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Chapter 31

The morning sun shone across the city as the elf lord looked toward Cavendish Square, the only bit of nature visible although many others were within a short walk. A knock on the door drew his attention away and as he passed the table he picked up his briefcase and the case containing his sword.

"Chinthliss, Lady Ako," he said upon pulling the door open.

They walked in silence to the elevators and once the doors closed he spoke again. "Have you planned anything for today, Lady Ako, or will you be joining us for breakfast?"

"I met with Luna and the Grangers yesterday, and we discussed the girls accompanying me for a little shopping. While Hermione has loaned her a few things Luna needs some clothes of her own. We do not want to overwhelm her with things so I think we will be done around lunch," she said.

He nodded. "Possibly a park or a movie this afternoon? Try to keep them active as much as possible. We will be heading home tonight and if they can stay awake a little longer it will help with jetlag."

She nodded. "That's what I was planning, though I think Hermione wishes to discuss what they will be learning as well."

Chinthliss laughed. "I suspect that is an understatement," he said. "She could hardly contain herself yesterday. I believe her drive will take her far."

Keighvin smiled softly. "I will have the plane ready to fly out at five. I spoke with Philip, he is going to watch over the Grangers today just in case someone decides to push matters. They will be trading practices with Jason Cramer, a dentist in Charlotte till the first of the year… a working vacation for both parties as it were. This will give them more time to spend with Hermione… and Luna."

Silence settled for a few moments, finally Lady Ako spoke. "And what of Mr. Lovegood?"

Keighvin sighed. "He did not seem interested in spending time with Luna… I spoke with Harry's therapist and she has agreed to speak with both girls when we get them settled."

Chinthliss added, "They also have appointments with Margo, for full physicals and checkups."

When they reached the lobby Lady Ako went to meet the Grangers while the two men moved to the restaurant. While they waited for their table Chinthliss asked, "Do you think they'll show up?"

Keighvin pointed to the hallway. "At least one of them."

The Knight Bus, the bright purple double decker bus that could take a wizard to any address, disappeared with a bang, leaving the head of the DMLE standing across the road from the entrance to the hotel next to a small stand of trees. She looked up and down the street before stepping out into the throng of commuters on their way to work.

She had dressed in her best muggle attire, a dark grey pant suit that Harry's mother had given her nod of approval to, and set out early. She had no intention of missing this particular meeting.

She had never been to the Langham, well truthfully she had not been to many muggle places, and when she entered she was almost stunned by its opulence. From the marble sunburst in the reception desk to the crystal chandelier, it was the most stunning thing she had ever seen. Every surface shined, highly polished, and the staff looked friendly and efficient.

"Miss? May I help you?" asked the young man just inside the door.

"Hmm? Yes… I am meeting some people for breakfast, at the Roux?"

He gestured at the hallway to the right. "The entrance is just down the passage, on the right hand side. May I have the name of the party you are meeting? I will call ahead and have someone ready to take you to their table."

"Umm... yes. Mr. Silverhair…"

The young man's eyes widened. "I will inform them you are on your way."

She followed the directions she had been given, admiring the artwork along the passage as she walked, till she heard the voice of Chinthliss. "Madam Bones, I am pleased you could join us this morning."

She turned to the doorway. "Headmaster."

He gestured to his companion. "May I present Mr. Keighvin Silverhair of Fairgrove."

She took a moment to look the man over, as she replied, "Mr. Silverhair." He was dressed in a tailored suit, with a bright red tie, silver cufflinks flashed at his wrist inset with some form of deep red stone.

"Madam Bones." He smiled widely. "Thank you for joining us this morning." He shook her hand firmly. "I wish to thank you for the help you gave Harry when he appeared for the first task."

She glanced at the headmaster and back, worried. Chinthliss just smiled as Keighvin continued. "He was thankful for your concern, both as a friend of his parents and head of the DMLE."

"H-He knows about…" she stammered.

