Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 26
Previously
"You know how we've been having trouble finding proof that Lockhart is a fraud?" Sirius asked.
"Yes?"
"Well, it seems Harry asked Ms. Skeeter to look into it and she's found the evidence we need."
"Really? I thought that Dumbledore and his supporters in the ministry were making it hard for the investigators."
Sirius grumbled, "He was - why he wants the fraud to keep his job, I don't know."
"He probably fears what the repercussions will be if the public finds out he hired such a fool," Remus said.
"It shouldn't matter, he has a duty of care and he's failing," Sirius said happily.
Remus chuckled. "Most people would look sad by that."
"I'm not most people."
"Are you going to let Harry or Lucius know?"
"Yes, I'll write to them both," Sirius promised. Oh, what a good day this was turning out to be.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Late November 1992
Harry was counting down the days until the 21st of December; he wanted to see what would come from Luna's insight. He knew it would be spectacular thanks to the build up provided by Sirius and Lucius. Looking back, Harry was glad that the two had never teamed up in his last life - together they were a force to be reckoned with.
It had started up immediately after what Harry called his coming out—after he had set Rita onto Lockhart. Harry had waited with bated breath each morning, reading the subtle hints she would drop.
It had started with an article on the illegality of memory charms.
Ministry Blunders: Memory Charms Not So Charming
By Rita Skeeter
In a recent investigation, I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire and seeker of truth, went undercover to discover the secrets of the Ministry's lack of control when it comes to one of the most delicate branches of mind magic…
The article had brought to light how easily mind magic, like the Obliviate charm, can be used and abused and how the ministry had no procedures set in place for the control of the branch.
After reading it, Harry had watched in fascination as Lockhart held his composure. The man really was a good actor when the situation called for it - the only sign he was bothered by the article was a slight tightening of his eyes and a subtle stiffening of his back.
Next came an article on Azkaban, the conditions, and a proposal for a tightening of sentences.
Azkaban: The Truth - Dementors or Demons?
By Rita Skeeter
Many of us know the name, but how many can say they know the truth about Azkaban? I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire and seeker of truth, decided it was time to really expose the deep dark secrets of the hellish island…
That article had made the man blanche and Harry snort. True, the prison was nothing to joke about and thinking of Sirius there made him shiver, but the man's reaction was gold. Severus also quickly caught on to the ongoing situation after a particularly entertaining article and cornered Harry after a Potions lesson.
Truth and Lies
By Rita Skeeter
In a recent top secret investigation, I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire and seeker of truth, have discovered something so shocking that I tremble as I write. But, before I say more, I must wait and verify more facts—never let it be said that I spread lies! However, I can say that my recent investigation involves none other than our beloved hero and winner of the Witches Weekly most charming smile award: Gilderoy Lockhart…
"Mr. Potter, if you could please stay behind."
Harry paused from packing up his things and nodded. "Yes, professor." Turning to see Hannah and Susan, he sent them both a smile.
"I will catch up to you in Charms," he promised.
After they left, Harry resumed tidying his things. "Is everything okay, professor?"
Severus snorted at the innocent tone. "Indeed. I simply wished to inquire as to what you have on Rita Skeeter - the woman is notorious for her articles, yet she seems to be firmly in your pocket."
Harry smirked and stopped what he was doing. "I haven't a clue what you mean."
Severus allowed a single eyebrow to rise. "Really?"
"Well, I may have found out about a... small condition she has."
Severus smirked. "I see. I had wondered why she decided to target Dumbledore and now that fool Lockhart."
"She's a very morally conscious woman," Harry said, nodding solemnly before smirking. The innocence of his expression was quickly turning into mischief.
"I have no doubt," Severus deadpanned.
"Was that everything, sir?"
"Not quite. I would like to know what it is Lockhart is hiding—I know you know."
Harry tilted his head as he considered the man in front of him. "Gilderoy Lockhart is a fool, but one you don't need to worry about for much longer." He didn't want to spoil Rita's or Lucius and Sirius' fun too early by revealing the truth.
Severus hid his frustration at the vague answer and instead asked, "How did you manage to avoid my snake pit? You're sneakier and more cunning than anybody I have ever met - and I served the Dark Lord once."
