Lightning Lord
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A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
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Welcome to the fireside.
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Chapter 6 - Battling with Basilisks
Albus has just been suspended from Hogwarts, and house-elves were sent to collect his belongings from the school. The school board is meeting in a private room of the Three Broomsticks, and the meeting has not yet been concluded.
A house-elf popped in with a trunk. The lid wouldn't close, it was so full of shrunken books and things. "Elveses not knowing what to do with Potter property."
Madam Selwyn took her feet. "Oh really? Well, why don't I buy you a few extra chests, and then you can take everything to Gringotts. Put everything into Mr Potter's trust vault."
The group watched as Albus tried to reach out with his hand. "No! The cloak! James lent it to me. I have permission to have it."
Augusta snapped, "Move elf! Borrow a few trunks from Clive, my house-elf. The Potters are friends, and I should have been at least allowed to visit the boy; have him over. He and Neville should be friends." She then turned to scoff at the now former headmaster, "Permission? From whom? From Lord Black? Recently? I doubt it."
The old man said nothing, the elf had kept its distance and was now long gone.
"I will get word to Mr Potter about his things. Unless anyone has anything else, I call this meeting adjourned." Madam Selwyn did not look happy in the least. It was Lord Greengrass who messaged the Keeper of the Keys about the situation.
Since none of the participants wanted to be anywhere near Death Eaters, they had met in an upper private dining room of the Three Broomsticks. Albus tried to floo to his office, and couldn't get a connection. He then tried to call Fawkes to have himself transported. No response from the haughty bird.
His attempt to walk past the front gates had no positive result either. His continuous attempts to get in had Hagrid greeting him there.
"Hello, perfessor. I'm very sorry about what happened to ya. Know how ye feel, getting kicked out of Hogwarts. I'd offer ya a place to stay in me hut, but I'm not allowed to have ya on the grounds. I'd suggest…"
Remus Lupin came walking up to the gates just then. "Headmaster. Kind of you to come out to meet me. Hagrid? Would you like to give me a hand with these?"
Albus tried walking in with his hand on Lupin's arm but was stuck at the gate.
"Dumbledore? Are you well?" Moony couldn't see what was happening, but had a guess.
"NO! I mean, yes. I'm fine. Just a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up. Remus, I demand that you just return home. There is no need for you to be here. In fact, if you don't stop, I will kick both you and Sirius out of the Order."
"Well, in that case, I have only one thing to say." Moony so wanted to moon the headmaster standing there, but instead gave him a jaunty schoolboy salute.
He lobbed an 'Orb of Death' at him, a new invention of Luna's. It had a hundred of the most memorable love serenades from muggle singers. Songs that once in one's head couldn't be removed.
As Barry's voice was heard singing about the Copacabana, Remus and Hagrid made a plan to deploy the basilisk death cubes.
Sirius was giggling like a schoolgirl. He had seen and heard everything through the mirror on Moony's uniform. He was laughing not only at his best friend's antics at Hogwarts but with the second order for Padfoot's Pest Control: Cubes to transport the non-native arachnid population to a different location.
Knowing what a rotten deal Hagrid was given, Sirius immediately offered the half-giant a new job. Silk farmer. Oh sure, they'd have to find a good spot to put the spiders, but between sure death if they didn't move, and going to a new place? The spiders would take the deal, and Moony could even provide Hagrid with a bit of company in the form of previously unemployed werewolves.
Hagrid accepted, but on a part-time basis. Hogwarts had been his home since he was eleven, and wouldn't be moved.
Before the last Death Cube was deployed at Hogwarts, Harry already had a group of tweens and teenagers sprawled in the smaller ballroom of his new home. The house-elves brought more parchment, snacks, and drinks as Harry and his friends requested.
Hermione went over to pick up one of the logic books that Mr Turpin had brought with his original plans.
This new gate would have to be different. They couldn't take the fluffy bunnies and everything from the Forbidden Forest. Nor the trees. Hermione joined others on the floor on squishy bean bag chairs near the fireplace, never losing her spot in the book.
Only Sirius noticed that while he and Luna were holding hands, Harry's left leg was in contact with Hermione's right. The kids were all happy. Happily busy.
Sirius was smiling. Well, maybe Prongs, Jr wouldn't be going to Hogwarts, but if James' grandchildren attended, it would be a lot safer than it was in their day. Spiders gone, the breeder of experimental creatures under new and improved supervision at the school. Oh yes, it would be a lot better, and this was barely the start.
**OO**
When Augusta and Maleficent finished their meeting with temporary Headmistress McGonagall, it was getting late. She didn't want the head's job permanently. In fact, she begged to be just Head of House and transfiguration professor, if the school could figure out a way to afford it. She had been planning on escorting the guests to the front door when they ran into an old friend. Remus Lupin had been strolling the castle, and was now on his way to the deputy's office. He was wearing the oddest of headgear.
"Hello Professor! Madam Selwyn, Madam Longbottom. I hope Neville is well." Remus had to bite his lip. He had nearly invited the boy over sometime! That wouldn't do to keep Harry's location quiet.
"Yes, doing well. Good luck with your project here." Augusta stated genuinely.
"Ladies? May I suggest flooing home? There's a strange reading on the tactical map we've set up connected to the traps. In fact, I was heading to see Minerva here. I know everyone's in their common rooms. But I suggest a lockdown of the students until breakfast. Just for safety."
Unwilling to argue with someone actually doing their job, they did just that and returned to the deputy's office. Minerva went around her desk, and pressed a rune there. She made a quick announcement the school was going into lockdown mode. All prefects were to return to their dorms, and all students were to remain in their Houses until the lockdown was ended, which should be the next morning. Snacks and any meals would be provided in the common rooms in the meantime.
Minerva opened her floo to allow her friends to egress home that way. They planned to meet again soon.
Madam Selwyn was very curious about the results of the audit now, as Minerva had implied that she was dedicating her life to the students, and money was becoming an issue for her. No raise in years, and no stipend for her extra duties?
The head governor headed home with more questions than answers, but at least they were trying to solve some of the problems.
With the students locked down, and Lupin unable to figure out what the map had temporarily urp'ed about, as there was nothing in the journal, he went to his guest quarters to try and get some rest. It was going to be a long night.
**OO**
Remus was woken up at 2:00 in the morning. Quaffing a pepper-up, he took out the modified Marauders Map that he and Sirius had worked on as part of his therapy last year. He also got out the map that Harry had made for the traps. But Harry's didn't have any names; the Marauders Map did.
