Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!
This is a pretty long chapter, I feel like anyway. It took me a while to write it and it covers a bit. Mostly the first Wizengamot and I started getting a little sappy towards the end. But Harry finally starts thinking about this whole deal as permanent. So progress in that sense.
On a personal note, I've returned home from deployment! Yay. I can't promise how this will effect posting because I am reuniting with family and getting back into the swing of things.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it though. And please, reviews are always welcome.
Thank You, Minister
"Harry dear," was the only warning Harry got before he was crushed in the motherly hug of Mrs. Weasley.
Despite his friend's assurances, witnessing it himself was something entirely different. He felt a tightness in his chest that he hadn't even realized was there ease and he breathed lighter as he returned the hug.
"Are you eating well?" She asked, pulling back and placing a warm hand on his cheek. Harry smiled. "You are looking better, not as pale and peaky. Good, good. But I brought you some fudge and biscuits, just to be sure. You're a growing boy, you can't have too much food," she said, nodding to herself and pulling out two tins from her handbag. Harry glanced at the twins over Mrs. Weasley's shoulder who both gave exaggerated eye rolls and mimicked the babying their mother was doing. Harry didn't mind though. He appreciated the motherly attention and knew it was Mrs. Weasley's way of dealing with how much things had changed.
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. I'll be sure to eat them," Harry assured her before moving out of her arms to greet Remus and Mr. Weasley. Both gave him brief hugs and claps on the back. Remus held on longer and stared into his eyes for a few moments as if searching for something. Harry wasn't sure what Remus found but the man let him go with a smile.
"Harrykins!" The twins cried out when they finally got to rush Harry. The twins attacked his hair with over the top ruffling and after a quick scuffle to fight them off the group claimed their seats around the table.
Kreacher and Dobby had outdone themselves once again over the fact of having guests in Grimmauld again. Harry sat with the twins and Mrs. Weasley on his right and Remus and Mr. Weasley on his left.
"How are you, Harry?" Remus asked after everyone had loaded their plates with sandwiches and pastries.
"Good actually," Harry replied. "But we'll talk about me later. Tell me about yourselves. How are you?"
"Now that school is back the shop is at a small lull and we are dealing more with owl orders," Fred said with a shrug.
"We got a new line idea in the works, you know the Defense line that we talked about last summer, well we are expanding on that."
"That's awesome!" Harry enthused. "Let me know if you have any products you want tested. I happen to have a wide range of people to be unsuspecting testers." The twins grins were something diabolical and Harry felt a chill slither down his spine.
"Dumbledore hasn't held many Order meetings," Remus said. "The deal with Moody and Shacklebolt is causing rifts and so Dumbledore is maintaining order by keeping them all apart. I guess he thinks the 'out of sight out of mind' mantra will work for him and once those two are sent to Azkaban then he'll bring the members together again."
"When is the trial?" Mr. Weasley asked, bracing his forearms on the table, his plate of fruits and pastries mostly ignored.
"Not sure. The first Wizengamot meeting is tomorrow and so I think it will be announced shortly after since they'll be charged before the whole council. Well, minus me. Apparently since I'm directly involved I can't have a vote, I'll be testifying."
"Are you ready for tomorrow?"
Harry nodded with a slight frown. "I think so. Avery, Lucius, and the Lestrange brothers have been giving me tips and ideas on how to deal with them. I am a bit nervous though, this will be the first time I'm really dealing with Wizard Society since everything happened."
Harry noted the discomfort around the table at the mention of the four Death Eaters. "Trust me it's not a happy relationship, it's a necessary one though, and they have their uses."
"We trust you," Remus said quietly.
"I'll be sure to be there tomorrow," Mr. Weasley said. "The first session is always a big deal and many department members attend."
"So more people will be there. Great," Harry sighed and pushed his half eaten sandwich away.
Remus clapped him on the shoulder and offered a kind smile. "Don't worry. You'll do fine. Acting under pressure has always been a strength for you."
Harry smiled weakly. "Thanks. Guess we'll find out tomorrow. Anyway, what else is new?"
"Dumbledore is requesting I go negotiate with the werewolf packs. Sway them to the Light side."
"And how's that going for you?"
Remus smirked. "Tough going," he sighed leaning back in the chair. "Stuck in the forest as I am, I don't have much access to reliable communication and so Dumbledore is leaving me be for now."
The twins and Harry snickered. "I really do appreciate what you are all doing for me. Siding with me...it means a lot," he said looking at the three adults.
"Harry dear," Mrs. Weasley said smiling, clutching at his hand. "You are as much our son as Ron or the twins. Family is more important than politics or nonsense like that. You will always have our support."
"I was one of the first people to hold you, Harry. Sirius may have been your official godfather but I considered you my godchild just the same. Dumbledore had my loyalty for the chances he offered me as a child to attend Hogwarts and then again to teach but that can't surpass the loyalty I feel to your parents for being my friends or the loyalty and love I feel for you as my godchild."
"Alright, enough with the emotions," George cut in.
"Yeah, you have our loyalty. No questions. Now get to the good stuff," Fred agreed.
"Fred, George," Mrs. Weasley scowled.
"It's alright," Harry interjected with a laugh. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything," the twins cried out.
"Well, I'm doing my studies. I've met with Madam Bones and I think I can count her as a trusted companion. She even gave—Oh, thank you Dobby," Harry said eagerly distracted when the house elf brought out treacle tart. Cutting himself a piece he was quick to get a forkful and sighed at the taste.
"You good, Harry?" Fred asked.
"Should we leave you alone with your tart?" George snickered.
"Boys," Mrs. Weasley reprimanded though it wasn't effective since Remus and Mr. Weasley were also chuckling.
Harry flushed. "I haven't had treacle tart in weeks!"
"Why not? Figured He would have plenty of elves to tend to your whims," Remus commented with a frown.
Harry snorted and took another bite. "Oh he does. He's given me my personal one, Tobi, and Mimsy is always willing to help me. But he can hardly stand sweets. Like biscuits with tea is as drastic as he usually goes on a regular day. When his followers dine with us he caves and allows real desert like pudding or chilled fruits or something equally posh. He absolutely refuses to serve treacle tart, though," Harry exclaimed in frustration. "He claims it's too plebeian," he scoffed, finishing off his favorite treat, not noticing the incredulous looks around the table.
