of London. Had he been killed, imprisoned, or had he stayed away? At times like this, Harry cursed himself for not having tried to find out more information.
Still, his instincts told him to trust this man, who had offered his hand at the middle of the street. Marvolo also did not seem to have come after him, else he'd have been here already. Well, it had always been Harry saying he wanted space after situations like these...
I'm still here, a voice reassured him, calming his senses instantly. If anything goes wrong, I'll be there in a second, I'll stay in London for now.
Harry let himself be pulled to his feet, and stood there rather sheepishly now, not knowing what to say. He followed the stranger, who had started to walk away from the hospital, and odd movement to his step as if he was not used to walking. Harry threw one last look back over his shoulder. The building's looks certainly had improved since the magical and non-magical world had merged. While 's was still exclusively for magical diseases and curses, Muggles were also taken in now, which was especially necessary with the clashes that happened regularly between the two societies. As such, the cover of the old warehouse with ugly mannequins was gone, and instead a large, inviting entrance had been built out of white marble that reminded Harry of Gringotts, with the difference that the doors themselves were not also out of marble, but wood. To honour Marvolo, who had donated a massive amount of money for the renovation after the Battle had destroyed their research facilities, a portrait of a man had been engraved on one door, and a snake on the other. The words Therapeutae Aesculapiuswere written over their heads.
He hurried to catch up to the stranger with Kingsley's voice, and Harry tried to look out for any signs of illusion spells that would prove it was just the Order member in disguise. Still, he could only remember the man as tall, imposing and regal, with always calming movements and a determined style of going about. If it would not have been for the voice, Harry would never have come up with the thought of the former Auror. It could not be polyjuice either, as that would have changed the voice... Something was wrong, but Harry could not put his finger on it. At least his wariness pushed thoughts of Ginny further into his mind now...
''Look around, Mr Potter,''
''Harry is fine,'' the teen said, disliking how formal his surname sounded.
''Harry then. Look.'' the teen followed the pointed finger. He had not paid much attention to his surroundings as he'd tried to make sense of his self-declared admirer. They had entered a park now, and a group of magicians had gathered round a fountain, putting on a show by changing the water into all kinds of different colours, other liquids and textures. On a second look, he noticed that actually, only a few people were influencing the water, and he came to the conclusion that the rest must be Muggles. They were asking questions with enthusiasm Harry only sometimes saw in children. Some had taken notebooks and were writing feverously in them. As Harry let his gaze wander over the scene, he noticed this was a trend everywhere in the park: witches and wizards practising their magic, with one or more Muggles watching them, trying to understand how it worked.
At the far left, a woman was making plants grow faster, while an elderly wizard with a ridiculous hat was transfiguring the bland street lamps into art, with Jugendstil ironwork in the shape of leaves and flowers sprouting from the base pole. The lamp inside instantly broke, but was replaced by a very familiar ball of purple magic that Harry had seen often in connection to the Weasley twins. He'd heard they were planning on opening a factory soon, with magical energy being produced constantly to replace electricity. It was a bit hard to see as it was still daylight, but Harry could imagine the park to look beautiful at night, bathed in soft purple.
''We are transforming London together,'' the man next to him said, suddenly leaning on a crutch that had come out of nowhere, a soft smile on his lips. ''It's odd, isn't it? We all thought it would be Dumbledore leading to peace, with his talk of accepting Muggles and Muggleborns, but it is only now that Voldemort took over that we are truly living together.''
''You were part of the Order, weren't you?'' Harry said. No-one else still spoke his name. ''Who are you?
''It is of no matter. We have many things to see still.'' With the crutch, the stranger suddenly walked much faster, as if more used to it, and intrigued but wary, Harry followed. The next thing he was made aware of was a large building site. The damage done to London had mostly been repaired over the months, going much quicker now that magicians had their hand in it, but there were still many spots that had not been rebuilt yet. What he saw was astonishing: large, obviously magical drawings were hanging in the air, and Muggles on ladders added details to them, on which a team of magicians instantly implemented the change on the building. Slowly but surely, the wizards followed the instructions of the Muggles, erecting walls, changing colours and materials, bending stone to a certain degree... Harry knew that most mages did not have a clue about physics, much less in fields where you had to apply them like architecture an engineering. What he saw here was Muggle technical knowledge being executing perfectly and quickly with the efficiency of magic in order to give shape to something beautiful.
