Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion
**ODD**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
**ODD**
Welcome to the Fireside. Jam will bring snacks and warm beverages for you soon.
**ODD**
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: Sirius has created a way to see who is under an Unbreakable Vow, but is still trying to find ways to detect the imperius curse. Harry has purchased a family book that might have a promising lead. The only problem is that no one knows the spells to make it work. Yikes!
The newlywed Lupins are bonding well to each other and their son.
Both Harry and Sally-Anne are looking forward to Magical Art. They have their tools, trays, aprons; everything they need.
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) Meetings still happening in the background. New people are coming and going in Black Keep, pursuing freedom, some escaping horrific death. No money is asked, but if people want to stay long-term, they are expected to help if capable by doing chores, just like any family.
Luna is heading to Hogwarts, but her godfather does not want her near Headmaster Too-man-names.
Arglwydd means Lord in Welsh, it's in the notes below. Ar glue eeth. Thanks to Fenchurch1 who wrote: Arglwydd is pronounced Ar glue eeth with a hard th like in' then'.
Back to the story.
**ODD**
Chapter 19 - A New School Year
**ODD**
Labor Day, Sept 7th, Black Keep
It was time to do a final check before the hearing that would likely give the Lupins permanent custody of the Gregory-Smythe child. If they still wanted to adopt. Best make sure those plans were still in place.
WCS Officer Stevens stopped by to check in on Thomas, Teddy, as he was being called there. He was next to the back pond, feeding corn from a bag to the ducks there, and no one was near him! What if he went into the water?
The boy took another step closer, when his foster mother appeared right there. Had she been invisible?
"Teddy? What's the rule about water, and where is your foot?"
"No going too close to the pond. I hit the wand again. Sorry Mummy!"
"It's a ward, love, but it's there to keep us both safe. Do you see the line around the pond?" Agent Addams, so very fierce in her work, asked so very gently.
Mrs Stevens couldn't, not from here, but the boy was nodding.
Remus popped in just then, clearly also monitoring the same ward, saw his mate and little boy safe, and popped away without a word. But the new mom was speaking.
"I'm going to keep working. Do you have enough corn for your job?" Abigail asked respectfully.
Teddy nodded, took a step back, and continued his chore as the witch returned to hers. WCS Stevens knew about the safety features around the animals, and was happy to hear they had warded the water as well.
She now saw where the woman was working on gathering food crops with her wand with other workers. She had a clear line of sight of the child, and used a magical tether. He physically couldn't get into the pond, but she was teaching him boundaries.
Clever.
WCS Stevens canceled her notice-me-not charm and waved to the agent, "I'm here to speak to Teddy for a minute. May I approach?"
The agent stayed where she was, in the garden, and nodded approval. She watched from there though, completely focused on the adult talking with her cub.
When Teddy started to cry, the hair on the back of the neck of the carer stood up: Suddenly she felt in overwhelming danger, and no one had moved or said anything! She looked around, and saw the concerned parent. She needed to reassure the boy.
"No, no little one. I am here asking if you are happy; I don't want you to move if you're happy here." Mrs Stevens explained. "I want you to be happy." Getting a confused look from the little boy, the social worker quickly changed tacks. "Are you getting enough to eat?"
Teddy nodded, "Oh yes! And Dotty brings me snacks whenever I want! And Daddy bought me a bike. Did I tell you that?"
Only every time she visited.
"And I'm learning swimming 'cause there's lots of water around, just in case I fall in, I need to know how to swim and get out. And Mummy reads to me and so does Daddy. And Har-ry. And we get to visit the animals, sometimes. I get to find eggs too!" Teddy said Harry's name very carefully instead of 'Hawwy'.
The boy was in sturdy clothes, a bit dirty but it was a working farm. His hair was well-groomed, and was clearly being taken care of. She hadn't meant to scare him.
When she was done, she made her way carefully to Abigail, who left her work to speak to her.
"Teddy started to cry for a moment." Abigail pointed out.
"He thought I was taking him away. I just told him if he was unhappy, I could find him a different home. Your sixty days is coming up soon. Are you planning on adoption? He seems very happy."
"Remus and I have already had our lawyer fill out the paperwork. He's going to be named Thomas Remus Lupin if it all works out. We have him registered for school in the village. Thank goodness for a school like Salem Elementary. Everyone there knows about magic, or I would have to arrange for homeschool. He's growing so much. I wonder if he kept small on purpose to avoid attention." Abigail informed her.
The carer jumped when a man's voice sounded behind her, "And we have alternate arrangements for the nights of the full moon. Do you need to see the improvements made to our home? The designer, Harlan, helped a lot in making it safer for children in the design to begin with."
Mrs Stevens shook her head, "No, no. That isn't necessary. Thank you for your time."
Remus held out his hand, "I'm sorry for startling you. I will never forget that you brought Teddy to us, and I'm glad this worked out for us all. So grateful that you didn't lose your job."
The woman laughed, "No, I got an award, actually. I shouldn't tell you both this, but I have never seen a foster settle in so well. No tantrums, no acting out."
"I get the feeling our son had been kept like a pet by those people. There for show, given affection when convenient for them. Taken care of by servants. Fed and clothed, but never cherished. He's loved now." Remus stated.
