Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
-oOo-
This time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: A disappointed headmaster, a pompous Weasley and Harry calls on allies that scare Minister Fudge.
-oOo-
February 9, 1998
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry didn't feel guilty to be walking up the drive to the main doors. It was still early in the morning, he doubted breakfast was even over, and he still had the taste in his mouth of his first breakfast. Daphne had had a silly grin on her face as they ate a quick breakfast before leaving the Grangers. Harry grinned like the cat that ate the canary… it was the first time Harry had learned what it was like to get one of his girls off with his mouth while Hermione had been in the shower.
On the other side of him was a girl that still looked slightly jealous. Harry knew he would have to make it up to her later and was looking forward to it.
Of course, that had been after they had had a fun time before bed. Having both girls working his cock at the same time had definitely crossed off a bucket list item. Seeing Hermione licking Daphne's face clean had him almost bursting again. Fantasy didn't begin to cover what they did, and even better, he had a feeling it wouldn't be the last time.
Yes, Harry Potter-Black was an incredibly happy man. Happy enough that not even the headmaster waiting for them in the courtyard could dampen his spirits.
"It is nice that you deign to return, Mr Potter," Dumbledore said in an unhappy tone. Hermione stiffened on his right, releasing his hand. Daphne wrapped her arms around his left arm.
"Good morning, headmaster. It is a rather cool morning to be waiting for us," Harry commented. The sky was grey, there was a stiff, cold breeze and it felt like snow would soon be falling.
"I could say the same about walking up to the castle at this time of day. You will accompany me up to my office. It is unacceptable for three students, especially one of them being the head girl, to just vanish for the weekend," Dumbledore said.
"We didn't vanish," he replied. "I told you we were dealing with House business. We are back before first class, but even then, the rules of Hogwarts allow for students to take off time to deal with House business if we notify our professors."
Dumbledore pursed his lips. "There is no evidence that you notified your professors and surely House business of the type I think you had does not require so much time away."
"The Head Boy and Professor McGonagall was notified I would be gone Saturday night, and possibly last night. I then sent them an owl yesterday that I would be returning this morning. We violated no rules, as it is permissible for one of the head students to be gone while the other remains. We are also back before classes, so there was no need to notify our professors that we would not be here at this time," Hermione said besides him.
Daphne looked a little concerned.
"Be that as it may, Ms Granger, I expect my head boy and girl to be available whenever needed. Now, Mr Potter, please accompany me to my office. We have some items to discuss," the headmaster said.
"Do they pertain to school?" Harry asked.
The man sighed. "I have some important subjets to talk with you about."
"If it is school business, I request my Head of House. If is about anything else, I request my regent," Harry told him.
"I don't think that necessary," Dumbledore started.
"I don't trust you, headmaster. Is it Professor McGonagall or my regent?" Harry insisted.
Dumbledore looked to Harry. The man looked disappointed. "I really had thought we had gotten past all this."
"How do you expect me to get over the fact you withheld information that led to my godfather and other's deaths? Or what happened to Ron? If you want to talk, it will be in the presence of my Head of House or my regent."
"And what if Ms Granger or Ms Greengrass accompanies you?"
"I don't trust you and will not trust them in your presence without their Head of House or our regent," Harry resolutely informed the old man.
Dumbledore sighed. "Very well. I shall send the admonishment from the school board to Madam Tonks. A few are very unhappy with what happened with Mr Malfoy on Saturday."
"It was House business, conducted within Ministry law and Hogwarts rules. I really don't see the issue," Hermione stated.
"It was a Black family matter. Since when does the Headmaster of Hogwarts or the Board of Governors get involved in family matters?" Daphne added in a rather imperious tone.
"Since it has led to a rather prominent young man going to Azkaban for an unprovoked attack," Dumbledore said in a harder tone.
Harry stepped forward, not liking the way Dumbledore was looking at Daphne. "Headmaster, if you need, I will have Madam Black-Tonks here this afternoon. If you excuse me, I need to get my betroths inside, where it is warmer, and we must see Madam Pomfrey."
