Harry Potter and The Shadowed Light
Chapter 31
Previously
"We trust you Harry."
Harry nodded, happy he was occluding as the words would have probably made him cry.
"Thank you,"
"I will support you," Pansy said, sitting straighter. Her family had always willingly served Voldemort, and she was honoured by and in awe of Harry for being his soul mate.
"As will I, my family remained neutral during the last war, but I shall stand with you Harry." Blaise said solemnly. He had a feeling that Harry would bring about a change in their world, and he wanted to be there with him when he did.
"Look My Lord, you've gained an inner circle," Luna said, making Harry choked slightly, the others however didn't hear her.
"I'm not a Dark Lord Luna,"
"Yet," the girl said smiling happily.
The remainder of the year past with little fan fair after Harrys announcement. Susan kept her word and didn't abandon Harry, but she did pull away slightly, taking Hannah with her. Her decision left Harry slightly troubled, but he understood her choice and reluctantly respected it. They would still sit together in lessons, but the pair would often stick together and often chose to study and eat with their other friends, such as Terry Boot, who had disappeared from Harrys group of friends when Draco and the rest of the Slytherins became more permanent features.
Harrys only source of true excitement came from his letters to Sirius, who had continued to complete the ritual returning Toms sanity and soul.
Ostara- March 21st, 1992, Ritual Room, Grimmauld place, London
Sirius stood shocked as the soul fragment from Ravenclaw's Lost Diadem slowly became visual. Even though he had done this before he was still stunned at the power of the ritual. This shard seemed more… whole? It left him relieved as it seemed like the ritual was working, not that he doubted Harry. But he still he was limited in what he knew about this type of magic and doubted he would feel completely comfortable with it any time soon, if ever. He was a dark wizard, yes, but he had spent so long suppressing that part of himself, to be surrounded by such strong and pure dark magic was overwhelming.
"Who are you?" the cultured voice asked, this piece appeared to be in his late 20's.
"I am, Lord Sirius Black the 3rd."
The slightly red eyes narrowed briefly, a look of confusion setting on Toms face.
"What are you doing?"
"Harry asked me to help him. He's bringing you back."
"Harry?"
Sirius nodded, this soul piece was saner than the piece which appeared when he used the ring during the Imbolc ritual, but still there was something clearly missing in the gleam of the soul pieces eyes.
"I'm less, but, I'm also… more…" Tom said.
Sirius refused to think about him as anything other than Tom. Hearing what the shard said he just nodded again, he didn't know what to say to the part of Tom he was stuck with, and didn't want to do anything that could cause problems if later Tom remembered the rituals.
"I was defeated." The word Harry kept repeating in Tom's broken mind. Harry, Harry, Harry…
This statement drew Sirius's attention back to the soul shard, it was the first clear statement that Sirius had understood.
"Err, Yeah. I mean yes, you were defeated." Sirius said, stumbling over his words in his shock.
The shard nodded, pieces of memories were coming back purer now, it was fuzzy and difficult to latch onto just one train of thought, but it was also the clearest his mind had been in what felt like years. Forcing himself to focus, Tom could feel the rune circle's power lessening. He knew he would be gone soon, but thoughts kept flashing in his mind. Red, pain, hope, Green flashes, Harry, green eyes, broken…
"I apologise."
With those final words the shard was lost, and the ritual ended successfully, Sirius however was struck dumb and didn't know what to think. What was Voldemort- no Tom, apologising for? and to whom?
April 3rd, 1992, The Wizengamot, The Ministry of Magic
Sirius pulled at the burgundy robes he was forced to wear to show that he was a Lord.
"Stop fussing. You're a Lord, act like it."
Making sure to blank his face and pull his pureblood mask on, Sirius turned to Lucius, who managed to make the mandatory robes look elegant.
"Lucy." Sirius greeted, just to see the vein near the blonde's eye twitch.
