Harry Potter and the Founders Vault

Disclaimer: this story is based on Harry Potter series by JK Rowling.

Facebook: Fanfiction Millma Verse

Note: Alright, so, for those who have been with us since the start, earlier on in this story I had Harper tell Professor McGongall there were about 100 magic schools in the USA. A lot of people pointed out that was a little too much and, after thinking it over, it was. Back then I just took 50 States and multiplied it by two to get 100 schools. In my mind almost every single State had their own magic school, since my magical USA works similarly to muggle USA where education is at the state level – there are some exceptions to this with smaller States who join in together to share schools. There are also some States that have two (New York being a prime example). So, in reality there are anywhere from 40 to 60 Magical Schools in the USA. I've gone back and corrected the line so that now Harper says "around 50" instead of 100. But there will be more about American education and schools down the line – a lot of which will be explained in year 4. Now, onto the chapter.

The Trial of Buckbeak

Harry was in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom with Remus and a Boggart. He had his wand up and was concentrating on a happy memory, as his father's friend and current Defense teacher had instructed.

"Expecto Patronum!" Harry yelled out, a white mist coming from his wand; the mist keeping the Boggart Dementor back for a moment before it faded. Remus stepped forward and quickly got the Boggart back into the chest he had it living in.

"That wasn't a bad attempt," Remus said, handing Harry some chocolate even though Harry had barely felt the effect the Boggart Dementor had this time. "What was the memory?"

"Doing trick jumps off the cliffs with Harper to get to Grand Canyon Academy of Magic," Harry said and could see Remus's confusion. "Our summer school. It's at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and to get there you must jump between two flags on the cliff's edge. The cliffs there are enchanted so all jumpers are safely teleported to the bottom, no matter how you jumped you end up on your feet. Harper and I have had a lot fun playing with the enchantment."

"Well, it's powerful, but not powerful enough," Remus said.

"Might be my fault. My mind has been on a lot of other things lately. Sirius for one," Harry admitted, taking a seat; even with Newt now around to help they had made no progress on finding his godfather or the rat they knew was still in the castle. Remus said both their names sometimes popped up on the map, but were quickly gone. "The trial is today." Harry added. He, Hermione, Harper, and Neville had continued organizing the students to influence the outcome.

"I will say I have never seen this school so united," Remus said with a small smile, sitting opposite Harry now. It was true – with some help from Hogwarts herself through Harper's dreams they had managed to target the right people to help rally around Hagrid and Buckbeak. All of Gryffindor, most Hufflepuff, and most Ravenclaw were fighting now to get Hagrid freed and Buckbeak safe. Even more Slytherins had joined in thanks to Edward Diggory, Harper, and Daphne.

"And Nicholas and Perenelle said, me and Harper are doing our final test in blood magic today," Harry said added – the Flamels were giving final tests before their final exams. Susan, Padma, and Ron had already done theirs; Ron had proudly showed the wand he had made with Phoenix tears from Flawkes, with a liquid core being harder to make. Unfortunately, that wand had not chosen him either. Neville was currently taking his exam, with Perenelle taking him off school to compete in a junior dueling competition.

"If you want, we can call it a day for now," Remus said softly.

"Thanks, Moony," Harry said getting up.

"How is Harper doing with Patronus training?" Remus asked.

"She understands the basics but testing it is hard without a real Dementor in place," Harry said.

"Even if we brought her here the Boggart would turn into a dead-you the minute she got close," Remus said and Harry nodded understanding, knowing that Harper's own Boggart formed into the dead body of himself. It was sweet that her worst fear was his death, but also creepy knowing the form her Boggart would take.

"Honestly, I think she and Cedric just like the alone time they get when they are practicing," Harry said.

"First love," Remus said with a smile. "Don't knock it. I know a lot of people whose first love didn't work out, but those memories still fuel the Patronus charm."

"Is that yours?" Harry asked.

"No," Remus said shaking his head. "If you must know, originally my happy memory was when James, Sirius, and Peter accepted me instead of abandoning me." Harry gave a sad nod at this. "That memory has soured some over the years, due to a certain rat, but your parents provided me with a new memory that fuels my Patronus just perfectly: bringing me into your family."

