Disclaimer: I own nothing but the mistakes.
Chapter 5: Dementor
Due to the various treaties between the ministry and the goblins, for meetings involving anyone of importance on either side, there were certain rules to follow. Among them was that neither side was allowed any guards. Fudge wasn't even sure in which treaty such a thing had been written but it was on his cheat sheet. Besides with Dumbledore there it wouldn't matter anyways; he could take out a hoard of goblins all on his own.
Fudge took the offered seat in what he assumed was a conference room. He wanted to get this worked out as quickly as possible. "As you have been informed, the ministry has ordered all assets of the Black family turned over to the Ministry/ as per the treaty of, eh…"
"1862." Dumbledore supplied.
"Yes that one." Fudge slid the paperwork over to the goblin.
Spleanslayer took the parchment and read it over. He hid his amusement that Sirius Black had predicted what the ministry would do with such accuracy. Losing the Black account had been a large hit to Gringotts but the blow was softened as it had been nothing the goblins had done that drove the account away.
That Black had only transferred the account to another branch of Gringotts, one out the ICW's control had also helped him keep his head. Now he could claim back a little of the lost money for Gringotts. "Very well, this is in order. As per the treaty of 1862 the contents of the account will be turned over to you. provided you pay the agreed upon fee."
"Fee!" Shrieked Umbridge. "What fee? How dare you attempt to steal from us you filthy little creature."
Dumbledore sighed, he really had to see if he couldn't convince Fudge to replace her. "Madam Umbridge, as part of that particular treaty should the ministry seize an account half of a percent of the accounts worth at the time of its last statement shall be paid to the goblins to help cover any loss they suffer."
Umbridge snorted in a most un-lady like manner but remained.
Spleanslayer called for the last statement with a full listing of properties. He spent several minutes reviewing it. "As of the last statement the Black accounts, including property but not possessions was valued at three hundred thousand galleons."
Fudge, Umbridge and Dumbledore frowned. That was significantly less than what any of them had been expecting. Dumbledore was more worried though that if Sirius had removed most of his money from Britain, he had also taken many of the dark artifacts and books with him. Still he didn't have anything to lose by letting this play out.
Umbridge and Fudge were both unhappy that their cut of the money would be much smaller than anticipated, though Umbridge still planned to take the London house for herself.
"Do you agree to pay the fifteen hundred galleon fee?" Spleanslayer asked.
"Yes yes, just get us the papers." Fudge said. this had been a massive disappointment.
The proper forms were filled out and Spleanslayer presented with a key to the Black vault. Fudge had immediately ordered its contents brought to them. He paled when the goblins presented him with the vault's contents, thirteen sickles and a single deed to 19 Defakate street. "What, what is this? Where's the rest?"
"That is currently the balance of his account." Spleanslayer said.
"You lying goblin!" Umbridge jumped to her feet and drew her wand. Only to find it cut in half by Spleanslayers spear.
"Drawing your wand against me is grounds for death. I did not cheat you. The treaty said from the last account statement. Since that time Mr. Black transferred the majority of his accounts to a North American Gringotts branch." Spleanslayer informed them.
"Then get it back!" Umbridge yelled. The fact that she still held half a wand didn't seem to register with her.
"Shut up! Or I will kill you." Spleanslayer jabbed at her to make his point.
"You can't! I'm the undersecretary to the-"
"I don't care." Spleanslayer said. "We have followed the treaty. Each branch of this bank is considered independent and can only make treaties that are held to that location. You are welcome to file a complaint if you desire."
Fudge wanted to crawl into bed and pretend this day had never happened. This was horrible, he was out thousands of galleons for nothing! There had to be something he could do, something to turn things around again. Or at least a scapegoat!
While disappointed Dumbledore was willing to admit they had been over confident and outmatched this time. Even he rarely looked beyond the countries in the ICW and like everyone else preferred to believe that there was little to them. The loss of those books was a blow but he was in no worse shape than he had been that morning. Still perhaps there was a way to save some face for the ministry in this mess. "What about business agreements. It does not matter where those are stored. They still fall under the order of confiscation because the businesses themselves are located in Britain."
"All such agreements were sold off to a foreign party this morning." Spleanslayer happily informed them.
Well, that would complicate things greatly. Dumbledore resisted making an annoyed grunt. If they wanted to seize those business interests now, they would need to once again receive approval, not likely to happen after the disaster this had become. Even if the new owner was not British.
Worse the Goblins had covered themselves by working withing the words of the treaties, Dumbledore absently wondered how long they had been hoping to catch someone in this particular trap. Yes, they could vilify Gringotts but only so far before they risked another fight. One they could ill afford with Voldemort still lurking in the shadows and Harry causing more and more problems.
0-Q-0
It was a very upset Umbridge who stalked through the rural fields. She was outraged at Black for pulling one over on them, for the North American Ministry refusing to give her the respect she deserved, for those foul little goblins daring to help Black and steal the money that should have gone to the ministry. Then Cornelius and Dumbledore had refused to put those unworthy creatures into their place! It was an outrage. And Umbridge felt that she was, justifiably, upset.
The group had eventually returned defeated to the ministry and Cornelius had begun a full panic over the lost funds that it had taken to bribe everyone. Well, the ministry would certainly be in trouble when it became apparent how much of its budget had disappeared.
