MASSACRE AT AZKABAN!

TEN DEATH EATERS DEAD AND ONE PRESUMED MISSING!

PUREBLOOD-KILLER STILL AT LARGE?

In a surprising turn of events, an anonymous surgical strike had been made into the deep security wing of Azkaban in the dead of the night the previous day. Ten imprisoned death eaters, who were al rumored to be part of You-know-who's inner circle were found dead—their bodies mutilated by knife wounds. Rudolphus and Rabastan Lestrange, Percy Mcnair, Antonin Dolohov, Augustus Montague, Gregory and Walden Selwyn, Rudolf Jugson, Jonathan Scabior and Thaddeus Nott- all of them died of deep wounds made by some kind of enchanted and poisoned dagger. Forensics report that basilisk venom was found in the injuries of the dead prisoners. Whoever the murderer was, the DMLE believes that it is someone with a vendetta towards the death eaters of the last war- seeing as none of the other prisoners or even the guards of the prison were attacked. Not only that, the attack had been surgical- the guards had offered a statement that there had been absolutely no disturbance in the prison wards at all. Only when the ward of the high-security wing triggered, the Aurors rushed in—with obvious expectation that some deranged killer had tried to break out of the prison. To their surprise, they found all the inmates dead and bleeding.

There has been a surprise though. According to the Auror guards, Bellatrix Lestrange has been missing. That has given rise to two speculative theories- either the killer killed them all, and captured Bellatrix Lestrange away for some reason; or Bellatrix Lestrange somehow got out of the prison, killed her inmates and escaped out of Azkaban. We are not sure which theory is scarier.

Minister Fudge has been seen to comment. "The security of Azkaban had been increased significantly after the notorious Sirius Black escaped out of it the previous year. We are of opinion that Sirius Black himself is the culprit, responsible for killing the rest of the inmates and fleeing away Bellatrix Lestrange, who is his cousin by blood. The DMLE has been given orders to increase monitoring activity in residential and town areas. Do not worry—the Ministry is doing its best."

"So they are blaming the entire thing on Sirius now?" Harry chuckled. "Poor man. He got himself thrown in without a trial, and then lived a life of silent refuge with me for a year, and now this."

Dumbledore's moustache quivered. "Yes, his life has been rather unfortunate. I have my own share of misdeeds. I should have thought of securing a trial for him when the chance was there."

"He has taken up the mantle of the Lord Black. Surely that should give him a good entry into a proper trial?" Harry challenged. Dumbledore sighed and looked at him reluctantly. "It is difficult. Fudge is being an ostrich right now, and has found a scapegoat to blame his mistakes on. He would rather stick with the idea that Sirius Black broke Bellatrix out of prison than give Sirius a trial if that means that he stays as Minister for a longer duration."

"He needs to go."

"Yes, as unfortunate as it is. Fudge was a passable peace-time Minister, but considering the situations- I do not think that he will be a good Minister for the times to come."

"I know he will not be a good Minister. Professor," Harry looked up as his eyes lit up with an idea, "Why don't we overthrow him? Or perhaps simply assassinate him?"

Dumbledore eyed him strangely. "As much as I agree with you about Fudge's incompetence, I do not share with you your tendency to massacre at the barest thought. I admit I do not know what the situation was in the future, but you will need to curb this feeling, Harry. He who fights monsters must make sure that he doesn't turn into a monster."

Dumbledore's words froze him midway. Was he really that much indulging in blood? Was his blood lust out of control?

"I- I am not-"

"I am not calling you a monster, Harry." Dumbledore added swiftly. "I would be a complete hypocrite if I did so. Thousands have died by my hands—their blood is on my hands. I know the feeling—the bloodlust—the power and the exhilarated feeling it brings when you know that your enemy is utterly and completely destroyed. I know it, and I have felt it."

Harry nodded silently.

"However, that is just the very moment when the wheels start turning- rage, anger, hatred— the sudden release from the feeling of hopelessness—that is the feeling which turns good men, cruel. I was lucky to have Fawkes by my side. Everyone is not that lucky."

"I will—keep that in mind."