Harry gave a nod and a smile, standing and heading for the door before pausing. "Moony, can I try one more time?" Harry asked.

"If you wish," Remus said, as Harry moved back into position and Remus opened the trunk.

The Dementor came at Harry, and this time Harry tried to think of Enola, of taking her to the dance… but the memory wasn't even producing the mist his memories with Harper had as he shouted the spell. He didn't know why but Hermione entered his mind: the way she was, the way she cracked the codes in the Vault Book, the way he made her feel… the way she looked… and as he called out 'Expecto Patronus' not just a mist came out but a figure did.

The bird like animal Harry recognized as a Phoenix flew from his wand, forcing the Dementor back into the chest. The phoenix wasn't defined, but was better than the mist he had made earlier.

"Well… very good," Remus said with a smile. "That was a phoenix. The same Patronus Professor Dumbledore has." Harry gave a nod, almost stunned he had done it. "So, was it first love?"

"No," Harry said, going slightly red, knowing Remus was asking if it was Enola. It hadn't been Enola and he wasn't in love with Hermione. Or was he?

-Harry Potter-

At the Wizengamot in the Ministry of Magic, Newt Scamander had given his testimony on the attitude and behavior of Buckbeak, explaining the Hippogriff was a very ordinary magical creature, no more dangerous than any other. He was happy when Amos Diggory, who was using his position as a senior within the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, confirmed the findings as well. Newt concluded his testimony that there was no reason to put Buckbeak down over what was a completely minor injury, concluding that if the Wizengamot would prefer the creature off Hogwarts grounds, he would happily take him to one of his own reserves.

"Misplacing a wild beast does not help," it was Lucius Malfoy who spoke out. "That Hippogriff is dangerous, and I demand the beast be killed."

"You have no right to demand anything here," another member called out. Newt tried not to smile at the in-fighting. He had thought this would be over fast when he first came, but Harry, Harper, Hermione, and Neville had done a good job. Newt himself having framed a copy of the article appearing in the Lovegood's magazine and sending copies to Cassidy as well.

"The House Malfoy and Black won't stand for this," Lucius said.

"You do not represent House Black anymore," a new voice spoke, strongly; with curly brown hair, an angular face and blue eyes, Andromeda Tonks who stood up. "Keep to your place, Lucius. The Heir Black has decided for me to represent the House here. A brighter future for the House of Black to be sure…" Newt couldn't miss the look on Lucius's face at his own sister-in-law defying his wishes – Andromeda being the sister to Narcissa Malfoy, of course. "And it's very obvious from all the evidence we have the Malfoy boy ignored warnings and proper procedures when dealing with a magical creature. Should every creature who delivers a minor injury on a boy who should know better be put down? I say tell your son to drop the creature class if you're so concerned as he clearly doesn't listen to instruction on how to deal with them," there was a small cheer on Andromeda's speech.

"This isn't the first time Professor Hagrid's creatures have caused problems with students. My son tells me one of them dragged a poor witch into an active Quidditch match. The girl holding on by the creature's neck," Lucius spoke up, and there was a gasp in the audience – even Newt found himself off guard at this revelation.

"Silence," Minister Fudge called out. "Albus Dumbledore is this true?"

"There was an incident last year with an Abraxan named Abraham indeed dragged a student into a Quidditch match," Albus confirmed.

"And why were we not informed?" Minister Fudge asked back.

"There was no reason. No one was injured and neither the student nor their parents complained," Albus Dumbledore said.

"It just goes to show this so-called Professor's responsibility," Lucius called out. Newt felt sorry for poor Hagrid, who seemed unsure what to do or say. Currently Albus was talking on Hagrid's behalf.

"Using an event no one knows the details behind clearly does not prove or disprove anything. If you want, I can get my Deputy Headmistress to bring the two students involved here to testify," Albus Dumbledore said.

"I don't think that will be necessary," Lucius said quickly.

"I am sure the two would love to," Albus commented back, a small smile on his face, and Newt wondered what the headmaster was doing. "Shall we put it to a vote? Who would like to hear testimony from the two students involved in the Abraxan incident?" Nearly everyone on the Wizengamot had raised their hands.

