"What do you mean, Mr. Malfoy can't be charged?" Harry asked. "He's plotting something horrible to happen at Hogwarts this year!"
"Plotting something and actually carrying it are two separate things, Harry," Eric explained patiently. "For example, I could decide that I wanted to kill you, but until I actually made the attempt, I couldn't be arrested and charged with attempted murder or actual murder, depending on whether or not I succeeded in killing you. Furthermore, the only proof we have that Lucius Malfoy is plotting something is the word of Dobby, and unfortunately, it's all too easy to dismiss testimony from a house-elf since the wizarding world doesn't treat non-humans as equals."
"But something has to be done!" Harry protested. "Mr. Malfoy can't be allowed to carry out his plot!"
"Professor Dumbledore has been notified, and he and the Heads of House will keep an eye on things and do their utmost to foil any plot," Eric said.
"I don't think that's enough. What if they can't stop it? Can't the Ministry investigate the Malfoys? I mean, Mr. Weasley is working overtime on conducting raids and all, so can't he or someone else in Law Enforcement do one on the Malfoys?"
"Madam Bones has authorized one on the Malfoys, but there's no guarantee that anything suspicious will be found. Lucius got off on charges of being a Death Eater by claiming to have been Imperiused, and I have no doubt that the 'donation' he made to the Ministry ensured that he was believed. He can quite easily make sure that he avoids any trouble in this instance. If he had anything suspicious, he'll either get rid of them or hide them. And while Sirius recalls the Malfoys once mentioning to his family that they had a secret room or hiding spot in their manor, no mention was made of where it was."
"Can't Susan's aunt do something?" demanded Harry. "She's high up in the Ministry and her backing of Theo helped ensure that Mr. Nott was found guilty."
"Harry, a child abuse case and suspicion of plotting something terrible are two different things," Eric answered. "Furthermore, just because Madam Bones is Head of a pretty important Ministry Department doesn't mean she's all-powerful or can just instantly make things happen. The Malfoys have money, prestige, and connections, and will use that to their advantage. Unless Lucius is caught doing something bad red-handed, or there is sufficient evidence and credible witness testimony, like in the child abuse charges against Mr. Nott, any charges against him won't stick."
"That sucks! Why can't everyone be treated equally under the law and face the consequences no matter how much money or power they have?"
"I agree with you, Harry, but not everyone thinks like you do. This is why I became a lawyer, so that I can do my best to help those seen of lesser stature and gain justice on their behalf. And why Tristan is working in Law Enforcement and using his family connections to do same thing rather than for selfish reasons."
"Then I want to do the same," Harry declared. "I want to bring evil-doers to justice and help bring about equality for everyone. Since I'm famous, I might as well use it for good, the way Tristan is doing with his family connections."
"That's good," said Eric with a smile. "Why don't you focus on working towards that ambition and stop worrying about Dobby's warning? The appropriate adults are on their guard and will do everything in their power to foil it. Also, if anything solid does turn up linking Mr. Malfoy to the plot, I assure you that matters will be investigated as thoroughly as possible, all right?"
"Fine," replied Harry, though he still wasn't completely happy.
He took his leave and went up to his room to write in the AA notebook. Susan had just written, confirming what Eric had said about her Aunt Amelia only able to do so much about the plot. Madam Bones had given an explanation about how she wasn't all-powerful and by law there was only so much that could be done against the Malfoys. Harry wrote that Eric had given him a similar explanation and then the rest of the AA started writing back with similar sentiments to Harry's, though Hermione and Daphne acknowledged that they had suspected this sort of outcome. Justin added that even in the Muggle world, those with money and power were able to wriggle out of things, though it wasn't as bad as it had been many years ago. For example, his great-grandfather could have probably gotten away with killing a family servant, not that he would have done so, considering how morally upright and egalitarian the Finch-Fletchley family always had been.
"Well, we'll just have to work to change that," Parvati wrote. "We're already making a difference at Hogwarts, bringing about greater inter-house cooperation and helping to change Slytherin's bad reputation."