"Of course he does my dear lady," said Chinthliss.

"Mr. Silverhair your table is ready," said the young man as they approached the podium. He checked something off and led them to a table in the center of a large window.

As they sat Keighvin spoke to the maître-d. "We may be expecting one more person. Older, long white beard. We will not be waiting breakfast on him however. Please ask Mr. Alphonse to indulge himself with breakfast for four… just in case, and mention that Harry is not with us this morning so there are no restrictions on the palate."

"I will inform the chef and the wait staff, and have tea and coffee sent over." He turned and walked away.

"I expect you have questions," Keighvin said spreading his napkin in his lap.

"H-how much do you know?" she asked.

Keighvin leaned forward. "Depends on what you are asking about. Harry? His life before his adoption? What happened afterwards? The new school?" His eyes took on a feral glint, "Magic?"

"Why do you know about magic?" she asked, nervous about the situation.

Keighvin sat back. "I assure you that my knowledge of magic is perfectly fine. Remember the United States, as well as many other countries, is not a member of your IWC."

"But you can not speak of it in the open like this," she said in a hiss.

"Why ever not?" He pointed out the window at a building in the distance. "That is the home of the BBC." She looked at him confused and he pursed his lips. "Think of it like a non-magical version of your wizard-wireless… with pictures. I assure you much more interesting discussions have taken place here than any one we could have about magic. Everything from magic and time travel to politics."

She didn't look convinced. He sighed. "As you wish. Chinthliss, if you would?"

She reached for her wand as he moved, only to find her hands pinned to the table with the barest of gestures from Chinthliss

"You can do wandless casting?" she asked, as she felt her hands released.

The dragon man shrugged, and they felt the atmosphere change slightly when he gestured again. "They will not be able to make out our conversation now, we seem to be speaking another language."

She looked at Keighvin. "And exactly how long have you known."

He laughed softly. "Longer than I have known Harry. You can relax Ms. Bones. Now your questions?"

She thought about where she wanted to start. "I heard from Harry and his mother, Shar, that he was abused at the Dursley's…" She trailed off, then began again. "I saw his reaction when he found out that Dumbledore…" She trailed off again. "How bad?"

Keighvin sighed. "Not the worst I have seen… but bad enough. My family has dealt with many traumatized children over the years, both those from abusive homes and those coming from tragic conditions."

"Harry was brought to us Christmas Eve of 1986. He had gained himself the attention of my friend Nick, and given his magical background Nick thought we could possibly help him." He slowed his story as their drinks arrived.

After taking a sip of his freshly poured coffee he continued. "When he arrived he was malnourished, hated to be touched… As a Christmas present his 'uncle', Vernon had tied him to the newel post of their stairway and wiped him across the back with a leather belt," - She grimaced - "then stomped on both of his hands, crushing them, finally throwing him into 'his room' the cupboard under the stairs."

Tears filled her eyes as he continued. "Nick gathered him that night and brought him to us. It has been a long road for him."

"And the Dursleys?" she asked hesitantly.

"Vernon will serve another eight years, minimum. Petunia…" He sighed. "She will be eligible for parole soon; both are required to receive counseling as well… Their son Dudley, he was originally to be placed with Vernon's sister Marge, but the home inspection went poorly, and she was found to be an unsuitable guardian."

He took another sip of his coffee. "Harry asked us to help him if we could. He is living in Savanna, Georgia. He was recently adopted by a couple that works at one of the other Fairgrove holdings in the area. He has undergone counseling as well, and is becoming a fine young man. I am hoping to reintroduce them soon, possibly next year."

She nodded, happy that some part of Harry's family may be there for him. "How did he get to the colonies?" she asked.

"Nick," he answered. "He travels the world, for work. He is also familiar with the work my family does with children. So we seemed to be the natural choice."

"And who is this Nick?" she asked.

"Nicolas Kringle, he's… a toy maker," Keighvin said with a smile.

Albus had been having a long few days.