"I hate to tell you, but you're still in the honeymoon phase," She said with a bit of a laugh. "But with counseling, I truly think he'll do very well here. That's the report I'm turning in. Thank you." Mrs Stevens waved goodbye to Teddy, and took her leave.
A bowl of fancy fruit had been delivered to the Stevens' home just the other day, 'Thank you for watching out for my little brother. HJP.'
It was the same type of bowl auctioned for thousands of galleons to raise money for the aurors. If she and her husband ever had any financial problems, they had a way of getting gold just by selling that bowl.
Not a bribe, just a thank you. A beautiful one.
**ODD**
Tuesday, Sept 8th, First day of School, 7th Grade (The Equivalent of Hogwarts Second Year) SAM
Hermione looked around for Harry. If he didn't get out here, the carriage was going to have to leave without him. Then she heard laughing.
Ricardo was on the back of the coach, along with some of the other boys. Susan, Sally-Anne, and a shy Sarah were inside. Two other boys were with Harry on top along with Frank clearly ready to scan for enemies. Ricardo helped Hermione in, but when they got to school, Harry helped Hermione down.
Harry was tanned; his hair recently cut. Hermione realized just how fit he was looking. Of course, he thought she was extremely lovely.
The group posed for pictures. Harry had ridden with the driver for the first load of people: all of the adults who came to see them off at the front steps of the school. Then he returned to pick-up the students and surprised Hermione by driving.
Pictures were taken, and Neville said a tearful farewell to little baby Fiona Elizabeth. At least this wasn't Hogwarts, and he would see her tonight instead of months from now. Harry would have been a mess too if they had to wait months to see her! Or Teddy.
They had said goodbyes at home to Thomas: He was already dropped off for his first day at elementary, along with some of the younger village children.
The school's wards had a dozen different people individually named as 'persons of interest'. If they came, they would be transported to MFBI Agent Addams. They didn't want to gain this type of negative attention. No. While she could be rough on her allies, she was worse on her enemies.
The agent was returning to her job, even though said job had interrupted what was supposed to be six weeks of family leave.
**ODD**
A new nationwide health mandate was in effect: gym class was now a required course. Of course, being a magical school meant they were adapting and adopting.
Harry thought this was Sirius' way of getting him on a basketball or football (no, soccer) team. He had been happy to see that flying was going to be covered for the first six-week session. Yay! The brooms in their cases had been lovingly unstrapped from the top of the carriage as they disembarked.
Walking next to him, Neville was moaning. He could fly. His father had forced him to learn. Heir Longbottom flew three feet off the ground every time. He was making low groaning noises.
They entered their new homeroom, with the Longbottom heir still a bit upset.
"Afraid of heights? Too bad, Neville." Matt had said snide things more than once about English names.
Compared to Fleamont, Neville was a brilliant name!
"Mr Felton. You were told to leave Harry, Neville and the rest of their House alone. Do you need me to make my point?" the homeroom teacher sternly reminded.
Matt apologized and moved seats. Wise of him.
Harry smiled as their homeroom teacher went through the sections of the new physical education course. Baggit in spring, good, he'd wanted to try that, but didn't want to commit so much of his free time to the sport. And in high school, racing would be an elective. Sweet!
Maybe this year would prove to have some fun in it along with the work. And yes! Hermione was in his charms class, and Amanda was not. Double Sweet!
**ODD**
Harry was pleased to hear more English voices in the lunch crowd than there had been. A boy even shorter than himself, blond and bubbling with excitement, came up to him.
Amanda started to come over and the monitor sent her to the 'quiet table' before she said a word.
"Hi! I know you're Harry Potter! Wow! You're my hero! I wanted to bring my camera case in, but had to leave it in the office. I really, really wanted to take a picture with you. The security people didn't like it. I was given it as a gift unexpectedly using owl post mail just as we were leaving, but it was packed away, and I just found it again this morning. It was a welcome to Hogwarts, but I never wanted to go there. I mean, I hadn't even started at Hogwarts, but I didn't sign up for that school. Oh, I didn't tell you my name. I'm Colin. Colin Creevy." All of this was said very, very fast.
Aha! This explains why the family coming in with their cows was not allowed on the grounds. It wasn't due to the adults being muggle. No, their oldest was a superfan. Harry could imagine trying to muck-out stalls, covered with animal byproducts, and having his picture plastered all over the British news rags. Just no!
Harry didn't like fans, girls or boys. He ignored fan mail, refusing to do anything with it. Bless the team for protecting him yet again!
There was something the boy said that bothered Harry, but he wasn't going to deal with this at lunch.
"I hope you have a nice lunch, Mr Collinsworth. I see my friends waving at me. Bye."
Harry didn't like the look of distress on the boy's face for mispronouncing his name, but it was in a book that his grandfather wrote called, 'Of Silent Tact and Quiet Snide': Remembering someone's name after a brief introduction would make them feel that you noticed them, and perhaps they had a chance in your circle. Politely saying it wrong and going to 'good friends' while excluding them would make it clear they were not welcome.
There was something about the bouncy child that made Harry shudder. Was it something in the nightmare he'd had? Someone like him had this camera and the flash…the lad shuddered again.