The man looked curious. "Why would you need to see Madam Pomfrey?"
"I think that a rather personal question that you need not know, sir," Daphne said in an angry tone.
"I do believe it is required for any student to check into the infirmary after a duel and before being released to classes," Hermione cut in. "It is in the rule book."
Dumbledore had a shrewd expression towards Daphne for a moment. "Yes. I do believe you are correct, Miss Granger. I shall send the missive to Madam Tonks."
Harry made an exasperated sound. "It is Black-Tonks, and you are to call me Heir or Mister Potter-Black for now on."
Dumbledore didn't look pleased for a moment. "Very well, Harry."
Hermione was going to say something when Harry said, "Thank you, Albus. Let's go."
The headmaster looked shocked for a moment. "I do not think that you earned to called me by my given name yet, Harry."
"As long as you call me Harry, I'll call you Albus, Albus," Harry snarked. He took both girls' hands and walked away.
When they were out of earshot, Harry said, "Neither of you are to be alone with the headmaster."
Daphne nodded while Hermione gave him a level look. "Neither are you," Daphne stated.
"I've avoided him for over a year now. I don't intend to break that streak," Harry told her.
"Are you planning to run off?" Daphne asked.
"No, luv, we just know how Dumbledore works. He hasn't been as effective since Snape left," Harry said.
The clacking boots of McGonagall walking down the hall would be recognizable to anyone that had been to Hogwarts in the last seventy years. "Good morning, Professor," Daphne greeted the old Scottish witch.
"Good morning, Ms Greengrass. Ms Granger. Mr Potter-Black," she said meaningfully.
Harry smiled at her. "Good morning, Professor McGonagall. I see you have been informed of my change in name," he commented.
"Yes. I assume that your weekend was fruitful for whatever family business you had?" she asked the three of them.
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said.
"Good. I expect you to resume your responsibilities today, Head Girl Granger," Professor McGonagall said.
"I will, but I may need to talk with you before I do," Hermione told their professor.
Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "I hope there is nothing wrong?"
Harry took a little colour to his face. Hermione looked abashed. Daphne gave a small smile. "No, nothing wrong. Something good, I think," Daphne said, then looked to them.
"Brilliant, I hope," Harry added.
"Still a little shocking," Hermione admitted.
"I see. I will hold time for you in my office at lunch," Professor McGonagall told Hermione.
"Thank you."
"We should get to Madam Pomfrey. Harry and I do have herbology first thing." Daphne wrapped her arm around Harry's again.
-oOo-
Later that day…
Hogwarts, Scotland
Daphne was enjoying sitting at the Hufflepuff table. She wasn't as outgoing as most of the other seventh years sitting with them, but she was accepted far easier than Harry and Hermione would have been at the Slytherin table.
"Have you decided when you will get married?" Hannah was asking her.
Daphne smiled to see the rings on both Hannah's and Susan's hands. She played with the platinum ring with the Black's crest on her own finger. "Over Easter, on April eleventh," she replied.
Hannah rose her brow. "That seems awfully quick."
"And you and Susan with Neville is not?" Hermione said from next to her.
"Hannah and I have been arguing over him for a while. When we saw you take Harry and Hermione away, we thought what the hell," Susan said with a smile. "Just like Harry is considered two people, Neville will be once he's consort Bones."
Hannah rolled her eyes. "You know he will be Master Bones."
"Oh, right. The cute blonde will be my consort," Susan teased before kissing Hannah's cheek.
"And when are you three getting married?" Daphne enquired.
"Easter hols. April fifth," Susan said.
Daphne looked at her quizzedly. Hermione and her were just on the outside of being able to know they were pregnant. Even magic had its limits, and outside of the bond revealing spell, she didn't think their pregnancies would be detectable for a few weeks.