Sighing Lucius forced himself not to react, "Sirius,"
Seeing that he wouldn't get more of a reaction Sirius looked around at the gathered Lords, "so what's today about?"
"If you read the notes sent to you beforehand, you would know the answer to that," Lucius chided.
"I read them," Sirius argued, before amending himself at Lucius' sceptical look, "sort of, there were a lot of pages."
Sighing once again Lucius supressed his need to roll his eyes, he did genuinely like the Sirius, and found his natural intelligence and charisma admirable but the man was infuriating at times .
"It's a half session, we'll be reviewing the proposed laws and amendments that we will vote on during the full summer session. This is a chance to get some struck down before they're put forward to vote."
"I remember seeing one put forward by Umbridge, something about tightening restrictions on those with creature blood or status."
"Yes, Dolores Umbridge. A vile woman, she's firmly in Fudges pocket, having been promoted to senior undersecretary last year. She tried months ago to pass a similar bill but failed. It's not surprising that she's trying again."
Sirius remembered Harry talking about the woman and knew she was not somebody who he would want to remain in power.
"The law would make it impossible for people with creature blood or status to live in our world, it would also make it legal for them to be hunted and attacked."
Lucius nodded, impressed Sirius was able to see the true implications the law would bring about.
Sirius waited with bated breath for Umbridge's creature law amendment to be brought forward. He had mainly kept silent during the session so far, listening and watching who voted and when. Picking up their habits and who was allied with who.
He had noted that while announcing laws Dumbledore, who was still the chief warlock, would subtly hint towards his opinions.
"Next is a law put forward by our senior undersecretary, Dolores Umbridge. This amendment that is outlined in the documents provided to you, redefines the current laws and provides additional security measures."
Sirius scoffed at that, he wasn't surprised Dumbledore was supporting the amendment, nothing the old goat did anymore shocked him. he didn't know why Dumbledore was so against creatures, but he had a few suspicions.
"Now has anybody got any think to say about this amendment or should we move forward?"
Sirius stood then, surprising people as he had yet to make a stand in any of the previous sessions, he would usually only speak out in support or to argue against others stands.
Albus narrowed his eyes at Sirius. He wasn't surprised to see the Black Lord sitting amongst the dark families and those who had supported Voldemort.
"Lord Black," Albus said as he was forced to acknowledge the man.
"Chief warlock," Sirius said managing to make the title sound mocking.
"The floor is yours Lord Black."
Sirius withheld his anger at the tone Dumbledore used and focused on the situation at hand.
"My fellow lords and ladies, my proposal is to dismiss this bill now, before it is called into a full vote. This 'new' bill is fundamentally the same as the one previously put forward to and rejected by this body, by Madame Umbridge months ago.
"The laws this bill is trying to change would make it impossible for those of creature status to remain part of our world, which we know is not something feasible. Magical creatures are a part of our world, from the crumps we buy our children to the ingredients in our potions, to the goblins who manage our money.
"It's an atrocity, it would create tensions not just with other magical races but other magical communities. The proposed law amendments would strain our already tenuous relationships with multiple countries. Most notable our closest ally France, a nation with a large population of veela, who hold significant power in their government. Damaging such relationships wold cause difficulties with our international trade and revenue.
"Finally, as you will all know if you read the prophet, research has been done to prove that the number of Dark creature attacks on wizards and muggles increased only after restrictions were put in place. In the times before such restrictions were put in place, and those we classify as creatures had more rights, there were less than ten attacks a year. These were usually performed by rogues and outliers, who were often dealt with by their own laws.
"I find the fact the madam Umbridge is once again trying to pass such laws to be disgraceful. Not only is she relentlessly persecuting people who is some cases were forced into becoming creatures and are victims of tragic circumstances, but she is damaging our international relationships and causing racial tension not just here to worldwide."
