My Time

Chapter 48

An auburn-haired wizard stepped out of the fireplace. A harried look on his face, easily removing the ash in his hair, beard and clothes with a flick of his original wand. "You wished to see me?" smoothing his vest and shirt to ensure it was properly cleaned with his spell.

"Professor," Longbottom stood up, relieved to see his mentor.

"I've told you before," Albus chided the wizard, "Call me Albus, I am no longer your professor." Going through social necessities', all the while bursting with questions he wanted answered to immediately. Fortunately, he had been taught patience since he was a young boy. His mother had made sure he knew how to go about getting what he wanted without having to do anything himself.

"Your wand is in evidence," Longbottom told him, "Are you sure that he isn't a Peverell from the main line?" he desperately needed his reassurance, hopefully his boss will find out that all this Peverell nonsense was fake.

"Positive," Albus said, he had thoroughly researched the Peverell family, scrubbed the archives for all available information. "Blood family trees never lie, my boy, and as you know I am good friends with the Potters." Well, more accurately Fleamont, Charlus didn't quite trust him, but given his relationship with the Black family, he was already sullied regardless. He had no use for sullied wizards or witches.

The relief almost had Auror Longbottom's legs give out from under him. Believing wholeheartedly in Dumbledore's assurances. His mentor had never lied to him, and had helped him to his own detriment in the past. Of course, he believed in him. Dumbledore had helped him become an Auror when he shamefully failed the DADA NEWTS grade. He'd helped cover it up, put a new grade in so he could join the Aurors like his parents.

"He's insisting he is Lord Peverell, and lawyers are getting involved." Auror Longbottom explained to Dumbledore. Far less tense than he had been when the wizard came into his office. "Apparently he's betrothed to Orion Black." Derisively, loathing the Black family and snubbing him by not using his title deliberately.

Dumbledore stiffened, his blue eyes flashing with indiscernible emotion. Mere seconds later, he fully relaxed as if he was utterly unbothered by the announcement. "From what I've gathered, he's accepted a betrothal agreement with the Marchbanks family." Lying through his teeth, he had urged her into writing it, so to keep the boy in his sphere of influence before he could be influenced by anyone else, just in case he had been wrong, but blood never lies. However, that didn't mean he wasn't curious, cautious, especially the type of influence a Peverell could gain. He had been very pleased when Griselda had informed him there had been an affirmative reply.

"He's close to Black, believe me," Longbottom declared bluntly, he wouldn't just let anyone sit so close, even unaccompanied as they were. "They were also unchaperoned; Riddle isn't family and wasn't there when we returned." Sure, magic could be used to ensure nothing happened, but it was still looked down upon.

Albus' heartbeat ratcheted up when he heard Riddle was there at all in any capacity. He didn't like this; something was going on and he was utterly blind. The fact that Riddle was immersed in the boy's life already didn't sit well with him. He needed to regain his footing, immediately. Hopefully before it all went to hell. "You need to set up a council of magic meeting for the wizard, immediately and for as soon as possible. Today if you can." Albus urged, before a lawyer could cause too much havoc and things end up in disarray.

"Burke won't let that happen," Longbottom pointed out, Merlin, he just wanted to go home to his wife. Hell, Burke was probably already in his bosses office and getting Peverell off.

"Burke is missing," Dumbledore said, rubbing his auburn beard. An aura of mysteriousness surrounding him. A knowing look in his eye, as he gazed at Longbottom frankly. He only had speculation but well, that didn't look or sound as mysterious now did it? "The Black's will need a new lawyer, if we get this done before they can find another one, he will already be dealt with." That's if Burke hadn't been found already, and he'd missed it in the news. Which was very unlikely, especially with a high profile family like the Burkes.

Auror Longbottom felt very indecisive, this could completely backfire on him. He knew Albus wouldn't let anything happen to him. Albus was a family friend after all, but it didn't abate the unease. Normally he wouldn't put paid to it. However, when he'd spoken to the others, they'd claimed they'd already handed in their reports before he could make sure they would back him up. It all felt very, very wrong, and likely to blow up in his face.

"Go on," Albus said, "I shall go down and visit him to find out his intentions."

"Tuft and Wood won't let you by…" Longbottom protested, but Albus was already moving swifty out of the room.

Albus stalked quickly through the Ministry of Magic. Contemplating just what on earth Orion, Tom and this unknown Wizard could be up to. Ignoring their titles and using their first names – something they truly detested him doing – and it amused him to do so. They couldn't say anything without it sounding like they were having a temper tantrum.

He politely spoke to each person who stopped to talk to him, thanking him for his dedication to job, to country, to Wizardkind. He spoke to them for a few minutes, asking about their family, friends and such but did after a few minutes, excuse himself regretfully. He had other business he had to tend to, and he'd never be impolite enough to be late.

Once he was down in the bowls of the Ministry, he peered around to see that Tuft and Wood were indeed diligently working. Albus withdrew his wand subtly, pointing it towards Wood, and cast a spell that hit her back before straightening back up and waiting.

Once he heard the clattering, giggling and commenting of 'what has gotten into you?' he slowly and quietly made his way passed both their desks. Not checking to make sure they were occupied; he could hear that they were very much occupied in each other. Not that he was surprised, the spell he cast would have affected the staunchest of people.

He strode along the corridor not hearing Tuft wrest himself off his very, very suddenly amorous fiancé.

He made a move to turn all the cell doors invisible when he noticed the names were chalked into the plague beside the doors. He'd never ventured down here, having no need to. He'd been arrested before, yes, but not imprisoned in the cells. Merely had his magic bound.

