The Leader

Chapter 66

One week later

Harry glanced up when he felt rather than heard Severus approach him, pleased to see him, it felt as of late that they had zero time for each other. Which might feel true, but at the end of the day, they always made sure they slept next to each other and inform one another of what they liked about their day. Harry had less to say about his work than Severus, not out of spite or malice he just didn't consider it worth mentioning. "Hey, how's your day been looking so far?" setting aside his missive from Writ the goblin, the very last cottage in Hogsmeade was officially his. Now all he had to do was finally get his hands on Fortescue's ice cream place, the tea shop and Honeydukes. Then the entire place would belong to him utterly, he'd allowed the families to continue running the shops if they wished. Only a few had elected to leave, thus the shops were empty. Knockturn Alley was already his, Diagon Alley though…was a might trickier, far more properties to buy and families to convince to leave the place the families ran for generations. It was family pride stopping them, the money he offered was far more than they'd ever see anyone offering for the places.

"Good, I actually got the chance to brew for the sake of brewing this morning," Severus replied wholly amused. "Dumbledore has written to me again. He wishes to meet with me, and will do so anywhere, even in 'public' if he felt that I couldn't 'trust him' after everything he did to protect me."

Harry snorted derisively, "I do wonder what he's up to." pondering on possible motives, "He's bound to be losing it, everything he's done lately has gone wrong. I wish I had messed with him sooner, but I'd rather not tempt fate."

"That is for the best," Severus answered, far more relaxed than he'd been all week. "The only reason he hasn't managed to get one over you it's because he cannot see all of you." as in what Harry was, whom he led, and he likely saw Harry as a version of James Potter even whilst being a vampire. He needed Harry, or believed he did wholeheartedly. Who would have guessed Dumbledore believed in divination so much? He tried to get it removed from the Hogwarts curriculum.

"No need to sound so smug," Harry teased, smirking wryly at his mate, "Did you invite Lady Malfoy and Draco?" he couldn't demand their presence, even if Severus did save Draco's life. They weren't under his protection; he'd kicked them out after all. Hopefully, though, it had taught Draco a very valuable lesson. Do not piss off people more powerful than you.

"They'll be here at two o'clock," Severus explained, giving his mate a shrewd look, "What exactly are they needed for?" wondering whether he would actually gain an answer.

"Just a few questions…and I can give Malfoy an arm, theoretically, at least," Harry conceded, scribbling away, his other hand waving in the direction of the notebooks on his desk.

"May I?" Severus asked, knowing better than to just assume he had the right to take and read. He'd learned not to do that at any rate, although he reckoned Harry wouldn't do anything to harm him now. Back then? Yes, it was a surprise he had survived to tell the tale. Excitement thrumming through him, oh, he knew this wasn't for Draco's sake, regardless of all his worries for his godson. He had commented more than once it was a shame, since he'd wished to take Draco on as an apprentice when all was said and done.

Harry made an affirmative noise, gesturing again, for him to go ahead, "Only the first few pages," knowing if he gave blanket permission Severus would read it all.

Severus just made a tiny invisible to the human eye moue, but he would be just as protective of his own inventions, in fact, he was. He was just now beginning to really appreciate it, hopefully though, as time went by, he'd have significant more free time to brew as he pleased.

"How did you invent something in such a short space of time? I've been looking into it myself," Severus asked in wonder, "I knew such a thing is possible, Pettigrew was gifted with a new hand after the Dark Lord's resurrection. However, I am beginning to believe that the Dark Lord created it himself." which wouldn't help him find something for his godson.

"I wouldn't use anything Voldemort created; it would always come with some sort of strings attached." Harry replied, only half listening, "I mean can you imagine if you defied him?"

Severus shivered, imagining the arm choking his godson for his disobedience or poisoning him like the Dark Mark, "I'd rather not." and that was the truth.

Harry gave an acknowledging hum, a little amused by the thought.

Severus read through the idea, it should be impossible, but given the magic Harry had at his disposal? Compared to the Dark Lord's magic…Harry was significantly more powerful. So, in theory, if the Dark Lord could do it, so could Harry easily. He was very pleased to hear it though. Draco having the use of both his arms, it would be amazing. He could take him on as an apprentice, with nothing getting in the way, no other duties. "Why haven't you helped Tonks or Grahame yet?" was he actually using his godson as a guinea pig?

