Time passed, and Hogwarts tried to accept the fact that it was hosting three Schools, even if one of those schools was from within Their own ranks. It was whispered that they were looking for three more at this time. And they were open to any of the four Houses, and the two visiting schools.
Hufflepuff were too Loyal to jump ship. While Bones had, it was understood that her joining the 'White Robes' was a matter of a marriage contract. She still sat with Hannah every chance she could, and it was understood that Hannah and the other Puffs were welcome among the PI crowd.
Gyiffondores were too proud to join. Well most of them… Weasley was very vocal about how He was staying behind, it was only for the House Quidditch Team, 'Brooms before Bros', and all that. Ginny was torn, as she wanted to join Harry and Luna, but Harry had just spent a small fortune on her new broom. She did ask if the broom was hers or the Teams. When He said it was hers, she wanted to return it, but he told her he had three years of birthday gifts and Christmas gifts to make for. The Creeves wanted to follow, but Harry told them that they were needed for the Team, and if P.I. was to continue, they both were welcome to join in June.
Of Ravenclaw, because of P.I.s acceptance of Lovegood, most of the House shied away in general.
The Patil Twins and Lavander Brown would often visit the P.I. Heads, as they had made plans to join in June, but did not want to Transfer just yet.
The Snakes of Sythiren watched. Even with Harry now the Star of the P.I. heads, Malfoy kept trying to rile him up, but Potter just ignored the mouthy git. There were whispers that Daphne's sister Astoria was going to join them next year, but was spending this year being home-schooled to keep her out of the crossfire. The Carrow twins had talked to Headmaster Black, but was it about P.I., or the Black Sisters… No one was telling.
This morning, Lupin had taken the Students into the Forbidden Forest, to look for things to help with Potions. They were being graded on the skill of using their animal nose, sight, and hearing. Their Herbology skills in identifying, harvesting, and storing the 'herbs' and 'things'. The plan was to mix their potion after lunch.
Only Jordan was wearing a harness and leash because of his shiny issues. A couple of witches trying to catch his eye started wearing shiny objects in their cleavage. Some were birthstone pendants, one brazen badger charmed her bra to brass. It took both twins and Granger to dig him out. The witch had flashed her bra and Lee had dove in head first as he morphed. As the girl made Bones look svelte, she giggled the whole time the niffler was rooting around for the shiny.
Harry and Black sat on the front stoop of the castle. Harry had the wand thing in about an hour. Both were in their quadruped forms, Knightwing and Padfoot respectfully when a group of first-year witchlings found them. Black in a fit of rubbintwog it in, had transfigured a handful of gravel into a bunch of brushes. Some were 'hair' brushes, others were more 'shoe' brushes. The girls squealed as only young girls can when they get to pet or brush a pretty animal.
Of the fifteen girls, six grabbed a brush and tackled the black puma basking in the sun…
But Black had made the mistake of returning to his Grim form… and eight witches, with brush in hand, swarmed the dog-like beast.
The last witch pulled out a nail care kit and took Padfoot's fore paw in hand and started cleaning his nails… before she started clipping them.
The black beasts could do nothing but lay there and take it. Padfoot tried to object but Knight growled. If he was getting groomed, so was the Headmaster.
PISSOFF
When the Bell in the Clocktower struck eleven o'clock, Knight rolled to his feet and licked the face of each witch that had brushed him. Padfoot whined, before he stood, like each of his groomers, and followed after his pup. Following the scent of Sprout and Diggory, they quickly found the room where everybody was gathered.
Flure had her hair pulled tight into a French braid that was then bound into a bun on her crown, held in place with a six-inch platinum pin capped with a pearl. Her Dress was bespoke blue silk with pearl buttons, showing a modest yet full bosom, a tapered waist, and slim hips.
Krum was dressed in a dress uniform made from red dragon leather with black fur trim, and shiny brass buttons. On the left breast, he had a patch of badges. The School Agies was on his left arm. Shiny black boots completed the outfit. He had a tightly trimmed van dyke over his mouth, with his head shaved sides and back and the top pulled into a tight four-inch tail from his crown. His fur cap was under his left arm,
Cedric was wearing a new freshly pressed Hogwarts Robe. While the trim was Black and Yellow, the badge of his left breast bore all four Houses. His Tie was stripped in Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green. His hair was freshly washed, styled, and already floating loose.
Each Professor or Headmaster was fussing over their champion.
Rita and Bagman were 'buzzing' about the room, while Bozo the Cameraman had set up a portrait class camera in section, and was pointing a smaller camera that looked like a modified muggle camera.
Couch and Percy were huddled in the corner whispering.
