LAST TIME
After finishing his tasks for the night, Harry got ready for bed. He pulled his curtains apart and the first thing he saw was a note stuck to his pillow. He immediately cast detection charms on it but they came up negative. Assured that it was not a trap, Harry picked it up and read it.
Remember the offer you made us at the start of the year in the Slytherin common room? I, Theodore Nott, as well as Hestia and Flora Carrow wish to hear your offer further. We will come unarmed.
With Best wishes
TN, FC, HC.
Ch.60 Deals and Holidays
21st November 1995
Abandoned classroom, Hogwarts
Harry knocked and pushed the door of an abandoned classroom open before entering the room. The three occupants of the room, three Slytherins, namely Hestia Carrow, Flora Carrow, and Theodore Nott instantly turned and looked at him.
Flora and Hestia Carrow were clearly identical twins. They had dark brown hair, dark bluish-black eyes, and were of rather short stature. Nott, on the other hand, had mousy-brown hair, and black eyes while being only a couple of inches shorter than Harry, who was already an impressive 5'11, thanks to the rituals he had done.
From the corner of his eyes, Harry saw three wands clearly laid on the teacher's desk as a sign of the fact that they were unarmed. It was not that Harry was worried about them attacking him, but this was quite a good gesture on their part.
"Good evening, Mr. Nott, Ms. Carrows."
"Evening, Potter," Nott replied stiffly.
"Mind if I raise privacy wards so that we aren't interrupted?"
"No, no. Please, go ahead."
With a wave of Harry's wand, the door of the classroom closed and was locked before privacy enchantments, ranging from a silencing charm to a notice-me-not ward went up. With another flick, a table and four chairs appeared in the center of the room.
"Have a seat," Harry said, taking a seat himself, and gesturing to them to follow.
"Let us cut the chase short, Potter," Hestia Carrow began without preamble. "You offered us a way to get out of this war if we needed to. We accept your offer. Tell us your terms."
"Straight to the point, I see. But first, tell me what led you all to come to this decision? Your parents, and relatives are in Voldemort's inner circle. And you are the first ones to come to me and accept the offer. So, I am quite curious to know what led you to do this."
"Because we do not want to become killers and murders. I do not wish to go down the path my father did and neither does Hestia or Flora." Nott said. "Potter… we have seen them over the summer… They are monsters. I witnessed gruesome acts being committed by the dark lord. I want no part of it. Also, these acts weren't even on enemies. They were his Death Eaters or innocent muggles."
"Fair enough… I am willing to help you and I shall keep my word. Now, as I can understand, you are the Heir of House Nott. And you two hold no position as far as House Carrow is concerned."
"That is correct," Hestia said nervously.
Harry turned to Nott. "House Nott is a Noble and Most Ancient House, holding three votes. In the event of your father's demise, the responsibility of the House will fall to you."
"Yes," Nott agreed.
"Superb," Harry said. "In the event of the House falling in your hands, you will make an Alliance with House Black on the Wizengamot. Your votes will be ours to command until the duration that you are Lord Nott or the Head of the House. In exchange, I will give you a way out of the war and transport you to a safe house till the end of the war. A safe house in America. Fully furnished and warded apartment in the Salem shopping district, a completely magical neighborhood. I will get you into contact with a special person who will forge your documents and stuff, enabling you to go there and complete your education until the war is over. Do you accept these terms and conditions?"
Nott sucked in a sharp breath. "You mean I have to leave Hogwarts? And Britain?"
"Yes. It is obvious that if you're at Hogwarts, Voldemort would stop at nothing to ensure your loyalty or kill you for defecting. If you are at Hogwarts, someone or the other would tell him that. So, it is in your best interest to leave the country, unless, of course, you want to fight against Voldemort."
Nott shook his head. "I have no intentions to fight with him or against him. I just want to live and complete my education. Get a good job and settle down."
"Then, you have only one option," Harry shrugged.
"Can I think about it for a few minutes?"
"Obviously. Just don't leave the room."
"Thanks," He said, slumping in his chair.
"What about us?" Flora asked. "We have no political power. A lot of people would need to die if we were to inherit the house. We are a part of the cadet branch of the Carrow family. Far in the line of inheritance."
Harry hummed contemplatively.
"We have a little money in our vaults. A few thousand Galleons. We will somehow manage if you want that in exchange. But, get us out. Before Christmas. We are, under no circumstances, going home for Christmas." Hestia declared pleadingly.
"No, I am not taking the money. Let me think for a moment. The Christmas thing complicates it a bit… wait, can't you just stay at Hogwarts?"
Flora and Hestia shared a look before nodding. "We can say we are staying for OWL preparations. But, we will have to go home in summer… which we don't want to."
"How do you feel about going muggle?"
"Muggle?" Flora asked with disgust.
"Now, to be blunt, you have no resources. No political power, no money, and you are average students. If you go to the muggle world, one, no one will suspect you, two pureblood girls who were raised to hate anything remotely muggle, to be in the muggle world. Two, forging documents in the muggle world is very cheap and easy. A couple of hundred Galleons and you both will have a new identity along with a good fake degree of some sort."
"But… we don't know anything about the muggle world!"
"You will learn. Muggleborns adjust here in the magical world. So will you in the muggle world." Harry said dismissively. "And it is either this or…"
"Or?"