"I literally just wrote that half an hour ago," Harry's voice was filled with amusement, giving Severus a smirk, reckoning he knew exactly what Severus had been thinking moments ago. Then just like that any amusement and emotion on his face, closed off entirely, as the door opened.

"Post," Rick said, passing it over, inclining his head to Severus, before calling out to someone – Wyatt – and as quickly as he appeared he was gone.

Severus refrained from telling Harry that his people wouldn't think less of him if he showed he was happy. He knew it wasn't entirely to do with the people here, but the belief that he wasn't worthy or worse. Unfortunately, it wouldn't change anything and it would likely sour Harry's mood. He was in an uncommonly good mood as of late, in fact, they all were.

Harry stood open letter in hand, he moved over to Severus, possessively grasping the back of his neck he kissed him passionately. Ending up being pulled into Severus' lap as he eagerly reciprocated. He'd never had a relationship survive the light of day, he wasn't worth bragging about and honestly? He'd never invite anyone to the scrutiny he faced with both Dumbledore and Voldemort. "Despite the pain you went through…I'm glad you went through with the ritual." He murmured quietly, feeling a pang of guilt for that relief.

Harry laughed, not as carefree as before, "I'd like to think so, if anyone had been attracted to me as a twelve-year-old…I would have killed them." snorting in amusement, as callous as the words may sound…he meant every word. It was the protective instincts he had, so yes, he too was grateful for the ritual. "I'm more relieved because I only reversed Kai's process, I might not have thought of the possibility…in time." having no doubt he would have figured something out.

Severus grimaced, "Yes, I dread to think how many others have ended up meeting their end in such agony," the pain he'd been in that not even the strongest pain relief could truly get rid of it. Then he wondered how many had gotten away from the Dark Lord by cutting their arms off and pretended to be dead. "And the mood is most definitely ruined." He grumbled to himself, but the subject that had been broached would have done it to most people.

"I do have more to do before the Malfoy's come anyway," Harry conceded, "I'm not happy about letting them back in here." He absently grumbled, as he reluctantly and smoothly slid from Severus' lap, giving him another kiss. He really was missing him, Severus no longer felt the need to shadow him, to be constantly nearby. He was as Harry had told him to, spreading his wings, he no longer had to answer to anyone.

"I can suggest they meet on their territory?" Severus suggested, standing up, intending on nipping to their rooms to pick up his own book since he had some time to himself until they came. "I can feel the glare." He commented.

Harry laughed quietly, surprising even himself.

Severus' lips twitched, pleased with himself, and so, so grateful that Harry was finally relaxing with him. He didn't have a good example of what a relationship could be…but he knew he didn't want it to be like his parents. He didn't want them to be miserable, and while Harry wasn't miserable really…he sometimes didn't seem far off it. It wasn't fair, he knew, since Harry had aspirations, he wished to accomplish, but he could do that without remaining entirely distant. "How is Rachel? I wanted to go see her yesterday but Lupin and Black were visiting." More likely visiting Tonks in the designated hospital, but he didn't want to put up with them. Not when Rachel had plenty of visitors.

"Darius brought her out of the induced coma, she's awake and aware, but her skin feels too tight," Harry revealed, opening the door, like she'd start splitting at the seams if she moves. "It's a miracle she pulled through."

"What about the full moon…will she have recovered enough to enable the change without further damages?" Severus questioned, as they both made their way out, walking leisurely, it was nothing gravely importance.

"That is something Poppy and Darius are warning me about," Harry said grimly, "They're worried about it too." Eyes shadowed with worry, something else on his never-ending list that required his attention. She was alive and had come out on top this far. The thought of losing her at this last hurdle didn't sit well with him at all. All the students had given her hand made 'get well' cards, so her section which wasn't totally partitioned off was full of flowers, cards, sweets and a few stuffed animals that the kids had made or given her. They missed her but were doing well under Remus' tutelage.