Harry felt his smirk grow. "Could you imagine it? The famed Boy-Who-Lived a Slytherin? No, the hat agreed with me, I'm better off in Ravenclaw."
Severus considered the boy in front of him. "You made the hat put you there, didn't you?"
Harry smiled brightly. "I can neither confirm nor deny."
Severus snorted, flicking his wand so a note appeared. He passed it to Harry. "Get out of here, brat," he said fondly.
Harry smirked as he took the note. Snapping his fingers, the remainders of his potions supplies were instantly packed up. Severus shook his head at the casual display of power and control. How he had missed it to begin with he would never know.
The next morning was a Saturday and Harry finally got the confirmation he needed when Sirius' familiar brown owl landed in front of him during breakfast.
Pup,
It would seem that your relationship with that bug Skeeter has really paid off. She somehow managed to get around all of the roadblocks Dumbledore and his flock set up and has found quite a bit of evidence condemning Lockhart.
I must say, I am very impressed with her. I've sent a copy of her files to both Lucius and Amelia Bones, so hopefully the DMLE will be able to investigate and verify Skeeter's findings. With any luck, you won't have to suffer with the fool for much longer.
Me and Lucius, along with Severus, are having lunch tomorrow, so we will play our attack.
Remember, don't do anything to draw the old coot's attention and look after yourself!
Love,
Pads
Satisfied that Lockhart would be dealt with soon, Harry turned his mind to his magi. Ever since opening the Chamber, he had visited Aithusia only twice; getting free time was hard for him, so he wasn't stretching and using a lot of magic. Ever since the block had been removed in his last life, Harry had found his magic was easier to react and call upon. However, at times it appeared almost sentient—it would react to simple things, passing thoughts, or ideas. Keeping his power under wraps was definitely becoming harder - his classes required little in the ways of mental stimulation or magical power, so he had a lot of power built up and masked behind his occlumency shields.
"You know my Lord, I'm sure Professor Flitwick would be happy to give you some extra Charms work," Luna said seemingly out of nowhere.
Harry tilted his head in consideration. Even the extra work wouldn't do much for his magic build up. "Thank you Little Moon, but I think I will be okay."
"You should consider it my Lord, it could be like your remedial potions."
"I see," he said, surprised she had Seen something so specific about his old life. Usually Luna was vague in the visions she Saw and mostly relied more on feelings and intuition.
Harry was still secretly shocked at how accepting Luna was being. He hadn't mentioned Aithusia to his friends yet as he hadn't yet worked with them enough to introduce his darker ideas and wanted to build closer and stronger relationships before he started revealing more truths, but Luna seemed to be the exception.
He recognised that his friends were children and, although more mature than Ron and Hermione had been at that age, they were still young and naïve. Even his Slytherin friends, who would undoubtedly support his Darker tendencies, were still only children. Therefore, using Charms lessons would be a great excuse to go and visit the great snake and work his magic.
With this in mind, Harry excused himself and went to find the part goblin. After knocking on his office door, Harry was quickly called in.
"Good morning, Harrison," Flitwick greeted happily. He felt like he saw the boy much more clearly ever since the meeting in his office.
"Good morning, sir."
"What can I do for you today?"
"I was wondering, sir, if you wouldn't mind being my excuse with my friends? I need time and space to work on using up and stretching my magic. I have somewhere to go where I am safe and can be alone, but I simply don't have the time or reason to leave my friends. I don't what them involved yet - they're still children, still innocent," Harry said.
The words about the innocence of children made Filius both profoundly sad and simultaneously angry. The fact that Harry couldn't count himself among them made him want to hex Dumbledore. "I don't see why not. What were you thinking?"
"I was planning on saying I had Advanced Charms; it shouldn't be hard to pull off." He shrugged.
Filius smirked. Harry was once again at the top of his year by a large margin. "If they ask, I will back your story up."
Harry smiled. "Thank you, sir."
"How have you been anyway, Harrison?"
"I'm good, thank you. Sirius wrote to me today saying they had found some evidence of Lockhart being a fraud, so hopefully we won't have to deal with him for much longer. And the headmaster has left me alone since our meeting."