Hannah grinned. "Once my parents found out about the bonding at Imbolc, they insisted we get married as soon as possible. Plus, Neville's gran is insistent we don't have any children outside of marriage."
"I would like to be out of Hogwarts and start my apprenticeship at St Mungo's before I have any children," Susan told her.
"I already said I would stay home. There are many greenhouses at Longmarche and his mum's old potion lab," Hannah replied. "We are going to talk to the builders next week about refurbishing the lab."
"Speaking of our boys, where are they?" Hermione asked, looking around.
"Neville asked Harry to stay for a bit to help move some pots and plants," Hannah told them.
"I thought they were just doing some guy talk thing," Daphne commented.
"Probably that too. I think Neville wants Harry to stand with him," Susan informed them.
Daphne nodded in understanding.
They were starting to talk about their weddings, with Hermione not being as enthused, when the doors to the great hall opened. They wouldn't have normally cared, except for the enhanced voice calling out, "All students are to remain seated. This is a ministry sanctioned action. We are here for Harry Potter."
Daphne snapped her head towards the doors. Standing just inside of them was a pompous looking redhead. Daphne recognized Percy Weasley. She had not been pleased with him as Head Boy and the man had only gotten worse since then, or so it appears.
"Where is Harry Potter?" the pompous redhead demanded.
Hermione growled next to her. "What is the bloody twat up to this time?"
"This time?" Daphne enquired.
"Most of the Weasleys blame Harry for Ron," Hermione whispered.
"Where is Harry Potter?" the redhead called out.
The hall was mostly quiet. People were looking around the hall, eventually most eyes falling on her and Hermione. Weasley moved in towards the end of the tables, the four Aurors with him looking around. After a moment, the whispering started.
"Mr Weasley, what do you want with Mr Potter-Black?" Professor McGonagall asked, her clacking boots echoed in the hall as she made her way between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables. She gave a quick look to her and Hermione as she walked.
"This isn't proper procedure," Susan whispered.
Weasley stood tall, preening like a peacock as he held out a scroll, then unrolled it. "By order of the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Ozwald Fudge, Harry Potter is to be arrested for aggravated assault on Scion Malfoy with a dark curse that has cause irreparable harm and to answer to the Wizengamot for the usurpation of the Black magical line, a House of the Sacred Twenty-Eight and protected under Ministry seal."
She hissed in sudden anger. Daphne felt the betrothal ring on her finger warm. Hermione was already pulling her wand. Daphne stood up. "The House of Black will not stand for this blatant attempt to call into question House matters that do not involve the Ministry."
It was her duty to defend her betroth's House if he was not here. It was her House as well. She only lacked the official ceremony naming her heiress to the Blacks from taking the name herself. Though, magic already recognized her as such.
Weasley turned his eye to her.
"Sit down, Miss Greengrass. The Ministry has no rights to just waltz in here and arrest a student that did nothing against the law," Professor McGonagall said rather imperiously. Daphne had to applaud the woman for making the arrogant git take a step back.
"This does not concern you, professor. Who is this chit?" Weasley demanded.
Daphne's nostrils flared. Hermione stood up, her wand at her side and ready to use. Daphne stood tall. "I am Heiress Daphne Greengrass, betrothed to Regent Black and representative to the regent until he is present. Who are you?" The condescension in her voice would have made her mother proud. The Greengrasses may be personable to those that were in their inner circle, but they could be just as much Pureblood as the next pureblood when in public or challenged, and she was not prepared to give up Hermione or Harry.
Weasley's eyes narrowed. There was murmuring all around the hall.
"My ministry mandate requires me to take in the Heiress Greengrass for medical evaluation to determine what dark curses or other means Harry Potter has used to control and steal her from her proper betrothed," Weasley said.
"You are not taking any of my students under some trumped up charges," Professor McGonagall declared.
The doors opened again. Headmaster Dumbledore walked in, stopping just inside the doors. The man's eyes quickly took in the situation. "Hello, Percy, what is the issue?"