"I'll send you some next week then," Mrs. Weasley said looking critically at him with an odd tilt to her head. "Now, what did Amelia give you?"
"Names of muggles," Harry said, his fingers starting to twist themselves to refrain from pulling his hair. "I met with Death, you know. He gave me tasks, but told me to practice Claiming Souls and so I'm taking out rapist and child molesting muggles. But, he said I should be able to talk to mum and dad and Sirius, Death said I should be ready soon," Harry said, trying to rush past the fact that he had to kill.
"You'll talk to James, Lilly and Sirius?" Remus breathed, looking like he'd been punched in the gut.
"Yeah, hopefully."
"What was that about Claiming Souls and muggles?" Mr. Weasley asked quietly. Harry sighed and gave into tugging his hair. He should have known Mr. Weasley wouldn't fall for that trick given the man had seven children.
"Yeah, guess you could call it practice. Claimed the first one this past Saturday. Like I said though they aren't good people, they are the lowest of the low, the ones who deserve to be dead. Madam Bones even gave me the names."
Harry forced himself to look in the eyes of Remus, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George. He would not be ashamed of his decisions. He was obeying Death's orders, he was ridding the world of the Unworthy. He was doing good even if it was through terrible means.
"We trust you," Remus said, gripping his shoulder and Harry felt like crying at the relief that swept over him.
"So how do you do it?" Fred asked, propping his chin up on his hand.
"What Claim a Life? Or go find them?"
"Both?" George shrugged.
"Well finding, I have a guard provided to me, not by my request but we went out to muggle London, snuck into a club and waited for one of them to show and well…" Harry shrugged.
"Who's your guard?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"A couple Slytherins that were a few years older than me. Flint, Montague, Pucey, Warrington and the Carrow twins."
"Harrykins I am wounded," George declared, clutching his heart.
"You choose those snakes over your own brothers!"
"We would be honored to visit muggle clubs with you."
"With your protection at our highest priority to be sure."
"Most assuredly your precious protection is the pinnacle of our concern."
"And yet he completely dismisses his humble brethren—"
"His most loyal constituents—"
"Oi!" Harry cut in laughing. "Sorry, sorry. I apologize for not asking you two. I'll extend the invite for you to join me next time."
"Ready?" Marvolo asked, stepping up behind him as Harry glanced over himself in the full length mirror hanging on the back of his bathroom door.
"I guess," Harry sighed, tugging at his robe sleeves. His robes had been custom ordered and had just arrived the other day. They weren't the same water silk quality as when he had first been presented to the Death Eaters but it was only a few degrees down. The silk was light weight and soft on his skin, the darkest black with his house colors of red, silver, and gold in a braided blend hemming it all. His crests were displayed in a pyramid on his breast with Potter and Black forming the base and Peverell placed at the tip since that was the most prestigious. "I am kind of looking forward to the stir I'll cause, disrupting their boring procedures," Harry chuckled and he saw Marvolo smirking through the mirror.
"It is immensely satisfying to disrupt the lives of the dull and boring."
Even though Marvolo wasn't going to the meeting, he was still dressed in pristine silk robes. Admittedly, Harry had never seen the man in what would be considered anything casual, he did take a strange comfort that he wasn't the only one dressed up. They made an intimidating pair, Harry thought as he looked at their reflections.
"Is there anything happening later?" Marvolo tilted his head in a silent question. "I mean like when I get back. There won't be a meeting or anything, will there?"
"Do you not wish there to be?"
Harry sighed. "Not really. I feel like dealing with the Wizengamot and the reporters and everything will be draining enough. I don't know if I'll be able to keep my focus and temper if you have your minions over tonight too."
Marvolo was silent and Harry nervously fussed with his hair while the other hand twitched to pull his wand and twirl it but he refrained, it was becoming a bad habit. "I will not hold a meeting tonight, nor will I have my followers in attendance for dinner."
A grateful, relieved smile spread before Harry could stop it and he met Marvolo's eyes through the mirror. "Thank you."
"Is there anything that you will want to do tonight?"
Harry shrugged. "Something quiet and simple? Honestly, I'd be fine if we just worked on finishing Mrs. Weasley's biscuit tonight in the library." Marvolo pursed his lips and Harry laughed. "Come on, you know they tasted good. I saw you eat a few last night."
"They were not atrocious."
Harry snorted and turned from the mirror to face Marvolo. "Of course, well not atrocious as they are, you're having more tonight. And I'll tell you all the ridiculousness of the meeting today."
"You're turning into quite the gossip." Marvolo commented as he and Harry left Harry's room to enter Marvolo's office where Harry would use the Floo.
"Blame Nagini, you were right, she really is the worst. But you love it, you're too nosy to not, you're just too posh to admit it." Marvolo made a distasteful sniff but didn't verbally deny it and Harry grinned. "Well, wish me luck," he said as he grabbed some Floo powder.
"You will not need it but if it brings you comfort, good luck."
Quickly Harry tossed the powder and called out his destination, his face flushing and his stomach hot and giddy at the knowledge that Marvolo thought he was ready and prepared enough to not need a wish for good luck but that he gave it anyway because Harry asked for it.
He needed to leave. Surely the Wizengamot wouldn't bring him such strange emotions.
The dizzying nausea of the Floo distracted him well enough and by the time he was stumbling out of the Ministry Floo he deemed himself focused enough. Harry entered the Ministry Lobby and had a few moments of blessed anonymity before people noticed him and soon he had a large circle around himself as people stared in awe, fear, and curiosity.
Harry took a deep breath and straightened his back, he had to play this right. He was their Golden Child and he was a Lord to three Houses and he was a Necromancer. The balancing act had to be perfect. Back straight, head held high, he kept a soft, nervous smile on his face as he gave a small head tilt of a nod to the bystanders.
"Lord Potter!" Ah, the reporters had arrived Harry thought to himself and turned to face the camera clad and quill scratching journalists.