Xeno Lovegood was standing in the center of the room with a sketch pad, taking notes and drawing the Champions in multicoloured ink from a thunderbird feather, the flickering lightning running along the shaft like a hand-held Jacob's Ladder.
It was into this that Padfoot and Knight strolled. Knight Purred as his eyes swept the room. 'Anybody else smell fried chicken?' He yawned, both to show his 'Dominance' and to draw in the scent over his tongue.
Padfooy just rolled his shoulders and approached like he was hunting something or someone.
Both Xeno and Bozo snapped about and took in their style of physical proof that there was a Grim, shiny silky black coat and red eyes, and a Black Puma, hard rippled muscles under a shiny black velvety fur and teeth that were polished white and sharper than a potion's knife. Once Xeno had finished his sketches, Both wizards from PI rippled to human form and poised for both Bozo and Xeno.
Of Course Rita was quickly there to try to drag the lad aside to grab a few quotes… her acid green feather quill dripping green ink from its quivering tip.
But Harry was warned by Luna about the types of dico-quills.
"Harry… May I call you Harry?" the blond bespecaled biographer bantered.
"Rita, Rita, Rita…" Harry smiled warmly at the pushy reporter. "I have no obejections to speaking to the press, but as We spoke on Samheign and the days afterward, the Quibbler get all my direct quotes first." His left hand flashed, as his claws shredded her notes and quill. "Next time use a 'True Blue' over a 'triple Q', and I might drop a juicy tidbit."
Harry stepped around the fuming female and approached the eyesore wearing wizard. "Xeno, Anything to ask?"
"First as a Father… Where is my Buttercup and how is she doing?"
"Our little 'bunny' is doing very good. Right now she and the others are hunting herbs for a potion in the Forest." Harry preened, "She is embracing the PI lifestyle beautifully. If anything, it is a relief to not having her pulling on my ears. She should know how sensitive they can be."
Just then McGonagall herded Olivander into the room. "Mister Olivander! For the last time, first you have the Wand Weighing, then you can go material hunting in the Forest."
The Four Champions were quick to offer up their wands.
Fluer's wand was found to be a bit swishy, but conjured the purfect shade of blue orchids to match her outfit.
Cedric's wand was found to be rigid but spun a wine glass of the finest quality.
Krum's wand was found to be Stiff… in more ways than one, but poured a superb vintage into the wine glass.
When Harry offered his Wand, Olivander(who was sipping his wine) sprayed red wine over Harry's White Robes. He dropped the wine glass as he snagged the Eleven inch Holly wand… only to have it squeak, and turn into a rubber rat, with Ollivander holding the tail.
Bozo caught the whole thing on film.
"Mister Potter!" McGonagall sharply reprimanded the Lad.
"Sorry Headmistress, but it was either this or Padfoot or the twins would have tried something." Harry bowed his head to the Wandcrafter. "Apologies Master Olivander. I thought the fact I was using my Holly wand would have clued you in." a flick of his wrist and a twelve-and-a-quarter-inch length of Black Thorn wand appeared in his fingers. He flipped it and offered the butt to the craft master.
"Black Thorn. Heartstring from a Hydra, Pinon Feather of an Amphiptere, and a tail feather of a Stikini." Olivander swished the wand, stripping wine from Potter's robes. "A Battle Wand for a Warrior." He offered the wand to the Lad.
Harry accepted the wand and bowed again to the Wand Master.
PISSOFF
Hedwig aka [Snowfall Death] glared from the highest perch of the owlery. Her Target was the black eagle owl of Draco Malfoy.
The only thing that stayed her claws was that the Owl, [Night Carrier] had little respect for the white chick, and respected her black beauty.
Oh, she knew that [Night Carrier] only respected her [Restless Chick] because every time the two clashed, he got to fly to his home roost because her chick bested his somehow.
'Damn Beast! Need to find [Reckless Chick] a mate.' She turned her head to peer over at the Forest. [Book Hunter] Granger was out there. Now that the female could be an owl, like [Reckless Chick, maybe he would [Fly] her… after he [flew] [Snowfall Death] of course.'
From the corner of her eye, she saw a black dog chasing a big black cat across the courtyard. Three lunging paces from the Great Doors, the cat shimmered into a Black Owl with white spots, taking wing without touching the ground. This Owl was just Larger than [Night Carrier]. Snowfall purred to herself as she fell from her perch, out of the roost, only to spread her wings and soar out over the Forest.
PISSOFF
Albus awoke in a white room, without the smell of Lemon or the sound of his Familiar crooning.
He tried to sit up but found he was being held to the mattress, by a leather strap across his chest. He frowned, as this was a muggle method… they normally used a charm, that he could break with a snap of his fingers.