Something had triggered the alarm. Oh, that was weird. For some reason, he thought it would be tagged in the dungeons, not the second floor. He pulled out a mirror.
"Padfoot? Padfoot?" Remus called.
"Moony? Ten more minutes, then let's go prank Snivellus." The animagus muttered. Remus couldn't actually see his friend, just hear him.
"Severus is no longer in the castle, and the alarm has triggered. I think we've caught something. What? I don't know. But I promised Harry I wouldn't go alone. You stay right where you are and just watch. This way, I'm not alone. I've got my goggles, and my handy-dandy mirror. Oh, why didn't we think of this before? Using Harry's hair to defeat the monster? It's gotta have gorgon qualities? Or maybe just a picture of you right now." Moony teased as Sirius' face, hair akimbo, swam into view.
"Please be careful there, Moony. I'd be tempted to go get Hagrid, except he'd probably be all 'it's just misunderstood'." Padfoot cautioned.
Lupin peered into the port of the trap; a series of mirrors kept him safe even if he didn't have goggles. He gasped in surprise at the sight.
The giant snake with little vestigial wings and limbs was on its side, mouth open as though it had gasped for breath. The eyes, still open, were most definitely dead. For just a moment, Remus felt a tinge of pity, but this was no bear or wolf that hunted to sustain life. This thing was a monster creature, bred with the help of dark arts and darker magic.
Bred to kill muggleborns, and shut away in Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets, or so the story went.
But it was not the view of the dead basilisk that held his gaze. No, it was the view of the teenager that kept flickering. Then he would disappear, and in his place was an unconscious Draco Malfoy.
Uh oh. That anomaly. Had one of the cubes captured someone or something else and Remus missed it? Well, these traps had an internal oxygen recycling system, and a small tray of water bottles and snacks, just in case a werewolf or something else was caught. Every Death Cube now had a special rune that protected Remus individually from getting trapped.
Other werewolves? Not so much. The plan was to check the traps visually each day anyways. Just in case.
He'd take part and parcel to India with him. There, Malfoy had no friends to bribe, and even had necromancers available for hire.
Moony planned to pitch that to the Board of Governors as their third contract for the school. Getting rid of Binns.
Remus had no idea how Peeves, pranking Professor Rowle, had managed to trigger a different trap. The anomaly that he'd seen earlier was Peeves trying to get out. Rowle really shouldn't have insulted the poltergeist while being locked up with him. It was a very, very bad idea.
After leaving a brief note for Minerva, Remus left the school whistling. He might be tired, but he and Padfoot had a portkey to catch to the basilisk ranch. With not one, but two traps.
**OO**
Auror Moody didn't mind traveling to India to retrieve a couple of 'lost' British citizens. Rowle supposedly had a trial back in the day, and there was nothing to charge him with. A quick questioning showed him towing the line. For now. Bah!
Draco Malfoy was in a whole different category. While he had been found next to the basilisk, there was no proof of any wrongdoing. And as much as Alastor wanted to give the little poser a good dosing of truth serum, doing such could lose him his pension.
Following suggestions from Black, and orders from Bones, Alastor returned to Britain quickly, quietly and deposited both Death Eater and future Death Eater back to Hogwarts. To be met by the mother of the preteen. Of course.
Narcissa Malfoy was not the witch to cross. Her mighty, "I hope you didn't question my son without me and our solicitor present if you thought he was anything other than a victim of this attack."
Alastor just glared. He might have been told to treat this witch carefully but he didn't have to like it.
"I ne'er said nothin' but hello to him. He saw me and hasn't said a peep." Alastor growled. "I'm sure, him being out of bounds, during a time when everyone was supposed to be safe in their beds means he's just as innocent as his father was."
She ignored that, and took the boy to a private meeting room nearby. Once out of sight of the others, she hugged him and gave him the order to continue to be reticent around the scarred and scary auror.
Moody wanted to go through the boy's belongings, but Narcissa was there to protect him like a mother dragon. She knew all of the legal loopholes that made him look like a child abuser while innocent little Drackie poo was just a wee tot.
Right.
With Minerva, Narcissa, and even Thorfinn Rowle watching, Moody searched the second year's trunk and bed. Nothing suspicious was found. Searching the room entirely and even the common room still yielded nothing of interest. No dark items were found at all.
Moody would be watching all three of them; Rowle, Malfoy Jr and the former Black witch. He was sure they were plotting together. But what? None were known to be a parseltongue, so couldn't have been controlling the beast.
He returned home that night, taking more than one nip. Surely he'd missed something. If only he dared question the boy.
**OO**
Earlier that day
Headmistress McGonagall had sent a letter to Lady Malfoy to let her know that her son was missing from school and expected to return soon.
Narcissa took the opportunity presented by distracted teachers and administrators to send an elf to remove a certain item from Draco's belongings. In fact, anything that smelled of dark magic was sent home.
How dare the boy take the diary to school! A quick ritual to break the possession, and the book was back in its iron box. She carefully hid it in her small jewelry vault installed in her bedroom.
Angry with her son for his disobedience and carelessness, she made her way to the school.
The students had been released from their common rooms, and were congregated in the Great Hall when she arrived.
Good. Narcissa arrived at Hogwarts in time to greet her wayward son.
End Flashback.
**OO**
Alastor Moody couldn't question Draco without his mother's permission, but that didn't mean that Headmistress McGonagall was under the same restrictions.
His refusal to explain being out of bounds was one thing. His disrespect to her was another.
"A week's detention for ye, Mr Malfoy. And yer mother can write to complain all she likes. I know that ye had something to do with the monster being released and attacking muggleborns. You were bragging about somethin' happenin' at the beginning of the year. Or did ye think we'd forget that?
"We don't need blood purists at this school. One more toe out of line, and ye can join yer father at his school."
Draco huffed, but he was not surprised that he was assigned to clean the second floor girl's loo. Without magic.
Moaning Myrtle was happy to help supervise too – and point out the spots he missed.
**OO**
Professor Turing was looking at the Gringotts draft. Oh sure, it wasn't for him personally. Not that twenty thousand galleons wasn't a nice thank you. No, this was for his lab. He'd be able to keep more than one Master level wizard on for years. And the apprentices they could sponsor!
Lisa was practically fainting, with Luna and Harry just sitting and eating porridge as though it was just another Wednesday. Her father was very well paid, but it was pounds sterling. The goblin bank had a limit on exchanges to gold. This? They could buy anything!
"Harry? Why do I have a Gringotts vault? And please tell me that's the vault number, not the amount in it." Hermione was very pale.