While the minister was distracted Umbridge had quickly signed the lone property they had retrieved over to herself. To make it legal she had even bought it for a few galleons. While it certainly wouldn't be the London house she wanted, it was probably some property that had been forgotten over time and subsequently missed in the sell off. It wasn't what she had hoped for but even a forgotten Black property would be better than her current house, which she had liberated from a blood traitor who had married a muggle.
Once again, she checked the directions. She was almost there; her first action would be to get a working floo. She came around a bend in the path she had been following and stopped. Sitting before her, in the middle of a small clearing, was an outhouse.
That, that couldn't be right. It was some ward to protect the property, some charm or trick. She approached the outhouse with her wand drawn. Attached to the door was a piece of parchment with a short note.
Dear Ministry,
Hahaha! Got you, bet you thought there was some nice cottage or something out here. Nope, just a very well used outhouse. I figured since you're all full of it you'd feel right at home.
Underneath was a crude drawing of Sirius Black making a very rude gesture.
Umbridge screamed. This was not how anything was supposed to happen. Well, she'd show Black what happened when you messed with her. She'd make him suffer and pay in way's he had never imagined. And she'd start with that brat of his. Umbridge wore a twisted smile as she imagined it, why she'd probably be awarded an Order of Merlin.
0-Q-0
The final exams at Wandwood had passed without noticeable incident. Hermione had almost gone overboard with studying again but she'd pulled herself back before anyone had complained to much. Now with their summer vacation underway they were spending the days relaxing. Hermione was just happy to get away from her sister, she loved Cordelia dearly but nearly every waking moment was spent making noise. Even Sharra had found the novelty of a baby wearing thin.
Her parents had informed her that she had been the same way. Though taking care of Cordelia was easier since Sirius had gotten them a number of magical items for child care. They all suspected Violet had a hand in that. Her parents loved the magic nappies.
The day was bright with a few high clouds, the perfect day for reading in the shade. Or walking around aimlessly with a friend, Hermione thought. Her happy musings were interrupted when a chilled wind blew along their backs. Both turned at the unnatural feeling of despair.
A black figure stood at the far end of the street. It wore a black cloak that was tattered at the bottom, the creature had no legs and glided towards them. Even from that distance they could hear its rattling breath. Hermione couldn't take her eyes from the creature as it slowly approached. The feelings were overwhelming. She just wanted to lay down and stop thinking. All of the teasing from her early childhood. Potter and Weasley at Hogwarts, the troll. Not being able to walk. Blindly she reached out for Harry. As soon as her hand touched his he brought his wand up. "Reducto!"
The spell slammed into the creature's head. It paused as it's hood was thrown back. Beneath the tattered black fabric was a skull covered in gray, molted skin. It's empty eye sockets scabbed over. It's slit of a mouth took another rattling breath. It didn't seem fazed by the destructive spell.
Harry grabbed Hermione and pulled her. "Run. RUN!"
The oppressive feeling lifted as Harry forced her to run. The further they ran the better Hermione felt. "What was that?!"
"No idea." Harry panted. They were close to his home. Harry knew his father would be able to deal with that thing. Or they could use the floo, both were good options.
They turned and ran through a rod iron gate. The large home nearby had been emptied for years and served as a short cut to Harry's home. They were almost past the house, dodging around haphazardly stack construction supplies from the houses renovation when the creature glided out to meet them.
As soon as she saw it Hermione stumbled and fell. Harry's momentum carried him several more steps before he tripped as the feeling of hopelessness slammed into him. He leaned against the houses outer wall next to a stack of paint buckets.
The creature floated between them. It turned its head from side to side, examining each of them. The girl it decided, she had suffered more and was easy prey. Then the boy. If the creature could experience joy, it would at the thought of two souls to feast upon.
Hermione watched with a detached interest as the creature moved towards her. Long rotted hands drew back it's hood to expose the grotesque skull beneath. As the creature was upon her it stumbled, something had struck it from behind. It spun around and Hermione caught sight of Harry. He was leaning heavily against the wall, panting and pale. The creature's black cloak was stained bright pink, an empty paint can rolled away from it.
"Hey… ugly… leave her… alone." Harry gasped out. His vision swam as the creature approached him, it's hands outstretched.
While Hermione had been prepared to accept her own demise seeing the creature move on Harry spurred her into action. She stood on shaking legs and drew her wand. she could barely aim as her hand shook. "Diffindo!"
Hermione poured all the magic she could muster into the spell. It sailed towards the creature's head, and passed just to the side.
Hermione collapsed to the ground. The spell was not aimed at the creature though. Instead, she had focused on the rope behind it, which was holding up a pallet of bricks to repair the houses crumbling second story.
The rope snapped with a whip like crack. The pallet fell freely, directly onto the creature. Dust erupted from the impact sight.
For several minutes Hermione lay on the ground. She wanted to go to sleep. A weariness had settled into her bones. But she had to check on Harry. Hermione forced herself to her feet and stumbled around the pile of bricks. A single, twisted hand stuck out of the crumbled bricks, twitching.
Harry had also struggled to his feet, they each collapsed against the other, their hands roamed across their bodies trying to check the other for injury. Both looked awful, their hair was plastered to their head with sweat, they were covered in dirt and pale.
Harry and Hermione leaned on each other as they stumbled away from the trapped creature in a daze.
0-Q-0
"Sir! There's been a dementor attack!" An office shouted as he burst into Watson's office.
