A/N: Sorry this took so long. Real life, and all. But, once I was able to get back to writing, this chapter was fun to do.
Also, to a reviewer I wasn't able to PM, Andy did get the Eye of Providence right. Yes, a lot of the Founding Fathers were Freemasons, but that was on the Great Seal before the Freemasons picked it up. They liked the ideals the country was founded on, largely by many of their own.
Chilly Down written by David Bowie
Chapter Twenty-Six
Crossroads
"No one's ever lost forever
When they die they go away
But they will visit you occasionally
Do not be afraid
No one's ever lost forever
They are caught inside your heart
If you garden them and water them
They make you what you are"
- Amanda Palmer, Lost
July 18, 1996, 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, England, UK
For the most part, Petunia Dursley was glad her freak of a nephew, and everything that came with him, was out of her life.
The exception was something she'd hadn't considered when the boy walked out of her house for the last time. She was now having to do all the cooking, cleaning, and gardening, herself. It was bad enough that she'd been having to do it for most of the year since he started attending that freak school, but now she didn't even get the respite while he was on holiday. It was horrible!
The garden had been suffering, but she'd managed to keep the house spotless and Vernon and her precious Duddykins fed, and those two had such big appetites. But, such big, strong, strapping males needed lots of nourishment. The doctors told them they needed to lose weight, which just proved that Vernon was right about the doctors and scientists.
"They're just trying to make us all weak little queers so the immigrants can take over," he said, sagely.
Petunia was so proud of her fine specimens of English manhood. Yes, all the work she was having to do took time away from spying on the neighbors, but it was worth it.
She was just about to fix breakfast when the phone rang.
She answered, "Hello."
A deep voice with some sort of accent asked, "Is your refrigerator running?"
"Yes."
"Well, you'd better go catch it, then. HAHAHAHAHA!" Click.
Of all the nerve...
Petunia's musings were interrupted by a large noise from the kitchen.
Before she could investigate, the refrigerator burst out of the kitchen.
And it had legs.
It then charged though the front door, and ran down the sidewalk, with Petunia giving chase. At the crossroads, they passed a tall, very muscular, black man wearing a suit and bowler hat, holding a mobile phone.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" he laughed in the same deep voice Petunia had heard on the phone.
Petunia stopped and turned. The man was gone.
What the devil?
Albus Dumbledore had wakened with the sound of his alarm clock feeling groggy, the after-effects of the sleeping potion he had to take the night before. Normally, he wasn't a big coffee drinker, but he had the house elves bring him some this morning to shake off the cobwebs. He'd need his mind clear and sharp, today. There was no margin for error.
He required so many potions, now. There was the daily potion keeping the curse that was killing him in check, but it wouldn't be able to do so, forever. There was the pain killing potion he needed to be able to function throughout the day because of the curse. And, there was all the pepper-up potion, needed regularly to keep his energy levels up.
Madam Pomfrey and Severus had urged him not to take so much pepper-up, to rest more. He'd had an argument with Severus about it.
"Headmaster," he had said, "you know the adverse effects of using this potion too often in such a short time, especially in these quantities. The irritability is the least harmful."
"You're one to be calling people irritable."
"Never the less..."
"Severus, I'm dying, and still have so much work to do. I have no time to rest."
"So, instead of dying from the curse, you're risking death from heart failure."
"If it wasn't for the Seelie Court and that bitch Andromeda disrupting my plans to put an end to Voldemort, I'd be able to rest, more! But now, I have this crisis on my hands!"
"Some would argue that's a crisis of your own making."
"THEY HAVE HARRY!"
"Yes. You told me."
"She'll be teaching him the Dark Arts and other immoral things!"
"Her daughter turned out alright..."
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT? HARRY MAY BE FORNICATING WITH THAT LOVEGOOD TROLLOP, RIGHT NOW!"
"That's a mental image I could have happily lived the rest of my life without. Albus... Another side effect is on one's reasoning abilities. Then, there's acting rashly..."
"I am in complete control of my faculties, Severus. I am doing what is necessary for the greater good, and others simply can't comprehend the full scope as I do, nor understand how many enemies surround us."
Severus sighed and said, "I won't mention the potential for delusions and paranoia as part of the side effects, then."
"Good. I'm glad you understand."
Now alert, Dumbledore had the house elves bring him breakfast, his morning potions, and the Daily Prophet.
When he read the front page, he needed a calming potion and headache potion added to his morning dosage.
At Thelema, the reaction to that morning's Prophet was mixed, but mostly pleased.
Hermione and Dora had met Harry, Luna, and, to their surprise, Lulu outside of their bedrooms.
"How was last night?" Harry asked his best friend.
"Incredible!" Hermione answered. "Looks like yours was eventful, too."
"Oh yeah," he replied. They agreed to share details, and maybe Pensieve memories, later.
The breakfast table saw its usual mix of clothed and unclothed occupants depending on whether they were leaving the house right away. Clothed were Bill, Fleur, Andromeda, Xeno, and Hermione.
Xeno would be covering the Wizengamot session for the Quibbler. He was also, he knew, going to be part of the story, as his own status as a Fae was certain to be revealed by Dumbledore and his cronies, not to mention what were certain to be vicious attacks on the characters of his wife and daughter.
Bill and Fleur would be going to their jobs at Gringotts, but were dressed more formally, today. They'd be part of the first surprise the Sidhe had planned for today. Fleur, as a veela, was a member of the Seelie Court, who happened to work for Gringotts, owned and operated by the Unseelie Court. While a few had suspected the truth, most in the wizarding world thought the Sidhe Courts still at war. This public display of unity would make quite an impression.
As for Hermione, she was part of the last surprise planned for the Wizengamot.
Harry wasn't happy that he was having to stay home, but as he had matured a great deal over the previous few weeks, he accepted the reasons when they were explained to him. Andromeda was leaving nothing to chance. As carefully laid out as their plans were, there too many risks for Harry to be there if Dumbledore got what he wanted. She also said she wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to attempt an ambush and kidnapping. The goal, today, was to end the threat of Dumbledore to be able to come after Harry legally.
"Besides," said Hermione, "if things go really badly, we'll need the rest of you to come break us out of Azkaban."
"Don't joke about that," he replied.
"I'm not worried. You'll have us out of there before they can take us out of the Ministry holding cells."
Dora said, "I know how you feel, Harry. My mum and my girlfriend are going to be there, in danger, while I'm here."
"And Daddy," added Luna.
Harry said, "Look, just be safe, OK?"
Andy replied, "Can't make any promises, but we'll do our best"
Ted said to Harry, "You and Luna will have enough to occupy your attention, today."
"More than enough," said Andy with a knowing smile.
"That's true," Ted said with a chuckle. "Drop by the ritual room after everybody's left for the day. It should be quite the experience."
Harry wondered what was waiting for him today, and the anticipation of something interesting lightened his mood, a bit.
The other thing that had been bothering him was the Prophet. It seemed Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Dumbledore's other major target today besides the Fae, had decided to disclose everything. On the front page was an account of the events of July 2, now naming names. Andy, Dora, and Maria were credited with Madam Bones's rescue from Voldemort's assassination attempt, with help from Xeno. Ted, Mary Poppins, and the forces of Avalon were credited with driving back the Death Eater and giant attack on Somerset. And, Princess Dorothy and the Royal Army of Oz were credited with stopping the Death Eater attack on the bridge.
Dumbledore would now face the challenge of portraying the Seelie Court as a dangerous threat to wizarding Britain without coming off as pro-Voldemort.
That was good, Harry thought. But what bothered him was Rita Skeeter's article.
It was about him, his childhood, and the circumstances of his living with the Tonkses. Skeeter wrote about Dumbledore placing him with a family that beat him, starved him, verbally abused him, neglected him, and treated him like a slave. She wrote of how Dumbledore had to have known about much of this, but did nothing as either Headmaster of Hogwarts or Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. She concluded the article by asking if this was the sort of man who should be entrusted with the care and safety of our children at Hogwarts, or with the safety and justice system of magical Britain as Chief Warlock.
Harry felt humiliated.
When he expressed this, Ted gently said, "Harry, you have nothing to be ashamed of. The ones who should be ashamed are Dumbledore and the Dursleys. That you came out of that as the good and heroic person as you are says everything about you. A lot of people in your situation would have come out of it like..."