They walked further, worming their way through masses of people now they were getting closer to the shopping districts. Harry had not set foot here since the end of the war, and was astounded by the sight. Magical shops had popped up everywhere over Muggle London, and the whole inner city looked like Diagon alley now. So many people had migrated to Britain, afraid of persecution in their own country, that London had more magicians than ever. Second-hand bookshops and potion stores sold their wares to mage and Muggle alike, and owls flew up and down the streets with letters.
''How do they pay for it?'' Harry yelled in the stranger's ear, who laughed.
''Haven't kept up to date much, have you Harry? Muggle money, of course. Galleons can be spent in Diagon alley still, for wares Muggles have no business buying, like wands and potion ingredients, or the really dangerous books and wares, but most of the regular shops had been moved here. There's no reason why Muggles cannot appreciate having moon globes or fancy quick-spelling quills. It's all the rage now for Muggles to buy 'magical' artifacts, even when they don't have a lick of magic in them, like crystal vial sets or cauldrons. Most of them are using them as home or garden decoration.
''Isn't that a bit... I don't know, disrespectful?'' Harry asked, frowning at the thought of a cauldron becoming a flower pot in some Muggle Garden. The stranger shrugged.
''They're only objects. If you make them available to people, they can use them however they want. That's also why most of the 'real' things are kept from them too. We of course don't want Muggles to mistreat wands or brooms.''
''Would brooms work for Muggles?'' Harry frowned. As far as his knowledge went - and as a professional Quidditch player, he knew much more than the average person - brooms had multiple spells on them that made them fly, but for steering connected to an relied on a person's magic.
''They could maybe hop on and float a bit, but that would be it'' the man confirmed his thoughts. ''Just like toy brooms for children who haven't developed magic yet. Still, criminals might use it as a way to float higher and get to multiple-story houses, or carry heavy goods. Muggles have no business with brooms other than regular sweeping ones. I heard many do like Quidditch though. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that the souvenir shops can never get enough merchandise for the Chudley cannons nowadays.''
Harry cracked a smile. ''Is that what you mean with being an admirer?'' Harry wondered. ''An admirer of my Quidditch team?''
The stranger laughed, and his deep bass laugh made Harry think of when the Order had been together at Grimmauld place. They were not very happy memories for him, as it had meant being separated from Marvolo after only just getting together and being smothered by the Order, but still it gave him a bit of a nostalgic feeling for some reason.
''You still don't understand, do you? In the first war, Voldemort was terrible. You may deny it all you want and say his intentions were good, but the world would not have turned out like this if he had gained complete control of the wizarding world back then. He was a tyrant, nothing else.''
''That is high treason, and a dangerous thought to say out loud,'' Harry warned.
''But I'm with you, and I know you would never wish a person ill.''
''You idolise me too much, I have wished plenty of people ill,'' the teen returned. He did not want to come across as the golden hero Dumbledore had wanted to mold him in to.
''That was not meant as criticism,'' the man slowly said, but looking a bit less care-free than before. ''But please hear me out. I know you have had great influence on the choices that have been made in this country, and Sirius Black would certainly not have been pushed forward as Minister of Magic if it hadn't been for you. I wanted you to see all the beautiful things that have been accomplished through the unveiling of our world, and you are the main reason why it happened so easily. If Sirius had not spoken to the public, if Ronald Weasley would not have led the battle in such a way that there were not many Muggle casualties, if the Weasley Twins would not have joined the dark an made this transition much easier for Muggles and wizards alike...''
''The Twins wanted to join the Dark before they even knew I was involved in any of it,'' Harry countered, but he was flattered nonetheless, not having known that he actually had made a difference. He had trusted Marvolo to guide everyone, but it seemed that his fiancé did not have all the honour to his name. It was true that if Harry had not pushed Sirius and Ron to join the Dark, probably more bloodthirsty people had been in their place. Still, he did not think that for that he deserved such large praise. It was still Marvolo who had started all of this and coordinated everything so they had won the war.
''I was not aware of that fact, I admit,'' the man said. ''But it does not change that you made a positive impact on this world, and I wanted to thank you for that and show you. You did not see much of the world you helped create, did you?''
''I didn't know I still had stalkers,'' Harry grinned. ''But thank you, I appreciate it. This past time, the only news I got was of people who oppose this new regime. People who want me, among others, dead. It is refreshing to see the other side as well and know that I am not only fighting for myself. All these people who are happy with magic being free... that is what we, or at least I, intended, and I will push myself to the limit if it means they can keep that freedom.
''I'm glad to hear it.''
Finally, Harry could not contain his curiousity any longer. ''You are Kingsley, aren't you?''
A sad smile appeared on the man's face. ''Voice gave me away again, didn't it?''