"A dementor? Are you sure? stupid question. Let's go." Watson was sick to his stomach just thinking of one of those creatures in North America. They were a European monstrosity and had never managed to gain a foot old over on this side of the pond. "How many fatalities?"
"Eh, one if you count the dementor. But I think it's still alive. Or undead or whatever it is." The officer said as he hurried along. "It's really something you have to see."
They apparated to a quiet street. Watson immediately checked to make sure the muggle repelling wards were up. "Walk me though what happened."
"Two children, a male and female, both just finished their second year at Wandwood. They were walking down this street heading east when the dementor appeared at the west end of the street. neither knew what it was and the boy fired a reductor at it. underage tracking picked up the use of an offensive spell and dispatched an officer to investigate. By the time he arrived they were gone but he tracked them to the attack site. he was securing the area when the official call of the attack came in.
"The reductor didn't do anything to the dementor of course so the boy grabbed the girl and ran. They made it a block and a half before they tried to cut through an abandoned property and were ambushed by the dementor again." The office explained as he led Watson down the street. he would have brought Watson directly to the attack site but there were wards to prevent any magical transportation at that point.
"So, what happened, you said the dementor was the only victim. I doubt two kids fresh from second year could manage to do much to it." Watson asked. He had been greatly relieved that there weren't any fatalities. He couldn't understand how the ICW could use having your soul removed as a punishment.
"Like I said sir you have got to see it." The officer said.
They entered the property and Watson saw several officers standing around a pile of bricks. There was an atmosphere of hopelessness but it was somehow muted. Then he noticed the gray molted hand protruding from the bricks. "Is that?"
"Yes sir. When the dementor ambushed them, they were separated. The boy ended up over there by the wall. The girl over here on the ground. According to them it went for the girl. That's when the boy threw a bucket of paint at it." The office explained as he pointed out the puddle of paint on the ground.
"He threw a bucket of paint, at a dementor?" Watson asked in disbelief.
"Yes sir, as he put it, he just wanted to get it away from the girl and the bucket of paint was on hand. at that point it turned its attention to him. The girl somehow managed to get back to her feet and cast a cutting charm that severed the rope holding up the bricks. They fell and crushed the dementor. After that they managed to limp back home supporting each other. The boy lives nearby. His father is the one who made the official call." The office pointed out the severed rope and the gouge in the wall behind it.
Watson examined the rope, it was thick, at least as thick as his wrist and the girl had cut through it in one go. that was impressive, especially when you considered they were dealing with a dementors debilitating affect at the time. "This is going to be a mess of paper work."
"it's worse than that sir." The office said as he handed over the official report for review. "The boy is Harry Black."
0-Q-0
Emma rushed out of the floo into Sirius's living room, Cordelia cradled in her arms. She was still on maternity leave and had been at home when Violet arrived and gave a brief explanation of what happened before she left to collect Dan and bring him along.
Harry and Hermione were curled up on the couch, each held a half-eaten chocolate bar, the wrappers around them showed they weren't the first ones. Both looked like they were suffering from a bad case of the flu.
Hermione gave a weak smile as her mum crouched down to check on her. Dan arrived a moment later by side along and the children retold their story. The adults were horrified as they listened, the Grangers as they heard it for the first time. Sirius and Violet for the second.
Sirius tried to explain the seriousness of the matter to Dan and Emma. "Dementors are some of the foulest creatures that have ever existed. Just being near one is like suffering from severe depression. Most adult wizards and witches can hardly move the close to one. Let alone use magic. Any other students would have had their souls sucked out and been left as living corpses."
He ran a hand through his hair. "It's insane to think one of them just randomly showed up here, now. England sues them to guard their prison-"
"Wait those things guard the place they wanted to send Harry?" Emma asked in disbelief.
"Yes, that's why I called it a hell on earth. I have to assume it was after Harry." Sirius said. The Grangers quickly informed him that they didn't blame him or Harry for what happened. It was a relief to Sirius to know they weren't going to try and separate Harry and Hermione. He asked them to stay with the children while he went to speak to some warders to see if they had anything to keep dementors out, and to order an upgrade for the wards he did have.
Healer Tonks arrived just as Sirius was leaving. She had needed to gather a number of seldom used potions for the children. Sirius almost felt bad about leaving the children to her strict care. He also found it a needed bit of amusement.
0-Q-0
Healer Tonks confined both Harry and Hermione to bed for the next three days. It was quickly decided that the Grangers would be staying with Harry and Sirius during that time. Mainly because of the protective wards their home had. Though it also gave Dan an excuse to stay in the wonderful magic tent that he was always wanting to tinker with.
Hermione was happy with the situation because she could spend the days reading. She stretched the instruction of bed rest a bit by floating around on her magic carpet.
She was also dealing with Sharra who had developed a small case of hero worship towards her. As Sharra put it, 'dropping a ton of bricks on an undead monster is so cool!' Hermione, completely unused to such attention had attempted to redirect her towards Harry by pointing out he'd painted it first. That plan had worked, partially.
They had been ordered that when they were up and about, they weren't allowed off the property without Sirius, Violet or one of the Tonks.
The North American Ministry was upset over the incident. Watson had been by numerous times to keep them up to date. Unfortunately, even though dementors were only found within the ICW there was no way to prove that it had come from there or was after Harry. Even though anyone with half a brain could make the connection. The English Ministry had denied any involvement.
