Harry has a different reaction to his near death experience at age nearly seven and become a right little Machiavellian Prince and, as his relatives tell everyone he's a hooligan, he starts bringing their falsehoods to life.
I don't own or derive any material benefit out of Harry Potter or Stargate. This story is not a crossover, though it will feature a certain general from Texas.
Cartwright had been checking his 1981 Daily Prophets for the first week in November. The edition on the 7th said the Longbottoms had been attacked on the 6th November 1981. The following day it had printed a correction that if you blinked, you'd miss it that it had been 4th November 1981 on which the attack had taken place.
Cartwright knew that Snape couldn't be charged with more than trespass, without his wand and there wasn't enough evidence to force Snape to divulge the whereabouts of his wand. It was like the Potter Wills. Dumbledore had been named as Executor, but not as a witness. Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew were the two witnesses on both James and Lily's Wills. There was nothing that directly pointed to Dumbledore even being there, when the Wills had been deposited with Wizarding Family Services – as the Genealogy sub-department had been called back then. The name had been changed for 'sounding too American'. It had been placed under Senior Undersecretary Umbridge, Fudge's right hand woman. Cartwright remembered seeing a few stories about excessive demands placed on families to prove their blood status. He'd dismissed them, at the time, as nothing more than gossip. He'd heard other things about Umbridge that made his skin crawl.
Neville Longbottom was making another trip to Abbott Manor. His Gran insisted he had to go to maintain links with the Light alliance. At age 7, Neville thought his gran was wasting his time. He didn't do magic. He was sure he was a squib. His family was becoming increasingly desperate in its attempts to force accidental magic out of Neville. Still, Hannah was okay company, all things considered. Neville would rather be in his greenhouses tending his plants, but his wishes didn't get respected.
Hannah watched a chubby boy dressed as a Noble of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom should be dressed walked towards her. She was dressed as appropriately for a Lady of a Noble and Most Ancient House. They wee both in fine 18th century attire. Neither wanted to be wearing it, of that Hannah was certain. Neither were dressed for broom riding. They completed the set of greeting and counter greeting as per the Code. They were watched over by Augusta Longbottom and Hannah's mother, Isabel. Both kids knew they'd be punished, if they got this wrong. Hannah would also rather be with Susan, Hermione and Harry. She squinched her nose. Her mother had been trying, without success, to get her to stop doing that, when she concentrated. Hannah had her mission.
The pair played for a couple of hours. Hannah wasn't agble to get Neville to do any accidental magic. They read together. Neville told her about plants. Hannah listened politely. Hannah didn't know and probably wouldn't have cared had she known the Neville's knowledge rivalled any wizard or witch who grew various plants as their livelihood. Hannah was only 7 herself and didn't know enough to appreciate Neville's knowledge. Neville never spoke with such adults himself, so wasn't aware that he was a herbology prodigy. His magic was at his fingertips, literally.
Hannah put off the broom flying for as long as she could for two reasons. The first was that she didn't believe Neville could fly and the second reason was that she wasn't that confident a flyer herself. She struggled to keep up with Suzie. Finally, not able to take being told about some rare Peruvian animal eating plant, she suggested flying on a couple of training brooms. Neville shook his head. Hannah scrunched up her nose. Hannah got two brooms and put one down in front of her and one in front of Neville.
"Harry said 'put Neville Longbottom on a groom and you'll see he is no squib'," Hannah said.
A smile appeared on Neville's face. Then he remembered that Harry could only be Harry Potter, but he was dead. Still, if Harry had said that, he'd do his best. He smiled at Hannah. She smiled back. That was the first smile she had ever seen on Neville's face.
