Hey everyone,
I really love this story and the possibilities it offers me, but I am going to be honest with you all. Out of all the stories currently on the schedule – and the ones that will be added after Christmas, surprise, surprise – I really think that this one, The Moving of the Light and A Summer will be finished sometime next year.
Also, when it comes to The Moving of the Light, do I have some sort of sad news. The main story will end as 2017 does. However, the chapters that follow and will lead up to the end of the year, might only be considered part of a side story and filler, but they are still important plot points, especially for the sequel.
Now I am kind of disappointed that V.L. Crawford was the only one who came up with a new name for the story, but I do appreciate her efforts. I am also happy that I managed to really think what I wanted for the title and the story as that made thinking up a new title quite easy and yet, I feel the new title to be fitting as well.
Hope you like,
Venquine1990
Chapter 09
The Ministry And Diagon Alley
25th of December 1995
DMLE Head Office
Amelia's POV
"Head Auror Shacklebolt, Head Auror, Scrimgeour, may I ask why my two Top Aurors are in my office at the same time?" I ask as the two I feel best to take over from me if anything happens to me step into my office just as I feel ready to leave and just start celebrating the holidays with the only family I have left.
"Sorry to disturb your need to leave, Boss, but I have some interesting news and an official report for you." Kingsley says, which is most unusual as it's more often that he keeps quiet when Rufus is in office and lets the other Head Auror speak. And this alone is enough to make me take back my seat and calmly state:
"Report." The man nods and says: "As you know, Arthur Weasley got released from the Hospital only an hour ago. I decided to go visit him and see him safely back to his residence, but ran into Harry Potter. The boy remembered me from our meeting when he was heading to Arthur's office just before his trial last summer."
And while the acknowledgement of that event being an official trial still leaves me with a bad feeling in my gut, do I know that Kingsley wouldn't report something so trivial without reason. And so I silently activate a Dicta-Quill and keep a close eye on both of my men as the tanned Head Auror continues his report.
"The lad told me of something he often has on him when someone he cares for gets hurt. Why this item that he gave me does so, I didn't really know, but considering how it's actually linked with my current Top-Priority case, I took it nonetheless. And what was written on it – the letter, I mean – really startled me."
This makes both me and Rufus look at the man with a raised eyebrow and he says: "You remember Potter using his Firebolt in the First Task of the Tournament, right? Well, this letter actually states that the broom was given to him – by Sirius Black. And before you say anything, Potter himself assured me the broom has already been checked."
This relieves me, yet it also confuses me and I think: "Albus is way too close to the Potter boy not to know this himself. Why hasn't he informed me yet, so I can get a trial set up?" And while I wonder if this is either the Minister's work or more evidence of Albus distrusting the Ministry and its abilities does Kingsley go on:
"So, I went to Hogwarts to assure Albus that Arthur was back to full health and get that report and there I found out that the broom in question is also still at Hogwarts, as Dolores apparently confiscated it when she banned both Potter and the Weasley Twins from Quidditch. So I decided to pick up both the report and the broom."
At this I nod as that sounds like the thorough kind of work that has helped Kingsley reach the level of Head Auror that he is now and yet here Kingsley sends me a severe look and says: "And here is where I reach the reason I asked Rufus to come with me as I give you my report. And trust me, Amelia, you won't like the reason."
This really concerns me as Kingsley knows me well enough to know that I don't easily let my emotions overwhelm my sense of duty as Head of the DMLE and I nod at him to let him know I take his warning seriously. Rufus himself is also tense and looking between me and Kingsley in great concern as Kingsley says:
"I went to Dolores' office and she told me that she had the Firebolt next to a cabinet that was filled with items that she either used in detention or confiscated from the students. And amongst the items in that cabinet – I found this." And with his wand does the Head Auror levitate an item onto my desk, one that makes my eyes widen.
A black, long quill that is both thin and has a razorsharp end to it lies on my desk, covered in spells to make sure nothing can come in actual contact with it and to keep fingerprints not already on the quill to appear on it. And while these spells are quite standard procedure, does the presence of the quill feel like a blow to my pride.
