Chapter 6: Echoes of the Past

They all took the vow without hesitation, and Ragnarok acted as the officiator. "Now, what I am going to say is a matter of utmost delicacy and should not reach Dumbledore's ears under any circumstance. Mione, please help me with this." They all nodded, listening with rapt attention. "Before I turned eleven, life was just... tough. Growing up with the Dursleys was like living in a perpetual storm of disdain and mistreatment. They never really wanted me there and treated me like a house elf, only ten times worse. I was stuck sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs, doing all sorts of chores and labour work they wouldn't dream of making Dudley do. They'd lock me up for the smallest things, just waiting for me to mess up so they could beat me up and starve me."

"I soon found myself at Hogwarts, a place of wonder and mystery. There, I forged friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who became my partners in navigating the magical world. The thrill of Quidditch, the challenges of classes, and the warmth of true friendship filled my days but, the danger lurked around every corner, and the rivalry between me and Draco made it no easier. Near-death experiences became routine, from facing the wrath of Voldemort in the first year, encounters with Basilisks in the second year and Dementors in the third year while rescuing Sirius on a Hippogriff. Forced participation in the Triwizard Tournament's treacherous tasks in the fourth year and the battle at the Department of Mysteries in the fifth year. Witnessing Sirius's death and facing the embodiment of evil in Lord Voldemort left scars that time couldn't erase.

Dumbledore could have prevented much of this suffering and added a bitter layer to my journey. The emotional rollercoaster of hope, loss, and sacrifice defined my years at Hogwarts, leaving me forever changed. Dumbledore was dead by the end of our sixth year. We spent the majority of our seventh year hunting for Horcruxes all over Britain without a clue. I died duelling Voldemort, and Mione died duelling Bellatrix in the Battle of Hogwarts. It was only Lady Death's blessing that we travelled back in time with our memories intact to right all the wrongs. She was the one who told us about Dumbledore's ploy and Weasely's involvement. I somehow suspected Dumbledore but Wesaely's betrayal was a sudden blow to me. Lady Death bestowed upon us this opportunity, to lead the wizarding world to a new era without forgetting our customs and traditions." Everyone was hanging onto each word. For a 12-year-old, he sure knew how to stir the crowd.

When he finished and glanced at the room, he observed that every person present in the room was staring at him wide-eyed. He commented, "Do I have horns on my head?" This seemed to break them from their stupor. "What is your plan? Other than the obvious things you stated.", asked Lady Bones, all Business-like. "Yes, Hades, we will do whatever you ask of us, and if you need any help, you just have to say.", supplied his siblings. "I seriously don't want to die this time around.", deadpanned Sirius. This seemed to break the tension in the room, and everyone laughed at the pun.

"Jokes apart, guys, I really don't want to die. I will help you in every way possible.", he continued. "Aunt Amy, can you arrange for a trial for Padfoot? The sooner he is proven innocent, the better.", inquired Harian. "Don't worry, Hades. I have the perfect solution for this. All we have to do is to arrange a panel of 3 judges, one from each faction and a prosecutor. I can be the prosecutor and conduct this trial. It is well within my rights as the Head of DMLE. Lord Malfoy can step forward as one judge, representing the dark faction. Lady Longbottom, would you please represent the light faction. And Lady McGonagall, if you could represent the grey faction." They agreed as the trial was conducted. Sirius was proven innocent and officially granted his freedom.

At this, King Ragnarok stepped forward, "I would like to take this opportunity and request Lord Black and Lord Lupin to claim their Lordship rings.", motioning a goblin to present the rings. He offered them their rings and instructed them to put the Lord's rings on the middle finger of their right hand. Sirius went first.

"I, Sirius Orion Black, claim by blood, by law, by magic, House of Black. I swear to lead it with honour and fairness; to protect and shelter those who belong or ally to the House of Black by blood, by law, by magic, by oath; to deliver justice on those who break the oath and trust with the House of Black. So have I sworn; so mote it be." The ring glowed to signify that family magic had accepted his claim.

Remus followed. "I, Remus John Lupin, claim by blood, by law, by magic, House of Lupin. I swear to lead it with honour and fairness; to protect and shelter those who belong or ally to the House of Lupin by blood, by law, by magic, by oath; to deliver justice on those who break the oath and trust with the House of Lupin. So have I sworn; so mote it be." The ring glowed to signify that family magic had accepted his claim.

