"Alya, Bartimus, would you come in here please?" Arcturus called. They were sitting in the informal dining room closest to the kitchen, well he was sitting, Alya was standing on the other side of the room, wand out. He couldn't help smiling as he watched her, her nose would scrunch up as she flicked through colours on the far wall, it was either too drab, too bright, down right disgusting or nearly there but not quite, so far nothing had caught her fancy. So when they heard Arcturus call for them, his eyes widened just an inch and stood slowly. She smiled softly, making her way towards him. His breathing hitched, as he heard the floo flare a few more times, wondering just how many people had arrived.
"Remember your safe, no one will hurt you" She said softly, picking up his hand and squeezing. He let her gently pull him down the short corridor and into the kitchen. Taking another deep breath before they entered the room.
Arcturus was talking in the corner to Minty, the house elf he had called from the chateau in Burgundy, France after Kreatcher had been taken care of. He saw six red heads, three of which he vaguely remembered, their was a blonde in amongst them as well, but he couldn't see their face. He continued looking through the room, when his gaze landed on one person in particular.
"Reggie!" he whispered, releasing Aly's hand, he rushed over and wrapped his arms around the man, holding on as tight as he could. He hadn't really believed her when she had told him that Reggie was still alive.
"Oi! What about me?" was cried from behind, before another set of arms wrapped around them.
Swinging himself around, only to stare into stormy grey eyes. The man who had been like an older brother to him, had tried to help him when they where in that hell on earth, was standing right there, smiling at him. He dragged both men back in, he didn't care that he had witnesses, he sobbed like a god damned baby. The two men just held him between them and let it happen. Once he had calmed down enough, he latched on to both of their hands and pulled them towards the table, sitting them down, before turning to look at Sirius as the man chuckled, Barty smiled brightly when Remus sat next to the man before he's smile dropped and he started fidgeting with he's sleeve.
"I am so sorry. If I had been able to fight the imperious quicker, Harry wouldn't have been hurt like that, and Diggory would still be alive. It wasn't supposed to happen like that, I swear, I..."
"Hey, Hey It's ok, calm down. Has Aly explained anything to you?" Sirius gripped his shoulder gently, looking at him in concern.
"She has but I'm still finding it hard to retain information" he said quietly, licking his lip as his anxiety started to peak. "Madam Delacour and Aly, they explained that I will remember things better in time, it's just frustrating"
"It will get easier, lad. Now, I need to call our dear Madam Delacour, so excuse me for a moment" Arcturus said calmly, his shaking hands giving him away.
"Are you alright?" Alya asked, eyes narrowed on her grandfather as she silently assessed him. She walked over to the older man, placing her hand on his arm. "No lies, grandfather" she added sternly.
"Quite well, Tom and Orion have asked for us to contact her and bring her here. Rabastan will be arriving soon and they would like him seen to" Arcturus smiled gently, pat her on the hand and walked out of the room.
He perked up even more hearing that.
"Hello Barty, long time no see" Fabian grinned, Gideon waving beside him.
"um hello…" He said slowly, looking over at Alya in confusion, he knew who they were but the names just eluded him.
"That's Fabian and Gideon Prewett and their eldest, Charlie. Beside them are Arthur, Bill and Percy Weasley" she said as she stood behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "It will get easier, just need to take it one step at a time, ok?"
Instead of replying, he lent back into her embrace, closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his hands still wrapped around Sirius's and Reggie's. He got his breathing back under control before opening his eyes and looking around the room, landing on Narcissa. He could see the faded bruising along her cheek, jaw and neck.
"Barty" she said softly, concern flickering in her eyes.
"That bastard better be dead!" he growled as he stood, he made his way around the table and lightly ran his finger along her cheek.
"Uncle will sort him out" she said softly as she stood, wrapping her arms around him. "It's so good to see you, at least when your coherent"
He chuckled and leaned into the hug. "Knowing him, it wont be death it will be something far worse"
"Let's hope so. Now, my cousin is glaring at me, so go sit back down before she really gets impatient" Narcissa moved back, pat him on the cheek gently, than retook her seat.
He walked back to his own chair, finding Sirius and Remus had moved up a seat, his original seat taken by Alya. Without even thinking he lent down and kissed the top of her head before sitting down beside her and picking up her hand. He didn't see how her cheeks flushed, or the small smile. He did however, hear the chuckle from Regulus.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing, nothing at all" Regulus chuckled, shaking his head.
"Madam Delacour will be arriving shortly. Now we must simply wait for the other's. Minty, some refreshments if you will" Arcturus announced as he entered the room, minty quickly getting to work.
It was an hour later, and 45 minutes after Apolline had arrived, that Severus, Tom, Rabastan and surprisingly, Rodolphus, returned. Said man found more than one wand in his face as he straightened up, hands up showing he was wandless, eyes flicking between his brother, Barty and Narcissa in concern. Tom and Severus quickly explained everything that happened during the meeting, going on to explain why Rodolphus was there and where Orion was now. Slowly the group lowered their wands and stood down.
Sirius and Reggie had walked over to the two men, pulling the younger into their arms. Rabastan in turn had his arms wrapped around their necks, eyes shut tight even as the tears escaped. Barty walked over, lightly brushing his fingers along the mans neck, before gasping when he to, was pulled into the embrace by the trio.