Harry shrugged his shoulders. ''It's rather unique, to say the least, and very unbefitting of the rest of your disguise. But I know it's not polyjuice, and not any illusion spells either. How do you do it?''
''You're not quite correct. It is polyjuice, but an altered, watered down version of it that only changes the outward appearance, not the entire body structure.''
''Why?'' Harry wondered. ''Why would you not just take the normal stuff then? As you said, your voice gives you away... rather easily in fact.''
''I'm still a wanted criminal, and easy to spot even in a crowd of people. This disguise is to keep people from looking closer. I would take normal polyjuice, but it is much more expensive and more painful to use. Plus, there is the additional problem of my legs.'' he tapped the crutch against one of them. The sound it made was rather odd. ''The potion makes a layer of skin cover it, but both of my legs are actually wooden. They were blown off during the French Massacre... also a reason why I could not participate during the one in London. I was stuck doing paperwork.
''I'm sorry about your legs. But since when is it called the French Massacre?'' Harry asked, cocking his head. ''We just call it the Battle of France.'' He got a deja vu feeling of the time he and Ron had discussed about how to call the battle of London.
''It was a massacre for the side of the Order, hence the name. We did not have many fighting units left in good condition after it, an Dumbledore died as well. When the dragons came, they slaughtered us. I had no idea that the Dark side had such an ace up their sleeve.''
''To be completely honest... neither did we,'' Harry admitted. ''Charlie gathered the dragons and came to our aid of his own free will. There was no recruitment involved. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad about the fact that I didn't get to see the dragons fight there though.''
''Weren't you there?'' Kingsley asked, sounding puzzled.
''At that moment I was being very busy dying after blasting Dumbledore into bits and pieces and taking the backlash myself.. I vaguely remember seeing the dragons, thinking they were giant birds... and then a real bird came, Fawkes, or Eldred as he calls himself. It's funny that Dumbledore's familiar saved his enemy rather than the man himself. Well, I suppose the old fool should not enslaved his former enemies' pet.'' At Kingsley's confused face, he just shook his head. It would take too much time to explain the whole story, and as Dumbledore was dead now and Fawkes free, it didn't matter much either.
''Let's continue, there's still much to see,'' the man continued, starting to walk again, and they left the busy street behind them. This time Harry kept his eyes more open, looking left and right to the people on the streets. The groups indeed were made up of magical and non-magical people alike, all carrying various items.
A child ran past, waving a twig in her hand and yelled: ''I wanna be a witch when I grow up! Can I be a witch mummy?''
Harry's heart clenched when the mother gave a sad smile and crouched down. ''Sorry darling, but you need to be born a witch. But I can buy you a potion kit so we can experiment a bit with that, do you want that? Making witch potions? We can do that for your next birthday, and have magical fireworks!''
The girl's face, which had fallen at the first sentence, lit up and nodded enthusiastically at the thought of brewing 'potions'. Harry could imagine the Ministry's misuse of Muggle artifacts department to work over-hours again... or would that fall under misuse of magical artifacts now? From what Kingsley had said, real potion ingredients were only supposed to be sold in Diagon alley, so who knew what was sold as a potion kit for Muggles...
They stopped in front of a large building, which bore the golden letters 'Consultation Bureau Abracadabra'. Harry blinked, wondering if he'd read the name incorrectly, but the ridiculous word stayed. ''Are you... kidding me?'' Harry asked. Kingsley shrugged and held the door open for Harry.
''They needed something Muggles could link to magic and remember. It was easiest to take a 'spell' that is, while false, well-known in the Muggle world. This is where people come for information and consultation when they don't know what to do or where to go regarding magical questions.''
Harry looked at some of the advertisement posters that hung in the entrance hall.
Does you child blow bubbles out of nowhere, move objects or float in the air? Go to the Ministry of Magic to do the magic-test! Your child may be eligible to extra courses.
Don't know what to give your magical neighbours for Christmas? Take a look at the latest fashion trends in CovenClothing. You can find us at Carnaby Street 140
Flames at your fingertips! Always wanted to have go at magic? Amaze your friends and family with the newest invention of Weasley Wizard Wheezes! Choose from a wide range of jewelry and accessories, put it on and snap your fingers. Instant sparks! More spells in development. Check out our new store at King's street now!
Harry shook his head and turned to Kingsley. ''It seems they found yet another market for their products. They didn't tell me they had bought another building.''
''Many stores at Diagon moved, but the most successful ones can afford having a second or multiple store in the Muggle world while keeping their spot in Diagon. Madam Malkin's also has a few locations now, and so does Flourish and Blotts.''