Xeno said, "Like Tom Riddle."
"Or Severus Snape," added Andy. "Besides, what's Dumbledore want, today, I mean really want?"
"Me," Harry answered.
"Exactly. And the truth being out for all magical Britain to see will damage his claims to be a suitable guardian for you."
Ted added, "He probably figured he'd have everyone in the know effectively eliminated by the time he came after you, so his misdeeds wouldn't get out. This gives us an advantage we didn't have."
"Mm hmm," Luna agreed with a smile. "I guess I'll agree to that interview for Witch Weekly that she's asked for."
Hermione said, "That'll make your dorm mates jealous."
Harry said, "She may be on our side right now, but only because it helps her career."
"Which, for now, is good enough," said Ted. "It's a mutually beneficial relationship. It doesn't have to be based on shared ideals, just as long as it works for you both."
"Someone paid attention during the Slug Club meetings," said Andy, affectionately.
"What kind of Ravenclaw would I be if I didn't pay attention in school? To a subject that interested me, anyway..."
At that moment, in Malfoy Manor, one of Ted's sisters-in-law was eating breakfast with her son. It had been difficult times for them. Narcissa's husband was in Azkaban, and her husband's master, Lord Voldemort, had given her son Draco an impossible task: Kill Albus Dumbledore. They'd not heard from the Dark Lord for two weeks since he went into seclusion to meditate, attended only by house elves and Narcissa's oldest sister, Bellatrix. This also gave Draco a respite from Bella's perverse attentions, which had been ordered by the Dark Lord, no less. It also gave Cissy a respite from the Dark Lord practicing Black Tantra on her in front of his followers, which Draco had been forced to watch.
Being who she was, she refused to let the Death Eaters, or anyone else, see how powerless and humiliated she felt. She held her head high, maintained her dignity and grace, her act of defiance.
Still, that didn't mean the Dark Lord's followers weren't keeping a very close eye on them. She had to be very careful in her movements and actions. She was going to get her son through this alive... somehow.
To that end, she had recently re-established contact with her other sister, Andromeda.
Reading the morning edition of the Daily Prophet, she was surprised to find that sister on the front page.
Oh my... Andy, what are you playing at?
"Draco, when you've finished eating, get cleaned and dressed for attending a Wizengamot session."
"Why?"
"An opportunity to study your target? To study how our government works? To possibly witness history? How about, because I said so?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Good boy."
At Longbottom Hall, another Hogwarts student was preparing to attend the session with his Dryad girlfriend that happened to be one of Dumbledore's primary targets. Neville's grandmother was a member of the Wizengamot, and would be fighting for them. She'd taken extra care to find an appropriate dress for Afal.
"You're nervous," said Afal.
"Aren't you?" asked Neville.
"Not while you're with me."
"If he wants to hurt you, he'll have to go through me."
"I know, my love."
At the Bones household, yet another Hogwarts student was preparing to attend the session. Like Neville, she had a guardian on the Wizengamot and a loved one as one of Dumbledore's main targets, though in Susan's case they were the same person, her aunt Amelia. Dumbledore wanted to end her career and, Amelia suspected, toss her into Azkaban if he could manage it.
Susan wouldn't be attending alone, though. Her best friend arrived through the floo.
"Hannah!" she greeted. "Thanks for coming with me for this."
"What are friends for?" Hannah Abbott replied. "The others will meet us in the foyer at the Ministry."
"Others?"
"Well, I... talked to Ernie, and he talked to some others, and..."
"How many?"
"Um... Every Hufflepuff in our year, the other Prefects, some others... and Professor Sprout."
"Wow."
"Dumbledore's going after your aunt and the Blessed Grove. Hufflepuffs are loyal, and there's strength in numbers. And this little demonstration is just the beginning. The Hogwarts Board of Governors is about to be flooded with letters from concerned parents."
At Eden, Druella Black had been preparing to accompany her middle daughter Andromeda to the Wizengamot session when her youngest, Narcissa, called her on the floo.
"Mother," said Cissy, "are you certain that dress is appropriate? That will simply provoke Dumbledore even more."
"Yes, dear," Druella replied, regarding her tight black dress that displayed a great deal of cleavage that she somehow managed to still present herself as a true aristocratic lady in. "That's the idea."
"Why?"
"Andy and her friends have a plan. I have my own ideas for helping them achieve their goal."
"Does Andy know of these ideas?"
"Not yet. I hope she'll agree to the accessory that will complete this outfit."
"Ah... What do you have in mind?"
"And spoil the surprise?"
"Forget I asked." Cissy sighed and hoped Draco wouldn't be too shocked by his family's antics. Then again, his reactions might be fun to watch...
At his home in the dreary town of Spinners End, Severus Snape was doing what he'd done most mornings since the Summer holiday began. He was eating a bland breakfast, reading the paper, and restraining himself from killing Peter Pettigrew. It was a routine he had settled into.
Then, he read the Skeeter article.
He calmly stood and said, "Pettigrew, I have to visit the school. Don't break anything while I'm gone."
He found Minerva in the Great Hall, reading her own copy of the Prophet and looking upset. So absorbed by what she was reading that she didn't notice him approach until he slammed his own copy next to hers.
"Good morning, Severus," she said stiffly.
"No, it is not," he replied. "Have you read Skeeter's article?"
"Yes... It can't be true."
"Where did the Headmaster send Potter?"
"We... We couldn't tell you... for security reasons..."
"Which no longer matter since he no longer lives there."
"I told Albus that they were the worst sort of muggles..."
"Was it anyone I might have known? From childhood?"
Her silence answered his question.
"Severus, Skeeter is a muckraker, blows everything out of proportion... Albus knows what he's doing."
"I have no doubt of that. Did you... ever see any signs that... things were not well for the boy at home?"
She paused, then said, "Yes."
"Did you inform the Headmaster of any concerns?"
She paused again before answering, "I don't remember. Surely, I must have..."
He thought back to his conversation with Andromeda about how he somehow didn't figure out it was a basilisk terrorizing the school, and now wondered how he didn't notice the signs of abuse at home, why he simply accepted the Headmaster's story that Potter was living a life luxury in a home that was spoiling him.
He needed to talk with someone else before he slipped into full blown Mad-Eye Moody level paranoia.
Bill, Fleur, Emily, and Lulu had already left for the day when Druella arrived at Thelema. Harry realized he shouldn't have been surprised at the woman's beauty. She was the Black sisters' mother and Dora's grandmother, after all. She was blonde, like her youngest daughter Narcissa, but had larger breasts than any of her daughters. Harry wondered if they were natural or her shape shifting skills at work. He figured her youthful appearance was due to that ability, as he knew she went to school with Tom Riddle and was therefore around the age of Professor McGonagall and Augusta Longbottom, yet looked like she was in her late 30s or early 40s. Her dress certainly highlighted her assets. Harry never thought he'd be sexually attracted to a hopefully very soon lover's grandmother. But then, with this family, he'd learned to expect the unexpected. He also noticed how he wasn't at all self-conscious about his nudity in front of the woman he was about to meet, but knew that was mostly where he was and who he was with. Plus, Luna and Dora were nude as well, and Dora was hugging her grandmother like that, so...
Andy introduced her mother to those she hadn't met.
"Mother, this is Queen Ozma and Princess Dorothy of Oz."
Dorothy said, "A pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
Druella replied, "It's an honor to meet you."
"And this," said Andy, "though I'm sure you already recognize him, is my ward and Luna's lover, Harry Potter."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Harry."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mrs. Black."
"You may call me Druella. Are you going to bring him to Eden for a visit, Andy?"
"Of course, Mother," Andy replied. "And this is my protege and Dora's lover, Hermione Granger."
"Hello. So, you're the brilliant girl Andy's been telling me about?"
"Well..." said Hermione, "I wouldn't call myself brilliant..."
Harry said, "But the rest of us do."
"Indeed," said Andy. "She's doing exceptionally well with Kabbalah," she added, knowing how much that would impress her mother.
"Excellent," said Druella.
"She also channeled Ayida Wedo at last night's ceremony and performed the snake dance with Dora."
"Wonderful! Dora was in her Naga form, I presume?"
"She was even white like Damballa Wedo."
"Oh, that sounds so adorable! Copy a Pensieve memory of the ceremony for me, Andy."
"Of course, Mother."
