Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: Warning - This chapter is darker than the last chapter and does not contain the same lighthearted humour. I hope you understand why once you read it. It also contains strong language in some parts that may be offensive to some readers but I really could not see the characters not using the language in the situation they are in.
The Thing About Contracts Is …
Chapter 6 – Get Black to Where He Once Belonged
January 8, 1995 – Hogwarts – Headmaster's Office
"Good morning Albus!" Harry said as he walked into the Headmaster's office.
"Ah, Harry my boy, " Albus replied feigning sincerity, "Is it a History period again already?"
"Yes Albus," Harry grinned – he knew how much the old man hated being called his first name by mere students, "amazing how time flies isn't it. I hope you don't mind but I invited Al Dewey to attend these meetings with us."
Albus fake smile dropped momentarily but came right back up, "No, of course not," he said while behind his Occlumency barriers his mind was screaming "Of course I do you idiot!"
"May I ask what precipitated your invitation to him?"
"I just thought he should be here for protection."
"Harry. You have no need to require protection from me."
"That is debatable Headmaster. I was actually thinking he would be here for your protection."
"What would I need to be protected from in my own office?"
"Well, depending on how much your answers to my questions prove you've screwed up my whole life, Al is here to stop me from seriously injuring or killing you."
Now Albus paled at the venom in Harry's voice. "You would do that Harry?"
"Depends. Al thought it would be a good precaution."
"I'm actually quite surprised Mr. Dewey is that concerned for my welfare."
"Your welfare? Gee Albus you really are full of yourself. No, Al wants to make sure I stay out of Azkaban."
"Oh. Harry I must assure you that everything I did was for the Greater Good."
Harry replied, "Hold that thought," as the fire flared and Al requested access to the office. Once he was settled, Harry began his line of questions for the day.
"Albus, you always defend your actions as being for something called the 'Greater Good'. Tell me, what is your definition of the 'Greater Good' and how did you develop it?"
January 8, 1995 – Hogwarts – Gryffindor Fourth Year Boys Dorms
Harry had skipped his classes for the day. He had just thrown up for the third time since the morning. Images of Dumbledore and Grindelwald danced in his mind. There wasn't much that separated Dumbledore's basic philosophies from that of a Dark Lord.
'That old Bastard,' he thought – not for the first time today, 'The Greater Good stems from his relationship with Grindelwald. And he's still spewing that crap? I mean, the message is the same – it's just the delivery that's a bit different. He still believes he knows better than anyone else."
He realized that he would have to wait until tomorrow to write to Luna. There was no way he could write tonight with the shakes he had. Luckily the contract with Dumbledore guaranteed privacy to Dumbledore for whatever was revealed in these sessions – with the exception of Harry's girlfriend, best friend, account manager, legal counsel, magical guardian and godfather. When Dumbledore expressed concern with what he was forced to reveal, Harry told him not to worry since Al was covered by client-counsel confidentiality and there was no way he would be revealing anything to his Uncle Sev.
January 12, 1995 – Hogwarts – Headmaster's Office
Harry entered the office without comment or greeting he just glared at the old man. Within moments Al arrived and the next inquisition began.
"In first year Albus, I asked you why Voldemort was after me. You told me at the time – you'll forgive me if I paraphrase since I was in a bed in the Infirmary – that I was too young to bear the burden."
"Yes, and I still believe that is the case."
Completely ignoring the old man Harry continued, "Albus, why did Voldemort come after my family and why does he continue to come after me to this day?"
Albus appeared to be fighting it again.
Harry was impatient. "Come on Albus, it can't be worse than the Grindelwald story."
"There's a prophecy Harry."
"Huh?"
"I was interviewing a prospective candidate for the Divination position. The candidate gave me a true prophecy."
"I see." Harry said this with a disbelieving tone. "This wouldn't have been Trelawney would it?"
"As a matter of fact it was."
"You're shitting me right?"
"Language Harry"
"Screw that Albus. MY FAMILY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF A PROPHECY MADE BY THAT FRAUD?"
Al reached over and grabbed Harry's arm. Harry looked at him and realized he had to calm down.
"OK, Albus. Let's go over this. Trelawney gave you a prophecy."
"Yes."
"And it's the reason Voldemort came after my family."
"Yes."
"So what is the prophecy?"
Albus told him the prophecy.
"And you believe the prophecy means me and Voldemort?"
"Yes."
"You're barmy. It could have tons of possible interpretations."
