Quoth the Raven

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't.

Chapter 29: By The Grave and Stern Decorum

Sargeant-Major Paul Wolfram was waiting outside of Ben's door when the pair returned. Thankfully, Albus Dumbledore had already left.

"A couple of Aurors stopped by and wanted you to come in and fill out some reports, your Grace," Wolf explained before ushering the pair into the room. "Your uncle is scheduled to be released in the morning. And Albus-too-many-titles-Dumbledore stopped by, too."

Harry groaned, dropping his head for a moment, before straightening. "So it has begun."

"So it would seem," Wolf agreed. "But then we expected that, your Grace, didn't we?"

0o0o0o0o0

Hermione decided to remain with Maggie at Ben's bedside the rest of the day, for which Harry was very grateful. He really didn't want his adoptive parents, or his best friend, involved in what was about to happen. He wanted to keep his two lives separate as long as possible. The Wizarding world didn't need to know that John Hadrian 'Scrapper' McIntyre was Harry James Potter just yet.

The Tower wards just wouldn't stand for all the chaos that would ensue if the Wizarding world descended upon it. If there was a clash, the Tower wards would win; that was the way they had been designed, and they were lethal and powered by all of the blood shed on the site over the centuries.

Later that day, Wolf and Harry marched into the DMLE only to cool their heels in the outer office. Amelia Bones was in a meeting and raised voices could be heard.

"Thought they would be professional enough to use Silencing Charms on the doors," Harry muttered to Wolf, who only smirked as he scanned the waiting area. He was very familiar with the 'hurry up and wait' mentality often experienced in the military.

Eventually the door opened and Director Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, spoke. "Gentlemen. Come in."

They entered to see Albus Dumbledore waiting expectantly within. Harry's heart sank. He so didn't want to deal with this manipulative old fool today!

"Harry, my boy," the aged wizard said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Begging the Headmaster's pardon," Wolf snarled, "this is His Grace the Duke of Gryffindor, or Lord Potter, sir. I suggest you remember that when addressing his Grace."

Harry stood at parade rest beside Wolf. He was perfectly happy to let his mentor take charge. This confrontation was something they had frequently discussed ever since he had turned down his Hogwart's letter when he was eleven. Harry fully intended to let Wolf take the lead, as he had more experience dealing with people in authority. If Albus Dumbledore could be knocked off his game, they would have a shot at getting a lot of concessions out of him relatively painlessly. Such planning had been one of Harry's favourite strategy lessons: 'Always negotiate from a position of strength.'

Amelia Bones was known as a strong-willed woman with high moral standards. She had, unlike many in the Ministry, earned her position. Right now, it was apparent that she didn't want the headmaster present but, aside from physically evicting him, she couldn't get him to leave! However, she would be damned if she was going to allow him to take charge of this investigation!

"Your Grace," she said through clenched teeth and with a sidelong glance at the elderly wizard sitting in the corner, "please be seated. We have a few things to discuss. We'll deal with where you've been since your disappearance later." She shot another glare at the headmaster before continuing, "First, tell us, in your own words what happened yesterday in the Alley."

Harry took the offered seat, but Wolf remained by the door in a combat ready stance, keeping an eye on the headmaster. Albus Dumbledore noticed his drawn wand and arched an eyebrow in surprise.

"Yes, Director Bones, I would be glad to," Harry smiled briefly before he began an in depth report with military precision. "Yesterday, I was visiting the Alley with my family . . ."

Albus Dumbledore cleared his throat. "But my dear boy. . ."

Harry went on ignoring the interruption. ". . .when we heard shouts and screams, and the sounds of Apparation. Bellatrix LeStrange appeared right in front of my family and myself. She was leading what I would call a training exercise, with inexperienced young Death Eaters."

Albus Dumbledore tried again. "How could you be so sure, Harry, my boy? How could you be so sure they were inexperienced?"

Harry again took no notice of the headmaster as he continued to detail the events. Several more times, the headmaster tried to interrupt, only to be brushed aside. Once Harry finished, he waited for Madam Bones to ask more questions if she had them.

Wolf remained at the door, a silent, ominous sentry. Albus looked serene, sitting in his corner, but the sergeant-major could tell the old wizard was seething with frustration inside as Harry continued to disregard his attempts to enter the discussion. As long as the old coot addressed Harry in such an improper and familiar manner, Harry would continue to act as if Dumbledore was nonexistant. You would think the aged wizard would learn.

"When will I see you at Hogwarts, my boy?" the headmaster tried one last question.

Harry, reaching the end of his frayed patience, stood and turned to the headmaster, his face a cold mask of disdain. "Headmaster, I am not now, nor will I ever be, your boy! You left me to rot in an abusive home without so much as a by-your-leave. You left me on a doorstep like a bag of rubbish. In doing so, you lost any right you ever had to address me in such a familiar manner. In future, you will address me as 'Your Grace'. Others, if they are close acquaintances, will refer to me as Lord Harry. Only those I deem family, or intimate friends, will be permitted to address me as Harry. You, sir, are neither a close acquaintance nor, by any stretch, family. As for Hogwarts? Not as long as you are the headmaster. Good day to you, sir. Madam Bones."

