Here I go playing in JKR's sandbox again

AN: It's wonderful when the muse allows the connecting piece to be finished. Now I can post the scene that started this fic.

Chapter 5

Hunter Black was livid. The failure still playing over in his mind. Arcturus was dead. Cedric Diggory was dead. Tom Riddle had been resurrected. Hunter himself had been severely injured and Harry Potter was sent back to the Dursleys. How had he allowed such carefully laid plans to go awry?

The only good he could cling to as a silver lining was that both the ring horcrux and the one in Nagini were destroyed. Although the latter had been what landed him in a coma for six weeks. Hunter sat and replayed all that occurred.

While Harry had been maneuvering through the maze, Hunter had been eliminating the Gaunt Shack and everything inside. Fiendfyre was a truly powerful spell. Especially if you could control it.

With the ring horcrux destroyed and the Resurrection Stone in his pocket, Hunter headed to graveyard to help Harry. He raised a headstone into the path of the killing curse. The stone exploded but blocked the green light of death. But Death would not be appeased so easily. A chunk of the stone went though Cedric like a bullet. Everyone else thought Cedric had done it so Hunter was still in the clear. Hunter didn't notice this because he was focused on the plan, and by the time he realized what had happened it was too late. He didn't even know something was wrong until he saw the shadows of the dead during the priori incantatem.

Hunter stayed hidden until the battle between Voldemort and Harry began. He executed a few Deatheaters, but that's when his luck changed. Nagini noticed the two minions fall and moved to investigate. Hunter saw the spirit of Diggory and was stalled. It took him a moment to shake off his failure and took aim at Voldemort.

Nagini saw a man take aim at her master and lunged at him. Her bite saved her master but also left her vulnerable. A second later a sword, sunk into her skull and split her brain, killing her almost instantly.

Hunter saw his opportunity when the connection was broken to eliminate old moldyshorts. Just as he was about to take his shot, his leg burned as if on fire. He looked down and saw Nagini biting his leg. He quickly drew his sword and buried it in her skull. The wail of the snake was masked by Voldemort's scream of rage as Harry escaped. Also masked, was the cry of the now dead horcrux.

With the last bit of strength, Hunter called for Kreature, who rescued him right before he blacked out.

While Hunter had been brought to safety, Arcturus was confronting Barty Crouch Jr in his poly-juiced form of Mad-eye Moody. Trying to take Harry away was not going to happen under Arcturus' eye. He blocked the faux auror from leaving. Harry needed a healer immediately and the school infirmary was in the opposite direction. "And where are you taking my ward Barty?" Arcturus growled.

A fight ensued. Arcturus was formidable but not anywhere near fast enough. A curse toppled him but before Barty could capitalize, Harry caught him with a kick in the bits. This gave Arcturus a chance for a stunner which took his opponent down.

Harry cradled Arcturus as the old wizard told him to follow Hunter, and asked him to tell the new Lord Black how proud of him Arcturus was, and to not forget his promise. Arcturus expired as Dumbledore and his crew approached.

Hunter was looking at a portrait of Acturus. It had not awakened yet and Hunter was unsure as to why. "You said there would come a day when I would have to remember our deal and put the House of Black first. But how the hell do I put this house first when Voldemort still hunts Harry Potter? And he's getting stronger!" Hunter sighed.

"Is Harry Potter not a member of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black? Gather our allies and destroy our enemies. Or has the courage that made you a Gryffindor finally been erased?"

Hunter fell on his arse as he looked up at the smug face of the portrait Arcturus Black!

AUGUST 5, 1994

Hunter Black made a trip to Longbottom Manor. Augusta was a truly intimidating woman, but as he had all ready faced death, her effect was less. He could see how it would terrify Neville and several others. He wondered how Dumbledore had gotten so much past her. She was on the Hogwarts Board of Governors after all. He came offering private tutoring for Neville which was met with a great deal of scrutiny, but Hunter expected as much.

"Madam Longbottom, this offer is being made in part to atone for the wrongs upon House Longbottom. The House of Black has disowned Bellatrix Lestrange and her compatriot Bartemius Crouch Jr. While I would like to eliminate Narcissa Malfoy from our ranks, she has only married an idiot, and that is not sufficient.

My predecessor, Lord Arcturus, found Lucius to be a weak individual and therefore when he combed the family tree, dismissed Draco as a candidate for Lord Black. Neville was also considered, but he was thought to be magically weak. He even looked to Harry Potter as the heir. After my time in the orient, I was chosen. And while I agree with his assessment in regards to scion Malfoy, some of my own findings cause me to disagree with regard to Neville."

Augusta was intrigued. "And what is it that you find fault with?" Neville was nowhere near his father but she hoped to make him into an acceptable replacement for her son as head of the family. Or perhaps marry him to a strong witch who could give them a son she could mold into a true leader. The Potter boy was much better as a leader, but knew nothing of tradition. The friendship Neville had with him was not being cultivated properly. Hunter answered her question and inadvertently her prayers, in the process.