He joined Hermione, and mirror-called Alice. He repeated the conversation verbatim. She gasped, seeing what he'd missed. She thanked him for calling, and he finally started to eat.
Hermione thought he'd been a little mean. Sally-Anne disagreed. Of course, she'd been around pushy photographers all her life and didn't like a single one.
**ODD**
Detective Weaver showed up with Dora before Abigail Addams and 'God's Gift' Agent Smith did. Of course, her response time was likely going to be affected, even with Teddy being enrolled in Salem Elementary.
And Agent Smith had clearly taken extra time to make sure he was coiffed perfectly. Did he use the same cantrips as that Lockhart person had?
Smith insisted that the MFBI take charge of the camera; Abigail clearly wanted that as well, but not at the risk of causing a rift with the local aurors. Higgs waved her concerns away with a gesture. Let them have the interesting puzzle, he had plenty to do.
The Creevys had been recently placed. It had taken longer than normal to relocate the family as the wizard's father refused to leave without the cows. Without the racing portals, ODD would have had a choice to stun everyone or leave them to their fate. It still had turned out to be a harrowing adventure.
A disappointed detective returned to work; Dora didn't start college until later in the month, and had been the one to tell Higgs something was 'hinky' at Harry's school. She returned home reluctantly. Something was very odd about this, and part of her wanted to hang around her younger cousin today.
No one knew that Agent Addams had been feeling something was wrong, and wanted to go stalk the elementary school or stay there. Clearly, the danger was closer to Harry rather than the other cub of her heart. She had to deal with she'd be talking to God's Gift about just who was the senior agent!
**ODD**
Livy popped in next to Alejandro and Remus working in the barn. "Mistress Abigail be on the phone for you, Seneschal Lupin. It being important."
Arguing was happening on the other end, "I will go to the hospital AFTER I speak with my mate!"
"Abi! You're hurt?!" Remus shouted through the phone.
The witch was speaking louder than normal, "I lost my mirror in the blast but had to call in case you heard I was dead. Harry is in danger! Teddy might be too. Protect our cubs!"
The phone was pulled from her hand, "We're taking Agent Addams to Mount Sinai now. You can visit her there. Later. You've said the important things, Agent. Let's go."
And the line went dead.
Moments later, Sirius came in with a haunted face. "Moony! I don't know how to tell you this. There was another attempt on Harry's life. Your wife….our Abigail…" Sirius tried to gain control of his tears. "Oh, I'm so sorry! This is as bad as losing Lily. Abigail…so sorry… is dead! I'm so sorry!"
Remus wanted to howl but had just spoken to her. "No Pads, she's not dead thankfully. I just talked to her. She's been hurt!" Running towards the apparition point, Remus added, "How badly hurt, I don't know, there was an explosion, and at least one other person was hurt. If an MFBI agent was killed? They won't take this sitting down.
"I need to get to the hospital, but we need to get to school too. And check to make sure Teddy is alright. And take care of that mare. Argh! Sirius, can you take over here? We need to get Frank to the school immediately! Maybe Alice could check on Teddy." Remus wanted to be in three other places at once. And the hippogriff in distressed birthing couldn't wait for help. And someone needed to check on Harry in all this. Marius was delayed. Nothing was going right.
Sirius wanted to respectfully declined, until Carmen, wiping tears, caught up with them as Remus was about to leave.
Carmen shared, "I'll help the mare. Oh, I'm so sorry Remus. She will be greatly missed."
Remus gave her an exasperated look, waving to Sirius to explain it, and organize others into action.
Marius would be joining them just as soon as he could.
Lord Black called several elves and sent them off to deploy help. The animagus sighed, pulled on work gloves, swallowed, and went to work with his wife. Never had he been so divided, but the older mare was in distress, and he couldn't leave her, even while clearly wishing he could head to school instead. Ted showed up after class was over, allowing the animagus to rush to school. Andromeda was called to join Alice at the elementary school, when she was done with work.
They might face danger, but every adult there had a weapon, except Emma, and was willing to fight if needed. The scariest of them was likely the Healer Andromeda Tonks. She was born a Black, and more than happy to prove it if needed.
**ODD**
Back at school, Harry was learning a terrifying new game called Dodgeball. The school brooms that were ordered for the start of the year hadn't arrived on time, so the coach 'improvised' with conjured balls.
All the House's brooms were sent home via house-elf, and they were currently stuck with this latest version of defensive training.
Harry had no idea of the chaos that had been going on after lunch.
The small box with the camera, that started the day in the principal's office at Salem, was sent to a warded room in the MFBI. It turned out to be a well-disguised bomb.
One agent was practically vaporized; The only reason Abigail survived was because she was in the room next door, getting a different kit from the back closet. She had a very serious concussion, several broken ribs, and was getting a kidney potion, but she was going to be alright in a few days, or so the healers hoped.
The well-warded laboratory was a complete disaster, but if they had been in regular offices it could have destroyed an entire floor.
Detective Higgs would be invited to the funeral of Agent Smith. If Tonks and he had investigated the camera at the school, it was estimated that they would be dead in an instant, and at least three offices on that side of the building would have been lost as it didn't have the reinforcements like the lab the agents used. And of course any people working there would have been lost as well.