Druella turned to Hermione and said, "I'm so glad Nymphadora has finally found someone good for her. Don't worry. I'm not expecting great-grandbabies for a few years. Education first."
To Druella's delight, her granddaughter and possible future granddaughter-in-law were blushing. That was one of the most fun parts of a grandmother's job, after all.
Dumbledore felt good as he stepped into his office. Yes, he'd finally found the perfect potions balance. Not even the, as always, naked apparition of Morgan le Fay in his office, currently sitting casually on his desk, could upset him.
"Morning, Albus," she said.
"I'm looking forward to being rid of you."
"Oh come on, Albus. I'm the first pretty, naked, girl this office has seen since Lily Evans."
Dumbledore glared and asked, "How do you know about that?"
"Brigitte told me. Now, that's what I call Gryffindor daring, getting her boyfriend to sneak into the Headmaster's office with her and shag on his desk, and getting their best friend to take pictures, yet. I hope my future son-in-law isn't too traumatized when he find's that photo album."
"He will never see that, and if he knows of the property it's in, he will forget he owns that. Your scarlet woman of a daughter will be expelled from our world, today, along with rest of your ilk. And I will undo the damage your people have done and return to forging Harry into the weapon for the greater good that fate has chosen him to be."
"We most certainly did not."
"Pardon?"
"Choose him to be your weapon and sacrifice." As he looked confused, she added, "Really, Albus, you should know what 'fae' means, not to mention my name. Morgan le Fay? Fata Morgana? Be careful with your choice of words. Weapon... That's all he is to you, isn't it?"
"Again, I don't expect an evil being like you to understand the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good. The witches and wizards of magical Britain are the sheep, the flock, and I am their shepherd."
"More like the wolf among them."
"I would expect you to see things in such terms. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Wizingemot to lead." He walked to the fireplace, tossed some floo powder, and said "Ministry of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt's office."
"Are you sure you should operate a floo with all those potions in you?"
"You will see how much control I have, over myself, and what will happen, today." He then stepped through the floo. ""Owww!"
Kingsley rushed to the fallen Chief Warlock, who had uncharacteristically taken a tumble upon exiting the floo. While many, usually the young, often had trouble maintaining their footing using this method of transport, he'd never seen Albus Dumbledore be anything less than graceful with it.
"Albus! Are you alright?" he asked as he helped Dumbledore to his feet and into a chair.
"Give me a moment," Dumbledore replied before taking a swig of the pain relief potion he'd brought with him.
"Shall I summon a healer?"
"No, I'll be fine. Obliviate."
Dumbledore felt, as he always did, a slight touch of regret over having to once again modify Kingsley's memories, but it wouldn't do for the man he was preparing to be Minister for Magic, who would carry out Dumbledore's vision of the greater good with an iron fist after he was gone, to see him in a moment of weakness, as merely human, as anything less than perfect.
"Lemon drop?" Dumbledore offered.
"Thank you," Kingsley replied as he accepted the potioned substance and popped it into his mouth as he'd long been conditioned to do.
"Now," said Dumbledore, "we need to discuss potential outcomes after we have evicted the Seelie Court and I have gained custody of Harry Potter. Andromeda Black-Tonks will be there."
"Are you certain?"
"I've known her since she was a child. She's never been able to resist any bait I've left for her. As much as she likes to think of herself as the perfect cool and calculating Slytherin, she has always been ruled by her passions. Chess just isn't her game, and she's a fool to think she can match wits with me. She'll walk straight into our trap, I assure you. And if she has Harry with her, I can simply take custody of him, right there."
"And if he resists?"
"Then, we'll subdue him, and announce later that we've examined him and learned that he had been conditioned by those evil creatures, but nothing we can't undo."
"And if she doesn't bring him?"
"She'll be legally bound to turn him over to me."
"Only until the Crown overrules your decision, which will be a day, at most. The Tonkses can keep him safe in that fortress of theirs, until then. Invaders can't come within a hundred yards of the place."
"Then, regrettably, we will be forced to use more ruthless means. As you said, we'll have little time, so we must be strong. We'll arrest her, interrogate her, and she'll turn Harry over to us."
"Given what she's done so far, I think she'd be willing to spend a night in Azkaban to keep the boy."
"Which is why I said we must be ruthless, Kingsley. As an Auror, you're authorized to use the Unforgivables. As Chief Warlock, I hereby authorize myself to use them, as well."
"Child custody cases aren't what we're authorized to use them for."
"You are authorized to use them against the enemy. She is the enemy, a threat to the greater good and our way of life. While it's a different battlefield than the one in which we are engaging Voldemort and his Death Eaters, we must be just as unyielding. Between us, enough Cruciatus Curses will make her... cooperative. And, if not, a couple of hours of them will weaken her enough for an Imperius Curse to give us what we want."
Kingsley internally wrestled with something, before saying, "Yes, we must be strong."
Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling, pleased that the potion prevented Kingsley from wavering.
There would still be much work to do, after today. The Prophet had gone too far. He had to stop them from continuing with their revelations, and it would require complete control of the Ministry to do so. Therefore, he could no longer afford to wait for Tom to eliminate Rufus Scrimgeour. He'd have to do so, himself. Fortunately, he remembered the incantation for Tom's mark, so the public would blame the Minister's assassination on the Death Eaters.
With Bones already out of the way, he'd then be able to have Kingsley installed as Minister, while, assuming that meddling muggle queen removed him as Chief Warlock, he'd have Elphias placed as his successor. Thus, he'd rule the Ministry behind the scenes.
Then, he'd have the Vanes arrested for treason, and the Ministry would take control of the Lestrange publishing empire. This would only be until their daughter Romilda came of age, of course. Albus Dumbledore was no common thief. No, young Romilda would be placed in the same reconditioning program awaiting Susan Bones.
Assassination was an unpleasant business, but Tom had to be stopped, and Dumbledore's master plan was the only possible way to do it. Therefore, all obstacles to that plan had to be removed. Sacrifices had to be made for the greater good, as painful as they were.
As Harry, Luna, and Dora approached the room where the previous night's ritual had taken place, Harry felt the same presence he felt when Andy invoked Maman Brigitte and Baron Samedi. The three of them were still nude, as Harry was told who they were meeting wouldn't mind.
Waiting for them were two figures. One was a dark skinned man wearing a top hat, sunglasses with one lens removed, an open tuxedo jacket, and black trousers. His face was painted like a skull, and a ribcage was painted on his torso. He was holding a cigar.
The woman was light skinned, with long red hair and green eyes. She also wore sunglasses with one lens removed and a top hat, but one that was adorned with a black feather. She wore a tight corseted black dress, with fishnet stockings and gloves. In her hand was a cigarette with a long old fashioned filter. Harry felt a strange sense of familiarity in her presence, looking deeply into those emerald eyes that were so much like the ones he saw in the mirror each day.
As it had been at the ritual, Harry felt he knew this woman, and always had. Now, he'd finally have some answers.
"Maman Brigitte, Baron Samedi, it's an honor to meet you," said Harry. He turned to Brigitte and added, "but I have the strangest feeling we've already met."
Brigitte looked at him affectionately and replied, "You were a year old. It was All Hallows Eve. I'm your great great great plus many more greats grandmother." With a mischievous smirk, she added, "I think you can guess which side."
"Yeah, everyone tells me I have my mother's eyes."
"And your father's cock," said Brigitte, smirk still firmly in place. "Bet you never heard that one, before."
Harry was gobsmacked. Luna and Dora, however, along with Baron Samedi, laughed. It was then that Harry remembered what he had been taught about the Ghede sense of humor, and smiled.
"My godfather would have loved you."
"Samedi said, "He does. Well, at least since we and your parents got him over all that shit that fool Dumbledore put in his head. A joke makes for a good icebreaker in our job. People tend to be kind of freaked out when they meet us, you understand."
"I imagine so. All Hallows Eve... So, you were there when..." he trailed off.
"Yes," Brigitte said, gently. "Lily asked me to protect you."
"So, you're the reason Voldemort's curse rebounded on him?"
"Yes, though it had some unexpected side effects, due to the vile things the man has done to try to escape death."
Samedi said, "The fool didn't realize that God doesn't like it when you try to upset the cycle. The scales get balanced in the end. Always. In this life or the next."