"We are here to arrest Harry Potter and take Miss Greengrass in for evaluation," Percy stated.
"This is an illegal use of power," Hermione yelled out. "I demand our lawyer and representative. As the betrothed to Regent Potter, I declare Daphne Greengrass, the betrothed to Regent Black, as protected by the House of Potter."
There was a definitive crackle to the air. It was very unusual for such a statement, but Hermione had the right. Under the betrothal contract, she was essentially Harry's property, and the Potters could claim her as such, even if the Blacks were higher than them in the Wizengamot. If it had been anyone else, Daphne would have fought tooth and nail against a statement like that. Instead, she felt treasured that Hermione would be that protective of her.
"Now, now. We don't need any drama like this. I am sure that Percy is just being a little over enthusiastic about his business today," Dumbledore tried to soothe. The noise in the hall was starting to pick up.
"It is Junior Undersecretary Weasley, Headmaster. Arrest them!" Percy ordered.
Hermione's wand came up. Hannah, Susan and a dozen others around them suddenly stood. Each of them had wands out. "I am Susan Bones, Regent of House Bones. My betrothed is Scion Neville Longbottom, ally and friend to House Potter. I declare the presumptive Heiress Potter and Heiress Black to be under protection of House Longbottom and Bones!"
The hall fell silence. The Aurors had started to move but stopped as soon as Susan bellowed out. Daphne had known the Bones since she was young. Susan suddenly had a presence as large as Daphne had seen Madam Bones have when riled. She had never known Susan to be so forceful. Had last week changed her or was this something Daphne had missed, not spending much time with her the last few years?
Daphne hadn't realized how close Harry and Neville must have been either. The last week had shown some of their friendship, but it had all happened so quickly.
Dumbledore stepped between the two groups. "This is Hogwarts. Such declarations hold no value here on neutral ground. Everyone just sit down. Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass, please accompany me and Junior Undersecretary Weasley to my office and we can get to the bottom of this."
"We are not going with you or a Weasley without our representative or regent," Daphne informed them with her nose up in the air. Harry had ordered them not too, so she would hold that command.
The doors burst open, slamming into the walls with a mighty crash. Harry stormed into the hall with Neville on his heels. She took in a sharp breath to see his burning green eyes. Magic radiated off him. Some leaned away, while others leaned towards him. Dumbledore's wand came to his hand and his own aura flared to meet Harry's.
"What is going on?" Harry demanded.
"Arrest him!" Percy shrieked as he stepped back from a very pissed Harry. Daphne found herself wanting to be at his side.
The Aurors moved. Harry's wand was up. Neither side cast a spell as a semi-transparent white wall of energy popped up between them. "ENOUGH! This is Hogwarts! I will not have violence threaten the students in the great hall."
Harry looked ready to rip into anyone that challenged him. "Why am I under arrest!"
"No one is under arrest," Dumbledore started.
"You are under arrest for the maiming of Scion Draco Malfoy and Line Stealing of the house of Black from Scion Malfoy," Percy said, seemingly having gained a backbone again now that her man wasn't going to rip it out because of Dumbledore's shield. Daphne wanted to smirk to know she was going to be with such a powerful man but had to keep her imperious pureblood mask on.
Harry huffed. "And does Regent Malfoy know of these charges?"
Percy straightened himself out. "Regent Malfoy has levelled these charges with the support of the minister."
"Interesting," Harry responded. Because the hall was so silent, they were able to hear him. "Nev, can request Misses Black-Tonks and Madam Malfoy to meet us at the ministry? I would like to know when House Malfoy and the Potter-Blacks became embroiled in a blood feud. I would also like to know what the minister is playing at?"
Daphne's eyes widened. A few around the hall gasped. Dumbledore looked to pale while Weasley looked a little sick.
"As ally of House Potter, I will see this done, Harry. Heiress Bones and Miss Abbott, would you please contact my gran and tell her she is needed at the ministry right away? Please have her contact Misses Black-Tonks and Madam Malfoy as well," Neville requested of his betroths.