Tom, Severus and Rodolphus sat themselves around the table. Narcissa moved her chair to be closer to Rodolphus, the man brushed his knuckles along her cheek, sadness in his eye's, before leaning forward to kiss her softly on the temple. She seemed to sag against him content, gripping his hand so tight his fingers were turning purple. He paid it no mind, He just held her up against him. He's other arm was wrapped securely around her shoulders, as he listened to the quiet conversations going on around him. Arcturus and Tom watched the interaction from the corner of their eye's, something clicking in Tom's head as he put the puzzle pieces together.
Apolline had finished her talk with Arcturus and Tom, she had been disgusted at the state of the two brother's when they had arrived and was giving Tom a bit of a tongue lashing. She insisted they sit, eat something small and light and have some tea before she quickly ushered them upstairs, muttering in french as she went, they understood the words idiots and Azkaban but nothing else. Narcissa, Alya and Barty followed behind them soon after, planning to go through what ever clothes they had available, just so the two men had something to wear.
Sirius lent back, sighed and ran his hand over his face. "So, when do you think all this will calm down?"
"Who knows, but knowing Harry's luck? Not anytime soon. We still have Albus to deal with and his little lackys before we can even make a dent in the wizarding world" Tom sighed, before straightening himself up with a smirk. "We need to plan my 'death'. We should make it look realistic and all that. Any suggestions?"
…
After landing in the ministry atrium, Orion pulled his robes straight, waved his wand and levitated the stunned group. For it being so late, just after 11pm, it was surprisingly full of people. Most of the older Wixxen's stared in shock as he walked up to the check in, the chained and stunned individual's floating behind him. Whispers started following him the closer he got.
Well, he was rather recognisable.
His long black hair was tied carefully into an artistically messy top knot, loose tendrils brushing against his high cheekbones until he pushed them behind his cuffed ears (Alya could be very convincing when she wanted to be, and he really couldn't say no to his little princess and plus, the amount of protective runes and charms inlaid was something else, practically on par with his Lordship ring). The stormy grey eyes were only seen in the Black Family and his walk had always been the confidant, powerful stride that it was now. It also helped that he had been one of the best Aurors the DMLE had, alongside Alastor Moody. The two had been very competitive during their academy days.
The witch on duty, was lazily flicking through a copy of Witch Weekly. The maroon and burnished bronze of her robes, indicating her position as Auror in training. He cleared his throat and watched as the witch simply raised her brow and drawled 'Name and purpose of your visit', not once looking up.
"Lord Orion Arcturus Black, Auror returning to duty" He said loudly, in a tone brokering no argument.
The witch scoffed, flicked through a few more pages, before placing it on the table in front of her with an audible sigh. She looked up, brow raised and held out her hand "Wand, Best be proving tha..." she trailed off when she saw the chained Wixxen behind him, eye's wide. "That's Bellatrix Lestrange!"
"I am well aware of who I have with me, young lady. Now, I would suggest you get your superiors down here, immediately, before you further insult me and my intelligence. Wouldn't want you to lose your job, now would we?" Flushing red, the witch simply waved her wand, sending a memo to Amelia. He waited patiently, and if he made the witch uncomfortable, well… that was simply a bonus, now wasn't it?.
It was a few moments later that he realised just how large a crowd had gathered, along with the flashing of camera's and a few journalists quickly writing down what they were seeing. He did spot the Dowager Longbottom in the front. She was glaring daggers at the unconscious form of his niece… well, niece until he was able to strip her of the Black name and Magic. Well, seeing as she was here, he could use this to his advantage. Augusta had always been a force to be reckoned with, his father had attended Hogwarts along with her, though she was a third year when he was in his Sixth, she had been tough then to. A Gryffindor through and through, but Slytherin enough to reign in the brash idiocy that usually presented itself within the house of the Lion. His father had wondered many times, how a shy, quiet man like Finnegan Longbottom, Hufflepuff extraordinaire, had handled such a woman. She, like he's cousin Dorea, had her son, Frank, later in life and from what he could remember of the young man, he was the combination of both parents. Cool and calm when needed, but a force to reckoned with when duty called.
Finally, after almost 10 minuets, Amelia and Rufus Scrimgeour, trailed by a large bald man, who could only be one Kingsley Shacklebolt, a slightly shorter woman with spiky pink hair and Purple eyes and Minister Fudge, were walking quickly towards him. He shook his head, how in the world that man was voted minister, he had no idea. The man was an idiot and an insufferable ass kisser, had been since school. And Rufus was no better, though more calculated. As the group got closer, Fudge's expression turned to fearful, while Scrimgeour sneered at his very existence, top lip curling.
"Black! But...but your dead" Fudge spluttered, his face an interesting shade of red.
"Well, that was rude Minister. Do I look dead? I honestly thought I looked rather handsome" He couldn't help but grin, seeing the Minister pale was just so satisfying. Amelia held in a snort, while the two Aurors behind her looked everywhere but at them, just to try and stop themselves from laughing at the look on Fudge's face.
"Orion, what did you do?" Amelia asked in amusement, looking over at the bound figures. He eyes widened in shock as she took stock of just who she was looking at. "Is that… Peter Pettigrew? Orion, just why have you chained Lords Malfoy and Nott?"
"Oh, just thought I would stop in for a spot of tea, like old times" He said cheerfully "Seems they have been very naughty Amelia, you will find a report on your desk tomorrow morning. Don't worry, I remember enough of my time as an Auror to do that correctly and seeing as I was never technically let go, well I can just reactivate myself. Amelia, You may want to send a few Aurors over to ST. Mungos, the Carrows had been holding prisoners in their home, some are muggles listed as missing. Young Adicas is also there. They will be in there for awhile, I'm afraid"
"I had been told you were removed after the incident?" She asked in confusion, shaking her head to clear it.