Internationally though the English took a hit as most of the countries outside of the ICW could clearly see the connection. This made an already hard situation in England worse as several more international suppliers raised their prices, officially to hire more protection from rouge dementors, unofficially to line their pockets.
Awards were also discussed. At first both Harry and Hermione wanted to decline. But Sirius and Watson finally won them over when they pointed out that it would tweak the English Ministry, the story would embarrass the English on the international stage. And both of them deserved the award for dealing with a dementor that could have easily gone after someone else.
Finally, they relented after Sirius offered to make sure that a copy of the forecaster, the largest newspaper for magical North America, was sent to every Hogwarts student their first day back. Both got a kick out of the idea of the students who had teased Hermione reading about her receiving an award for dealing with a dementor.
When asked what happened to the dementor Watson would only say that it had been turned over to the department of secrets for studying. They were disappointed to learn it hadn't actually been hurt by the bricks, just trapped.
0-Q-0
The rest of the summer passed quickly. Harry's birthday was celebrated at his house as both Sirius and the Grangers were hesitant to let the children outside the improved wards. The main topic of discussion was Hermione taking on a dementor. Their defense instructor had even stopped by and offered Harry and Hermione extra credit if they would come speak to some of the advanced classes.
The award ceremony had been set for just before they returned to Wandwood. The week leading up to the ceremony saw Harry having to listen to Hermione as she recounted everyone who had received the Star of Valor, both the magical and muggle version. What the differences were and any other number of topics about it. Sharra found it endlessly amusing and even suggested that if Harry wanted Hermione to stop talking maybe he should just kiss her.
They had both choked in embarrassment and been unable to look at the other for the rest of the day. Which only caused Sharra to laugh harder as she watched their red faces.
0-Q-0
One day before the ceremony Sirius came into Harry's room looking very nervous. "I want to talk to you about Violet. Well, what do you think of her?"
Harry sat up and turned to face his father. "She's been mothering me for years, is this about you finally making it official?"
"What, how did you know?" Sirius asked.
"Well, there was the number of times you take out that ring box and stare at it. Kind of a dead giveaway." Harry said flatly.
"You noticed that?" Sirius asked embarrassed at having been caught in doing something as juvenal by his son.
"China noticed it, I sent them a letter to make sure. Just do me a favor and ask her on a Thursday." Harry said happily. It was about time his dad manned up and asked Violet to marry him.
"Why Thursday?" Sirius asked curious. It was a bit of an odd request.
"I have a bet with Sharra." Harry replied. A bet he fully intended to win. Especially after all the teasing she had been doing lately.
"Isn't asking me to help you win a bet about me cheating?" Sirius asked.
"Not if I don't tell her." Harry said with a cheeky grin.
"That's my boy." Sirius said with pride before he caught Harry in a one-armed hug.
0-Q-0
Fudge looked over the stack of parchment as his frown deepened. The economy took hit after hit and everyone expected him to solve things. It all came back to the Blacks. They had removed enough gold to weaken the economy, then the ministry had taken a finical hit by being unable to seize the Black fortune, and now this business with the Dementor. Rates kept going up as importers demanded more to pay for extra security. As if they were actually spending the gold on that, just a bunch of greedy foreigners.
Dumbledore had used the ICW to do what he could to ease the pain but prices were still noticeably higher. At least they'd been able to blame most of it on Black and North America. That was probably the only reason he had managed to hold onto his position as Minister.
Now there was talk of canceling the Quidditch World Cup contract they held. It had actually been suggested that it be moved to Canada! No, that wouldn't do. Fudge knew he needed that event to save his job. The people would love it. What was that muggle saying? 'Free peanuts and beer to the masses.' Something like that.
Not to mention the money it would bring in. And give them a chance to show off their wonderful country as well. Yes that, and the following Tri-wizard Tournament at Hogwarts would see them back on top.
Unfortunately, his Under Secretary was not being helpfully, she insisted on devoting time and resources to trying to get the Blacks back. Fudge was happy to just close the entire matter but with Dumbledore's backing she more or less had free reign on the issue. At least she couldn't make things too much worse. He hoped.
0-Q-0
Harry quickly decided that award ceremonies were not something he enjoyed. Well, the ceremony itself, seeing Hermione and Sharra so excited was wonderful. They had both spent, what Harry considered, an unreasonably long time to get ready. He had made the mistake of saying so though and been faced with the two angry witches. He had only been spared when he pointed out that he thought they always looked good so he didn't understand why they bothered taking so long.
It had been enough to make Hermione blush and Sharra fall over in a laughing fit. Sirius had then spent five minutes gushing about how proud he was that Harry had his charm.
Little Cordelia watched her surroundings in awe, which included a number of people who stopped by their table at the ceremony that fawned over her and her new dress. Secretly Harry thought she was the hit of the night.
Before the awards were given the audience was once again told the story of what had happened. Harry and Hermione were called to the stage and presented with their awards. The next hour was spent politely shaking hands with people who Harry was sure he'd never remember or even meet again.
Both were given several offers of internship once they were a few years older.
By the time they finally managed to escape Harry was so exhausted he collapsed onto his bed, still in his suit.
0-Q-0
Students packed into the great hall for breakfast on their first day back at Hogwarts. During the normal morning mail, a second, unexpected wave of owls arrived and dropped a newspaper in front of every single student and professor. Most didn't recognize it but the picture showed Daniel Potter and a lovely girl receiving awards for something.