Susan and Hannah were already moving towards the doors. Daphne decided it was time for her and Hermione to join their regent. She started to walk towards him with her nose up. Hermione fell in besides her.
"Miss Abbott, Miss Bones, where are you going?" Dumbledore requested, though it sounded more like a demand.
"To contact Madam Longbottom and my Aunt Amelia," Susan told him.
"You don't need to do that," Dumbledore said, flicking his wand, causing the doors to close.
"Arrest them all! This is sedition against the minister!" Percy demanded.
Harry stepped forward. He touched his wand to the semi-transparent wall of magic. It popped like a bubble. It was surprising enough to make most take a step back from Harry at the strength of his magic. Dumbledore squared his shoulders towards Harry, looking ready to duel him. Harry snarled at Dumbledore. "Do you forget you got that spell from one of my family's grimoires without my or my family's permission?"
That sent a shock through the hall. Neville looked as ready as Harry to start a fight. "Susan, go get Madam Bones and my gran."
"As for you, Percy, go back and remind that arsehole of a man that what happened Friday was a sanctioned house matter. If I find out that Draco has been pardoned for casting a killing curse at my betrothed, House Potter-Black will declare blood feud against the much lesser house of Fudge for Line Interference and possible Line Theft," Harry growled at Percy.
Percy's flush face blanched. "You can't. He's the minister!"
"And I am Regent Potter and Regent Black. I am the heir to two houses of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. The true Twenty-Eight. Draco Malfoy has been disowned from the House of Black. He has no rights under the laws of the Ministry Founders. Neither does Fudge. If he forgets that one more time, he will know the true power the Potter-Blacks possess," Harry said in a low voice. It was all the more threatening for him not yelling it.
"Threats do us no good. If we could just go to my office," Dumbledore said. She had a feeling he didn't want any more secrets getting out. She was livid to understand the man had stolen Potter family secrets. Had he done that to the Blacks or others?
She stopped just a pace behind Harry. Susan had shown her ring of House Bones to the doors of the great hall. As soon as they had opened, Hannah and her had run out with Harry and Neville guarding their backs.
"I will be joining you," Professor McGonagall declared. "These young adults are still under the protection of Hogwarts neutrality. I shall represent my students."
"That isn't necessary, Minerva," Dumbledore said.
"The Minister needs to know you resist arrest," Percy said, trying to get some semblance of control over this mess.
"You do that," Harry snarked. "Professor McGonagall, I am afraid that my betroths and I, as well as my allies of the House of Longbottom, will be missing classes this afternoon for family business."
Percy gave Harry a nasty glare as he walked past and through the still open doors.
"Harry, you can't just come and go as you wish," Dumbledore told him.
"I can do what I need, Albus," Harry shot back. The murmurs started again.
Dumbledore frowned. "Very well, Mister Potter. There are rules about how much school you can miss," the man said before storming out of the hall.
Harry huffed. He yelled after the man, "That is Potter-Black, headmaster!"
"I assume the rules for adult students and House matters will apply to missed classes?" Hermione questioned.
"It will, Ms Granger. Please return as soon as you can," Professor McGonagall told them.
"Yes, professor," Harry told her, the proper respect in his voice. He nodded for them to go first. Daphne wasn't sure she had ever seen Harry so upset. His magic was still radiating off him. Hermione looked as riled as he did.
"That pompous, arrogant, brown nosing prat," Hermione hissed as they walked out of a great hall that was exploding in talk.
Harry chuckled. His magic settled some. "I always like it when you get riled."
"Oh, hush," Hermione said with a shake to her head.
"Do you think Fudge gave Malfoy a pardon?" Daphne asked.
"I wouldn't doubt it," Neville said. "I thought Madam Malfoy wasn't going to allow Draco to take up the regency until he was twenty-one?"