"Well, you choose a side in the conflict. With Voldemort or against Voldemort. If you go against him, I will arrange for someone to take you in… some magical family whom I trust. You can continue your studies and stuff at Hogwarts itself. But it will be infinitely more dangerous. Your dear relatives might come and attack you to kill you for betraying them."
"Potter, what if I take them in my house, which you are giving me?" Nott interrupted.
"First thing, I am not giving you the house, Nott." Harry said irritatedly, hearing his words "I am offering you one of my properties to stay in till the duration of the war without paying rent. The house will be mine even if you stay there."
"Yes, yes, that is what I meant. Sorry. But, instead of arranging all this, what if I take them in? I will even pay you. We Notts are very rich. I am sure I can afford it. State your price." Nott declared.
"Theo you don't have to." Hestia protested immediately.
"Yes, we can't accept this!"
"Shut up you two. It is my decision." He hissed. "State your price, Potter."
"I do not want any price. The one who would forge their documents would." Harry replied magnanimously. "The price to forge magical documents is much higher than muggle ones. For both of them, you would need about five or six thousand Galleons. Plus, tuition fees and other charges for their education. And your education as well."
"Done. If you want, I'll even pay you the rent. Just—"
"No need for rent. As long as you don't damage anything, I am fine." Harry said. "And if you damage my property, you are paying for its repairs."
"Of course. That is quite understandable," He said amiably
"You want nothing else, Potter?" Flora asked, biting her lip.
"Why would I? I just do not wish to bear any expense without something in return. Nott here will be bearing all your expenses. You give your OWLs here and board the train home for the summer. But, instead of reaching King's Cross, you reach Knockturn Alley and from there, MACUSA Headquarters in New York." Harry informed.
"Nice," Nott breathed. "Are you sure no one will be able to find us there?"
"There is nothing absolute, but I can say that the chances of you being found are very minuscule."
"Alright. Thank you."
"Oh, of course, If you do not want to go to America, you have the options of China, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and… no, that's it. America, China, Japan, South Africa, and Brazil."
They blinked.
"What?" Nott asked with confusion.
"If you do not want to go to America, my same offer extends to the countries I mentioned. It doesn't make a difference to me. I suggested it because I personally found it to be the best option for you all."
"No, let us stick with America," Nott said. "I at least know a little about the community and the workings there unlike the other countries you mentioned."
"Excellent. As soon as you become Lord Nott, one of my chosen regents will take your seat in the Wizengamot."
"Also, I forgot one small thing. I have a brother… younger brother." Nott said.
"How old is he?"
"Ten. He would've come to Hogwarts next year. So…"
"You want me to ensure that he comes with you?" Harry asked.
"Yes. I cannot leave him behind."
"I see no problem with it as long as you're paying for everything. My house there is big. It can accommodate ten more people if you want to. You just pay for the identity forging and stuff. I am arranging and paying for only you in exchange for the Wizengamot votes. And of course, waving off full house rent till the war ends."
"Thank you," He nodded. "But, you do realize that in your plan, my father still needs to die. If that doesn't happen…"
"You are taking the prospect of the death of your father rather… well," Harry said, raising his eyebrows.
"Frankly, I do not give two fucks whether the bastard dies or not. As long as I don't have to see him again, I am fine."
"Alright. I won't pry. Give me till the new year to sort everything out. We will meet again on the first day of the second term. I will give you all the details like where to collect things and stuff from and whom to contact. Just give me the list of names you want to take with you. Once the work is done, you will have to pay the person in cash though."
"Not a problem. I am willing to pay the whole amount in knuts if it means getting out of here."
Harry's lips quirked up. "Study well for your exams all of you. Having legit OWLs with just your name and the school changed will be easier than forging the documents together. We will meet in the new year again. Till then, Mr. Nott. Miss Carrows."
"Thank you, Potter," Hestia said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Thank your friend, not me. He is the one paying for you." Harry replied before walking out of the room after taking down the charms he had laid on it. The Slytherins followed him soon after, as he followed their moments on the marauder's map.
Instead of going to the Gryffindor tower, Harry walked to the room of requirements as he watched the Slytherins go to the dungeons. Once the Slytherins went in, straight up to their dorms, Harry put the map back into his moke skin pouch after wiping it clean with the words, 'Mischief managed'.
He paced thrice in front of the room of requirements and the door appeared, which he pushed open and entered only to see Daphne and Susan in a heated snogging session. Harry closed the door and willed the room to lock as he walked in.
"Starting without me, I see," Harry said, startling them out of the heated smooching.
"Harry," Daphne breathed as Susan got off her. Daphne's honey-blonde hair was tousled, her outer uniform robe lying on the couch next to her, leaving her in her white shirt and black pants. Susan, on the other hand, had her shirt open, revealing her heaving bra-clad breasts and bountiful cleavage. In Harry's eyes, it was a very beautiful site.
"How did it go?" Susan asked, unbothered by her attire.
"It went well. I now have three more votes under my control, courtesy of Nott."
"Awesome. What about the Carrows?"
"They had nothing of importance to offer me. But Nott was benevolent enough to say that he would pay for their expenses. So, no loss there."
"No profit either," Daphne pointed out. "But the Nott move was good. You have three extra votes now in your pocket for as long as Nott lives. And it came cheap. You bought House Notts political power from him for basically three-thousand galleons… even less."
"Nah, more. House rent should also be considered, you know."