"Yes," Anthony seconded. "Well, not all of us will turn out to be suited for a career in magical law or something similar, but we can at least try to show others that we're all for making everyone equal under the law and supporting the ones of us that will actively work to make a difference."
"Definitely," wrote Daphne. "We can discuss this further in person when we meet up next Wednesday at Diagon Alley." Their Hogwarts letters had arrived the day before, and the AA had made sure that it was fine for them to meet up the following Wednesday to get their school supplies and celebrate Daphne's birthday. Technically, it would be an early celebration, since her birthday was actually on the following day, but her parents wanted to have a private family celebration on the actual day (as one of her uncles would definitely throw a fit over her Muggleborn friends if the AA had been invited).
"I just wish we didn't have to buy all those Lockhart books," Anthony wrote. "Why on earth the new Defense teacher assigned them is beyond me, unless they're a fan of him like your mum is, Ron. Lockhart started Hogwarts when my parents were seventh-years, and they said what they remember of him was that he was an annoying Ravenclaw who went around telling people that he would do great things like creating a Philosopher's Stone before graduation."
"Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus said the same thing," Harry added. "They were fifth-years when he started. Apparently he also said that he would captain the English Quidditch team to World Cup Glory and then settle down to be Britain's youngest Minister of Magic. He also sent himself hundreds of valentines one Valentine's Day and carved his name in giant letters on the Quidditch pitch."
"Gilderoy Lockhart really did that?" Hermione asked, no doubt incredulous.
"Yeah. Oh, and Aunt Lia and her friends started Hogwarts when he was a sixth-year, and they said that was the year he made a giant magical hologram of his face. Uncle Remus said that Lockhart also asked Dumbledore if a school newspaper could be set up and Uncle Sirius bets Lockhart only asked because he wanted to see his name in print."
"So how did wanting to become a famous Quidditch player and Minister of Magic lead to Lockhart's career off fighting Dark creatures and beings and writing popular books about his exploits?" Dean asked.
"He probably realized that his other ambitions weren't achievable and decided to go for something else to make him famous," responded Tracey. "Look, at least his books do explain how to fight Dark creatures and stuff. My only complaint is that his books aren't exactly cheap."
Harry knew that was true, and was silently grateful that Sirius had insisted on giving the Weasleys a fifth of his recompense money for their help in Harry's situation (and probably also to make up for Scabbers aka Peter Pettigrew being discovered in their family). Otherwise it would no doubt be something of a struggle for them to pay for five sets of Lockhart books and Ginny's school supplies, even if most of the latter could be gotten second-hand.
"Well, let's just hope they'll be worth the cost," replied Justin. "Oh, my parents said all of you are welcome to visit for a few days. Just let me know the dates so we can make sure the guest rooms are ready. Harry and Theo, you're especially welcome, since I spent the week visiting you and my parents wish to return the favor."
The rest of the AA wrote back saying that they'd ask their parents/guardians for permission and then they ended the written conversation.
Wednesday came and right after breakfast, Harry, Theo, Lia, and Sirius Flooed to Diagon Alley (Remus had volunteered to baby-sit his godson). Unfortunately, Theo accidentally inhaled a bit of ash when saying his destination and he wound up in Knockturn Alley instead, specifically in the shop of Borgin and Burkes. He was about to leave, but spotted Draco Malfoy and his father headed that way. Not wishing to have a run-in with the Malfoys, especially as he'd heard that Mr. Malfoy had attempted, or at least volunteered, to gain custody of him, he ducked into a nearby cabinet, but remembering The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Harry had lent him the Chronicles of Narnia to read), he didn't shut the door all the way, leaving it open just a crack.
Seconds later, a bell clanged and Draco stepped into the shop, with his father behind him. Mr. Malfoy crossed the shop, his cold, gray eyes looking around at the items on display and rang a bell on the counter before turning to his son and saying, "Touch nothing, Draco."
Draco, who had reached for a staring glass eyes, said, "I thought you were going to buy me a present."
"I said I would buy you a racing broom," said his father, drumming his fingers on the counter.