"Yes, but the way it turns out, Voldemort marked you. It has to be you. Only you can kill him."
"There could be different interpretations."
"How so?"
"You could be the dark lord mentioned in the prophecy."
Albus looked shocked, "Do you believe that Harry?"
"I'm not sure what to believe now Albus. Although I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot more over the next few weeks. For what it's worth, you've ensured an innocent man stayed in prison, abandoned an orphan to an abusive home and wrote manifestos to take over the world for the Greater Good with someone who soon after became a dark lord. Even you are not so dense that you could possibly see why people might consider you a dark lord."
Albus just responded, "I did what needed to be done to ensure the continuation of our world."
"For the Greater Good?"
"Exactly."
"And what about the seventh month? Just think about that. You interpreted it as July based on our calendar."
"July is the seventh month."
"What about the Lunar calendar, the Chinese calendar, or even the Mayan calendar? Hell, I even know from talking to Griphook that the goblins have their own calendar."
"July made the most sense when put together with everything around the Potters and Longbottoms."
"It made the most sense for the narrow interpretation you were using."
"I stand by the way I see the prophecy."
Harry just shook his head. "We're getting off track here Albus and I want to get some more questions answered before we are done here."
"So, you believed it the prophecy meant the Potters."
"Yes, or the Longbottoms."
"I see. Albus, how did Voldemort find out the prophecy? I mean, Trelawney gave it to you. If it was like the one she gave last year that kind of described the night we confronted Wormtail then she didn't remember it when she finished."
"That is correct. To this day she doesn't remember it."
"You didn't answer the question."
"A young Death Eater was spying on us and heard the first part about the end of July. He reported it back to his master."
How did Voldemort narrow it down to the Potters or the Longbottoms? In the times I've spoken with him, he didn't seem to be the type to trust this information with his Death Eaters.
"I'm not aware of how he discovered that information."
"What did you do after you heard the Prophecy."
"As soon as I realized who it could be I went to your parents and the Longbottoms and had them go into hiding."
"So by singling us out and putting us under special protection, you allowed Voldemort to narrow down his choices and thus learn more information on the Potters and Longbottoms specifically."
"I never thought of it that way but I suppose you may be correct. It was not my intention."
"The road to Hell Albus …" Harry shook his head at the old man's quizzical look, "Never mind. You said a Death Eater overheard the first part of the Prophecy."
"Yes."
"Do you know who it was?"
"Yes."
"Who was it?"
"Severus Snape."
"Uncle Sev?"
"Yes, you would not believe his grief when he found out your parents were targeted. He repented for his sins and became a spy."
"I see. It's good he repented." Harry said this faking sincerity as best he could while staring at Albus' nose.
Albus smiled for the first time, "Forgiveness is a virtue Harry. I'm glad to see that you can see beyond his transgression to the man he has become."
Harry smiled, "I know exactly the person Uncle Sev is. Now that I know him a lot better I don't think this will alter my perception of him."
"That's a very mature attitude Harry. Now if you excuse me, I think our time is up.
"See you Friday Albus."
January 15, 1995 – Hogwarts – Headmaster's Office
"Hello Albus."
"Good morning Harry."
"Is it Albus? I'm not sure. Every time I leave here I feel sick and unclean and have the overwhelming urge to shower. You've done so many despicable things for your own version of the "Greater Good" that you've forgotten that others have rights to their own lives too. Oh never mind. I don't think you would ever change your mind about what you've done and who you've ruined."
Once Al had arrived and was seated Harry started the questioning for the day, "OK, We've covered Sirius' incarceration – I take it you know he was exonerated on Tuesday – your relationship with Grindelwald, and the damned prophecy – which I still say could be any number of people."
Harry took a deep breath, "Let's talk about my history now starting with the early morning of November 1, 1981. Why did you send Hagrid to pick me up?"
"I needed someone I could trust to bring you to the Dursleys."
"Why not let my Godfather take me? Hagrid specifically would not give me to Sirius."
"You needed to be with the Dursleys for the blood protection to work."
"But if you didn't come to Godric's Hollow, how did you even know what happened?"
Dumbledore looked like he was fighting the answer.
"Albus? Every time you fight answering a question I get nervous. And then once you answer I get physically ill."