"That's great. Dumbledore has been steering clear of me this week, he no longer asks for near daily updates."
Harry nodded and after a few more minutes of idle chat left his Head of House, happy he now had an excuse for disappearing.
Malfoy Manor Wiltshire, Sunday November 30th, 1992
Sirius practically bounded through the floo connection to Malfoy Manor on Sunday. He had owled the files over to Lucius when he had received them and he wanted to know what the blond thought of them.
Barely holding his composure, Remus followed at a more sedate pace, arriving just in time to watch Sirius bound off through the doors in search of Lucius. He was glad at times like this that Harry was already mentally an adult as Sirius really could be a child.
Using his nose, Remus tracked Sirius through the manor into the informal sitting room. Entering he saw Lucius and Severus sitting in large lounge chairs while Sirius was bouncing on the spot in front of them.
"Did you inject him with sugar?" Severus said, eyeing Sirius with caution as if he was contagious or would explode at any moment.
Remus chuckled. "No, he's been like this since I woke up."
Sirius pouted for a moment before sitting down on a lounger. "Have you read them?"
Severus looked intrigued and turned to the blond aristocrat and noted his smug expression.
"Yes, I have and I must say I never knew Skeeter could be so useful."
"What has she done - other than her articles, I assume?" Severus asked.
"Harry put her on the task of investigating Lockhart's success," Sirius said, grinning madly.
"Oh?" Severus said. He knew the man was a fraud but he had no evidence other than his obvious incompetence and lack of magical and mental skill.
"She sent her files to me a few days ago and to say she found gold would be putting it lightly."
Severus snorted. "So the fool will be gone soon?"
"Hopefully. I doubt Dumbledore can keep this hidden. I sent a copy of the files to Amelia Bones as well."
Severus smirked at Sirius. "Smart, Black. I heard rumours he was trying to stop the ministry investigation?"
"Indeed. However, now it's been done for them; all they have to do is check the facts," Lucius said, his smooth voice injected with amusement.
"It shouldn't take them more than a few weeks to verify them - what I read was pretty condemning," Remus said.
"What she has printed so far hints as much," Severus agreed.
"Oh yes, her articles have been great!" Sirius said, "The one about Azkaban was pretty accurate."
"Hopefully that buffoon will find out for himself," Severus said, not wanting to linger on the subject as he wasn't sure if Sirius would be comfortable.
"I must admit I'm disappointed in myself for never seeing her full potential. Harrison really did find a great resource in her," Lucius said.
"Indeed," Severus agreed.
"Has the ministry started their investigations?" Remus asked.
"My sources in the DMLE confirmed they had sent agents out to look into the claims this morning."
Sirius snorted and grinned. "Somehow I'm not surprised you have sources in the DMLE."
Lucius allowed one perfectly shaped eyebrow to rise. "I have people everywhere," he said before continuing. "Madame Bones is overseeing the investigation personally because of all the roadblocks Dumbledore put in place."
Severus smirked. "So his meddling has drawn her eye."
"Well, it is rather obvious if you know where to look. I gathered from our meeting in the headmaster's office that she is no longer enamoured with the beloved leader of the Light."
"Harry is close with her niece, Susan. He spent a few days with them over the holidays - they even went to the beach. She likes Harry and she's always been more skeptical of Dumbledore from what I remember."
"Such powerful and influential friends he has... it really does make you wonder if he planned it," Lucius said, more to himself than anyone in particular. What he saw of the boy reminded him of the stories his father would tell him about their Lord's early days.
Sirius, however, just smiled. He knew Harry didn't pick his friends for that reason, but he did sometimes wonder if he subconsciously allowed what he knew of their families to influence his decision when befriending them. Neville was influential because of his family and status, Susan had her aunt, Hannah's family, although not as well known, were still respected among the Light sects, Luna's father owned the Quibbler, Draco was a Malfoy, Pansy's family was almost as respected by the Dark families as the Malfoy's, and the Zabini family was not only rich but a recognised and respected Neutral family—Harry had even recently mentioned befriending the Weasley twins.