"Neville has a gift in Herbology, yet has no talent in Potions. He is adequate in Charms but horrible in Transfiguration. His tests in Defense are high, but his skills are woeful. This leads me to believe it is a matter of confidence and not magical power. I would like to begin to train him in dueling. As he has had no direct father-figure in his life, he has not developed into a man, and remains a boy. Like his beloved plants, he has strong roots, but has not blossomed. I hope to correct that. As I have no direct heir, I too must prepare in case of a premature death. And I look to those who have Black-blood in their veins."

Augusta was impressed with the answer but she was no fool. She hadn't been happy with Neville's education thus far and was looking for a replacement for Albus Dumbledore. This young Lord was saying the right things but she was sure he had an ulterior motive. He mentioned blood and that gave her an avenue to dig into.

"You speak well, but you mention blood. What is you opinion of blood status, and why are you not pursuing others of Black-blood, like Potter, or the Weasleys?" Hunter couldn't help but admire the woman.

"I offered my skills to the Potter scion as well. You no doubt know Lord Acturus and I were training him throughout that farce, the Tri-wizard Tournament. We were supposed to have my cousin live with us as a proper family should, but the fool Dumbledore has him hidden well after the death of my father, and an injury to myself, and I have yet to take my place as his guardian. He is strong in the ways Neville is not, but he has no idea of our traditions. Nevile and Harry Potter could each feed the deficiencies of the other." Augusta was surprised by this but didn't show it.

"The Weasleys were considered for my title, but their oldest would be expected to take the Weasley head, their second looked to be the Prewitt heir. The remaining children were deemed unworthy. The twins are not interested in anything outside of their jokes, the one that was recently Head-boy is a sycophant, and the youngest boy is weak willed and spiteful. His jealousy would plunge the House of Black right back into the darkness I seek to remove from our name. The daughter could be an asset, but not the heir." Augusta was shocked He was rejecting both light and dark families. What could his motives be?

"As for you question on blood status. While both my parents are magical, it seems on my mother's side it is through many squibs, and I therefore am Half-blood. I care not for the purity of blood, but for the purity of heart and spirit. The light is not always the right, And in balance, the dark is not always wrong. This fool of a Headmaster has allowed much wrong in the name of the light and his 'Greater Good' while many suffer."

Hunter saw Augusta become defensive. She was no fan of Dumbledore, but knew he was certainly the lesser of evils and even while under fire, he still held great power in the wizengamot.

"Let me explain. How is it that the greatest wizard in the world, the most powerful since Merlin and the Founders, could not defeat this Voldemort and yet a mere infant could? Dumbledore's sheep, like Molly Prewitt, believe he can do no wrong. I disagree. I also believe that this mud-blood pretender has returned as Potter says, and we must prepare for attack. Many of my house followed and supported this coward, but not all were sheep. Some actually investigated this champion for Pureblood Supremecy. He was born to a muggle named Tom Riddle and a squib by the name of Merope Gaunt." Hunter smiled as that comment filtered into her brain.

"Many families were extinguished or nearly so, including ours, by this coward and his minions. So it is time that those of us with vision, and not blinded by like the sheep, stand together. The House of Longbottom, could stand with the House of Black, and soon, the House of Potter. I am certain that once I inform Harry Potter of his status as family, he will join us.

I don't wish to follow Dumbledore. He is a pacifist and allows our world to decay into shadow. And I certainly reject this Voldemort, he caused the death of my mother. Fudge and much of his staff are in the pocket of Lucius Malfoy, and I refuse to follow someone who is susceptible to the imperious curse. I can overcome it, as can Potter. While young and ignorant, he can lead. And if House Black and House Longbottom are united with House Potter, we will draw more who are desperate for a new view of the future.

One that honors the past, but embraces the advancements made by the muggles and muggle-born. I mean, look at the pure-blood houses. How many have squibs or are so weak due to the inbreeding that they may as well be? Andromeda Tonks, a daughter of the House of Black, married a Muggle-born and her child bears the gift of being a metamorphagus. How much do we gain from bringing new blood into our houses?"

Augusta was impresses and decided to introduce Neville. While they were interviewing one another, Neville became guarded. "Greetings Heir Black. We feared you had perished." Augusta was all but knocked out. "You know him?!" Hunter remembered that this was the year Neville began to come out of his shell. "Yes, Neville was present during some of the lessons I gave Harry Potter this past year. It is now Lord Black, Scion Longbottom. An injury had left me in a coma for much time and I am only now well enough to return. And I offer you the same as I did Scion Potter, if you wish to partake."

They went over some basics and as expected, Neville was having problems. When Hunter asked about the wand, Neville balked and August answered for him. "It was my son's wand. He was an auror." The pride in her voice was undeniable.

Hunter jumped on the opportunity. "No wonder you struggle! That wand has not accepted you has it?" Nevile was confused and Augusta became indignant. "There is nothing wrong with that wand!" She exclaimed heatedly.

Hunter expected that though. "I should think not. Frank Longbottom was a highly regarded auror. If his wand was defective, he would never have been so successful. But that wand is attuned to Frank Longbottom, not Neville Longbottom. We must get him one of his own!"