With his speech finally finished, Sirius made sure to look around the room and make eye contact with as many people as possible, making sure he looked calm and in control. He saw that his words had caused people to think. He knew that many of the lords and ladies truly didn't care about creature rights, however he hoped his mentioning of international and financial backlash would stir them into action.
At the end of the session Sirius watched with glee as the toad like woman scuttled out of the hall, he had won his vote with a clear majority. Dolores had been red faced throughout it all, and her darted looks towards fudge and Dumbledore showed she hadn't expected to be so thoroughly trounced.
"You're brilliant at times," Lucius commented, watching Sirius with curious eyes.
Sirius grinned a shark like grin, "Only sometimes?"
"It's during times like this that I wonder why you were not sorted into Slytherin."
Sirius snorted, "I'm more of a lion than a snake, but recently I've found I can be rather cunning."
Lucius hummed, "Yes, I can see that. Still, bringing finances into your argument was inspired. There's nothing that gets most of these old fools motivated quite like the risk of them loosing galleons."
Sirius grinned again, happy that he had won, especially when he caught sight of Dumbledore storming through the crowd towards the floo. The man hadn't been able to hide his anger rom Sirius who had been studying him like a hawk does its prey.
May 31st, 1992, Dumbledore's office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Albus sighed as he pulled out a vial of headache potion. He seemed to be living off the things recently, yet they did little to help the pounding going on inside his skull. He needed to find a way to get rid of Sirius Black. The man was becoming a serious problem. Drinking the vile tasking potion, he noted he would have to get Severus to brew him some more, he was running low.
A loud chime from his floo system drew his attention back to the present.
"Albus... Albus!"
Hearing Molly's screeching voice, Albus held back a groan as his head gave another flash of pain.
"Come in dear," he said, waving his wand to open the connection.
"Albus you must have some idea how to get rid of that mongrel Black!" said the clearly upset red head.
Intrigued as to what had piqued her anger Albus started to investigate, "What has happened my dear?"
"That man!" Molly fumed, "I was in Diagon getting some potions supplies when I overheard people talking about him. Saying how inspirational he is, how he's a good role model for Potter! They think he's a bloody saint, re-entering our world after being in Azkaban!"
Albus hummed, it was true, Blacks pubic image was astonishing to him. The man had regained his previous popularity and then some. Black was now seen as one of the most, if not the most, eligible bachelors in their world, his new-found fame was going to be a problem. Especially his standing in the Wizengamot, it was impeccable. He schmoozed with the other Lords and ladies and curried their favour like he had been doing it all his life, quickly gaining not just fans but more disastrously allies. Albus had hoped that the stigma from him being in Azkaban would hold out, but he had apparently hoped in vain.
Blacks recent success in getting the latest creature law amendments struck down was a blow Albus hadn't expected. He didn't want dark creatures infecting his world with their tainted magic.
"I see, this is troubling." Blacks popularity and fame was making it harder for Albus to get rid of him.
"And what's worse, they were speaking about you as well!"
With that she had Albus's full attention.
"And what exactly was it that you overheard?"
"Just whispers, nothing concrete, but I heard talk of how you've… grown old... They- they said that you're- incompetent!" the red head wailed, having had to stop multiple times, almost as if she couldn't bear to repeat the words she had overheard.
Albus barley held back his magic as it tried to escape and lash out in his anger. How dare they? He was Albus Dumbledore! He deserved their reverence not this, this betrayal.
"I see." Albus said, barley keeping his tone in check.
Thinking Albus started to go through ideas quickly, dismissing some and pondering others. If he couldn't kill the black Lord just yet, he needed to at least damage his reputation and standing… Suddenly an idea hit.
"Tell me Molly, do you know if Harry has all of his social work checks done yet?" he knew the woman was good at collecting gossip when out in Diagon and other alleys.
"No, he still has another check with the Children's protection office, I believe the head Lady Joanne Mirwood is personally overseeing it."