Dumbledore smiled. "I am glad that we reached an amiable agreement about it. Let us move on to other issues that are not as gruesome as this. A change is required, and I think I know just the thing that can help."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

Dumbledore raised his bowl of candies towards him. "Lemon drop, Harry?"


Daphne walked through the empty corridors towards the Slytherin dorms with Tracy. Ever since the finale event, she had been hounded by sponsors and agents alike—for things as simple as asking for an autograph to active scouting by the agents of different leagues and sponsors. A fourth year who defeated the Triwizard Champions—it was big news. Most people felt bitter that Harry Potter had not participated in the contest himself—the fight between Potter and Greengrass would be nothing less than legendary. However, rumors were abound that Harry Potter was actually Daphne's private tutor in defense, as well as the fact that both were courting each other. As it was, nobody had yet openly asked for any kind of clarification from her. The students and the Hogwarts gossip mill on the other hand—they were a different beast completely.

"Daph?"

"Yeah Tracey?"

"The bitch is coming."

"Huh?"

"Delacour is coming."

Daphne stopped and turned back. Tracey had spotted the French champion walking behind them as she turned corners. Daphne stared at the French Veela who had a haughty expression on her face.

"Can I help you with something?"

"Have you seen my betrothed?" Fleur asked snobbishly.

And she goes off again...

"Harry isn't your betrothed." Daphne retorted.

"Yet. However, he is as good as being one." Fleur returned sassily. Daphne shook her head. It was vain trying to reason with this girl. She and her father were a completely different, crazy bunch of flubberworms.

"No", Daphne grit her teeth. The Veela had a way about her that got her anger on edge. "I have not seen Harry since the morning."

"Not giving you the time of day, is it? It is completely natural though..." fleur drawled.

"Is there any reason we are having this conversation?" Daphne retorted with irritation. "I think you have me mistaken for someone who likes to chatter mindlessly with you."

Fleur fumed. "When Harry returns, tell him to meet with me."

"Find him yourself. Some betrothed you are, having to ask from another girl about your betrothed." Daphne retorted sweetly. Fleur glared at her for a moment, before whirling swiftly and walking off.

"I swear I have begun to associate her as the female Draco Malfoy of Beauxbatons." Daphne sighed with irritation. Tracy giggled. "Where is Harry, by the way?"

Daphne sighed. "He is busy in all kinds' of- private work. He won't tell me because he won't be able to be completely all-true-istic about it."

Tracy muttered something about being 'too Slytherin' but Daphne ignored her anyway. "Has he asked you for the Yule Ball?"

"Yes." She blushed.

"Theo asked me out too." Tracy mumbled.

"That's great." She hugged her best friend tightly.


"What I never understood is why you let Fudge walk over you."

Dumbledore sighed. "It is complicated, Harry. I admit that if I wish, I will be able to throw him off the Ministerial seat in a week. But that is where the problems begin."

"Go on." Harry returned.

Dumbledore sat up straight. He had spent decades as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and had played and eaten political opponents for breakfast, but had never really shared his political expertise with anyone. Now that he was getting back actively into the political scenario, the fact that he had someone to discuss it with, felt quite relaxing.

"Consider this situation. Since 1982, Fudge has been the Minister of Magic. While I will not consider him as a political shark, he does understand politics. Fudge has three main points up in his sleeve. One, he doesn't take bribes."

Whatever Harry was expecting, this was not it. "He—he doesn't? But then, what about Lucius Malfoy?"

Dumbledore smirked. "Therein lies the genius. You see, it is not at all unusual for the Lords of the Wizengamot to donate money to various causes and charities. Lucius Malfoy is one of the many Lords who actively invest in Fudge's domain."

"His domain?"

"His vote bank and election campaign."

"Oh."

Dumbledore nodded.

"So he is taking bribes, but as his election-money. Bribes converted into legal donations."

"Top marks, Harry." Dumbledore returned.

Harry grinned.

"The next point- no matter what he looks like, Fudge has a remarkable sense of self-preservation. The problem is—he believes that doing nothing is a good way of keeping him on the chair. Then again, when the situation demands it—he will ensure that the Ministry would be seen doing something."

"I know that from experience." Harry muttered, remembering Fudge's arrest of Hagrid in his second year.