"I didn't think so either. I'm sure if he found a way she is royally pissed and will be looking for retribution after our talk Saturday. Where did Hannah and Susan go?" Harry asked.
Neville looked to the main doors. "They would have to get beyond the wards to contact my gran, Madam Bones or Lord Abbott."
"Let's go catch up with them," Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Are you two alright? Percy didn't lay a hand on you, did he?"
"No. The Aurors nor Weasley got close," Daphne said.
"Most of the DA that is still here stood to protect us. Susan declared us protected by her and Neville," Hermione answered.
"I love that girl," Neville said with a smile. They looked to him. "What? I never asked either of them out because I couldn't decide which one I liked more."
Harry snorted. "And we call you a Gryffindor?"
Neville gave a lop-sided smile. "Well, I was afraid what Madam Bones would do to me if I suggested marrying both of them before last week."
Hermione shook her head. "She is a nice woman."
"She's bloody scary at times," Daphne put in as they left the castle courtyard.
Neville used his hands to point at Daphne as though she had just made the best point. "See. I wasn't wrong."
Harry punched Neville's arm. "You could face Bellatrix Lestrange, but not Madam Bones?"
Neville growled. "That twat was why my parents were in near comas for years."
"Speaking of which, how are they?" Harry asked.
"Much better, but still not great. They were happy to meet Susan and Hannah this weekend. Whatever that curse did to them they are still recovering. The Healers think it's still another six months before they can go home. Though, dad was talking about taking up the lordship again. Gran doesn't think he'll be strong enough, but I think he will be," Neville said. "I actually want him too. I don't want to be Lord Longbottom anytime soon."
Daphne's eyes were boggling. "Wait, your parents are healed?"
"They are getting better," Neville said. "The spell that twat put on them has been slowly breaking down since Harry fried them all."
"Family secrets, so now your family…" Daphne gave him a glare to his cheeky grin. Harry held up his hands in surrender. "I didn't do anything. I swear. That was Voldemort's mark. It was a soul bond that killed them when he died," Harry told her.
Her head was spinning. "The ministry didn't say anything about this. They said it was a ritual gone wrong."
"The ministry doesn't want anyone to know that Voldemort actually returned, and Harry fought and defeated him," Hermione told her.
She looked between the three. Harry and Hermione had told her that Voldemort had returned, but not what had happened at the ministry yet. "You really mean all this?"
"Yeah. There is much that Hermione and I need to tell you," Harry said.
"You had better," she demanded.
"It's only been a week, Daphne," Hermione said. "We have years' worth of adventures to tell you about."
"Bloody hell," she swore.
Neville laughed at her. "If I hadn't lived some of them, I wouldn't believe them either."
They were most of the way down the drive now. Just outside the gates they made out Hannah, Susan, a woman with auburn hair, Andromeda and a shorter woman with a vulture on her hat. Harry grinned at the outraged looks on the ladies faces. "You ready for some fireworks?"
Daphne growled. "I want to see them all lain low. Or tossed through the Veil. Either way."
"Vindictive, isn't she?" Neville asked.
"A century or more in Azkaban will do me," Hermione stated.
"So, I am finding out," Harry said, his grin growing. Neville knew how Hermione could get when upset. They were starting to see how Daphne was.
-oOo-
Same day…
London, England
Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, was a raging lunatic when he didn't get his way. Today would have been just the same, except for the snarling Weasley in his office. Cornelius would usually be calling for the ones to rebuff him so thoroughly to be kissed by a dementor. Usually. But that usually didn't involve a young man that represented two of the original Sacred Twenty-Eight, a fact he had blindly ignored when it came across his desk that Draco Malfoy had been beaten in a duel.
Cornelius had forgotten, or selectively ignored, that the current Sacred Twenty-Eight weren't actually all Sacred. Just old or very wealthy with pureblood connections.
Yes, the Malfoy's were not as high as they once were, but they still had a political draw that had influence over a third of the Wizengamot and more than half of all Heads-of-Department in the ministry. It was a fact he often butted heads against Narcissa Malfoy on.