"We offered to make Lily one of the Ghede," said Brigitte. "She was going to be in charge of the European magi. But, the job would have meant being away from your father too often. She still agreed to greet and escort those she cared about, though, and the enemy, as well, though she's not as comforting to them. It's a rough trip for those pieces of her killer's soul when they're removed from this plane, and she's really looking forward to when it's Pettigrew's time."
Luna smiled and said, "See, Harry? I told you those we love are waiting for us."
"Though your mum," said Samedi, "has been a bit busy, Luna. She's been letting your Headmaster know how she feels about his actions."
"Oh?"
"He's been wearing this ring that allows communication with the dead. We and Legba took advantage and opened the gate for her to either help him see the error of his ways or, if that didn't work, and it didn't, harass him. Naked, of course."
"Of course," Luna said, with a wistful smile.
Dora added, "That's our Morgan."
Brigitte said, "I love that girl... The stories I can tell you... about all your mums..."
Samedi said, "Let's do that." He clapped his hands, and Dixieland jazz music began playing in the room, and more drinks appeared besides the ones for the two Loa, butterbeer and what looked to by Guinness. "Let's drink, dance, and remember."
Ron was enjoying his summer job helping the twins with their joke shop. Not only was he earning some spending money, but the shop, and the apartment above it that the twins shared with their girlfriend Angelina was more pleasant than the Burrow had been lately, since the love potion incident with Harry. Things were rather tense at home. His mother didn't want him away from the house, but his dad agreed to his job, as long as he was escorted to and from home. The twins made it easier by mentioning they had an extra room he could stay in if it was convenient, an offer that Ron happily took.
The main reason for all of this, though, was something they couldn't tell their parents. This was how Ron could safely keep in touch with Harry through his oldest brother, Bill.
Of course, sharing an apartment with Angelina meant seeing her in the mornings wearing a lot less than Ron had ever seen her in at Hogwarts, reminding him that he really needed a girlfriend.
Ron's main concern this morning, though, was for Harry and the Wizengamot session. Bill and Fleur had come by the shop on their way to Gringotts to assure them that everything was under control, and they needed to have the WWN on for coverage of the session. They especially needed to listen to Doge's scheduled press conference before the session.
"It's going to be quite the show," said Fleur, with that smile that made Ron melt.
Yes, he really needed to get a girlfriend.
Snape's discussion with Poppy Pomfrey was much like his conversation with Minerva, vaguely remembering the signs that Lily's child had been abused and malnourished, but not remembering anything she did about it or informing the Headmaster. Further, any records in her files that might have shed some light on the subject were missing.
Damn it! Andromeda, the sexy, seductive, snake, was right!
Dumbledore needed to be confronted, but he wasn't about to try it alone. No, he'd need allies. He needed to learn who he could trust.
There were many members of the Unseelie Court that were considered strange and unusual to outsiders. Hoggle was one of the especially unusual ones.
It wasn't because of his crankiness. Any regular customer of Gringotts could attest that crankiness was hardly an unusual trait in the Unseelie Court. Gringotts wasn't going to win any awards for warm, friendly, customer service. Of course, magi in Britain weren't known for their respect for other intelligent magical species such as the goblins.
What made Hoggle unusual in the Unseelie Court was he was a dwarf. Dwarfs were generally independent from the Fae courts. Indeed, there was a time when they considered themselves fierce rivals of the Fae and sworn enemies of the goblins.
Despite their small size, the dwarfs were a proud warrior people. They were also known for their underground kingdoms, carved through mountains filled with gold and treasure, their other great passion besides the sting of battle.
Most of these fabled treasures were made by themselves, the dwarfs being renowned as among the world's greatest forgers and craftsmen.
The goblins were also fierce warriors that carved out underground kingdoms, but, in the old days, they preferred acquiring treasure through looting and pillaging. They were a wild, chaotic, people, in contrast to the civilized, ordered, dwarfs.
Indeed, the Court of King Jareth and Queen Sarah was still a chaotic place.
If the magi of Great Britain hadn't been ruled by their prejudices and lumped all people that weren't themselves into the same category of despised "other," they'd have noticed that the goblins of Gringotts acted more like dwarfs than goblins. They'd have questioned why this was. They'd have suspected that, perhaps, some of the warring races that the magi of Europe had subjugated weren't as hostile towards each other any more, and considered the possible implications.
Cissy and Draco arrived at the foyer of the Ministry of Magic and saw a large group of Hufflepuffs with one of his professors and the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Cissy said, "It looks like you're not the only Hogwarts student who has chosen today to witness our government in action."
Draco scowled. His mother noticed.
"Do you know most of them?" asked Cissy.
"A lot of them were who attacked me, Crabbe, and Goyle on the train, and... turned us into..."
"Giant slugs?"
"Yes!" Draco spat. "Cowardly lot, attacking us while are backs were turned, ganging up on us..."
"While the three of you were waiting to ambush Potter?"
"Well, yeah... But that was just us using Slytherin cunning! They're not supposed to do that!"
Cissy sighed, and asked, "Do you know which Auror found you three on the train, and restored you to your human shape?"
"No. I just know she didn't dress like an Auror should. And her hair..."
"She's your cousin, Nymphadora." After giving her shocked son a moment to absorb that, she continued. "It seems she takes a lot pride in Slytherin and all the House Cups she led them to, and is very disappointed in her old house's performance, since. She was especially disappointed in the predicament she found three Slytherins in, that day. I really didn't like the thought of what your aunt Andromeda probably had to say about my child rearing skills when she found out. Oh, look who else has arrived."
"Longbottom," Draco grumbled.
"With his grandmother and a lovely, interesting looking young lady holding his hand."
"Who is that?" Draco asked, stunned.
"By the look of her, I'd guess a Dryad."
"WHAT?"
Moody looked over the crowd gathering in the foyer. He didn't like this, not one damn bit.
Dumbledore had assigned him to keep an eye on things. He usually trusted Albus's judgement, but he had to wonder if his old friend was courting disaster, today.
Aside from what any good Irishman knows, don't provoke the Seelie Court if you don't have to, this wasn't the best time. Voldemort was enough of a crisis for Moody without Albus starting a war with the Seelie Court on top of it. And, judging from the crowd, Dumbledore was turning friends into enemies.
He realized how combustible the situation was when he saw Narcissa Malfoy and her brat, and the people known for their association with the Death Eaters were his least concerns.
First, it was the arrival of a bunch of Hogwarts students and Professor Sprout, who Dumbledore had made an enemy of. A barricade had been set up for them to be kept behind during Doge's press conference. Doge wanted them removed from the foyer, entirely. Ministry Security was about to accommodate him when the head of the DMLE arrived with her niece and another girl, who joined Sprout's group.
Amelia Bones overrode the decision to remove the protesters, as she was the one who had arranged for the barricade to be set up in the first place. Bones chatted with Sprout while her niece and the other girl joined their fellow students.
Then things got worse.
The group was joined by an arriving Augusta Longbottom, her grandson Neville, and a very pretty green haired girl holding the Longbottom boy's hand, who put Moody's battle senses on edge. Sprout embraced the girl, and introduced her to the other students, who were in awe.
Moody realized who this had to be: Afal o'r Bendigedig. Moody had thought the Blessed Grove and what Hufflepuff had placed there a thousand years ago merely a legend until Dumbledore confirmed it, and decided to destroy the Grove and drive this Dryad out of the Forbidden Forest.
But what was she doing with the Longbottoms? Well, he could guess what she was doing with the boy, given that Dryads were highly sexual beings. But, Augusta obviously wasn't objecting to the relationship.
Dumbledore wasn't going to like this. Augusta Longbottom was one of the most respected members of the Wizengamot. Having her along with Amelia and the Minister as the leaders of the opposition would be a major obstacle to what he was trying to accomplish, today.
This wasn't even Moody's biggest worry, though. He was an Auror, not a politician. No, his biggest concern was the dwarf standing alone a discreet distance from where the press conference was about to be held. The dwarf was well dressed, in a style similar to the highest ranking goblins.
There was only one dwarf who held such a high position in the Unseelie Court: Hoggle, personal assistant to Queen Sarah.
Wherever he was, unless she was out in the muggle world, one could be certain the Goblin Queen was close. But, Moody's magical eye could find no sign of her anywhere in the foyer.
But she was somewhere around. She had to be.