Daphne scoffed. "The house was uninhabited. You said so yourself. So you weren't getting rent anyway and had to manage it from your own pocket. And now, you won't have to pay for its upkeep as Nott will manage that."
"True," Harry agreed, plopping himself between his two girlfriends… future wife and mistress now actually, that their betrothal contracts were finalized. Daphne was set to become Lady Potter and Susan had the line continuation contract as well.
The future looked bright if the dark cloud named Voldemort hovering over them was ignored.
29th November 1995
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
— By Order Of —
The Ministry of Magic
The High Inquisitor reserves the right to select a special group of students at her own discretion who would help her maintain proper conduct and decorum in the School. The group of students, henceforth known as the Inquisitorial Squad, would reserve the right to dock points and hold power over prefects.
The above is in accordance with Educational Decree Number Twenty-eight.
Signed:
Dolores Jane Umbridge
High Inquisitor
"What?" Hermione muttered incredulously, staring at the newest sign displayed in the Gryffindor common room. "She cannot do this! It is a blatant insult of the prefect position and the respect we have earned."
"And we all know who she is going to select for this. Malfoy and his cronies. Slimy snakes." Ron fumed.
"Ron…" Harry said in a warning tone and he rolled his eyes.
"I didn't include Daphne and Astoria in that. The rest of them." He said before turning back to the sign. "We should do something about this shit."
"Umbridge is barely for one month in this world. After that, all of this is going to be scrapped." Harry stated. "Why bother scheming?"
"Why not? Don't you want the satisfaction of ruining yet another decree, Harry?" Hermione asked innocently.
"You make a really good point. Let us do it. But what to do is the question. My idea was to give the squad hell, making them regret ever supporting Umbridge."
"Can't you just ensure that no one joins this group?" Neville asked.
"That will mean getting the squad in one place, confronting them, convincing them, and ensuring that they all resign. Too much work for something irrelevant." Harry said dismissively.
"Yes, we have the Dragon Legion on our side. An army in front of her squad. We will win, hands down." Hermione agreed thoughtfully. "But they still hold legal powers."
"And we hold magical power. They won't know what curses would hit them before they could dock points. Spread the word. Give the Inquisitorial squad hell. Any member should regret ever joining the group. And tell them not to be seen. The hood masking charm I have taught the Legion last week should do along with the voice-altering charm. Wait till the end of classes before beginning. And stick to non-lethal, school kids stuff. No bone-breakers and curses."
"Fair enough. So, by giving them hell, you want them to resign from the position?"
"Yes, that is the plan. I ain't going out of my way to gather them and warn them. Just make the message clear. If you are a part of the squad, you shall not be able to live in peace until you resign."
"Sure enough. I will tell the twins and the other Gryffindors." Ron volunteered.
"I will help," Neville added before going to inform the chasers, Angelina, Katie, and Alicia.
Harry saw them all nod in agreement before Neville moved to the Creevey brothers. Ron, on the other hand, informed the twins who had gotten sinister smirks on their faces before they bounded off happily to their dorms.
"Guess we'll see some of their products in action today," Harry muttered.
"It is fun, isn't it? Breaking the rules and rebelling against the ministry." Hermione breathed, making Harry chuckle.
"Only if your eleven-year-old version could hear this come from your mouth."
Hermione chuckled. "I would've been scandalized if someone ever said that I would be breaking rules and having fun doing it till a few years ago. I blame you for corrupting me, Harry Potter."
"Woah, wait. I did no such things. The scandalous accusations you levy on me hurt my heart, Hermione." Harry said dramatically.
"Fuck off," She replied, making Harry gasp and clutch his heart.
"Oh my god! Hermione Granger just cursed. The world's probably ending."
Hermione just rolled her eyes. "Let us go for breakfast. I am famished."
"Let's wait for Ron at least. He will be—"
"I am here, I am here!" Ron said coming back to their side. "Let us go for breakfast. I am hungry."
"Tell me something I don't know," Hermione muttered before she pushed open the portrait door and they exited the common room, bidding the fat lady goodbye and proceeding to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Unfortunately, their journey to the Breakfast was intercepted by Malfoy and his goons at the doors of Great Hall, no less. That unfortunately meant that they couldn't just hex the three and proceed.
"Oh, looky looky. What do we have here? Potty, Weasel, and the bookworm."
Harry sighed. "What do you want, Malfoy?"
"Afraid I'm going to have to dock a few points from Gryffindor," He drawled. "Let's see… Five points for questioning me, Potter. Five from you Weasel because your shirt is untucked. Five from you Granger because your hair's a nest. Another ten because I don't like you, Potter. And ten from Granger because she is a mudbl—" Malfoy choked in mid-sentence as Harry wandlessly squeezed his throat.
"I think you forgot the little lesson I imparted on you in your common room at the start of the room and you need a repeat of it," Harry hissed, making Malfoy pale as he tried to gasp for air, clawing at the invisible hand grasping his throat.
"And, let me make one thing painfully clear to you. If you do not resign from this little squad of yours till Lunch, what I did in the common room to you will seem like a child's play in front of what I'll do to you and your mates if you do not comply. So, resign or be ready for hell." Harry said, before releasing Malfoy, who collapsed on his knees.
"POTTER! What do you think you're doing?" Dolores Umbridge shouted, walking across the hall as fast as her stubby legs could carry her.
"I am doing nothing, ma'am. Malfoy here choked rather violently on his spit while speaking. If you don't believe me, ask him. Isn't it true, Malfoy?"