Severus' mouth drew in an unpleasant line, a frown appearing on his young face. "I'll be back soon." He murmured, before apparating away. Harry had created a spell that would see his godson live a full unencumbered life. See him being able to brew potions like he wished, and not be a depressed mess he was at the moment. Don't get him wrong, he understood where Draco was coming from, but still, it was better than the alternative. His mother having to mourn him as dead. He did wonder what Harry wanted with them though, but it was clearly nothing too important otherwise he really would have Floo called over to them right away.

Could he perform a miracle and prevent her from shifting to wolf form?

Harry stepped into the library to find it swarming with children, all sitting listening to Remus tell them the tales of Beedle the Bard. They were short tales, made for children's bedtimes stories or so he'd been told. His heart hurt listening to it, Kai had read them to him while he went through the change becoming as tall as a fully grown teen in a fortnight while he endured immeasurable pain. Shaking off his thoughts, internally thinking over everything he had to get done.

While doing so, he noticed that Remus looked entirely changed. Even Sirius who was currently 'padfoot' at the moment was different. It had either something to do with having no worries about the war, finding him, having Remus happy, and a routine…maybe it was all of these things? Either way, Sirius was far more comfortable around everyone nowadays. He inclined his head at Remus, as he silently wandered over to the Rune shelf, and plucked the ancient rune texts from the shelves.

He was trying to give the children a good education, in an educational setting so that when they finally get to experience a normal life…they were able to do so without a massive shock to the system. Remus was teaching the youngsters, aged 5-12 while the older children were taught by Rach (Rachel and a Vampire a stand in for the other Rachel).

Remus actually seemed to prefer the youngsters better. Naturally, the oldest students noticed and tried to take advantage of that discomfort. Harry had put an end to that, it wasn't fully for Remus' comfort…but along the lines of ensuring they didn't think they could speak to anyone like that. They very much adhered to the belief that it took a village to raise a child. Harry had also scared them witless anyway, and likely wouldn't have pushed their luck for a long while with any adult.

"How are they doing?" Harry asked when Remus approached him, his entire countenance was so very different from when he first appeared. This Remus was calm, confident, assured of his own ability, open and welcoming there was nothing that screamed insecurity about him at all. It was as if having a job brought out all that was best in Remus.

"They want to learn so much," Remus said reverentially, "It's strange, not having people just being there because they have to be. They all listen, they all try their best it's different." Comparing to his time at Hogwarts, there were always maybe three students that just went because they had to. Pettigrew was one of them, Crabbe, Goyle and Flint if he recalled correctly. Both generations, his classmates and those he had taught at Hogwarts. None of the girls and boys here ignored Remus even for a few moments, they were attentive the entire time. "I love it. Thank you for allowing me to prove myself."

"That's because they don't know how lucky they have it." Harry replied a hint of darkness in his voice.

Remus had echoed the words at the same time, "Because they don't know how lucky they have it." Remus had been resigned to never getting to go to Hogwarts. From the tender age of four, he'd had it drummed into him. No formal education, tutoring only, from his father, nobody can find out what he is. Then out of the blue, at the age of eleven, he'd been told easy as pie that he could attend Hogwarts. That Dumbledore would make sure it remained a secret and that he would ensure Remus got the care he needed. He'd felt he owed Dumbledore everything, and knowing how lucky he was, he'd been overjoyed to be at school. Terrified too, of them finding out his secret. Which had happened, but luckily, only three of his friends, whom he's shared a dorm with. Then there was Severus, not a friend, but nonetheless remained silent regarding his affliction. Then of course, it had happened regardless, he had forgotten to take his potion and endangered every single student at Hogwarts. He had deserved the outing he had received, and thus it had spelled the end of his short career at Hogwarts.

More fool him, what he'd heard that Dumbledore had done…was capable of, sickened him to the core.

Remus shook of his thoughts, after recalling teaching some students that just didn't care to be there. That's for a rather exciting and vital class such as Defence Against the Dark Arts. He always made sure that the classes were fun for them. At least that was a part that Sirius liked, getting all manner of creatures in for the day to let the students here study them. He turned into a dog not because he wanted to but because it helped ease his students.

