Chapter 8
June 4
Harry entered the Ministry wearing his Lord Slytherin robes with Winky following him wearing her Pendragon livery. He no longer had to check-in or wear a badge because he had an office somewhere. "Do you know where my office is?" he asked Winky.
"Yes, it is being on the same floor as the Minister, my Lord." Winky responded.
Before they reached the lifts the stares were obvious. Harry wondered if it was because of Harry Potter or the elf wearing clothing. The odd pair made it into the lifts and headed to the first level. "Let's stop by and talk to Percy to set an appointment with the Minister first. Then I will see my office before we go to the courtrooms. The lift stopped and as the doors opened the voice said. "Level one, Office of the Minister and King. Senior under secretary's offices." Several parchment airplanes passed them on their way out. Harry talked with his elf as they walked down the hall to Kingsley's office. Percy was sitting at his desk when they approached.
"Good morning, Lord is it Slytherin today? Are you here to see the Minister?" Percy asked.
"Yes I am playing the role of Lord Slytherin today Percy. No I don't have an appointment. I am here to set one though. When will the Minister have time to see me?" Harry said.
"I have been told that you do not make appointments. He will see you now if you have time, my Lord." Harry nodded and Percy disappeared into Kingsley's office. He returned to the door and asked Harry to come in.
Kingsley's booming voice said. "Lord Slytherin, please do come in, I had hoped to see you sooner. We do have adjacent offices now. Tell me why you have stopped by today?"
"I hadn't expected to actually speak to you today but I know we need to discuss the Order of Merlin award ceremony. Am I the only one receiving an award?" Harry said.
"We have received reports from the Ministry workers at the Battle of Hogwarts, and are still receiving letters from those that fought that do not work for the Ministry. They tell quite a tale and there are several awards the Ministry would like to give. First is an award that we want to give to everyone that fought for our side. We have had it designed and we are calling it the Defenders of Magic medal. There are eight OoM third class, four OoM second class and two OoM first class beside yours we would like to award. We hoped to have the ceremony on July 30th in your honor."
Harry nodded his head "Very good, though I did not want a look at Harry ceremony."
Kingsley chuckled. "You are a very humble man for such a powerful wizard. I would like to hear your story of the battle when you have time, your Majesty."
"I will have Winky make an appointment to do that. Perhaps, dinner at my manor." Dimpy nodded then she and Percy left to look at the Ministers schedule. "There must be something useful I can do with this King shite, Kingsley. Can I Knight people? What would that mean in our world?"
Kingsley was laughing heartily. "I guess the King is excused for any language he uses. Yes you can grant Knighthood. In the wizarding world it is a high honor, as well a Knight may join the Auror corps without the required NEWTS. They may wear a sword in the Wizangamot and in the presence of the King. They are addressed with the honorific of Sir or Dame. There is probably more, but that is what I know off hand."
"That sounds good to me. Could you have a list of the remaining Order of the Phoenix made? Along with the DA I will be knighting them into a new Knights of the Royal Order of the Phoenix. Please invite Mr. Filch, and the remaining professors I am going to name them Knight Protectors of Hogwarts. Who are the other OoM first class recipients?"
"Hermione and Ron of course." Kingsley answered.
"I would like you to add Neville Longbottom, Fred Weasley, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, and Colin Creevey to that list. There are many more that deserve it."
"They were all on the list of lesser awardees, Highness."
"I must be going. I have court today and wanted to visit my office beforehand. I look forward to dinner." Harry said.
"As do I." Kingsley said and clamped Harry in a half hug.
Winky showed Harry to his office. As Harry was checking it out Dimpy popped off and returned with a box. Harry opened it and put on the helm, then strapped on the belt, scabbard and sword. Harry took the braided Crown off its display stand in his office and placed on top of the helm it stretched and settled into a groove that seemed to have been made for it. Harry was not surprised that the brace and ring became visible. Harry then left his office and made his way to courtroom ten. He would be testifying in McNair's trial first then Mr. Goyle's today, with many to follow in the next few months. He was met by one of the prosecutor's assistants outside the court room. Harry vaguely recognized him and thought he had been a Ravenclaw in Percy's year. He was clearly surprised by Harry's appearance. "We had not expected you to be, well, so impressively dressed, Your Highness." He then smiled brightly. "I am sure it will make the impression you were looking for. My name is Cord Smithe, your Highness. If you could wait in this room until the Prosecutor is ready to present your testimony." Cord motioned to a small room with several comfortable chairs and a table with tea service and biscuits on it. Harry only waited for about five minutes before Cord was back telling him it was time for his testimony. Harry entered the court room and saw McNair chained to his seat with two Aurors guarding him. There was an audible gasp as he stepped into the room. Harry smiled as McNair's head turned to look at him.