Dumbledore hummed, he didn't have anything to hold over the former Hufflepuff, but he knew the woman would never allow Harry to stay with unsuitable guardians, so he didn't worry about his lack of influence over her. All he had to do was make sure she found Black and Lupin to be unfitting, and it would be easy all he had to do was plant the seeds of discontent, and what better way than to destroy the bond Harry and Sirius had before planting evidence of dark arts and forbidden magic.
"Excellent! Tell me Molly, have you heard of a book called "Mortem Magicae,"
The redheaded with sucked in a harsh breath, "Yes, but Albus that book is banned. It's one of the darkest books in history, just owning it could get you the dementors kiss."
Forcing himself not roll his eyes Albus nodded, "Yes, it's perfect for what I have planned. If I slip it into Harrys trunk before he goes home to that mutt he will never realise its there. then when its found during the inspection Sirius will not just be found incapable but most likely be put back into Azkaban."
"But how will you make sure that it's found?"
"I'm sure an anonymous owl could find its way into Lady Mirwood's possession."
Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Kingsley was bored. His injury was healed to the extent it ever would be, meaning it was now just a scar on his abdomen that even scar removal potions wouldn't be able to help as it had been caused by a dark curse. Still he was bored. Teaching, while a new challenge wasn't his passion he had discovered after his first day. The older years were slightly better, at least what he could teach them could be interesting but even then, it was repetitive and Morgana, the younger years… they were honestly frightening in how simplistic they appeared.
There were of course a few exceptions to this rule, they main one being Harrison Potter-Black. That boy, to be frank, scared Kingsley slightly. His eyes seemed so old at times and so haunted. It wasn't so much that the boy scared Kingsley, no, what caused his apprehension towards the young Ravenclaw were his eyes. Whatever it was that caused that haunted look to appear every now and again in those green eyes, caused Kingsley concern. Kingsley had seen the same look in his older colleagues, people who had seem true atrocities and the thought of this young man having seen something similar was daunting.
The first time he noticed it had been back when he had met Harrison for the first time in Dumbledore's office during the 'love potion fiasco'. It had only been a brief flash, but still Kingsley had caught it, he was a trained auror after all and it was his job to notice these small details. Later he would observe it at random intervals, Harrison could be just sitting with his odd group of friends in the great hall, or be in his lessons when it would flash by only to be quickly hidden by familiar a blank mask that Kingsley recognised so well as impressive occlumency shields.
The boy was a mystery, in lessons he sat with both Gryffindor's and Slytherins, seemingly oblivious to the divide that had been going on for decades. He apparently got on well with all of his year mates, the only obvious diversion from this being his problems with the youngest two Weasleys. Those two seemed obsessed with Potter-Black, they would follow him and his friends around like shadows, seeming to both love and hate the Ravenclaw.
The other thing that Kingsley observed about Harrison was that while he would answer questions perfectly, he'd only do so when called upon, he never offered his own by raising his hand in class. His answers were also never direct quotes from textbooks either, but responses that showed he knew what he was speaking about. And that was only his verbal responses, his practical results where astounding, every spell he would perform with ease, never overpowering or underpowering them, his control flawless.
"Sir?" the voice drew Kingsley from his musings. Making sure to not react outwardly Kingsley smiled slightly, looking up to see the first-year class.
"Yes, Miss Lovegood?" Luna Lovegood was one of Harrison's little gang, the youngest one…
"I was wondering, what's your opinion on the ministries secret army of heliopaths?"
… she was also the strangest little girl Kingsley had ever met. Blinking, Kingsley wondered briefly where she got her odd ideas from, before shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, I do not know how to answer that. But if I ever find something out about it then you'll be the first to know miss Lovegood," he promised the small girl, who beamed at his answer seemingly happy with his reply. Seeing the class were all staring around in a mixture of either distain, confusion and boredom Kingsley quickly cleared his throat…
"Right then class, who can tell me the most important tactic in a duel?"