"What incident? You don't mean my Son's disappearance do you? Oh no, I wasn't 'removed' I took much needed leave, seeing as his case was closed after a month… and just never returned, Instead I took myself and my daughter on an extended holiday after learning of what my darling wife had planned for me, all any of you had to do was look for a death certificate to discover I was alive. Now we should get this lot sorted" he said, waving towards the prisoners.
"And you just happened to be where they were? Likely story Black" Scrimgeour scoffed, crossing his arm's over his chest. Smirking, he added "And it was closed because evidence was found proving his death"
"Then explain to me, why Gringotts contacted me just two days ago, informing me that not only did I have a grandson, but my son was alive? Did you or did you not check for a death certificate before you wiped your hands clean of his case? And it really is no business of yours as to why I was where I was. So Scrimgeour, before you start, this lot needs to be processed. As I said, the report will be on Amelia's desk in the morning"
"Yet you only brought that bitch and not the husband or his brother!" The dowager fumed, having stayed quiet for too long.
"Can we take this up to your office, Amelia please? and if you could join us Dowager Longbottom, I would greatly appreciate it. Oh, and I would recommend dampening cuffs. Mr Pettigrew there, is an unregistered rat animagus, but I am sure your aware of that Minister, seeing as my Grandson informed you of that very fact just two years ago! What was it you said to him again? Oh yes, you told him he was just confused, that my son had confunded him am I correct?" He said calmly, eyes flashing, relishing in the shocked gasps and hurried whispers of those around him. The flashes of the camera had reached a whole new high as photographers became braver, stepping closer to get a better picture. He looked at Fudge and smirked. Oh this was going to be fun. "Is that acceptable, Minister? The cuffs I mean"
"Of...Of course, Lo...Lord Bl...Black. Am...Amelia?" Fudge stuttered, staring straight at Pettigrew with wide, scared eyes.
"Aurors Shacklebolt, Tonks. Take them down to the waiting cells, fit them all with the dampening cuffs and make sure their in a dampening cell too, I want no chances for escape" Amelia ordered.
His brows raised hearing the spiky haired woman's name. He knew who the Shacklebolt's were, of course. Maverick Shacklebolt was an acquaintance of his back in the day and his son had just joined the Auror ranks when he went on leave.
"Yes Mam" they barked.
"Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to be Nymphadora, Andromeda and Edward Tonks's daughter, would you?" He enquired quietly, stopping the woman before she could walk by.
The witches hair flashed to a darker pink, then red before changing to Black, her eyes changed to their natural grey instead of the Purple they were before. "I am" she said suspiciously.
"My, My. There hasn't been a metamorphmagus in the family for at least three hundred years and with such control, I am impressed. I only ask, due to the fact that my requests to see her, have not been able to reach her, not even through my account manager. I would very much like to see her and meet your father and you of course" he said quietly, smiling softly.
"Oh, um, I can tell her you wish to contact her. Is there somewhere she can reach you?" she said, Hair turning bright pink again.
"Just inform her I can be found in the townhouse, she will know which I mean. It's rather Grimm and old I'm afraid and she spent time there as a child" he gave her a wink and noticed how both hers and Shacklebolt's eyes widened, just a fraction. "Now if you will excuse me, I wish to get this meeting underway. I'm afraid my father is still rather Ill and your cousin, Alya, has only recently gained her healers license, so we do not wish to overwhelm her. It was a pleasure meeting you, even if for only a moment"
She just gave him a slow nod, before turning towards the prisoners. He watched as the two levitated the group out of the atrium and quickly disappeared down one of the side doors. He turned back to those still waiting, offered his arm to Augusta, who eyed him suspiciously at first before accepting, and followed behind Amelia and the two idiots.
"I don't know what your playing at Black, but this better be good" Augusta whispered.
"It will be, that I can assure you. I must ask, is the house elf Pip still in your employment?" He asked quietly, watching the three in front. "I ask, because some information has come to light about that night. My grandson had made mention that he is friends with Heir Longbottom and would ask him, himself but seeing as you are here..."
"Well, yes Pip is. Why do you ask? I also didn't know Sirius had a son? Regulus was too young of course, so I am only assuming" the woman raised her brow as she watched him, he could see that she was trying to work it out. So he smiled softly and pat her hand.
"Once we are in Amelia's office, could you please call him? I will explain more there"
Augusta stared at him for a moment longer, before giving him a stiff nod.
The trip up was made in silence, and he watched in amusement as Fudge fidgeted and sent him nervous glances as they entered the elevator. Oh he was going to get what was coming to him, of that Orion was sure.
Amelia's office was exactly as he expected it to be. Clean and very well organised. The large, cheery wood desk sat centre in the large, circular room. The contents all arranged neatly and in their proper place. Her walls were covered in shelves holding various items and case files, either past or present, he couldn't be sure. She had few personal items, that he could see, and those that she did have, where pictures of when she and her younger brother, Edger, where much younger. She had already Graduated Hogwarts when Edger was born. He could also see a photo From Edger's wedding to Mikhail Hellebore, an Austrian wizard from what he could remember, and two more of a little girl he assumed was Edgar and Mikhail's daughter.
"Please, take a seat." Amelia waved them towards the small sitting area in the back of the office, seating herself on a lone armchair, she summoned a quill and some parchment.