Gasps and cries of surprise filled the great hall as they began to read the story. The picture did not show Daniel Potter but Harry Black. One of those the Prophet had spent the summer dragging through the mud as the source of all of Britain's problems. From the bad economy to the expected poor beet harvest.
Even more surprising, to those who remembered her, was Hermione Granger. The little muggle born know it all was receiving an award for dealing with a rouge dementor. It was unbelievable to many of them. So, they did not believe it.
Dumbledore crushed his own copy of the paper before he stormed off to the Ministry. This would not stand. While he knew he couldn't do anything about the actual paper he was determined to discovered how so many had gotten into the country and close off that avenue for further use.
Many of the students began to joke over the next week that dementors could not be that scary if Granger had dealt with one. Their chance to find out came when on Halloween Peter Pettigrew somehow managed to escape from Azkaban and dementors were stationed around the school.
None of the students joked about them after they had swept the school once. Not unless they were tucked safely away in their common room by a raging fire. And then it was only the odd word about the American dementor being defective.
0-Q-0
Watson sighed and wondered if he couldn't have someone install an opening window in the meeting room. Umbridge had spent the summer trying to bully him into turning over Harry Black. Then since the start of September it had been insults and yelling about a conspiracy about something or other. Watson had learned he could tune her out with loud circus music. She never even noticed when he began to hum.
This time though he was convinced she had lost it. "Let me see if I understand this. Some crazy rat man escaped your unescapable prison. And suddenly your ministry is all concerned about Harry Black's well fair. So, to protect him, should this rat man for some reason decided to come after him, you want to place a bunch of soul sucking abomination around a school for children?"
"Yes." Umbridge said, pleased that she had finally gotten the idiot to understand something.
"Have you seen a mind healer recently? Cause if not you should. Go, go find someone to take a look at that empty little cavity you call a head." Watson said as he dismissed her, by hurriedly leaving the room and locking the door he used. That would force Umbridge to go through her own and leave the rest of them alone.
He doubted they'd leave this matter, but he felt better knowing that both those kids had begun to train with the patronus charm over the summer under his guidance. They were making good progress. With a bit of luck, they'd never have to use it, he didn't think they were that lucky though.
0-Q-0
Sharra had been excited when she began Wandwood and was placed into the same den as Harry and Hermione. Thanks to them she was top of her year and it afforded her some unique opportunities. That afternoon Sharra took a seat near a depressed Hermione. "Still no luck?"
"No." Hermione admitted.
"You could always ask him out instead." Sharra pointed out. Her near relentless teasing of the two over the summer had finally pushed Hermione to agree to give going out with Harry a shot. Sharra had watched as Hermione dropped hint after hint to Harry, who in typical male behavior missed them all.
Hermione sighed. Despite what Sharra said she still wasn't sure that Harry was interested in her like that. She had hoped with a few hints Harry would ask her out and she wouldn't risk humiliating herself. "I know but…"
"Come on, you dropped a ton of bricks on a dementor! This really can't be that hard, can it?" Sharra asked.
"It is, but your right. If it's something I want done I'll have to do it myself." Hermione stood to find Harry.
Sharra discreetly followed the older girl.
Hermione found Harry in one of the numerous flying fields. Sharra cursed as she was too far away to hear them, she made a mental note to find an eavesdropping charm. Or maybe just ask Sirius.
Hermione blushed and said something, Harry turned away and blushed himself. Sharra resisted the urge to slam her head into a tree. It looked like a scene from a bad romance movie. Finally, both blushing they hugged awkwardly and hurried apart. At least they were both smiling.
0-Q-0
That year winter brought not only Christmas but the wedding of Sirius to Violet. Harry and Hermione had planned to go together since Sirius had popped the question. But now that they were dating Harry had felt he should do things properly and asked her to be his date. He still didn't understand why but it had gotten him several kisses. Much to Sharra's amusement.
The winter break also brought one of the most dangerous and difficult trials of Harry's life. Informing the Grangers that he was dating Hermione. It went much better than expected, both of Hermione's parents found a great deal of amusement in Harry's nervousness. They were less amused when they learned that Sirius had told him dozens of stories about what they were likely to do to him.
Since Harry and Hermione had gotten together Sharra had taken to stalking them and taking pictures when they did anything she found cute or blackmail worthy. She also took hundreds of pictures of the small wedding and reception.
The honeymoon was pushed back until after the children returned to school so they could have as much time with the family as possible.
0-Q-0
Fudge read over the parchment again, couldn't they just trust him? The Quidditch Association wanted more security and had flat out refused the suggestion of using the dementors. Where was he supposed to get all these people they wanted? Unless, well maybe. They might reduce their demands if they felt the country was safer. There had been no sign of Pettigrew since his escape. Fudge could declare him dead and return the dementors to Azkaban. That might take some of the pressure off him. Then he could deputize some people, give them a bit of token training and call them extra security. It wouldn't matter anyways. It wasn't as if something was going to happen.
But what about the Blacks? He needed Dolores focused back on her job. Maybe he could convince Dumbledore to just let things go?
0-Q-0
"I agree." Dumbledore said. He almost chuckled at the Ministers shocked face. "We do have more important things to focus on. May I suggest that you send an apology to them and offer them tickets to the world cup? In fact, you should blame the troubles on me. It will improve your standing, and since I have no contact with them it will do me no harm."