Ron knew he should wait for his mother or Dumbledore to get back to him, but he couldn't stand this. Harry Potter was supposed to be his friend, not some snake loving pansy boy! He didn't even look like a hero! He had long girly hair like all the pureblood prats and he wore fancy robes, he didn't even look like his father like Dumbledore said he would! No, Harry Potter was a girly, prissy, coward who didn't deserve to be worshiped as their saviour! He would have been a much better Boy-Who-Lived and hero!
Hearing soft but fast footsteps approaching his hidden spot, Ron tensed fearing the twins had found him but was relieved when it was only Ginny who appeared. She looked flushed, cheeks matching her red hair.
"Did you find it?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Ginny replied scathingly.
Looking around, the smaller red head reached into her satchel and pulled out a small leather book, so old the title was half worn away, 'Broken Bonds and Beyond'.
"And you're sure this is the book Bill spoke about in his letter?" Ron asked. Their brother had just qualified to be a curse breaker and often spoke about his work in his letters home.
"Of course, unlike you Ronald I actually read the letters from Bill!"
Looking slightly flushed from being scolded by his younger sister, Ron reached for the book. He knew it would hold the spell he needed. He would break Harrys bond to Sirius and then he'd be able to sway the boy back to the light, where he belonged. He just had to get Harry away from the bad influences in his life like Black and Malfoy.
Walking back towards his rooms, Kingsley noticed one of the tapestries moving slightly and recalled from his own school days that there was a hidden space behind it. Singing, thinking that he would find a young couple taking advantage of the pseudo privacy, he flicked his wand and was mildly surprised when the two youngest Weasleys appeared.
Ronald was shocked when the tapestry suddenly moved and quickly went to hide the book.
Seeing this Kingsley narrowed his eyes.
"What have you got there Mr Weasley?"
Keeping the book hidden, Ron tried to look nonchalant, "Nothing, sir,"
With a sigh Kingsley summoned the item, surprised when a book landed in his hand.
"Nothing? Are you sure you wouldn't like to try again Mr Weasley?"
"You can't do that!" an indignant Ginny said, shocked that a teacher would summon something from a student.
"I think you will find that I can indeed do this Miss Weasley, there is nothing against it in the school charter."
"But-
"Now, why don't you tell me why you tried to hide this book, Mr Weasley?" Kingsley said, before looking at the worn leather-bound book in his hands, 'Broken Bonds and Beyond'.
He had not heard of the book but just from glancing at it he knew it would contain material not suitable for the two children in front of him.
Watching the two children share looks of panic, Kingsley let out a sigh, "Where did you get this book from?"
Sharing another look with his sister, Ron tried to think of a way out of their current problem.
"Erm… I found it?" he stated, more of a question than anything else.
"Did you really?" flicking it open Kingsley scanned the page, eyebrows raising at what he read, "and where did you find this?"
"Near the Ravenclaw common room," Ginny said quickly.
Ron looked confused before suddenly nodding, "Oh yeah, I mean yes. That's where I found it,"
Kinsley kept his face in check, not showing his disbelief.
"Well then I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I took this then,"
"No!" Ron exclaimed.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I mean I think I saw Potter reading it, so I'll just give it back to him,"
"Potter? Harrison Potter?"
"Yeah him," Ron grumbled.
Kingsley once again found himself fighting not to sigh, he didn't know what these two had against the Potter heir, but they were consistent.
"Well then I'm sure he will be grateful to you when I tell him who found is book, after I give it him back,"
The pair shared a panicked look.
"But-"
"Now then, you two best-be off. It's almost dinner,"
Looking both disgruntled and defeated the two scuttled off, leaving Kingsley with the book.
"You asked to see me professor?" Harry said entering Kinsley's office. He hadn't interacted with the man outside of his classes, so he wondered what the man wanted. He didn't think that he had done anything to gain the man's attention nor did he think that the auror was in Dumbledore pocket.