"Up," two youngsters said, confidently. A broom rose into the hand of each. On both got and set off. Neither flew at great speed, but neither fell off. After ten minutes of slow flying, Neville sped off. Hannah set off in pursuit. Soon they were weaving at top speed through the Manor, shrieking as they did. House-elves dived for cover. Neville remembered how that had been one of Harry's tricks. He was having fun. Bryan Abbott saw the pair flying at speeds he didn't know that training brooms could go and smiled indulgently. He did a double take when he saw Neville Longbottom flying at speed. That was nothing compare to their flying half an hour later through the room in which Augusta and Isabel were discussing fashion. Both did double takes on seeing their charges flying at speed.
"Hannah Abbott get off that broom this instant." Isabel hurried out of the room. Augusta followed her at a more sedate pace. Hannah slowed her broom and got off. She was next to wherethe brooms were kept. Neville didn't notice that Hannah was no longer flying until he was a little away from her. Seeing that his fun had come to an end, he slowed his broom, got off and nonchalantly flicked his wrist at the broom and it moved to join its colleague. Augusta witnessed Neville doing magic.
"Magic, Neville," Augusta shouted. She proceeded to take her grandson in her arms. Great, thought Neville, I prove I can do magic and then get crushed to death.
"Breathe, Gran," he struggled to get out. Augusta released him. Hannah nodded. Harry had been right about that. She would make sure she would share Harry's suggestion about his parents with him.
A few minutes later and Hannah and Neville were back in the playroom. Hannah scrunched up her nose, twirled her pigtails and took the plunge.
"Neville, I'm so sorry about your parents."
"Yeah, thanks," Neville said, not wanting to talk about it. "All they can remember is being attacked."
"What if they could remember being attacked?" Hannah asked.
"I'll ask gran, later," Neville promised. Hannah doubted he would, so she tried to add reinforcements.
"It was Harry's suggestion."
"Harry?"
"Yes, Neville, Harry. He's alive, but it's best, if everyone thinks he's dead."
"Gran's been quite enjoying the pickle, that's the word she uses, that Dumbledore is in. How'd you find out about Harry?"
"My friend Susan Bones goes to school with him. I got introduced to him last week. We spent time with Lord Black and Sirius. Lord Black asked us our opinions on forthcoming Wizengamot business. We've our own study going on into the Statute of Secrecy. Suzie borrowed a copy from her Aunt. She hasn't told her Aunt about that, yet. So, please keep that secret."
"My Gran is always going on at me about learning the Wizengamot. The Statute's the key to keeping us safe from Muggles, she always safe. She thinks there's something wrong with the Scots, who never adopted it. They're not part of the ICW for that reason. Can I be part of this study group?"
"I don't see why not," Hannah said. She hadn't caught the glare Harry had given Susan about her own inclusion. "Perhaps you can find out why the Scottish Ministry never adopted the statute?"
"I can ask gran to get started." Neville really wanted to see Harry again. Study wasn't his favourite word, but if that's what it took, he'd do it. Hannah thought Neville looked a lot more confident than he had, when he'd arrived. It was a very different Neville Longbottom who left compared to the one that had arrived for a play date.
At that moment, the study group was winding up for the Saturday. Susan had brought along Ernie MacMillan. His father was an acknowledged expert on the Statute, according to Susan. Harry had got used to extra people being added. People with expertise were always useful. Amelia Bones tagged along as an invisible watcher. Lord Black popped in to guide the study group.
Hermione concluded their initial findings, "The Statute is divided into four parts. What constitutes a breach. What is a deliberate breach. What is an accidental breach. The punishments for a breach. The Statute does not define how wizards and witches are to act towards those who have magic or are born to magic using families but lack magic. The Statute cannot be amended. No local laws are valid. That has implications for both us and MACUSA. The Statute does not compel local administrations to publish data on the breaches. The Statute is a Treaty, which means any amendment to it would also be also a Treaty, if it could be amended. The Statute does not consider attempts by non-magicals to find us." She sat down. Lord Black's dicta-quills making copies for them all.
Harry stood up. "Thanks to all of you who came today," Harry said. "Especially, Lord Black, who has a very busy schedule. He said Scotland doesn't have it. We should investigate that. Perhaps, Susan you can find us someone who can bring us that information. Then I think that should conclude our Study Group. Too many and we'll lose focus. We'll be large enough then." There were nods all round the table.