-Harry Potter-

Harry had gone to find Hermione and Harper, knowing Neville wouldn't be back yet. The two girls were in the library. Cedric was with them too, and all them were studying.

"Studying for finals?" Harry asked, taking a seat. Lucy was under the table and Harry went to give his crup a pet.

"Yeah. Got to do some studying," Harper said. "Buckbeak's trial is today so nothing more we can do that we haven't." Harry nodded. "Plus, Cedric has OWLs. I gave him our notes from last year."

"Thanks for that," Cedric mumbled.

"Mione, are you missing a book?" Harry asked, looking at the books on Hermione side. "No Divinations today?"

"No Divinations ever," Hermione said. "I quit that class." Harry raised an eyebrow. He had been trying to get Hermione to get rid of at least two classes to get to a normal schedule and he couldn't believe he had missed this one.

"According to Lavender she threw a crystal ball down the stairs as she left," Harper added, Hermione going red at this.

"What were you doing talking to Lavender?" Harry asked, knowing Lavender Brown was not the type of girl Harper would normally hang out with or talk to. Lavender was, as Harry called it, a girly-girl, into her looks and makeup and clothes. And she was a big gossip.

"I did Ron a solid and convinced her to break up with him. The poor boy was looking for hiding spaces. Don't tell him I did that," Harper said and Harry had to laugh a little.

"I should…." Harry started but didn't finish as Minerva McGonagall approached them. Harry quickly tried to position himself so she couldn't see Lucy. "Professor…?"

"I don't care about your crup, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said. "You and Ms. Evans need to come with me. You'll be visiting the Ministry of Magic."

"What?" Harry and Harper asked together.

"You are to provide testimony," Minerva said, surprising the two but smirking. Both making sure their badges to save Buckbeak were visible as they got up. Harry asked Hermione to watch Lucy as Harper gave Cedric a kiss on the cheek.

-Harry Potter-

Newt was nervous about what these students would say but noticed Albus Dumbledore's calm. He had known the man for a long time, and had even helped him greatly during the Grindelwald war, so there was something up here. However, the minute the two students entered and looked at him he had to smile.

"Thank you, Merlin," Newt mumbled as he saw Harry and Harper. He should have known.

"May I present Harry James Potter, heir to House Black and Potter, and his sister Harper Evans," Albus Dumbledore announced. "Since they are minors in the care of Hogwarts I shall act as their Guardian while they testify. Madam Bones, would you please take my place?" As Chief Warlock, Newt knew Albus conducted the meetings. He was asking Madam Bones to take his duties for a moment as he came down to stand by the students.

Amelia Bones nodded at this.

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans, in discussing regarding Buckbeak, an incident that happened last year with an Abraxan and a Quidditch match was brought to our attention." Amelia Bones started.

"Abraham," Harry said. "You're not going to add Abraham to the kill list?!" His eyes darted to Lucius Malfoy at this.

"I'll chain myself to him," Harper added.

"I'll join you," Harry said. "Filtch has those shackles in his office..."

"Why has this not been an option for Buckbeak?" Harper asked and Harry paused.

"Harry, Harper, please keep to the questions," Albus Dumbledore said, having let it go that far to get the reaction to the Wizengamot. "Madam Bones?"

"There has been no discussion of killing the Abraxan, Abraham. We just want more information on the incident to decide if, as some would like us to believe, it shows a pattern of negligent on Mr. Hagrid's part," Amelia Bone told the two.

"Professor Hagrid," Harry corrected her quickly, noticing Hagrid smiling a little at this.

"But Hagrid wasn't even there," Harper spoke up.

"You see, we don't like Quidditch," Harry said – and from the looks on a lot of faces he might as well said he hated puppies, unicorns and magic itself.

"Well, Harry more than me," Harper added, quickly, somewhat liking the Wizarding sport more now thanks to Cedric. "So, we and a couple of friends were just hanging by Hagrid Hut," Harper said, not saying the real reason they were there needing ingredients for a potion for Neville task.

"Harry, Harper, one at a time," Newt said this time before Albus could. Albus giving him a smile and nod.