The pale boy just nodded vigorously, making Harry smile.
"Now if you would clear our way, Professor. We have got to go to eat breakfast." Harry said, gesturing to Umbridge to move to one side.
She gritted her teeth before whirling and storming back to the staff table. Harry smirked before wandlessly shoving Goyle out of the way as he made his way to the Gryffindor table, sparing a customary glance at the points' hourglasses. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff were still in a comfortable lead against Slytherin and Ravenclaw with Slytherin being at the last despite the visible point reduction by the Inquisitorial Squad, courtesy of the Education Decree fiasco.
"Noticed, have you?" said Fred's voice. He and George had just come down the marble staircase and joined Harry, Ron, and Hermione, on the hourglasses.
"Malfoy just docked us all about fifty points," Ron seethed as they watched several more stones fly upward from the Gryffindor hourglass. "But Harry put him in his place."
"Yeah, Montague tried to do us," said George.
"What do you mean, 'tried'?"
"He never managed to get all the words out, due to the fact that we forced him headfirst into that Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor."
"But you'll get into terrible trouble!" Hermione hissed.
"Not until Montague reappears, and that could take weeks, I dunno where we sent him," said Fred coolly.
"Where is this vanishing cabinet?" Harry asked.
"First floor."
"Where on the first floor? Take me to the cabinet now."
"What happened, mate? What's got your knickers in a twist?" Ron asked, munching on a spoonful of eggs.
"A vanishing cabinet always comes in pairs. It can be used to transport things or even people from one cabinet to another if the user knows the right spell. We need to destroy it."
"What about Montague?" Hermione whispered as Harry got up, picking up two hurriedly-made bacon sandwiches with him.
"We'll retrieve him if possible and obliviate his memories," Harry replied, gesturing to Hermione to remain seated as Fred and George stood up. Hermione complied and remained seated as the twins led Harry out of the Great Hall to the first floor where the cabinet was situated.
Harry dusted his hands, brushing the crumbs of bread off, before examining the cabinet in front of him.
"Secure the corridor. Make sure no one comes here. I need some time to examine it before destroying this."
"Aye, sir," they saluted before marching off to do the work, making Harry roll his eyes. With a flick of his wrist, his wand shot into his hands and he waved it over the cabinet, casting detection charms over it.
The results made him frown. The cabinet was indeed a vanishing cabinet with powerful enchantments. But many of those enchantments were broken. Not faded. Broken. It was troubling, especially for Montague. Harry now had no idea where he had gone. Teleportation enchantments, especially without a closely-knit and monitored network(like floo) were one hell of a tricky thing. Montague could've technically ended up anywhere in the world even if anywhere beyond Scotland was a minuscule probability.
And the problem was that there was no way of tracking him without some use of blood magic for which Harry would need some of Montague's blood, a commodity that he didn't have.
He studied the panels of the cabinet closely, taking in the runes carved on the mahogany wood. Some runes had been scratched off and two of the panels were missing with one cracked. This had resulted in the linking rune, which linked it to its counterpart, being damaged and nonfunctional. But the protection Runes on the cabinet were intact, making sure that it couldn't be destroyed by simple means like a Bombarda or an Incendio spell.
Harry rechecked everything once more before stepping back.
Montague had likely appeared somewhere already and there was no way Harry could bring him back through the cabinet. Also, the cabinet was a danger to students and the castle, even in its current condition. And if someone, namely Voldemort, found its counterpart and repaired it, it might give way to a Death Eater invasion in the castle, a big no-no in Harry's eyes.
Harry waved his wand, temporarily disabling the fire safety ward in the area before flicking his wand in the cabinet's direction. Acid Green flames rushed out of his wand, enveloping the artifact. It pained Harry to destroy such a wonderful artifact even if it was broken, but it was for the best. And he could always make one himself… he probably would. A vanishing cabinet would make an excellent Runes or Charms extra credit project for the NEWTS… a compulsory thing that he needed to submit for every subject.
His arm buckled slightly as a shockwave emitted from the cabinet, signifying that its protection runes had been overloaded, a moment before it started to burn. A moment later, Harry ended the flame and watched as the cabinet burned down to ashes.
With a wave of his wand, the ashes vanished and with another, the soot on the walls and floor cleared, leaving no evidence that a cabinet, a powerful artifact at that, had stood here minutes ago.
"You burned it to ashes…" Fred moaned.
"Yes, I did. And next time, don't shove people into magical artifacts. Just stun them and hex them or something. This is dangerous. Montague could've died and you would've been sent to Azkaban if the word that you were responsible got out." Harry growled.
"Where's Montague?" George asked, gulping.
"Somewhere. The teleportation sequence was intact but the destination linking one wasn't. He has been teleported somewhere in one piece but it could be anywhere from a toilet in the castle to a Dragon's nest."
"So… you have no idea where he is?"
"No."
"Shit."
"Try to see if he pops up somewhere in the castle… or wait," Harry said, removing the marauder's map. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good. Come on you two. Help me search for him." Harry said, as lines spread on the parchment, revealing the map of Hogwarts.
Harry frantically searched through the names in the castle, looking for Montague, praying that he was in fact, inside the castle and not somewhere unknown.
"There!" George shouted, pointing at the boy's washroom on the fourth floor. The dot labeled as Henry Montague was clearly visible there.