On the train going back to Little Whinging Harry asked Susan, "Have you told your Aunt about what you're doing or who with?" Amelia wondered how her niece would answer that. Susan shook her head. "You had better do it, before she learns of it from somebody else."
"I don't want to tell her about you or Lord Black."
"I trust her discretion. Don't you?"
"Yes."
"This Study Group is all your idea. It's your brain-child. You have good ideas in class. I should know. I put them forward in class."
"Yes, a teacher said you were horrified by an idea I expressed."
"Yes, I said I was horrified because I'd never thought about something like that and that I should have. We had a good class debate on that. It was all down to you putting forward your idea."
"I've kind of said I meet some friends."
"And that'll work with people like Fudge, but not your Aunt."
Later that evening, Susan confessed. Amelia considered.
"Thank you for telling me. Perhaps I can attend to assess the Study Group that it does not break any rules. Lord Black you say?"
"Lord Arcturus Black."
"Not Sirius Black?"
Susan laughed. "Harry suggested that. Both Hermione and Lord Black rolled their eyes in exactly the same way. We laughed. Explained why we'd laughed and then we all had another laugh." Amelia had found watching the incident very funny. "I've been asked to find another member who can investigate why Scotland never signed up to the Statute. I'm going to get Hannah to invite Neville Longbottom."
"That's very thoughtful, sweetie," Amelia said. Susan looked relieved. Susan sent an owl to Hannah asking her to invite Neville Longbottom to the Study Group. A few owls later and Neville Longbottom was in the group. Susan told Harry or rather James Evans at school that Neville was in. Harry was pleased. Susan said that her Aunt would be coming along to audit the morning meeting. Harry was worried about that. Neville had written to the Scottish Minister asking for reasons, explaining the research the children were doing.
Harry decided he'd get the addresses of everyone for his new address book that he'd bought with his pocket money. He was encouraging cats and dogs in the area to do their business on the property of Dudley's gang members. It was quite the topic of gossip. Harry was also pleased with the changes at the Dursley residence. He got the opportunity to read more of his parents' notes and text books. They also had the first two years of auror training textbooks and their notes. Harry didn't understand why they hadn't completed their auror training. Sure, he'd arrived, but that wasn't important, when they needed all wands available in the fight against Voldemort, especially when the four had fought him and survived. Their notes said they and the Longbottoms had each faced him on three separate occasions. Harry found a note that really set him back. Voldemort had invited his parents to join him. Harry could not believe it. The fights against Voldemort were described in detail. Six different battles, six different sets of spells and analysis of each battle. Some of the words had Harry reaching for his dictionary. Harry found his mother's notes on warding very interesting, especially how she linked that with protecting him, Harry.
Harry found two years of rows that his mother had documented over James' trust in Dumbledore and not being in Potter Manor with House-elves and complete safety. Lily had made the disturbing discovery that the Oath they had given to Dumbledore to join the Order of the Phoenix were binding, magically. As binding as the Dark Mark for Death Eaters. Lily had lamented, on the eve of their deaths that they hadn't understood the Fidelius spell at all. Lily said that's why she'd left three spells for Harry to say that provided the house in Godric's Hollow with the same protection as Potter Manor. The Oath prevented her from saying the spells herself. Harry resolved to study Magical Oaths. Sirius had told him that both he and Remus had resigned from the Order. Had that been enough?
At the following meeting, Hermione told Harry and Susan about an entrance exam both could take to get into her school. They smiled at each other. Harry introduced himself as James Evans. Amelia Bones checked the meeting for any violations. Lord Black was also in attendance. He was furious. He'd suggested proper agenda items and they'd not been included.
Neville explained why the Scots hadn't joined the ICW. They hadn't liked how it separated them from their Muggle friends. The Scottish Minister had sent Neville their Code on Muggle-Wizard relations. The children had studied that. Then Lord Black asked them for their thoughts on taking Dumbledore down a trip. Amelia didn't think was quite appropriate, but Harry said,
"You're voting on a new representative to the ICW. Put forward the most popular sports personality up against Dumbledore."