McNair scowled and said. "How dare you impersonate a Lord you jumped up half blood? Especially the honorable Lord Slytherin. I may be the one on trial but the Wizengamot will not stand for this."
"You will not speak directly to the King, prisoner." Dawlish said from behind McNair. The prisoner looked gobsmacked.
"Are you testifying as Lord Slytherin or as the Monarch today?" Minister Shackelbolt asked.
"While in the Ministry my every act is as Monarch, Minister. I wear the crest of Slytherin when I choose because it is my right by conquest." Harry replied.
Harry gave testimony on the events he witnessed in the graveyard in Little Hangelton and at Hogwarts. At the end of the day Both McNair and Goyle were sentenced to and sent through the veil. Harry and Winky went to Grimmauld Place and had dinner with Ginny, Arthur, Molly, and George there.
"I can't believe the change in this place Harry. Kreacher you and the other elves have done a splendid job with it." Molly said.
"Kreacher thanks Lady Weasley. All of Harry's elves worked hard to make Grimmauld Place as Harry wanted it being. It is much easier for Kreacher to keep it with Winky helping."
When the meal was over they went to the sitting room. "We are so happy with our bond with the house elves. It is like having very helpful family to care for. Ron is over the moon with the orange and black Weasley livery and would you believe that Arthur actually put a winged Anglia in the family crest." Harry choked and tea came out his nose when Molly said that.
Harry recovered and cleaned himself off. "I can't wait to see that. How do you keep them busy Molly?"
"I don't dear. They keep themselves busy. It seems we have a Manor in Leeds and flat in London to take care of now." Molly said.
"Thanks to you we are George's landlord too." Arthur said.
"I feel just a bit guilty that I get an excellent meal when I pay the rent. Especially since it is so cheap now, and Ron will be taking half the rent for the flat when he moves in at the start of school." George said.
"It is time we got back to the Burrow dear." Molly and Arthur got up to leave. George followed to go back to Diagon Alley.
"I can't believe how comfortable your mum is with leaving you alone with me. I mean we really are not alone all that much but I am a seventeen year old with several houses of my own."
"She is so comfortable because we are not alone! Brassie?" Ginny called and an elf in orange and black appeared in the corner of the room.
"I see. I don't know if I am offended or relieved that I have been behaving. Kreacher did you know there was a spy in the house?"
"Kreacher was knowing that the Weasley elves were here, but if Harry is not wanting them here Kreacher will make them leave."
Brassie was looking alarmed and afraid. "Brassie is just doing as her mistress orders. I is not wanting to anger the great Harry Potter. I is not spying to hurt Harry Potter. Please do not send Brassie to her mistress and leave Miss Ginny unsupervised."
"I know you are not here to spy in that manner but if elves are going to be chaperoning Ginny, I insist that you are visible and that you are helpful in my houses. NO SNEAKING! Am I understood?" The elf nodded yes. "When you go back to the Burrow please inform Lady Weasley that I accept her chaperones, but that I am disappointed that she was being so covert about it."
"Brassie will do as Lord Potter asks." She said.
"If Weasley elves are going to be in my houses let them know that I am addressed as Harry, not lord, or master, or highness, or Majesty, or great, and the elves eat at the table when I eat. Kreacher could you bring more tea and biscuits?"
Ginny sat in Harry's lap and said. "You are so sexy when you so firmly treat elves kindly." The couple snogged until Kreacher returned with the tea.
"Do you want to watch me be kind to some more elves tonight?"
"I don't know how much more sexy I can stand. What do you have in mind?"
"I need to deal with the Bulstrode elves tonight."
"I could never get tired of watching you change people's lives. Please do Harry."
Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and called out. "Boggy, Tifter, Barmy, Knogin, Parky, Bugger, Squidgy, Khazi, Pukka, Hizzie, Cobbles, Bodgie, Tattie, Bludgy?" With Kreacher and Brassie in the room there were now sixteen elves. "I am Harry Potter. You now belong to me. I am not a very typical elf owner and I require a different bond if you wish to stay bonded. If any of you wish to be free elves, I will present you with clothing and send you on your way, if you do not wish to be employed by one of my houses. Do any of you wish to be free?" All the elves started begging not to be freed. "Very well I only want my elves to be as happy as they can be. Kreacher will explain the old bond and my sign of that bond."
Kreacher explained and an hour and a half later Hizzie and Squidgy were wearing black and grey, Barmy and Pukka were wearing red and white, the rest were wearing Slytherin green and silver.
"Barmy, Pukka, Hizzie and Squidgy you will stay here at Grimmauld Place. Winky please show them to their new quarters. Kreacher can you tell the others my house elf rules." Harry called Dimpy. "When Kreacher is done could you escort the new Slytherin elves to Peverell Castle? They will be staying there until I inform the Headmistress they will be coming to Hogwarts."
June 5
Daily Prophet
Headline
Lord Slytherin testifies against Deatheaters
Harry had stayed at Grimmauld Place and was eating his breakfast and reading the Quibbler. Kreacher and the other elves were quietly conversing with each other. It was a shame he could not stand to read a paper he owned a large part of. He would eventually have to do something about it. He was reading an article about benefits of gnome saliva and finishing his cuppa when Hermione flooed in. "How is the search going?" Harry asked.
"Well I haven't found them yet, but the muggle authorities have a lead and I should hear in the next day or two." She responded.
"While you are waiting could I get you to start work on about fifty more DA coins?"
"Whatever for?"
"I have a plan for the DA and the Order brewing. I will fill you in when the others arrive.
Ginny and Ron arrived. "What are you two working on?" Harry asked.
"I'm helping Hermione with her parents. Other than that I have finished the inspection of the Bulstrode properties and I have written a report for you. Beside the manor in Exeter that you let them keep all of them were investment properties, Apartments, business fronts and warehouses. Two of the warehouses contained evidence of use by the Deatheaters." Ron said.
"I have had extra sets of livery for all the elves except the new ones started. I found a widow with two children in need of work that was willing to sew them." Ginny answered.
"That sounds good. I am planning on combining the Order and the DA into one group I am going to call the Knights of the Royal Order of the Phoenix. Ron when you are not helping Hermione I want you to go through the armory in Peverell Castle and my vaults and round up fifty four swords. If you can, keep them close in style. Maybe with the exception of Hagrid, a claymore may fit him better. Something that will look good with a military dress uniform. Ginny could you go to Twillfit and Tattings and talk to them about making fifty four uniforms. If they are willing I will stop by to talk to them about what I want them to look like. When you are done with those you will be done with what I need help with. Enjoy the rest of your summer."
Harry had to go to the ministry to testify today and he was to sit on the Wizengamot for others in the days to come. He gathered up Winky, Barmy, and Pukka and left for the ministry. They went straight to his office when they arrived they found a witch sitting at the reception desk. "Good morning Majesty I'm Alison Parrish. The ministry has assigned me to your office until you hire a secretary."
"You look familiar. Were you a Hufflepuff?"
She smiled. "Yes, my lord, I was a fifth year, the year you were sorted. I'm very surprised you remember me even a little."
"Can I decide to hire you or do you have another job in the ministry you have to get back to?"
"I was Lord Bulstrode's secretary and I am looking for a new position."
"That is brilliant consider yourself hired. The elves are Winky, Barmy and Pukka. They are going to be part of my ministry staff. I expect them to be treated as such and not like servants. You will be in charge of this office and setting appointments and schedules. What have you been doing so far?"
"Just emptying file cabinets and laying in office supplies, Majesty"
"Sir should do while in the office Alison. Please start on getting a trial schedule written up and find an agenda for the next assembly for me. I have to testify shortly so I will be going down to the courts Winky will accompany me Barmy and Pukka will stay here and help while you get to know each other." Harry left the office after donning crown, helm and sword.
"I can't say I've ever met free elves before." Alison said
"We is not being free elves. We is good, properly bonded elves, King Pendragon has given us this livery as a sign of the proper old bond." Pukka said while looking irritated."