Amelia rose and came around her desk. Unknown to the headmaster, she had a very bright twinkle in her eyes. She appeared to have enjoyed the dressing-down that this young lord had given him. 'Your Grace, how should I contact you if we need anything further?"

Harry gave a slight bow as he made to leave. "Madam, I can be reached through my family's account manager at Gringotts. They have always been able to get in touch. However, I would caution you, they do not appreciate any hidden additions to your letters. Good day to you, Madam." Harry waited until Wolf opened the door for him.

As they exited the Atrium, he asked quietly, "I count five tracking spells on me, three on you and two people following us. Also, there is a Trust-Me spell and a eavesdropping spell. That right?"

Wolf chuckled. "Good job. What did you do with them?"

Harry smirked as they came to the Floo station and took their places in line. He stopped briefly and looked around. Wolf echoed that smirk as he too reconned their back trail. Harry had inherited a love of mischief from his birth parents. Wolf knew the lad was a second generation Marauder. Plus, the ravens had only added to that streak of mischief, as Wolf and Ben well knew from watching the lad grow up.

Harry explained he had sent both the trust-me and the eavesdropping spells to a nearby men's loo. He also sent all of the tracking spells onto various out-going travellers, so anyone monitoring those spells (and both knew that Dumbledore would delegate, rather than do it himself) would be hearing some rather offensive sounds and travelling all over the Wizarding World. They were positive that the aged headmaster would be reading a lot of strange reports this day.

Because of their training, both expected to be followed, so what better way to lose their tails than to go to Gringotts? From there, they took an untraceable route back to the Tower. The goblins do not take kindly to people spying on their bank and, as Lord Harry was one of their major account holders, he was accorded special privileges, like an untraceable Port-key, to foil unwanted hangers-on.

Wolf knew that this was only the first engagement. It was understood that Albus Dumbledore would not quit until he thought he had Harry back under his control. If only Dumbledore knew that Harry was not only under the Crown's protection, he was also under the Morrigan's protection. The old fool didn't even stand a chance!

0o0o0o0

The next day, Wolf and Harry decided, after they had checked on Ben, that they needed a meeting, so an emergency session at Number 10 Downing Street was called.

The office was quite full. Attending were Sirius Black, Hermione Granger, the PM, Amanda Kensington and, of course, Harry. The subject was Albus Dumbledore and his expected attempts at controlling Harry Potter.

"We are waiting for one more person," the PM said as everyone got comfortable. "He should be here in moments. He had to clear his schedule."

"Sorry, I am a bit late," said the elegantly-dressed man as he entered. Everyone stood and gave a bow to the Prince of Wales as he took a seat. "Everyone here?"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand, her eyes wide with shock. He hadn't said much about the meeting, only that he wanted her with him.

Sirius Black seemed a bit lost, but even he recognised Muggle royalty as the prince entered. He still wasn't sure just why he was here, but he was happy to be included, even if he'd had to give an oath of secrecy.

They began with the rehashing of what had taken place in the Alley, and Ben's condition. Wolf had explained to his Highness that, thankfully, Ben had just enough magic for the heart potions to work. Because he was a Squib, it wasn't as efficient as if he was a full wizard; however, it was enough. A few days of rest and he would be able to resume his position at the Tower as usual.

Healer Atwaters reported that he was able to keep Ben's home address and occupation out of the files and to bury said files in the archives so it would be very difficult to trace Harry's whereabouts.

The meeting went on to explore speculation about Dumbledore's and Riddle's possible future moves. With the sudden appearance of Harry Potter, the war front had shifted - especially since Cornelius Fudge was still vehemently denying the Dark Lord's return.

"There will be an emergency session of the Wizengamot soon," Amanda said as she went over her notes. "We expect Albus Dumbledore to exploit his position as the 'Leader of the Light' to use Lord Harry's reappearance for his 'greater good' cause. His cronies will just go along with him as usual. I believe he will use this session to push through an attempt to legally force Lord Harry to attend Hogwarts.

"There is also talk that Minister Fudge will force one of his under-secretaries into the school as the next Defence Instructor this upcoming year." She finished her report and waited for questions.

"Remus and I have not been asked to return as Instructors. Guess the curse is still holding," Sirius snarked.

"Will this Instructor have the necessary credentials to hold the position?" Harry asked, a bit concerned. Hermione had informed him of the incompetent Defence instructors she'd had in her past years at Hogwarts.

Hermione shifted next to him. "We haven't had many instructors with the necessary credentials for years," she echoed his thoughts, looking slightly put-out. "No offence, Professor Black. You and Professor Lupin were the exceptions."