"Yes, thank you for coming Mr Potter,"
"Call me Harrison, or Harry sir,"
"Harrison then, I was wondering if you had seen this book before?" he asked pulling out the book he had confiscated.
Harry looked over the worn leather, seeing the title he felt his intrigue grow. He had heard of the book, but he hadn't read it.
"No sir,"
"I thought not," Kingsley muttered.
"Do you mind me asking sir, what is this about?"
"It's nothing to worry about Harrison, somebody thought that they had seen you with this book and that you may have misplaced it,"
"No sir it's not mine,"
"I suspected it may not be, but still I had to check. It's not a book that should be left out, it contains some powerful and in some cases questionable material. I think that I should hold onto it for now."
Harry nodded, "is that all sir?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you Harrison, I'm sure you have better things to be doing than sitting with me,"
"Not at all sir, but I will leave you to the rest of your evening."
After Harry left, Kingsley took the book out and looked at it again. He knew he should probably hand it into Dumbledore but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to do it, a part of him didn't quite trust the headmaster and his intentions. He had seen the Albus watching the young Potter Heir, had witnessed their interactions and each one of them struck him as odd. He didn't know what Dumbledore wanted with Harrison, but he knew it wasn't good.
June 4th, 1992, Malfoy manor, Wiltshire
Lucius smirked as he twirled the glass of scotch in his hand. His life was nearly perfect, he had a loving wife, a charming son, a powerful reputation, more galleons than he could ever spend and too top it all off his Lord would be returning, and this time they would be triumphant.
"You know you look like you're about to start randomly cackling when you pull that face."
He just needed to train Black in how to act like an adult.
"Really Sirius, are you incapable of behaving like an adult?"
Sirius just grinned and downed his glass of scotch, "only around you Lucy dear,"
Remus snorted at their interaction, to outsiders it would look like the two men didn't get along, but he could see the sparks of amusement in their eyes and smell the fondness they held for each other.
Before Lucius could respond the floo sparked and out of the green flames Severus emerged.
Seeing the scowling potions master Sirius grinned, snapping his fingers he summoned an elf and got Severus a glass.
Taking the glass Severus took a large gulp before seating himself.
"Is there a reason for this get together, or did you simply summon me to cut into the precious few hours a week I get free of the snivelling dunderheads?"
Sirius snorted at the acidic tone before sending the potions master a wink, "why Sev, one would think that you don't enjoy shaping the minds of our children,"
"I don't."
Before their banter could continue Lucius interrupted, "as much as I enjoy listening Severus bemoaning the tragedy that is a teacher's life, I do want to know what is happening about our lords return,"
Sirius rolled his eyes slightly, "your Lord, not mine,"
"Sirius," Lucius said.
Holding his hands up Sirius continued, "I'm just saying, he's your Lord not mine. I've not got one of your dandy little tattoos."
"Black," Severus warned.
"Sorry, sorry." Sirius said seeing that both marked supporters looked ready to hex him, "as long as nothing goes wrong during the last ritual, then your Lord is going to return on the Summer Solstice."
Lucius let out a breath he hadn't even realised he was holding. "What are your plans for after his return?"
"I'm not too sure, I will need to talk to Harry. Its for him that I'm doing this," Sirius said, "I swore to Harry that I would help him, so that means I'll probably have to join the tattoo club,"
Severus scowled, "not necessarily. If the Dark Lords sanity is indeed returned then he would probably allow you to support him without taking his mark, you are after all his soulmates father."
Sirius sent the man a grin, "look at you being all optimistic,"
"Shut it, mutt."
Remus smirked, he could practically see the attraction between the two men. "Like Sirius I've sworn to help Harry, and will follow his lead."
"Admirable sentiments." Lucius said, "has Harrison shared any of his plans with you yet about the summer?"
"I know that he wants to perform the final ritual alone. He wants to see if it has worked properly and I know that he has a few issues to work out with Tom."