"Harp, you first," Harry said.

"Thanks, Har. So, Abraham showed up. He was dirty so I got a step stool to wash him as we chatted," Harper said. "Then there was an explosion. We're not sure where it came from..." That was a downright lie – they knew it was Dobby trying to get Harry to leave the school, but with how many rights House Elves had in Britain, they didn't want to tell on him and risk the life of the House Elf too. "We think someone else was playing a prank on us. Anyway, the animals nearby – including Abraham – got spooked. He knocked over the stool I was standing on and I stupidly grabbed hold of his neck. In fear, he dragged me onto the Quidditch pitch where Fred Weasley caught me."

"Meanwhile myself, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom were mildly injured," Harry said, glancing to Neville's grandmother for a second, as she was present. "I got on Buckbeak's back and flew after Harper. I managed to jump from Buckbeak onto Abraham and calm him down so we could all fly off."

"You flew on Buckbeak?" It was Augusta Longbottom this time. "The very Hippogriff we are here deciding if we will put down?"

"Buckbeak is very calm and mild when he knows you," Harry said.

"A child can't give that opinion," Lucius snapped.

"To disagree, Harry has been taught by me about Magical Creature from a young age," Newt spoke up. "He's definitely more qualified than you on the temperament of Magical Creatures."

"That being all well, as a child and not a professional we can't take Harry's opinion on Buckbeak's temperament," Amelia Bones reasoned. "Please, stick to what we ask you Mr. Potter."

"Sorry, Madam Bones," Harry said, but he wasn't sorry. He knew a lot of people would take what he said seriously as the Boy-Who-Lived. Besides, he respected Madam Bones regardless. "But yes, I did fly on Buckbeak. Not just then too – right before Draco Malfoy rushed to Buckbeak I had just gotten off his back after a flight as well."

"Mr. Hagrid was not with you during the time of the incident with Abraham?" Amelia Bones said.

"No," Harry and Harper said together.

"Then this incident has no bearing on whether Professor Hagrid is responsible with the care of his students. I will say the fact you have been able to ride on Buckbeak, not once but twice, could be something to consider about Buckbeak fate. Any more questions for the students?" Amelia Bone asked.

"What do your pins say?" It was a young member who Harry and Harper assumed might be one of the elected.

"Oh, they switch between 'Free Hagrid and Save Buckbeak' to 'Malfoy Sucks'," Harper said, and could see several members trying to hide their smirks while Lucius frowned at this.

"Newt, could you bring the students back to Hogwarts?" Albus asked. "I think your need is over here and we have a lot to discuss."

"Of course," Newt said, indicating for Harry and Harper to follow him out of the grand trial room.

"Now then…" Albus began as the door closed and muted the sound from the room.

"You two were brilliant," Newt stated to Harry and Harper now.

"You think it's enough?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure. You managed to get a lot of forces on your side, but Lucius still has his allies and a strong pull with the Minister of Magic himself. This will be a fight," Newt frowned. "But it never should have been a fight. Malfoy should have easily sailed through this. You have done well." The two nodded to that, but they didn't just want to do well, they wanted to win.

-Harry Potter-

Soon after they got back to Hogwarts Nicholas Flamel had found Harry and Harper. It was time for their test of blood magic and the time they would trace their family tree.

"Where's Perenelle?" Harry asked as they got into the chamber.

"The competition's not over?" Harper added.

"Oh, no, Peren sent me word," Nicholas said. "Neville won, but since the competition was in Paris, Perenelle decided to take Neville to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a celebration, and for a little tour of magical Paris too. She sends her regards," Nicholas said as they entered the main chamber to see Myrtle was there with Sasha; their classes with the Flamels having happened in the Chamber of Secrets, after all.

"Myrtle…?" Harry asked as Nicholas went to set up the test.

"I like hanging out with Sasha. We go for swims in the Black Lake together," Myrtle said. "And this Chamber is nicer than my toilet. You don't mind?"

"No. You probably have as much right to be here as me, but we have a lesson here," Harper said, sharing a look with Harry. Myrtle had mentioned the eyes were the same once, but she wondered if Myrtle had forgiven her murder for the snake, didn't care, or just wasn't hundred percent sure the snake had murdered her.