"Good morning," Harry said neutrally. The crowd grew larger as people came out of their offices and people still arrived by Floo. He spotted a few of Marvolo's followers both those here for the Wizengamot and others just working.
"Is it true you are claiming your House seats today?" A ragged looking man called out.
"But of course," Harry said with a boyish grin. "It's why I got all dressed up today after all. Trust me, I don't prefer such expensive robes typically." A few in the crowd chuckled and Harry felt the tension in his shoulders ease slightly. He could do this. Boyish and innocent, he'd never really been either but he'd seen it in others.
"Can we see your Necromancy Mark?" A voice in the crowd called out and a strange hush fell over the Ministry Lobby.
"No, sorry," he said, trying to sound as apologetic as possible despite his annoyance at the question. "I don't wish to start disrobing to show it after all and I highly doubt the Lobby is the best place to do so anyway."
"What is the meaning of this?" A stern voice called out and the crowd parted around Madam Bones, dressed in her Wizengamot finest, her monocle glinting in the Lobby light. "Ah, Lord Potter, I should have suspected you'd be behind this circus."
Harry grinned and stuck out his hand. "Guilty, it's a pleasure to see you again Madam Bones."
She smiled in return and shook his hand in return. "Come with me, the meeting should start soon after all, though I doubt any would consider starting without you there."
Harry laughed and fell into step beside the woman and the crowd started to dissolve through the reporters still followed along they hung back as the other Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot started to gather behind Harry and Madam Bones. They made small talk as they walked but Harry was still tense. He knew every single person was watching his actions and who he was talking to. Everything he did was under scrutiny.
The Wizengamot room was cavernous, elegant and intricate. The seats of the Lords and Ladies were ancient and intimidating in their polished solid wood, sturdy and unbending.
"Ah, Lord Potter, allow me to introduce a dear friend of mine, Lady Longbottom." Harry turned from his examination of the room to see the imposing, older woman standing next to Madam Bones.
"Lady Longbottom," he said, giving a respectful bow. "A pleasure to meet you again."
"Lord Potter," she said with a small curtsy. Her robes were immaculate, the Longbottom crest in burgundy against the black, her vulture hat and large handbag that Harry remembered from Neville's boggart in Third Year were missing. "My grandson always speaks well of you and I find myself looking forward to seeing changes you shall bring."
"Thank you. Your support and good will bring me great comfort. And I believe it is Neville who deserves the most praise in our friendship. I don't know where I would be without him."
"Undoubtedly," she said with a satisfied nod. "Come, Amelia, Amos is wishing to speak with us."
"Well, here is where I leave you, Lord Potter," Madam Bones said turning to him. "I must go and start intermingling with the idiots here and I know you also need to do the same." Harry grimaced and Madam Bones laughed which drew stares. "I feel the same. Look for my owl, I wish for us to have lunch soon and maybe you can fill me in on some details of your business ventures?"
Harry nodded and tried a smile. He should have known Madam Bones would want to be kept fully in the loop of his training. "I will. I had some success this weekend."
"Wonderful." She held his eye a few moments more before dropping his hand and wandering off with Lady Longbottom. Harry was glad they didn't invite him, he wasn't sure how to deal with Amos Diggory at the moment.
"Harry, dear boy," the bolstering tone of the Minister had Harry almost grimacing as he turned to face the rotund man. Avery, Nott, Yaxley, and two others that Harry didn't recognize came with him. "So glad you could make it today. I wasn't sure if the rumors were true about you wishing to claim your seats."
"Lord Potter, Minister," Harry corrected politely as the man pumped his hand enthusiastically. At the astonished look on the man's face, Harry was quick to throw on his boyish grin again. "We are in public after all," he nodded to the gathering crowd in the viewing seats. Mr. Weasley had been right, it was certainly packed. He felt a momentary relief at seeing the familiar redhead before turning back to the Minister. "We don't want others to think you're playing favorites after all."
A greasy smile spread across the man's face, Minister Fudge nodded knowingly and tapped the side of his nose with a wink. "Of course, of course. Such a smart boy, to be expected though, everything considered." Harry smiled, at least that's what he hoped was on his face because it felt more like a grimace but Fudge didn't seem bothered by it.
"Thank you sir. I've been trying to read up on court proceedings, so I'd be prepared." Here Harry hoped to have the proper amount of nerves showing, the admittance would hopefully help his naive appearance.
"Reading up, eh? Good for you, we'll make a worthy politician out of him yet, isn't that right?" He asked the five other men who all gave nods and chuckles. The eyes of the Death Eater members glinting with the hidden glee of knowing more than those around them. "Now, where is it that you've been studying up?"
"In the library at the ancestral home I'm staying at," Harry replied honestly.
"Ah yes." Harry could almost see the greed growing in the man's eyes. "Now, what ancestral home would that be?"
"Well, I am the Lord of three Houses, so I do have my pick," Harry laughed, flourishing his ringed hand. "But I'd prefer not to release the exact one for privacy and safety reasons. I'm sure you're aware, Minister, of how difficult it's been for me in the past to keep some aspects of my life private." Fudge nodded understandingly but looked a little upset at not learning where Harry was staying. "Besides, you've yet to introduce me to your colleagues. I feel rude excluding them from the conversation like this."
Fudge beamed again and clapped a hand to Harry's shoulder. "Such a polite boy, I've always said so. Yes, the introductions. Lord Potter, allow me to introduce you to Lords Avery, Nott, Ogden, Yaxley, and Fawley. All fine gentlemen, I'd advise that if you have any concerns or questions in regards to the Wizengamot to seek them out."
Harry shook each man's hand, as if he'd never met any of them. Ogden was the oldest, with greying hair and a wrinkled face and a thicker stomach while Fawley looked fairly young, maybe early thirties with dirty blonde hair and a thick, well trimmed beard. "A pleasure to meet you," Harry said politely. "I look forward to learning what you have to teach me."
"We shall reach out in a few days, invite you over for some discussion. Maybe introduce you to my family's product," Ogden said, his voice booming and genial. Harry found himself liking the man immediately.