Albus finally began speaking in a low voice, "I suspected Peter would betray your parents but I didn't know for sure. You must understand, the prophecy had to be enacted in order for the carnage to stop. Tom had to be defeated. I had placed monitoring wards on your parents' home at Godric's Hollow. I was alerted when Tom arrived and monitored the use of magic until it had stopped. The health monitoring charms I place on your parents were dead and you were still very much alive. When Severus ran to me showing his Dark Mark fading but not gone, I knew Tom would be back one day."
Harry sat stock still as Albus continued, "I immediately sent Hagrid to fetch you with orders that no one else – especially Sirius Black – could take you. He was to bring you to the Dursleys. I sent Minerva to watch over the home to make sure that Death Eaters didn't know of them. In the meantime I made preparations."
"So you ordered Hagrid to kidnap me and keep me from my true and legal guardian as specified by my parents?"
"Some people may see it that way."
Harry was silent at that answer and counted to fifty. "What preparations did you have to make Albus?"
"I called an emergency meeting of the Wizengamot core council. I had your parent's will sealed and I told the assembly you would be looked after. Once that was done I went to the Dursleys."
"So you had me kidnapped and sealed the only written evidence that others could have used to claim guardianship over me."
"Yes. I was a catastrophic time for all of us and you needed to be kept safe. I only …"
Harry waved him off, "Spare me the explanations I haven't asked for. So, you dumped me on the Dursleys doorstep and left me to rot for ten years."
"I would take exception to that description."
"Yeah, cry me a river. Why was my case never filed with Children's Services in either muggle or magical world."
"You needed to be kept hidden and safe."
"Stop saying safe. I was abused in more ways than one during my life there."
"But you are alive and well."
"I am alive and will carry the visible and invisible scars all my life. Why did you never check up on me?"
Albus paused again, "I did. We met three times in those 10 years."
"But why don't I …" Harry tapered off and then it hit him like a freight train, "You obliviated me didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"It was imperative that you didn't know about magic or else your relatives may have thrown you out."
"So, you saw I was abused, wiped my memory and threw me back to those animals?"
"Really Harry, they are your family."
"They are my relatives. Family infers love or at least a strong like as a basis of the relationship – not hate. Once again, let's move on. Why did you obliviate me?"
"You showed a certain amount of control over your magic at a young age. I needed to make sure it didn't develop too quickly."
"Was it just obliviation?"
"No, I had to place progressively stronger blocks on your magic."
"And when did you remove those blocks? Because I sure as hell can't recall it."
"They will dissipate when you turn 17."
"Why haven't you removed them?"
"The blocks I used were integrated into your magic and your magic keeps them strong. On your seventeenth birthday you will go through your next magical maturation and the blocks will be absorbed."
"Why did you want me to be weak all through my education at Hogwarts."
"I wanted to allow you a normal childhood. If you were more powerful than everyone else you would be isolated."
"Albus, what do you think my entire school career has been like? I've been ridiculed, isolated, bullied, terrorized, shunned and several of your own defense teachers have tried to kill me."
Albus remained silent – apparently Magic recognized a rhetorical question.
"So your plan was for me to grow up ignorant of magic, safe and anonymous in the muggle world?"
"Yes."
"Well then, if I was supposed to grow up anonymous, how come so many people knew what I looked like that as soon as I went into the Leaky Cauldron I was recognized? How come there were Harry Potter books for children where a black-haired, glasses wearing boy with a telltale lightning bolt scar on his head graced every cover. By your own account, only Hagrid, Professor McGonagall and yourself ever saw the scar."
"Harry you would not believe the mayhem following your defeat of Tom. There were so many conflicting stories abounding of what actually happened. Many of them didn't even include your parents. I had to give an interview to set the record straight and let everyone know you were safe."
"Did you never think that with so many different accounts the people would have begun to ignore them all and I would have been able to enter the Magical world anonymously. Hell people may have not even believed in the whole Boy-Who-Lived story. I could have been an anonymous student."
"Yes, that is why I set them straight. The Prophecy …"
"Shut the fuck up Albus. I see clearly you needed your fucking saviour. So you had to make sure they knew it was me."
Harry started pacing, "You had the gall to be offended by the terms of the contract you signed with me. After being the puppet not for just my life but so many other countless lives. Just so that you could achieve the Greater Good you formulated with an aspiring Dark Lord?"
"Albus, I think I need a break from these meetings. You've got me way too pissed off and magic block or not, another morning like this in the near future will result in me in Azkaban and you starting your next adventure. Speaking of which, you better hope I don't meet you in the afterlife."
Harry stormed out while Al smirked at Albus and made his way via floo back to his office.