Moody shuddered at all of the possible scenarios. Albus may have bitten off more than even he could chew.
Finally, the woman that was the eye of the storm arrived, Andromeda Black-Tonks, with her mother, Druella Black, and her friend and rumored lover, Xeno Lovegood. Not with them was Ted or Nymphadora Tonks. Neither was Potter or the Lovegood girl. Moody didn't expect Ted or the kids, regardless of what Dumbledore hoped for. No, Andromeda wasn't going to make this easy for Albus.
They exchanged greetings with Hoggle before joining Longbottom, Bones, and Sprout.
Yeah, Moody grumbled, it was a powder keg.
Andy, Xeno, and Druella joined the group, and introductions were made.
Susan, indicating Andy and Xeno, said, "These were two of the people that saved my aunt's life."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Justin. "I'm Justin Finch-Fletchley."
"Related to Sir Edward Finch-Fletchley?" Andy asked.
"He's my grandfather. You know him?"
"He's an old friend of my father-in-law, Spencer Tonks. They served in the war, together."
"Yes, I've met him. After I got my Hogwarts letter, Grandfather told me about the task force they served in. Bit of a shock to find out he not only knew about magic, but had fought alongside wizards. Even was part of the raid on his fortress."
Ernie Macmillan asked, "Your granddad was in the final battle with Grindelwald?"
"Yeah, though it wasn't much of a battle the way he tells it. The earlier action was a lot harder."
"Still, cool."
Hannah asked, "Where's Dora?" the Hufflepuffs knowing of her involvement in Amelia's rescue.
Amelia answered, "I've given her a very important assignment, protecting Harry Potter."
Andy added, "Which is a lot easier to do now that he lives with us."
Susan said, "She's my favorite of my aunt's Aurors. She's fun and she's an animagus and a metamorphmagus. She can turn into a boa!"
Hannah added, "Sue always wants her to be a boa when she sees her."
Pomona said, "One year, I was escorting some students who knew about the Blessed Grove and wanted to celebrate May Day there and meet Afal. When we arrived, Nymphadora was in her boa form relaxing in the branches in one of Afal's trees. She said she'd offer all the girls apples, but they weren't ripe, yet."
"That sounds like her," said Andy.
Afal said, "She liked to visit me."
Neville said, "Why didn't I know about this?"
Pomona replied, "I'm not allowed to volunteer information about the Blessed Grove, but if someone asks, I can answer."
"And the centaurs didn't give you any problems?"
"They respect Afal, and will watch over those visiting her with respect."
Ernie said, "So, Dumbledore better stay out of the Forbidden Forest, then."
"Yes, that would be a good idea."
Druella said, "Dora inherited those talents from her mother. Andy can do it, too."
"Really?" said several of the Hufflepuffs.
"Mum!" said Andy.
"Show them, dear," she said with a proud smile.
"Yeah!" said the Puffs.
Andy sighed and shifted into her Naga form, to the delight of her audience.
WHOA!" exclaimed Draco from where he and Cissy were watching.
"Yes, your aunt Andromeda is sometimes a snake," said Cissy. "It's her favorite trick besides turning male."
"WHAT?"
"Awwww," cooed Susan, walking to the Naga. "May I hold you?"
Andy nodded, and Susan picked her up.
"She's so cute!" squealed Hannah as she began petting Andy.
Amelia asked, "See what one of my best Aurors has to go through?"
"It's alright," said Druella. "She likes being petted when she's a snake."
Ernie said, "It's a good thing Harry's a Parselmouth. He can still understand you in that form."
Andy replied, "He'd still be able to understand me, anyway."
"Wow! How are you doing that?"
After some more chatting and more petting of Andy, Druella said that there was someone she needed to see and someone Andy needed to meet. She took Andy and draped her around her shoulders before walking in the direction of her youngest daughter and her grandson.
Amelia excused herself as well, saying there were people she and Augusta needed to speak with before the session.
Druella said, "There are other reasons I wanted you in your snake form besides entertaining the kids."
"Oh?"
"Your nephew, for one. You'll need to make the right... impression. Be friendly, but scary."
"Ah. Understood. Thank you, Mum."
Cissy, seeing who was approaching, said, "Draco, under no circumstances are you to use the terms 'blood traitor,' 'mudblood,' or anything else your aunt might find provocative. Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Hello Mum, Andy," said Cissy. "I have to say, Mother, your choice of accessory makes quite the statement, sexy and intimidating."
Thank you," said Druella.
Andy asked, "What beings you here, today?"
"AHHHH!" said Draco.
"Hmm," said Andy. "You act like you've never seen a snake."
Cissy replied, "He's never seen an English speaking one. Draco, this is your aunt Andromeda. Say hello, dear."
"H-hello," said Draco.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," said Andy with a smile.
Draco tried to calm himself, not show fear or weakness to the smiling serpent that was appraising him. Was all of mother's side of the family scary?
Cissy said, "But to answer your question, have you seen this morning's Prophet?"
"Yes. Quite the story, isn't it?"
"What are you doing?" Cissy asked in a worried tone.
Andy paused for a moment, and replied, "What I should have done a long time ago. That man has been manipulating and destroying lives for far too long. It ends, now."
"This is Dumbledore, Andy."
"Despite what his followers may think, he's not a god, just a man. A very powerful and dangerous man, yes, but he's just as human as the rest of us."
Draco found the 'just as human as the rest of us' comment ironic coming from an English speaking snake, but didn't say anything.
Andy added, looking into his eyes, "And that goes for a certain self proclaimed Dark Lord, too."
Cissy said, "I assume you'll resume your human form before the session?"
Druella said, "Given her goal, today, I think she should attend the session just as she is."
Andy considered, smiled, and said, "You're right."
Cissy asked, "Won't that just provoke Dumbledore even more?"
"Yes. That's the idea." She paused and added, "I'm very proud of who and what I am, and I'm not going to hide it, any more."
"Regardless of the consequences?"
"Dumbledore's out to get me, regardless. But yes, we're going out of our way to provoke him, and his puppets."
Druella said, "And look who's here. Time for the press conference. I wonder how much damage Doge will do to foreign relations?"
Amelia arrived at her office with Augusta. Waiting for them was Algie Longbottom of the Department of Mysteries with a Pensieve.
They'd arranged for Amelia to view the memory of Algie's and Augusta's meeting with Harry Potter. No matter how long one was in a memory, no time passed, so Amelia would be able to view it and still be able to listen to the press conference and attend the Wizengamot session.
Still, it took her a few moments to recover after watching the memory. It was so much to take in.
"So," said Algie, "enough to start an investigation of Dumbledore's conduct as Headmaster of Hogwarts?"
"And Chief Warlock," Amelia answered. "That is, assuming I still have my job after today. Either way, Susan's not going back to that school while he's in charge."
"Nor will Neville," said Augusta.
The wireless in the office announced the press conference was about to begin.
Doge, surrounded by security, was disgusted by much of what he saw in the foyer. There was Malfoy's wife, with her mother and son. Druella Black, the shameless hussy, even had a large boa draped over her, flaunting her evil ways. Did... did that snake stick its tongue out at him?
No, of course not.
He looked around for the middle daughter, the dark creature that was responsible for this crisis, but he couldn't find Andromeda Black-Tonks.
And behind the barrier that Bones had set up was that treacherous Herbology professor and a bunch of teenagers. And some green haired woman.
He found Moody, and asked if there was anything he should know about.
Moody told him that the Tonks woman was there. She was the snake wrapped around her mum. He pointed out the dwarf, explaining he was the Goblin Queen's personal assistant, but he'd seen no sign of her presence. But she was close, Moody was sure. And the green haired woman...
It was Afal o'r Bendigedig.
"Hufflepuff's monster," said Doge.
"Well, I don't know about that..."
"She's an immortal Dryad that's not just one tree, but entire groves! She's a Fae! She was made what she is by a dark witch!"
"Hufflepuff wasn't a dark witch."
"Of course, she was! Albus Dumbledore says she was!"
"Yeah... Wouldn't be the first time he was wrong about something..."
Doge's eyes widened in shock. "How dare you?"
"How dare I what?"
"Question the wisdom of the greatest wizard of our time?"
"He may be that, but the sun doesn't shine out his arse. Spending most of a year locked in a trunk while a Death Eater was posing as me at Hogwarts right under Albus's nose taught me that. The man makes mistakes."