Residue found in the rubble indicated an explosive compound: Someone had mixed Erumpent oil into the camera chemicals. If the Creevy boy had had a chance to open it at home, the house would have been utterly destroyed, and likely taken out many of their farm's dairy cows, as well.
Sirius, in his Grim form, walked to the gym with a couple of people. One was a very concerned detective; another was a local auror. They greeted Frank who was just inside the door. His wand wasn't drawn, but ready in his holster.
Gym class was ending, and Padfoot bolted to his boy, and pushed against Harry. The lad knelt down and hugged his dogfather, "Oh, don't worry boy. I was doing okay. I'm okay."
Padfoot was introduced to everyone who Harry was friendly with. The other security went to do a brief patrol of the area. Frank was right behind the group of students.
Potions was the last class of the day, this time with a new professor. His skin was sallow, his nose hooked. His black hair was long, and pulled into an Heir queue. His voice was a smooth baritone, and he made sure that everyone there knew to play pranks or play around in his class would earn more than just points. They would be gone!
When the man sneered at the dog in the classroom, Padfoot couldn't help it. He was reminded of a school rival, and he growled lowly.
The potion teacher hushed him, then ran his hand down the animagus' back. "A Grim! Such wonderfully magical parts. Mr Potter, don't you know how irresponsible it is not to neuter pets? I would be happy to take care of it for you."
Padfoot dashed out the door, but refused to move another step from it. He sat across the way from Frank who hadn't been allowed in either.
Professor Prince was more than a bit acerbic. Harry had a bad feeling that he had made a misstep, and on the very first day too.
**ODD**
Detective Weaver, not wanting Harry to be upset, bought Colin a new camera of the exact same make and model he'd lost. But anyone who had bought one of those cameras in the last few months was going to be under heavy surveillance.
Of course, Dumbledore hadn't. But Diggle had (for the races), Moody had (for work) and had several other people.
Moody and Diggle offered oaths and memories, and neither were suspects in that way. But Albus did know about Diggle's camera as he had sent him to the Grand Prix to watch. And wasn't happy that he failed to grab Harry when he had the chance.
**ODD**
A warning was sent to all American magical schools, and security was raised another notch at Salem.
**ODD**
Harry, Padfoot, and Frank arrived home after school. The wizards didn't want to talk; leaving the young mage in the dark.
Upon entering the parlor, Alice was crying, so Harry thought something had happened to either Fiona, or someone in the house. Something. He hugged her, patted her back, ordered her favorite tea and conjured her cookies. She refused to eat, refused to talk about it, and blamed it on baby blues.
"Is Bets alright? If someone hurt her…" Harry asked worriedly. The baby was in a nearby bassinet. Alice summoned it forward gently, making the hippogriffs in the mobile dance; Harry saw the peacefully sleeping baby. Sighing, he sat next to his upset godmother.
She didn't really want to talk, and shooed the confused boy away when Fiona Elizabeth awoke.
Sirius explained they'd be heading to the hospital before dinner, and spoke a little about Abigail getting hurt.
Andromeda and Ted offered to take care of little Teddy while Abigail recuperated. The wounded agent didn't want Teddy to worry about her, but didn't want to lie to him either.
Harry, Sirius, Remus and Teddy all came to visit. Abigail looked at the flowers. "The roses are edible, but I don't know about the others," she shared. Harry had teased her that all werewolves thought about was eating.
Harry shook his head, "Tomorrow, I'll bring you a sausage bouquet."
Teddy too had flowers, and wanted up, but while trying to hide it, Abigail was in great pain. "Thank you, sweet little man. Maybe I can read you a story. For tonight, I think we'd best ask Harry to do it.
After careful hugs all around, she shooed both cub and mate home afterwards. "I'm monitored here, Husband. Go. And thank you Harry, Sirius for coming to visit. I'll be home soon."
No one had told her that Agent Smith had perished yet; she hadn't thought to ask. The healers were concerned about the severe concussion they were treating her for.
Later, just before dinner, Teddy was distracted from mummy not being home by not one but two doggies visiting.
He clapped his hands in delight, and rolled with them on the floor. Moony turned to Abi's chair to comment on their silliness and remembered where she was. He was grateful for good friends.
They were there to cheer up Teddy, and wound up cheering Remus up with their antics! Moony had returned to get carers arranged for Teddy, and hand over some of his tasks to others so he could return to the hospital.
**ODD**
The Serene Speaker of the LoMN looked at the report. The MFBI kept them in the loop of international concerns. How dare someone do this type of action? An agent killed, one injured enough she might be partially disabled?
Apparently, there was a trace still detectable of notice-me-not charms. Likely ending that very day. The old wizard remembered the scared young man who reached for his godmother's hand when the decision was read. Lord Harry had been clearly terrified of being taken away from people who loved him and being given to a monster.
If only there was proof this came from Dumbledore! Then they could act; sanctions, something. The head of the MFBI sent a memory with a summation.
"We're chasing vapor and not getting anywhere. We know who did this, but have zero proof.
"John Smith was brought here to help us figure this out, not to be blasted into bits. He might have been…handsy off the clock, but he didn't deserve this death."
The elderly kindly wizard watched the monitors of action, leading up to and including the explosion. Agent Smith was told by Agent Addams to leave the device alone while she went to get better protective gear and a detection kit for muggle and magical chemicals.