Orion raised his brow as he escorted Augusta to the small, two seater, sofa and sat beside the woman, crossing his leg over his knee. "So this is to be what? An interrogation?"
"Orion, you come here with not one but six individuals chained and unconscious, one of which is supposed to be dead, two other's prominent figures in our ministry, an escaped prisoner and two others, and if I hadn't seen the proof for myself, I would also be wondering if you really were Orion Black, So forgive me for being cautious" Amelia huffed in amusement.
"I apologise Amelia, this would look suspicious any other day."
"Of course it would. But then again, if what you were implying, it means He who shall not be named has he's people in the ministry and right now, that worries me more" Amelia sighed, charming the quill and parchment back to her desk.
"Ah, but the Dark Lord has his minions everywhere within the ministry, and since he's return, well I would assume most would either be terrified that he is or making plans to take over, like they nearly did last time" He said calmly. Amelia and Augusta would be brought into everything at a later date, so he was going to skirt the issue.
"He is not back" Fudge growled.
"Oh, you will find he is back and very much alive, but not for much longer If I have my way. I will not have my Grandson in anymore danger. I, for one, have seen his memories of that night" Orion glared at the purple faced man. "And while we are on the subject, I hope your ready for a lawsuit Minister Fudge. I am suing the ministry on behalf of my son and Heir, my grandson, Bartimus Crouch Jr and The Lestrange brother's"
"WHAT" Augusta screamed as she jumped to her feet. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY DID!"
"I know what everyone was led to believe, Augusta" Using her name, he stared her down. Formidable she may be, but he would not let her walk all over him, not like that wife of his, not again. "You will remember that I asked you to summon your house elf, correct? He can help answer some of our question's. I would also like for you, Amelia, to look over their trial records please."
"There is no need for that Black, I was there for their trail's" Rufus growled.
"Then I will be adding you to my lawsuit" he said simply, shrugging his shoulder. "You best remember whom you are speaking to, Scrimgeour"
"I am the senior Auror here, you should be remembering whom you are speaking to"
"That's enough, the pair of you. Why do you need the records Orion? And the house elf?" Amelia said firmly, before Rufus could argue further.
"I need the elf here because he was a witness that night. And from what I have been informed, he was ignored or spoken over by Crouch and Bagnold during the trial. As for the records, can you honestly tell me that their trial was legal?" he said calmly. "I know this is a stretch, But Barty has never lied to me before and what that young man has been subjected to over the last decade outweighs whatever 'punishment' he had due to a crime he never committed"
"How do you know that? The minister had him kissed when he was discovered in Hogwarts last term" Amelia asked, eyes narrowed as she glared at Fudge.
"That wasn't him. It was golem"
"Then you have been associating with a known criminal!" Fudge blustered, glee flashing in his eyes "Amelia, I believe he will need to be arrested over this"
"Just like you would be for denying a trial and ordering him to be kissed, like you have with my son, even after my grandson told you about Pettigrew. Then add to the fact you allowed a full criminal trial for a fifteen year old after he defended himself and that muggle from not 1 but 2 dementors in a muggle area, then there was that woman you allowed in a school, with no qualifications and allowed her to torture students, minors" he shot back. "There are many things you could and should be arrested for, Minister, many things I would gladly bring to light, so unless you would like me to reveal your dirty dealing's, you best shut up and listen"
"As far I know, Black, you don't have any grandchildren" Rufus smirked, thinking he had the upper hand.
"Now, that is where you are quite wrong. My eldest son and Heir, Blood adopted his son when he was named godfather, at the request of the young man's mother and father. Hadrian James Sirius Potter-Black. I would also like his guardianship files, since I am here. I will be taking custody until my son is able to. To think, this ministry allowed for the boy who lived to be raised by muggles, appalling" he withheld the smirk as he watched as shock and fear took over the minister and Scrimgeour's faces. "Now that, that is sorted, Please, Augusta, call your house elf"
The woman narrowed her eyes before calling "Pip"
The little elf appeared and immediately started pulling on his ear "Mistress called for Pip?"
"Yes, Pip. Lord Black has a few questions for you. You are to answer to the best of your abilities and be truthful. No lies, even if you think it will protect the family, understood?" Augusta asked kindly.
"Pip understands" The elf looked at him, his head cocked to the side, large eyes round as they stared "Lord Black bes needing to talk with Pip, sir?"
"Yes, Pip. Can you tell me about the night your family was attacked? I would like to know who was there and who did what please" he said softly.
Large tears started to fall as the elf started crying softly, the elf sniffed and lowered his head, fiddling with his long fingers "My masters were getting young master Nevvy ready for sleeps sir, when the wards fell. Pip felt it, it feels like knives stabbing him in his chest, and when Pip tried to move he couldn't. Pip only see the bad lady, but Pip feels another but invisible they was. The bad lady was scary and she started hurting Missy Alice. Master Frankie couldn't move or speaks, he had little Nevvy in his hands and something stopped him sirs. Missy Alice screamed for a long time and Pip couldn't do anything. Then master Rod appeared. He started yelling at bad lady. He told her to stop, and when she only laughed, he grabbed her and threw her away. She knocked out, so he ran to master Frankie and unfroze him and little Nevvy. Master Frankie gave little Nevvy to him and went to check on Missy Alice, but she wasn't moving. He yelled 'Rod, give Neville to pip and help me' and he dids. Master Rod gave pip little Nevvy, but as he was telling me to leave and hide, bad lady woke up and started hurting Master Frankie. Master Rod ordered pip to keep young master Nevvy safe and leave so pip dids. I don't know what happens next because I dids as ordered sir"
"Did you see anyone else Pip? Anyone at all?" Augusta whispered, white as a ghost.