They weren't exactly…totally comfortable around wizards and witches. Most had horrendous experience with them in fact. They were learning though, that not all of them were like that. Learning through by healed by Poppy, by the odd wizard and witch that dropped by with good intentions. Those that worked with Harry, such as Amelia Bones and her niece Susan Bones. Mostly though, by Wyatt (who was only half-vampire and of course Brecon who did physical education with them.

That and they were trusting their Leader fully.

"You'll receive my weekly progress report on all students," Remus reassured him.

"I know," Harry said bluntly, it's not why he had asked. He was observing them all, noticing they were far more comfortable around Remus and 'Padfoot' than when they first appeared. He didn't normally interrupt or observe the lessons. "Continue on." he added, the book held by his left hand, as he opened the door with his right and gave a single wave to the children.

A ping alerted him to the use of a Portkey he had created, likely Amelia. Well, no light reading for him, he was going to attempt to stop Rachel from transforming even if it was only for a night. Using runes would work best, it would use up his magic and force it to comply. He had a few ideas, so he'd see whether it would work or not.

Harry quickly made his way towards his office; he didn't have a habit of making anyone wait. Hopefully though, Amelia would have more good news for him. Things had…settled since the attack on his people. The fact the 'missing' wizards had been snatched mid travel to Azkaban which should be impossible made people leery of following the Dark Lord Voldemort or as they called him You-Know-Who.

"Good afternoon, Amelia," Harry said, as he entered his office, "Has someone offered you a drink?" knowing that they likely had. Everyone was unfailingly polite, so long as they were respected in turn here. This was a safe haven for everyone, and anyone Harry brought in who had the freedom to move around and do as they please? Well, they were trusted as well, to a certain extent.

The fact she was alone in his office spoke of a trust between them that had been solidified over the years.

Amelia turned from the landscape painting she was admiring, smiling, "I have a coffee coming," she informed him, "You look more content than I've seen you." lips twitching in amusement, meaning it sincerely. Not just because Harry had found his significant other…no, they were all feeling the same way. The landscape painting was new, she hadn't seen that before, but she was more familiar with the pictures the children drew him. Harry was loved by all the children here, he let them see a part of him he rarely showed others.

"We're…recovering," Harry settled on saying as he took his seat. Their losses would never be okay, they would mourn them and the fact they'd never lived to see the changes they wanted in the world. Voldemort had retreated for now, no doubt he'd be back, but for now he was being a coward. "Were you able to do as I asked?"

"The crystals were imbued in the walls, in every location except the Ministers office." Amelia replied, "I must say whoever made them is a genius…" she was mesmerised at their capabilities. She had accidentally activated the second set of one of the crystals.

"It allows us to hear and see everything, including Voldemort's own people," Harry said with a vindictive smirk. He also had eyes and ears at Hogwarts as well, and St. Mungo's. They already had a list of Voldemort's own spies – which wasn't much anymore – just desperate wizards seeking the protection of someone they saw as the biggest, baddest and most powerful. It was all Dumbledore's fault for making Voldemort larger than life, the old fool. "Jessie is quite amazing; Severus has taken to her…and between both of them? We might just see our world advance beyond our greatest dreams."

Amelia nodded, "Yes, unfortunately, if the use of such items becomes widespread defence against them will become known…which is a good thing, being spied on isn't exactly a comforting thought." She was only doing this because she trusted them. Handing over the second set of crystals, that were set in the box safe.

It wasn't as if Harry could have only sent half of them, they were attached until the 'brother' crystal was broken off and imbedded into the wall. Harry should have used them earlier; it doesn't matter if their sense of smell was better or their sight superior. If it got the job done then that was it. Severus had been right, and thus he had sent this to Amelia.

Dobby popped in, placed a tray on the table, one that had Amelia's coffee and Harry's goblet of blood. He opened his pocket watch to see the time as unobtrusively as possible, not wishing to insult Amelia or make her seem unwanted. He relaxed when he realized he had enough time to talk to Amelia before the Malfoy's came. His meetings very rarely overlapped for this very reason.

"Thank you, Dobby," Harry said, his voice as firm as always. "How are things?"