"Albus will hear of this."
"Damn right, he will. I'm tellin' him, myself. He needs people who'll tell him the truth when he needs to hear it."
"Hmmph," said Doge before walking off. Mad-Eye was right about one thing, he thought. Albus needed to hear the truth about who was truly loyal to the Light and who was not.
Doge passed Hoggle and sneered at him. Hoggle just sneered right back.
Bloody dwarfs, Doge thought. He wondered if Albus would be open to the idea of bringing back the sport of Dwarf Tossing.
Doge, like most British wizards, had little regard for dwarfs, so he paid no mind to the jewel on Hoggle's tie.
Elsewhere, the images and sounds captured by that jewel were being seen and heard by an audience watching a wall sized mirror.
"No manners," said Queen Sarah.
"Then, we'll have to teach him some," said King Jareth.
The room was filled with the sound of cackling goblins.
Now came the real challenge, the international press corps. Doge wanted nothing more than to throw most of these foreigners out of the building and the country. There was one so-called journalist from Britain whose presence he refused to tolerate.
Pointing to Xeno, he said, "Remove that creature, at once! I will only answer questions from humans, not enemy species."
This was met with shock and in some cases disgust by the press corps, and resounding boos from the protesters.
Xeno replied, "Mr. Doge, with all due respect, I am just as human as you are."
"You may have been born human, but you no longer qualify. You are a Fae of the Seelie Court, and today is about ridding magical Britain of this most dangerous of threats. Security! Do what we pay you to do."
Xeno Lovegood left the press area without a fight. Doge was disappointed, as he was hoping Lovegood would resist and receive a beatdown and arrest.
After a few questions, Doge wanted a lot of the international press corps beaten down.
"Are you concerned about reprisals from the goblins?" one of them asked.
"The goblins won't dare do a thing. All of their rebellions have failed. They have learned their place. We have taught Jareth humility."
Elsewhere, goblins growled.
"Humility?" asked Jareth.
"He doesn't know you very well, does he?" Sarah responded.
Doge held up a piece of parchment and said, "I have here a list of names of 57 Fae sympathizers in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including Amelia Bones. We must root out these traitors."
This led to another round of boos, catcalls, and rude gestures from the assembled Hufflepuffs.
"Mr. Doge!" a reporter's voice called. "Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet. You claim to have the names of 57 Fae sympathizers, yet, in your opinion piece in yesterday's Prophet, you claimed the number was 81. Which is it?"
"As we see, the evil of the Seelie Court has infiltrated all levels of our culture, including our newspaper! Miss Skeeter, as I recall, you recently conducted an interview for the Quibbler, published by a known member of the Seelie Court!"
"An interview with Harry Potter exposing the truth of You-Know-Who's return, as you well know."
"Of course, you'd say that! You assisted the Fae in getting to the poor boy, these monsters who slaughtered wizards in cold blood just two weeks ago! And does the Prophet stand for wizarding Britain in this? No! You are traitors!"
"Are you supporting You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters? They're the ones the Seelie Court has been fighting."
"Of course not! But that doesn't change the fact that Seelie Court Fae, and Americans at that, murdered English wizards! Why is the Minister standing by and letting savage foreign monsters kill us on our very soil?"
"Savage foreign monsters?" asked Sarah, coldly.
Justin yelled, "So, they should have just let the Death Eaters kill all those people on the bridge, then?"
"It was none of their business! The Death Eaters are our concern!"
Skeeter replied, "Our Queen thought otherwise."
"A muggle! You see, loyal witches and wizards of Britain? The muggles seek to interfere in our affairs, too!"
"Protecting her people is interfering in our affairs?"
"The muggles are supposed to trust us with that! Instead, the muggle monarch authorized these foreign non-humans to KILL WIZARDS!"
"Was there a wizard task force set to defend the bridge that we weren't told about? Would we have prevented the deaths of the muggles there if the Fae hadn't?"
"That doesn't matter!"
Justin yelled again, "It matters to me! My family are muggles!" This brought cheers of support from the other Hufflepuffs.
"As we see, the corruptive influence of these creatures has infected our youth! I would urge your expulsion from Hogwarts and a few days in Azkaban to teach you the error of your ways. But our great and wise leader, Albus Dumbledore, is benevolent and forgiving. I urge all good witches and wizards to trust and follow him, for he is our guiding light. He will forgive you for your trespasses. But, you must reject the evil that has seduced you, that green haired freak in your midst that the cursed Hufflepuff placed there, but what Albus Dumbledore will soon drive from the Forbidden Forest..."
For Neville, this was the last straw. He stepped forward, followed by Sprout.
Doge said, "You will return behind the barrier, at once!"
Neville calmly replied, "Not until you've apologized to Afal."
"You should treat your elders with respect, boy."
"Respect is earned, not given. Apologize."
Doge asked, "What is this filthy creature to you?"
"How to answer that? I was taught good manners, you see. But, obviously, that was never part of your upbringing. So, just this once, I'll sink to your level. She's the woman I love, you steaming pile of dragon shit."
"Wha... What?" Doge sputtered, his eyes widening as Afal stepped forward and took Neville's hand. The Hufflepuffs followed, standing supportively behind Neville and Afal.
Neville added, "And if you're not going to apologize, then I'm afraid I'm going to have to challenge you to a duel of honor. I'm a Gryffindor, after all."
"What? You dare?"
"Yes, I dare."
"Security! Why haven't you arrested these hooligans? Stop this riot, at once!"
"So, you're not accepting my challenge then? Coward..."
"Bloody hell!" said an impressed Ron.
Fred said, "Never knew Neville had it in 'im."
"He's a Gryffindor, all right," agreed George.
As Security moved in, Hoggle was given the signal. It was time.
He moved into position. Moody's magical eye spun to see what the dwarf was doing, removing the charms that had been hiding several small devices set on the floor in a pattern while everyone else in the foyer was focused on the standoff between Doge and Sprout's group.
And the former Auror had no time to do anything about it before all hell broke loose.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The muggleborns in the foyer, as well as the other magi who had spent a significant amount of time in the outside world, immediately recognized the loud but dazzling display for what it was, carefully orchestrated pyrotechnics signalling a grand entrance. Others, though, screamed in terror.
"EEEEAAAAGH!" was Doge's eloquent response.
Afal yelled, "It's all right," thus assuring her own companions, if no one else.
Percussion was heard, then full musical instrumentation. Then, the strangest entourage the foyer of the Ministry of Magic had ever seen emerged from the massive cloud of smoke.
In the front were small, cackling, creatures with red fur, who were doing some sort of dance. There were armed goblins in formation. There was a fox terrier dressed like a medieval nobleman with a patch over one eye, also armed, riding a larger, normal looking, white dog as his steed. There was a huge two legged horned beast.
The biggest surprise to Moody was three people. One was Flitwick, the Charms Professor at Hogwarts. Another was Fleur Delacour, the French veela, and therefore a member of the Seelie Court, working for Gringotts, and therefore the Unseelie Court. The third was her lover, former Order of the Phoenix member Bill Weasley.
And at the center of it all were the elegant Lord and Lady of the Unseelie Court, King Jareth and Queen Sarah.
The Fire Gang, as the little red creatures were called by those who knew them, began singing and dancing. Their performance included their ability to create fire from nothing, detach their heads, arms, and legs, and pluck their eyes out of their sockets for an impromtu game of dice.
Don't got no problems
Ain't got no suitcase
Ain't got no clothes to worry about
Ain't got no real estate or jewelry or gold mines to hang me up
I just throw in my hand
With the chilliest bunch in the land
They don't look much
They sure chilly chilly
They positively glow, glow
Chilly down with the fire gang
Think small with the fire gang
Bad hep with the fire gang
When your thing gets wild
Chilly down
Chilly down with the fire gang
Act tall with the fire gang
Good times, bad food
When your thing gets wild
Chilly down, chilly down
Drive you crazy, really lazy
Eye rollin', funky strollin'
Ball playin', hip swayin'
Trouble makin', booty shakin'
So when things get too tough
And your chin is dragging on the ground
And even down looks up
Bad luck
We can show you a good time
And we don't charge nothin'
Just strut your nasty stuff
Wiggle in the middle yeah
Get the town talkin' fire gang
Chilly down with the fire gang
Think small with the fire gang
Bad hep with the fire gang
When your thing gets wild
Chilly down
Chilly down with the fire gang
Think small with the fire gang
Good times, bad food
When your thing gets wild
Chilly down, chilly down
Doge was at his wits end.