"Well, I could do that, but I don't like lying to my friends. If we can't figure out a way to share the truth, in such a way as to be polite, of course, then we just need to be blunt. In this case, no, that is not the vault number. I know this because they tried to give Remus number six hundred sixty…"
"No! Don't finish it. I get it. And instead you got eight nine five. Wow. This is. Wow. I didn't help this amount worth." Hermione gushed.
Baljeet, Lisa, and Justin all nodded agreement with that sentiment. Only Baljeet didn't offer to give it back. "This is a life-changing amount of gold. My family could live in a better place, my siblings can go to a good school, and not rely on scholarships. And still have enough money for my own apprenticeship."
Harry wasn't told about the 'glitch' in his traps. After all, when Auror Moody had gone to India with the extra monsters caught, he'd been gleeful.
With magical programming, it was very important to define terms clearly. And Harry had done so with the definition of a 'monster'. And the program, the magical logic sequence checking for a 'monster' worked. It was about intent. And some people had no idea that having the desire to kill or control others was just plain evil.
Sirius was sharing out the proceeds, with Harry's approval, to the people who had helped with the project.
In turn, Mad-eye, with Amelia's approval, then made a contract with Sirius for a new job. No need to change the program, just a different placement.
But the Director had fire in her eyes. Why was there a basilisk caught in a trap that Harry made and she wasn't aware of?
**OO**
"You promised me to keep me in the loop about everything!" The angry witch was clenching her hands so she didn't draw her wand.
"Darling? I'm very confused. You saw the kids working here in the ballroom. You've seen Harry's sketched out ideas. You didn't have time to go to India with us, but you knew we went."
"What? Wait. I did. It just wasn't important. Or connected to anything."
The witch sat and used a recent gift to call not her Head auror, but her most trusted one.
"Moody? When Remus is laying traps at the Ministry, can you please lay one in my office? I think I've been hexed. I'll take myself to Saint Mungo's. But do a scan of my office. I don't like this."
She explained about the basilisk, and he was upset too. Mad-eye was firm, "I'll check. And maybe report to Saint Mungo's myself."
Sirius took his bride-to-be to the hospital, but they couldn't find anything wrong with her.
Moody found a ward, apparently put up after the Cerberus incident, that was designed to 'make anything about Hogwarts unimportant. Trivial.'
Amelia was unamused, and wrote to Augusta Longbottom about that.
**OO**
The traps were double-checked once more before being moved to the Ministry and set up. Yet another contract for Padfoot's Pest Control. This time however, the boxes were visible and serviced.
The newly hired muggleborn witches, which just happened to all be quite lovely and clever, wore the uniforms Winky designed. For the most part, black slacks, gold coloured blouse with a short overrobe that was worn rather open; short in the front swooping longer in the back. The clasp was a golden wolf. It was black in color with gold highlights. Their jaunty feathered hats bore the logo of the company; a wolf howling with a full moon behind him.
This team would be checking the traps just in case the alarm, noting a catch, didn't work, as what had happened to Peeves.
The first day, Master Auror Moody had quite the haul of monsters handed to him. He was not wasting this opportunity to gather intel, even if it was a catch and release program for all but the worst offenders.
Those had a fair trial awaiting. And the best, most secure cell Moody had ever seen.
Harry accepted his boot knife 'thank you' with aplomb - even if he was floo'd in and out of Gringotts to accept it. It was all about deniability.
**OO**
Sally-Anne Perks was not alone when she was revived. Neville was there, holding her hand. Dame Longbottom was seated nearby, pretending to be involved in her knitting.
"Oh Neville! Be careful! There's a huge snake! Draco Malfoy seemed to be talking to it." Sally-Anne practically screamed. "You must keep safe!"
Madam Longbottom's smile lit her entire face. The first thing this girl did was warn Neville. She truly did care for him.
"It was a basilisk, and it's dead now. Dead, dead." Neville assured.
"When I wrote to your parents about your condition, well. They said some things I couldn't ignore. I went to the aurors about it. If you accept, I can become your guardian, not just your magical guardian. You can stay with us during holidays my dear. You are a gem, and you are truly welcome." Dame Longbottom offered.
Heir Longbottom nodded, "She means what she says. And I want you to come too."
Neville's magic had spiked reading the reply from her parents, 'How disappointing she's not dead. Well, there's always the next one. Three times a charm and all.'
"The school has awarded you a full scholarship to Hogwarts. We were all appalled to find out that the gold earmarked for your treatment was 'diverted' by Dumbledore. That's theft, plain and simple."
The gold had been deposited to the Order of the Phoenix. Fawkes himself had visited the girl, as if to apologize for the actions of his companion. Or was that former companion?
Dumbledore had bound Fawkes to the school. Poor man, he had tried demanding the phoenix' presence. But Fawkes had a miniature of Luna's 'death orb' (in this case, much better music than the basilisk got) to listen to, and couldn't hear his swearing now.
Rowle had been returned, but Peeves was still missing. Thorfinn was given the choice to improve the curriculum for Muggle Studies or leave. He seemed reluctant, but did promise to see improvements made. He was on a year to year contract, and it didn't look good for that to be renewed.
Madam Selwyn went so far as to suggest renting a muggle building somewhere to demonstrate electricy (electricity), and commuters (her word for computers) and everything else the children needed to learn. The Board, now with Remus Lupin, serving as Sirius' voting proxy, and Tonks serving for the Potter proxy, quickly approved. Tonks didn't even try to correct Lisa's mother's verbiage knowing that she liked to appear to be more ignorant of muggle things than she really was. She lived in a muggle house after all.
Remus happily accepted the contract to remove Binns. The board gladly paid for Peeves' removal. Padfoot's Pests did offer to return the poltergeist, but was politely refused with prompt payment for services rendered. Peeves was housed in a trap which amounted to a travel trunk with a huge expanded space and lots of toys. He was going to stay there until the Marauders found a better spot for him.
Binns' rehousing went smoothly. After that, anytime Remus showed up at the castle, the ghosts were most polite to him.
Remus just laughed. Binns had been moved to Albus' cottage but hadn't realized the change. Dumbledore was forced to listen to goblin lecture after goblin lecture. Only partly as punishment for all of the years of torture inflicted on the students. The rest was partial justice for the pain he'd put Harry through!
**OO**
Lady Malfoy made her way back to the school after the brouhaha had died down. The diary was too dangerous to use again there. Moody would use the attacks, and the circumstantial evidence against Draco if they tried. But why had he risked it in the first place?
"Don't you understand? By writing in the diary, you, your magic, would have powered the Dark Lord's revival. I explained that to you!" Narcissa chided, all the while holding her boy.