"It's doubtful, Lord Harry," Amanda replied, giving the girl a glance. Although she had watched this young man grow into the upstanding young adult before her, this was a high level meeting and protocol must be observed. While she knew that Hermione was now aware of Harry's true identity, she was still uneasy about including the girl in their plans.

Harry huffed. "So Fudge and Dumbles both are willing to go against the Hogwarts' Charter to push their political agenda, and the students, of course, are made to suffer for it."

Wolf scowled. "What do you mean willing? Dumbledore has been pushing his agenda and ignoring the charter for decades."

"Well, isn't it fortunate that we are about to derail most of that agenda?" Harry smirked, turning to His Highness. "Sir, it is time to take the battle forward. With your permission?"

"By all means, Your Grace. By all means."

0o0o0o0o0

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, going over everything he had managed to put together from all the reports on Harry Potter. Against all odds, the boy turned out to be a fine young wizard who looked much like his parents. But, unfortunately, it seemed that that was where the resemblance ended. James and Lily had never treated him with such blatant disrespect as the boy had today!

That he took on a team of Death Eaters led by Bellatrix LeStrange was nothing short of amazing! According to his spy, Severus Snape, the insane witch was in critical condition and not expected to live. The strange holes in her body were refusing to close and she was slowly bleeding to death. What could have made them?

Harry's refusal to acknowledge him, and the bitter words thrown at Albus today, meant that the young teen was well aware of Dumbledore's role in placing him with his mother's sister. He'd known it had been against the clearly-stated wishes of the parents' Will, but it was for the boy's own protection and the greater good!

Harry had to be raised outside of the wizarding world and away from all the Boy-Who-Lived hype. And Albus had never intended for him to learn of his true heritage until much later. It was imperative that the boy be humble, easily led and controlled. It wouldn't do to have the boy think for himself.

Paul Wolfram, he had learned, was a Muggle-born who left the wizarding world after he graduated from Hogwarts. He was an unknown element, and this worried Albus. That he had a hand in raising Harry was very obvious. The headmaster was having one of his contacts track down everything he could on Wolfram and how it was possible that the wizard came into contact with Harry in the first place. Also, he wanted to know why Wolfram hadn't contacted him when Harry had been found. It wasn't as if the man had no idea who Harry Potter was! Most puzzling and worrying.

Pausing to pop one of his favourite treats into his mouth, Albus pondered his next move. He just had to get Harry to Hogwarts, where he would be safe, and figure out how to get the boy away for those who had influenced him over the years.

Maybe he should introduce a new bill into the Wizengamot? Yes! That should work. He'd make Harry see reason; he must. It wouldn't do to have the boy turn Dark. He must follow the destiny that Albus had mapped out for him since his birth!

Fawkes shook his head as he listened in on the headmaster's thoughts. The Lady had placed her mark on the lad and Albus was going against Her will. Didn't he see it? Fawkes shivered.

0o0o0o0

Deep in the heart of Hogwarts, a meeting of a different sort was going on. A lady dressed in a black feathered cloak was standing in the centre of a star outlined on a dungeon floor. She was speaking to another, a female, dressed in a tenth-century cotehardie.

"Soon, my dear," the Lady said. "your heir and true master will be attending. Are you ready?"

"Yes, my Lady," the embodiment of Hogwarts said. "Everything has been prepared."

"Excellent. Remember, he will require a suite worthy of his status as My chosen and your heir. He will have his retinue staying with him as well," the Lady said as she faded from sight while Hogwarts curtsied deeply.

0o0o0o0

Cornelius Fudge sat in his office, going over plans for the upcoming year. Dumbledore wouldn't know what hit him! He cackled gleefully. Delores was the perfect candidate to do what needed to be done, and in the most obnoxious way possible!

.

The reports of the raid on the Alley were swept aside in disgust. So Harry Potter had been spotted, finally. Well, if the brat thought he could waltz in and command respect, he had another think coming! He reached out and tugged on a bell-pull.

His office door cracked open, "You rang, sir?" a simpering young male queried.

"Wetherby. I will be going out today, for tea."

"Yes, sir. I'll make a note of that. I was to remind you about your appointment at noon as well, sir."

"Yes, yes. The meeting will not take long. I think I'll have tea at that little café that I so enjoy."

"Yes. sir." Percy Weasley ducked back into his cubby and returned to work on the parchments stacked haphazardly on his desk.

Fudge scowled. He really did hate meeting with the Muggle prime minister. It was so tedious trying to keep up appearances. The treaties must be upheld if the Wizarding world didn't want to fall back under the Crown's control. And he was taking no chances after his meeting with the Queen.

0o0o0o0

Ah, yes, the 'kimchee' is about to hit the fan.

For those that feel that Harry's meetings with Hermione are a bit contrived, well our response is, "So? Blame the Lady. We do." She was the one that put her into Harry's path.

Until next time. -GF and the Frau