The other children agreed, with the idea.
"Your father, heiress Abbott, had his agenda items similarly treated. He might have mentioned it."
"He did, Lord Black, several times. He swore when he thought I couldn't hear him," Hannah sounded amused. "He explained that Lord Shafiq had his agenda suggestion to follow the ICW rulings on Cauldron thickness, rejected for debate."
Lord Black smiled. He had just the candidate in mind. Man was a useless department head. He would be much better suited to represent Magical Britain on the ICW - Ludovic Bagman. Dumbledore would not be able to be Supreme Mugwump anymore. He'd also lose his 100000 galleon annual salary. That made Arcturus Black happy. As the meeting concluded, Harry made a note in his address book of the other attendees.
Harry mentioned his chance to take an entrance exam to another school, starting in the new year. The Dursleys liked that idea. Even better was the news that Petunia had received in a letter from George Hammond USAF Colonel.
Dear Cousin Petunia,
Last time I wrote to you was to inform you about the death of my mother, your Aunt June. It was pleasing to receive a letter from you. My son Fred and his wife have been trying to have a baby for a number of years now. Hearing that your nephew James is in need of adoption is music to their ears. It is a godsend.
If you could send the details across, we could have all the documentation completed in time for Christmas this year. We're all looking forward to meeting James and welcoming him into our family.
Many thanks,
George
The letter included a list of details required. They would have to include a letter ceding all their rights and custody of the child, signed by both of them. Vernon and Petunia Dursley would get the details together. They'd never had a birth certificate, so they put the date of birth as August 1st 1980. They only included the mother's name. They were not going to mention Harry's father, James Potter. They were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were not going to mention magic, so much as once. Not even naming him as Harry James Potter. He'd told them to call him James Evans and this would work in their favour and not his. By end of the following week, they were able to send all the details they were going to send, off to the US.
The meeting of the Wizengamot of Thursday, October 1st 1987 was unusual. In the first place, it was title holders only. Lord Black had had to prove he'd sent in the request through the proper channels. The usual 2PM start had to be delayed whilst all of the seats who were normally voted by Albus Dumbledore were summoned. This left Dumbledore with his own Order of Merlin seat, that of Peter Pettigrew and that of House Gaunt. Lord Black challenged Dumbledore on that claiming House Gaunt by right of Conquest by House Potter. After a particularly raucous debate, Lord Black secured the seat. It was after 3PM, before Dumbledore brought the hammer down to initiate the session.
The first order of business was the election of Magical Britain's representative to the ICW. Dumbledore was proposed and seconded by members of the Order of Phoenix. Dumbledore rose.
"There being no other nominations, I declare," he said.
"Point of Order," Arcturus Black said. "It is always open to the floor to put forward other candidates. It may be 41 years since a name other than Albus Dumbledore was proposed, I propose Ludovic Bagman." Arcturus Black sat down.
"I second that," Bryan Abbott said. The Clerk to the Wizengamot verified that Ludovic Bagman wished to stand. Ludovic Bagman most assuredly did.
The Dark Alliance won the vote 27-23. Ludovic Bagman was the new representative to the ICW. His job was now vacant. Sirius needed a job, Arcturus reflected.
The first item proper was the Chief Warlock (Dumbledore) annual statement on Harry James Potter. Dumbledore was ripped to shreds by all sides of the Wizengamot. Senior Undersecretary Umbridge spoke for many, when she called for an enquiry into his death at the hands of Muggles by the relevant department. A few votes later and it became a 'to do' item on Amelia Bones' 'to do' list. Dumbledore's admission that he couldn't say where the fan mail addressed to Harry Potter had gone was met with disbelief and a fair amount of anger. Owl post could be retrieved. It relied on having Harry Potter or his blood. Dumbledore squirmed as he admitted that he had taken some of Harry's blood to set up the wards around the muggle house he was staying in and still had some left. He had quite a lot left. He needed to tie Harry in to the Hogwarts ward scheme to drain magic from him. That he didn't say out loud. Blood wards were illegal in Magical Britain and was a new item for which Dumbledore would be fined. Senior Undersecretary Umbridge was adding work for herself.