''I hope this trend will extend to Hogsmeade too,'' Harry said. ''I'd love to have a Honeydukes closer by. I still cannot apparate unfortunately. It's a shame that most of Hogsmeade is still on the side of the Hogwarts staff as of now...'' Neither of them spoke more when they went in. Harry had a flashback to the Atrium, which had obviously functioned as a model for this building. Water fell from golden statues around the room, and stars moved over the ceiling, memos flying back and forth everywhere. A fireplace stood at the end left and right of the Muggle entrance. A group of Muggles stood in front of a reception desk on the right, all with the same flyer in their hand. Kingsley shoved Harry to another desk above which a pentagram was gleaming in gold, and the man gave his wand to the lady behind the desk. She inspected it, rummaged through some paperwork, gave it back. Her eyes widened when they saw Harry, but without a single word spoken between them, Kingsley pushed Harry further to a door in the back.
''Where are we-'' Harry started, but the man lay a finger on his lips and guided him up a marble flight of stairs to the next floor, and then down a corridor that reminded him of the ministry as well. Finally, he knocked on a door, which opened instantly. Curious, Harry looked at the large room, where around twenty adults and several children were sitting in benches, a notebook in front of them. With shock, Harry recognised two people sitting in the front row: Hestia Jones and Sturgis Podmore, former Order members, although he hadn't known them well. A blackboard covered most of the wall, phrases that Harry recognised from both magical and Muggle authors written on it.
''Afternoon,'' Kingsley spoke. ''I brought someone.''
They all looked up, and an excited muttering went through the crowd. Harry could only stare at the two Order members of which, like Kingsley, they hadn't known the current location. Feeling betrayed, he pulled his wand, but the man behind him lay a hand on his shoulder, much stronger than Harry had expected. ''You are not in danger, Harry. Don't forget what we talked about before.''
Slowly, Harry lowered his wand, looking at the other faces as well. Some of the people were robed, but most had come in Muggle clothing and had no wand in view. The beauty of magic in the current world, the new state of London... Muggles and magicians cooperating. Had Kingsley told him all that to prepare him for this? His enemies sitting in a room with Muggles? But Kingsley also apparently was not an enemy any longer...
''Hello,'' he finally croaked as answer to all the expectant looks. His eyes flicked through the room to see if any other order members were here that he knew, but then he remembered that that couldn't be. Most of the Weasleys were elsewhere or dead, McGonagall was at Hogwarts, Dumbledore was dead, and so were Emmeline Vance, Dedalus Diggle, Mundungus, Madeye, Aberforth... Additionally, in recent news he'd heard also the old Elphias Doge died, but of illness. Tonks was on their side, just like Remus and Sirius, and when he counted it all together, these three were the only ones left of the once so large group of fighters.
He received a few mumbled greetings in return and felt quite awkward just standing there. The two people in front of the group gave him respectful nods, and Harry assumed they were the teachers. Were these people training to work here, or what? He gladly let himself fall on a chair at the side when Kingsley told him to, and one of the teachers started speaking again, her voice pleasant and light.
''And as such, the WOMBAT exams have to be remodelled, so the questions will reflect the current society, new laws and state of the Ministry rather than the old one. Please form groups of three and discuss for each part of the tests which questions would have to be adapted, added or deleted. Additionally, as it is a theoretical knowledge test, a synopsis of the most useful answers of these new WOMBAT exams will be made into a guidebook for Muggles and become available downstairs and in the Ministry. Yes, Alex?''
A boy in the second row had raised his hand in a very Hermione-ish way, hopping on his chair to get noticed. ''Will we actually be making these new tests? Or is this only theory and will the Ministry make them?''
''In the end, the Ministry will, but the information we gather here today will be taken into account. Minister Black personally asked me for the input of Muggles and magicians so we can produce optimal results.'' Apparently satisfied with the answer, the boy turned around and started whispering with the two people behind him, perhaps to form groups. ''Here are the current questions and answers of the WOMBAT.'' she waved her wand and parchment appeared on every table. Please take your time. You can write on them to make notes if you please. In an hour we'll see how far everyone got.''
As everyone made groups and Kingsley walked up to talk to the other, male teacher who was leaning against the board now, Harry tried to sort out his head, from where he'd first met Kingley today -and no memories of before that, absolutely no memories of before-, to where they were now. He felt like an outcast, and didn't know what to do. Outside, when Kingsley had shown him all those things and told about how the world had improved, everything had seemed fine. But now, he realised that this couldn't be. Kingsley himself had said he was a wanted criminal, and here Harry was talking to him as if they were old friends again, as if these people had not fought against them and caused the deaths of other people he'd befriended, like Rodolphus, Rabastan or Dyanira, and other followers of Marvolo.