After that the group slowly fell into idle chitchat as Narcissa joined them and lunch was served. Before leaving, Lucius arranged to meet up with Sirius later in the week to discuss the Lockhart situation in detail; they wanted to work together with the DMLE and the Hogwarts Board to bring the man, and hopefully Dumbledore, down.
21th December 1992
The latest article by Rita had really made an impact on Lockhart and Harry enjoyed watching him as the man struggled to respond to the rising number of questions being raised. He feared the man would flee before his plan had a chance to take effect - he knew in his last life the man had tried to run before he and Ron had forced him into the Chamber to rescue Ginny.
Harry knew that now practically nobody attended Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons. Instead, most were choosing to self-study and several students had also opted to do the same for History of Magic. Yet, it hadn't been until Lucius and Sirius had come into school that Lockhart had really panicked.
Earlier in The Week
Harry and his friends were sitting at the Gryffindor table for breakfast - they had slowly started to include the lion House in their daily rotation ever since the twins had come on board and often joined them at meal times to plan pranks with Neville and Draco. This new development between the four made Harry smirk internally as the foursome honestly thrived together. The twins were better at pulling off the pranks, having had years of experience, whereas Neville was better as their informant as he was always overlooked or underestimated and Draco was the mastermind behind most of them. Somehow, he had hidden this talent in Harry's last life, but now he was letting it flourish. He was full of ideas, it just took the help of the twins to bring them to life. They reminded Harry of the Marauders but, unlike his father and his friends, they were not malicious. Sure, they did tend to target Ron and Ginny, but they never skirted close to bullying.
Sitting together at the table gave Harry the perfect view when Sirius walked in, flanked by Lucius and who he guessed were the other members of the School Board. Harry noticed how the room quickly silenced as the imposing looking group entered. All of the members were dressed in robes - not formal, but certainly high quality.
Sirius quickly scanned the crowd of students and spotted Harry and his friends. Catching his eye, he winked at him and smiled when he saw Harry shake his head in amusement.
"What is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore's voice boomed out, tearing almost everybody's attention from the intruding witches and wizards. He stood tall from his chair in the centre of the room and stared at the group.
Harry, however, focused not on his words, but his magic. It was swirling unnoticed by all but him, angry and malicious.
"Headmaster, as you seem to have not received any of our numerous owls and appear to never be in your office when we attempt to floo you, we, the school governors, felt it necessary to come in person," Lucius said, coming to the front of the group and letting his cool aristocratic voice ring over the crowd, hushing the growing whispers.
"You have no business forcing these witches and wizards to follow you, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said, the rude tone showing his displeasure.
Lucius didn't respond. Instead, an older looking woman stepped forward next to the Lord. Harry didn't recognise her from either this life or his last, but he recognised some of her features and wondered if she was related to Justin Smith's family.
"Actually Albus, it was Lord Black who brought our attention to the matter we wish to discuss with you. From this it was our decision as a body to hold a full meeting. The fact you would accuse us of being so weak willed that we could be manipulated is offensive, and to do it so publicly not only insults Lord Malfoy but also us."
Harry wanted to laugh as he knew just how easily they could be manipulated but instead nodded his head. He could have clapped when he saw a few students looking disgruntledly towards the headmaster and guessed they were related to the members Harry didn't know.
"I apologise. That was not my intention and, like you say, this is not the place for such a conversation," the headmaster said, his voice now soft and genial, the tone not matching the anger his magic was pulsating with.
After they left the Great Hall broke out in whispers and Harry held back a smirk when he noticed most eyes were on him and Draco.
"Little Bird, you wouldn't happen to know what's going on would you?" Fred asked, seeing Harry's expression.
"Yes, you have a look which just screams hidden knowledge—"
"And we should know, we have often had the same expression."
Harry allowed himself to smirk then and allowed his eyes to fall on Lockhart, who, as though sensing his gaze, looked up and allowed his blue eyes to lock with Harry's own.
"I may have an idea," he said. The twins followed his gaze and nodded.
"We see," they said. They knew that Harry was behind the articles by Rita Skeeter and they had caught on quickly.
"My Lord, I do believe that rabbit and peacock go very well together," Luna said, staring at Lockhart with large eyes.