The man, clearly unable to wait long, started playing with the case first, looking at the latches, and then opened it.
Touching the camera was the last memory; the flash of white overpowered the recessed magical recording device.
The monitor in the other room showed the agent collecting up gear, as she said she would, and grabbing the kit. She then went to go back for something else, fortunately, and was still in the closet when the explosion occurred. The other labs nearby had been emptied due to her warning that this might be another alchemical device.
The entire lab section was reinforced against explosions, or the damage could have been far worse.
It was unclear if both agents would have survived the blast if wearing the protective gear; just having it wrapped around her arms seemed to help prevent more serious injuries to the witch.
Who would do such a thing? Deploy a bomb at a school?
The person they blamed was an elderly wizard who had a history of being an educator, then hero, then politician, and had been a headmaster for nearly forty years.
The leader shuddered. He had been the Serene Speaker for the last four years, and had to step down after another three. He could be re-elected, after another seven years had passed. His finances were up for audit at any time and he could be randomly interrogated with truth serum and spells by the auditors.
If he had tried to imperius someone to do something, it would be caught. Immediately! He could be held in seclusion for thirty days for the least whisper of treason!
Sigh.
Why didn't other countries or the ICW enforce such mandates?
He looked at the recommendations attached. Ireland had once had its own Ministry of Magic, and had been subsumed during the blood war of the 1960's. The head of the MFBI recommended action to free the Irish people first from ICW control as it was a lower population, was close physically to the rest of Britain, and could be used as a forward position in any maneuvers.
The Black family was working on ways of detecting the imperius; ways to cleanse people. That or they could just pay the goblins to do testing and cleanses on the subjects as needed. Expensive, but it would get the job done.
The former charms professor shuddered. He liked making children laugh, and had no desire to prepare for war.
Still he had to admire the injured agent's intelligence and conclusions that had been previously submitted. She included a list of ICW countries and advocates from a half-dozen LoMN nations that would be sympathetic to this cause.
What did this have to do with Harry Potter? The messy-haired orphan wasn't old enough to be the source of trouble.
Wasn't he supposed to be at least a teenager for that to happen?
He reread the Irish plan. He sighed heavily again, and reached for the phone. "Mr President? We have a situation." "Yes, it is related to the bomb at Salem." "I'll be there shortly. May I have dinner brought in? I think it's going to take some time."
After getting off the line, he called Baxter, "Dinner for six please. I'm thinking Italian. The president likes that chicken marsala. I'll have a nice salad. Thank you."
He got wearily to his feet. American independence did not come free and they had help from abroad. Jean-Claude Delacour from the French Ministry? Good man. His father fought in the underground against the Nazis.
How would this Dumbledore act if Ireland were freed? It might be a dangerous action, but what were they supposed to do? Leave the people under the control of a madman? If half of the accusations were true…
Shuddering, the man of peace went to talk war with the President, praying with each step for a peaceful path forward.
**ODD**
After dinner, still Tuesday
Harry went to set up his 'Plan for Success' in the library. That's what he called his homework planner. It was a great tool to keep Hermione from scolding. He'd even bought others secretly for Ricardo and the other teens of the House that were like his, only with everyone's names embossed on it. Widow Beddew had done it for him though, and he wanted to learn the new students' names!
The teens attending school all stood, then Sarah came over and curtseyed. "Lord Harry! If ye ever feel threatened at school, know we'd help."
Harry nodded. Word of the attack must have gotten around. Without details, he wasn't as worried as he should have been. Harry knew a lot of farm spells now; enough to cause real pain and get away. Or if he was without his wand, he knew ways to jab and get away.
"Thank you, Miss Sarah. It's very kind of you."
Harry waved at his sane and serene Colin down the table; racing season was over, and they would work out ways for him to go to school to get his NEWTs and perform his essential duties once the season started again in March.
Colin nodded regally. Harland Morgan's little sister Margot had started sixth grade, along with a couple of others Harry didn't know by name yet. He made sure they all knew they could study in the library. Alice might have a strict 10PM curfew for all non-residents to be out of the house, but they were his people, and welcome in his home!
He showed them the shortcut through the gym and had a second wash-up station for coming into the library there.
It was a much shorter way to their homes, and the pathway was lit by bluebell flames - it was a spell Hermione herself had invented.
**ODD**
Alice and Frank, along with Sirius, asked Harry to come to his godmother's rooms later that night before bed. Neville was already in bed, and a silencing ward should ensure that they didn't bother him.
"I'm sorry I couldn't talk with you before now. I just realized how dangerous the situation really is. If Abigail had been killed, we'd have another widower, another orphan. That has happened far too often. We need…something."
Harry didn't want to raise her hopes, but talked about the cup he'd found in the old book.
"Madam Peascomb didn't want my father selling off books to line Dumbledore's pockets, so she kinda stole them away and hid them until a sane heir came to power. She watched me for a year! She really wanted to trust me before giving me my legacy back.
"I was supposed to work in the workshop today, but I got taken to the hospital to visit and stuff. It seemed more important. But I will check in tomorrow. And for the record? I'm really glad that we're all okay. I'm sorry about God's Gift being killed. Are you coming with us to school tomorrow Uncle Frank? I don't think Professor Prince likes me." Harry finished in a small voice.