Why had they brought him here, who had switched sides as one of the first openly and clearly belonged to the Dark? What had Kingsley wanted to accomplish with it? All his talk about how they tried to improve the world now was nice and all, but it didn't change that Harry now knew that criminals were running loose in London and getting into the administration of magic to Muggle relations. It gave him a headache. Harry did not like to think of Podmore, Jones or Kingsley as such, but it was how the current laws regarded them, and how they would need to be labeled in public.
The witch who was just done with erasing the blackboard walked up to Harry and also handed him the tests. ''Welcome Mr Potter, it is an honour to have you here. I had not expected Kingsley to actually manage without... well, getting arrested. I personally did not know if it was such a good idea of him to get you, but he was very persistent...'' she hesitated, choosing her next words carefully. ''I am unsure as to what he hoped to gain though, and if the Dark Lord knows...''
''He is already informed,'' Harry said calmly. It seemed to not be what she had wanted to hear, because shock coloured her face. ''I'm sorry, but by bringing me here, he automatically knew about it. He's currently just waiting to see what comes out of it before taking action. I'd be very interested in having a few questions answered, if you don't mind.''
''I.. yes, of course.'' she stuttered. Harry nodded and stood up.
''Under four eyes, please,'' He had a lot of questions, and did not wish for everyone to overhear those. He could feel Kingsley's eyes on him as he left the room with the teacher. She brought him to, surprisingly, a coffee machine. He had not expected it to still work in such a building, with all the magic being performed here.
''First of all, we haven't been introduced yet,'' Harry said. ''What is your name?''
''Leanore,'' she said while her fingers nervously fiddled with a loose thread in her light blue robes. ''Leanore Westenberg.''
''I'm sorry if this will come across as rude but...'' Harry said, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible, ''were you part of the Order of the Phoenix at one point? I saw a few old members here, and also know that the Order expanded before falling apart after Dumbledore's death. Many new members were recruited of which I never knew the names or faces.''
''I wasn't,'' she whispered, and Harry had to trust her at face value, because he was not a good as Marvolo at knowing when people spoke the truth or not. ''But my family provided shelter for Order members on multiple occasions,'' she admitted. ''Both in the first and the second war. They're not bad people,'' she pleaded softly.
''I know,'' Harry answered somberly. ''Many of my friends were there, misguided by lies, even magically manipulated into obedience by Dumbledore. It is of course difficult to find out who still believes in those ideals and who doesn't...''
''That's why they are here,'' Leanore spoke with a bit more fire in her voice, but one fueled by a desperation to make him understand. ''They saw that the world is better now, and many former Order members who are still alive wish to learn from their mistakes rather than keep fighting. They are helping now.''
That, or they could be worming themselves in the inside of our system, only to try and make it fall. Marvolo commented so suddenly that Harry jumped a bit. He repeated the words and added: ''I know that they may have believed in wrong ideals, but many of them have spread those, recruited others, fought against Voldemort and against me. They committed criminal acts, up to the very end.''
''Many of those once in the Order were forgiven and started working for the Dark Lord,'' Leanore tried. ''Even Minister Black-''
''Those who were spoken free of guilt were the ones turning to our side before the war ended, Minister Black included,'' Harry spoke. He knew he was being hard, but they could not just speak everyone free who suddenly wanted to switch sides when finding out they'd lost. If the old Ministry would have defeated all Death Eaters, he doubted Scrimgeour would have tried to keep the remaining Death Eaters out of Azkaban if they suddenly said they were Light.
Also, the members of the Order had months to decide, his fiancé commented. Some did, like the Weasley Twins, or Tonks, and some did with your persuasion, but Hestia Jones spoke out against Dark Magic all her life. I doubt she changed much. The only one I am uncertain about is Kingsley... he stepped down for Sirius during the elections against Dumbledore's wishes. That made the whole war much easier, and he also was not active again after his injury in France.
And Sturgis Podmore? Harry asked.
Podmore was fanatically anti-Dark during the first war. He worked in the department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and made it incredibly hard for Dark creatures and beings. I'm surprised that he and Lupin got along, Podmore was the reason why the Werewolf registry became better trained and active again. He is not very popular among many of our allies. Letting him live in freedom would be... unwise.