January 16, 1995 – Hogsmeade – Outside Three Broomsticks
His now free and innocent godfather encompassed Harry in a grateful hug. Both did nothing to stop the tears that fell freely from their eyes. For the first time since 1991, Harry Potter and Sirius Black could go anywhere in full view of anyone.
Harry stepped back as he wiped his eyes and Sirius did the same. Hermione stepped up and gave the old Marauder a hug and then wished them a happy day. She went back to Victor who was standing at a respectful distance away.
"So Sirius, I just want to spend time with you today. Did you have something planned?"
"Well, that depends. Did Severus put any restrictions on what you can do or where you can go today?"
"Not since I'm with you," Harry grinned, "Apparently he trusts you completely according to his contract."
Sirius smirked, "Imagine that."
"Yeah," Harry chuckled, "I'm always amazed at what he agreed to."
Sirius grabbed Harry's arm and asked, "Do you mind if we go elsewhere? I can get us there with side-along apparition. Moony and I have a surprise for you."
Harry brightened, "Absolutely! I mean, my guardian trusts you with me, but I wouldn't put it past either him or the Headmaster to have spies or surveillance in town."
"OK – Hang on."
They disappeared with a 'Crack' from Hogsmeade.
Back in the Headmaster's Office two men were cursing loudly.
January 16, 1995 – Location Unknown
Harry and Sirius reappeared in front of a large house. The surroundings were so non-descript that Harry had no idea where he was.
Now it was Sirius' turn to have a big-ass grin. "What do you think?" he asked.
"Looks nice Padfoot. You never said it was this big. How did you get it so fast?"
"It was already furnished and has been on the market for a long time. Not many wizards are buying homes this big these days."
"It's brilliant."
"Thanks cub. I know we've exchanged letters but now that I can talk to you here. Are you sure you want to go through with everything?"
"Even more so now Sirius. Every time I meet with the old man my desire to kill him goes up."
"OK, if you're sure. You know I'll support you all the way."
"Thanks Sirius," Harry said with complete sincerity and hugged his godfather again.
Sirius grinned a mirthful grin, "So shall we go in? I've got a surprise for you."
They walked into the house and Sirius gave him a whirlwind tour starting at the top floor and working their way down. They skipped the main floor and Sirius showed him the basement. When they came back up to the first floor Harry paused in shock.
Moments later he was in a tight embrace. He barely managed to say "Luna" before his lips were otherwise engaged. They realized they had an audience and stepped back still holding hands blushing.
Xeno, Moony and Padfoot were watching the pair. Harry looked down a bit, "Um … sorry … I just needed that."
Sirius spoke up, "Cub, after reading your letters about what you've learned over the last couple of weeks, I contacted Xeno last night and we felt it would be good for you to see each other today."
Harry smiled, "Thanks you two. I really appreciate it."
January 16, 1995 – Hogsmeade – The Road to Hogwarts
With a crack Harry reappeared with Sirius. Godfather looked at godson and just shook his head chuckling. The source of his mirth was the utter look of bliss on the young man's face.
Harry grabbed Sirius in a hug once more, "Thanks Sirius! You don't know how much this meant to me today. You'll be here for the second task right?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world pup."
They hugged again and Sirius popped away again.
Harry felt like skipping all the way back to the castle.
So he did.
February 23, 1995 – Hogwarts – Gryffindor Fourth Year Girl's Dorms
Parvati came into the dorm and saw the person she was supposed to fetch.
"Hi Hermione."
"Hi Parvati," Hermione suspected she knew why the girl was here long before lights-out.
"Professor McGonagall sent me to find you. She needs to speak with you immediately."
Hermione nodded to her roommate. "Thanks Parv, I just want to get changed and I'll head on over."
Hermione went to her trunk and took out the drysuit her parents had sent her. She knew what her Head of House wanted. The three Champions had prepared the person they thought would be their hostage. When Hermione mentioned drysuits and how they could provide some protection the Champions and Harry immediately thought at least the hostages should have them. However they would probably have to forego the gloves, boots and hoods in order to keep them secret. Hermione offered to ask her parents to get them and send them to Hogwarts.
Harry offered to pay Hermione's parents back if they could purchase the suits since he currently didn't have access to his vaults. Victor had immediately spoken up and said that Harry did not have to shoulder the burden. He had a lot of money already from his quidditch career and would purchase the suits for everyone. Harry told him only to purchase for the three Champions and their hostages. Harry had other plans and he didn't require a drysuit.
