In This Life

Chapter 54

The Word Gets Out

Cornelius Fudge couldn't have been more stunned when he returned to his office, to find the American Minister of Magic waiting on him with two of his Personal bodyguards/Auror's. Jackson Smith was a powerful, no nonsense fellow, and Cornelius had only dealt with him around five times since becoming the Minister of Magic. Normally they corresponded through Assistants or Undersecretary's, unless it was very important. Cornelius had the childish urge to walk back out again, unfortunately he couldn't do that. He was the British Minister of Magic, and he would stand proud.

"Can I help you Jackson?" asked Cornelius coming in properly, shouting for one of his assistants without his usual biting tones too nervous to be as strict as normal.

"Yes sir?" asked Percy Weasley, flaming red hair, tall and gangly and face filled with freckles and smugness at serving Fudge.

"Can I get you something?" asked Cornelius trying to gauge how this meeting was going to go.

"Ogden's finest will do," said Jackson.

Cornelius gulped quietly, he had a feeling he'd want a few as well by the time this meeting was over. Barking orders to Percy Weasley, his normal self returning despite his worry. Last time he had seen Jackson, he had been warned that if Dumbledore took a step out of line - he'd have him personally arrested. No chance to extradite him. Jackson did have the authority to arrest Dumbledore, until he gave his name up for a chance to be Minister of Magic; he had served his Ministry as an Auror for ten years. He's left school at the age of fifteen, and went straight into the Auror Training programme. Becoming the brightest and best Auror they had, and ruthless to boot but unfailing fair. He had become the Head of his division teaching people his age to fight. Jackson Smith had always been destined to be powerful and someone with great importance. He was actually already in history books over in America if Fudge wasn't very much mistaken.

Silence reined in the room; it was almost stifling, Fudge wanting something to do lit the fire in his office. There were two, one for the Floo and another for a normal fire; it wasn't attached to any Floo network. It was also not as big; nobody had to come through it after all. A warm glow began to appear around the room, heating the place up despite the coldness that had spread into Cornelius' bones. He almost wanted to call Dumbledore for this meeting, almost. Given the fact that Jackson hated Dumbledore it wouldn't be a good idea at all.

Percy Weasley returned five minutes later, with a whole bottle of Ogden's finest Whisky and four crystal glasses. Placing them on the table, he started at Fudge waiting for more orders. Cornelius just waved him away, his body taut with apprehension and worry. At least it was nothing to do with Dumbledore…he hoped. As far as he knew the old fool was back in the United Kingdom trying to get back into America - met with failure at every turn. It was amusing to say the least, powerful and well known as he was, he wasn't getting his own way. Cornelius had never seen that happen before, and it was a refreshing change. Dumbledore of course through he was an idiot, and he wasn't. He did what Dumbledore wanted, because he knew the influence he had. He'd never get elected again if he went against the old fool. He'd never really asked for too much, which he was grateful for - even he had his limits.

Handing one over to Jackson, keeping one for himself he gestured to the Auror's asking them if they wanted one silently. Both bodyguards shook their heads, no they didn't want a drink. Cornelius nodded in understanding and filled the crystal glasses with a moderate amount. Replacing the cap to the bottle he set it aside and took a deep breath before speaking.

"So how can I help you?" asked Fudge, taking a gulp of his whisky.

"Lord Voldemort is dead," said Jackson, causing poor Cornelius to flinch and began stuttering and choking on the Whisky he had just taken a gulp off.

"What?" asked Cornelius his face clouded with disbelief trying to regain control of himself. Swallowing nothing as he tried to stop himself coughing anymore, he had a feeling Jackson had done that on purpose, he'd have been angry if he hadn't been so bloody damn stunned.

"He's dead," repeated Jackson. "It's already in the papers in America; no doubt it will hit yours this morning."

"How?" murmured Cornelius trying to get his head around it, the darkest wizard in the world was dead - no glorious battle with his Auror's, no Eric Potter defeating him, not that he would - he wasn't the boy who lived. No it was Harry Potter supposedly; they were the only ones in the room after all. No he was obviously defeated in America…just what the hell had You-Know-Who been doing there? Trying to recruit more followers? He asked if that's what Voldemort had been up to.

"No, he was looking for someone specifically, killing anyone that got in his way, two of my Auror's lost their life during the battle," said Jackson sadly, he hated loosing anyone. Nobody could accuse Jackson of not caring, in fact he probably cared too much, unlike Fudge or so he assumed - he it looked like didn't care when he lost an Auror or anyone in the Ministry. Unfortunately Fudge was used to seeing death and tried to stay strong for everyone else. He didn't realize that people thought him cold, hard and unfeeling.