Harry heaved a deep sigh and sipped some of the coffee from the machine. It didn't taste half as bad as he'd expected.. ''We'll have chaos if it becomes known that former Order members are working here,'' he concluded, glancing at Leanore. ''I appreciate that you want to help them, really, but they are not trustworthy and should at least have a trial. If it comes out that they really have changed their beliefs and wish to work for a better world, I doubt they'd be punished severely. Blindly believing their words and then having a possible backlash because you let enemies in on the information here would reflect very badly on this organisation. I also don't know what Kingsley could possibly think would come out of bringing me here... but if he wanted to convince me to let everyone go, he is sorely mistaken. I can't. As much as I would want to, I have responsibilities.''
The woman's shoulders sagged a bit. ''I thought they could be helped, become productive members of society, and that they would be excused then...''
''That's not how it works... not in the old Ministry, and not in the new either. Does Sirius Black know of this? You said you spoke with him...'' He would personally make Sirius hang upside down for three days in dog form if it came out he had anything to do with this...
She shook her head. ''He knows only that we are trying to get Muggles and magic users closer to each other here, and inform both groups about each other, mostly informing Muggles about magic. He doesn't even know any core members of the Order were still alive.''
''That's something at least,'' Harry muttered, relieved. It would have been much more of a mess if the current Minister of magic was involved in hiding enemies of the crown. But what to do now with them...? The Death Eaters also would seriously start doubting Marvolo's decisions and leadership if he'd suddenly start forgiving his enemies without complication. Today was a hard day for certain, with difficult decisions.
The door opened and Kingsley came out, looking like himself again. Apparently the Polyjuice had stopped working. He was wearing his favourite midnight blue robes and hat, so it looked like he'd planned for it to happen and had had his clothes ready to change.
''What do you think?'' Kingsley spoke. ''Hestia, Sturgis, Arthur and I spoke about revealing our current positions to you. Arthur was positive, saying that he had been cleared of any persecution when he'd shown to be willing to stop fighting against the Dark Lord. I was skeptical but... there's no denying that he is living with Fred and George, without anyone on his tail. He thought that, if we showed our willingness to even actively work for you after realising we'd been on the wrong side, we would be pardoned.''
Harry groaned. So Arthur was responsible for this? That man always saw the best in people, and that after his wife had been killed. ''It's too late,'' Harry spoke bitterly. ''Damn it Kingsley, you were an Auror! If it would have been the other way around, and you would have won, and then suddenly Malfoy starts working for the Light and confesses that he was completely wrong and wants to be your new best buddy, what would you think?''
''I know what I would think because that's what he did... And he was officially pardoned,'' Kingsley spoke slowly.
''Only because he threw bags of gold at the right people and claimed the Imperius, not because he suddenly had a change of heart. None of you can do either. And if you didn't recognise it before, Malfoy never changed his ideals and went back to Voldemort right away when he could. How can I trust you to not do the same? What if McGonagall shows up and asks your help? What if a new Dumbledore rises, another man or woman who preaches ideas of banning dark, 'evil' magic, protecting us all from danger? Can you honestly tell me you would not be tempted? And it's not even about what you would do, but what you already did. Arthur Weasley had a choice and he took the right one, yes. He chose to keep himself out of it all before the war ended.'' Harry stressed the words and pulled his hair in desperation. ''Arthur went to his sons and pulled his hands from the Order before any more damage could be done for him. Jones and Podmore both fought for Dumbledore till the end, even in London when Dumbledore was already long dead. And now you are trying to force me to give them the same choice as Arthur was given in completely different circumstances, at a different time? It doesn't work like that! Regret after losing is not going to cut it! How do you think that would make us look?''
Kingsley heaved a deep sigh and looked down. ''I had feared you would say that,'' he spoke. ''I understand because of my previous position, of course. It would have been better to stay hidden. Well, not all is lost,'' Kingsley drew his wand at the same time Harry did. ''I will not do anything bad to you Harry,'' the large man said, even though he threateningly stepped closer. Harry felt Marvolo tensing up, mentally ready to apparate. ''I'll only make sure you will forget, just an obliviation spell, nothing more. I'll put you at the door of the hospital again and that's that... we'll stay hidden''
Harry blinked, realising that of course Kingsley didn't know about Voldemort and him having a mental link. Hardly anyone knew, and he didn't think the Twins or Ron would have given that particular information to Arthur as it was very personal. Did Kingsley even know they were together? What should I do? Harry asked his lover. If I tell him you know or attack now, he might attack me instead. If not, I'll be obliviated. If you show up here, the situation may get worse... but I can't lie, as Leanora already knows that you know...
They are my enemies, not yours, not really... I know now, and I should be the one to take responsibility. Try to stall him, I'm coming. Tell him the truth about my knowledge and bluff further. Threaten him with forces waiting outside etcetera.