The goblins, led by their king and queen, were invading the Ministry of Magic! And the press corps were just snapping photos and moving to where they were standing to ask them questions!
Didn't they realize what was going on, here? Security looked frightened, waiting for someone to tell them what to do. Not seeing Albus or Kingsley around, Doge realized he'd just have to take charge of the situation, himself.
"Security! To me!" he ordered. He was afraid, but he was a Gryffindor. He would control his fear, and show nothing but determination to these subhuman invaders. Leading the security team, he marched to the goblin monarchs and shouted, "You dare invade the Ministry? Remove yourselves at once if you don't want war, and yet another humbling!"
Sarah replied, "And a good day to you as well, Mr. Doge. I'm afraid you're under a misconception, though. We aren't invading."
Jareth said, "We are here to show our support for and solidarity with the Seelie Court."
"And," added Sarah, "to offer the protection of Gringotts to young people here who were about to be made political prisoners. Oh, and completely unrelated to current events, we'd like to remind members of the Wizengamot that Gringotts reserves the right to audit all accounts."
Doge sneered and said, "Don't be so smug, you disgusting -"
"Ludo," said Jareth.
Ludo, Doge learned, was that huge horned beast they had brought with them. He stepped in front of Doge and glared down at him.
"Grr... Sarah... friend," said Ludo.
Doge tried to be brave, he really did. But, he was terrified and a couple of decades past a century old. So, he lost bowel control. To make matters worse, he noticed Amelia Bones had returned.
"Smell... bad..." said Ludo.
"Did you just shit yourself?" asked Jareth, a bit louder than necessary.
Doge looked around with a mixture of horror and rage as cameras were flashing and those blasted teenagers were laughing at him.
"DOGE NEEDS DIAPERS! DOGE NEEDS DIAPERS!" the Hufflepuffs chanted.
After performing quick cleaning charms on himself, Doge told Jareth, "This isn't over." He turned to Amelia and said, "We'll see if you're still smirking in Azkaban," before leaving the foyer with all the dignity he could muster.
He caught up with Moody on the way to the Chief Warlock's office.
"Couldn't wait? Ashamed to be seen with me?" he asked the retired Auror.
"At the moment? Yeah."
Cissy turned to a grinning Andy and said, "You knew this was going to happen."
Andy replied, "I didn't know Doge was going to crap himself, but otherwise, yes."
"Do you realize you've just-"
"Raised the stakes? Yes. It's all part of the plan."
"Any more surprises in store for today?"
"That would be telling. Just enjoy the show."
Draco didn't know whether to be terrified or in awe, so he went with a mix of both.
Druella asked, "I wonder if all of that went out live over the WWN?"
"Blimey!" said Ron. "They said 'shit' on the WWN, again!"
Angelina looked at him incredulously and said, "The Unseelie Court just showed up armed and in force at the Ministry, and all you're thinking about is someone saying 'shit' on the air?"
"Hey, they're just there to help my friends. Wish I was there, myself."
Fred said, "That word going out is probably what they're panicking about at the station, right now."
George said, "They're probably shitting themselves."
Angelina rolled her eyes and asked, "Why do I put up with you two, again?"
"Because you love us," answered Fred.
"And you love the sex," added George.
"Yeah, there's that," Angelina agreed.
Listening to the WWN broadcast with Kingsley in the Chief Warlock's office, Dumbledore's first reaction was stunned silence.
"Impossible," he said, staring into space.
"Sir?"
"The Sidhe united. Against us. Against me."
He sat, considering his next move, until Doge and Moody arrived.
"Albus," said an anxious Doge, "did you hear?"
"Yes. So, we're at war."
Moody said, "Not yet, we're not."
"We will be after we declare it. Alastor, Kingsley, you are to gather as many Aurors, hit wizards, security, Order members, and anyone else with a wand and willing to fight while I remove the traitors from our government during the session. Then, I will lead the attack to reclaim the foyer. If we can kill the Goblin King and Queen, that will leave them without leadership."
"Um... Albus," said Moody, uncomfortably, "that was a show of force out there, yes. It's not an act of war, though. You heard 'em. They're supporting the Seelie Court and the Ministry against Voldemort, and offering protection to a bunch of your students, including Amelia's niece and Augusta's grandson. And considering how Doge here was threatening the kids -"
"I wasn't threatening them!" Doge protested. "They were with Hufflepuff's monster, along with Sprout! Right here in the Ministry, itself!"
"You tried to have 'em arrested. That was threatening."
"One of them came from behind the barrier and challenged me to a duel! And he used foul language!"
"After you -"
Dumbledore interrupted, "It sounded like Neville Longbottom. Please tell me it wasn't."
"It was," Moody confirmed.
"I see. So, we must save him from that creature's clutches and recondition him. Augusta will be horrified when she learns of this."
"She knows about Neville and Afal. She came with them. She and Amelia chatted with Sprout, Andromeda Black-Tonks, Druella Black, and the kids before they left for something I don't know about."
Dumbledore was shaken. He removed his half-moon shaped glasses and lowered his head, quaking, until he composed himself and faced the others, his calm, but firm, voice not hiding the rage in his eyes.
"I thought... she had said... she would support us."
"She did," said Doge. "She told me she'd do the right thing!"
"Then she lied. I never thought her capable of such betrayal."
"Or," said Moody, "she was telling the truth, and what she considers doing the right thing isn't what you consider it to be."
"Impossible. She has obviously given in to evil."
"Look, Albus... you're not always right about everything -"
Doge shouted, "Of course, he is! Albus, he was speaking like this in the foyer! He even questioned whether that green haired... thing was a monster, and said that Hufflepuff wasn't a dark witch!"
Dumbledore turned to Moody and asked, "Is this true?"
"Yeah," the retired Auror answered. "Not everybody who disagrees with you about something or other is the enemy. We're supposed to be fighting Voldemort, here."
"And that is exactly what I am doing. You must trust me, Alastor."
Alastor was becoming a potential liability. His paranoia had kept Dumbledore from being able to condition him. He wouldn't eat or drink anything he didn't prepare himself, even Dumbledore's potioned lemon drops. Dumbledore found it saddening that Alastor didn't trust even him. What had he ever done to seem untrustworthy?
He'd have to force the issue soon, he knew. He'd have to have Alastor alone. It would be difficult to place him under the Imperius Curse, given his ability to resist. That's why Dumbledore hadn't done it, already. But, with the Elder Wand, he was confidant it could be done.
And if that didn't work, well...
It would be regrettable to have to arrange a tragic accident for Alastor, but Dumbledore couldn't risk betrayal. Even good men like Alastor were capable of such treachery, after all.
Druella, Andy, Cissy, and Draco were detained upon trying to enter the Wizengamot chamber.
"No pets allowed," said the guard.
"I'm not a pet, silly," Andy replied.
After being entertained by the guard's gaping and sputtering, Druella said, "My daughter is both an animagus and metamorphmagus."
"So, I'm a snake that talks. Mum likes to show me off."
"Um, yes," said the still stunned guard. "Names?"
"So," asked Harry, "we have the support of the Loa?"
"Yes," answered Samedi. "We may have a problem, though."
Brigitte said, "Word is, Kalfu has decided to... help, whether the rest of us want it or not."
Kalfu... Harry remembered the name. Kalfu was the dark Loa, sometimes impersonating Papa Legba, seeking to undo his good works.
Dora said, "Considering his idea of 'helping' us in New Orleans, this could be a problem..."
Vernon Dursley was in a bad mood.
Of course, his secretary and others who had the displeasure of regular contact with him thought he was always in a bad mood, but today it was worse than usual.
He thought, with his nephew gone at last, he'd seen the last of those freaks and their... freakishness. But no, they had to go and do that to his fridge!
He wasn't able to have a proper breakfast! He had to pick up something on his way to work, and it wasn't nearly enough!
And if that wasn't bad enough, those bloody incompetent freaks from that Ministry of Freakishness weren't able to fix his fridge! He found that out when Petunia called. It was that ginger freak that had damaged Vernon's home a couple of years back that led the group that came in response to the situation. They subdued the fridge, and altered the memories of the witnesses, but said they had no idea what was done to it or how. They said they'd get it replaced, though.