The Ministry has to be seen doing something. Fudge had proclaimed.

"Third. Fudge has actively planted many of his faithful agents in higher positions of the Ministry. Even if Fudge loses his post, he will still hold considerable sway- thanks to the amazing amount of dirt he has on the members of the Wizengamot and those faithful to him."

"I...see."

Dumbledore nodded. "Now even if we manage to remove Fudge from the Ministerial post, it presents another problem. The dark faction of the Wizengamot will most likely supply another candidate for the post—I will bet on Lucius Malfoy, who is at present one of the most powerful members in our society. We do not really have anyone on the Light side who could win against him."

"We do." Harry intervened.

"We do?"

"Yes."

"If you are thinking of Amelia- I am not sure if she can win against-"

"I was thinking of you."

Whatever Dumbledore had expected, this was not it. "Me?" he choked. "Harry. I cannot- power is my temptation and-"

"And you have proved that you are more than capable of keeping yourself away from it, professor."

"Harry, I think it is better if I stayed as Head-"

"No it's not." Harry deadpanned. "Stop being passive, Headmaster. You have stayed passive for too many times to count. Merlin knows even Voldemort would have had a tougher time rising up the first time if you were actively suppressing him. If you are Minister, you can have a strong force rallying behind you. Fudge goes, his toad goes, Malfoy goes. We completely clean slate and begin the game again. If we keep trying to hold everyone's hands, we are surely going to lose."

Dumbledore sighed. "I suppose you are right."

Harry raised his glass. "A toast to Minister Dumbledore, then?"

Dumbledore chuckled.


Two weeks later.

The Wizengamot chamber was a beautiful piece of architecture. A domed circular room deep under the Ministry of Magic meant to provide a hint of King Arthur's infamous round table. The rows formed five tiers; the upper tier was the public gallery, open to all, and was a first come first served arrangement; there were no chairs simply standing room. The fourth tier was reserved for press, Ministry officials, family and retainers of the Wizengamot members with a bench provided for sitting. The third tier, with its chairs of silver upholstery, was for the newest members of the Wizengamot, the minor houses and Order of Merlin recipients. The second tier was reserved for the Ancient and Noble Houses who had gold upholstery. The final small lowest tier was on the floor and held the Chief Warlock's gold seat on the right alongside the scribe and the Wizengamot clerk who both had no voting rights; five similarly plain Ministry seats sat on the left.

Albus Dumbledore walked in, wearing robes of aquiline blue, a sharp contrast to the plum robes of the rest of the Wizengamot members, Harry observed. He was sitting on the second tier with the rest of the Lords and Ladies of the Ancient and Noble Houses. He could see Augusta Longbottom who gave him a brief nod, as he sat alongside Cyrus Greengrass. He noted the presence of Sebastian Delacour and nodded stoically, getting a jerk of the head from the Head of the Delacour family. Alongside him, he could spot Theo's father—Lord Nott—sitting alongside Lucius Malfoy, who was the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy. He had made sure to dress up in proper Wizengamot robes, wearing the crests of his families (though he had added a notice-me-not charm to them for the moment).

He watched Dumbledore rise from his seat, and alongside him—the entire membership rose in tradition. "Close the doors. As Chief Warlock, I Albus Dumbledore, call this emergency session of the Wizengamot in order."

The doors of the Wizengamot closed with a great noisy sound, as the ambient magick inside the ancestral room rose to occupy and demonstrate its presence. This magick made sure that no person would be able to use his or her wand without proper permission and reason. Harry felt the magick compel him to stay calm and composed, and not resort to any kind of violence. It was a strange sensation.

"I wish to know the reason behind this emergency session, Chief Warlock." Fudge stated pompously. A fat, toad-like woman clad in pink coughed into her fists as she showed her confidence in the words of the Minister.

"With due respect, Minister Fudge. Your answer will be answered shortly. First, I would like to finish with the order of businesses." The chief clerk, Dullard rose up and called out loudly. "The first in the list of businesses is any alterations to the membership of the Wizengamot. We have five notices on that particular list."

Whispers rang amidst the crowd. Five new notices. It was very uncommon.

"You have my permission." Dumbledore allowed.