"No mistress. But there was someone else there, but pip not see them he just feels it"
"Did you tell anyone this?" he asked softly, he already knew that he did, but he wanted Amelia to hear this and start the ball rolling.
"Pip dids sirs, he dids he swears, he tells minister and big crouch. But they dont listen to him, Mistress was to angry and sads sir. And she has young master to cares for" Pip bawled "Pip try's to tell them all, but they not listen to him, they ignores Pip, they tells Pip they was guilty, Master Basty and Master Barty weren't even theres sir! Master's Rod and Basty are Missy Alice's family, Theys never hurt them"
Orion looked up and into Augusta's tear riddled eye's. "Augusta?"
"No one had access to the wards except certain family members and the secret keeper. Rodolphus and Rabastan did, as Alice's only living family"
"Who was the secret keeper?" Amelia asked gently laying a hand over the woman's arm, her quill gliding across the parchment on it's own.
"The same person who set the fidelius charm" she snarled angrily, tearing her arm away. "Dumbledore!"
…
The next morning, Harry found himself incredibly warm and comfortable. He had Fred pressed up against his back, and George to his front, the pair softly snoring. He smiled and snuggled in under Georges chin, wiggling slightly against Fred, making the other teen groan.
"Love, please. I really do not want to find out what Mipsy would do if she thought I was being inappropriate" he groaned, turning on to his back.
"Mipsy bes dumping Masters demon Wheezy in the lake, yes she woulds" Mipsy said from beside him, her little hands on her hips as she glared.
Fred screamed, and fell out of the bed. Harry just chuckled, turned over and peaked over the side of the bed. "You alright?"
Fred stood, rubbing his arse. "Oh, just peachy"
"Mipsy has come to wakes you. It is nearly time for breakfast" Mipsy said sweetly, before smacking Fred on the backside will a rolled up paper. "Masters demon wheezy bes keeping hands to himself from now on"
She disappeared to the sound of Harry roaring in laughter. Fred just stood there staring at the spot the elf disappeared from, rubbing his stinging backside. "But I didn't do anything!"
"Don't think it matters, brother mine" George chuckled as he yawned, before grinning at Harry. "Morning, Love"
"Morning" he said softly, before climbing out of bed. He pulled out his school robes only to blink before he remembered… no longer a Gryffindor.
"You ok?" George asked softly.
"Mm, fine. Guess I'll owl Bard to change the colours then" he shrugged his shoulder's and wandered off to the bathroom.
"We know he's not" Fred stated, pulling up his trousers.
"It's to be expected. A lots happened over the last few day's, and he's going to continue ploughing through it like he's not affected by it, because that's what people expect of him" George stretched out on the bed before sighing and getting up. slowly they changed and sat waiting for Harry. When he reemerged from his bathroom, they both smiled and wolf-whistled. "Maybe you should have gone to the ravens sooner, Blue and bronze suits you Love"
"Very much so" Fred wiggled his brows, causing Harry too blush deeply.
"Let's just get to Breakfast. I need to get my new schedule from Professor Flitwick, and Reg will need to go over it before I can even go to class" He sighed, picked up his book bag (thank Merlin for feather light charms). He
waited as the twins gathered their things before walking out of the room.
Reg was already sitting on the couch waiting for them, staring off into the fire when they exited the room. He looked over to them and gave them a tense smile.
"What happened?" Harry asked, watching him wearily.
"More than I can explain right now. I can tell you this though, Rabastan and Barty were not the only innocents that night, Father was able to question the house elf last night in the company of Dowager Longbottom, Amelia Bones, the Minister and Rufus Scrimgeour" Reg said quietly, before standing up and plastering on a smile. "Do you feel up to walking to the hall?"
"Yeah, I'm fine"
Reg watched the twins over Harry's shoulder. He noticed how they looked at each other, and to him they looked worried. "Are you being honest? We don't want you having a set back and Flora will storm this castle if she feels your not looking after yourself"
Harry watched him quietly, before sighing and dropping his book bag. "Physically, I feel fine. Mentally, not so much. It's been… a lot" he whispered.
"Do you need me to ask Filius for an exemption today?" Reg asked softly, cupping his cheeks. Harry flinched slightly but didn't pull away right away.
He shook his head, the touches where fine but they still startled him when he wasn't the one to initiate it. "No, it will just get worse. And the distraction will be good. Do you know if Remus signed the paperwork?"
Reg chuckled at the change of subject but let it drop for now. Hopefully they can organise Ted to see him sooner rather than later. "He did, Filius sent him out to get the materials he needs and even gave permission for him to have his support mutt in classes with him. You will see them tonight at dinner"
That got excited whoops from the demons and a smile from Harry. When they excited his rooms, Luna, Lee, Neville, Theo and Blaise were waiting for them. They took one look at his robes and all groaned, except Luna. They each passed her a galleon.
"See, you four should have listened to me" Luna said brightly, skipping over and kissing his cheek. "Welcome to the house of the Ravens, Harry."
"Thanks, little moon" Luna wrapped his arm around hers before turning them around and walking towards the great hall.
He took one deep breath, and entered the noisy hall. Luna leading them towards his new house, seating them at the end. Luna sat herself beside him and told Theo to sit on his other side. When the twins pouted, she informed them that they were his friends to, so should be allowed to sit next to him. She had Blaise sit at the end, beside Theo while the Twins, Neville and Lee sat across from them, with space big enough for two between Lee and Neville. That was for Daphne and her guest, she said.