"I would request Mr Granger and Mrs Granger to claim their titles as well.", he continued. "I, Richmond Nathaniel Granger, claim by blood, by law, by magic, House of Granger. I swear to lead it with honour and fairness; to protect and shelter those who belong or ally to the House of Granger by blood, by law, by magic, by oath; to deliver justice on those who break the oath and trust with the House of Granger. So have I sworn; so mote it be." The ring glowed to signify that family magic had accepted his claim.

"I, Ellanor Alexandra Granger née Dagaworth, claim by marriage, by law, by magic, House of Granger. I swear to lead it with honour and fairness; to protect and shelter those who belong or ally to the House of Granger by blood, by law, by magic, by oath; to deliver justice on those who break the oath and trust with the House of Granger. So have I sworn; so mote it be."The ring glowed to signify that family magic had accepted her claim.

"Now that you have claimed your titles, I have an idea which can help us in the long run. I propose the reintegration of the Ancients." He paused to gauge everyone's reactions. When no one commented, he continued, "The Ancients, as some of you might know, is the council of 12 houses popularly known as the sacred 12, excluding the legendary and royal houses. The panel constitutes houses of Potter, Black, Longbottom, Bones, Greengrass, Gaunt, Weasley, Prewett, Malfoy, Evans, Granger, and McGonagall. They are the founding families of wizengamot. Some were forgotten due to the corrupt ministry, resulting in a decline in the standard of education and a lack of awareness among new generations.

I propose to bring them back. To claim the power lying dormant, waiting for our appearance. The Prewett Lordship is not yet claimed, as it has no direct descended male heir. The only Prewett alive is Molly Weasley. Since the title can only be claimed by twins, in adherence to the rules, We will have to invite Elder Weasley's bar, Molly, which is altogether a different matter." He paused to catch his breath. "The Weasleys were declared Blood-Traitors and ordered exile by our ancestors around half a century ago due to a crime committed by the then Lord Weasley. The council decided to exile them, and the council alone could bring them back. Mr Weasley had earned the respect, and their eldest children are also working to revive the Weasley name. We should consider this and present it to the council. What are your thoughts?"

The last sentence was directed to the gathering. "I say we should go forward with the idea." Lord Malfoy was the first to respond. Being the political monster, he knew this was a brilliant plan. And this is how the members of the Ancients found themselves in the Gringotts for the council meeting, including the Weasleys.

"Greetings all. I am the Director of Gringotts, Goblin King Ragnarok. You are present here for a top-secret and high-priority meeting. Welcome to the Ancients. The purpose of this meeting will be revealed shortly, but before that, you will have to swear an oath of secrecy.", instructed the director. They all were unsure about it but took the oath nonetheless.

After everyone present had taken the oath, Ragnarok introduced them to people who had called the meet. "Please meet Lord Malfoy, Lady Longbottom, Lady Bones, Lady McGonagall, Lord Lupin, Lord and Lady Granger, Lord Black and finally, the people who proposed the idea for this alliance, Lady Dagaworth and Lord Potter." As the names were announced, the respective person entered the room. When Hadrian and Isabella made an appearance, they were greeted by silence.

It was hard to comprehend what they were more surprised about, finding out that Harry is Lord Potter or seeing him with Lord Malfoy and Sirius Black. If one has to guess, they would definitely bet on the latter. It is not an everyday occurrence to see Lord of House Malfoy and Lord of House Potter together.

"Everyone, please be seated," begins Ragnarok, breaking everyone out of their stupor. "We are all gathered here to discuss a very confidential and high-priority matter. The reintegration of the Council of the Ancients. It was proposed by Lord Potter and I feel honoured to be the moderator of this discussion and get to witness this historical event. The first topic on today's agenda is the rehabilitation of the Houses of Weasley's and Prewett's in the council. Around fifty years ago, due to a crime committed by the then Lord Weasley, the Weasleys were declared Blood Traitors and were ordered to be exiled by our ancestors. The council had the sole authority to bring them back, and they were exiled as a result of the council's decision. The topic is now up for discussion for the council. Please raise your wands before speaking."