"So, Mr. Potter, if I understand correctly, you have a number of memories for me?" Amelia asked, once they were all settled in the library.
Harry nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I've been saving them for you, and withdrawing them with the help of a mind-healer, to make sure we did it properly," he explained before calling Dobby and asking for the memories.
The little elf popped back with a potions rack full of vials, each filled with silvery liquid. Each vial held a professional seal, the mark of the mind healer who'd overseen the copying.
"Thank you. Those should make things easier, in some ways," Amelia said. "Sirius, Arthur, and Remus have explained a lot, including the lengths Arthur and his boys have gone to work around the Old Meddler. I'm sure these will fill in some gaps. But I am confused about why everyone wants to keep this from Molly and the younger two?"
"Mrs. Weasley has a lot of faith in the Headmaster," Harry said. "She doesn't believe anything that goes against what he says. And he says a lot of things thats just aren't true."
Amelia nodded. It was something she was well aware of, from having to work with the man while he ignored various laws and did whatever he pleased. "Well, between Fudge and the Headmaster, I'm not sure what I can do just yet. But I'm certainly pleased they've managed to get you away from your relatives, I think you'll all be happier this way. And that this team that's built around you is doing a lot in your best interests, rather than for some nebulous 'greater good'."
"Me too, Madam Bones," Harry agreed, a definite smile on his face.
"Now, with that said, I do want to warn you. Young Percy is doing his best to soften the influence of some of the Minister's advisors, but I'm not sure he'll be totally successful. And if the Headmaster doesn't manage to find a professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Minister Fudge may make an appointment to fill the position. Current Ministry gossip suggests Delores Umbridge is his top candidate, but she's... Not someone I would want around children. I'm hopeful that between myself and Percy, we can shift the Minister's focus, but it would be good for you to prepare, just in case." Amelia's gaze shifted over to Sirius. "I might suggest working on occulmency with him, the early stages should help him keep his temper, even if she's her normal charming self."
Sirius nodded. "It was already on the plan for the rest of this summer. I am not in any shape to teach him yet, but the mind-healer's been working on it a bit."
"Fred and George have too," Harry pointed out.
Bill looked over at him. "When did they start working on that with you?" he asked, curious as he'd been the one to start the twins on the path to learning.
"First year. They tried to teach Ron and Hermione too. But Ron didn't want to do it. And Hermione's mind is so organized already, she couldn't grasp what they were saying, but it seems to be something she does naturally."
"That's entirely possible. There are natural occulmens in the world. Usually those with highly logical minds. Those who wear their heart on their sleeves struggle a bit more." Remus said. "Sirius and your father were only as good as they were because they started quite young. So don't be discouraged if it takes you longer than you think it should. Most heirs in your position would have started as small children."
"It's almost a requirement for the Blacks," Sirius agreed. "As soon as you can read, you start learning to control your thoughts and keep your emotions in check. Though from the memories you've shown me, I think my cousin forgot that step with the Malfoy spawn."
"Or it's an act he plays in public, to make others underestimate him," Harry pointed out. "I haven't quite decided yet if Malfoy's really that much of an arse or if he just pretends to be to keep his father quiet. Now Snape... Snape really is a tosser. I had hopes for about a week in first year, but I haven't seen anything to make me think it's an act since that first class."
"Is that memory in here?" Amelia asked. "I've heard horror stories from recruits, and even from Susie, but I'd like to see first-hand, if you don't mind sharing."
"It's there. There's more than one per jar. The mind-healer was really helpful," Harry said, a bashful grin on his face. I'm glad the goblins recommended him."