I look up from it, not wanting to gaze at this blemish to what I stand for as Head of the Auror Department and Kingsley looks from Rufus to me as he says: "Now you get why I brought Rufus as well. Fudge has given me permission to draw Black out and put him – and Umbridge – on a double trial this very night.
And because there is a chance that Umbridge used this – or any other Dark item – on Susan – and Amelia, I've already found a plethora of spells on Potter's book that explain why he didn't report this quill, so I don't doubt the same can count for Susan – can I not, in good conscience, allow you to be the Judge of that Trial.
Fudge has already withdrawn from leading it as he doesn't want to be seen supporting or giving Umbridge a chance to pull him on her side and you can't lead it either. Even if you give Dolores the sentence she deserves, people can and probably will believe it is out of personal gain, because you have a niece who is a student.
And we both know that not everyone in England will consider that a good thing." The man ends darkly and I sigh as I nod before I ask: "And how do you plan to draw Black out exactly?" At this Kingsley looks between me and Rufus one more time before he asks: "This stays between those up top?" At which we both nod.
"Black's been in the country since Potter's name came out of the Goblet. He's innocent and he's planning a ritual where he can become Potter's father, Molly Weasley Potter's mother, Arthur the boy's uncle and me – the boy's godfather. All of this, the Firebolt, the letter, the chance to get Black his trial – it's all a test.
One I plan to pass with flying colors." This really shocks me, even if I've always known that Kingsley does his best when he is being tested and Rufus asks: "Exactly how long have you known of Black's innocence and why are we only hearing of it now?" And Kingsley sighs in obvious resignation before he wearily answers:
"Because Albus has restarted the Order of the Phoenix, but is a bit overdone on the don't risk your members where they are at situation. He's put Sirius somewhere no one would ever look for him, but when I joined and offered, Albus shot me down by telling me my job as Head Auror was more important and that the trial could wait."
"And you accepted that?" I ask shocked and the man sighs as he says: "Albus gave me the orders to keep an eye on Potter, which for Sirius' sake I was happy to do and to convince whoever I could inside the Ministry of the truth, perhaps even see if they could join the Order. Getting extra fighters just seemed more important."
At this I nod as I can see how Kingsley can get sidetracked by such a battle strategy and Rufus asks: "So, how are you going to draw Black out?" To which Kingsley leans back and says: "I don't really have to. I just need to return to HQ, let Black know and make sure he shows his face just before midnight – but after the article."
"What article?" I ask, completely thrown off guard and the man cringes as he says: "Right, I forgot to report that. Fudge has the whole story – or at least what he believes to be the story. I already covered all the bases and made sure that the story would be considered truth by all those who are involved. The article should release any second now."
"You really don't do things halfway, do you Shacklebolt?" Rufus asks and Kingsley smirks at him as he says: "Not when it can get me to pass important tests. Now Amelia, you should head home. I gave you my report, we have a Judge for the trial and you need to check Susan's DADA book. See if it's got any curses on it.
I'll head for HQ, see what I can do about Potter and his little physical issue and report to Black so he knows when to show his face to the public and what his cover story is to be." At this I nod, my concerns for Susan now sky-high and then Kingsley lies a hand on mine, making me look up at him as he says:
"We both have someone we care about in that castle now, Amelia, and I promise I will do what I can to keep them both safe. Just – know that that safety can't come at the expense of what they view as their rights. Albus has crossed that line, Harry now has extreme problems trusting the Order and I really don't want the same for Susan.
I want the best for them both. Care to help me with that?" At which I nod, grateful for how caring the bald tanned man is as, even though Susan and he never met, I always knew that my many tales of her exploits as a child and later as a teen made the man really grow to care for her. "And now someone else is just as lucky."
And with that do I happily pass through the floo in my office fireplace, entering my family parlor and hearing Susan's footsteps rush down the staircase the same way they always do when she gets alerted to my arrival. And while I take my niece in my arms, am I very glad for Harry Potter as well, as he will soon have the same care given to him.