"I am sorry," said Fudge contritely.

Jackson blinked in disbelief, Fudge it seemed was genuine in expressing his apology at the fact he had lost men. He warmed slightly towards the British Minister - it seemed he had slightly misjudged him. "Thank you," he said with warmth he'd never bestowed on Cornelius Fudge before.

"It's hard being a Minister when there's a war going on, you loose a lot of good people in the process - considering how small our community is, each loss is devastating." said Fudge quietly, drinking his Whisky in one go.

"It is indeed," said Jackson hesitating briefly before telling him of another death. "I am afraid someone else died during the fight, he was originally from the British Isles." he began.

Dread flashed across Fudge's face.

"How did You-Know-Who die?" asked Fudge asking a question that was on his mind trying to avoid whoever it was name coming up. He was dreading it, his mind was running overtime trying to figure out who it could be…someone from Britain originally?

"Killing curse to the chest," said Jackson in awe. He had been given a pensive memory of the entire thing from various Auror's. To say he was in awe of the small collection of Wizards, Vampires and of course three Shape-shifters would be putting it mildly. He had personally asked them to leave the family alone; he had seen the devastation written across their faces and their bodies. Normally they would give statements, but given the fact his Auror's had been there for most of it he felt it was best to leave them alone. They had obviously loved the young man that had saved them all dearly.

"Who?" asked Cornelius, he was dying to bring Dumbledore into this discussion.

"His name here…for the short time had been Harry Potter," said Jackson sadly, seeing Fudge's pale and horror stricken face he almost wanted to stop, but he didn't he continued on. "He had just married magically and Muggle wise to Edward Cullen - when Voldemort attacked. Jackson observed that Fudge had failed to flinch upon the name - he must have been badly affected indeed.

Cornelius closed his eyes in horror; James Potter had recently come back from America. So that's where he had been - visiting his son. He had come back a different man. In the time he had come back until today he had single handedly captured ten Death Eaters. It seemed as though the man had been on a mission. To rid the world of Death Eater scum and make it safe. Merlin, James Potter wasn't going to be happy about this at all.

"Do you mind if we bring a few people into this conversation?" asked Cornelius warily, he didn't want to be the one to tell James Potter when he was alone. Yes he was taking the coward's way out, but the man deserved to know before it hit the paper regardless of how it was done. Whether it was in the presence of the American Minister or magic or not.

"Very well," said Jackson, grabbing the bottle and refilling both glasses looking at his bodyguards asking them without speaking if they'd like one. This time they both nodded grimly, they had been in the fight. They'd lost brother in arms, a few of their own brethren - hearing about it was tough - a drink would help. One Auror gestured to only a small drink. Both of them accepted glasses, even though it was very improper, regardless they weren't about to say no again. They'd just finished their drink when more people entered the office. People they recognized as they'd dealt with them when they first appeared in America.

James Potter, Lily Potter and last but no means least Albus Dumbledore.

"What's going on?" asked James frowning in confusion, why had Fudge asked him to bring his wife before cutting out of the Floo so abruptly. He gulped when he noticed the American Minister sitting down comfortably on the chair.

"Jackson!" said Albus smiling benevolently at him.

"That's Minister Smith to you," said Jackson curtly. He didn't like how much hold Dumbledore had over this small community. It disgusted him to no end; no matter what he did he shouldn't have that kind of power. He noticed Dumbledore's twinkle leaving and he wanted to sneer in satisfaction. Unfortunately that would have been deeply unprofessional of him.

"Minister? What's going on?" asked James, why had he been asked here? He was so confused and tired. He'd been up nearly all night rowing with Lily again; it seemed that's all they did. Everything he did to their son was wrong and 'abuse' as she called it. He was steps away from asking for a divorce and she didn't even realize that. Lily was staring around the room; she didn't know who the three men were. She looked at Dumbledore for the first time since that day in Grimmauld Place.

Dumbledore started at the three men suspiciously, whatever they were here for couldn't be good. He hadn't had a chance to sneak into the United States so they couldn't be here for him. He toughened himself up for an argument, ready to argue with them about letting him into America.

"I've brought you here to inform you of some bad news, you have a right to find out now before the newspapers tell you." said Cornelius returning to his seat. Gulping down yet another glass of Whisky nodding his thanks to Jackson for pouring it.