"Boring," Myrtle said and flew through the ceiling at this.

"I was going to offer her to stay," Harper said, but the two gave a laugh at Myrtle's exit.

"I like the girl," Sasha said. "I'm very sorry the false heir made me kill her."

"If you hadn't, she might not be dead yet to hang out with," Harper instantly replied, wanting to see the silver lining there.

"Are we ready?" Nicholas spoke up now, showing the two a very large parchment. "You'll both do this on the same parchment – tracing all your lines back a thousand years. Did you study the chain I gave you?"

"Yes," the two said together; Blood Magic had an alphabet, putting the letters together was a chain, and doing it in blood activated the magic of the chain.

"Did you write it out several times in ink beforehand?" Nicholas asked and both took out notebooks showing Nicholas what they had done. Nicholas looking over. "Very good. Now do you understand what the chain means?"

"It traces back our blood a thousand years," Harry said. "The first part is the command to trace family, the second part to indicate how far back, and the last… we're not actually sure."

"Ah, that was Perenelle's idea – an easier way to test if you have any magical abilities as well, such as Harper's ability to speak to snakes," Nicholas added, Sasha having curled up nearby and watching with intrigue. She was like a large, slithery, house pet these days, it was almost cute. "Are you two are ready? The bottles containing your blood are on the table. You do it together, like we practiced," Nicholas and Perenelle had been taking Harry and Harper blood and collecting enough of it for this moment, so as not to drain the children dry in one.

Harper opened the bottle and Harry passed her one of the brushes they used, the two dipping the brushes in the blood, which had been preserved with spells, and started tracing the chain they had practiced on the paper. The blood glowed slightly as they got each word in the chain right. When they hit the end, the complete chain glowed and then a family tree started appearing on the page.

At the bottom was their family – even Lily's sister Petunia, and her son Dudley were on it, but a thousand years of complete family tree included a lot of names.

"What do the colors means?" Harper asked. Most of the names were either black, green, or yellow, which surprised her.

"They're colored coded to whether they were magical or not. Black means no magic or magical core; green means a witch or wizard; yellow means a magical core but no magic – or at least not enough to be considered a wizard," Nicholas said. "These days called a Squib."

Harper first looked over at her mother's side. Cassidy was, of course green, but the surprise was her grandmother was yellow while her grandfather was black. Above her grandmother though, both were black. The names weren't even anything that raised an eyebrow. "Your grandmother must have been exposed to something magical before birth, giving her a core but no magic. Your mother got magic through her," Nicholas said seeing where Harper was looking.

"Harp, look, Petunia and Dudley are yellow," Harry said and Harper gave a laugh. Their dad and Lily were green but above them was yellow. It was yellow for several generations until it hit a green – a green who only had one child, who was yellow. That line went all the way back to a name that said Adria Slytherin-Ravenclaw, the daughter of Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw. Rowena had another daughter of course. Helena Ravenclaw, otherwise known as the Gray Lady, but she had died without having children. Looking it over, the only line of Ravenclaw that had survived was theirs.

"Slytherin," Harry said and they looked over Salazar Slytherin line. He had a son as well with a woman not Rowena, Salazar Slytherin Junior, but next to the name was a red mark and a date. "That date is last year."

"February of last year… that's the day we came into the Chamber," Harper said. "What does it mean?"

"He was disowned after death. He and his entire line to his only surviving heir, a Tom Marvolo Riddle… also known as, Lord Voldemort," Nicholas said looking over the line. "Oh, this is interesting," he added, looking at the line leading to Voldemort, "it seems Tom isn't the last of his line – he has an uncle left alive. Ominis Gaunt. I wonder if he knew that?"

"Harry," Harper said her eyes going to his father's line and not as interested in Voldemort's uncle as Nicholas was. "Have you looked at your father's lines?"

"I know it goes to Godric Gryffindor," Harry said, looking back, but pausing at another name on the line. "Helga Hufflepuff?"

"Her granddaughter married Godric's grandson, it seems," Harper said. "But what does blue mean?" Helga was written in blue and so were her children and grandchildren. It was her great grandchildren who switched to green.