Hermione changed into the drysuit and put her clothing and robes back on overtop. She knew that Cho and Gabrielle were probably doing the same thing. As she ran out to meet McGonagall, she idly wondered whom Harry's hostage would be. She smiled as she thought, 'If Harry is right about the portraits, Dumbledore will have to do something about the grease.'
February 23, 1995 – Hogwarts – Slytherin Head of House Quarters
"Ah, Severus. I was wondering if I could join you for a nightcap." Dumbledore stepped though the doorway held open by the surly Potions Master.
"Come in Headmaster," Snape replied in a silky manner, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
"Your ward is competing in the second task tomorrow. I was wondering if you knew how prepared he is."
"When I've asked him he's waved me off like the arrogant Potter he is." Snape complained. This was one of the few times the contract allowed him to blow off steam.
"And yet he seems to have taken to your being his guardian with such enthusiasm."
Severus just stared at the man.
"I do believe he is bonding with you."
Severus continued to stare but the forehead veins were starting to throb.
Albus called for some hot chocolate from the elves as he continued, "This may end up being a good thing for you both." The chocolate came and Albus handed a cup to his old friend.
They both sipped as Severus thought about his response. He wanted Dumbledore to know exactly what he thought of the humiliation Potter was putting him through. 'Bonding my ass,' he thought to himself, 'Potter know exactly what buttons he's pushing to piss me off without me being able to retaliate. If Albus thinks we have the basis for a friendly or shudder loving relationship forming then he's been on another world. I need to tell him the cold hard truth."
He took another sip of the excellent Hot Chocolate. He cleared his throat and took another. "Albus. If you think Potter and I are bonding, the you would be right …"
He had wanted to continue with "… about to get me to ask Poppy to check you for dementia."
However at that point the strong potion that Albus had the elves put in his hot chocolate kick in and Snape fell over.
As he levitated the man though the corridors, Albus was happy to know he had been correct in his evaluation of Severus' and Harry's new relationship.
February 24, 1995 – Hogwarts – Black Lake
Albus Dumbledore was checking his watch. It was 9:20 and the task was scheduled to start in ten minutes. Three of the Champions had arrived and were nervously pacing back and forth along the dock. The spectators were in the stands and the sun was starting to make its way through the thick persistent cloud cover. Albus took a moment to think it was a perfect winter day to hold an underwater event.
He looked at his watch again – 9:25. Where was the boy? He couldn't delay the start of the task but the boy had to be here. Just as he was about to send one of the Hogwarts elves to find him, a speck in the sky started growing larger and soon everyone saw it was Harry. He was wearing robes that were a bit baggy on him but he otherwise looked like he was dressed in a normal school uniform.
Ludo Bagman announced the task was about to begin. At precisely 9:30 a he shot off a booming noise from his wand and Cedric, Victor and Fleur took off their robes reveling their matching muggle dry suits. They then took identical amounts of gillyweed out of their pockets, dove into the water and disappeared. Harry merely knelt down beside the water, dipped his fingers in, shivered and stepped back. He conjured a reclining chair complete with blankets and wrapped himself up to keep warm.
Dumbeldore was perplexed.
"Harry?"
"Yes, Albus?"
"The second task has started."
"I am aware of that Albus."
"When are you going to jump in the lake?"
"Who said I would jump in the lake?"
"Well it is part of the task."
Harry just looked at the old man like he was crazy, "The water is freaking cold. There's no way I'm participating in this task. I guess I'll see what happens to people who refuse to participate."
Albus just smiled at him.
Harry had an inquisitive face to match his tone, "What? No pleading for me to participate? No warning me of the magical contract you made sure I accepted? Not even a mention of the Greater Good?"
The old man answered with a condescending tone, "No Harry. By merely touching the water you fulfilled the participation requirements."
"You've got to be kidding me! You mean I could have just walked out of the tent in the first task and have been counted as participating?"
Albus nodded.
"You scheming old bastard. You know, as soon as I am able I'm going to leave this place behind."
Albus smiled his grandfather smile, "That may be Harry. But according to your guardian contract, your Magical Guardian can decide where you live and go to school."
Harry looked around. Furrowing his brow, "Speaking of guardians, where is Snivellus?"