"Is is something to do with Eric? He's not been out of the house," said James confused, unfortunately realisation began creeping into his tired consciousness - the American Minister of Magic was here after all. Worry began to worm its way around him…"Harry?" he croaked out before Cornelius had a chance to respond that it was nothing to do with Eric.

Dumbledore's head turned automatically towards Fudge, his neck creaking in the process. What about Harry? What was going on? He had to know and know now. "Well?" asked Dumbledore impatiently staring at Fudge sternly over his half moon glasses. Fudge however, wouldn't meet his eyes; he was staring at James in unconcealed sympathy. The breath left Dumbledore's throat this couldn't be good, everyone knew what was coming. It was too bloody obvious that something had gone seriously wrong.

"I am afraid he died," said Fudge.

James fell to his knees, his entire face contorting in agony and self loathing. He hadn't managed to make it up to his son; he'd left to keep him safe. If he had stayed - his son might still be alive…might have survived…he might have been there or nearby. "What happened?" croaked James, self disgust enveloping him so completely it nearly squashed his heart.

"Lord Voldemort knew where they were, or rather the area - he'd been looking for him ever since you got back here. He'd killed a few Americans; we kept an eye out for the magical signature. Each time we were too late, until yesterday afternoon we finally got wind of it again. I sent my best Auror's to deal with the problem, it seemed Lord Voldemort and all his Death Eaters were there. If they had been alone they would have had a tough time. Thankfully they weren't, Vampires, Shape-shifters and Wizards were there to help us." said Jackson quietly, but his voice penetrating the room as though he was shouting, so quiet everyone was. "Harry immediately began fighting Voldemort, declaring that the man wouldn't hurt his father." he winced realizing how insensitive that sounded.

"Which one?" rasped James - knowing Harry thought of two men as his father, been adopted by two of them, his one time best friend and his one time enemy.

"Severus Snape I believe, he was going on about a spy?" asked Jackson for confirmation.

"Yes it's him," said Cornelius quietly, handing James an empty glass and filling it with Whisky feeling rather useless. Nevertheless he listened to the tale inwardly awed at the guile of a child.

"He didn't have magic," said Dumbledore blurted confused.

Jackson raised an eyebrow a disbelief filled laugh tearing out of his throat. The two Auror's behind him choked out a snort - no magic that was a laugh. Fudge was startled obviously confused did Harry have magic or not? Well obviously. He thought to himself rolling his eyes at his own stupidity. He couldn't have killed Voldemort if he didn't have magic.

"He had magic alright, he was very powerful he held his own against Voldemort." said Jackson. "Whoever trained him, trained him well, very well." he said pride filling his voice.

"What happened? He didn't…suffer did he?" croaked James still bowed over in agony his glass already empty. He'd never be able to make it up to him, so many regrets, and so many lost opportunities. He hated himself, not because he'd given up the prophecy child but because he'd given up a son, his son. He couldn't claim any pride on the man his son had become.

"No," said Jackson quietly, "It was painless; he was unable to duck the oncoming spell for fear of it hitting his father. And so he returned a killing curse of his own the spell flung him against Bellatrix Lestrange who was impaled on a piece of wood from the Church."

"Church?" asked James swallowing bitterly.

"He'd just married Edward Cullen," sad Jackson his heart going out to the vampire, he shuddered remembering the howl of pain that had left the vampires' pale lips. He had instantly recognized them as animal drinkers, and respected them for that. It had instantly turned into sympathy so profound he'd shed tears just watching them in the Pensive.

James choked some more, unable to express his feelings at all - one thing they could see though was that he was devastated.

"The Death Eaters?" asked Dumbledore quietly, he was seemly very subdued. Dumbledore could hardly believe it; he had been working out how to get the boy over here. Bond to him if necessarily so he'd have to be forced back. He was then going to force the boy to fight Voldemort, after a few rituals to give him magic. He had been deceived by Severus, his own bloody spy; he'd believed that the boy didn't have much magic. More fool him. Now the war was over, the story going to be plastered over the papers, he knew he was going to loose a lot of respect. He and his Order were supposed to be there, saving the day and gaining him more followers and respect to last him until the day he died.

"Half of them are dead, either their necks broken (thanks to the vampires) or blood loss because of missing limbs (thanks to the Shape-shifters). A good lot of them were stunned, bound or severely injured. One of the Death Eaters was taken down by a Muggle girl by the name of Angela Webber I believe." said Jackson an ironic smirk twisting his features his voice had become extremely sardonic by the end. Nobody could blame him for it, even Cornelius was gaping.

"Who?" asked Dumbledore his blue eyes wide with shock.