''Wait!'' Harry loudly said, which made Kingsley halt for a bit. The man obviously knew that he was in a building with only friends, where Harry had no power, so he could take all the time he needed. The teen was about to shatter that illusion. ''Making me forget will solve nothing. Voldemort already knows about you since you were so smart as to bring me here. Do you really think he does not keep track of my movements? By this time, the Death eaters are surrounding the office. You cannot escape arrest just by wiping my memories. You should never have gotten me involved in this and hid forever if you would have wanted an easier life... but now it's too late. The Dark Lord is on his way to here... You can either come willingly and have a fair trial, or you can fight and do it the hard way, but I can guarantee that you that you will only see the walls of Azkaban for the rest of your life then, and so will the others. That's not a threat, that's a honest warning, because I don't want to see you there.''
Kingsley seemed unsure, his back suddenly arched like a cat read to jump away. Harry put his wand away and raised his hand. Leanora stepped in between them. ''Mr Potter... I'm sorry but... could you explain? Kingsley, please listen to what he has to say. No matter your differences, he cannot be hurt, you know that.''
''Voldemort knows you are here and is coming to find a solution to this all. You cannot apparate out of here anymore, the wards have already been set. I promise I won't let harm come over you, but you need to understand my position too. I am... quite high up in the pecking order, and you suddenly revealing to me that at least three wanted former Order members are here put me in a very tough position. And what I hear, Voldemort hears instantly. I see you have changed. What you showed and told me out there in London was amazing, but very few people would believe you, and if we started to already break the new laws that we are erecting, this new government would look weak. You need to have a trial.''
''And you expect me to believe it will be fair?'' Kingsley said, speaking louder. ''The old Ministry was corrupt, and many of those same members are still in the Wizengamot and other branches of the Law enforcement. I have no proof of being a changed man other than my work here, and neither do the others. They'll have us given the Kiss, don't you understand that? How many people were brought to Azkaban in the past weeks to feed the Dementors?''
''Many.'' The word was hissed and came from behind Kingsley. The man whirled around, his wand disappearing from his hand the moment he lifted it and appearing again in bony, long fingers. ''Most of them were fools who proudly declared to be against the government I created and against me.'' Marvolo came closer, lowering his hood to fully look at Kingsley, his presence seeming to fill the whole hallway, his black thin robes whirling out to the sides, further strengthening the effect.
''Voldemort.'' The word was not muttered with any less disgust than before the ex-Auror had allegedly switched sides. ''Come to kill me?''
''One could almost say you are not happy to see me Kingsley. What was that about me having created an amazing new world full of opportunities for magician and Muggle alike? Do you only like it when you don't see my face on it? Prefer to think of Harry as your saviour still? I will not forgive you if you're going to make him a poster boy again after I freed him from that role.'' Red eyes flashes with deep hatred, and Harry was sure this would escalate if he would not put a stop to it.
''Kingsley, be reasonable,'' he pleaded. ''You could not truly have expected this to end with my complete approval and me convincing everyone else to let you go. We're not asking much... if you go with us, we can put this behind us quickly...''
For a moment, it looked like the man considered it, but before he could say another word, the door opened. Their talk had apparently lasted long enough that they had reached break time for the group inside. The first people who came out froze, looking at Voldemort with a mixture of fear and respect. He had won the war, but not quite the hearts of his people yet, Harry found. Well, even the Death Eaters were still afraid of him, so it was to be expected. Then, Hestia Jones broke through to see what the commotion was about, and instantly took action, perhaps out of reflex, perhaps for misjudging the situation, but in either case, she fired a Stupefy directly at Marvolo's back.
Tumult broke out: Kingsley tried to run, but his wooden legs did not make him very fast. Marvolo deflected Jones' spell, which hit a Muggle instead, and he overpowered her easily while Harry ran after Kingsley, trying to make him stop. Finally, he managed to get ropes around the man and dragged him back. ''You are not making it easy for me to keep you alive,'' Marvolo spoke, his face contorted with fury as Kingsley was pushed at his feet. Taking a step back, Marvolo mustered the crowd. ''Go back inside, and don't any of you dare to try and get out of here. Harry, bring him in.'' The man himself guided a very confused Hestia Jones inside and dropped her on a chair when entering the makeshift classroom again. Silently, the people followed his orders, and Leanora closed the doors behind them.