"I can't remain too long, I'm afraid Dumbledore has demanded a meeting in half an hour," Amelia confessed, her eye twitching and lips pursed. She did not like how the old fool just demanded from her, without any confirmation or thought of how busy she was. "I took the week off hoping he'd go elsewhere for answers to whatever questions he has." She loathed dealing with Dumbledore.

"Do try not to break his wrist again," Harry smirked deviously, "I did enjoy the viewing far more than I expected." She'd given him a copy of the memory, it was very smooth of Bones, he honestly still felt like it was an accident watching it. Nothing gives her away; she was just that good.

Amelia smothered her amusement, "I do detest his continued interference with my department." Her ire very real, "I know technically he has that power." Exasperated by that more than anything else.

"Yes, power he gave himself." Harry replied coldly, "Something that will be overturned, along with the rest of the laws he's passed. The very few decent ones can be put forth again without the stipulations on them."

Amelia stared at Harry, leaning forward, "You're making your move soon, then?" anticipation curling at her gut, she wanted things to go back to the way they were. Where Wizengamot members didn't have permission to traipse through her domain. Where Dumbledore couldn't look into any case he likes, where Aurors weren't allowed to join 'groups' so to speak and incite a rash of public 'arrests' which led to more civilians dying than actually helping. "Please, tell me you are, and that the first thing you'll do is fund the Auror department?" she had maybe a dozen or so Aurors for each shift, in total two dozen, she couldn't get more, Fudge wouldn't allow her the funds to see the Auror department expanded. It doesn't help the pay they were offering made it so it wasn't worth it. Only those who were truly dedicated to helping people's lives became Aurors.

Vampires' werewolves or any other 'creatures' applications were turned down and they were denied being part of the trainee course. Of course, right now there were dozens upon dozens of half-creatures in the Ministry hiding their status. It was the only way they'd get the jobs, and they wouldn't have to hide forever. No, Harry would make his move sooner rather than later and then they'd never have to hide again.

"If things continue to go this way, yes," Harry confirmed, smiling, she was a good person, genuinely doing this because it was the right thing to do. Most of his people were doing it for selfish reasons, they'd been targeted for a multitude of reasons, dark magic, family of dark wizards…or saw the light for what they were like Brecon's family.

Amelia Bones brightened at that, "How are my Aurors?" well aware that Tonks and Shacklebolt were there. She hadn't visited them, they didn't know about her, and they weren't getting to either. They were unfortunately, and ultimately, Order members. Their trust in Dumbledore might have been shaken, maybe even broken, but they couldn't trust that entirely. Luckily though, if they did somehow find out, they wouldn't be able to reveal anything to Dumbledore if they swallow any lies, he gives them.

Amelia doesn't like to think they would, after all, both her Aurors were extremely intelligent, and had seen real evidence of Dumbledore's actions not just lately but decades ago, against innocent people who had joined his blasted Order.

"Having people to talk to that have experienced what they have helps," Harry grudgingly stated, "Sirius and Remus have helped immensely. Fortunate for Andromeda and Edward to be here, Tonks has been…rather depressed." He imagined Malfoy was much the same, at least Graham was taking a better approach to it. Better to have lost the limb than his life, he was approaching it with glass half full, whether it was how he really felt who knew? Either way, he would keep an eye on him. On all of them actually, but he had an idea that would make their lives better.

"Who knew you'd be helping groups of 'light wizards' who would have stood in front of a curse aimed for the old fool and sacrificed their lives for him." Madam Bones teased lightly, she certainly hadn't. The topic shouldn't be used so lightly in light of what had happened, but that was how people got by. They pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and continued on.

"I have something I want to give you," Harry said, "But in the light of the knowledge you're leaving for a meeting with Dumbledore…I fear giving it to you is the wrong thing to do." In that file contained information about the Bones family…which despite Amelia's belief…the Death Eaters were only responsible for two, Susan's parents, they left the baby unharmed. Harry knew that he had been the only exception to the rule. The rest had been the Bones family digging too deeply into Dumbledore's past. "This evening, I shall have Dobby deliver it after you've gone home. Please do so at a decent hour." He was the pot calling the kettle black, he knew, but he didn't want Dobby to wait all evening or no reason.