Fudge quickly agreed.
Dumbledore left the ministry and contemplated what to do next. Most of his attention was focused on the upcoming tournament and his plans for it. Helping Peter to escape so that the traitor could find his master had set a number of plans back as he was forced to deal with the dementor presence but it was necessary. He needed some control over when Voldemort would make another move and the charms he placed on Peter would help.
Daniel's training had progressed to the point where Dumbledore once again believed he could deal with a weakened Voldemort and buy them the time they needed. His new plans called for Harry to act as bait and draw out Voldemort. The tournament presented the best opportunity to do so.
And hopefully the tournament and World Cup would reenergize the magical economy. Yes, if these plans worked this would be a wonderful year for him and the light. If not, well plan B was a bit cruder but it would still work.
0-Q-0
Sirius looked at the letter Watson had just delivered in disbelief. "The English Ministry is offering us an apology; Fudge has signed a pardon for the both of us and they've included two tickets to the Quidditch World Cup as compensation."
"Do they really expect us to fall for that?" Harry asked. He knew they weren't the brightest people in the world but really. He felt insulted that they thought this would bring them back to England.
"Well, this is Fudge, it's a fifty-fifty split that this is a trap, or that he really does think it's an acceptable apology." Sirius said.
"What are you going to do with the ticket?" Harry asked, he had played quidditch a few times in pickup games. The same with quodpot. The school teams for both games had tried to get him to play for them but he'd turned them down. Now if there was a racing team, he'd have joined that, but Harry didn't think it was worth it for the other games.
"Well, my first idea is to send someone who they wouldn't like just to tweak them. But just about everyone they don't like they could cause trouble for, werewolfs, muggle borns. But I think I know just the people." Sirius said as a bolt of inspiration struck. Someone who could annoy them but remain untouchable.
0-Q-0
Fudge hurried to the Ministers box, he was running late because he could not find anyone to translate between himself and the Bulgarian minister. Finally on his way into the stadium he had meet with Lord Malfoy. Perhaps the only good thing to come out of the whole mess the year before was Lucious getting a seat in the Wizengamot. Why Malfoy had even been kind enough not to press the matter of not receiving any money from the seized Black accounts.
Oh Merlin. Fudge stopped as he came to a horrible realization. He had invited Malfoy to the Ministers box as well as Black. Oh, this could be bad, very bad. But he couldn't not attend. Could he? Maybe fake an emergency? No that wouldn't look good.
The Bulgarian minister said something to get his attention and gestured towards the stairs. No there really was no way out of this. Maybe Black hadn't shown up? Was he that lucky? "Right, yes, let us go."
Fudge stepped into the Ministers box and blinked in surprise. Black and his son hadn't shown up but in their place were two men he didn't recognize. Well, that was just rude. If they weren't going to attend, they should have informed him, not given their tickets to some random people. He forgot his good luck at not having the Blacks and Malfoys in the same place. "Who are you?"
"Names Watson, this is my brother-in-law. So, you're Fudge? Been dealing with your undersecretary for the last year. Hey settle a bet for me, will you? You keep sending her to us because you don't want to deal with her right?" Watson asked.
"Now see here! Those tickets were for Black and his son, not some foreign Ministry lackeys!" Fudge shouted. The nerve of Black, clearly being out of Britain so long had taken its toll on his manners.
The second man slowly stood. "I am Mike McDonald. The Minister of Magic for North America. I like to think that I am more than a mere lacky."
"But…" Fudge gapped at the man in a remarkable impression of a fish. The Malfoy's hid their smiles, really Fudge was useful as a lackey but he should stop trying to be a leader.
Macdonald turned to the Bulgarian Minister and spoke to him in his native language. "Has he been acting like this all day?"
"No, it only began recently. Before that he was, nervous? Very odd. It is a pleasure to meet you, Minister McDonald." The Bulgarian Minister said.
"So you understand English?" Macdonald asked with a bit of surprise. He had merely assumed the man wouldn't and felt very sheepish for it.
"Yes, but do not tell Fudge. I find it amusing for him to try and communicate with me. Also, he insults me when he thinks I do not understand. Why is he so upset that you are here?" The Bulgarian Minister asked.
"Fudge gave two tickets to a citizen of mine who until recently were wanted under false charges in this country. Understandable they did not wish to come and instead offered us those tickets. They were concerned that this was another trap." McDonald explained.
Fudge watched in astonishment as first the man he thought was a lackey turned out to be a fellow Minister, then he began talking to the Bulgarian Minister in what Fudge assumed was Bulgarian. No, that wouldn't do at all. "Stop that! I don't know what Macdonald said to you but it was lies!"
"You do realize that was a very insulting thing to say, don't you?" Macdonald asked in a deadpan voice.
Fudge was saved from having to answer by Bagman entering the box. Fudge immediately ordered him to start the match before he flopped down in his own seat. Macdonald had little interest in the game and turned to speak further with the Bulgarian Minister. He had really only come to try and keep Watson from causing an international incident.
Watson wasn't much of a quidditch fan. But when Sirius had offered him the tickets, well he couldn't resist the chance to tweak a few noses. His brother-in-law had insisted on coming to keep him out of trouble, but now it seemed he was the one causing trouble and Watson loved it.