Draco squirmed out of her arms. He was too big for cuddles anymore. "It told me! He promised me! Great riches, great power! Anything I wanted if I helped him."
Narcissa wanted to share that dark magic always did that. Promised the stars, moon and sky, and delivered dry ash to choke on. But she too still held on to some of her beliefs in the dark power, and couldn't repent of her ways.
Couldn't turn back.
"A good friend has some ideas on how to try, but needs a certain star alignment. We're going to schedule a sports event to coincide. Lots of people available to choose from for the sacrifice. You will never be put into danger again, my love."
"When is it?"
"Not until August a year from now. It's a long time when you are so young. But if it gets us the Dark Lord and your father back? It will be worth the wait. We have powerful friends, Draco. Wealthy friends. Look at this necklace? It's a shame our ploy with the diary didn't work, but the next one will. You'll see."
Draco was mentally kicking himself. He'd have to wait for more than a year for his father? That was forever.
"How did Auror Moody treat you, my son?" Narcissa wanted to know if she needed to do something nice for him.
"Okay, I guess. He seemed to think that the trap I was in saved me from the basilisk."
"Basilisk!? Basilisk?" Narcissa looked faint.
"Oh. I guess I should explain a bit. Except I don't remember much. I have these times when I just don't remember anything."
Foolish, impetuous child! She couldn't question or talk to him with Moody around. That man saw through walls! At least the diary was safe, back in its lead box in her bedroom. Draco wouldn't be able to comfortably sit at dinner, but she didn't use a torture curse to discipline her son either.
That was what Aunt Walburga used on Sirius all the time. No wonder he was insane.
**OO**
Tonks had understood from Dan and Emma that their daughter was too young to officially date. The Grangers rule was sixteen. Being friends now was fine.
How to explain? Harry wasn't dating Hermione but their own magic was working to draw them closer together?
Tonks and Harry were with the Grangers. Hermione had suggested this activity of skating as she enjoyed it, and Harry had never gone. His natural athleticism had him catching on quickly.
It was Dan who noticed the hand holding was no longer needed yet continued.
"Harry is coming out of his shell, but I promise you, he would never hurt her. He's not had friends before Wimborne." Tonks shared.
Hermione skated backwards in front of the boy, and now they were holding both hands and laughing.
Emma nudged her husband, "I think that we are watching the start of something very important. I've read some interesting books that Mercedes at the school suggested. You know, about magic and dating. The importance of finding the right one or ones to be with."
Dan turned to the boy's guardian, "You will look out for my daughter? She's just thirteen!"
Tonks nodded, "The rule is no kissing before sixteen. That's the age of consent. Harry's a good kid."
Emma smiled, "And clearly cares for our daughter."
The three parents couldn't help but enjoy watching the two play. And Dan was glad that Hermione had a good friend.
In the back of his mind, he asked himself if he really wanted to get his daughter away from someone that had just provided enough gold to pay for the rest of her schooling. Even if she went on to higher education for years.
**OO**
Sirius, with Amelia's and Harry's full support, had used some of the basilisk profits and bought several hundred acres next door to Wimborne.
Roger Turpin had been delighted to exchange more pounds for gold, and been a part of that. And gave them a wonderful rate! He now had more than enough gold for a house-elf for his family. Except that when he talked about that with Black, one of his elves offered to come work for 'Miss Lisa's brilliant father'.
Their school had a new covered football pitch, but Luna made sure that the forest was kept pristine and safe.
Baljeet and Harry played football with their friends; Harry and Luna, and sometimes Hermione, spent time looking for creatures in the woods of the new land.
They even found a small colony of fairies that quickly adopted Luna as their new Queen. After that, it wasn't uncommon to see one or more in her hair during class. They visited often.
But one thing was clear as time went on. Harry was becoming closer to two certain witches.
And Death Eaters were slowly disappearing from Britain. It couldn't possibly be anything that Moody said to them when they were questioned. No one had disappeared mysteriously from the Ministry after all.
Padfoot's Pest Control (PPC) even had traps inside Harry's school that were checked regularly. Just in case.
**OO**
Amelia shared an interesting bit of gossip with Sirius. Skeeter was trying to dig up dirt on Lord Black, and started to ask questions like why Black's fiancée had cheated, and gotten her boyfriend out of Azkaban illegally.
It was enough to make one very angry.
"I'm sorry, but I wanted you to hear it from me and not anyone else. Now, Harry's coming home for dinner tonight, and Winky and Dobby are doing something special. I'm nervous, love. I've been so absorbed at work, I haven't gotten to know him at all." Amelia admitted.
Padfoot suggested, "So ask him to go flying with you sometime somewhere. The school has a covered pitch. Remus has been driving him since it's too dark and cold to fly. And I don't want him walking home at night on these narrow roads. Getting hit by a car would hurt!"
Harry hated the floo. And apparating. And portkeys. He'd rather fly, thank you very much, and saw no problem with flying at night. But his guardians were trying to keep the boy safe.
"I'll talk to him. Maybe tell him some stories about his mum. She had such a wicked sense of humor! But she'd help anyone in need." Amelia promised.
Harry had walked in on sock covered feet, too quiet for her to hear.
"Really? Harry asked.
"Truly. She really cared about people, Harry. She'd give potions to the elderly in Godric's Hollow that couldn't afford them at the apothecary. Brought them homemade meals. In turn, they'd let her pick berries and plants from their gardens. But she never took advantage of anyone. Such a kind soul." Amelia shared.
The family had dinner together, Remus bowing out to eat alone, trying to give them a rare moment with just the three of them.
Harry listened and listened, rarely speaking until after dessert. When the Director of the DMLE asked Harry if he would like to go flying sometime, the boy just beamed.
"Of course, Amelia. I'd like that very much. Padfoot, this lady is too good for you, you know."
Just then, her badge beeped, and she gave them both a brief hug, adding a kiss to Harry's forehead just like she did with Susan.
"Don't wait up for me. Someday, Harry, you'll have to design a badge that can send a brief message." Amelia requested, and after a quick kiss for Sirius, she was gone.
**OO**
Rita Skeeter! Remus Lupin had been summoned to the Ministry after hours. His map had alerted him as well, so he was already in the floo.
The lovely young woman curtseyed to Remus with a sultry look. His eyes were more than a bit amber as it was near the full moon, and this lady looked like she could smell it on him. She was clearly interested, but he would never date an employee.
"What do you have for me?" Remus demanded a bit sharply.
"Just look. I wouldn't believe it either."
The journalist was indeed inside. Snatching the trap up, the werewolf gruffly thanked the employee. She replaced it with an empty cube, trying to hide her disappointment.