The woman was a thorn in his side. She had grown up a Black, raised at the tit to be a pureblood woman who knew how to wield power and make others kneel to her. Fudge had no issue kissing the hem of her husband's robes with the money that came his way. The man's wife, on the other hand, had just about starved Cornelius for campaign funds unless he delivered on her demands.
When he had found out Draco had been taken to St Mungo's, something in him had told him this was an excellent opportunity. To hear that Potter had stolen the house of Black from Draco was mana from heaven to shoot down two people he thought to challenge his power.
After seeing the hurt boy, it had been easy to pardon the boy for a justified defensive action, proposition to declare him regent of the Malfoys and to have the boy press charges for Line Theft and a host of other charges. Cornelius didn't care, or even listen, that it had been a duel to contest the regency of House Black. He had never bothered to learn or care about the rules around the Sacred Houses, unless it became lucrative for him.
As the pompous arse on the other side of his desk was spouting off to him about how Potter had embarrassed him and that the boy should be put on a spit for the dementors to feast on, Cornelius was starting to realize he may have made a large blunder. Larger than trying to cover up what had happened in the Department of Mysteries a few years ago. Most of his largest donors still had their money tied up in Gringotts because the true cause of death hadn't been announced. It hurt him and he was starting to lose his power.
"The bloody prat threatened you! He threatened to call a blood feud on the House of Fudge and wanted to know when the Malfoys had declared blood feud on him. How arrogant can you be! Everyone knows that the Potters were kicked out of the Sacred Twenty-Eight generations ago and he is not the regent of House Black," Percy ranted.
Fudge had to count to ten as the man went on. "Weatherby, tell me again what you did?"
Percy came up short, a look of annoyance passing his face. "I went there to arrest him. He resisted arrest."
Fudge pinched his nose. "I gave you a Ministerial order to issue him a summons and bring him in for a review with the Wizengamot. How was that interpreted to arrest the boy?"
Weasley sniffed. "We both know he has refused the last three reviews, sending the Tonks woman in his stead. What else was I supposed to do?"
"You deliver the summons, you idiot," Fudge snapped. "What exactly did Potter threaten?"
"He thinks he has the power of the old laws to start a blood feud with you. You are the Minister of Magic. The laws clearly say you are above such matters," Weasley said.
"That is because he does, you complete bloody wanker," Fudge growled. "There are reasons I have played the games he wants. Harry Potter is magically recognized as Regent Potter and Regent Black. He represents two of the ancient houses of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. I thought I could trust you to play this tight to your chest while we build up the case for the Malfoys against the Blacks. The idea of this was to discredit the boy so that the Wizengamot would go in our favour. I have been trying to do that for almost three years and the boy is still popular enough that a mob would come to crucify us if we did anything too bad to him. Now I have to contact Andromeda Black-Tonks to make sure this doesn't get any larger."
Weasley looked to blanche some. Cornelius' eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
Weasley gulped. "Susan Bones threatened to get her aunt and claimed she is now betrothed to Neville Longbottom."
Cornelius blanched himself. "Did she get Amelia Bones or Augusta Longbottom?"
"I don't know. She did leave the hall with a blonde girl," Weasley admitted.
Cornelius eyed the man. He eyed the man for a long few moments. "Out," Fudge said in a low voice. "I have to find a way to reverse this."
"But Minister, Potter has to pay for everything he has done," Weasley protested.
"I want you out. Out of this office. Out of this Ministry. Out of this country, if I can manage it," Fudge told the man. Almost three years of work to discredit the annoying Boy-Who-Lived, with the prospect of destroying more than half his power in the Wizengamot, was now teetering on the edge. His entire career could be teetering on the edge.
"You can't!" Weasley protested again. "Potter has to burn for what he has done to my family."
"OUT!" Cornelius yelled.
Weasley looked livid. "I'll finish those reports you wanted. I'll be ready when you need me."