"What's the good of that if I'm not on the House team?" asked Draco, looking sulky and bad-tempered. "Harry Potter said his godfather got him a Nimbus Two Thousand for his birthday last year and Flint was ready to give him the spot of reserve Seeker. Potter might have turned it down, but Flint told him that he wanted him as Seeker this year. It's not like Potter's any good, it's just because he somehow tricked half of Slytherin to follow him and is famous...famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead..." He bent down to examine a shelf full of skulls and continued, "...everyone thinks he's so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar and his stupid group of friends that are just ruining Hogwarts, and Slytherin in part-"
"You have told me this at least a dozen times already," Mr, Malfoy interrupted with a quelling look at his son. "And I would remind you that it is not- prudent- to appear less than fond of Harry Potter, not when his most of our kind regard him as the hero that made the Dark Lord disappear and his godfather is- ah, Mr. Borgin.'
A stooping man had appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face. "Mr. Malfoy, what a pleasure to see you again," said Mr. Borgin in a voice as oily as his hair. "Delighted- and young Mr. Malfoy, too- charmed. How may I be of assistance? I must show you, just in today, and very reasonably priced-"
Mr. Malfoy interrupted, saying that he was selling, not buying. Mr. Borgin's smile faded slightly and Mr. Malfoy, handing over a roll of parchment, quickly explained that due to the many raids that the Ministry was conducting, one of which was to be on his home that weekend, he had to get rid of a few items in his possession that might cause embarrassment. Thanks to the new Muggle Protection Act (which Mr. Malfoy said Mr. Weasley was no doubt behind, while insulting the other wizard at the the same time, to Theo's anger), certain poisons at the Malfoy home needed to be disposed of.
While Mr. Borgin was reading the list, Draco interrupted, "Can I have that?" pointing at a withered hand on its cushion.
The storeowner scurried over to Draco and began explaining that it was the Hand of Glory. He finished off by saying, "Your son has fine taste," at which point Mr. Malfoy coldly said that he hoped that his son would amount to more than a thief or plunderer.
Mr. Borgin immediately apologized, though Mr. Malfoy interjected, more coldly still, "Though if his grades don't pick up, that may be all he is fit for-"
"It's not my fault," retorted Draco. "The teachers all have favorites, that Hermione Granger-"
"I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of no wizard family beat you in every exam," snapped Mr. Malfoy. "Even Harry Potter did better than you in most of them, and he was raised in the Muggle world until his godfather adopted him."
Theo stifled a chuckle,pleased to see Draco look both abashed and angry. Mr. Malfoy returned to his business for visiting the store, haggling with Mr. Borgin over his list. Draco examined the objects for sale, drawing nearer and nearer to the cabinet. He paused to examine a long coil of hangman's rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals, Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed - Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date. He then turned away and saw the cabinet right in front of him. He walked forward and stretched out his hand for the handle, but luckily his father concluded the haggling just then and told him to leave now.
Once Mr. Borgin had disappeared into the back room, Theo waited a minute to make sure he wouldn't come back and then quietly slipped out of the cabinet and out the front door. Theo had been to Knockturn Alley once, when his ex-father had decided to visit the street during the trip to get his Hogwarts supplies. Therefore, he had a pretty good idea of how to get back to Diagon Alley. However, he had only taken a few steps he heard some shout.
"THEODORE! What d'ye think yer doing' down there?"
Theo turned to see Hagrid striding towards him, beetle-black eyes flashing over his great bristling beard. Relieved to see the gameskeeper, since Knockturn Alley wasn't completely safe for an obvious minor alone during the day (and doubly more so at night), he hurried over. "Sorry, Hagrid, but I inhaled some ash when Flooing over and accidentally ended up here. I was making my way back to Diagon Alley when you spotted me. Why are you here?"
"I was lookin' for a Flesh-Eatin' Slug Repellent," responded Hagrid. "They're ruinin' the school cabbages. Were yeh with Harry an' the Blacks?"
Theo nodded as the two of them left Knockturn Alley and turned onto Diagon Alley, where Gringotts Bank could be seen in the distance. "Harry and I were going to meet up with the rest of the AA and get our school supplies and celebrate Daphne's birthday. It's actually tomorrow, but her parents wanted to have a private family gathering tomorrow, so that's why we're celebrating it today."