Reg chuckled as he placed Harry's potions in front of him. "I trust you Ms. Lovegood and Mr. Nott, to make sure he takes his potions. The blue one first, then the green and lastly, the red"
"We will, Grey" Luna just smiled at him, as he just shook his head… yeah he was pretty sure she knew exactly who he was. Pandora used to call him that when they snuck out into the muggle world.
Reg walked up to the head table and took his seat beside a bemused Severus all the while everyone else chuckled at their usually airy fairy friend, while the rest of her house sat watching on in fascination as 'the boy who lived' cowered under her steely gaze, making sure he drank his potions before offering him some orange juice. She then plated up small selections of fruits, some yoghurt and one piece of toast, watching him intently as he started eating. When he was half way through, she nodded to herself and turned to her own breakfast.
"Harry!" Ginny whined as soon as she spotted him. Ron and Hermoine both glared at him before the three started making there way over, much to the annoyance of everyone around him. "Why are you sitting here? You have to sit at the Gryffindor table!"
He sighed and pointed to the new house crest on his robes. "Nope, I'm where I'm supposed to be."
The rest of the hall seemed to wake up and actually look at him then, finally noticing the Blue and Bronze edging of his robes. Draco looked up briefly, before turning back to his breakfast as the whisper's started as the other students all took notice and turned to the person beside them. All wondering how he had been resorted.
"Oh Please, you aren't a Ravenclaw. Harry, you need to be intelligent to be in that house, and we all know you aren't. Why else would you have me go over all your work? it's the only way you could even hope to pass" Hermoine snorted and crossed her arms over her chest, clearly losing her status as prefect had meant she could let go of all prim and properness. "Now, stop this at once and give that uniform back to whoever it was that gave it to you"
"Ah Ms Granger, thank you for reminding me, you have lost your house 100 points for theft and plagiarism. You will come to my office, tonight, after dinner. We will be visiting your Parents. There we will be discussing if Hogwarts is the right school for you" Filius said from behind the trio. "As acting headmaster, I have already spoken to them about your behaviour the last few days and of your theft, it would seem you have never been completely honest with them. Now, please remove yourselves from my houses table and make your way to your own"
All colour drained from Hermoine's face, while the two other Weasley's glared at the professor.
"But their sitting here! Why cant we?" Ginny demanded, stamping her foot… how had he never noticed her childishness?… oh right… potions. She didn't even seem to care about what he had said to Hermoine.
Filius looked over Harry and his group, Daphne slipping into the seat in between Lee and Neville, while a younger girl slipped in beside her and Neville with a shy smile. "I see Mr Potter sitting with his new house mates and friends, eating their breakfast. They are, of course, welcome as they are not causing any issues with the students around them, unlike you three, now off you go, before I start removing more points and issuing you more detentions, I do not believe your house mates aren't very happy with you currently, best not anger them anymore"
The trio stormed off, but not without glaring or in Ginny's case, pouting. He just shook his head and turned to the Professor.
"Here we are" Filius handed over his new schedule with a smirk."Now seeing as I am acting headmaster, I was able to at least have the classes split evenly between the house's. I would like to get what was discussed last night out of the way and time for our new DADA teacher to settle into his rooms. I hope you don't mind, but I placed him just down from your own. So after breakfast, if you would like to head back to your room, you may or you can stay and watch, Today's classes have been cancelled"
"I'll stay" He said with a grin. He was curious as to who would be resorted. He looked down at his new schedule and smiled. He bumped shoulders with Theo and showed him. "We have DADA and Potions together, starting tomorrow"
"Really! Thank Merlin" Theo sighed, a sheepish grin on his face. Harry just grinned back.
"Any of you doing Care of magical creatures? Its a mixed class and I know those two have it" he said pointing to the still glaring trio.
"Blaise and I do" Daphne said, "Oh, This is my little sister Astoria by the way, I hope you don't mind that I asked her to sit with us."
"Not at all, Hello, I'm Harry" he said, smiling at the fourth year.
"Hello" Astoria said back shyly. She was the polar opposite of her older sister. Where Daphne had straight, platinum blonde hair that hit her waist and piercingly blue eye's, Astoria had dark chocolate brown curls that brushed her shoulders and Hazel eye's. She was just a pretty as her big sister, though.
A chorus of hello's met the shy girl. The twins instantly turning on their charm as they asked the younger Slytherin question after question about herself, causing her to blush deeply. It was rather adorable, in his opinion.
"We have Astronomy and Transfiguration together, so we can partner up, if you want" Neville said, bringing him out of his little mind wander. "You have Herbology and Charms with the puff's. So that's your main classes and one elective, I can ask Susan and Hannah to partner with you. I see you dropped divination, good, and replaced it with ancient runes. Self study?" he looked up and raised his brow.
"Ah, yeah. Reg thought it would be a good way to exercise my mind"
"Oh, I'm self studying to, We can do it together" Theo said happily "I can help you catch up"
"Thanks" He said, just as Professor Flitwick stood and clapped his hands to get everyone attention.