"Helga must have had some type of creature blood," Nicholas said. "It outweighed the wizarding blood and magic until a couple of generations of marrying wizards," Harry looked over the lines. As Godric had told him, he was the only living heir to Gryffindor left. Helga, who had a couple of kids and grandkids, had a line that had lasted longer but had also died out to only Harry. The last one, not related to Gryffindor as well, died in 1946: a Hepzibah Smith. "Unbelievable. Godric and Helga's last heir. Some of Rowena's last heirs. Salazar true heir and Godric's true heir.

"At the bottom is our magical abilities," Harper said eyes going under the tree. "Harper Evans, True Heiress of Salazar Slytherin. Abilities: Salazar's Magic, Parselmouth inherited from Slytherin, enhanced memory inherited from Rowena Ravenclaw, affinity to Hogwarts. What does that mean?"

"It's basically your connection to the castle. Also means you can possibly control the magic left behind by the Founders it's still here and even use the magic yourself," Nicholas said. "You're stronger here, basically. Harry, your abilities?"

"Harry James Potter, True Heir to Godric Gryffindor. Abilities: Godric's Magic, Wielder of Excalibur, Draconic Mouth gifted by Merlin through Excalibur, Enhanced memory inherited from Rowena Ravenclaw, enhanced physical ability, inherited from Godric Gryffindor … I'm not sure what this is though, it's inherited from Helga Hufflepuff."

"I don't know either," Nicholas said, looking over the last line. "I have never seen this language but whatever it is, you will probably discover it as you grow older. And lastly, you have an affinity to Hogwarts as well," Nicholas gave a smile. "You two are very powerful young students – and, yes, you have passed the blood magic test. I have taught you well. You can continue your studies into blood magic as you wish." The two nodded as they still took in their tree. "Mind if I make a copy of this to show Perenelle?"

"Go ahead," Harry mumbled as Nicholas waved his wand and recounted a spell. An exact duplicate appeared next to the originals, which Nicholas quickly rolled up as Harry and Harper took the originals. Harry would put it in his trunk for some them to look at more closely later.

-Harry Potter-

The next morning at breakfast, when they got to the Ravenclaw table, Neville was there with a trophy.

"Congrats," Harry said to his friend.

"It was the first time a Hogwarts students had been sent to compete in many years. You would have won if you were there," Neville said.

"Ah, none of that, Nev. I wasn't there, you were, and you won," Harry said with a smile. "How was Paris?"

"Perenelle showed me around after the competition. We got a hotel for the night," Neville said recounting events. "I'm going to donate the trophy to Hogwarts for the trophy room. And magical Paris was fascinating – there's a whole hidden city within the muggle city, a lot like how Diagon Alley is in London, but at a grander scale."

"I remember Newt mentioning about it. He's been to magical Paris a few times. First went in the late 1920s," Harry mused at this.

"How was your test?" Hermione, however, asked the two at this point.

"Good," Harper said, "our magical lines go back far," she added, but not going further than that. "When are you being tested Hermione?"

"Soon," Hermione said.

"You making a Sorcerers Stone?" Harry asked.

"Philosopher's Stone," Hermione corrected with a little laugh, "but I don't think so," Hermione said, throwing a piece of bacon at Harry who caught it to eat.

"Hey, the papers in," Neville said, looking up as owls came flying in, to delivery post and the Prophet. Today, a lot more owls were delivering the rolled-up newspaper; Neville taking the paper that was delivered to him. "Trials news," Neville opened the page, looking through it quickly. "Hagrid was voted not guilty on all charges, but…" Neville paused. "Oh no… They voted to kill Buckbeak."

"Damn," Harry groaned, taking the paper now. It had been a close vote. It looked like the difference was one vote. There was a definite atmosphere in the Great Hall now, and Harry could feel the school itself was upset. He gave his sister a look who gave Harry a nod. Harry jumping on the table.

"Hey, listen to me!" Harry called, holding out the paper. "The Wizengamot has voted to kill Buckbeak, but it isn't over until the Fat Lady sings."