Many members of the Wizengamot could not resist laughing, when Dumbledore explained his choice of location as being so that Harry's fame wouldn't go to his head.
"That wasn't your choice to make," Augusta Longbottom sent as a red hot rejoinder. "You told us he was safe. He was not. At no time have we had evidence that he ever was safe. Your word Chief Warlock is certainly not enough. I move a motion of no confidence in the Chief Warlock."
Lord Selwyn rose to second. Pandemonium broke out. Lord Black calculated whether the motion would pass. Could they achieve 40 votes to dismiss? Without the seat holder rule only, they could not have done. Dumbledore would have had the votes to block. As one after another of the Dark Alliance rose to dismiss, Lord Black felt conflicted. He didn't much care for Albus Dumbledore, but the man's achievements spoke for themselves. It was a devastating way for four decades of public service to end. In the event Dumbledore had his own 2 votes, the Weasley vote, the Hogwarts vote, Daedulus Diggle and Emmeline Vance's vote. 6 votes out of 50 in his favour. There went another 100000 galleons annual income for Dumbledore. Regent Augusta Longbottom was made Chief Warlock. A humiliation for Dumbledore. That was the headline Lord Black was sure would be in the Daily Prophet on the morrow. Dumbledore looked dumbstruck. It was the end of the era.
Augusta Longbottom went through the agenda. Shafiq got his cauldron rules and no-one got any of the privileges they were after. Senior Undersecretary Umbridge started speaking in her false schoolgirl voice, "It has come to my attention that there's a Study Group in operation."
Shit thought Amelia. The damn MacMillan's couldn't keep a secret to save their lives. There was another secret that had to be protected. "Quite so. Senior Undersecreatry."
"Who is on it?"
"The Study Group is a number of children about 7 years old. Heiress Bones, Heir Macmillan, Heiress Abbott and Heir Longbottom. There's also a Muggleborn and muggle raised."
"The muggleborn and muggle raised are unimportant." A hastily written note from Lord Abraxas Malfoy was passed to Lord Rowle.
"The Study Group will have Wigengamot support and approval, if Draco Malfoy is allowed to join it."
That was quickly put to the vote and passed.
Umbridge continued in her sickly sweet schoolgirl voice. "It needs to have Wizengamot supervision."
Amelia Bones said, "It had Wizengamot and Ministry supervision. I audited its last meeting. Lord Arcturus Black provides Wizengamot scrutiny."
"What is its purpose?" Umbridge wasn't done.
"It is there to provide the muggleborn and muggleborn with information about Wizarding Etiquette. It changed into a discussion about the Statue of Secrecy, when the pair revealed that they had seen wizards and witches talking about Muggles and magic and had both performed accidental magic. The Muggleborn is adamant that wizards and witches must blend in better and that Muggleborn must learn about Wizarding culture."
That got gasps of astonishment.
"Then they started looking at the Statute of Secrecy. Last week, they discussed information the Scottish Ministry had sent them. They make notes. The four heirs are interested in the workings of the Wizengamot. They all get to say their piece."
"What did they say about the Agenda items?" Umbridge asked.
Lord Black spoke, "Their opinion was that cauldrons should follow the ICW rules and that no motion favouring a particular member of the Wizengamot member in financial benefit should be passed. That was unanimous. They agreed with the Wizengamot, today. Other days, they won't. They are very young. They won't all always agree with each other, either."
The Wizengamot was impressed by Lord Black's response and several stood to praise him. He acknowledged them. He rose again. "Lord Dumbledore," he began, unless you wish to face a line theft charge and detention today, you will now release members of the Order of the Phoenix from their Oaths and dissolve said Order and immediately return all items from Houser Potter and Black that might have found their way into your care."