"Good morning everyone, I hope you all slept well. A few quick announcements. Due to what will be taking place after breakfast, today's classes have been cancelled and will start at the usual time, tomorrow morning. We have been able to line up a new DADA professor and they will be arriving this evening in time for dinner. This professor has come highly recommended and has the support of all the staff and the Governors, so I hope you will all treat him with the respect he deserves. Now, The sorting hat" Filius waved to the stool Dougal was placed on, Minerva standing diligently beside it. "Has requested a school wide resort. Some, maybe most of you may stay with your original house but I am afraid he is rather insistent in the matter. This is only for the first through to sixth years, I am afraid, but I am positive this will be for the better and each house will welcome each new housemate with open arms. Now, we shall begin with the first years"
After the expected out cry, Severus stood and told them all it was a requirement and if he had to, he would put them in detention for a year, everyone quietened down quite quickly afterwards. Filius than called out each name and within an hour all first years were either sorted to new houses or remained with their original. It continued on this way until they reached the fourth years. Astoria was called up and instantly placed in Ravenclaw, Harry, Daphne and Luna stood and applauded loudly, quickly followed by the rest of the house. Astoria dashed back to them with a beaming smile and sat hugging her older sister, her robes already sporting the Blue and Bronze trim of the Ravens.
By the time they got through the fourth years, lunch was starting. Only 10 of them were resorted, and luckily for him, Ginny was not one of them. She actually stomped her foot and demanded to be placed in Ravenclaw. Minerva quickly removed the hat, and took 10 points before threatening to take more. Ginny screamed and sulked back to Gryffindor table, throwing more pouts and glares in their direction.
After that, he got up and stretched a bit, before walking around the table to sit in between his favourite red headed bookends, leaning into George's side as Fred filled their plates, the next round of potions appearing out of nowhere, and both Luna and Theo sat staring at him until he took them.
"I know you all must be feeling upset, cooped up and a little cramped, but we only have two more years to sort. Starting with Mr. Longbottom" Filius smirked as if he knew this was the last time Neville would be wearing Red and Gold. And he was right, Hufflepuff. Neville decided to sit at his new table, directly across from where Harry was sitting, the biggest grin covering his face. Only Neville and Fey Dunbar, were sorted to a new house out of all the other Gryffindor's. Neville to the puffs, and Fey to Slytherin.
When Theo's name was called, said teen stood up and slowly made his way to the hat. It was quiet for nearly ten minutes, before finally, Ravenclaw was called. Blaise was first out of his seat to cheer on his best friend, Closely followed by Daphne, Harry and the rest of them. Theo ducked his head shyly and quickened his pace. Both Daphne and Blaise stayed in Slytherin, as did many of them including Draco. Some of the more unknowns to him were placed between the three other houses.
Seeing the weary looks on some of the Gryffindor's faces as they eyed the ex-snakes, He got Dean and Seamus's attention.
"Whats up?" Dean whispered.
"Keep an eye on them. And not for anything suspicious. You know what will happen, especially with Ron, so just be friendly" He explained quietly.
"Sure thing Haz" Seamus grinned and turned back to their table, beckoning the new Gryffindor's over. Harry watched as the entirety of the Gryffindor team moved around so the new lions would be protected from anywhere, all ten of them from all year levels safely nestled between the players. He smiled gratefully at Angelina, Katie and Alicia when he caught their eye, they just waved him off or rolled their eyes. Looking up at the head table, Minerva caught his eye and gave him a nod before turning back to Filius as he started calling out the sixth years.
"See, should have been a puff" George sighed dramatically.
"I think Blue and bronze suits him better" Daphne grinned at them.
They sat and talked while the sixth years were sorted. He was relaxed and comfortable, so when Neville asked to talk to him privately, he couldn't really say no. He got up and followed his friend out of the hall, although Fred and George trailed behind them to make sure they weren't interrupted.
"I got an owl from Gran, she's picking me up this evening after dinner. Apparently there is something she wishes to speak to me about and she said to ask you if I wanted to know more before she arrived" Neville said nervously "What's going on Harry?"
Harry sighed, rubbing his temple. "Mind if I get Fred and George in? They know what's happening as well"
Neville shrugged and waited for the Twins to approach. Fred wrapped himself around Harry's back, resting his chin on Harry's shoulder, George wrapped an arm around Neville's shoulders, squeezing him gently. "Ok, now what's going on?"
"Ok, I really think you should talk to your gran about this Nev. I don't know everything, so cant answer all your questions. What I can tell you is that, the night your parents were attacked, may not have happened the way it's said to. Further information was discovered, and your house elf Pip, was able to identify exactly who did what that night. Crouch and Bagnold ignored him Nev, they threw two maybe three innocents in Azkaban, just like they did Sirius." Harry quickly reached out for the teen as he started hyperventilating. "Nev, I need you to take slow breathes for me. Fred, get reg or Severus!"
"I'm here. Heir Longbottom, this is calming draught, I need you to take it!" Reg was there beside the teen so quickly, Harry stepped back in surprise. Reg assisted in administering the potion, rubbing Neville's shoulder with he's other hand. "How about we get you up to Professor Flitwick, maybe your Gran can pick you up earlier?"
Neville just nodded, pale and shaky. Harry quickly wrapped his arm around the teens waist and started walking back into the Great hall. Reg stood on the other side while the twins followed as they made their way up to the head table. Filius stood, with Severus, Pomona and Minerva and quickly made their way around to them.
"What happened?" Filius asked.
"He asked if I knew why his gran was picking him up, it might be best if she came to get him earlier. I don't know everything, just what we were told last night and this morning sir" Harry said quietly, he could see Ron, Ginny and Hermoine hanging around trying to eavesdrop.