"I'm sorry I was not trying to offend you. An elf wearing anything other than a tea towel or pillow case is an unusual sight."
"We is not being offended, we is being proud of our kind master. His Majesty is a great wizard that is changing our world for the better for all magical beings. He is being Protector of Elves, Ally of the Centaurs, and Friend of the Goblin Nation." Barmy told the new secretary.
"Those are impressive titles indeed. Wizards and witches are all very fond of and owe much to His Majesty. He killed a basilisk his second year at Hogwarts and had a lot of adventures before killing the dark wizard Tom Riddle."
"Pukka is being surprised the King did not make friends with the basilisk, the elves at Grimmauld Place say he was friends with an Acromantula before it died of old age." The elf said.
"We should probably get to work. I will go to the prosecutor's office and get a schedule of the trials His Majesty is testifying in. Pukka and Barmy could you go to the Wizengamot secretary's office and get a schedule of trials he must sit in and the assembly agenda?
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After leaving the Ministry for the day Harry apperated to Hogsmeade. He made the walk to the gates of the school and waited at the gate for someone to greet him. He saw the figure of a lanky man, with a confident walk he was not familiar with at Hogwarts, walking down the path to the gate. As the man approached he realized that he did know the man. "Well if it isn't Harry Potter. Sorry milord I should have said Majesty."
"It's alright I would prefer that my friends call me Harry. I think that we are friends at this point are we not Stan?"
"Right you are Harry. My thanks to you for gettin me released from Azkaban, and your recommendation letter. It was what made the headmistress' mind on hirin me, it did. I'm Mr. Filch's new assistant." Stan unlocked the gate and allowed Harry on the grounds, and they began the walk to the castle. "If ya don't mind my asking what are you doin at Hogwarts taday?"
"I don't mind at all. I have an appointment with the headmistress and I hope to visit Hagrid for a bit."
"The head will be in er office. Has she given you the password?"
"Yes she has. I hope the gargoyles are not too disappointed. They seemed to enjoy the silly passwords Dumbledore came up with."
They arrived at the castle and Stan excused himself and Harry made his way to the heads office. When he arrived at the stairway the gargoyles jumped aside before he had a chance to give the password Argyle, and said. "Welcome Lord Slytherin. The Headmistress is waiting." Harry rode the stairs to the top and knocked on the door.
"Whoever it is do come in. I don't have much time. His Majesty is due any moment."
Harry opened the door and said. "This moment actually. How are you Minerva?"
"Busy Harry. It is good to see you again. To what do I owe the pleasure?" She said as she sat behind the desk.
Harry had been looking around the office. Many of Dumbledore's gadgets were gone and the office had a more Gaelic look. The Pensive, and Fawkes' empty perch were still there. He noticed the two new headmaster paintings. Severus was glaring at him and Dumbledore was pretending to be sleeping. He looked toward Snape's painting. "Hello Headmaster it is good to see you."
"I did not think that the arrogant Lord Potter would stoop to talking to my painting. I am glad to hear that you found a way to defy the great Dumbledore by defeating the Dark Lord and living as well."
"That is not fair Severus! I had always held out hope that the boy would live." Dumbledore was no longer pretending to sleep.
"That will be enough you two. I swear Harry some days they are at it all day. I wish they would find a landscape in some forgotten corner of the castle to have it out in." Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "And how on earth did the artist manage to get that damnable twinkle in your eye. It's maddening I swear. Enough of this. I do hope you came for a reason other than encouraging these two children in their shenanigans, Potter."
Harry sat in a chair opposite the Head. "I did. I still plan to attend as a seventh year this fall but I also have some concerns about Slytherin house and my duties with the Wizengamot. I also want to donate some new brooms to replace the deplorable ones now used to teach first years to fly. Lastly I was hoping for your support when I ask the minister to correct the wrongful conviction of Hagrid and allow him a new wand."
"Of course you will have my support on Hagrid. I feel that is an injustice that has gone far too long as well. We all, including current and former Ministers, ignore that umbrella of his anyway. I will talk to Madame Jones about the new brooms and let you know what she thinks would work best. We will make any accommodations you need to attend to your duties with the Wizengamot and the Ministry while attending school. What are your concerns about Slytherin House?"