In the mean time
At Order HQ
Kingsley's POV
Rufus assured me he would take the rights of everyone very seriously during the trial just before I send Minerva his way as she would play a vital role in the upcoming trial against Umbridge – even if spellwork kept her from really doing anything – and I quickly went down to the Department of Mysteries for one last thing.
Luckily enough the Unspeakables had no trouble with playing the role of the bad guy as they didn't want the world to know that there might be something valuable enough in their Department to draw out Dark Lords and Death Eaters or get a Ministerial member hurt. And after getting this reassurance, did I leave for HQ.
Arriving there I happily take a seat between Harry and Sirius and ask: "This yours?" Handing him the DADA book that is covered the same way the quill was, even though the quill is now in a drawer of Rufus' desk that is specifically charmed to only let him in and to keep pieces of evidence from being stolen or messed with.
The boy looks shocked and asks: "Why do you have that? And what's with the covering spellwork?" To which I answer: "I have it because it's an important piece in the double trial I managed to arrange. And yes Sirius, you are one of the two people on trial.""Who's the other?" Ron asks, while Harry looks amazed and I answer:
"Umbridge. And trust me, her list of crimes is so bad, just her first two are enough to have made Fudge aware that siding with her – will see him judged as guilty by default. He has withdrawn himself completely and ordered me to ensure that both Sirius and Umbridge will be facing trial by no later than midnight."
This actually makes everyone look at me shocked and then Sirius says: "Wow, Kings, if you pass a test, you pass a test." And seconds later I have what I wanted most out of this test, my soon to be godson giving me a warm and grateful hug as he raves how grateful he is for what I got done and I laugh as I say:
"No problem, now let me see that hand of yours." And instantly Harry stops his rambling and tenses up as he asks: "What – what hand?" But I sigh and say: "Harry, I tested that blasted quill you have been writing your lines with and it's covered in all kinds of illegal spells. Spells that are affecting you even now."
"So that's why –." Granger tries and I ask: "Why you didn't decide to investigate the nature of that dark and painful item when you realized how much it was hurting your friend? Yes, exactly." And the girl looks shocked, proving this was not what she was planning to say, yet I glare at her and think: "I won't give her that chance."
"Harry?" Sirius then asks and I notice how dark Harry's expression has become and how tense and withdrawn he seems as he mutters: "I won't do it. Not here. Only – only around – around family." At which most of us nod at the boy and then Bill stands up and says: "Well then, you heard the kid. Let's go, guys."
And he motions for Lupin, Tonks, Granger and his siblings to come with him. But then Lupin says: "Aren't you Arthur's son? And isn't Tonks Sirius' cousin?" But Bill glares at him and says: "We are, but I'm also smart and aware enough to know that Harry means only those he has or soon will acknowledge as family.
Thus his siblings, mum, dad, Sirius and Kingsley. No others. Now get going already, cause you don't even have either of those excuses." And while Lupin glares at Bill, obviously proving he had something planned to say after Bill would acknowledge his question, does he rush up and stomp out of the room, Granger following him.
"Act your age, will you?" The twins shout after them and while this causes for a shriek from Granger to be heard, do Ron, the twins and Ginny then look at Harry, who says: "You can stay. You know already anyway, so it really doesn't matter." And while I know Granger will resent that later, do I not care for the girl anymore.
Instead I send the boy a caring but imploring look and he sighs before he reluctantly pulls his large robe away from his hand, the scars on the back standing out even if they are obviously a few weeks old. Yet the deepness of the scars really angers and concerns me as I study each letter carefully, hoping to find what I seek.
And to my utter relief, do I indeed find this, yet I also sigh in resigned relief as I say: "That was close." Making the others look at me as I say: "Harry has obviously been putting his hand in Murtlap essence and that has definitely helped with the scarring, but – the usage of that blasted quill had almost crossed the boundary line.
Had he used it for even two more times, no magic would have been able to see it healed again. It would scar worse than the scar on his forehead, even if he kept up the Murtlap essence treatment." "But – there is an actual way to heal it completely? To take out all the scarring?" Ginny asks and I nod at her before looking at Lily.