Amelia joined them at this point with Rufus Scrimegour. He gruffly stated that he'd been told of an intruder into the Minister's office, but hadn't seen anything out of place. Then the woman employee appeared.
The confused head auror looked ready to arrest the young witch.
Instead, Remus instructed them how to see through the port. "This was not set up to catch investigative reporters. But I don't think she had permission to be in the Minister's office. After hours. Alone."
The auror could only agree.
Amelia took her turn, and saw in amazement that the woman changed from a human to a bug. She handed it over to Rufus to watch her transform back, clearly trying to find a way out.
"I will contact Fudge; make sure that he didn't have a planned meeting with the woman. The DMLE thanks you for your service." Scrimgeour added
The Ministry paid PPC a five hundred galleon bonus. Skeeter was brought up on espionage charges. But she took her revenge. It would take cunning and luck to get the letter delivered, but she made a plan to reveal secrets about her new enemy.
She wrote a letter to Albus Dumbledore. One that she would make sure got to him.
Eventually.
**OO**
December, 1992
Yule was amazing for many people that year. Miss Perks was given a new family.
Sally-Anne had both a dowager house to be her own personal house for the rest of her life no matter what happened between her and Neville. Inside the manor, she had been allowed the use of a very nice suite of rooms that used to be Alice Longbottom's.
The property had many actual people hired to work it. They lived in the village, and any new workers generally got a house there in said village. Not so with Sally-Anne's companion.
Until she was married, she would have this woman to chaperone her. Fortunately for her, Seonaid MacMurray was also family. Her husband, Alice's grandfather, had been an auror and recently passed away.
This job was perfect for her as it allowed her to visit with Neville more often, and teach his friend and perhaps future bride more about the wizarding world.
And Sally-Anne had quickly bonded with the older woman. The young witch had no family of her own that liked her, and this witch was teaching her the secrets of being not just a good help-meet, but how to really get in touch with her magic.
The extended Longbottom clan had a very nice holiday together. But they weren't the only ones with new family
**OO**
The journeyman pushed Harry down, and towered over him. His clenched fist ready to punch, "You twerp! You stole our design, and made a fortune off of it. I'm taking you to court!"
Professor Turing was passing by the Arc, and heard a raised voice. Not something that happened a lot in this school.
What he saw froze his blood. The lab was about to be destroyed! Harry normally didn't wear his suppression cuffs here, and lightning bolts were forming on his hands.
But then, out of nowhere, came a tiny blonde witch who went to stand over her friend, facing the older boy. "Go ahead. Hit me. Harry's been beaten too much as it is. I, on the other hand, have never felt the hand of violence on my person. It would be an educational opportunity." Her tone was mild, not mocking.
The little fairy in her hair had other ideas. In her native tongue, hands on hips, she was scolding the older wizard about his lack of legitimate ancestors, his poor bathing habits, and worse. His complete lack of a sense of humor!
In the meantime, the younger boy stood, and held out his hand, "I apologize for offending you. I swear, I never looked at your plans, but your project did spark some of my ideas. I would be happy to sponsor your next one. Will you please forgive me?"
Flabbergasted, the older teen didn't know what to do next.
"Well, Gilbert? Take the boy's hand and accept his apology, please. Or not." Professor Turing prompted.
"Of course. Sorry Potter. There's an article in the paper about the basilisk. I was jealous. I apologize for my behavior."
The two shook hands, and Luna gave the teen a hug. "All better! I'll make sure you get some creme cakes with raspberry jam at tea. They're the best."
Harry still wanted to make amends, "At New Year's, we're having a party at home. Roger Turpin will be there, along with some of the professors here. You'd be welcome. You can bring a date. Muggle formal."
"I accept. Thank you, Potter."
The boy looked at Turing, knowing he was protective of his apprentices but got a nod of approval.
Alan later sent Luna a thank you note. If Harry had destroyed his lab, it would take months to put it back together. Did she even know her superpower?
**OO**
Tonks pulled Harry aside the first weekend of December. They went shopping for Yule and wedding presents.
"Our lives are about to change again." Tonks warned.
She and Harry were still spending the occasional weekend afternoon or weekday evening away from everyone just to spend time together. But Sirius getting married?
Harry was worried it would make Tonks, and Remus to an extent, feel out of place.
"I have read in history, where large clans used to live in one large manor. Sirius and Amelia will be Lord and Lady Black. And we'll be…" The Potter lad struggled for the name of the position.
"Minions? House-elves?" Tonks prompted.
Harry stuck out his tongue.
She pulled him into a one-armed hug. "No matter what, we've had this time in our lives, Harry. I'll never forget it, even as things change."
Harry hugged her hard, "Thank you, Tonks. You were my very first real family. That I remember, anyway. I won't ever forget."
Tonks brushed tears, but they had a wedding to buy for. She lost a bit of height, and put her arm in Harry's.
Neither one knew what the family dynamic would be. And both were willing to retreat to Tonks' shop flat if need be!
**OO**
Now with a way to exchange galleons for pounds, Sirius was also making good friends in the bargain. Madam Selwyn had always been frugal with her vault, knowing that the gold would not be easily replaced. And while the numbers were impressive, she secretly viewed normal money as a child would view Monopoly money. Cute, but of no real value.
Now, with Lord Black needing so much muggle money, and Roger playing it smart, she was starting to feel their family was as wealthy as they really were. Even if she did have to wear muggle attire to some of the Black events. It was a small price to pay.
And Sirius turned over the checkbook to Remus and his employees to monitor and pay for things. Like this trip. Though today, they had the Grangers as native guides.
**OO**
Dan was very impressed with Sirius Black. The pictures of this wedding would be in their newspaper. And he was getting married in a very nice tuxedo. A custom, expensive, normal tuxedo.
Not a dress. Not that he called dress robes muggle dresses in front of any adult wizard. Harry had whispered it to him when they were getting fitted and had to stifle giggles. They were manly men who did not giggle. Or wear dresses, thank you.
Dan and Emma were asked to stand in for Sirius' family as Charlus and Dorea Potter were no longer with them. They were honored to do so, and Dan was squiring the pureblood wizards around some of the best shops on Savile Row.
When Hermione and Luna came in with Emma from their shopping trip, it was in time to see Harry trying on his finished tuxedo.
"Bond, James Bond." Harry said, extending his hand, kissing both of the girls' hands and bowing.
Hermione's eyes sparkled in amusement, but couldn't think of a clever response. "I'll explain later, Luna. But Harry cleans up nicely, doesn't he?"