"Yes, I do image that he has many things that he needs to discuss with my lord,"
Sirius snorted, "that's an understatement if I ever heard one Lucy. I also know that Harry is planning on using his friendship with the goblins to help smooth over toms transition back in to society."
Glaring at the name Lucius shot the man a look that promised retribution, "I know I have already offered but, if you at any point need my aid don't hesitate to ask."
Sirius nodded and sent the other lord a grateful smile, "I will, but honestly its Harry who's planning everything. I'm just a glorified babysitter who's not really needed."
Lucius shook his head but didn't comment, "Now in other news, Severus, how is Dumbledore faring?"
Severus allowed his usual sneer to turn vicious, "it would seem the old fool is suffering for continuous migraines. Not even my potions can help relieve him from the pain,"
Sirius barked out a laugh, drowning out Remus's quiet chuckles.
"Good, hopefully that will keep the old goat off my back."
"Oh?"
"He wants Harry back under his control, not that he's ever been under his control. He thinks the only way to do this is to have me offed," Sirius said, shocking the two men
"How do you know this?" Lucius asked, surprised at how casually Sirius spoke about the old man's plots.
"Phineas Nigellus black." Sirius said proudly.
Looks of mutual understanding bloomed on the two Slytherins faces, "he spies on Dumbledore for you?" Severus asked.
"Yup," Sirius said, popping the p. "It's quite amusing how much he loathes the old man. I think it's because he's so fond of Harry, it's hilarious how he's managed to charm everybody, even my mother's portrait like him."
"Are you not concerned for your safety?" Severus asked, he couldn't fathom Blacks attitude. If Dumbledore was actively trying to see him dead, he would not be so blasé.
"His current plan is not so imminent or dangerous." Remus explained, trying to put their worries to rest.
"What does this plan entail?"
"He wants to plant a copy of "Mortem Magicae," in Harrys trunk."
Both Severus and Lucius gaped, being who they were they both knew of the book, but they couldn't believe that Dumbledore was able to get a copy of it. It was not only extremely ancient but beyond dark and dangerous.
"He hopes that Harry won't notice it, and it will be found by Lady Mirwood during her inspection. As you know owning that book is an instant trip to Azkaban and I have no doubts that if I were to find myself back mon the island I would get the kiss. I don't doubt he will send an anonymous note to Joanne to insure she knows what to look out for."
"How does he even have that book?" Lucius finally asked, he had tried for years, discreetly of course, to get a copy but even he with al of his contacts couldn't get one of the rare remaining few.
Severus sneered in disgust, "he hordes rare books, objects and artefacts, light or dark it doesn't matter. He thinks himself above the laws. Him owning a copy of a dark and forbidden book is fine and him knowing such curses is acceptable as in his mind he could never be dark. He is the pivotal player to the light and he can do no wrong,"
Sirius snorted, it was such an idiotic idea, yet he knew that what Severus said was most likely true.
"Harry is actually excited for them to plant the book." Sirius said with fond exasperation, "he was thrilled when I wrote and told him of Dumbledore's plans. He said that such a rare book would be a great addition to the library."
Severus smirked at that, "it shouldn't surprise me. The boy is in Ravenclaw after all, even if I think he's secretly a snake."
Remus grinned, "how much more cunning can he get, to be a snake but still able to persuade the hat to put him in another house?" he said, proud of his cub.
"Indeed,"
June 21st, 1992, The Great Hall, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry could scarcely contain his excitement as he sat down with Luna for the end of year feast. In just two days' time he would be reunited with his soul mate.
"…and so, another year has come to pass, and I find myself once again having to say farewell to our seventh years," Dumbledore said, standing up to give his typical end of year speech.
Harry drowned out Dumbledore's false words with his own day dreams, focusing on what he wanted to say to Tom. He only jolted back into the present when his house table exploded into cheers, looking around he saw that the banners now held the blue eagle emblem of Ravenclaw. Apparently, they had won the house cup this year, something that had never happened in Harrys past life.