The young teenage girl nods and moves over to where Harry and I are seated, running her own fingers over the scars and obviously running the same silent scanning spellwork that I used earlier before she hums and says: "Well, some of the ingredients I need will be hard to get, but – I should be able to brew the cure, with time."
Then suddenly I get hit with something between the eyes and I shake my head before my eyes widen as I see a group of beings I never thought I would see, even if I always subconsciously kept believing in what they stood for. The Easter Bunny nods at me and then turns to Lily as he says: "Just let me know what you need, I'll get it for you."
The redhead nods at him gratefully and then I hear the sound I have been waiting for. An owl is tapping at the window of the building and I happily open it, letting the feathery being in and smiling widely as it releases a paper from its talons before flying back out of the room, the window magically closing behind it.
"Sirius, you better make sure you have this on you when you show your face somewhere. And do make sure it's somewhere I can easily catch you." I say as I happily hand the man the paper and while he looks at me funny, does he take the paper from me. Yet as he reads, do I see his eyes widen more and more before he mutters:
"You're joking?" But I shake my head and ask: "What, is this not providing you with a proper reason to be spotted here on your home turf? That's the whole reason Fudge released that article in the first place. He wants both you and Umbridge on trial by midnight." But then Harry asks: "But where will you catch Sirius?"
And with that does the boy catch me on the one point in this whole plan that I have yet to figure out as I sigh, but then I get prove that the family my future godson has is as smart as he is as Lily smirks and says: "Harry please, you have more important things to worry about. Like, making sure we can join you at Hogwarts, remember?"
This confuses me, yet the boy seems to get what she means as he says: "That's right. And I need to get myself a new DADA book as well, considering how my own is now in custody of the DMLE." And instantly I get what the two are talking about, making me smirk at them both before I ask: "Care for an escort, godson of mine?"
And the brilliant shine of the boy's smile is actually strong enough I feel as if a lot of the dark and gloomy atmosphere of Grimmauld Place just got wiped out, making it so that everyone else who is in the room with me also starts to shine with how happy they are. And that alone makes me feel even better about passing my test.
Two Hours Later
Diagon Alley, London
Kingsley's POV
Even though we had all been super happy and super excited about the plan ahead, did we agree that keeping Sirius at London for a few hours before getting him spotted at Diagon would be the better idea. "After all, would it really be considered believable if he shows up only five minutes after the Evening Prophet released?"
Harry had asked this question and we had agreed that, no, it would not have been considered believable if a person who is supposed to be in Nepal, Asia would arrive in England only five minutes after a paper that only publishes in England shows his godson/target in any kind of trouble and so we had stayed where we were.
Granger and the others had come down after a few minutes and Granger had indeed taken offense to the fact that the Weasley kids had been allowed to stay, but Harry had shot her down by using the same logic and making her feel stupid for not realizing it herself. At this she had sat down and again acted quite below her age.
Lupin had also glared at Harry, but I had told him: "If you had proven that you cared more for your potential godson than your pride, you could have been in my place right now. But then again, if you had done that, Sirius might not have had this chance to get his freedom back. So I guess you can be proud of that ego of yours."
And yet, for reasons that confuse yet also amuse me, had it been the angry glare Tonks send the werewolf's way that had kept him from retorting and he had just joined the girl at the other end of the table, staying silent and sulking, even as Molly made sure to put food on his plate that she made especially for his tastes.
By now dinner has been done, my new godson has had some fun with both his friends, his new siblings and the Guardians and we've been discussing ways to reveal that the Potters are alive and de-aged without revealing the Guardians as well. The Easter Bunny had not been happy with this last bit, but had been told why.
"I'm the only one who is supposed to be a Guardian for the adult witches and wizards of this world and not the kids. Plus, considering that we're on the brink of war, it just wouldn't do to reveal all of our special power cards too soon. Revealing you guys now would just motivate the other side to take you out first.
And yes, I get that you guys are supposed to be immortal, but Voldemort has dipped into immortality himself, not to mention he has Pitch on his side. Those two ought to know something about how to take out immortal forces, so keeping you as a secret back-up is just the better plan of attack, at least for the time being."