Frank shook his head, "The teacher was annoyed at the interruption. We'll see if intervention is needed there, so try to just do your best. And no, the MFBI is going to have a stronger presence at all American schools this week. I will talk to Madam Peascomb. If this magic really works the way you think it will…"
"Yeah, we might be able to at least detect someone under imperius. But then what?"
"Step by step godson. It would at least be a step." Alice shared softly.
Fiona Elizabeth gurgled just then, and Harry sang a duet with Frank about a Welsh dragon that saved a princess from a very evil dark lord. In return, the princess gave him all her gold for the dragon's nest.
Bets like it so much she burped, blew a bubble at Harry, then yawned before dragging his pinkie to her mouth. She pronounced it worthy before falling asleep.
**ODD**
Wednesday, Sept 8th, Longbottom Suite
The next day after school, he was brought into his godmother's suite to talk rather than working on pottery. Again. This wasn't good. Tomorrow was racing lessons. These interruptions had to stop.
Lord Potter saw all the long faces, and was immediately nervous.
"Am I in trouble again?" Harry asked. He wasn't but he always asked. WCS Stevens had shared some strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
"Harry? You already know there was another attempt on…well, on someone's life yesterday. We don't think you were the target, precisely. But well. We…" Alice had taken a calming draught for nursing mothers and was still having trouble dealing with her emotions.
She had gone from a time of war to a time of war without 'feeling' ten years of peace.
Frank looked at Harry, "We want to ask you to start a more intensive training with Moody and Dan. More than self defense. You're twelve; magic is ancient, and you are the subject of a prophecy. We don't know the specifics of when Magic will think you an adult, but it won't be eighteen. No ancient culture considered that 'of age'."
"Can't I take Marmalade to school?" Harry begged. "She'd protect me from rats."
Alejandro was already doing the preliminary work with her to break her to saddle with Harry's help.
"Can't you see that: A hippogriff bodyguard. Dan actually asked to come with you to classes. They said no." Alice smiled at Sirius for the first time that night.
Sirius was looking smug about that, but still as somber as his name sounded.
They all disliked the feeling of being sniped at. But everyone in the US government they talked to agreed with the original plan. Do nothing to retaliate that could be linked to them directly. Several of Dumbledore's assets were being wasted watching for any sign of legal tactics from House Potter. And Harry'speople had been questioned under veritaserum! Asking questions about Harry!
A couple of Potter workers had gotten arrested at the local pub in Wales, likely due to Harry's visit at the reserve. Harry didn't like his people being kidnapped, quasi-legally, so of course he immediately arranged for help through intermediaries.
Sirius, working through Lucius Malfoy who reached out to Lord Nott; Briokz couldn't represent them in Wizarding Britain. Both were former Death Eaters; Nott was hired to defend innocent purebloods. It was enough to spook people, and a few more villagers moved to America.
Scrimgeour tried to claim the false arrests were a case of mistaken identity: that it was Remus Lupin they were trying to arrest, but no one believed the very insincere apology.
Alice had more cottages built, putting Harland Morgan in charge of them. He was now taking more advanced classes and using this experience for school and was getting paid!
Harry knew the key was finding a weakness in Dumbledore. Supposedly, sometime when Harry was a baby, around the time of his parents' death, Albus' phoenix had abandoned him. The last time Fawkes was seen was dropping Harry off with Petunia. But the old Headmaster was well-loved or at least well thought of by most.
What was Harry to do to survive until called by Magic to be an avatar for Light?
"What about gym class? The coach there does not like me at all." Harry could tell. He was not having a good start of term so far.
"I'll make an appointment to talk to the school about this. I heard a rumor the current gym coach was on track to be coach of the flying club until this new Physical Fitness Initiative. Our lot aren't sitting in front of a telly all day. I should write down a list of your chores, activities and games." Alice made notes.
"I'm trying to do what my mind-healer suggested. Address what I have to at the time; no procrastinating. Do my chores. Brush my teeth. Be kind to my girlfriend –which I do not have, as I am not dating until my sophomore year–, and concentrate on what is mine to control. The path of revenge is darkness; the path of assassination is darkness; the path of war is darkness.
"I am not a warrior at heart. I am a potter; as in throwing pots." Which was entirely contrary to what Frank and Dan wanted from him. He would do as he must, but his heart was elsewhere. "So I guess I'm a potter with defensive skills. Oh, and have a hippogriff willing to chew on any enemies' heads."
Sirius finally smiled, "And doing well. Look at all the orders. Racing pots, the cart orders, even your hideously expensive singing fruit bowls. The minute the weekly shipment is ready to go and uploaded to the catalog, they are sold-out! And your own mugs and bowls, as costly as they are, sell very well. I'm proud of you, pup."
Harry demurred, "Some of that will slow down as people get tired of the racing things. We should tap one of the younger people to be in design…"
"Like Sally-Anne. Sorry to interrupt. But have you seen her art?" Alice asked.
"Yes. She's good, and wants to pursue art and dance as a career. I can't wait until Friday's class. I don't like your request for me to do more military training. It goes against who I want to be. Can you let Dan know I just want to evade? Well, maybe incapacitate and evade? I don't think I can kill in cold blood."