"Is Susan in danger?" narrowing her eyes suspiciously, naturally concerned about her only remaining blood relative, Susan had gotten married, and was still living in Bones manor with her.

"You know she's not; I would not have sat on the information if I believe she is or was," Harry stated, his tone cold but that didn't cause Amelia to cringe if anything she relaxed. She fully trusted Harry enough and took his word for what it was.

Amelia stared at that envelope, she should stay and catch up on her work. She wasn't too badly behind; Susan had been going to the Ministry and bringing the work through to the manor for her. Legally she shouldn't be doing that, not just because she wasn't law enforcement, but the cases really shouldn't be taken out the Ministry. However, if she hadn't at least done some of it, she'd have ended up drowning in paperwork. She was using up sick leave, avoiding Dumbledore, which she couldn't do forever, and getting to relax a little. "I'll leave at six o'clock." She told him, eyeing the folder, it was quite thick and she dreaded to think what he was going to hand her.

Harry drummed his fingers on the file, wondering if he should tell her not to read it alone…or whether it was best she was. He caved, "Have Susan with you." he informed her, if anyone could talk Amelia down off the edge it would be her niece. Her niece in name but a mother in all other ways.

Amelia swallowed, definitely bad then, she gave Harry a grim nod, "I must go," she told him, swallowing down her coffee, which luckily had cooled enough not to scald her. Hopefully she'd get a chance to grab another coffee before her meeting with Dumbledore. She gave another glance at the file, but Harry smirked, and with non-verbal and wandless magic he had it shrunk down and slid into his pocket. Well aware of her thoughts, for he'd be too curious himself. "Be careful with him and we will have your back." they would too since the crystals had been imbedded into her office too.

"I will be," Amelia declared, she was far from stupid, she knew how dangerous anyone can be when cornered. She had been working for the Ministry and had worked her way up to the Head of the department of law enforcement.

Harry sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, leaning back, he knew if he made a move to have Dumbledore arrested now…Voldemort would step up his attacks while the world reeled over the loss. At least he believed so, but whether that would happen or not, he didn't know. Especially with Voldemort's losses, the vampires (Callahan) his Death Eaters, especially a great many of the inner circle. Voldemorts bound to know he had someone moving against him that wasn't the Order…hopefully he'd just think it was Harry Potter and underestimate him.

Harry managed to get twelve letters opened and seen to/replied before the Malfoy's Floo called into his office, with Severus. He couldn't help but blink at the sight of them. The last time he saw them, Narcissa looked wrecked, Draco was just haughty and derisive. Now it had changed, Narcissa had her masks fully in place, while Draco looked like he'd lost a significant amount of weight, his appearance was awful, depression had it's claws deeply into him.

"Lady Malfoy, Lord Malfoy, thank you for coming," Harry said officially, staring at them, he made no move to get up and shake or kiss their hands. He was higher ranking on the social ladder anyway, and they were expected to bow to his demands. That added to the mess that Lucius Malfoy made to the name…they'd be lucky if their names were ever fixed.

A/N – I am sorry, I promised not to make you wait so long, and here I am, two years almost since I updated the muses are terrible I know, but I have three or four updates of this scheduled, I think I'm going to try and get it complete in that time, hopefully anyway, you guys deserve an ending and we are so close to it, even if it's deviated from the ending I had originally written. That doesn't happen often, or like at all. So, yeah, I've been floundering a little especially since I do want to make Dumbledore and Voldemort's end as original as possible (not possible I know lol I've ended them in very single possible way although I think I probably managed to surprise you all in The Contract 😉 lol) but there you go. I already have over one thousand words written of the next chapter I decided to make it less time having passed so had to cut and paste 😉

My respect for those who read this in a day, or two, lol it took me three days to re-read this story…seriously…takes me less long to write out 6K chapters than it does to read them 😊 but upside it gave me a lot of plot ideas and such. Admittedly I wasn't just reading, I was writing everything that might be relevant down too 😉 I nearly drowned under paper which I'm so fast running out of 😊 R&R please thank you and more so thank you very much for sticking with me through this story x