As the game got underway, he was surprised that the guy who had the seat next to him had never showed. Just sent his house-elf to hold it for him. Watson felt bad for the little thing. House-elves were a bit of a funny creature as far as he was concerned. They didn't need to serve a family for magic or anything like that. It was all psychological. A couple of fellows down in the states had figured it out.
It was a kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder on the part of the elves. No one had yet figured out how it had started but it was so engrained into them now that freedom was actually painful for most of them. Something a lot of people took advantage of. "If you don't like heights, why don't you turn around? Sure, your master wouldn't mind that."
Watson reached out to pat the elf on the head, instead his hand brushed something invisible. Shit. He seized the fabric and ripped it away as he pushed MacDonald down to the floor. "Invisibility cloak!"
The guards they had brought with them rushed forward. Watson was surprised when he realized the figure in the seat hadn't made any move once he was exposed. In fact, he seemed not to notice. "Is he under a curse?"
"No no no no." Winky tried to grab the cloak and throw it back over the figure. "Winky is to keep little master Crouch hidden."
"Well, it's too late for that." Watson pointed out.
One of the guards stunned the elf when she appeared to have a breakdown. The other shone a light in the man's eyes. "He's under, multiple casts over an extended period of time."
Bagman had stopped commenting on the match as soon as Watson had shouted, now seeing there appeared to be no danger he moved forward to take a better look at what was happening. Without his magical voice filling the stadium the crowd had quieted wondering what was going on, even some of the players seemed unsure. So when Bagman suddenly spoke with his still magical amplified voice everyone heard him. "That's Crouch Jr.! but he's supposed to be dead!"
Fudge watched in shock as things spiraled out of control. Guards who had been stationed nearby rushed in, thanks to Bagman there was no chance of a cover up. The game was stopped for over an hour while things were sorted out. The crowd didn't take kindly to this and the game was restarted to avoid a riot while the excitement in the Ministers box was still being dealt with.
With things so bad Fudge did what came naturally, he looked for someone to blame. "This is some kind of plot! Arrest them at once! They are trying to discredit me!"
Half a dozen wands turned on the North American Minister. Only to find four wands pointed back at them. Watson's, Macdonald's, and the two guards. The only thing that prevented a shootout right then was Madam Bones order for everyone to stand down. Fudge tried to overrule her until she pointed out unless someone actually saw them commit a capital offence, they were basically immune from the laws. An older carry over from centuries earlier that most of the politicians wanted to keep.
Once Madam Bones had control of the area, and the understandable upset Fudge had stormed away, Watson and MacDonald provided their statements. Watson found himself wondering why he couldn't have been dealing with Madam Bones instead of that toad woman, at least Madam Bones seemed to understand the law.
Afterwards Watson was dragged away by Macdonald. Officially they no longer felt the event was secure. Unofficially Macdonald didn't trust Watson not to accidently do something else. He really needed to have someone in the Department of Secrets look into his brother-in-law's luck. It just wasn't normal.
0-Q-0
Madam Bones stormed into Fudge's office. "Are you out of your mind?!"
"Now see here Amelie I am the Minister and you can' just come barging in here lik-"
"Shut up! Do you realize what you almost did! Arresting a forging Minister for anything less than firing a curse at you would have been an act of war!" Madam Bones shouted. She could not believe the stupidity of the man. Was he trying to see them all dead?
"The ICW-" Fudge began.
"Would have been worthless. They might, might have been able to send enough people to hold off an invasion by the North American Ministry if they didn't get help from somewhere else which they could easily do. And if every other country in the ICW sent everyone they had. Which they wouldn't because then they would be sitting ducks for anyone else." Madam Bones ranted.
"But, but Dumbledore."
"Is one man. yes, he's worth ten or twenty fighters on his own. So, they'd send a hundred."
"How, surely. How can we be so outclassed?" Fudge just couldn't believe it. She had to be wrong. She had to be.
"You've cut funding to my department for years. How did you think it worked? Since the last war all the countries in the ICW have but there was never a plan in place to replace those forces if they were needed." Madam Bones explained. Maybe she could finally get some proper funding for her men. Then again if the rumors she had heard were true the Ministry was just a few steps away from massive debt.
Before Fudge could speak again, they were interrupted by his secretary. "Madam Bones they need to back at the world cup. There has been a Death Eater attack. The mark was cast."
0-Q-0
Hermione had been happy when Harry told her he and Sirius wouldn't be going to the world cup. Instead, the two families had taken a joint vacation for the latter half of the summer. An extended cruise where Harry learned of the wonders that was Hermione in a two-piece bathing suit. Sharra's file of blackmail material grew several sizes throughout the trip.
During their trip Sirius had bought the ever-informed serves from the paper. He received a single copy that would change each day to the latest version, not practical for everyday but a good way to stay informed when you were out of their normal deliver area. That was how, the day after the world cup the two families sat together and learned just how horribly wrong things had gone.
A convicted death eater who supposedly died over a decade before was found alive and under the Imperius curse in the Ministers own box. Speculations pointed at his own father placing the illegal curse upon him, something Fudge had denied. Then Fudge had actually tried to arrest the Minister and Watson, before there had been an attack on the after party.
Sirius couldn't believe that his little prank to annoy the English ministry had worked out so well.
Later that day, as the cruise ship passed some heavily forested islands Harry found Hermione on the upper deck. He had noticed that she seemed off since breakfast. He leaned against the railing next to her. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Just thinking that if you or your dad had gone and gotten caught up in all of that…" Hermione said.