Dullard cleared his throat softly. "The first on the list is the shift of the Ancient House of Slytherin from its Extinct status to Active."

Chaos reigned. Both amongst the Dark and Light factions- the Dark were completely disarrayed since the Dark Lord had been the heir of Slytherin and for the Slytherin seat to come active meant that the dark lord was back. The Light went insane with the declaration since it increased their sensitivity and fear knowing that Slytherin was a predominantly dark family, and no matter who it was that was coming to take the seat- it would not bode well for them.

The Slytherin seat on the second tier suddenly glowed with a bright silvery sheen as it demonstrated its state of activation. A thin stream of magical energy shot out from the chair and dissipated into the ceiling.

Dullard stood blankly for a moment. "Our next point of business- I declare the shift of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter from dormant to active."

Instantly, all eyes shifted towards the second tier where Harry Potter sat, chatting amiably with Cyrus Greengrass. He did not even look towards the furtive glances that everyone else was giving him.

"The third on the list is Ascension. For the Ancient house of Slytherin, I hereby call forth Harry James Potter as the new Head of Slytherin. Lord Harry James Potter will come forth and take his oath."

Pandemonium reigned. The public reaction was a complete veritable mess. Some just sat and gaped in disbelief, others raged angrily and claimed him as the new and upcoming dark wizard, some from the dark factions called him out as a fraudulent imposter trying to cheat and acquire the rights to Slytherin while some simply sat silent, observing everyone else.

Harry Potter stood up and strode down the stairs from the second tier. His robe was dark green with silver trimmings- the perfect choice for a Slytherin Lord. He walked down with a regal poise, shocking everyone else who believed that Harry Potter had grown up with muggles and had no sense and knowledge about his own heritage. H ignored the open mouths, the horrified expressions from some of the more fanatical families, the silent speculative looks on some of the other lords and voters, as he walked down and stood in front of the Chief Warlock.

Their eyes met.

Albus Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I hereby call Harry James Potter to take his oath as the Lord of Slytherin."

"Wait!" Lucius Malfoy intervened. Harry rolled his eyes. He had predicted that this was going to happen.

"Yes, Lord Malfoy?" Dumbledore urged.

"I state neque feduciam on this ascension."

Whispers began. Augusta Longbottom observed the happenings with great interest. The principle of neque feduciam or the move of no confidence was an option for a Lord of an Ancient family against an order of business in the Wizengamot. For Malfoy to vote no confidence on the ascension of another family though... It was going to be interesting.

"The motion of neque feduciam can only be offered by an opponent who has rights to ascension in this case. Do you want to challenge Lord Harry James Potter for the Lordship of Slytherin?" Dumbledore asked—his bright blue eyes twinkling madly.

Lucius hesitated. "No..." he paused, "I however, state his being underage as a reason for his disqualification."

"With all due respect Chief Warlock," Harry began, much to everyone's surprise, "I believe I should answer Lord Malfoy's accusation."

Dumbledore nodded. "Permission granted."

"Lords and ladies of the Wizengamot, and acclaimed members of our society," Harry began—moving to the centre of the stage and turning in a full circle so that he could see everyone- "The Familia Slytherin has never been formally a part of the Wizengamot since its creation. It has always preferred to be a part of the Lord's Gathering that existed before the creation of the Wizengamot. However, due to its status as an Ancient family, it had been granted the seats. The Lordship of my family is completely dependent upon the tests performed on a claimant by the Family magic. Age has never been a restriction."

Lucius sat down dejected.

Everyone sat stumped in silence as the Gryffindor Golden boy raised his right hand, the large signet ring glowing brightly as he did. "I, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient House of Slytherin, swear to act with honor and fairness in the name of justice, law and magic, and accept the Seat of the House of Slytherin by blood, by law and by oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be."

An unruly roar resounded as the court members sat in awe, witnessing a large basilisk manifest out of thin air over the Slytherin seat. It was not a true basilisk, just an ethereal manifestation of the Slytherin family magick. The great snake hissed before fading to nothingness.

Complete Silence.

"Merlin's balls." Dullard exclaimed. For some reason, nobody cared to admonish him. He controlled himself and continued. "The next on the list is the Ascension of the Potter Lordship." He did not explain any further since it was unnecessary.