"Lucius Malfoy," said Jackson.

Now Fudge completely stuttered at the absurdity of it. "Unbelievable," murmured Cornelius. He had an inkling that Lucius wasn't all he seemed, but he had been found innocent during the last war. Lucius had been much like Dumbledore, too powerful for his own good. He'd have been out of this room if he had upset either of them. So he'd tried his best to play favourites with them both. It seemed as though he wasn't going to have to do that with either anymore. It was the only good thing in this entire affair.

"Are they being extradited?" asked Dumbledore his voice darkening without realizing it.

"No, they will all receive the death penalty, only the innocent ones will be allowed to go free." said Jackson. "They will receive extensive therapy in my country before being allowed home. They have to realize what they did was not their fault; if I bring them here they'd most likely kill themselves within a few months. At least they wont have to live with the Dark Mark on their forearms, it disappeared when Voldemort died." he finished grimly.

"If you need any help, I can send a few people from the Ministry and St. Mungo's to help." stated Cornelius aware that if Jackson had made his mind up - it was made up.

"Thank you," said Jackson nodding his head in respect.

"Why the death penalty? Everyone deserves second chances," said Dumbledore shaking his head in obvious disgust.

Everyone in the room stared at him as though he had lost his head. They couldn't believe what they had just heard him utter. "They killed my son! They deserve what they get!" snarled James Potter angrily. "I will be there to see the get what's coming to them."

The Death penalty was either death by a Potion, Auror squad firing a killing curse at them, or suffocation hex. Obviously not many people wanted the suffocation hex; they mostly accepted the Killing curse. Wizards and Witches on Death row got a choice. Unlike the Muggle equivalent they didn't get years in prison before their execution. They were lucky if they lived two weeks after it's declared.

"He has a point I mean look at Severus…he regretted what he did." stated Lily firmly standing up for Dumbledore.

James stiffened completely, wondering what he had ever seen in Lily - she was a cold heartless bitch. Her son had died defeating Voldemort and she was openly sticking up for Dumbledore and the Death Eaters. He had only one thing to say to her, he stood up faced her and his voice hoarse but blessedly determined he told her "I want a divorce." his brown eyes were staring coldly at Lily. "Pack your things because once I chuck you out - you won't get back in."

Lily gaped at him completely stunned; she began shaking her head tears entering her eyes. "No James…please don't." she whimpered piteously.

"I don't want to hear it," said James harshly, finally realizing where his son got his complete lack of respect and his disgusting ways from. Well no more, he'd turn his son around himself, he'd at least have one son to be proud of one day - he hoped.

"James…don't make any hasty decisions," said Dumbledore in warning.

"You just shut up, I've had it up to here with you," snapped James, his hand at his forehead as he spoke.

"I'll keep in touch Cornelius, let you know about everything that's happening." said Jackson grimly getting up.

"Of course," said Fudge nodding his head in understanding already feeling exhausted despite the fact his day had just started. Jackson probably hadn't had any sleep yet, he realized since the time difference meant it was just midnight in his country. It was six AM here and his day had started. He was always the first one in with his assistants and the other Head's of the different divisions. "I have to have a meeting with the Wizengamot."

"Yes we all have a busy day ahead of us," nodded Jackson, with that himself and his Auror's stepped into the fire and called out their destination.

"Let's go," said James coldly, grabbing Lily he threw in some Floo Powder and they were whisked away.

Fudge was already shouting for Percy, holding out letters that needed to be delivered immediately. He had written one and copied it, for all Wizengamot members. They had half an hour to get there, it was an emergency meeting and he rather hoped they responded in a timely fashion. In just one hour the truth would be out. That Lord Voldemort was gone and Harry Potter had died with him.

"Yes sir!" said Percy quickly leaving the room already leaving for the room which they kept around one hundred owls in.

Five minutes later Dumbledore was in his office feeling completely winded. He'd been called by Fudge twenty minutes ago, whatever he had expected that hadn't been anywhere on his list. He didn't bother calling an Order meeting, they'd all find out soon enough. Plus he was going to have to attend the Wizengamot meeting in ten minutes. He just needed time to compose himself, which consisted off a dozen lemon drops dipped in calming Potions. The owl finally reached him, he let out a deep breath - it was show time.

What did you think? Dumbledore just made himself even less popular! lol some of you are extremly unhappy that I've killed off Harry do you want me to make him survive? would you prefer that? this is your choice and your only one after all the last chapter is going to be put up tonight so decide quicky. R&R PLEASE!