Neville didn't know if he should cheer or scream, and Augusta looked as if she had be slapped. A quick trip to Diagon Alley and Neville was the proud owner of a new wand. Thirteen inches, cherry wood, and a core of unicorn hair. Augusta was shocked to see the difference in Neville's results with a new wand.

August 12, 1995, Ministry of Magic

"Madam Bones, unless you can provide transcripts of a trial for Sirius Orion Black, I will have to inform the ICW of the violations and have the entire Wizengamot charged with war crimes in direct accordance with the Nyon convention of 1949." Amelia Bones was not a fool. She knew exactly the damage this new Lord Black could do if the ICW was involved.

"Lord Black, I am unaware of the circumstances surrounding the convict Sirius Black but" Hunter cut her off immediately.

"Accused, alleged, suspected, but in no way has he been convicted. Convicted requires a trial! Bagnold, Crouch and Dumbledore did not follow the laws and you DARE to cover their crimes by claiming ignorance? Were you not an auror at the time? This is not a request, it is a demand. Your Minister, Fudge, was informed of the existence of Pettigrew's survival in June of 1994. He was present and instructed the act as a Dementor kissed Barty Crouch Jr, a mere two months ago. How does a dead man even find himself in the position to receive a dementors kiss? This is a cover-up and it will be exposed!" Amelia was gobsmacked.

"And here today, another of my house is under indictment for underage magic and violation of the statute of secrecy! The charges themselves are pure slander. The muggle in question is Harry Potter's cousin. The same muggle he has lived with for the past 14 years. He knows of magic. The boy's mother, was Lily Potter's sister, she knows of magic. And this ministry declared Harry Potter an adult when they upheld the choice and force him to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Place your affairs in order madam, I will see you all in that prison for this!"

Hunter left in a rage. Amelia was in a daze. With Dumbledore out as Supreme Mugwump, There was no way to stop the ICW from investigating and Fudge was incompetent so he would just place them in deeper jeopardy. Looking at the time, Amelia realized where this new Lord Black had stormed off to. He was not a cold emotionless politician, he was a young, passionate, warrior and he was not going to back down now. This was going to be a bad day.

In the courtroom, the Wizengamot assembled and Amelia saw Lord Black Standing where the Defendant was usually relegated. She looked at Fudge who lost his smug smile when he saw the wizard waiting on him to start the proceedings. It returned when he saw no sign of Harry Potter. He announced that they would wait a few minutes for Harry Potter who was obviously late, but that was when Hunter took command.

"There is no need to wait Minister. I represent Mr. Potter as he is a member of my house by blood as well as House Potter. Now read your false accusations and let's get this farce over with."

Fudge saw red and began to swell with anger, but Augusta Longbottom ended that. "Yes Minister, a representative for Mr. Potter is here and we are assembled, what is this matter that requires the whole of the Wizengamot?"

Fudge was saved as his undersecretary handed him the file on Harry Potter. In that damned Pink hat, Hunter could not miss her, but she looked even more like a toad here than before. It was Delores Umbridge.

Fudge read off the charges and tried to run Hunter over with his questions including asking him to identify himself. Hunter was more than ready. "I am Lord Hunter Sirius Black, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and cousin to Harry Potter through his Grandmother Dorea Potter nee Black. Now first I'll address the alleged violation of the Statue of Secrecy."

"Harry Potter has lived with Petunia Dursley nee Evans for the last 14 years. She is the sister to one Lily Potter nee Evans. This woman is well aware of the magical world and as Harry Potter resided in their home when he received his Hogwarts Letter, her son, and Harry's cousin, Dudley Dursley is also aware of Magic. Since he is the muggle in question, the charge has no merit and must be dismissed." Many heads were nodding as others shook theirs in shock that Harry Potter was still living with a muggle when here was a family relation who was magical.

"Now on the case of underage magic, this ministry, through your then Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore, Your Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Bartemius Crouch Sr., and even YOU Minister Fudge, declared Harry James Potter of age when you upheld the Goblet of Fire selection of him for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Additionally as the last of House Potter, he became an adult when he turned 15 on July 31, 1995."

Fudge began sputtering but Hunter continued as if Fudge didn't exist.

"Now unless this body is not interested in upholding the law, I must demand the charges be dismissed immediately." Amelia saw an opportunity to do her job AND catch a break in one move. "I move the charges against Mr. Harry James Potter be dismissed immediately." Augusta Longbottom was quick to act and seconded the motion. Lord Greengrass saw this young wizard who was now Lord Black and saw an opportunity to gain power and a marriage for his daughter Daphne. "Motion is made and seconded, shall we put it to a vote?" Fudge's head was spinning. He had completely lost control of this.

Harry Potter entered the courtroom afraid he was going to have his wand snapped. In no way did he expect what he saw and heard. "All those in favor of dismissing the Charges against Harry James Potter" Most wands in the room were raised. "All those opposed?" a small number were raised and Fudge had no choice. "Case is dismissed." and the gavel struck the desk. Harry was in shock, but it wasn't over yet.