"Another thing I look forward to then," Harry laughed to the amused chuckles of the group.
"My son and daughter always spoke of such interesting things, Lord Potter. Such grand adventures that I'm sure you'll enlighten us about over drinks," Fawley added.
"Your son and daughter?"
"Addison and Sullivan, both in Hufflepuff, seventh and third year."
"Well, I look forward to meeting them properly and I can only hope my stories will live up to the hype."
"I'm sure they will be enlightening and entertaining. Come with me, let me introduce you to a few more members before we begin," Fawley said.
"I'd like that. Again, it was nice speaking with you again Minister, Lords," Harry said with nods to Yaxley, Nott, Ogden, and Avery.
"Look for my owl, Lord Potter," Ogden called back as Harry followed Fawley away. Harry grinned and nodded, trying to look like the eager teenager he was.
Fawley guided Harry to another gathering of five men and women. "Lords, Ladies, allow me to introduce our soon-to-be newest member, Lord Potter. Lord Potter, allow me to introduce Lord Macmillan, Lady Abbott, Lord Goldstein, Lady Brocklehurst, and Lord Davies."
"Pleasure to meet you," Harry said politely nodding his head to each, since none of them reached out to shake his hand. Still leery of his Inheritance, he thought.
"The pleasure is ours, getting to meet the man we hear so much about," Lord Goldstein said and his tone was so neutral that Harry had no way to read the man. All of the people in this group were parents of his former schoolmates. He wondered what stories their children had told of him and if those stories were also influencing their hesitancy about him.
Harry opened his mouth to say something, he still wasn't sure what when a hush fell over the chamber. Turning slightly to glance over his shoulder, Harry felt his stomach drop and his temper rise.
Dumbledore had arrived. Harry took deep breaths and consciously kept a hold on both his magic and anger.
"Cutting it close, isn't he?" Lady Abbott commented softly to Lady Brocklehurst and Harry looked at her curiously and so she spoke louder, flushing lightly at having been overheard. "Session is just about to start. Usually Dumbledore arrives with plenty of time to chat."
"Given the animosity between him and our newest member here, if the papers are to be believed, it's even more surprising that the Headmaster wasn't here to do possible damage control," Lord Davies commented lowly and he probably hadn't meant for Harry to hear and so he pretended he hadn't, cataloguing the comment for later use.
"Well, if the session is about to start, I'm sorry that I won't be able to talk with you all for longer," Harry said, purposefully turning away from Dumbledore and his sparkling lavender robes to show just how unbothered he was.
"Oh don't you worry, there will be plenty of time for chatting and acquainting ourselves later," Lady Abbott assured him. "If not after the session, then maybe we can coordinate a lunch to share?"
"I don't see why we can't do both," Harry said easily.
The Ladies tittered and Lords Macmillan and Fawley smirked. "I agree, Lord Potter, we should work to do both," Lord Macmillan said. "Until after the session," he said and the group gave their polite nods goodbye before Harry found himself momentarily alone. Not wanting to be approached by anyone, Harry strode purposefully towards the front of the seated members. This was where speakers stood when addressing the Court or where new members stood before claiming their House Seat and declaring their affiliation. If things were about to start then he wanted to be ready.
The Court was a simple set up of ornate chairs on a semi-circle tiered platform facing the Speaker Platform where Harry stood and then the Chief Warlock and Minister and Secretary seats to the left of Harry and the audience seats were directly behind Harry, facing the Court. The Platform, Court, and Overseer seats formed an odd looking triangle, including the audience seating it'd be a 'T'.
The top tier, where Harry would sit, held the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses. According to Avery and Malfoy, since he had multiple seats he would sit under the banner of the most prestigious, Peverell, not that it mattered much since all three of his Houses were on the same tier. He had the ability to fully combine all three Houses and make them one but Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to yet. He liked the separation, he felt combining them all would end up losing each House's history, Peverell already was all but lost to memory.
The next level was the Most Ancient and Noble Houses and next the Ancient and Noble Houses and lastly just the Noble Houses. The tiers were further separated into three parts: Light, Neutral, and Dark. The Neutral was a small sliver separating the other two sides. Harry noted Ogden, Fawley, Bones, Brocklehurst, and another lady he didn't recognize sitting in that faction and none of the Neutral families sat in the Most Ancient and Most Noble tier. Avery, Malfoy, and the Lestrange brothers, had all commented on how the Neutral faction was more of a formality. No one really took them seriously and they were mainly an afterthought in gaining votes.
Harry felt a giddy buzz warming his stomach as the anticipation of the session started building. Slowly, everyone took their seats and Harry became the focal point of every eye in the Court as he stood on the Speaker Platform, holding his head high. He gripped his hands into fists hidden under his robe folds to stop himself from gripping his hair or twirling his wand. He wanted to appear young, boyish, and naive —at least at first to gain an upper hand over their lowered expectations—but he refused to lose any respect with nonsense fidgeting.
Dumbledore shot off a few bangs from his wand and complete silence descended. "Welcome, Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot for the commencement of the new congressional year. As it is the first session, we should not expect to be held very long and so let us commence with the legislative matters on the agenda."
Harry thought the following pause was far longer than necessary and he wondered if Dumbledore would try to stop him from claiming his seats, even though there was no grounding for it. He'd checked the laws, had Avery, the Lestrange brothers, and Malfoy check the laws, and had asked Madam Bones to check the laws. Harry was certain he was safe. His heart began to pound harder the longer the silence stretched and Harry again wondered if he was being paranoid, no one else seemed concerned.
"First up on the list is someone wishing to claim House seats. Harry, my boy, are you certain you wish to do this?"
His anger flared hot and he clenched his hand tighter as he turned to face the stand where Dumbledore, the Minister, and a scrawny, mousy woman writing sat. "It is Lord Potter-Black-Peverell, Chief Warlock, and I would appreciate you adhering to the proper terms of address. And yes, I wish to do so, or else I wouldn't have arrived today." He couldn't help the bit of sass and heard a few muffled chuckles from both the Court and audience.