"That's mighty nice," said Hagrid, beaming. "If I see Daphne, I'll have ter wish her a happy birthday an' get her a little somethin' fer a present."
"Theo! Theo! Over here!" Theo looked up to see Hermione, Ginny, Luna, and a worried Harry standing at the top of the white flight of stairs to Gringotts. The four ran down to meet them. They quickly said hello to Hagrid and then immediately focused their attention on Theo, asking what happened to him. Before he could reply, Sirius and Lia sprinted up the street, with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Percy, and the twins behind them. Obviously the Weasley must have arrived at about the same time that the Blacks did, and after finding out Theo hadn't come out the proper grate, the two families had gone looking for him.
"Oh, thank God you're all right, Theo!" gasped Lia, looking relieved. "What happened to you?"
Theo explained about accidentally ending up in Knockturn Alley, having to hide in a cabinet at Borgin and Burkes while Mr. Malfoy, who had brought Draco along, conducted business with Mr. Borgin, and then running into Hagrid while making his way to Diagon Alley. Mrs. Weasley pulled out a large clothes brush from her handbag and proceeded to beat the soot off Theo's clothes, while Lia and Sirius thanked Hagrid for finding Theo. The gameskeeper waved away the thanks and then strode off to finish his errand and get a birthday present for Daphne.
When Mr. Weasley heard that Mr. Malfoy was selling, not buying, he raised a brow. "Good, he's worried, but that means we won't find find much of anything during the raid. You said Mr. Borgin was going to pick up the items he bought tomorrow, Theodore?" At Theo's nod, Mr. Weasley sighed. "It's too late to get the raid moved to today. Plus his selling items of a dubious nature to a store like Borgin and Burkes isn't exactly illegal."
"Well, I'm sure Malfoy will get his due eventually," said Lia. "Now, let's go take care of our business at Gringotts." She and Sirius led Harry and Theo into the bank and down to the Black family vault to withdraw money. After that, the two preteens were allowed to stop at their own trust vaults to withdraw some spending money, but the adults had made it clear that while they had custody, they were paying for all the necessities like good parents ought to do.
By the time they were done with that, the Greengrasses, Finch-Fletchleys, Longbottoms, Goldsteins, and Terry (his parents had been able to take time off work but gave permission for him to go on his own since his friends' parents would be there) had arrived. So had the Creevys and Stanleys, and Lia went over to help the two families get their pounds exchanged for Galleons at the exchange counter, while Liam (who had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and glasses) and Colin greeted Ginny and Luna.
The rest of the AA turned up with their families within the next ten minutes, though in the case of the Patil twins, only their mother had been able to come as their father hadn't been able to get off work. It was quickly decided which of the parents/guardians would come along to supervise and then the AA set off with Sirius, Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein, Madam Bones, Mr. Greengrass, and Mrs. Patil. Sirius decided to buy everyone an ice cream cone, and as it was Daphne's birthday, Mr. Greengrass insisted on paying for half of them. After that, as the AA enjoyed their ice cream, they bought refills on the ingredients for their potion kits, more parchment and ink, and browsed through some other shops.
After a look around Quality Quidditch Supplies, the group headed for Flourish and Blotts for their textbooks. However, when they arrived, they saw that the bookshop was extremely noisy and crowded, with many people jostling outside the doors, trying to get in. A large banner was stretched across the upper windows, proclaiming that Gilderoy Lockhart was signing copies of his autobiography from 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. that day, explaining the crowd.
The AA exchanged annoyed looks, since after hearing how Lockhart was like when he'd been at Hogwarts had turned them off the man. Sure, he may have done some thrilling deeds and wrote books about it all, but bragging and doing things solely to gain attention wasn't something the AA approved of. It took awhile to squeeze through the crowd of people (mostly witches that were Mrs. Weasley's and Madam Bones's age) into the shop, where a long line wound right to the back, where Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his books. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were standing near the front of the line, accompanied by Percy and the twins. Way off to the side, the four first years, Colin's and Liam's families, Dean's family, the Grangers and Finch-Fletchleys, and Lia were clustered together. The first-years were picking out their books and their younger siblings examined the books available for sale, while the adults were talking.