Damn freaks should be deported, Vernon thought, along with the queers, niggers, micks, Jews, Arabs, and anyone else who wasn't properly English! And the gingers, whether they were freaks or not.
He wasn't even feeling his usual pleasure from yelling at his secretary and verbally abusing anyone else he could get away with to demonstrate what a powerful man he was. He just had a headache.
After he showed his secretary who was boss, she suggested he needed more nourishment, so he should have more than the bun he usually picked up this time of day. She said that in addition to that, he should get a lot of rich food, and some very strong coffee to give him more than enough fuel to last through the workday. He thought it an excellent suggestion.
She was actually hoping that the fatty food and extra caffeine would induce a heart attack the next time he started screaming and turning purple, but she didn't tell him that.
Just outside the bakery across the street from his office, Vernon passed a tall, well dressed, muscular black man playing what appeared to be a large flute.
"Damn immigrants," Vernon muttered as he entered the bakery.
When Vernon left the bakery with a bag full of goodies in one hand and a large coffee in the other, the man was still there, playing. Fuming, Vernon stomped to where the man was standing with the intent of yelling at him.
So focused was Vernon that he didn't notice the banana peel until he stepped on it and slipped, the hot coffee spilling on his crotch as he fell.
"Whuh... AAAIIIEEE! Uh!" said Vernon.
The man leaned over him.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Brigitte said, "Yes, with Kalfu, there's no telling what he'll do."
"But enough worrying," said Samedi. "How would you like to do something that would both honor your parents and godfather and really annoy Dumbledore when he finds out?"
"What do you have in mind?" asked Harry.
Brigitte smiled and said, "Your mum once dared your dad to sneak into the Headmaster's office and shag on his desk. James and Sirius thought it was a greak prank, so they did. Sirius took pictures."
Harry looked at Luna, whose delighted mischievous expression indicated she loved the idea.
"Sounds like fun," he said.
Dora said, "I'll get the camera."
"How do we get into his office, anyway?'
"I'll get the password from Phineas."
Dumbledore and Doge entered the Wizengamot chamber, and were tense. Dumbledore had even needed another calming potion and another dose of pepper-up.
He was about to call on the Wizengamot to declare war on both the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, and knew this would be a challenge. Wizards, for the most part, were cowardly, and were already terrified of the war they were in with Tom.
There were armed goblins in the foyer, but even with their dramatic entrance, it didn't constitute an act of war. The treaties allowed the goblins to visit the Ministry, and that included their monarchs. Monarchs, naturally, were allowed to bring bodyguards. So, everything the Unseelie Court had done today was perfectly legal, as they had taken no offensive action. Bones and that traitor Augusta Longbottom would be certain to remind the Wizengamot of that when he accused the goblins of invading the Ministry.
He would have to play on the old Purebloods' bigotry, fear, and hatred to prevail, using Tom's methods, only in the service of the greater good.
War with the Sidhe Courts would be costly, he knew, both in lives and money. Other nations would object. The cursed Americans and Irish would, naturally. Spain and Portugal, as well. The blasted French would make an international incident out of locking up or killing one of theirs, that veela harlot. But, it was all necessary. Only Albus Dumbledore's plan could vanquish Tom, and that required him to condition Harry Potter into a willing sacrifice, which he couldn't do as long as Andromeda Black-Tonks had the boy. Elphias had informed him that the dark witch was even in her serpent form right here in the Ministry, openly flaunting her true self as a challenge to him.
Appropriate, he thought. Few would truly understand his burden of making the hard choices, the necessary sacrifices.
He took his position as Chief Warlock, and spoke.
Harry found it thrilling to sneak through the halls of Hogwarts with Luna and Dora in nothing but his invisibility cloak. That their naked bodies were pressed to each side of his so they could all fit under it made it even better.
Jeeves had brought them to a secluded spot, and now they were making their way to the Headmaster's office. He spoke the password Phineas had given Dora, and once inside Dora used the charm Phineas had given her to not only silence the portraits of Hogwarts Heads, but prevent them from being able to leave their frames and alert anybody until they were done with what they came here to do. Phineas had also agreed to not warn the other portraits of what was about to transpire. While he didn't approve, watching the scandalized reactions of the other Heads would be amusing.
After removing the invisibility cloak, with the portraits responding as expected, Harry realized they'd forgotten a couple of witnesses: Fawkes and the Sorting Hat. Luna, meanwhile, was looking around the room, distracted by something.
"Ah... Um..." Harry said to the Sorting Hat, wondering how he was going to explain this.
"Hello," said the Hat. "Here to follow in your parents' footsteps, so to speak?"
"Um, yes?"
"Thought as much," the Hat said, casually.
"Will that be a problem for you?"
"Why would it? I'm a hat. Just be careful when clearing the Headmaster's desk. Some of those items are delicate."
Dora said, "Of course," and used her wand to carefully remove everything on the desk and place it safely in other spots.
"And Fawkes?" asked Harry. "Is he going to alert Dumbledore?"
"He didn't, last time," replied the Hat. "He's a phoenix. He doesn't understand human issues about where they choose to mate. All he'll be concerned about is there being love with the sex. Though, right now, he's focused on Miss Lovegood's emotions."
Harry turned to look at his beloved, and indeed, Fawkes was in her arms, singing a comforting song. Harry embraced her.
Luna said, quietly, "I know Brigitte and Samedi told us, but Mother has been here. I can feel traces of her recent presence."
"We don't have to do this."
"Yes, Harry. Yes, we do. She has been given the sacred mission to drive Dumbledore around the bend. So, we will not only be honoring your mum, dad, and godfather today, but will be helping Mum with her work. This is now more than a prank, but serving a higher purpose. Take me. Now."
So, they reconsecrated Dumbledore's desk, while Dora snapped photos to commemorate the event.
After they were spent, Luna said, "This is officially a Potter family tradition, now, you know. Our children will have to continue it, and theirs after them."
"That was hot," said Dora, huskily. "Wish I could join in, but I'm not doing it without Hermione."
"Yeah, said Harry. He was really looking forward to that.
"Need to jill off?" asked Luna.
"If you don't mind," Dora replied.
"Not at all," said Harry, "as long as we can take pictures."
"Sure."
Dumbledore had the strangest feeling that something was happening at Hogwarts that would greatly upset him. He shook the feeling off. He had no time to worry about that, now. Only the calming potions were preventing him from cursing the traitors in the Wizengamot chamber.
He knew this was going to be difficult, not only due to this morning's Prophet and the evil forces aligned against him, but the fact that many of the Wizengamot members had listened to the broadcast of the press conference and the subsequent arrival of the goblins and heard the Goblin Queen utter the word they feared more than war, more than even Voldemort: "audit". He was having to assure them that the goblins wouldn't be able to do that once they were dead.
"The time is now," he said, "to make our stand, to prove our worth as wizards, to end this threat to our way of life once and for all. The power of the Fae is nothing compared to ours."
In seeming response, a loud thunder crash sounded, followed by the chamber being thrown into darkness.
Screams filled the chamber. This was impossible! Thunder couldn't be heard, here! The torches that illuminated the chamber were charmed to never go out!
Dumbledore used the Lumos charm to remove himself from darkness and yelled "Silence! Do not panic! Those of you who have wands, please cast the Lumos charm to provide us with light!"
This meant the Wizengamot members and the Ministry employees, as visitors had to leave their wands at the check point when they came in. It wasn't much light, but it was better than nothing, giving the Wizengamot chamber an eerie glow.
Then, there was the sound of footsteps entering the chamber. Every eye looked to the source, two figures, clearly female, that were approaching the Wizengamot.
One, clearly human, a teen witch, held her wand up, casting the light spell, and was wearing a white dress. The other held an ornate staff topped with what looked like a "z" within a circle, and was also wearing a white dress, trimmed with blue, green, and yellow. Her turquoise eyes reflected the dim light in the room like a cat's, indicating she was Fae.
Once they were before the Wizengamot, the Fae tapped her staff on the floor, and the torches that illuminated the chamber were re-lit.
Dumbledore's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the pair. How could they have taken her?
Hermione Granger announced, "Princess Dorothy of Oz."
"Hi!" said Dorothy, with a warm smile.