"I am merely expressing the concern that I'm sure many of the Court feels in regards to your tender age and lack of a completed education," Dumbledore replied, looking gravely sage and concerned for Harry as he spoke.
"Again, I appreciate you addressing the unvoiced concerns, Chief Warlock," Harry replied, again emphasizing the use of the title and Dumbledore's lack of it. "However, my tender age was not a concern when I was forced to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. And in regards to the educational concerns, I have obtained my O.W.L.s which recognizes me as an accomplished wizard. I am also working to achieve N.E.W.T.S as well, in the past there have been those who hold seats without even a single N.E.W.T. or O.W.L., so my education should hold no grounding. In addition, it wasn't my choice to not return to school, but due to matters outside my hands."
"You mean to say you claimed your Lordship seats without understanding that it would be withdrawing you from school? I feel that decision just reflects your teenage ignorance and would recommend you again reconsider your choice. Claiming seats isn't something to brashly rush into."
"I didn't claim my Lordships in hopes of claiming my seats," Harry retorted sharply. "I had no idea it's true, but I claimed my Lordships in hopes of gaining access to my late parents and godfathers' wills." Harry hated playing the 'orphan card' but in this case it was the complete truths and these truths might gain him sympathies. He heard quills scratching from the reporters in the audience. "In hopes of achieving a sense of closure from their deaths, politics was the furthest from my mind. Nevertheless, I claimed my Lordships and am now prepared to claim my seats. This is not a brash decision Chief Warlock. I was already disqualified from attending school before I claimed my seats anyway, so the matter of my Lordships is unimportant. My Inheritance disqualified me, not my Lordships. Please, get your information correct next time you throw assumptions."
There was silence and Harry refused to face the crowd and audience or acknowledge them in his peripherals, staring Dumbledore down with a hard stare. "Enough of this, Dumbledore," Minister Fudge finally spoke. "This interrogation is ridiculous. No other member has had to testify their credibility in claiming seats. I see no reason to start. Now, allow Lord Potter the proper ceremony so that we may keep this first session short as intended."
Harry had never felt so grateful for the Minister then in that moment. Dumbledore looked haggard but nodded. "Of course, of course, merely the concern of an aged wizard. Please, Harry, do continue."
"It is Lord Potter-Black-Peverell, Chief Warlock," Harry repeated through gritted teeth before spinning back to face the Court to recite the words of ceremony. "Esteemed Wizengamot members, I stake my intention to join your numbers. I, Harry James Potter, do hereby claim my House seats for the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Potter, the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Black, and the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Peverell. Do the esteemed members of the court accept my intention?"
The three representative members of the faction stood as one in a fluid motion.
"The Most Ancient and Most Noble House Abbott representative of the Light Faction, accepts your intention."
"The Most Ancient and Noble House Ogden representative of the Neutral Faction, accepts your intention.'
"The Most Ancient and Most Noble House Malfoy representative of the Dark Faction, accepts your intention."
"Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, I do express my humble appreciation of your acceptance of my person, as the new Lord Potter-Black-Peverell," Harry finished the initiation with a bow. He hoped his face wasn't flushed embarrassingly red from the way his blood raced. The representatives bowed in acknowledgment and sat.
Now it was time to declare his faction and Harry's heart raced once again, knowing this would cause the most controversy. Harry opened his mouth to begin when Dumbledore spoke over him. "Congratulations for your acceptance and thank you for joining the Wizengamot, Harry. Now if you would take your seat we can begin."
"Chief Warlock, as I have said numerous times already, I wish for you to address me by my proper title. We have just gone through the ceremony of it and so surely you can't have forgotten so quickly or should the Wizengamot members be concerned for your aged memory. Please, address me as Lord Potter-Black-Peverell as is my right." Dumbledore acted chastised but his eyes flared. "Now, before I take my seat, I was under the impression that I need to declare my faction. Is that not still the case? Admittedly, the books I studied are from an ancestral library that has been empty for many years and might not be the most up-to-date."
"Your books are still correct, Lord Potter," the Minister interrupted. "It is time for you to join your faction."
"Thank you, Minister."
"Forgive me, Lord Potter-Black-Peverell," Dumbledore chimed in, his blue eyes twinkling once again. "It was my assumption that your declaration was already known, being that the Potters are of the Light faction and it is where your Proxy has voted."
Harry, still facing the Wizengamot, put on his most genuine frown, allowing his hand to go up and tug at his hair in uncertainty. "My Proxy? But who was that? I never even knew of my Lordships till this past August, I hadn't nominated anyone."
The murmurs of surprise swept through the Court and audience so quickly that Harry thought he couldn't have coordinated it better if he'd tried.
"Well, I have been acting as your Proxy being your Magical Guardian," Dumbledore said and Harry thought —though it could have been wishful thinking—that he heard a slight tremor of nerves in the mans voice.
"You were my Magical Guardian? Well, it's a day of new information all around, isn't it?" Harry asked with a light laugh. "Well, I'm happy to have relieved you of those unasked for duties, Chief Warlock, though to be sure I'll be looking into it," Harry continued. In fact, the Lestrange brothers and Avery had already provided him with the past three years of votes the Headmaster had cast in his favor and were working on digging through the records for the rest.
Dropping his hand, he straightened his shoulders as if trying to regain his former stride. "Now, may I continue with the ceremony of joining the Wizengamot or will you continue to interrupt. You're the one who said you wanted to keep today's session short."
The Minister chuckled this time, looking delighted at the animosity. No doubt, Fudge was looking to use this separation to his benefit. "Yes, yes, Dumbledore, allow Lord Potter to continue."
"Thank you, now as the Chief Warlock has mentioned, the Potters were of the Light faction traditionally. However, I do not just hold the Potter seat. I have Black and Peverell to consider as well and the Blacks were traditionally Dark."
Harry felt the thickness of the silence building. Both the Light and the Dark wanted his three seats on their side. Each faction would crave the influence his votes would yield and the notoriety of having the Harry Potter among them, and have the closeness of a Necromancer in their Court. Dumbledore, too, was just waiting for Harry to join the Dark faction, to give credibility to the lies and fear mongering he was trying to spread.