Harry tilted his head. "Are you sure? That is a rather gruesome end result," Harry asked. He knew Lockhart needed to pay, but he was having doubts about giving him to Aithusia - being eaten by a basilisk was a bit extreme and the man hadn't targeted Harry or his friends personally.
"It's not the 21st yet," Luna said as though it explained everything—then again, Harry supposed it did.
Harry hummed and wondered what the man was going to do to make Harry feed him to Aithusia. He wasn't too worried as he knew Luna wouldn't let him or somebody he loved to get hurt, but he was curious as to what the man would try.
"Does anybody have any idea what they're talking about?" Pansy asked, looking between the two with open concern.
"Not a clue," Draco said.
"Barmy, the pair of them," the twins added, "but we love them anyway."
Luna smiled at them and nodded, happily going back to her breakfast.
Meanwhile
The Headmaster's Office
"Now, what can I do for you?" the headmaster asked, looking around the room and smiling.
Sirius held back his snort - the tone was so humble and deceiving.
"Headmaster, have you not been reading the owls we have sent you?" Lucius asked straightaway.
Albus bit back his snarl at the tone and hoped to look benign sitting behind his desk.
"I'm sorry to say that sometimes things get on top of me. Your owls must have built up in the pile of mail I have yet to get through. As I'm sure you're aware, I've recently been under some strain."
Sirius once again struggled to remain composed. "I'm sure. I gather you simply missed our floo calls as well then?"
"Yes, my boy. Being headmaster I am often out of my office dealing with the children and other issues."
Sirius shook his head. "Undoubtedly, however, as headmaster, it's your duty to run the school and to provide your students with a happy, safe environment and, most importantly, a quality education. You have staff and, as deputy, it is Professor McGonagall's duty to deal with students and any behavioural concerns, as well as their Head of Houses. This makes me wonder how seriously you're taking your duty."
Albus bristled at the words. How dare Sirius Black of all people tell him how to run his school.
"A simple oversight, my boy."
"Indeed," Lucius said.
"Now, what is the matter that is so important that you felt the need to intrude on our breakfast?"
"Intrude? You make it sound like we're not welcome," Lilian Freemont said. Sirius remembered her family from one of Lucius' speeches - they were Light-Neutral. He vaguely recognised her as being from Ravenclaw and a few years older than him.
"A simple slip of the tongue, my dear," Albus said, exasperated. Never before would they have questioned him and it was leaving him flustered.
"I'm sure you've read about the investigations into your current Defence teacher?" Lucius asked.
Albus wanted to growl. "Yes, well, if we believed everything written then we wouldn't know who to trust," he said. He had tried to bury the fool's incompetence, but even he could only do so much. If it wasn't for the fact he owed the man for saving his reputation he would have left him to hang.
It was five years ago when a busy body reporter had found out about his connection to Gellert and their relationship; he would have been ruined until Lockhart had literally stumbled in on their meeting. When he saw what was happening, Lockhart had Obliviated the man and, from that point on, he had Albus in his backpocket.
As such a public figure, Albus hadn't wanted to risk getting rid of him, but now he was questioning his actions.
"I'm sure," Lucius said, "however, you undoubtedly also know that the ministry has looked into Mr. Lockhart's claimed feats of magic and heroism and they have found nothing. He is a fraud and the ministry is, as we speak, finalising the order for his arrest. It will be done in a matter of days, if not sooner."
Albus bristled internally. "I see. As awful as this is, I am sensing that some of you hold me responsible for this?" he asked, making sure to sound tired and sad.
"You have refused our input when picking teachers. It is the Board's job to decide who is hired; however, since becoming the headmaster you have yet to hold onto a teacher for more than a year."
"Yes, well—"
"And what's more, the man is clearly incompetent. Why, a second year has been more successful tutoring students in Defence these last few months," Lucius finished with.
Albus stared at the man for a moment, barely holding back his contempt. "As the headmaster, I feel that I should hire my staff. I know the school and the students the best; however, I will admit that perhaps I have made a mistake with Mr. Lockhart."
Sirius bit his lip to stop himself laughing. Perhaps? There was no perhaps about the situation.
"As a matter of precaution, I have a signed letter of approval from Madam Bones and the Minister himself for you to lock the Hogwarts wards, stopping Mr. Lockhart from leaving the school grounds," Lucius said, pulling out the mentioned letter and passing it over to Albus.