Harry rose his right hand once again—the Potter signet ring glowing brightly this time, as he spoke- "I, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient House of Potter, swear to act with honor and fairness in the name of justice, law and magic, and accept the Seat of the House of Potter by blood, by law and by oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be."

The Potter family seat glowed with a golden sheen.

"I have an objection." Lucius Malfoy had risen again, but this time, many of his vassals had stood with him as well.

"Do you have another complain, Lord Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked amusedly.

"As a matter of fact, I do." Lucius drawled. "While I admit I was not knowledgeable about the rites of Slytherin lordship, I do know the rites for the House of Potter. The Potter family has been a part of the Wizengamot since the beginning of this assembly. On account of his being underage, I move the motion that he should be disqualified from his ascension."

"Objection overruled."

"Chief Warlock," the pink-clad toad-like woman began pompously, "surely Lord Malfoy presents a rightful issue. It is against the policy of the Wizengamot to allow-" she cast a look of deepest loathing at Harry- "little teenage boys to get away with fraud."

"I am completely knowledgeable about the Wizengamot's policies, Madam Umbridge." Dumbledore addressed her. "However, Lord Potter had just taken his Slytherin Lordship, qualifying him as a proper and legal member of the Wizengamot. That completely overrides the fact that he is underage. Furthermore, the ambient magicks of the Wizengamot have accepted his proclamation. Surely a woman as intelligent as you know better than challenge that?"

Dolores Umbridge turned beet-red in embarrassment, as she sat down on her seat. Her flushed face did not however, stop her from shooting dark looks towards Harry.

"The third item on the list," Dullard proclaimed, "is a proclamation from Lord Black."

"OBJECTION!" Lucius and Cornelius both stood up. While the latter looked uneasy, the former looked completely deranged by the turn of events.

"My son, Draco Lucius Malfoy is the future Lord of Black. There is no Lord Black. This is a farce."

"This is no farce, Lord Malfoy." Dullard exclaimed. "I have here, a statement from Gringotts, verifying the authenticity of this proclamation. There is indeed, a new Lord Black, and he had taken up his lordship ring."

"And who would that be?" Lucius sneered.

"That would be me." A new voice sounded from the seat beside Cyrus Greengrass, as Sirius Black lifted the invisibility cloak to reveal his presence.


For ten seconds, the entire Wizengamot was shocked and stumped. Fudge was one of the earliest to gather himself as he yelled, "AURORS! ARREST HIM!"

"By the power of the Ancient Houses, I plead colloquium."

Everyone stopped. Lucius looked like he would like nothing better than strangle Sirius with his bare hands. Fudge looked blanched and completely shocked. The Aurors stood, waiting for orders and every eye turned towards the Chief Warlock, waiting for his next words.

"Colloquium granted."

The motion of Colloquium ensured that a Lord had the option to speak out or give a testimony. It would happen just once. It was one of the powers vested to them to prevent others from attacking them until proven guilty. Harry had pondered through pages of Wizarding law until he had found this beauty.

"That's not acceptable. Black is a convict and a deranged murderer and I will not allow-"

"MINISTER FUDGE!"

Every eye turned towards Amelia Bones who was standing up, staring sternly at the Minister who swallowed. "Amelia-"

"As the Head of the DMLE and the regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones, I would like to say a few words. Chief Warlock, if I may?"

"Granted."

"On December 13, 1995- five days ago, I received an anonymous petition from a law firm, requesting access to the trial sheet of one Sirius Orion Black. I checked for said file, but strangely, I could not find it." She paused, letting the audience grasp the meaning of her statement. "I searched for the file in the DMLE archives and the Death eater trial archives of 1981, but couldn't find it there either. That proves one single statement." She paused as she drew herself to her fullest height.

"Sirius Orion Black never received a trial."

Absolute pandemonium.


"Surely that cannot be right, Madam Bones?" Cyrus prodded.

"I never received a trial." Sirius spoke out.

"You will not speak until asked, convict-" Fudge began.

"Fudge!" Harry spoke out coldly. "Do me a favor and just shut up."