Luna nodded, and wondered where they kept the baths there.
**OO**
Amelia decided to wear her wig again. The colored hair did make her look years younger. And the Black family tiara could be pinned in place without pain to her.
Alastor Moody, in his Black Watch dress uniform of old, proudly stood in for the father of the bride.
He'd already had the discussion with the groom of 'hurt her, and they won't find the body'. Truly, Sirius didn't need it as Amelia could look after herself. And he had no intention of messing up this second chance at happiness. For them all.
Remus stood up with Sirius, as Tonks did for Amelia. The ballroom had a small arch and an ancient Irish priest ran them through simple but sincere vows.
Susan and Harry shared a look. Their lives had just changed forever, but hopefully in a good way. The younger Bones witch was getting an uncle in Sirius, a brother of a sort in Harry, and extra relatives in Tonks and Remus.
Harry was getting a sort-of sister in Susan, and another formidable witch to watch over him and keep him out of thunderstorms. No fair!
The small wedding suited them perfectly, and afterwards there was a buffet dinner and some dancing.
"I wish Edgar was here to see this." Sirius shared softly.
"James and Lily too." Amelia shared, "Just think how proud they would be that you settled down."
Sirius brought over Susan and Harry for a hug, "They are with us. We will never forget them, until we are all together. In the meantime, we watch over their legacy."
"And so we aver!" Amelia answered, kissing both the young ones, holding them close.
**OO**
Maleficent Selwyn was enjoying a wedding waltz with her husband. Their younger children were mixing with the younger siblings of the friends invited, and having a wonderful time.
"You are so beautiful, my wife." Roger shared sweetly, kissing her hand as the set ended. "Thank you for putting up with my two left feet."
The regal witch smiled. She noted the very smart people around; the elusive headmistress of Wimborne was even here. The intellectual elite of the wizarding world, gathered together to celebrate.
And there, off to the side was Alan Turing discussing something, using elaborate hand gestures, with a smiling Boy-who-Lived nodding and commenting.
She was extremely surprised and pleased to be included today. And for no other reason than Lisa, and by extent, Roger's friendship with Harry Potter.
Madam Selwyn thought she had lost all this when she married Roger, all for it to be returned in abundance. And without the posing and put-downs of her old world.
She'd take this society over that one every single time. Though, she had missed the waltzing.
Lisa ran up to her to pull her to some new game for a moment, and realized what was missing from all other high society weddings she'd ever been to. The media was notably absent.
No constant photographs, no attempts at commentary. Just friends getting together to celebrate life.
**OO**
The holiday sped by, and the New Year's Eve party was an expansion of the wedding group, only with more people from school.
The dancing was enjoyed by all of the ladies, and the wizards of Wimborne happily swapped partners to keep the witches busily swirling as much as they wished.
**OO**
Skeeter was sentenced to Azkaban. When she heard about the Black-Bones wedding, and the following New Year's Eve party that had hosted a wide variety of people, she had sworn revenge against the whole family. Imagine, no press allowed for either social event.
It was wrong, just wrong, in her opinion.
She had been held incommunicado from the Daily Prophet since she was arrested, but did manage to sneak a letter to Dumbledore with one of the aurors help.
Or was that one of his minion's help? Nonetheless, she would work on a novel during her hopefully brief captivity.
She had reported to Albus faithfully over the years, and he owed her. With this news? She should be out of Azkaban very soon.
**OO**
Amelia returned to work after the children returned to school.
She had months of holiday saved up, but would rather take it as family trips. She and Sirius planned a handful of three day weekend holidays for mini-honeymoons. He had a time-turner that would make it nearly a week, and all they had to do was move to a new city. No running into themselves!
Sirius was happy, as was she. Things were settling down, and they hoped to have peace and joy in their lives.
**OO**
Monday, 25 January, 1993
Mercedes tapped the little box under her desk with her wand while trying to appear calm.
"I don't have you on the calendar. Would you like to make an appointment to see Headmistress Lovelace? I could get you in on Tuesday afternoon." the secretary offered.
School security had escorted Dumbledore from the floo to this office. He had said words that made it sound like he already had an appointment. The large wizard security guard, with very dark skin and very white teeth didn't like being lied to. Not by this clown.
Security Chief Shacklebolt did not understand his brother's view on this wizard.
"I need to see her now. It is a matter of great importance in regards to my ward and apprentice, Harry Potter." The long whiskered, brightly attired old man insisted.
The secretary would have called for security if he wasn't already there. Mercedes jumped to her feet. "Out! Now. Try and come into this school on false pretenses again, and I'll have Saburo call his brother here. Out!"
Dumbles wasn't moving, "No! I have to speak to her about…"
The secretary wasn't going to take chances. She hit the intruder alert ward. It would let everyone know there was an issue.
The headmistress, in conference with a parent, burst out of her office, "What in the world? YOU!" The old witch's power pushed him back away from her protege, the daughter of her heart. With a calm that defied the situation, she turned to said daughter, "Mercedes, call the aurors."
"Yes, mam." Using the Scottish term for mum, and did just that.
The secretary tapped a device on her desk next to her phone. Green flames appeared, and the portal to the floo at Auror command appeared. "We have an uninvited guest at Wimborne School of Magic. Requesting assistance, please. We have an unwanted powerful wizard here."
"Trespassing, and you asked him to leave?" The auror asked.
"Correct. He appears to be over a hundred, and demented, but powerful."
"We're gathering a squad now. Don't try to contain him yourself." The auror advised.
"I only wanted to talk to you about Harry Potter! He must come to his senses. I was told by Rita Skeeter he was attending school here." Albus shouted.
"So you thought you'd what? Show up and kidnap him? Mercedes, contact Mr Potter's guardians. Use my office. And shut the door."
Mercedes could see that the visiting parents had already been evacuated through the traveling floo. She ran to Ada's desk. This was not good. Albus Dumbledore! His power rolling off him made her quite nauseous. Ada's had always made her feel loved, but she wasn't nearly the powerhouse.
The only time she had felt such power before was in young Harry. But his magic was clean and pure, like liquid sunshine. It made people around him feel safe. Secure. And for his girlfriends? Loved, she was sure.
"Lord Black? This is Mercedes at the school. Dumbledore is here. He's asking for Harry. Yes, I'll open the Headmistress' floo for you. The password is 'Babbage'.
**OO**
Sirius and Remus showed up just a minute before the aurors did. As Wimborne was a school, Dumbledore was sent off with a warning this time. He had been shown the proof that Potter was not his apprentice nor was Dumbledore his guardian. The man had tried to argue, and in so doing was now banned from the school. Any further attempts to visit would have him treated as an attacker.