Dumbledore rose and said the words to do both and promised restitution. Last thing he wanted to be was placed under arrest for line theft. The only way he'd leave the Ministry custodial bloc was by Fawkes and he had no intention of conceding Hogwarts. It was only after he caught the triumphant look on Amelia Bones' face that he realised that he'd released Snape from all Oaths to him, except the ones he'd made before joining the Order.
Lord Black rose again. "Last meeting, I asked for a schedule of taxation to be drawn up. I repeat the call today. Whilst we are fortunate that House Malfoy is so generous with its money and are grateful that the ICW chooses to make its home here, we could lose both tomorrow and be left without any revenue. It is, I submit, a matter of some urgency.
Last meeting, I asked the requirements to qualify for the Order of Merlin to be awarded be read into the record. This meeting, I request a vote on revoking two awards; those of Peter Pettigrew and Albus Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
Gasps of shock rang around the public gallery. The Dark Alliance steamrollered both votes and also awarded Harry James Potter an Order of Merlin, First Class that would be voted by Lord Black. Dumbledore was out of the Wizengamot.
Lord Black hadn't finished. "Lord Crouch, for sending my grandson to Azkaban on the word of Albus Dumbledore that he believed Sirius Orion Black was the Secret Keeper, I charge you with Line Theft and demand the tile, lands and assets of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Crouch in recompense."
Barty Crouch senior could not believe this was happening. Amelia had aurors escort Barty from the Wizengamot. She took the opportunity, when in the prisoner bloc to inform Snape of his release from his oaths to Dumbledore made as a member of the Order of the Phoenix. He immediately confessed to setting up the four Death Eaters for the attack on the Longbottoms on Dumbledore's orders. That was the breakthrough that Amelia Bones had been hoping for.
Lord Black reflected that today had been a good day. Friday got even better for him, when he was able to take the title Grand Sorcerer off Dumbledore and promote to Order of Merlin, First Class, a Muggleborn Wizard, Melvin Oates, who had lead the defence of a Wizarding village near Axminster against Grindelwald's Knight of Walpurgis.
Lord Abraxas Malfoy's attempt to remove Dumbledore as Headmaster of Hogwarts failed. The 7 votes secured for firing Dumbledore were not the 9 needed. The 5 who voted for Dumbledore had voted in the Wizengamot to remove him as Chief Warlock. Perhaps they felt he deserved some sympathy or was Hogwarts greatest ever Headmaster. Lord Black was furious with Malfoy for failing to remove Dumbledore.
The Study Group Saturday meeting had the adults Lord Black and Amelia Bones supervising. Draco Malfoy attended. His first action was to complain about Harry's treatment of him. 'James' turned to Heir Macmillan for expert guidance. It was then explained to Draco that he was prevented from reacting to boys and girls taunting and laughing at his clothes. Hermione characterised Draco as accidentally breaking the Statute of Secrecy. Lord Black said he'd be taking his grandson shopping. He'd also spend a similar amount on James, who had acted with restraint.
Amelia was amused at the reaction to the Wizengamot's announcement of support for the Study Group. She didn't mean for them to find it funny. Hermione summed it up best.
"Wizengamot submits a new revised Treaty based on what we've done and we'll be laughed out of the chamber. No-one will take us seriously. As we saw last week, the Scots have a far lower per head incidence of breaches than we do. The ICW doesn't take them seriously, either."
Neville spoke, "The Statute treaty was what got the ICW established. If you renegotiate a Treaty, you'd risk that status."
Hannah agreed, "That's a good point, Neville."
"Yes, it is," Susan confirmed.
Lord Black spoke, "The governors of Hogwarts lead by Lord Abraxus Malfoy failed to remove Dumbledore from Hogwarts. I don't know if that was sympathy for Dumbledore or belief that he's the greatest Headmaster ever."