"How dare you speak-" Umbridge began heatedly but a loud thud of the hammer stopped them all.

"Attention!" Dumbledore bellowed. "I have granted Colloquium to Mister Sirius Black, which means," he looked pointedly at Fudge, "he will receive his chance to testify."

That shut everyone up.


Sirius Black walked down the stairs. He ignored the horrified and shocked looks everyone gave him. This man did not look like a deranged murderer. He was dressed in expensive robes of acromantula silk, his dressing screamed wealth and power to all around him, as he stalked down casually until he had reached the center.

"Mister Black," Dumbledore began, "under the right of Colloquium, you have one chance to say your piece. I will call the ambient magick of the Wizengamot to test. Should you lie, your magick shall be stripped away from you. Do you agree?"

"Yes." Sirius deadpanned.

"Continue."

Sirius took a deep breath. "In 1981, James and Lily Potter went into hiding because of the Fidelius, because Voldemort-" -everyone squeaked and shuddered at the mention-Harry smirked- "Voldemort was actively hunting for them. Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper and he sold them out to Voldemort."

Harry glanced at Dumbledore whose moustache quivered in amusement. If not for the ambient magick preserving silence during the testimony, he was sure that chaos would have reigned the legislative body. Sirius continued, "When I found out, I went to Godric's Hollow to find James and Lily dead, and Harry," he paused as he stared at his godson, "Harry was still alive while Voldemort was gone."

Everyone shuddered.

"I gave baby Harry to Hagrid and went on to search for Pettigrew, who trapped me and hit me with a confounding curse and an over-powered cheering charm. He hit the gas pipeline with a reducto, killing thirteen muggles and cut off his own finger. He then changed into his animagus form-a garden rat, and then jumped into the sewer line."

Everyone watched in awe as the biggest conspiracy until date unfolded in front of his or her own eyes. It was unfathomable.

"Why did you break out of Azkaban, Mister Black?" Dumbledore asked formally.

"I knew that the rat- Pettigrew was at Hogwarts. He was hiding as Ron Weasley's pet rat. I knew that Harry was in danger and I broke out of prison to save him. That is all."

The magick holding him released as Sirius let out a breath. Everyone just sat stupefied.

"I believe," Dumbledore began, "Sirius Black can be affirmed as innocent."

Not a single person objected this time.

"Sirius Black, you will have to attend a Ministry hearing, clearing out the legal documents about your incarceration and get your wand and your previous post back, should you wish it. The Ministry will make sure that you get your reputation untarnished."

Sirius nodded silently.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Let us move on to business. Dullard if you please-

Dullard shook himself up, and continued. "The proclamation from Lord Black, proclaiming Harry James Potter as his heir by magic, by blood and by oath-" he paused, "Lord Black, do you concur?"

Sirius nodded. "I do. Until I find another acceptable blood heir of my own, Harry James Potter shall be the rightful heir by blood, by law and by magic for the Ancient and Noble House of Black."

"I accept." Harry answered, as the Black seat glowed with a purple sheen.

Nobody spoke anything. The consecutive shocks everyone was receiving since the start of the session had overwhelmed everyone to silence. Dullard got up from his chair. "The last point on the list is," he paused as he turned towards the Chief Warlock, "from Albus Dumbledore?"

Everyone glanced at the old man.

He got up.

"I wish to nominate Augusta Longbottom to take my place as the temporary Chief Warlock until I am done with my order of business."

Augusta bowed. "I will be honored, Chief Warlock." She stood up—her pose regal as she strode towards him. Albus Dumbledore walked out of his seat and stood in the center of the room. Augusta sat on the Chief Warlock's seat, and hammered. "State your proposal, Mister Dumbledore."

Albus nodded. "Ladies and gentle-wizards," he paused, "I hereby invoke neque feduciam against the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge."

Chaos reigned.


### the first part of the scene is done. This is perhaps the fastest chapter I have ever written. Two hours. I admit it was quite... tempting to finish the entire scene in this chapter, but then I decided against it. Anyway, the second part of the Wizengamot is going to be updated very,very soon. Also, 3k following and 2k favorites? You guys are wonderful!

As always, reviews, please. Thank you.