"We need to get Harry to make us a Dumbledore trap." Lupin muttered.
Sirius couldn't help but agree. Amelia had said much the same thing when it appeared he had tried to make the DMLE 'uninterested' in what happened up at Hogwarts.
The ads in the paper looking for travelers to Australia stopped, and rumors abounded that Dumbledore had found Harry Potter. They were right in one way. Just not the way that the average wizard on the street thought.
**OO**
The family at first wanted to remove Harry from school completely with Dumbledore finding out where he went. The boy, however, had an afternoon appointment with the Headmistress. Well, he didn't, but Luna asked him to go with her.
"Padfoot! I'm fine! Sabuto was there, I have my goblin emergency callout that has only been tested, never used. I mean, if Dumbles comes back, how cool would that be? BloodRage would have him spitted and ready to be dragon roasted. I'm fine!"
Then, in a reversal that made a bit more sense, the family asked both Harry and Hermione to stay at the school for a couple of weeks without coming home on the weekend.
Just in case Dumbledore tried something.
Harry and Hermione talked about it. It was only one weekend, and they could spend it with their other friends that stayed over at school.
It wasn't exactly a hardship.
**OO**
Later that afternoon, Luna kept her appointment at the Headmistress' office. Harry was holding her hand, and the young witch wouldn't let go.
"It's alright with me if you're here, Harry. Miss Lovegood is not in trouble."
"Why do you call Harry by his first name, but not me?" Luna pouted.
"Because I was raised in a different time. He invited me to do so. You have not yet given me leave." The headmistress shared. "There's ginger lemonade and biscuits if you like. I find the ginger soothing."
Harry took two small plates over on the sideboard while Luna sat. He filled glasses and plates expertly, and brought them over, serving with a bow.
"Sit, my minion, and let us see how much trouble I am in." Luna commanded with a wave. "Please, ma'am. Use my first name if you'd like."
Harry said nothing aloud, but his smile showed her that this was all friendship on display.
"Luna? You know that I appreciate your fine wit and sunshine disposition. You have never earned a demerit, much less a detention. You charge crystals happily with Harry and otherwise contribute to the school."
"However?" Luna prompted.
"You have not yet made one spell in Arithmancy. The tutor has reported you have ducked out on your sessions with him with six different and valid excuses. Term end exams are coming up. The equivalent of fourth year exams at Hogwarts. Ours are to the ICW standard however. How do you plan to pass the practicals? I am concerned for you. Your theory is top-notch."
Luna got up, trying not to cry, and stood at the window. Torn whether to go to her to comfort her, or confront the woman who'd made his friend cry, Harry chose to stand and defend.
"Her mother was killed in front of her while experimenting with a new spell. Can you imagine how that felt? To watch your own mother die in front of you, unable to help?" Harry practically shouted.
"Mr Potter?" Headmistress Lovelace stated calmly but firmly; puncturing Harry's ire. "Do you need to leave to calm yourself? I understand that you are angry."
Ada looked at Luna softly, not knowing of the details, just that her mother had died when Luna was young. But that didn't give Harry permission to speak to her like that.
"Now, Harry. Can you finish what you wanted to say, in a modified tone? There are no enemies here." the headmistress requested, not unkindly.
Harry bowed a silent apology and shared more softly, "Her father always shut down the floo for safety. To keep his ladies safe. He never dreamed that there would be a time when it was needed. Luna was too young to start it herself. She was trapped with her dying mother, unable to call for help. It was awful for her."
The headmistress nodded, and looked at the girl who seemed to be looking for her fairy friends.
"Why don't you drop the course, then? Oh, it's required for Magizoology. I see. I will speak to the Head of that Mastery. But listen to me. Trauma happens to us all. We can either let that stop us completely, or we face it head on. No one is asking you to create a dangerous, Unspeakable level spell. No spell of yours would be cast without review by a team of Masters. I do understand the block. I am not dismissing it. I am asking if you want help to get over this? Or do you want to retreat? It is your choice."
Luna was crying now, and Harry went over and put his arm around her. He understood that the headmistress wasn't being mean at all.
"I really want to get my Mastery in Magizoology." Luna snuffled.
"You only need the Arithmancy course to the OWL level. Why not invent a spell that keeps a fairy warm? The warming charm is too harsh - it can really hurt them." The headmistress suggested kindly.
Through tears, Luna nodded, and suddenly blinked. "Oh! To make it less powerful. Yes. And they would love that! I could cast it on the rocks near their home…I need some parchment. May I be excused, Your Grace?"
The headmistress smiled. Few here knew she was a duchess, but somehow Luna knew.
Harry hesitated just a moment. "If you need anything. A greenhouse? An animal for potions? Just let me know. You help students fulfill dreams. I've been blessed with a legacy from my parents that I'm happy to share with you. Judiciously. I don't want my goblin friends yelling at me."
"So noted, Harry. And thank you for coming with Luna. Go. Catch up with her. And please? All I really want is another beautiful shell from your godfather's island. So lovely."
Harry laughed.
The rest of that term, Luna created three spells, all for her fairies, and her smile never once faltered.
And though on edge a bit, Albie-a-Dummy never showed his face again at school for the rest of the Spring term.
As more time passed, the students' fears decreased, and focused on their studies.
**OO**
The first of the two summer holidays was spent in the Bahamas, with a lot of swimming. Hannah again came with Susan. This time, Justin and Baljeet came along with Lisa, Milli and Blaise.
Of course, the Granger family and both Lovegoods made it a magical holiday for Harry before they had even left.
Harry was portkeyed directly inside the house this time, so the island didn't welcome him with a tropical storm. This made everyone happy, except Harry of course.
After a week of sun and fun, the group then stopped by a Texas hippogriff farm on the way home. Being in the Hill Country, they also toured a muggle animal reserve and a giant cavern. That one had an unexpected host in an Indian ghost. He gathered them for a magical tour of a spur of the caverns. It was fascinating.
Just before going home, they went to a theme park there in the area, and had a blast together. Especially in the water park.
Harry joined Luna and Hermione bobbing in a river that had inflatable devices. "Oh Sirius! We have got to get one of these!"
Moony laughed and splashed him with water, but couldn't help but agree. It would be a lot of fun. Maybe there was a local park that had this?
Something that all of the boys noticed is that while Milli did have strong shoulders and a chiseled chin, she was also blooming as a young woman. Not as trollish as she was as a first year.
As they later ate at an American style BBQ place named "Bubba's", all were quick to share their favorite attractions and events.