Harry said, "This Malfoy is a rival of yours Lord Black?"
"Yes, James, he is," Lord Black conceded.
"You achieved a great deal in one afternoon. That had to make him feel threatened as a leader. That he failed cements your position as leader of the Dark Alliance, as the Daily prophet describes you. Heir Longbottom, your gran is on the Board of governors. Did they give any reason for supporting Dumbledore?"
"Yes, James, they did," Neville replied. "They said Dumbledore had suffered enough. That was nothing compared to what gran did to the furniture. All repaired now. Apart from one piece gran had been meaning to get rid of for years."
"That leaves the 'greatest headmaster ever' angle. Lord Black, how does the number of subjects taught compare now with that available when you went there? Are the teachers better or worse?" Harry asked.
"Good questions, James," Lord Black declared.
They talked through the Scottish Code noting where they thought it was better that the Statute and where they thought it was worse. They put their combined thoughts down on paper. They agreed to send their musings, as Hannah called them, to the Scottish Minister. Neville would write the letter.
That afternoon Lord Black, Draco and Harry went shopping. Hannah and Susan had to tag along too. Lord Black bought himself and the boys clothes. Harry had slightly less good clothes than Draco, but still good quality. Draco wore his back to Little Whinging . He wasn't laughed at this time.
Amelia Bones returned to her office to find Albus Dumbledore waiting for her. Albus told her that Snape was the son of Eileen Prince and was in fact Lord Prince of the Noble House of Prince and that she had to let him go. Amelia laughed. Dumbledore turned on his heels and left. Amelia had not expected it to be that easy.
Later that afternoon, Lord Black informed Amelia Bones that Dumbledore had not paid the fines owed to House Potter and none of the items he'd taken had been returned. No-one had turned in a rat either. Peter Pettigrew was being elusive.
Neville sent the letter to the Scottish Minister. Draco explained to his parents that Lord Black had bought him clothes because he'd stood out and been laughed at by Muggles. Lucius asked him to describe them. Draco couldn't. Lucius was upset he couldn't torture some Muggles. Draco explained the children had talked about the Scottish ode and sent their musings to the Scottish Minister. Lucius laughed. The idea that children could come up with something that would interest the Scottish Minister. Narcissa listened as Draco explained what they had said. Narcissa was actually impressed at the stuff the seven year-olds had come up with. More, she was amazed that Draco was being serious and wasn't complaining. Lord Black had spent money on his grandson. That was an open declaration that Draco would be his heir. She discounted Sirius' suitability following his stay in Azkaban.
Sirius Black was appointed Head of International Co-operation the following day. Nepotism was a wonderful thing, thought Amelia Bones. The wizarding world couldn't function any other way, she thought, bitterly. Severus Tobias Snape was sentenced to 3 years in Azkaban. He pleaded guilty to the charges. Lacking Snape's wand, it was the best Amelia Bones was going to get. Dumbledore had escaped her. This time.
Sirius Black started his new job and those that knew him found him 'subdued'. Lord Black hoped Sirius would comeback fully. He looked at becoming a Governor at Hogwarts. The Dark had 6 Governors: Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Selwyn, Rowle and Zabini. Black knew Crabbe and Goyle were firmly bound to Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle were rich but idiots. Too much inbreeding. The Black Book noted too many Uncle-niece marriages and first cousins for Houses Goyle and Crabbe. The Selwyns were long-time rivals of House Black. Rowle was far too closely linked to the Dark Lord and considering the Dark Alliance that was saying something. Zabini was married to the equivalent of the Black Widow spider. Mrs Zabini had been through four husbands already. The current husband had given her an heir, Blaise, some years previously. He was expendable. She was a very wealthy woman now. Lord Zabini could be persuaded to step down from his position. Lord Black would send an owl.
Harry and Susan sat their entrance exam at Hermione's school the following Saturday. Susan owled everyone except Draco Malfoy that there would be no meeting. Lord Black informed Draco. Both felt that they had done enough to get in.