"Let the professionals handle that part, Harry. We just want you to be as safe as possible." Sirius said most…sincerely.
"Has anyone gotten a hold of Professor Snape to ask him about his younger twin at school?" Harry asked, a bit peeved with the new teacher.
"We've passed on a note to Moody. He'll likely be in touch with questions, but with school in session, it's not safe for him to contact us openly." Alice shared, trying unsuccessfully to calm Harry's soul by trying to tame his wild hair.
Neither worked, but Harry left with a friendly enough wave.
**ODD**
Thursday, Sept 10th, SAM
Harry unloaded the five broom cases lovingly from the carriage. Today was really going to be flying class. Ricardo didn't understand the danger or why Harry insisted on using House brooms. The Corderos were no longer poor, but still saving all they could. He had been planning on using a school broom.
Harry remembered the quads from the quadpot game from last year. No. No one was killing his friends with a sabotaged broom!
The case had his name on it and everything. Ricardo and Harry noted that while Matt had his own broom, Amanda did not. She stood in the queue for a school broom.
Dean, who had spent the summer in school to catch up with the rest of his age-mates, thought it wonderful. And he had learned on death-traps back at Hogwarts.
The Potter village students all had new brooms as well, but none of them were in this class.
The two friends pulled Neville to the far side, not giving anyone room to stand next to them on the left. Hermione and Sally-Anne joined them. Both were smiling, but no one had said anything.
Their initial class was beyond boring. Safe flying, following the instructor in a slow, low pattern. Ricardo and Harry started miming going to sleep. Unfortunately, the coach saw them, and thought he'd make examples of them.
"If you're so good, do the steeplechase run. On brooms! At speed!" The coach, Wagner Brown, had been upset from the first moment the students had stepped on the high school pitch.
The one at home was changeable, but based on this one. The junior high didn't normally teach flying.
They flipped, and Ricardo won. He let Harry go first. The timer was set up, and zoom! He was away!
Racing on a hippogriff relied on their intelligence with some of the traps, but Harry had lightning reflexes. Could he have done better on Marmalade? Certainly! But then, he was somewhat held back because of the speed delimiter on the broom. At least he and Ricardo had the same model, so that wouldn't cause an issue.
Harry finished with a very good time, a winning time if he'd been flying on one of his friends in the stable. Unbeknownst to him, they had gathered a crowd to watch.
Ricardo was next, and he was also very good. Like his father, he had good instincts. But he had grown up flying on the beasts. Harry had learned to fly first on brooms. Twice, it appeared he was waiting on his broom to make a decision. Harry cheered for him to go - he could do this, and Cordero raced through.
Again, he had a very good time for a seventh grader. Coach Brown was just stunned. "Who are you people?"
"I'm Harry Potter. I've been taking racing lessons from my friend's father. This is Ricardo Cordero."
His eyes narrowed, and then he bowed. "Your father is a jockey, isn't he? Your mother…well, I'm very surprised so see you in a public school."
Ricardo started to open his mouth, then closed it. He folded his arms, his eyes cold and full of pain, saying nothing.
The coach shook himself, and turned to the rest of the class, "Is there anyone else that would like to try the steeplechase while we're here?"
Matt Felton immediately volunteered, then wished he hadn't. Potter made this look easy! Each station had a pole to go under, or a windmill to go around, or poles to serpentine through. There were signs, but you had to slow down to figure out what to do next. He tried to make up speed on the straightaways, then wound up going past the next obstacle.
He was getting faults right and left, and going slow. Much slower. Suddenly, the people who claimed they could do this were shutting up and remaining quiet. They couldn't do this. Not even the people on the quadpot team.
The coach looked suspiciously at Ricardo, and Harry moved to the boy's other side. He waited for his friend to leave before talking to the coach.
"Is there a problem sir?" Harry asked as politely as he could manage.
"If your friend hasn't explained about his mother, well, it's his business. I just thought he'd be in a much more expensive school is all. I didn't mean to be rude. You're both very young. I wish we had a racing club." Mr Brown stated sincerely.
Harry jumped in excitement, "A racing club on brooms that went one at a time? Oh please sir! I would love that! My godmother pulled me from quadpot…"
"That wasn't the story I heard!"
"Who said? Felton? I have the memories if you want to watch. I forgave them though, so I suppose I shouldn't share too much. But I really would rather race, now that I know about it." Harry affirmed.
Brown nodded, and sent him on his way.
**ODD**
"This was never a demotion - you want me nurturing the Potter and Cordero boys."
Coach Brown, the new junior high gym teacher, approached Sports Director Terry Young after school. He also served as the hippogriff flying team coach at Salem High. A few griffs were already being warmed up, but they had time to talk a bit.
The head coach of the flying team was all smiles. "Now you know why I asked you to give it a week before quitting. But I didn't want to prejudice your view. Are they as good as I hoped?"
Brown shared memories. "You tell me. Oh, I may have had some listening charms. Potter has a yearling going under saddle now for racing training, and the Cordero boy has his own 'griff who just turned one. They'll arrive in your domain with a year of training minimum. If they are allowed to fly as freshmen."