''It has come to my attention that without my knowledge, members of the criminal organisation known as the Order of the Phoenix are currently being trained to work here. These people are wanted for treachery, rebellion and murder. You have a chance now to speak up if you belonged to this group. If you admit, you will be detained at the Ministry of Magic until you will receive a fair trial, determining whether or not you are guilty of those crimes. Your work here and current attitude will of course be factors taken into account when deciding the sentence, making it much milder than would usually be the case. If you fail to confess here regarding membership of the Order though... a much worse sentence awaits when I find out. And I will find out.''
Kingsley rose, and it was the first time that Harry had seen the man tremble, but whether it was with fear or anger he didn't know. His movement was still hindered by the ropes around his torso and arms though, so perhaps it was also because of strain. ''And how can you ensure us that we will not be instantly shipped off to Azkaban, or an execution room?'' the man asked, his deep voice still calm.
''Are you really asking me how you can know that I follow laws I created for others to uphold? Setting a bad example would not get me far when it comes to leadership. I can assure you that if I want to fill numbers in prison, I still have many candidates waiting in line without sending you there... And execution would make even less sense. In that case even the Dementors would not get to have a part.''
''We could still fight our way out,'' Podmore suddenly spoke up. ''Kingsley, they are with two, we are many...''
''Of which most are Muggles, Sturgis,'' the other teacher suddenly spoke up. Leanora next to him nodded. ''And you came here to become integrated in the new society, to teach others, to live as upright citizens. Drawing your wand against the High Minister is not the way to go. High Minister, I sincerely apologise...'' the man trailed off when Marvolo's hand rose to silence him.
''Do what you think you must, Podmore, but it will not end well. Even if every person in this room had a wand and was against me, I would be the last one standing. I see you have not changed as much as your teachers obviously hoped. And what do you say, Mrs Jones?''
Hestia, now having overcome the confounding spell, looked up and spoke: ''I have always tried to follow the law, whichever law that was at the moment. I know opinions change, and rules change... I fought with the previous Ministry and tried my hardest to uphold the laws as long as I could, seeing Dumbledore and his Order as a prime opportunity to do so, even when his beliefs were not fully aligned with it. Now the Ministry changed, I have tried to adapt, and found it much less difficult than I had expected. If I am to be tried now for following the law before and giving that my all, so be it. I will bow my head to the current one and hope I will be treated fairly. I apologise for my reaction before... it was a mere reflex.''
Marvolo stared at her, probing her mind for a moment before he nodded. ''You will be accompanied to the Ministry then. Anyone else?'' Three more hands carefully rose in the air, and one followed a bit later. All of them were people Harry did not know, so they must have joined the Order later. It was high likely that they would be spoken free, having only belonged to the Order for a couple of months before it broke down again. It would all depend on what they said in court.
''Harry...'' Harry looked at Kingsley, who had a sad look in his eyes. He still did not believe their words, it seemed.
''I promise that if you cooperate, everything will be okay,'' Harry said. ''I'll even be at your trial to make sure it happens as it should. Would that help?''
The man swallowed, looked from Voldemort to Harry and back again. Then, he gave a slight nod. ''I wish I could just disappear here and run, but that's not going to work, is it? Fine, I'll stand trial, but I have no crimes I know of. As Hestia said, back then what we did was the law. And my job.''
The teen sighed in relief. ''I'm glad you came to your senses. Then let's go, I don't want to stay here much longer.'' A strong headache had started to form, and Harry was certain he needed to sleep long and deep to recuperate from today.
''I'll have someone check the mind of the others still to see if anyone lied,'' Marvolo muttered. He lay a hand on Harry's shoulder and guided him outside. Death eaters ran past into the room, to guard the ones still there. It was impressive how quickly they had been able to get here, considering that Harry had only found out about this all less than an hour ago.
''Good, I need to go home,'' the teen said, rubbing his temples.
''We will. You'll need your strength. Dudley sent another letter. In a few days there will be a meeting again of your family's little group, and he found out the location. I must admit to being highly surprised, but apparently even he has his bright moments. Come,'' Harry threw a look back to the door, behind which their former enemies were waiting to be guided to the Ministry, to their trials.
''I'll also want to be at Kingsley's hearing. I suppose it will be tomorrow?''
Marvolo hummed. ''If you really want to be there, I can also move it a few days still, but the Ministry is not as secure as other locations, so I'd prefer not.''
''I'll be strong enough for it tomorrow, if I get enough food and sleep.''
They were downstairs now, but did not return to the entry hall, and instead walked out the back door to a small, weed-overgrown patch of earth. Harry felt the pull of side-apparition, and closed his eyes, hoping that he would leave all his thoughts about Ginny, Kingsley and the Order behind in London, at least for today.
Reviews appreciated to let me know if you like the direction of the story!