"Ah… You are awake." A voice from outside his view spoke up. Shortly a Muggleborn stepped into his line of sight. "You have been out for the last two weeks," The Young Healer read his clipboard, "At first the Healers wanted to potion you, but between your age and injuries, you just slept through the whole ordeal."
"I need to get back to Hogwarts, I have Duties…" Albus began… but when he reached for the Wards of the School… he found nothing. "What happened?"
"I will let the Healer in Charge know you are awake and aware." the Youth walked out of his sight, and he heard a door open and close.
PISSOFF
Amila Bones sighed as she thought over this last month. First, her Heir was contracted, and both parties were okay with Susan taking a Continuation Contract. The Second was during the Will Readings of the Potters, where the hits just kept coming.
[Flashback]
The morning started with a portkey summons to a conference chamber in Gringotts. The scroll was delivered the day before, and the Portkey was the only way in.
She had taken four Aurors and Fudge with her. Potter, Lupin, and Black were there and were unarmed/unwanded. As were all but her and the Auror detail. A condition of the Summons. All other wands were taken if they were brought in. Only Albus failed to receive a summons.
The first surprise was that Potter had brought his Contracted as well. Susan rushed to hug her, and Daphne just stood there with a bemused expression. Luna Lovegood was chatting with Black… calling him 'Stubby Boardman' and asking about the Life of a Hobgoblin.
The second surprise was the presence of Snape. The Potion Master had a sour face but held his tongue every time Potter or Black said something.
At ten-two, one last portkey arrived… a small man, with a hunch, landed, squeaked, and turned into a rat and tried to bolt. Lupin lunged and got Black in a headlock, as Potter grabbed his nose. "It's okay, Padfoot." Harry petted the man's head. "If Wormtail escapes the room, the Goblins will hunt him for food. The only way he lives right now is if he surrenders to Bones."
As Sirius relaxed, so too did his keepers. Two of the Aurors, Tonks and Shacklebolt, went after the rat, while Dawlish and Runcorn stayed by the side of the Director and Minister. With a squeak, the rat was lifted into the air, by one wand as the other stunned it. The Goblins were quick to offer up a cage and the rat was locked in, and set on the desk, right in front of the Director and Minister.
Then the shaved headed goblin stood and bowed his head to Potter. "Lord Potter, our apologies. One Albus Dumbledore was unable to receive his summons."
"That's alright Manager Barchoke." Harry grinned evilly at the goblin, showing his fangs, "Poor Albus is in the keeping of DMLE Healers. There is a charge of Blood Feud or two pending."
"Then let's begin, so we can get to the good parts." The Goblin picked up two scrolls from the desk. "I think we can respectfully dispense with the legal boilerplate…" He scanned both sheets, a fore talon scrolling down the pages. "The Care of our Harry, goes first to Sirius Black, Godfather, by Bloodsworn ritual. Alice Longbottom, Godmother by same ritual. Remus Lupin, damn the Ministry and your furry problem. Amelia Bones. And last but not the least McGonagall and or Flitwick.
The bequeathments are as listed.
From Potter
Lupin, the Potter Hunting Cabin, two thousand galleons and unlimited access to the Potter library. Just ask Harry or Sirius to let you in.
Snape. First my apologies for the way I treated you in school. We could never be friends, but I acknowledge that we both loved the same Damn Fine Witch. So, with her blessings I offer you unlimited access to the Potter Greenhouses. Just call Greeny. He will take you to the main chamber and help you with what you need. A favour if you will. Keep an eye on Harry. He is Lily's son after all.
Bones. Unlimited access to the Potter Library and my Bike. Be sure to ride at Black's side, not his bitch. Know that Sue's dowry/bride price is set by contract. Nothing can change it, but as I doubt Edger is going to sire a son before this is read, know that I have forced a caveat into the contract that if Harry chooses a witch for love, then Sue is only contracted for line continuation.
McGonagall. An account has been set aside for Hogwarts Quidditch. Use some of the funds to replace the school brooms, and maintain the balls and equipment. Hopefully Harry will win a cup or two for you. I also am leaving a copy of my notes on our Animagus Transformations. I say Transformation instead of Transfiguration because we bonded with our animal side. Ask Black and Moony for details.
Albus… " Here Barchoke glanced at the Lord. "We will skip that for now.
Peter. At the time of writing this, you are the weakest link. If you have done your job, we will be changing this. But if, as Lily and I fear, you have betrayed us, not only have you broken your Marauders Oath, and failed little Harry. You are not only rebuffed and denounced, but condemned and your only option is to beg for mercy from the DMLE for you will receive none from me and Lily on the other side. Note; Amelia, Peter is an unregistered Animagus Rat. Drop the book on him.