He was hopeful that the withdrawal of the Potter properties from sale was a sign that Harry was reconsidering his options, and that the steps taken by the Wizengamot would prove unnecessary.

Those sessions had kept his attention away from other things much too long, but it had been necessary. He sighed at the thought of what may have happened if someone had not been an advocate for moderation in the wording. It would not do for someone to use the laws for their personal gain.

This distraction had almost seen him missing his chance to speak with someone about the most important issue, Harry Potter. He hoped that this discussion with Harry's temporary headmaster would prove fruitful, and he would understand, as a fellow Headmaster, how important it was for Harry to return to the magical world.

Albus sighed as he stepped into the restaurant, and smiled slightly. It had been quite the adventure finding his way. His thoughts were interrupted when a young man behind the podium asked him if he needed help finding his party.

"Yes, my boy. That would be most helpful. I am here to meet with Headmaster Chinthliss, he said he was to be here this morning."

The young man nodded. "Please follow me, I will take you to Mr. Silverhair's table."

Amelia was refilling her tea, when she spotted Dumbledore being led to their table. "Oh, Merlin," she said, under her breath.

He smiled as he approached, dressed in a dark purple crushed velvet suit with silver piping, his beard braided into a long rope decorated with a black ribbon and wearing high buckle shoes. Even with her limited muggle fashion sense she knew he looked ridiculous.

She heard Mr. Silverhair stifle a laugh when he followed her gaze to the approaching headmaster, followed shortly by a chuckle from Headmaster Chinthliss. Shaking her head she looked down at the table.

"Good morning, Headmaster, Madam Bones," said Albus sitting at the table. "Please excuse the late arrival. I have been quite busy as of late. You must be Mr. Silverhair," offering his hand. "I am Albus Dumbledore…"

"Ha… Yes," Keighvin said with a smirk. "Mr. Dumbledore! I hope that you have made arrangements for payment for my vehicle? Perhaps you have a bank draft for me?"

"Ah..."

Keighvin's gaze darkened. "I have tried repeatedly to contact you to make arrangements, both magical and non-magical."

Albus visibly paled. "You... you can't… Harry told you about magic?" He looked at Amelia who seemed calm. "But you…"

Keighvin cut him off. "I assure you I knew about magic long before I met Harry."

"Then Harry… He knows about magic?" Albus asked stunned.

"Of course he knows!" laughed Chinthliss, "Did you not think it strange he was not surprised by anything he saw at your school? He told us everything about his stay in your castle."

"But… He… he said he did not have a wand," Albus said confused.

Chinthliss shrugged. "He doesn't, and that was his choice."

"But… He needs to learn…" Albus began.

Keighvin interrupted him again. "It is different in the States Mr. Dumbledore, the choice in magical education is left up to the child and their family. What Harry and his family chose was what they felt was right for them."

"But his heritage..." Albus tried.

"Was taken from him by a crazy old man," Keighvin said with no small amount of anger. "He told us exactly what you did! We have read the will! And I have many unanswered questions about things after speaking extensively with Sirius."

Albus looked stricken, as Keighvin continued. "Like the lack of trial? The reason their will was not executed? Why he was never checked on? Why the Dursleys? Or my personal favorite, why they did not seem to be able to explain why he was left with them other than his parents had been killed?"

Amelia smiled, those were some of her questions as well. Ones that he had dodged on may occasion by various means, she definitely wanted to be here for this.

"I- I…"

"Come on Mr. Dumbledore, you told Harry you are the reason for his being left there, please explain some of those questions," said Chinthliss.

Dumbledore composed himself for a moment, before speaking. "Those are things that I would be willing to speak of with Harry and his… guardians, if they so wish, but some of those are Ministry business, and you have no standing there." Both men shook their heads at the evasion, but let it pass… for now.

Amelia smiled. "But I do Dumbledore. I would like have those answers as well. Along with continuing the discussion from last night, especially after I have the chance to speak with Ms. Granger."