Harry had only spoken with Marvolo about his choice and they'd discussed it at length.
"I, Harry James Potter, do declare my faction allegiance for the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Potter, the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Black, and the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Peverell to the Neutral faction. Does the Neutral Faction accept my allegiance?"
Astonished silence rang once more and Harry felt a giddy laughter building up but tamped down hard on it. He reveled in the silence he had brought, how he had completely turned every single stuffy politician's plans on their heads. It was a powerful feeling and Harry could empathize Marvolo's craving of it.
Lord Ogden stood and though he hid it well, his eyes were wider than normal and his voice had a stunned quality. "The Most Ancient and Noble House Ogden representative of the Neutral Faction, accepts your allegiance."
Upon speaking the words, the Most Ancient and Most Noble tier gained an additional seat in the Neutral faction. Grinning through his bow to Lord Ogden, Harry left the Speaker Platform, his footsteps echoing in the silence and he moved to sit in the ornate chair. It was solid wood with a black cushion, his House crests embellished the chair back in a vertical formation along the spine with the Peverell one resting at the top. Ogden and Madam Bones sat directly in front of him, with Fawley and the unknown lady below them. Brocklehurst held the lowest tier in the Neutral faction.
"Lord Potter-Black-Peverell, are you certain in this choice?" Dumbledore finally asked, breaking the silence which dissolved into whispers. It was like being in the Great Hall.
"Quite certain, Chief Warlock. And I should say your continued questioning of my decisions is both patronizing and undermining. I may be young but I am not dumb."
"Of course, Lord Potter-Black-Peverell, though I'm sure the rest of the court would appreciate an explanation," Dumbledore continued.
Harry narrowed his eyes. "I don't understand why I should have to explain my choice. But I shall enlighten the Court and our distinguished guests," he added with a gracious nod to the audience. "As stated, Potter is Light and Black is Dark and none but myself know where Peverell traditionally sided with but I know it to be the Neutral Faction aligning with our honored familial Inheritance of Necromancy. Death is impartial, it cares not for Light and Dark. House Peverell is my most prominent Lordship, especially since I share the family Inheritance. So, Neutral is the faction I choose."
Harry didn't look around, though the murmurs continued after his talk of Necromancy and knew many eyes were still on him. Instead he met Dumbledore's eyes. Even from this distance, Harry could see the man inwardly fuming, the blue eyes hard and furious. Harry smirked and met the stare head on, unwavering, until Dumbledore turned away under the pretense of starting the next item on the agenda.
Harry settled into his seat. Already today had been productive. He'd claimed his seats, stirred up expectation with his faction choice and had started sowing the seeds against Dumbledore.
"Now, onto the next and last next matters of business. The agenda for the following years sessions. First is the introduction of several laws that are being put forth during the remaining year. A new list will be put forth after the New Year. The documents will appear before your faction leader and be dispersed. During the next session they will be debated and during the following, voted on." Harry hoped no one noticed his surprised start when a stack of parchment appeared in front of him. He knew that since he held the highest tier in the faction he would be the leader but knowing was quite different from the reality of experiencing it. "Next is the scheduling of a trial for former Aurors, Mister Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mister Alastor Moody. It is to be held November 5th, more details will be released as we draw closer. However, myself and Lord Potter-Black-Peverell will not hold our positions of Court during the trial since we shall be acting as witnesses," Dumbledore said all of this very casually as he read from the parchment in front of him, his quill ticking off the items on the list as if mentioning the impending trial had no impact on his life at all. "And lastly, the list of charity events held in the remainder of the year and which are still looking for sponsors. Again the list will be passed out from the faction leaders. The floor is open, is there any who wish to address the Court?" Silence reigned. Harry knew from what others had briefed him that it was very rare for someone to speak up. "So concludes the first session of the congressional year. Have a good day, Lords and Ladies." Dumbledore shot off a few bangs from his wand and stood.
The Court dissolved into the din of multiple conversations. "Lord Potter the Neutral Faction typically convenes for lunch after sessions. Join us, yes? You can pass out the documents then as well." Lord Ogden still looked amiable and genuine but his tone didn't offer room for refusal.
Harry nodded. "Right yes." Harry hurried down the tiers following the larger, older gentleman, putting the documents in his robe pocket, and falling into step with Madam Bones and Lord Fawley. Lady Brocklehurst and the other member stood behind him and as they walked Harry had the odd impression that they were acting as a guard.
Reaching the main lobby, Harry was very grateful for those around him whether they were intentionally guarding him or not. "I have to say something to them," Harry said softly, looking at the reporters crowding behind the group. Apparently being in the Court offered some protection from reporters but outside the room, the crowd felt obliged to swarm him. Ogden stopped and sighed before nodding his head. Harry walked out from between Madam Bones and Lady Brocklehurst. "Hello," he said with a boyish smile. "I'm sure you all have questions. But I'm afraid I only have time for a few. My faction members and I are needing lunch."
"Lord Potter, you have caused quite the stir in choosing the Neutral Faction. Is there anything we can expect to happen with the Neutral Faction now that you are in charge?" Rita Skeeter asked, pushing to the front of the reporter crowd.
"Who can say. I know I will be needing the guidance of my faction members, as today is my first day. However, I'm sure that between the six of us, we can continue stirring the pot as I did today with my choosing. I am still young after all, we aren't typically known for sitting still."
There was a fond chuckle among the crowd. "There are some who will say you only chose the Neutral Faction so that you could be the leader. What do you say?" Another reporter called out.
"People will always seek the worst to bring someone down," Harry sighed. "I've experienced that often, last year was and the year before comes to mind. But I truly do align most with the Neutral viewpoints. So if someone claims I only chose it for more control or power, well they are free to think it, but that doesn't make it true."
"What new changes will you be bringing to the Wizengamot?" Another reporter asked, a curly haired man with thick glasses.