"I am worried the Slytherin students will be seeking revenge for the imprisonment or execution of their parents and the treatment and killing of friends and family members. That the other houses may seek revenge against Slytherin students for the same reasons. That the atmosphere of last year will be renewed. I would like to be reassured that the mending of our community will begin here at this school. I think the house system has served to separate us and isolate the wizard community into factions. It was meant to create competition to enhance the drive to do better. I think that the house system is a great tradition but has been twisted into a liability. I want all the students of Hogwarts to feel safe and accepted in this castle, including the ones sorted into Slytherin."
"Those are many of the same concerns I have Harry. Do you have any suggestions on remedies?"
"I may have a few Minerva. I think the classes should be a mixture of students from all the houses. The common rooms should be opened to all students. With the exception of the feast meals for the sorting, Halloween, Christmas, Quiddich days and end of term the tables in the great hall should be segregated by year and not house. The school should schedule Quiddich matches with teams from the other wizarding schools in Britain and Ireland. Above all else I do not want Slytherin house to be punished for the past, or wreaking havoc on the school in a reign of terror."
Severus' Painting interrupted. "If I may, I could have a suggestion." Harry and Minerva nodded at him. "If Lord Potter is sincere about the Slytherin House then I suggest that he take up residence in the Slytherin dungeons, as Lord Slytherin, and assist the head of house in supervision and protection. Minerva you were saying the other day the only Slytherin of Potters year to return to take NEWTS was Draco Noname. That will make him older than all the seventh years except Draco and along with his title give him some authority."
Harry was taken aback by the Draco Noname bit. He was surprised that Lucius would disown his own child. His opinion of that man declined with every mention of him. "I had thought of that in a way although not moving into the Slytherin dorms. I have ten house elves that I have bonded to the Slytherin family. I would like to have them come to Hogwarts this school year and help me keep an eye on the students. There is the slight problem of their attire, as they wear Slytherin livery. It could distress the school elves."
"I dined with Arthur and Molly two nights ago Harry and I am fascinated by the old bond you have resurrected. Do you think we could adapt the bond for the Hogwarts elves?"
"I am certain it can. The knowledge came from the Slytherin ring and it was adapted from the original Hogwarts bond."
Minerva was surprised. "Whenever could that have changed? Who would have dared to change it?"
"The Black family ring tells me that Headmaster Black has some explaining to do."
All the paintings looked at Phineas'. "It was the fashion of the time. The board requested I change the bond." The painting Stammered.
"It was your urging that caused the board to request it. You also tried to make shrinking and displaying house elf heads a fashion as I recall. Thank Merlin that did not catch on." Said a pleasant looking witch in a painting near the top of the wall. "Don't deny it. I was your deputy at the time." Phineas had conveniently left his frame while she was talking.
Harry was giggling. "If he has gone to Grimmauld Place, he will find he now has a prominent spot in a house elf's bedroom, next to Warbulla Black." The whole office erupted in laughter.
"Well speaking of the Board, they will have to approve the changes we have discussed. There are no other schools in Britain but maybe we could create an all school team. The next meeting is on July 20th. Could you help me write the proposals? I am busy during the week could you come to the school on a couple of Saturdays before the meeting?" Minerva said.
"Of course, could you schedule it with my secretary Alison Parrish at the Ministry? I am sure you have other things to do today so I will be going."
Harry made his way to Hagrid's hut. He was jumped by Fang at the door and the drooling dog covered his face in the slimy substance. "Wha a nice surprise Arry. Care fer a cuppa? Just made some rock cakes thes still ot." Harry sat down and the half giant filled a large mug with tea and handed him one of the still steaming cakes. It was surprisingly soft while still hot and Harry finished it quickly before it had a chance to set up.
"How is Grawp doing?" Harry asked.
"He's escortin tha other giants ome. They gave him the goblin made helmet and he is now leadin em. Right proud of me little brother I am." Harry spent a couple of hours catching up with his friend and then left with a load of now very hard rock cakes.
When Harry got home to the manor he immediately started a letter.
Mr. Draco Noname
It has come to my attention that your father has disowned you. As head of the Black family I would like to speak with you. Floo to Potter Manor at 2:00 p.m. on June fifteenth.
Sincerely; Harry Potter, Lord Black
Harry thought he really should get a new owl.