"When they come to high school, you come too. I'll step down if I can't get you as the flying team specialist." The head coach was sincere, and the younger man now knew the man trusted him to give these boys the skills they needed to succeed.
"Potter suggested a Junior High flying club. As far as I know, there's no school rules against it. And with quadpot and baggit, they can't argue against the kids flying on brooms."
Young nodded with enthusiasm, "I bet if you approached Lord Black, he'd quietly fund it too. The quadpot coach was mysteriously mum about that first game." The Director over all team sports shared. "We'll support you from here. Make sure your budget includes some off duty aurors or get Black to sponsor tickets to other events to get them there. Some insane Mage from England wants Potter to raise as his heir. There's been some odd newspaper articles about it. Just be aware."
Wagner released breath, "Thank you. I may not like how you did this, but I see why now. Just don't blindside me again, please?"
Practice was getting ready to start and the men went to their duties.
**ODD**
Alice was never going to leave Fiona Elizabeth for hours alone with an elf, so had rigged a baby seat with magical toys slowly dancing around it. This setup kept the baby near her in the greenhouse. There was nothing toxic or dangerous there.
There were other greenhouses little Fiona was not entering until she could defend herself.
Neville came in after school, and gave his mother a sweet kiss on the cheek, and greeted his little sister before donning gloves. Harry was just a second behind him, unknowingly repeating his gestures of greeting, but had shaken a rattle at his Bets for a moment.
He was only working here for a short time before going to the workshop.
"Guess who flew very well in class today?" Harry shared, beaming at Neville. He hadn't fallen or anything. The people fleeing Hogwarts had mentioned more than once the flying death-traps they had for class.
Truly, those people fled more than one potentially fatal situation in Britain.
Alice smiled at her son, "I much prefer a solid bicycle myself. Lily is the one who taught me. Neither of us ever flew for the joy of it. Well, not brooms."
Harry smiled at them both. He hadn't heard that before! He knew his mum flew on hippogriff back. Or was that to try and impress his dad with her bravery? Hmm.
"And how was Professor Prince on you today, lads?" Alice asked.
Neville just shook his head, leaving Harry to answer. Both boys were ready to lodge a complaint of prejudice against him, as neither felt anything they did was good enough.
Harry had been spoiled by his sixth grade teacher. Well, one thing was for sure. He hadn't changed the delivery of a few 'extras' here and there from her to his new teacher, and he wasn't going to yet!
For sure, Prince would think it a bribe and take offense!
**ODD**
After his racing lesson, he finally made time to connect with his new mentor. At least she wasn't angry about his absence.
Harry tried the tricky cup again. Gran Peascomb had checked the book, looking for hidden passages or anything else. He checked the dimensions, then had a brainwave. He tried various passwords on the book itself.
After several failed attempts, including the map password he had something new to try.
"The Arglwydd of House Potter commands you Speak!" Harry tried in Welsh, never dreaming that would actually work.
Spidery script appeared inside one of the 'blanks' that had fancy scroll-work border; writing in the modern Welsh tongue:
To shape the cup of truth, cast first 'verum dico' at the malleable clay. To have your enemies boast of their evil goals, cast 'gloriatio maximus' at the same. Then lastly, To create a cup of control detection, cast the 'deprehendere imperium maledictum' at the clay unformed. Cast and spin; spin and cast, cast and spin. Then whence half-set, carve the runes moste carefully.
Nearly everyone in the workshop had stopped at the feel of powerful family magic.
Mrs Helen looked ready to ban Harry from the shop; wild magic could have ruined everything there. Instead, everything was a bit brighter, a bit more powerful than normal. No real harm done.
"Ŵyr? I think these spells have been lost for a time. That's not the truth spell aurors use." Gran Peascomb shared softly.
Harry knew that ŵyr was Welsh for grandson.
"I think I need to copy this right now, and show a few people. Can you please keep this quiet for now?" Harry asked, copying the secret directions from the book and handing it back to the elder.
"I think that's wise." She put it in her bag, and went back to work.
She put all of the cup attempts to the side until she heard back from Lord Harry on just how they were going to proceed.
Sadly, Moody wasn't going to be available for an in-person conference until Friday after school. They would have to wait.
Young Lord Potter hated waiting!
**ODD**
Harry and Hermione luckily were in most of the same classes together. With the PE initiative, high school had less math required to graduate. Harry was ready to campaign for the American President for that alone.
The pair were going for a sunset stroll, admiring the view from the back pasture of the rays hitting the water. Some of the cows moved closer for treats they knew he had in his pocket. One, still giving him a gimlet eye from last year's 'frosting' when freezing the back pond, warily moved away.
His campaign to make friends with the cow may have failed, but Hermione was smiling at him, so he was happy. They talked about school, and future classes they wanted to take.
There was no way Harry was taking Arithmancy, but this year he was allowed to take Magical Art. And the first six weeks were pottery. Yes!
And it felt that way until the very first class, too.
**ODD**
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Our friend Csheila recommends: Harry Gains His Freedom by W1tch0nParad3. (Bill Weasley helps Harry out between 2nd and 3rd year, lots of magic rituals). Big brother role. Complete and well written.
s/13821895/1/Harry-Potter-Gains-His-Freedom
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**ODD**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)