Harry noticed that Amelia wasn't a big roller coaster fan but seemed to be alright watching Susan and Hannah on rides just fine. He worried that something was wrong with Padfoot's wife as she had been sick on and off during their trip, and seemed to be putting on a bit of weight.
And he would mention that to her on the second of Nevermonth. Nope, he liked his breathing privileges just fine, thank you very much.
Harry and his friends enjoyed the thrill rides though. And their group never had to wait in too long lines either.
Sirius had contacted MACUSA and gotten the 'VIP' pass for their entire group. For an upcharge at the park, they got well-trained wizards who blended in as muggles for guards, and backdoor entrances to most rides.
Susan one time complained about 'cheating' but Harry pointed to the two-hour plus line for the biggest roller coaster. "We were told the first one was escorted. If we want to ride it again, we get in line. And we did pay extra for it. Anyone can, if they know about it."
Hermione huffed just a bit, silently agreeing with Susan, but Luna shook her head, "I just want to float some more. No line for that!"
Amelia looked ready to intervene if it broke into a real argument, but it wasn't necessary.
Remus and Sirius had challenged everyone to the bumper cars, and who could resist those? Though again, Amelia declined to join, and opted to be the group's photographer
The walk out to the rented expanded van saw their arms full of stuffies from games, and not a few treats from vendors. Though a bit tired, all of the young people were smiling.
This had been fun!
**OO**
Back at Wimborne, Harry's pod was ahead of their goals, and finished up fourth year by the end of September. They were completing the fifth year material as well as reviewing all of the rest of the spells needed for OWLs.
Only Milli was having issues, but that was due to her low magical index.
Harry asked Healer Marius about the magical suppression cuffs. If they could be used to absorb magical energy out, why couldn't the programming on them be changed downward and in to share magical energy the other way?
Sirius, who had the important role of being Lord Black, and fiddling with his own projects, was soon at school to help Harry with this idea.
But it turned out it was all moot.
After Sirius did an initial scan of Milli, with her permission, and her mother right there, the wizard smacked his head.
He called up Moony on his mirror, and sent his friend to get some books from the Black Library. Books he'd left on purpose at Grimmauld Place.
The security charms were set off as Lupin tried to bring them into school. Growling in frustration, Sirius sent Moony to the covered pitch, where the Bulstrode witches followed.
As they talked, he explained his thoughts to everyone there.
"I remember that attack on Diagon. James and I were fighting a small crew of Death Eaters who were trying to rob one of the stores. Madam Bulstrode, you'd been inside, and Bellatrix cursed you. Stupid witch! She must have cursed me to forget, as I didn't remember until I scanned your daughter."
By then they were there, and Sirius was able to show her the book, "A squib spell? She tried to make my baby a squib?"
"Worse. Make you all think she was. It's like her magic's hiding. There's a counter to it, I just can't seem to remember. Oh, here."
Sabuto Shacklebolt was watching intently the entire time. It wasn't long, but BloodRage showed up chatting with Mercedes.
"Are you folks ready to be quiet for a moment? Madam Bulstrode, this ought not hurt your daughter, but I still want permission to cast." Sirius asked.
She reviewed the spell and looked at her daughter. Her two older boys were strong magically. Her daughter had planned on tending plants or something. She was still exploring options. She was not on the fast track for OWLs but liked to try and practice with her friends.
Mother looked at daughter, and saw determination. Her eyes were begging for this. They had to try.
"Go ahead, sir. And no matter what happens, thank you for trying." Glenda Bulstrode stated with a nod from Milli as well.
Sirius summoned his magic, a cloak of power that Harry admired. He then cast a long spell carefully, wrapping that magic around the girl.
There was an audible 'pop' and Milli fell to the grassy field.
Her mother was there beside her, as was Blaise.
Healer Marius was casting diagnostics. "Oh goodness me! We need to get you to the infirmary. Your core! It's showing as near empty. Oh, how marvelous! Lord Black? May I come over and read some of these books, sometime?"
Healer Marius used to outrageously flirt with him until he found out he was married. Now, he was all business.
Sirius nodded, "I'll grant you full access to Grimmauld Place. Please, just don't go alone. Tell me who else to add to the wards. I don't want to burn these books for just this reason, but I don't want them near the children."
"Gee dad, how can I be a dark lord without these sorts of books?" Harry teased, giving Milli a pat on the arm and a smile.
Hermione lightly slapped his arm, "No dark books for you!"
They all laughed and congratulated Milli. They could feel the difference.
Blaise was growling. His friend had been hurt, and the woman responsible was in prison for life. She deserved to be punished for this! But what could be done? Azkaban was the worst place ever.
**OO**
Sunday, 31 October 1993
Azkaban was the worst place ever. Peter had found by turning into a rat, the presence of the dementors was tolerable. Probably how Sirius had kept his own mind.
It was time for a miracle.
Pettigrew didn't want to spend the rest of his life here. He wanted to be free! The guards would share their old newspapers now and then. Not out of kindness, no, but to mock him. To show that his enemies had gotten the best revenge - by living well.
Sirius was married now, a baby on the way. Harry was taking classes not in magics but in something called commuters. How awful. Commuting was the worst, according to Lily, if he remembered right.
Why would Harry study that?
For all that he'd betrayed his friends, he still loved the baby that Harry had been. He had gotten to see a bare glimpse of him on Harry's first day of school; the day Moody nabbed him.
Peter should have known that Dumbledore would have sent guards for his first trip on the Hogwarts Express! He was foolish, and had gotten caught by Moody of all people.
Well, now was the time to get uncaught.
He'd slowly worked on the runes, stupidly carved into the walls within arms' reach, blocking him in (silly wizards!). Most magicals didn't study runes, but Pettigrew was smarter and sneakier than everyone. Now, they were just worthless decorations.
He'd escape tonight, when the monthly shift changed. One small rat wouldn't be noted. He'd make his way back to his real Master. He'd protect him.
He wished he had something to make it look like he'd died. So, he pushed the bar out of the window, making it look like he jumped into the ocean.
That way would have led to certain death in the cold sea this time of year
**OO**
A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila: FairyWm wrote Harry Gets Angry
s/11818542/1/Harry-Gets-Angry
Loralee1's stories are ALL great. Here are two of them: A Time to Live
s/2856856/1/Time-to-Live
And Time to Learn s/3397077/1/Time-to-Learn
Beekeeper has a glorious one-shot about Goblins getting fed up. Protecting Profits
s/14023835/1/Protecting-Profits
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**OO**
Baggit - flying lacrosse
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language