Harry smirked. "Who knows what the future will bring. I can't foresee anything, sadly my Inheritance didn't unlock a Seers ability. But I hope to only help guide the wizarding world into a more enlightened, accepting age. In the coming sessions I'm sure I'll be able to elaborate further. None of that can be accomplished on an empty stomach though. So I must go grab lunch with my fellow Lords and Ladies. Have a good day," he said pleasantly before turning to join Madam Bones and Lady Brocklehurst.
"You're quite the charmer, Lord Potter," Lady Brocklehurst commented when they left the Ministry.
"Yes," Lord Ogden murmured. "You're not the naive boy you play either. But more on that over lunch."
"Where do you usually eat?" Harry asked.
"Usually we would grab a meal at the ministry cafe," the unknown lady said. "But now that you are with us, I doubt the cafe will be able to hold us and the fanfare. So we shall need a new spot."
"I know a spot, just opened recently," Lord Fawley said. "It's in Hogsmeade though."
"Alright, apparate to Hogsmeade and take us there then, Seth," Lord Ogden said.
"Er-" Harry began, fidgeting slightly.
"Problem, Lord Potter?" Madam Bones asked.
"I...um… can't apparate yet."
"Oh, right. Well, I will side-along apparate you. Grab my arm," Madam Bones said, holding out her hand as the others disappeared.
The new place happened to be a quaint restaurant that looked to be for finer dining called the Lotus Flower. Inside was refreshingly cool and the tables all held wine glasses and sparkling silverware on top of pristine table cloths. There were a few patrons already, mostly older couples since it was the middle of the day during a workweek. The hostess was only too eager to guide them to a secluded table in the corner that held privacy charms. Madam Bones added to the charms once everyone was seated.
"I think we will take a bottle of your house wine and a sampling of your bruschetta for the table," Lady Brocklehurst told the waiter after everyone had given their entree orders.
The waiter nodded and promptly left. "Wine won't be an issue, will it, Lord Potter?" the unknown lady asked.
Harry struggled to get a read on the woman, she seemed more standoffish towards him then the others. Middle-aged with black hair held in an intricate bun on her head, thin and pointed but regal in the way she held herself.
"No, wine is fine. I'm not well acquainted with it but I'm working on it."
"Don't worry, Lord Potter, I'll get you trained on properly enjoying a fine drink," Lord Ogden promised him.
"I look forward to it. Before we begin, please, call me Harry. We are fellow faction members, I feel like titles will get tedious."
"Sounds fair, I'm Seth," Lord Fawley said, his thick blonde hair and beard catching the light from the chandelier above them.
"And you may call me, Amelia."
"Tiberius," Lord Ogden said looking up as the waitress returned with their wine and appetizers.
"Madeline," Lady Brocklehurst replied as the wine was poured.
"And I am Evangeline."
"What House are you from, Evangeline?" Harry asked, putting a bruschetta on his plate.
"The Ancient and Noble House MacDougal. My daughter, Morag, is a Ravenclaw in your year."
"Yes, sadly, I didn't interact much with Morag but she always seemed a nice girl."
"I have no doubt you will be meeting her more frequently now."
Harry must have looked confused because Lord Ogden began chuckling. "Each faction hosts their own get-together every month. It's to strengthen the alliance formed. It's also to get the younger generation interacting for when they take over the house seats and continue the alliance."
"Oh. Sounds great."
"It's nothing to worry about," Lady Brocklehurst assured him laughing. "You look horrified."
"Sorry, I'm not great with the whole small talk intermingling deal that typically accompanies those types of events."
"Could have fooled me. The way you were before the session started, mingling with everyone and acting the proper politician," Lord Fawley smirked. "You were an old hat at the whole thing."
"Before the session it was easy and it was temporary. Events, like charity events and galas and that sort of thing? Terrifying. I was a mess at the Yule Ball in Fourth Year."
"It's just a get together. We are a small faction, usually it is a simple dinner. Nothing to worry about," Madam Bones said.
"Now, about you being an old hat. You are far more than the naive boy you pretended to be. What are you playing at?" Lord Ogden asked. The bruschetta was finished now but the wine hadn't been touched.
Harry stayed silent and observed the five at the table. Madam Bones knew the best of his plans but even she didn't know it all. "As I told the reporters, I want to help lead the wizarding world into a more accepting and enlightened age. To do that I need the assistance and support of the members of the Court. People are more likely to let their guards down around someone young and inexperienced, more open to listening. I already hold a lot of power and control from my seats and even my Inheritance. If I push with the power behind me, people will be defensive and fight me, threatened by my power coupled with my young age. Naive, they don't expect it."
The entrees were brought out and the appetizers cleared as the five let that sink in. Harry worried he might have said too much. "To the new Neutral Faction," Lord Ogden said finally, raising his wine glass. "To our new leadership and to the Neutral Faction making waves and strides, no longer will we be merely a formality."
"To the Neutral Faction," the rest of the table chimed in. Harry felt a wave of relief sweep through him.
"We will meet again to discuss the ways you want to make these changes," Lady MacDougal said. "For now let us enjoy our meal."
And enjoy they did. Harry was still a little tense. He was only sixteen. Seth Fawley was the next youngest and he was thirty seven. And the group was already tight-knit, having worked together in the same faction for years. The last monewest member had been Madeline Brocklehurst after her husband passed six years ago. At the end of lunch, Harry felt less like an outsider though and had a better feel for the members. Lord Ogden and Lady Brocklehurst leaned more Dark while Madam Bones, Lady MacDougal and Lord Fawley leaned more Light, with him they were now fully even in their neutrality. He handed out the different documents before parting and waited until the others left before ducking into the Three Broomsticks and using Rosmerta's Floo.
Exhaustion swept over him as he stumbled out of the Floo. Harry hadn't realized how draining playing nice and acting the part was. His exhaustion quickly evaporated though when he saw the man standing in the office with Marvolo.
"Ah, Potter, I'm glad to see you've returned. I had wondered after my followers had checked in a few hours ago."
"Right, sorry. I grabbed lunch with my new faction members," Harry replied, briefly glancing at Marvolo before turning to look back at the man.
They'd never been properly introduced but Harry still recognized him through the tales others told. Solidly built, towering almost a foot above him, with wiry, greying hair pulled back at the nape of his thick neck, and a feral grin set against glinting amber eyes—Fenrir Greyback.