The AA made their way over and picked up copies of The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 and then went to seek out the Lockhart books. On the way, an irritable-looking man who was taking photos snarled at them, or more specially at Ron, Susan, Anthony, and Tracey, to move out of the way, as his work was for the Daily Prophet.
"Big deal," said Ron, rubbing his foot where the photographer had stepped on it, while Susan straightened her clothes, which had gotten mussed a bit with the guy shoving his way through.
Lockhart heard Ron and looked up. He saw the AA, who were all looking annoyed at how the photographer had been acting, and then his eyes rested on Harry. He stared. Then he leapt to his feet and positively shouted, "It can't be Harry Potter!"
The crowd parted, whispering excitedly; Lockhart dived forward, seized Harry's arm, and pulled him to the front before any of the AA could react. The crowd burst into applause. Harry's face burned as Lockhart shook his hand for the photographer, who was clicking away madly, wafting thick smoke over the AA.
"Nice big smile, Harry," Lockhart said, through his own gleaming teeth. "Together, you and I are worth the front page."
When he finally let go of Harry's hand, Harry could hardly feel his fingers. He tried to sidle back over to his friends, but Lockhart threw an arm around his shoulders and clamped him tightly to his side. He proceeded to make an announcement about how he was going to take up the post of Defense teacher at Hogwarts the coming school year, but before he could finish, a very irate (and in Sirius's case, angry) Lia and Sirius had fought their way through the crowd and interrupted.
"Get your hands off Harry!" Lia snapped. "You do not have permission to use him to bolster your fame and give you more publicity!"
Lockhart blinked and asked, "I'm sorry, but who are you to decide as to how I welcome Harry?"
"We're Sirius and Cornelia Black, his godparents!" Sirius retorted. "So as Harry's guardians, we have every right to decide things on Harry's behalf."
"Oh, I'm sorry if I upset you, but I had no intention of using Harry to 'bolster my fame'," apologized Lockhart. "I just wanted to welcome him and announce my news. Here, you can have my books too, free of charge." Sirius, Lia, and Harry found themselves each presented with the entire works of Gilderoy Lockhart.
Sirius thrust them into the cauldron that Colin was holding and snapped, "I don't believe any of that, Lockhart. Remember, I was at Hogwarts the same time you were, at least for your first three years, and you were full of yourself then too. I don't think you've changed at all."
"What do you mean, Mr. Black?" asked Lockhart, whose cheery smile had faltered.
"You acted like everyone ought to know who you were and see that you were great and powerful! When that didn't happen, you annoyed everyone with your behavior. Does telling everyone that you'd create a Philsopher's Stone, captain the English team to World Cup glory, and becoming the youngest Minister of Magic ring a bell?"
Lockhart blinked, then turned pale. Lia continued, "What about carving your name onto the Quidditch pitch, sending yourself hundred of valentines, and creating a magical hologram of your face? I was only present for that last one, since I started Hogwarts in your sixth year, but my husband and his friend told me about the other two events. Really, if you were so attention-seeking back at Hogwarts, what's stopping you from doing the same now?"
Lockhart sputtered, but couldn't seem to come up with a response. Harry snickered as he joined his godparents. "Well, at least we don't have to pay for your Lockhart books, Harry," said Lia. "Since I don't need or want the ones he gave me, I'll give them to..." She looked around the shop and handed over her set to Ginny, who thanked her and put them in her new cauldron.
"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" asked a voice that Harry had no trouble recognizing. He straightened and found himself face-to-face with Draco Malfoy, who was wearing his usual sneer. "Famous Harry Potter. Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page and getting his godparents involved."
"Shut up, Malfoy, it's not like Harry wanted any of that!" Daphne snapped as the AA made their way over. "And if you're so jealous, why don't you get your parents killed by You-Know-Who and a scar on your forehead so that you can be famous and noticed by everyone else?"