She sipped her tea. "I spoke with Augusta, and some of the other Hogwarts Board. They are interested in hearing what happened during young Ms. Granger's first year, especially after I relayed what I learned from my interview with Poppy. I expect that you will be receiving a summons from the Board of governors shortly."

Albus centered himself, "I'm sure that I can allay their concerns." He waved his hand dismissively. "I am more concerned with Harry's lack of magical education, at this moment."

Chinthliss looked at Keighvin, "Wow… Did he…just ignore the question?"

Keighvin turned slowly to look at Amelia, who shrugged. "Yeah, he did…" Keighvin said slowly as he turned back to Dumbledore. "We have asked you a list of other things that need to be addressed, all of which you plainly have no intention of answering no matter what, and you want to talk about the one thing that has been made abundantly clear is none of your business? What about Hermione? Or Luna? Have you no concerns about them? Or their education?"

He looked confused for a moment. "Of course I am concerned about them, I will be speaking with both the Grangers, and Xeno, shortly, discussing their concerns, and preparing for their children's return to Hogwarts."

Chinthliss leaned forward. "Let me save you a trip. Mr. Lovegood has turned over all responsibility for Luna to the Grangers," He raised his voice to keep Albus from speaking, "AND THAT has been recognized by our government, and if she agrees they plan on adopting her, and just so you do not get any ideas they too are dual citizens in Canada."

Albus was stunned.

"Mr. Lovegood shows no interest in continuing his relationship with his daughter other than as a paid correspondent for his paper the Quibbler. As for the Grangers, they have accepted inclusion in the pilot program for the new Stanfield, it will follow and be included in the North American model started between the US and Canada."

He continued. "This formula has the students participate in same non-magical schooling as all children of their age, and continue their magical education in a form that is decided on by the child and their family. At the moment that means home schooling to make sure they are at a level that matches their age group."

He held up his hand to keep Albus from speaking, "As for their magical education, our staff will evaluate their needs and see that they are able to continue their education. That is the end of the discussion about my students. That includes Harry!"

"We'll table the rest of that discussion till Harry and his parents are present since you are being obstinate but be warned," Keighvin leaned close, "you will answer those questions and others as well! You need to think, seriously think, about what you are going to tell them, because they will not accept anything less than the full truth!"

He turned to Madam Bones. "Shar wished for me to ask about Mr. Bagman?"

She shook her head. "He has not returned from his tour. He is expected back before the ball."

Keighvin looked at her quizzically. Albus pounced on it. "The Yule Ball, it is being held in conjunction with the tournament, December 24th. Harry must be there."

Chinthliss laughed. "That won't happen," he said. "Harry has other plans for Christmas Eve and Day."

"But it…" Albus started.

"Why would you arrange such a thing anyway?" asked Keighvin. "Wouldn't your students rather spend that holiday with their families? Why was it not arranged for a time before or after the Holiday season?"

"A Yule ball is traditionally held on that date as part of the tournament," Albus said.

"It is not mentioned in the contract as a task therefore it is not compulsory," said Chinthliss. "So I am afraid he will not be attending. His plans can not be altered, although if you wish to reschedule the ball I could talk to him about an alternate date."

All Dumbledore could do was nod. "Is there a way I could contact you with a new date if one can be agreed upon?"

"Mr. Lupin has the telephone number for Fairgrove, and we plan to leave it with Ms. Bones as well," Keighvin supplied.

"Is there anything else you wish to speak with us about Mr. Dumbledore?" he asked.

Dumbledore was silent, so Keighvin spoke again. "Then let's talk about arranging for payment for my vehicle. I am willing to give you till the first of January to make full payment, or arrange with the Fairgrove accounting office a schedule of payments. After that date I will begin the process of collection."

They were interrupted by the arrival of an amazing breakfast being presented to them personally by the chef. Even with the outstanding food that had been placed before them, all Albus did for the remainder of the meal was pick at it as he had lost his appetite.