"Hermione, neither my dad or I had any intention of ever going. So, it doesn't matter what happened over there." Harry put an arm around Hermione's shoulder. He really enjoyed the sensation where their skin touched. "Besides you made me promise never to go back there."
"And don't you forget it." Hermione teased as she leaned against him.
0-Q-0
Fudge couldn't imagen how the world cup could have gone any worse. Well, that was a lie, he could imagen several ways things could have been worse. But that didn't make him feel better. Internationally they were a laughing stock. Not only had a death eater escaped Azkaban, something that had been thought impossible. Especially after he pushed through the story that Peter Pettigrew had drowned. But had remained free for over a decade before he'd managed to get into the Ministers box. Crouch Jr. had been just seats away from three ministers!
Of course, the investigation had pointed towards his father but Fudge had swept that up quick as a lick. He couldn't afford any more bad press. The house elf had been easy to dismiss and the order to have the young man kissed was rushed through. Dolores had seen to it before Madam Bones had been able to get to proper questioning.
It could have been worse Fudge knew. Crouch Jr. could have actually attacked someone, or the Potters could have been there instead of in their private box. Or Merlin forbid he could have actually gotten the North American Minister arrested! Bones was correct, that would have been a death sentence for his political career.
They had managed to break even on what the ministry had spent to host the Quidditch World Cup. Barely, and only thanks to all the corners Fudge had cut making the arrangements. But thanks to Crouch Jr. and the attack afterwards there had been no economic boom as expected. Which meant the country was still hurting for money.
His extra security was a laughing stock as they'd ended up capturing more of themselves than any death eaters. It was a disaster; one he might not survive even with pushing the story that it had been set up by a unfriendly ministry to discredit him. He'd avoided naming one so he couldn't get in any real trouble.
The only hope he had left was in he managed to pull off the Tri-wizard flawlessly. The tasks had already been altered to admit public attendance. The ticket sales would help offset what they put into it and might just pull them out of this hole they'd fallen into. Especially if the Hogwarts champion won. He'd need to set up another meeting with Dumbledore to insure everything was perfect.
0-Q-0
There had been no way to predict the events of the world cup Dumbledore had finally concluded. He had worked his plans as best he could but what had happened was so far out of the realm of possibility that it had been unpredictable.
While he had been almost certain that Sirius and Harry would not accept the tickets, he hadn't expected the Minister of North America to come instead. The only reason he had been able to work out what that he had come to keep an eye on his brother-in-law, who in turn had only come to annoy the ministry. What politicians acted in such a manner?
Then there was Crouch Jr. While Dumbledore had planned as best he could for the unexpected that was the equivalent of a rouge dragon snatching the snitch midgame. Worse yet because of Bagman there was no chance to cover it up. At least those of the Order who he had asked to keep an eye on things had managed to make sure there weren't any fatalities.
However, it was more important now than ever before that the tournament went smoothly. Or at least as smoothly as it could with his plan. Having a fourth champion would complicate matters but it was necessary to see the end of Voldemort.
Either Harry would participate and act as bait, as well as being placed within Dumbledore influence. Or he would refuse and lose his magic, thus reducing the danger he posed. Though Dumbledore worried that Harry might choose to lose his magic and undergo the ritual again to regain it. A second attempt at it might kill Harry, or twist him even further. But it was a risk he had to take.
The extra fees the tournament would receive from Wandwood as one of their students would be competing would help greatly. They would also save money as Harry would be housed within Hogwarts and attend classes with his brother. He was sure Daniel and Ronald would be able to keep an eye on Harry.
The other schools were being troublesome as well, but the contracts were already in place so there was little they could do but complain. Fudge was being almost as annoying as he insisted that the seating for all events be doubled so that more spectators could attend. While Dumbledore understood the ministry needed the money it was not as easy as conjuring more seats. Still, he had agreed.
Fudge was also suddenly taking an interest in the tasks to insure they did not disappoint the audience which was adding more and more complications. Perhaps while Harry was there something could be arranged. A few potions to interest him in a girl, an accident for Sirius. Yes, that was something to look into once the first stage was finished.
0-Q-0
Harry, Hermione and Sharra's return to Wandwood was difficult as little Cordelia had grown accustomed to their presence and did not want them to go. This resulted in the three of them becoming soaked as a burst of accidental magic from Cordelia caused a wave of water to appear over the fireplace.
The adults of course all found the situation hilarious. Sirius quickly had them dried off and, on their way, while Tonks amused the child by changing her face.
0-Q-0
Dumbledore smiled as the other participating schools arrived. Everything was set for Harry's name to be drawn from the Goblet of Fire. He had spent a great deal of time researching the magic needed to cause the goblet to select Harry but he had accomplished his goal. Soon the boy would be within his grasp.
Over the proceeding days everything continued to follow his plans. On the night of October 31st, the Goblet of fire picked the three champions. Then spit out a four slip of paper. Only years of practice allowed Dumbledore to appear shocked at the occurrence. "Harry Black!"
The great hall broke into pandemonium. Perfect. Dumbledore was just about to step away from the goblet and inform the other champions when a fifth paper shot into the air. He glanced at it and felt the blood drain from his face. In a croaked whisper he said. "Daniel Potter."
(A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed all the Ministry and Dumbledore's plans falling apart for them. This was the last real set up chapter, now we can get to the meant of the story.)