At this the Easter Bunny had agreed and the Tooth Fairy had made it easier for him as she says: "Besides, if we stay hidden, we can work harder at keeping everyone's morals high and their might strong. We can be the source that keeps them fighting." At which the whole group of Guardians had happily nodded in agreement.
"Thanks again for escorting me, Mr. Shacklebolt. It's nice to know that the Ministry really is mixed between good and bad employees. I just wish the bad ones weren't so – harmful." Harry then says, mumbling at the end and purposely rubbing his hand, which he had actually scratched with his nails before we arrived.
We hadn't really understood why he did that, but Harry told us how he had been through a detention just before Arthur's attack and said that him scratching painful wounds in concern for those close to him could potentially him some sympathy as well as increase the loathing of the public against Umbridge for during her trial.
Not all of us had been happy with how well the boy could play games like this, but we had been happy that he knew when to play games like this and so I happily join in on his little acting as I say: "Don't worry, Heir Potter. After the help you gave me in my investigation, getting you the books you need is the least I can do."
"HARRY!" A familiar voice then says, just as we move to the entrance of Flourish and Blotts, the stores of Diagon Alley having both a day shift of employees and a night, as to accustom to both regular customers and vampires as well as other beings and we turn around, just in time for Harry to get crushed in a hug.
And while Sirius saw him leave only ten minutes ago, the two of us taking several floo trips to ensure wouldn't be able to reveal we came from HQ, does the man prove that he hasn't fully left his Marauder days behind as the acting he puts up while hugging the boy tight, rambling and then rushing to grab the boy's hand is incredible.
"I can't believe this! Umbridge! A member of the Ministry! A high-ranked one! It's that Fudge didn't know or I would have! And Percy! That boy was friends with you, wasn't he? I can only imagine how he feels knowing you've been hurt like this! Let me see that hand! Don't worry, I know plenty of dark magic as well as how to heal –."
But then Harry pulls away and seals the deal as he angrily growls: "You can heal it once you prove true to your word. When we were out on the grounds, you told me that you wanted me to come live with you. Prove that you still do and I'll let you heal me." Instantly Sirius nods and I step forward, drawing his attention.
"Sirius Black, due to information recently gathered together, I have been given permission by Minister Fudge not to send you directly to the Dementors to receive the Kiss, but only if you come quietly and join me in a trial of both yourself as well as Dolores Umbridge. Also, care to explain how you know your target was hurt?"
And while this had been something we had been slightly concerned about before we left, had Harry assured us that he would have it covered. And now I see the truth of his statement as a very, very familiar Snow Owl lands on the man's shoulder with an extra copy of the Evening Prophet in her beak as Sirius calmly says:
"My godson's owl has been keeping me up to date. She may have risked her own health, considering that no-good witch, but she knows I care for my charge as much as she does." At this I nod, while I think: "That clever little godson of mine. Anyone who knows Harry would recognized Hedwig anywhere. Very clever indeed."
And with that do I move over to the man, who calmly turns his back to me and raises his arms behind his back. And while this shocks many of those who have come out to watch our little scene and while Harry goes inside to gather the required books, do I make sure to put all the regulated spells on the man who will soon face trial.
Well done, Kingsley,
So this was a bit of an in-between chapter. It did cover some important stuff, such as proof that Harry's hand can actually get healed as well what has to happen for Sirius to get to the Ministry without anyone getting suspicious, but in all other ways, this chapter was just a way to get from Point A to Point B.
What does this mean? It means that next chapter is going to be BLOODY LONG! Seriously, we are going to tackle two trials and both are going to be thorough. Both the trial that will get Sirius his freedom back and allow him to, without hinder or question, perform the ritual as well as the trial to get Umbridge her sentence.
And to be honest, I am planning on making a few others students becoming victims of her schemes. Why? Because I am willing to believe that she sees Harry as her main target, but not her only target. After all, she said it herself, she HATES kids. So working with them would give her plenty of chances – for plenty of victims.
This won't be pretty,
Venquine1990