Albus was shocked by the use of the nickname the Marauders gave Severus. He answered the young boy hoping it would get him to reconsider his participation, "Well, based upon your new relationship with your guardian, he was chosen as your hostage. He's currently in the lake awaiting your rescue. He will be brought back up unharmed 3o minutes after the end of the task. However I counsel you that he may not appreciate that you refused to rescue him. It could very well be a setback in your new friendly relationship."
Harry burst out laughing and ended up falling out of the chair. For five minutes he tried to speak but every time he looked at the quizzical look on the whiskered wanker's face he burst out laughing again.
"You … you really fell for it didn't you? Snivellus? The bloody bat who looked at an 11 year old and took out all his teenage angst and frustrations? The bastard who couldn't see past James Potter and see Harry? The dickwad who has been the worst teacher Hogwarts has ever seen? The Death Eater who betrayed the Potters? You really think he's the one I'd miss the most?"
Harry burst into uncontrollable laughter again.
Albus was stunned, "But since January you have been so friendly to him. You've even said several times how much he means to you."
Harry laughed even harder, "We knew it! We suspected you monitored the castle through the paintings. The only other person involved in conversation about how much Severus meant was Hermione and those were always near paintings. I know she didn't tell you. Well Albus, I hate to say it – no, actually I'm really enjoying this – there is no love for Severus here. All that Uncle Sev and polite conversation was just to piss him off. I'm surprised he's even lasted this long with the way his veins have been popping. What did you have to promise him to stop him from renouncing guardianship?"
Albus was still shocked into silence.
"Oh my this is just sooo funny." He burst out laughing again. "Tell me. What did you do with his hair? I can't see an oil slick on the lake." More laughter.
After a while he calmed down. Harry looked out over the lake for several minutes. He looked over to the stands where the students and staff of all three schools were sitting. Everyone was talking to their neighbours and trying to keep warm. No one was looking out at the lake.
"Albus?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Who thought of this task?'
'All of the tasks were my ideas but they had to be ratified by the ministry and the other participating schools."
"Well don't you think it's pretty boring? I mean you make all the students come out here and freeze in order to watch three people jump into a lake and then hopefully emerge with three others before an hour is up. The TriWizard is not really a spectator's event is it? I mean, I hope you make it up to them on the third task and give people something exciting to see."
Albus didn't answer but made a mental not to see what could be done about making it interesting to watch a five metre high hedge.
By this time it was nearing the end of the hour and, at 10:27, the three Champions appeared near the dock with their hostages. Their plan of working together paid off and it allowed them to return with their hostages relatively unscathed. The drysuits didn't interfere with the effectiveness of the gillyweed and everyone who came out of the lake wasn't close to hypothermia.
When Hermione finished kissing Victor, they both came over to Harry.
"So, " she said with a grin on her face, "Victor told me that Snape's down there waiting for you."
Harry smiled, "According to Albus, yeah."
"And your plan?"
Harry looked at his watch, "One minute. Let's make sure I'm with the old bastard."
They walked over to Dumbledore.
"Albus?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Are you sure what I did counts as participation?"
"Yes," he looked at his watch, "or else you would be feeling the effects of breaching the magical contract right … now."
"Albus?"
"Yes, Harry."
"What if I'm not Harry?"
"Pardon?" Albus looked in shock as Harry changed before his eyes. Within moments he was looking at the smirking face of Sirius Black. His stomach dropped at the implications.
"Surprise!"
A/N – I hope people understand the change in tone. I also didn't want to continue with more of what he did to Severus. Let's take it as read that the things that happened in the first week continued. Part of how I want to write this story is to keep the timeline moving and not get caught up in the details. Pureblood Conspiracy and Power He Knows Not do that.
A note about Luna's age. I can't find an actual date of Birth for Luna. So, for this story, I'm putting her in the same situation as Hermione. I'll say now that Luna's birthday in relation to this story is October 2. That makes her just two months younger than Harry. So she is already 14 in this story.
I also despise Albus Dumbledore (probably not a surprise) and everything he did to Harry and others all for the Greater Good and his overwhelming belief in the prophecy.
Last, but not least, a shameless plug. You may have noticed that I finally updated Power He Knows Not on the weekend. That story will be starting up again now that I found the muse for it hiding in my top drawer. Pureblood Conspiracy will probably have to wait for this one to finish. I have found the muse for it but it's an ensemble story and for those who write out there you can probably imagine it takes a lot of brainpower to keep all of the different subplots in line. It is coming, but there will still be a bit of a wait. I think there's probably 2-3 more chapters left until this tale runs it's course.