Sirius. as I write this I have the word of your Grandfather that you are still the Heir of House Black. I am placing the care of my first born son and Heir into your care. Be sure to ask for help when you need it. I am trusting you with not only the life of my boy, but the future of House Potter. I name you Regent of House Potter in all things. Keep an eye on Albus… some things are not adding up.
From Potter-Evens.
Sirius, no doubt Jimmy has told you about how much he trusts you with little Harry and House Potter. I am watching. You know what Shadow did to Padfoot… and remember how much bigger Ghostwalker is… and you know my forgiveness rate.
Lupin, it falls on you to keep Sirius in line. And find yourself a female and raise a cub or two. I also leave you my personal Tea Set and collection as opposed to the Potter House set.
Flitwick. You are offered unlimited access to the library and the dueling chambers. James asks that you limit students training for the Circuit to two at a time and Oath Bind them to keep the exact location secret. I have received permission to add two hit wizard class wand cuffs for your students to use until they get their own.
McGonagall. Yes I know you and Flitwick have asked me to call you by your given names, but this is Official Business. I would ask you to take in Shadow, but I fear that the bearded bastard has forgotten her and she has found a new home already. If you can find out, please look in on her. I leave my kitty housing trees to you. It started as a perch for Shadow and Ghost to catnap out of the way when Padfoot and Prongs were around. James is quite skilled with his wand and has since grown to include carpet covered posts, boxes, and tunnels sized for Ghost, that runs through every room a cat could go in Potter Manor without human assistance. I thought you might like to take it part or whole to Gryffindor Tower, not just the Airey
Peter. When James is done with you, I will reassemble the pieces and take my time.
Snape. You were my first magical friend. You showed me a world where nearly every wish I could make came true. I leave you the original copies of everything we worked on. I pray you never teach non-NEWT potions. I love you as the brother I never had, but you don't have the disposition to mold a child's mind. But for those who find the subject to be more than just a class but an Art to be mastered… they could not ask for a better guide. I also leave my potion stores. Ask Greeny for them. You no doubt will need to sort and rebottle them because our systems are so different.
Slughorn. A leave you a copy of my potions that I have learned and mastered all through school. While only Snape has my patented potions, I know that my Master will find a way to make a profit from the little I leave him. I also leave you 150 galleons to invest in your next prodigy.
Albus." Again Barchoke broke off. He looked around the room and asked "is there
Anyone I did not mention?... Okay then. The Floo there will take you to the Leaky Cauldron. If you want or need your bequeathments, please ask at the tellers window, I will be taking meetings in fifteen minutes. Lord Potter and Party, Director and Party stay behind for a minute please."
As everyone left, Slughorn spent a minute looking at Harry and the two witches at his side. He was going to have to reach out to his network for details, it looked like he was going to profit in more ways than just the bequest. Then he, too, ducked into the Floo.
"Lord Potter-Black. The bequeathments earmarked for Albus fall under a Sword of Damocles clause. You claim that you have a blood feud claim against him?"
"When I asked him to clarify some questions I had, he did not refute the acquisition and when our tempers flared, he panicked and ran. In his fear, he tripped the wrong portkey that in turn tripped a security ward and ended up in the DMLE Healers wing of St Mungo's." Again Harry flashed his fangs, " I am waiting for the director to hear that he is awake before I sign the parchment work. But if I sign, Odds are that Houses Black, Bones, and Longbottom will be filling out similar forms. And we will be filing with Gringotts over the Ministry."
" Why? " ask Minster Fudge.
" How much is Malfoy paying for the Kiss on Sight on Black? " Harry snarled as he barked his fangs, this time it was not friendly.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Fudge huffed.
"Good. Then I expect to read in the top of the Ministry section of the Prophet that the order is recalled and that Black will have a Court Date by January's Wizengamot session, if not during said session or I will call for a Vote of No Confidence."
Fudge paled.
The Director reading the room and powerclash that was coming to a head grabbed the cage and rat, turned and headed to the Floo. "Lord Potter, I will see you after the wand weighing. Until then. Headmaster, we will need to talk as well." She entered right after Tonks…
[Flashback end]
She sipped her Lady Grey tea as she doodled on a scrap of parchment. She let her mind wonder as she did so. As a student of Hogwarts this helped her mental compartments connect details and her conceptions of magic align. As a rookie and junior Auror it filled in holes in her case work. As she climbed the ranks of Inspector this was the steps of the ladder of her success.
A knock at her door.
"Come!"
"Director, Albus is awake and demanding to be released."
She looked down at her scribbles before writing one word in the center of it all. She smiled. "Get a vial of the golden vitrasurem. We have a goat to milk."
Tbc