"I think my lord, that the old goat is hoping to use sugar to trap his prey," Luna said, she was currently sitting next to Harry and enjoying dipping her celery sticks into a giant bowl of chocolate pudding the hose elves had thoughtfully provided.
Harry nodded his head slightly to show he had heard, "I do believe you're once again correct my dear,"
Luna grinned and went back to munching her lunch as Harry looked up and caught twinkling blue eyes with his. He felt a slight pressure against his occlumency walls for a moment before it vanished and slowly drew his eyes away from the old goat. Making sure to subtly scan his food and drinks Harry ate his food and shared his is housemates joy.
"Mr Potter, I was hoping for a quick word with you before you depart for the summer,"
Hearing the voice of the man he had been waiting for, Harry turned and locked eyes with the gaudily dressed Albus Dumbledore.
"Of course, headmaster," he said wiping his mouth before standing and following the old man out of the great hall.
Entering his office, Albus soon turned to face the boy he would soon have under his control. He was sure that with Black gone he would be able to gain custody of Harry once again, and once that was done he would be able to persuade the boy to remove his heir rings and transfer his proxy votes back to him. yes, he his plans would soon be back on track.
"You wished to speak to me headmaster?"
"Yes my boy," Albus said eyes twinkling as he thought he had won. "I know that this past year we have had our fair share of disagreements, however I wish to put them all behind us with the end of the year. I want the new school year to begin with a clean slate for our relationship Harry, so that we might move forward and put all of this unpleasantness behind us."
Harry fought not to roll his eyes and instead ducked his head in feigned modesty, "I think that would be great headmaster."
"Excellent, now why don't you pop back off to your friends. The train will be leaving soon, and you wouldn't want to forget anything," he said, he had kept the boy long enough for the book to be planted.
Standing, Harry wished the headmaster goodbye before re-joining Luna who was waiting for him just down the corridor.
"So, My Lord, what are you planning on doing with the old goat's present?"
"Well, it would be rude not to appreciate it," Harry replied smirking.
He was looking forward to reading the book, it contained ancient knowledge lost to most of the world. he already knew how he would hide it just in case anybody did go searching for the book, he had found wards that would be untraceable and make it impossible for anybody to discover what was hidden behind them.
"Excuse me Harrison, I was wondering if I might have a word with you?" a rich baritone voice said drawing the pairs attention.
"Certainly professor Shacklebot,"
"its auror Shacklebot now. I'm finally back on the ministry's payroll now that my injury has healed."
Harry smiled, "you were a great teacher, auror Shacklebot." It was true, the man had made the lessons interesting and he had taught without bias.
Kingsley smiled slightly and inclined his head in thanks, "high praise indeed from the starter of the infamous boycott,"
Harry smirked, "I can neither confirm nor deny such accusations. I'm sure you're aware auror," he joked.
Kingsley smiled before he remembered why he wanted to talk to the young man in front of him, "I wished to speak to you to pass along my concerns," he said
"Concerns?"
"Yes. I do not know what is going on between you and the headmaster, but I can tell something is and I just wanted you to know that if you ever need me I am willing to aid you to the best of my ability."
Harry was shocked, he hadn't really interacted with Kingsley, only in class and that incident with the book, but he had noticed the dark-skinned man watching him occasionally.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said.
"I know you probably won't, but I wanted to offer you my aid anyway."
"Harry," Luna's soft voice broke the serious atmosphere, "we need to get going Harry, if were to make it to the carriages on time,"
"Don't let me keep you Mr Potter," Kingsley said, sending them both nods before moving on down the corridor.
"Now that was interesting," Harry muttered as he took Luna's arm and started walking towards the castle doors.
Pushing the possible reasons for Kinsley's pledge out of his mind Harry focused on what was to come. He had a soul mate to make whole.