The students looked to Harry, some Gryffindors very confused.

"Oh, it's a muggle expression, I didn't mean our Fat Lady," Harry explained to the Great Hall. "The thing is, they made a decision and now it's time to show them we're unhappy with thar decision," Harry continued.

"Protest!" Harper said back with a smirk. "Neville, when is the execution date?"

"Sunday after our exams are over," Neville said taking back the papers.

"Good, that makes Saturday completely free," Harry said. "No studying, no exams, no classes! We're to have a Save Buckbeak rally. You with me?" There was a cheer throughout the Great Hall at this. "Good, Weasleys, we're going to need your special brand for the rally."

"On it," Fred and George said, knowing Harry meant them.

"This needs to spread outside of Hogwarts too. Maybe we can get Penny and Chiara to do something in Hogsmead?" Harper said.

"I speak with Olivander a lot," Ron said. "He expressed his support to Buckbeak."

"Good, get the word far and wide. We got things to do!" Harry said jumping off the table. Hermione already had a notebook out and was making a list of the things they had to do for the rally: Food, drinks, and music were at the top. The Great Hall was abuzz now with student activity too. "I like the way you think Mione," Harry gave her a smirk as he read the things she was listing out.

"Hey Mione, how are things with Dean?" Harper asked, knowing Dean had asked Hermione out and seeing the look in Harry's eyes.

"Good," Hermione said, Harry pausing at the change of question.

"You're so losing the bet," Neville mumbled to Harper.

"I've got until Fifth Year," Harper whispered back to him as Harry and Hermione were chatting over plans for the rally, dismissing the Dean question. "This won't last that long."

Professor McGonagall watched from the Head Table as Harry made this speech to protest the Wizengamot's decision with Buckbeak.

"Do we interfere now?" Minerva asked Albus Dumbledore; others at the head table looked to the Headmaster for an answer as well.

"No, let them continue," Dumbledore said a smirk on his face. "It's been a long time since the social order has been disrupted. I think this might be a good thing…" he leaned forward as he said his, arching his fingers as he watched, observing how the student body was reacting to this new movement.

-Harry Potter-

Amelia Bones was in her office as Junior Auror Tonks came in.

"Report?" Amelia said when Tonks had closed the door.

"I went back and questioned all witnesses I could, and the memories of the event and it came out the same: Pettigrew calming Sirius betrayed the Potters and then Sirius killing him, exploding the street. I looked over the memories carefully but I don't see Sirius say the spell," Tonks said. "It's possible he did use a non-verbal spell, but there is doubt. I wondered what Timothy Evans could know that we don't, and I realized they have access to the Potter Vaults and their Will – a Will that was suppressed and destroyed in the Ministry. I called MC, the Curse Breaker, who works for Gringotts. She has some friends in the Goblins and one gave her a copy."

"And…?" Amelia asked, leaning forward, as Tonks passed over the Will and read it. "Peter Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper!" She saw this part of the Will almost instantly.

"Meaning Pettigrew was trying to frame Sirius by claiming he betrayed the Potters," Tonks said. "It's more than likely Peter exploded the street instead. There's no good view of him from any of the witnesses. Likely died in his own explosion with the Ministry itself covering it all up."

"Mmm, or Pettigrew cut off his own finger and found a way to escape and is still out there somewhere – alive," Amelia Bones said, not commenting on the cover up theory. "You did well Tonks. I am going to rush you through – by the summer you'll be a full Auror."

"Wow. Thank you, ma'am, but what I really want to know is how are we freeing Sirius Black?" Tonks asked.

"That is more difficult of a question I don't have an answer for," Amelia answered truthfully. "Simply by the means of obtaining it, the Gringotts's Will will not be admissible in a Wizard Court, but we'll figure something out. Thank you."

"No, thank you," Tonks smiled at her boss now, making her excuses to leave the office so Amelia could think things through.

Post Chapter Note: For those wondering why Buckbeak still didn't survive the Trial, despite the differences already with the books, well, some things from the books need to happen the same way. Just a different means to the same ends. But yes, we're nearing the end of Year 3 now, but there are a few more twists and turns to come…

Karry Master OUT.