"Potter," the werewolf rasped.
"Greyback," Harry replied. He'd heard so many horror stories. Stories of how the werewolf would attack children, how he was deranged. He didn't look deranged right now. He looked respectable, dressed in nice but worn robes, but Harry knew how well the proper mask and appearance could influence perception. The werewolf sniffed loudly. "You don't smell scared. How come?"
Harry shrugged. "Should I?"
"You know who I am, boy?"
"Do you know who I am, wolf?"
The man released a loud, rough, grating laughter that sent unpleasant chills down Harry's arms. "Feisty, yes, or foolish. Ever faced a werewolf under the full moon."
"Yes." Harry's answer obviously was not what Greyback or Marvolo expected and they both looked shocked, to varying degrees. Harry realized that while Pettigrew had probably told Marvolo all about the encounter in the Shack, the traitor had escaped before Remus finished turning and so hadn't told Marvolo that part of the story. "Third Year I faced a turned werewolf and a hoard of dementors in the same night. The next year I faced a dragon. Forgive me if I'm not quaking in terror now. But you're a few years too late. Maybe my Second Year? But no, I was facing a Basilisk then. Guess you should have swung by my First Year then."
Greyback strode forward, so that Harry had to crane his neck to maintain eye contact. "You would have made a good wolf." Greyback leaned closer and sniffed again. "Still might."
"Try it," Harry growled, feeling his magic bubbling under his skin as he watched the glint in Greyback's eyes grow stronger as the werewolf snarled.
"Fenrir, Potter. Enough. Potter, leave us."
Harry glared at Greyback some more before turning to look at Marvolo. The dismissal stung. Without another word, Harry turned on his heel and strode out of the office to his room. Throwing himself on his bed, he pulled at his hair and rubbed his eyes. He was too tired for this.
Why should he care who held Marvolo's attention? He didn't, of course he didn't. So he had grown used to being the one Marvolo typically talked to and listened to. So he had grown accustomed to feeling superior to the other Death Eaters. But he wasn't a Death Eater so why should he care? He didn't. He really didn't. He was just tired from the draining day coupled with the wine from lunch. That's all. His emotions were out of whack from alcohol and exhaustion. That was all. He didn't care if Marvolo didn't want to talk to him. He didn't care if Marvolo chose some werewolf over him. He really didn't.
Grumbling to himself, he shrugged out of his formal robes and called Tobi for some tea. Grabbing the documents listing the new laws and the upcoming events, Harry curled into his sitting room chair and took a few gulps of the perfectly warmed tea.
Choosing to focus on the calendar events, Harry summoned the large calendar he had gotten Dobby to get for him the week before. Taking a note out of Hermione's book, he had color coordinated his events. His Necromancy items were in black, he thought it fitting. Currently it was just the New Moon dates and his 'Muggle Hunting' outings. Wizengamot sessions and the charity events were to be in blue, he thought, dipping the quill in a dark blue ink, marking the dates for the coming months, he'd have the meetings and luncheons for out of session politicking in a light blue once those were scheduled. Lastly, he had his friends Hogsmeade weekend trips marked in red. Harry stared at the calendar, in standard ink he had his study schedule marked on each day as well. He would have to rearrange those study days occasionally to accommodate his growing demands on his time.
By the time he had finished updating his calendar it was time for dueling practice. Still tired but looking forward to the distraction and adrenaline rush, Harry headed for the Dueling Room. It was just him and Marvolo today and Marvolo must have sensed that Harry didn't have the mental strength to learn new spells and so put him through drills where he didn't have to think, he just had to act. Dueling time was for spell work. By some unspoken agreement, the two never discussed anything other than dueling and defense, nothing other than spells.
It wasn't until after dinner, the two of them holed up in the library, as they did most evenings, sharing a pot of tea and the rest of Mrs. Weasley's biscuits —Harry coaxing Marvolo to have another biscuit and another— that Harry fully lost whatever feeling had plagued him since being dismissed from Marvolo's office.
He told Marvolo all about the Wizengamot, what he had told reporters, what Dumbledore had said and his responses, who his new faction members were, everything that had happened. Even if it was trivial, because Marvolo seemed interested. Interested in Harry's observations about the other Lords and Ladies, interested in how Harry was eager to get lessons in alcohol from Tiberius Ogden, interested in Harry's thoughts on the food at the new restaurant in Hogsmeade.
Glancing across the coffee table that held their tea pot, cups and tin of biscuits, their papers and books pushed off to their respective side tables as they chatted, Harry noticed how relaxed Marvolo looked. Reclining in the armchair directly across from where Harry was curled in his own favorite chair, the crackle of the fireplace off to the side, the flames dancing and highlighting Marvolo's handsome face, softening his features and making his red eyes look warmer. Harry felt content and warm, relaxing in the moment as they discussed the benefits of social gatherings versus how mentally taxing they could be and which held more precedence in deciding to attend.
It struck him suddenly in that moment as he watched Marvolo emphasize the importance of small talk, a half eaten biscuit held in his elegant fingers that Harry realized that for the first time in his life, he was happy. Truly, fully, and completely, happy. He'd been happy in the past, sure. He'd shared laughs with friends and happy memories at Hogwarts but they had been fleeting. Now, the feeling of contented happiness spread through him.
He owed that feeling to the man across from him. Without Marvolo accepting his alliance and accepting to take him into the Dark side, teaching and helping him without complaint, Harry wasn't sure where he'd be. He might even be dead. He definitely wouldn't be here, enjoying the warmth of the fire, debating with Marvolo, feeling the happiest he'd ever been. Hell, Harry never would have expected this turn in his life, this time last year he was plagued by Umbridge, haunted dreams, fluctuating emotional extremes of fear and anger. He'd be forever grateful to Marvolo.
And maybe, just maybe, this happiness could be permanent, the thought niggled in the back of his mind as he sank into the warmth and contented buzz surrounding him. Maybe, Harry could remain here in Slytherin Manor with Marvolo permanently. Maybe this arrangement didn't have to be temporary...