"Let's go," Harry said, running towards the washroom, only to stop short as he sensed a ward a few meters ahead. Standard privacy wards and a protective shield ward.
"Not bad for an amateur in warding," Harry said, looking at the twins who beamed. "But I am destroying it."
With a jab of his wand, a blue light shot out of his wand, impacting the enchantments and destroying them.
"Let's go," He said, sparing a glance at the map. Montague had not moved an inch from where he was, it seemed.
The three rushed up the stairs to the fourth-floor washroom.
"Montague?" Harry asked, only to get a muffled response, sounding like a muffled scream of help from a nearby cubicle. Harry pushed the door open but the cubicle was empty.
"Montague?" Harry asked, looking around before spotting a mop of black hair in the toilet.
"Shit. He is stuck inside!"
"Oops," Fred winced. "Can you get him out?"
"Yeah, but it is going to be a bit disgusting," Harry said, before getting to work.
30th November 1995
Room of Requirements, Hogwarts
"Good evening, everyone. Before we begin, I would like to congratulate you all on the excellent job you all did today in regards to the Inquisitorial Squad. No one went overboard with their hexing and yet, caused enough damage and humiliation to make a good number of members resign from the job Umbridge gave them, and most importantly, none of you got caught!"
A cheer went up at Harry's statement.
They had done a good job indeed. Several Slytherins had gone to the Hospital wing in hilarious conditions. Some had antlers sprouting from their heads, some were walking upside down or backward, some had vividly colored beards or fur growing uncontrollably on their bodies and whatnot.
A couple even had broken bones or such from incorrect spells or falling, but nothing that would be worrying or result in anything more than a week's detention.
The cherry on the cake was that Umbridge was absolutely fuming at the resignation of so many students from her little group. The message to the school had been clear. Support Umbridge only if you want to suffer. Some dunderheads were yet to understand the message but Harry was sure they would soon.
As the cheering subsided, Harry continued, "A few still persist or are yet to get the message. So, continue the mission till every support Umbridge has in the school is utterly destroyed. And make sure it happens within a couple of days so we don't have to bear their tyranny any more than necessary. And make sure that you aren't seen."
Everyone nodded in unison at that.
"Very well. Now, as for what we are doing today. Today, we shall revise everything we have learned till now. From Expelliarmus to the Patronus charm. I know quite a few of you are yet to get a corporeal Patronus but, I am sorry as I can't afford to spend more time on it. Practice on your own and if you need help, come personally to me. Now, let us revise."
"What else will you teach us after this?" Someone asked.
"Nothing today. It is just revision," Harry replied. "And from the next session, a good part of it will be dedicated to fighting. I have taught you several spells till now and so, we can move on to actually using them in a fight properly. Remember. You can know ten times more spells than your opponent does but if you don't know how to use them, it is useless."
"So, will we have duels with each other? Proper duels?" A fourth-year Hufflepuff asked excitedly.
"No. You will have fights. Dueling and fights, while similar, have one difference. Rules. In a real fight, there are no rules. There is no do-over. No second chances, warnings, or such. It can be a two-on-one, three-on-one, or a whole army against one. It is not fair. So, you need to learn to deal with such situations. Where you are outnumbered, where you are in a trap, yadda yadda yadda. So, make sure, everything you've learned is perfect. If it isn't, you have the chance today."
Harry gazed at every person in the room, meeting their eyes.
"Also, we will be starting spell-chaining next session. Now, what is spell chaining? Well, it is an over-glorified name for fast spell casting. The idea of it is that you practice casting a series of spells in rapid succession. The practice will make it mechanical, so you do not have to think about what spell you would have to shoot next, making the casting faster and evenly powered. So, make a list of three to five offensive spells you like. If not, I will give you my own, which is Bludgeoner followed by the piercing hex, Reducto, Expelliarmus, and Stupefy. For now, begin revision. Disarmer first!"
23rd December 1995
London
With a stretch, Harry rose from his seat as the Hogwarts express started slowing to a stop. With a wave of his wand, his trunk flew off the rack, shrinking in the mid-air, before landing in his hand. He pocketed it before turning to his friends, who were doing the same except for Hermione, who was going to carry her truck in its normal state as she had no one to unshrink it for her. But, she had applied a feather-light charm on it, making it easy for her to travel with it.
She was going to Italy for a vacation with her parents this Christmas. Harry, Daphne, Susan and their families on the other hand were going to France. The Delacour mansion to be precise. Fleur's parents had invited all of them to their mansion, wishing to meet everyone and finalize the betrothal contract with Harry.
And the good news was, they were going straight from King's Cross to The Ministry of Magic to take a portkey to France. They weren't going to be there for long. Only till the evening of the twenty-sixth after which they would return to Britain… only to take it by storm if things went according to the plan.
Harry bid Hermione and the Weasleys goodbye before taking Susan's hand and side-along apparating her straight to the British Ministry of Magic where Sirius and Amelia were going to be waiting for them. The Greengrass family was coming by a separate portkey because of the international portkey travel rules by which only four wizards or witches could use a Portkey to traverse international borders in a single trip, irrespective of whoever they were. If more people were there, they needed to take another Portkey.
Without a single sound, the two of them appeared in a corner of the atrium before they started walking towards the golden lifts as Harry slowly faded the notice-me-not charm on them. As they passed through the atrium, many people, who noticed Harry started whispering amongst themselves. Harry ignored them and pushed the button, summoning the lift.