"Greengrass, are you Potter's girlfriend now or something?" Draco asked. "And I'm not jealous or want the fame! Even if I did, I wouldn't want my parents to be killed, by You-Know-Who or anyone else!"
Daphne ignored the question and retorted, "Do you think Harry wanted his parents to be killed just so he could be famous? So why don't you shut your big fat mouth and leave him alone!"
Draco stared at her, then laughed and said, "Greengrass, looks like you are Potter's girlfriend! I can't believe you'd pick him! Or are you just with him for the fame?"
"That is enough, Draco Malfoy!" Mr. Greengrass snapped. "Even if my daughter were old enough to date, it is none of your business as to who she decides to be with. Furthermore, she, nor anyone else in the family, would ever date something purely for fame! Where is your father? I would like to speak with him about your behavior."
Just then, Lucius Malfoy appeared, a hand on his son's shoulder, sneering in the same way. "Well, well, Perseus Greengrass, what is the matter?"
"Your son's behavior is getting out of hand, Lucius! Has he not been taught any manners? Lydia and I have both made sure that Daphne and Astoria know how to behave properly and to not be rude or insulting to others. Yes, I admit that Daphne could have been politer to Draco, but she was standing up for a friend and then further provoked, so her rudeness is understandable. Draco's behavior, on the other hand, is not."
"I don't see how my son's behavior is any of your business, Perseus," Mr. Malfoy said coldly.
"It is when he's rude to my daughter!" Mr. Greengrass retorted. "So see to it that you teach him proper manners, or I will no longer support your agenda. In fact..." He looked over at Sirius, then continued, "I think I would be better off allying myself with Mr. Black. He has made sure that his godson knows how to behave properly, and I find most of his views to be more to my liking."
"Clearly," said Mr. Malfoy, his pale eyes straying over to the AA and then their parents, "you find more than just Black's views to be to your liking. You also like the company he keeps, and that of your daughter's as well. I can't believe you would let her or yourself sink so low."
Mr. Greengrass, his eyes flashing with anger, instantly has his wand in his hand. There was a thud as Mr. Malfoy, who was hit with a spell, flew backward. He knocked over Ginny's cauldron in the process, scattering the books inside on the ground, and hit a bookshelf. Dozens of heavy spellbooks came thundering down, while Mrs. Greengrass left Astoria's side to stand by her husband and shriek, "Stop, Perseus! Lucius is not worth it!"
Mr. Malfoy managed to fumble out his wand and would have retaliated with a spell, but Madam Bones stepped in. "THAT IS ENOUGH!" she thundered. "There will be no dueling, especially not in a public place! Mr. Greengrass, since you were provoked, I will let you off with a warning, but if you persist in attacking, outside of a sanctioned duel, I will have to charge you with assault. Mr. Malfoy, you will stop provoking others and try to keep your rude comments to yourself."
Mr. Malfoy glared at her, then at Mr. Greengrass, but nodded curtly. He tried to get up, but tripped over Ginny's cauldron. Shoving the cauldron and her spilled books out of his way, he managed to get to his feet without another mishap, and then beckoned to Draco and swept out the shop.
Mrs. Greengrass immediately began scolding her husband for almost causing a duel and ruining Daphne's birthday celebration, even if he had been provoked. Mr. Greengrass brushed it off, saying that Malfoy deserved it, but did apologize to Madam Bones for the ruckus and Daphne for upsetting things. His daughter declared that things hadn't been ruined at all and that she was rather impressed with him deciding to ally with Sirius Black and standing up for himself.
"Thank you, Daphne, but perhaps it is best that you don't copy my way of doing it. Yes, Lucius deserved it, but it's still not proper." Mr. Greengrass handed over some Galleons to the bookshop assistant to pay for any damages, and then everyone gathered up their books and paid.
Once at the Leaky Cauldron, the AA went off to the private room that the Greengrasses had reserved for Daphne's birthday celebration. The adults, with the exception of the Greengrasses, who were supervising, settled down in the main room for lunch. The Creevys, Stanleys, and Lovegoods stayed for lunch as well, but they left when they finished eating.