"I think I may agree with you Harry, why don't we head to my office and contact the Dowager?" Filius asked. Neville gave the man a nod and they followed behind the professor. Within 10 minutes the Dowager collected Neville, gave them all a tense smile and went back through the floo.
The rest of the day was spent either sitting outside near the lake, or when the idiot trio kept interrupting them, his rooms. He did his workouts, the twins and Luna joining in when he started on some yoga positions, while Blaise and Daphne watched. Theo and Astoria had gone to their new dorms to get situated before they rejoined them. So once it was time to head back to the great hall, Harry was practically bouncing in excitement.
Reg met them at the doors, a small smile on his face as he ushered them towards the end of the Slytherin table. They had decided earlier that they would try to sit at all the tables, hoping to encourage a little inter house unity. The school wide re-sort should help in that factor. Once they had seated themselves, Harry turned to the head table, a blinding smile taking place.
There sitting between Professor Sprout and Severus, was Remus and at his feet a very large black dog. Some of the students sat staring at their old professor, while others whispered excitedly.
"Oh please tell me he's back to teach?" Blaise asked, eyes wide and grinning. Only Harry seemed to notice Severus's lip twitch as he watched the little group. "Please, please, PLEASE!" Blaise was almost bouncing in he's seat, causing the rest of them to chuckle.
"Good evening, I hope you all settled in nicely and are now ready for dinner. As you can see, Professor Lupin has agreed to return to the post of Defence against the dark arts. Please give him a warm welcome" Filius said happily. The great hall descended into chaos, feet stomping and hands clapping as the students welcomed Remus back. The man stood, smiled and bowed to the applause. Padfoot at his feet had his tail wagging so fast, it threatened to take out the chair behind him. "Now as you can see, Professor Lupin has he's support animal with him. Please be mindful of him during class. I have been told he is rather mischievous. Now, enjoy your meal" with that said, Filius retook his seat and started talking to Minerva.
"You knew, didnt you?" Daphne asked, brow raised.
"Maybe, maybe not" George grinned and wiggled his brows.
Before Harry could respond he heard an excited bark and turned to watch as padfoot tore his way down towards him. He laughed, when the Grimm almost shoved Reg off of the bench in his excitement. Soon enough they were able to get him to calm down before he started wondering the great hall, letting everyone pat him as he passed or scratch he's belly before he wandered back past them and up towards the table, where Remus was shaking his head fondly. Padfoot slumped down at his feet and simply fell asleep.
"That was the biggest dog I have ever seen, and my family owns Irish wolf hounds" Cassius Warrington mumbled from beside Theo. Harry caught he's eye and grinned, causing the teen shuffle awkwardly in he's seat.
Once dinner was over Harry and Reg went back to his room. The twins went with Lee and Blaise to talk about something, while Daphne, Luna and Theo went off to the library with Tori (she had insisted on it while they were sitting outside). He opened the portrait door to find not only Sirius and Remus but his grandfather and Tom as well.
"Hey" he said happily, sitting in-between Remus and Sirius, the latter wrapping his arm over he's shoulders. "How did last night go?"
"Good evening Harry. It went quite well, I believe" Orion said, taking a seat on the armchair. "Did Regulus inform you of the events?"
"Just that Rabastan, Barty and maybe someone else was innocent? Oh and you spoke to Neville's house elf"
"Well, After you left last night, Orion, Severus and I went back to Riddle manor. It was there that we discovered Rodolphus may be innocent. Pip, confirmed it. Crouch has been placed under house arrest with an investigation pending as decided by Madam Bones. She has asked that Orion bring Barty in, he agreed only if Alya could remain with him as his healer. He has been through a lot, and weary of people he does not know. Dumbledore had done something to him during his year here, making him believe we killed his father. Crouch is very much alive, Amelia was not happy" Tom said, picking up the tea cup that appeared in front of him. "Thank you"
"While we were in the manor, Tom called some of those 'followers'. Malfoy, Nott, Bella, the Carrow twins and Pettigrew have been handed to the ministry, right into the custody of Aurors as witnessed by Amelia herself, the minister, Scrimgeour and practically every single person in the ministry's atrium. Amelia was able to silence everyone before word got out, but there will be something in the prophet tomorrow" Orion explained. "So, we came to let you know"
"Thank you. I hope Neville is ok"
"He will be Pup. Orion and Tom were able to have Augusta come to the bank this morning, she has signed Frank and Alice's care over to Flora and the goblin nation. So, hopefully things on that front will improve" Remus said softly.
"What about Rabastan and Rodolphus? Whats happening with them?"
"They have also gone to the Goblins, Barty chose to stay with Aly and Apolline for he's treatments. We took them in this morning, Flora is quite positive they will improve and quickly. Tomorrow, Amelia, Fudge and two Aurors will go in to question them, I will also be there to make sure everything goes accordingly. Hopefully, things will go well and a trial can be pushed forward for them" Orion explained.
Harry was amazed just how quickly this was going. It really showed him what competent adults could do if he trusted them to follow through. Though Tom had been a part of him for the majority of he's life, so he knew he could rely on him, it was nice to know that he had a family he could honestly say would do anything to protect him.
He looked around the room, there were people missing, but still. He had he's dad, stepdad, Grandfather and a man he could probably see as an uncle as much as Reg and Severus. Smiling happily, he picked up his hot chocolate and snuggled into Sirius's side, the man leaning down to kiss the top of he's head. He spent the night listening into the others as they talked, when Fred, George, Reg and Severus joined them, and finally, when Remus picked him up and took him to bed, falling asleep before his head hit the pillow.