"Evening, Nymphadora," Harry greeted, making her jump as she stepped out of the lift, reading a file.
Her hair circled from one color to another before settling back on pink. "Hey, Harry. Fancy meeting you here."
"Yes, I am going to your boss's office. Wanna come?"
"Nah, I need to go to the Alley for work. Have fun in France!" She waved as Harry and Susan entered the lift and the gates began to close.
They got out on the second level where the DMLE offices were, proceeding straight to Amelia's office. Susan knocked and pushed the door open only to reveal not only Amelia and Sirius but also Fudge present in the office.
"Potter," Fudge growled as soon as he saw him.
"Cornelius. An utter displeasure to see your sorry ass. Are you here to plead for your mistakes and tell me that you finally believe that Voldemort is back and help you salvage the situation?"
Fudge scowled. "I will fall before I believe your and Dumbledore's lies, Potter. Remember. I wouldn't let you and Dumbledore succeed in your schemes. Take this as a warning. The moment I get enough proof of your wretched schemes, I will bring the full might of the ministry on you, boy. I will not let Dumbledore and you succeed in ruining the peace I have heralded for a decade."
Harry shrugged. "If that is your wish. You will fall before you are forced to believe the truth staring at your face. Now, why are you here?"
"Ministry business which is none of your concerns. And Amelia, after you return from your break, we shall discuss a few details of your employment." He said before proceeding to leave but was stopped by Harry laying a firm hand on his shoulder before making the minister turn to face him.
"I do not appreciate what you did, Fudge. Threaten her or anyone I consider family again, and I will bring the wrath of House Potter-Black on you. And believe me, when I say, it won't be pretty for you, Minister of Magic or not. Cause I swear, if you even try to touch a hair or anyone I consider my friend or family, I will make you regret being born." Harry hissed, sending shivers down Fudge's spine.
Harry pushed the minister away before turning to Amelia. "If he threatens you again, just tell me and I will make sure that this buffoon faces the wrath of House Potter and Black."
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "While I appreciate your concern, I assure you that help won't be needed if anyone threatens me. I am the Regent of House Bones, a house of equal standing to yours."
"So, Fudge, this means you're fucked. Now get out of here," Sirius said cheerfully, pushing the man out of the door and closing it.
"Well… that was something," Susan said, looking at them.
"Fudge has been very annoying as of late," Amelia said. "Before you both came, he was trying to persuade me to change the one in charge of DMLE in my five-day absence."
"From whom to whom?"
"I have chosen Shacklebolt for the position. He was trying to persuade me to give it to Percy Weasley of all people. I refused."
Harry scrunched his nose at the mention of Percy Weasley. He was still one of the biggest centers of pain to the Weasley family and especially Molly. She still burst into tears if someone mentioned him.
"Well, we have our portkey in half an hour. You kids can freshen up if you want and I have told Dobby to prepare some sandwiches. You must be hungry." Sirius said.
"Food would be good," Harry agreed. "And some coffee."
"Then it is coming right up, courtesy of the awesome Sirius Black " Sirius replied, clapping his hands and two plates of sandwiches appeared on Amelia's desk. "Amelia will arrange the coffee."
"What happened? Your dramatics ran out at an unexpected request?"
"Nah, my awesome food summoning powers are limited to food. Not drinks!" Sirius said with an incorrigible grin.
23rd December 1995
The Minister's Office, British Ministry of Magic
With a harsh bang, Cornelius Fudge slammed the door of his office shut before walking to his desk and leaning on it, breathing heavily.
He couldn't believe the nerve of Potter! The boy had dared to threaten him inside his own Ministry! The boy, a measly fifteen-year-old child threatening the Minister of Magic! Dumbledore was one thing but this… this was different regardless of who the boy was!
And what a threat it was! The boy had threatened to destroy him as if he was a measly nobody instead of the Minister of Magic! And that was not to get started on the horrendous power the boy had exerted on him, making him feel like he was being crushed and suffocated to death by his sheer magical power.
He conceded that he shouldn't have threatened Amelia Bones of all people, but Potter had simply gone overboard, threatening him while crushing him with his unfathomable power!
No child… hell, no one should be allowed to have such power!
With a yell of rage, he swept all the items off his desk, causing an avalanche of paper and items on the floor, mixing the meticulously arranged items and even ruining some important documents.
But he didn't care for that.
He had a bigger fish to fry. Namely, how in the name of Merlin was he supposed to face them and stop them from taking over magical Britain if both Potter and Dumbledore could crush him with a mere thought?
No… no! Something had to be done! But, what!?
In frustration, Fudge kicked his desk before howling in pain and clutching his foot as pain shot through it.
'Just wonderful,' He thought sarcastically to himself as he leaped around, clutching his foot in pain.
23rd December 1995
Ministry of Magic, France
Harry, Sirius, Susan, and Amelia appeared in a swirl of colors at the portkey arrival point in France.
"Portkey from Britain. Please deposit your portkey in the box before proceeding to the security checks. The French ministry wishes you a pleasant day." The automated female voice announced.
Amelia threw the teacup without a care in the box before leading the way through the door towards the security checks. Two French hit-wizards checked them and their belongings for any illegal artifacts and items. Finding nothing they told them to proceed ahead, before wishing them a good day.
Harry walked to the desk, where the witch who had asked him for an autograph for her daughter about a year and a half ago when he had come to France for the dueling tournament, was seated.