Quickly reading the letter, Albus hid his anger and carefully concealed how his hands shook with rage. "I see. However, I don't agree that such drastic action needs to be taken." He hoped his grave voice would sway the crowd and he saw a few members falter slightly.
Sirius, however, wasn't moved and quickly spoke up, "It's just a precaution and as a staff member, he should not be leaving before the investigation is completed anyway. If the investigation turns up with nothing then he will be apologised to and released. Why, with how worried you look, it's almost as though you believe he is guilty."
Closing his eyes briefly to hide his anger, Albus bit back another snarl. "I have the utmost faith in my staff," he said eventually.
"Then let's get to it, some of us have important things to be doing," Atticus Vane said. Although Neutral, the man was a former Slytherin and throughout the meeting he had observed the headmaster, and he had not liked what he had seen.
Knowing he was unable to get out of it, Albus stood and gathered the ward book for the school. As headmaster, he had primary control of the wards; however, McGonagall could take the reigns as deputy and, in the cases of emergency, the Heads of Houses could make a few edits. Pushing his magic into the book, Albus allowed the Board to witness him binding Gilderoy.
After it was done the group left, many not even bothering with polite farewells. Their dismissal of him had Albus trembling in rage; he would have to carefully plan how to get the man out now - he didn't trust him not to spill all he knew in a desperate effort to save himself.
Lucius and Sirius, however, detoured back to the Great Hall in the hopes of seeing their sons and heirs.
Meanwhile
The Great Hall, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry, feeling the school's wards flicker, allowed a smirk to fall into place. When Sirius had written to him about the plans to bind Lockhart until he was arrested, his final plans had fallen into place.
"You know, you look rather terrifying when you do that," Blaise said, observing Harry's face.
"Terrifying? Me? I'm an angel," Harry said, allowing his eyes to widen and an expression of innocence to take over.
The group all paused to look at him.
"Merlin, you're good at that," Draco said.
"Yeah, do you teach lessons?" the twins asked.
"Because, if you do sign us up," Fred continued.
"Yeah, Minnie would never punish us if we could look like that!" George finished.
Harry snorted and allowed his face to go back to his normal expression. "It's a gift," he deadpanned.
Hearing the doors open, Harry looked up to see Sirius and Lucius enter.
Smiling, Harry stood and walked to his father figure. "Constructive meeting?" he asked.
"Very," Sirius said, pulling Harry into a sideways hug.
Smiling at the action, Harry allowed the contact. "I felt the wards change. I take it the peacock's bound?" he whispered.
Sirius nodded and was slightly disturbed by the look that passed over Harry's face.
"Am I going to need an alibi again?" he asked, only half joking.
Harry snorted. "Please, I'm not an amateur."
Lucius, who had caught the last of their conversation, looked intrigued. Seeing this, Harry sent the man a nod.
"Over Christmas I think we could do with meeting up, there are things you need to know."
Lucius nodded. "I look forward to it."
The rest of Harry's friends took that moment to join them. Sirius was happy to meet the twins and share what he remembered about making the map.
As the adults left, Harry wasn't the only one barely holding back laughter. The awestruck expressions on the two Weasleys faces had drawn a crowd which was shaking to remain emotionless.
"Harry, you're related to the second coming of Merlin," Fred said with awe on his face. Nodding vehemently, George stood next to his twin with a matching expression.
With that Harry lost it, laughing until his eyes watered.
Meanwhile
Gilderoy Lockhart was panicking. He was caught, trapped, and that senile old man could do nothing to help him. How it had come to this he didn't know. He was beloved by all, a hero, cherished and adored. Actually, that was a lie, he knew exactly who to blame. He knew who's fault this was and, if he had his way, he would get his revenge.
Harry Potter would rue the day he challenged the great Gilderoy Lockhart.
AN: Updated &Beta'd 21/07/17- Big thank you to Miisticalwrites!
Remember people that reviews are always appreciated but I won't hold the story to ransom for them.
Updates should come every few days and like usual this is being posed on Ao3 under the same name.
Hope you enjoy reading
~ Annie