"I mean out, Weaselby! You will never work for the Ministry again," Fudge demanded.
Weasley still looked livid, before his face evened out. After giving a sniff, he said, "Fine. My first stop is the Daily Prophet once I leave."
Fudge's temper flared. "You dare threaten me? I was playing politics before your father even spent his worthless seed on you inside your mother, boy. You give out any secret you have learned in here and I will make sure my last act as minister is to ruin your family, your children, your grandchildren and anyone related to you for the next thousand years. Now. Get. Out," he ordered.
Weasley still looked defiant. Fudge was going to have to have the boy silenced, as well as any reporter he talks to. He knew people that would have Weasley found having committed suicide tomorrow…
Weasley got up. "If I am found dead every paper in Europe and the America's will get copies of my files. I'll go finish those reports and see to your schedule for the week."
Fudge ground his teeth. The whelp had only been here for a little under four years, but obviously knew how to play the game and could have some real dirt on him. Cornelius would have to find out what and find a different way to get rid of the young man. "Fine. Fine. Just get out of here for now."
Weasley nodded. "Of course, minister. Would you like your afternoon tea?"
"Yes. Yes," Cornelius said, waving his hand.
Weasley opened his door and the headache he had grew exponentially. "You will clear his schedule right now," a woman was saying in an icy tone. He had a look into the lobby and felt a chill go through him to see Narcissa Malfoy giving him a look that had him wanting to jump out his own window to escape. He could survive a four story jump to the atrium floor with some magic.
"It's alright, Miss Rogers. I think the minister will want to see these ladies," Weasley said, giving the man an evil grin as he turned to him. Fudge was going to flay the man alive and enjoy it.
"Of course, Junior Undersecretary Weasley. If you would," his secretary said.
Cornelius cast a hateful glare at the redhead before getting up, his jovial personality coming back. "Ah, ladies. What do I owe this pleasure?"
As the assembled crowd came into view, he was silently cursing himself. Andromeda Black-Tonks, Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones, Narcissa Malfoy, Heather Abbot and Erica Greengrass were all glaring at him. He had been glared at and threatened by some of the strongest wizards around, and they paled in comparison to the women before him.
Andromeda Black-Tonks stepped forward. "I hope you have a rather clear afternoon because you just stepped in a quagmire, Cornelius, and you are going to resolve it or we won't be pleased," the woman said in an icy tone.
If it was the last thing he ever did, Percy Weasley would pay. His entire family would suffer for the next ten generations or longer.
"Oh, Mister Weasley, before you go, I think you need to be part of this conversation as well," Andromeda said.
Weasley stopped. When he turned, he looked very pale. "I'm sorry, I have work to get done."
"You will want to stay, Mister Weasley," Lady Greengrass said. There was a venom to her voice that had the young man look frightened. "I think we need to talk about the minister's and yours attempts to endanger my daughter and the line of the Blacks and Greengrasses."
"So, we are jumping right to that?" Narcissa asked. The woman was furious but hid it well. "We aren't going to talk about Draco first?"
"Both the Black and Potter Heiress-presumptive are with child. I think it rather important," Erica said in a far too casual tone.
Cornelius had a chill go through him. It was a high crime to endanger a pregnant witch. He didn't want to know the penalties if they were also the presumptive-heiress of a house of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
Narcissa inclined her head. "Fair enough."
"Right, I'll add potential murder to the charges," Amelia said.
"I forgot to say congratulations, Erica," Andromeda said. "I was pleased to find out yesterday as well. Amelia, you better add Line Ending charges as well. Harry is the last Potter."
Both Cornelius and Percy looked sick.
Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, swallowed hard. Perhaps Cornelius wouldn't have the chance to make Weasley pay. He wasn't sure that he wasn't looking at his execution squad.
-oOo-
Next time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: Plots thicken, boys find out it's not wise to anger their witches and even in the midst of turmoil, there can be romance.