Her eyes widened as she saw him.
"Monsieur Potter," She breathed.
"Madame," Harry greeted before giving her his papers which she accepted after composing herself.
"All seems to be in order," She said, handing the documents back.
"Thank you. Have a good day."
"You too, monsieur Potter."
Harry went out of the room and he was immediately engulfed in a tight, near rib-cracking hug by someone small with blonde hair, chattering in rapid french, half of which Harry couldn't make out despite his translation charm being active.
"Gabby, let the poor boy breathe." Appoline Delacour said, with amusement shining in her eyes. Gabrielle broke the hug, giving Harry an innocent, toothy grin.
"Hi Gabrielle," Harry said, holding her by her shoulders. "Look at you! You've grown!" He added in French, making the little veela beam.
"I missed you so much! I was so excited since papa told me that you are coming to stay!" She said, jumping in excitement.
"It is good to hear," Harry said with a smile before turning to look at Apolline. "Now, let me introduce you to my companions. This is Susan, this is her aunt and the head of British DMLE Amelia Bones, and this is my godfather, Sirius Black."
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Delacour," Susan said.
The Delacour matriarch returned her warm smile. "Nice to meet you as well, dear. And please, call me Apolline. Sebastian and Fleur will be with us shortly. Sebastian got called for some work and Fleur, ever the daddy's girl, went with him. They were supposed to be back a few minutes ago, but I hope you understand that a five-ten minute delay in Sebastian's line of work is nothing significant."
"True," Amelia agreed. "And we need to wait for the Greengrasses anyway. Their Portkey's due in twenty minutes. Plus the security check."
"We are here, we are here!" Sebastian called as he jogged towards them, Fleur following behind him briskly with a smile on her face.
"Sorry for the delay, everyone," Sebastian said. "Got held up a bit. Hello, Madame Bones!"
"Monsieur Delacour, it is good to see you as well," Amelia greeted back with a smile.
"You two know each other?" Sirius asked, looking between the two.
"Of course, we do. We both are heads of DMLE for our respective governments and the relations of France and Britain are rather close." Amelia replied, rolling her eyes. "We know each other from the past… what? Eight years?"
"Nine. Well, almost nine. I first met you a few days after my ascension to the Head of DMLE. I will complete my nine years in the coming February." Sebastian replied.
"That is impressive," Susan offered.
"Oui, but your Aunt has been serving for more than twelve years, Susan. She is in line for running for the longest term as the Head of DMLE for any government. The highest is eighteen years." Fleur chimed in.
"Actually, she is not in that position for long," Harry whispered conspiratorially. "She is going to get promoted to the Minister of Magic in a few days."
"Wait," Sebastian Delacour called, frowning. "How… how can you say that, Harry?"
"Cause I am going to make her the minister. Simple as that. And Dumbledore will support me along with the Daily Prophet and The Quibbler."
Speaking of the Quibbler, the sales of the last two editions of the magazine had been phenomenal. The share value of the paper had gone up by five-hundred and twenty percent. From a rag of the magazine, it had turned to become the latest gossip of the wizarding world. In the latest edition, it had published a list of safety measures against homes being attacked, along with a list of safety protocols. The most important thing? Xenoliphus Lovegood had managed to get a former Hit-wizard who fought in the First war to give these tips.
"But… What of Fudge?"
Harry looked around before shaking his head. "We should talk about it once we get to the house. Such talk is better to have in the privacy of our homes."
"Fair enough, let us wait for the Greengrasses then."
24th December 1995
Delacour Château , France
Harry woke up with a lazy stretch in a comfy, unknown bed. Thankfully, he knew exactly where he was. Château Delacour, France. The home of the Delacour family for generations.
The Château was one of the most beautiful houses he had ever seen. Calling it a house was an insult, as it was nothing short of a small castle. A small, beautiful castle made of white marble and surrounded by lush greenery, full of plants, both mundane and magical. They also had a stable full of Abraxan Horses which Sebastian was very proud of. The Château was luxurious, much like homes of British Purebloods, and brimming with magic.
Yes, every brick of the house was enchanted during the French Revolution in the late 1700s and it stood till this day, looking as grand as the day it was made. The wards around the property were nothing to scoff at either. Not as great as Hogwarts or what he had laid on Grimmauld Place, but definitely on par with his home in Somerset… just more powerful as they covered a greater area.
He sat up with a yawn, looking around his room. The clock(an ancient one that once belonged to some muggle king) showed that it was a little before seven in the morning. Harry wandlessly summoned his wand before casting a teeth-cleaning and mouth-freshening charm on himself before getting up from the bed and going to the huge window.
Even despite it being winter, the temperature and weather inside the house were perfect, thanks to the temperature and weather control wards. Outside, the lush greenery could be seen as the sprinklers sprung to life, spraying water to the plants just as the clock chimed seven. Harry could see why Fleur despised Britain's weather so much if she woke to this every single day. Harry just looked at the scenery for a few minutes, enjoying the site before going to the ensuite bathroom to get ready for the day.
After showering, Harry came out of the bathroom, shirtless while drying his hair with a fluffy white towel and was greeted by a wolf whistle.
Fleur Delacour was sitting on his bed, wearing a baby blue night dress, admiring his body.
Harry smiled at her. "Bonjour, Fleur"
She sauntered forward, before putting her arms around Harry's neck. "Oui, Bonjour, 'arry,"
The husky voice and the French accent to his name sent tingles down Harry's spine.
"I was comeeng to wake you," Fleur whispered, her french accent, purposefully thick.
Harry grabbed her by the waist before pulling her near. "I would've liked that. A shame I got up early." He whispered back in her ear, making Fleur shiver slightly.
"Oui. And I deedn't get to welcome you properly yesterday."
"You have the chance now," Harry whispered, and Fleur smashed her lips to his, kissing him passionately, her hands exploring every inch of his bare back.
Harry's hands weren't idle either as they too roamed up and down Fleur's body while he backed her towards the dressing table.
Fleur's tongue sought entrance and he allowed it before wrestling it for dominance as the back of Fleur's leg hit the dressing table. Wandlessly, Harry pushed away the sparse contents on it before grabbing Fleur's bountiful backside and propping her on the table, inadvertently, breaking the heated kiss.
Fleur looked at him with half-lidded eyes before grabbing his head roughly, and pulling him into another kiss, as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
Harry's hand slithered up her stomach onto her breasts, squeezing it, making Fleur moan into his mouth, pulling him even tighter, as if trying to mold their body into one.
Harry broke the kiss, his lips trailing down in a heated trail to Fleur's long slender neck, peppering kisses down the way before sucking on her collarbone, making the girl moan.
"Harry— AHHHH!" A voice shouted from the doorway, startling the couple out of their activity. And Harry turned and saw Gabrielle standing there with her back to them, covering her face with her hands.
"Gabby!" Fleur exclaimed in a scandalized tone. "What are you doing here?"
"I just came to wake Harry. Mama said to wake everyone as we have places to go. I came here first and saw you both like this!" She exclaimed in French, still not turning.
With a wave of his hand, Harry summoned a shirt from his bag and put it over his torso before tapping it with his finger, resulting in the shirt getting buttoned and properly tucked in his pants. In the meantime, Fleur got off the dressing table and straightened her night dress.
"You can turn Gabrielle. We are decent… we were anyway even before you came."
"You weren't wearing a shirt," She argued, making Harry shrug. "Anyway, mama told you to get ready. I am going to go and wake your friends. Breakfast is at eight-thirty. Be down in time. Bye!"
She said, before running away giggling.
"That midget is going to tell everyone stories," Fleur scowled, making Harry snicker.
"I am going to sign a marriage contract with you, tomorrow. Finding us in a heated kiss is nothing, to be honest."
"Oh, you don't know Gabby. She is going to make stories up regarding what we were doing. Little brat."
"Well, we have forty minutes… where were we?"
Fleur rolled her eyes. "My mood is ruined by her. And I need to get ready. See you later, Harry." She said before walking towards the door.
"You know, Fleur? I just noticed that I like your French accent better. Harry seems plain, coming from you."
Fleur turned to him with a smirk before giving him a saucy wink and walking out of the door, making Harry sigh.
Bloody annoying little sisters.
AND... DONE!
Hope you all liked the chapter and how I have shifted the canon timeline. Soon, it will diverge completely.
A huge thanks to I_amaSWITCHbot and Ultimate_Gamer for betaing the chapter.
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tsun: No, it won't stay for long. Fudge will be gone in a few chaps and Voldemort revealed to the world.
Phillies2: A part of the plan. See chapter 50.
Xerzo LotCN: No... I have next to no idea about DnD tbh. There might be the spell you speak about but personally, I didn't take it from DnD. It was just an idea in my head. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
SynBen28: Yes, you are indeed correct about the non-verbal casting of the Patronus. But, I added it for the more 'Professor Harry' vibe to show that he is actually teaching. It is not a very important point in my eyes tbh. Just a small detail and thus why I tweaked it.
Smutley Do-Wrong: Here you go. You said and I made a comeback for Fleur ;D [not that I didn't already have it planned]
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Well, that's all. Thank you everyone for showering so much love on my story.
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Also, do join my Discord server, House of HPfanfictioner66 where you can directly communicate with me, ask questions, etc. Hope to see you all lovely readers there soon Link: discord . gg / 4qfP3fxdQ4 [Remove the spaces please]
I have my own channel on the discord server known as Emerald Library. I recommend that you join the server and there, you won't only have access to me, but several other big authors who have their channels on the Emerald Library. Link: discord . gg / jtAxRnH6Tk [Remove the spaces please]
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At the moment, I have four main stories. They are:
1. The Rise of the Last Potter: My Novel length Harry Potter fic which is already 300k+ words long and it is a work in progress. Updated Regularly.
2. The Legend of the Son of Poseidon: A Novel Length Percy Jackson fic which is already 250k+ words long and it is a work in progress. Updated Regularly
3. Loved Ones Skipping Stones and Ice-cream: A fluffy Haphne one-shot. It is completed obviously.
4. SECRETS: Another romantic one-shot I published recently. Complete as well.
(PLEASE READ THEM ALL)
OMAKE 1:
Hermione: Please say the words of Encouragement to me so that I do not kill Malfoy right now.
Harry: There are no books in Azkaban.
Hermione: *Nods* Thank you.
...
OMAKE 2: The Potter household, Halloween 1981.
Voldemort: *Knock Knock*
James: Who's there?
Voldemort: You know.
James: You know who?
Voldemort: Correct.
James:...
James: FUCK
Stay Happy! Stay Safe! Keep Smiling! Keep reading!
HPfanfictioner66