The fourth cell had Lord Peverell written across it. Pleased to have found it so quickly, he unlocked the door, and opened it and saw the wizard properly for the first time. The newspapers hadn't shown him in a good – or any for that matter – light at all. There hadn't been a flash from the camera, thus it was quite an awful picture in all honesty.

Lord Hayden Peverell had his hands linked behind his head, leaning back against the bed. Legs crossed at the ankle in a manner no pureblood would ever allow themselves to be seen in. Not even in the company of their betrothed, at least in this day or age. His gaze lazily moved to meet Dumbledore's the subtle smirk never fading or becoming greater.

The subtle smirk Hayden had was honestly made Dumbledore wonder if he was smirking of it was just the way he looked or a trick of the light.

"It would seem you've gotten yourself into quite a mess, my boy," Albus started off, using a soft soothing tone as if speaking to a startled horse. "My name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore; I am deputy Headmaster at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry…and I am here to help you."

"Oh?" he asked blinking at the wizard, biting his tongue to stop himself laughing. Oh, he was alright, don't get him wrong…but he didn't have the appearance of a doddering old fool and old age to help him seem humbler and wiser. Right now, he was just smug trying to play at humbleness. Still, he needed to sand down all the hard edges. His magic was tightly contained, but not as well when Hayden knew him. Or it might be because Hayden had genuinely known him, knew him and loathed the very air he breathed.

"Yes," Albus said sombrely, "I am not sure whether you are aware, having not been raised in wizarding household, but theft is punished most severely here. Especially when that theft is a wand. The punishment could be up to at least seven years even if you weren't aware." Far more comfortable in his deduction that this boy hadn't been raised in the magical world. Nobody would sit that way unless they were ignorant Muggle-borns. Which was why he defended them so staunchly. The way the wizarding world was going, it would have far more Muggle-borns and half-bloods before they knew it.

Hayden's brows rose, giving the appearance of shock. Well, he'd give it to him, he was very good with words. He 'could' face up to seven years. So, someone had been sentenced to seven years for stealing a wand, he wondered idly who it was and when it had happened. Either that or it was the maximum sentence one could get for it.

It was unlikely that the law was any better than it had been in his time. This was something he was emphatically going to change, he knew exactly what the Muggle law was going to be, and the wizarding world law was mirrored on it.

"It would be a shame for you to receive such a sentence, my boy," Albus said, veiled contempt and threat lingering there in his voice. "However, should you elect to be set to bond with the Lady Marchbanks as you agreed to, I shall also speak to the Minister himself, and see if we can get you a suspended sentence. Which will mean you won't end up in prison as long as you behave." Technically she wasn't Lady Marchbanks, since the family had no title and had to work for their money. She would become Lady Peverell if the boy went through with his obligations. If he didn't then he would make sure she fought for half his fortune for the insult.

Hayden blinked lazily, once again reminded of the letter Dumbledore and Marchbanks had given him. The utter condescension in the letter it had driven Orion insane at the sheer number of insults he'd dropped into that letter. Orion had been more bothered than him, but he was used to Dumbledore's manipulations. He likely shouldn't allow Dumbledore to even think for a second his manipulations were working. Orion would be most displeased if he did, but it was just so fun.

He'd never been able to get one over Dumbledore before.

He'd been too young, too naïve of the world, of everything. Hayden had been a completely confined child that knew hate and pain. He'd never really understood that people could use him. For his fame, for his money. It was something he'd regretfully learned all too late.

"It's the only way you'll be acquitted," Albus continued, giving the boy a reassuring stare. The young man had not yet even glanced at him, which prevented him from getting a read on him. It was highly unlikely he'd know Occlumency. The best way to take the best advantage of the situation was knowing what the boy was thinking.

"And let me guess, you just happen to have everything you need at hand?" Hayden said dryly, deciding against playing Dumbledore. He would get satisfaction, it would take time, but he'd get it. He had no idea how far Dumbledore would go to get rid of anyone that could ruin him.

"I do," Albus agreed, but his tone became guarded, sensing that he was being mocked. Still the boy refused to meet his eyes, which was rather irritating.

"I have an idea for you, turn around and walk out the door. I'd rather be castrated, awake. Rather than have your dubious care upon my person." Hayden said dryly, watching the wizard blanch at the words, and move his legs far closer together. The only thing missing was the dramatic move of his hands over his crotch for protection really.

Albus frowned, "You understand that the wand you stole belongs to me?" which by the way he still did not understand how it had happened. He slept with his wand in his wand holster always. He'd gone to sleep and when he woke? The wand was gone, and the wards were undisturbed. He'd even interrogated every single house-elf at Hogwarts to see if they had taken it. However, regardless of all attempts to find out the truth he hadn't. "I am the only chance you have, my boy, of you avoiding a prison sentence."

Hayden's eyes gleamed viciously, making no effort to hide the smirk, "You know that's not true."

Albus paused, giving Peverell a deep penetrating look. One that in the future would have children spilling all their secrets. What had he meant by that? Did he mean the wand or dismissing him word that he was the only chance he had of keeping his freedom? "How do you mean, my boy?" he asked, playing ignorant.

Albus felt goosebumps rise when the only reply from the boy was a hair-raising laugh. Not even Gellert's laugh could cause him to feel this way, and that had been the only sign that showed through his mesmerising masks he had perfected after school. "Very well," he said, before turning, waiting for the call back, the resigned agreement to avoid prison.

"And Albus?" Hayden spoke coolly.

Albus turned around, hopeful that this was it, but one look at the face, he knew it wasn't. "Yes?" still not quite ready to give up. Rather irritated by the boy using his name so freely as if he was nothing. Getting a glimpse of how the others felt when he blasély disregarded their feelings.

"Do not call me your boy," Hayden informed him, "You are not my father, not my headmaster, and quite frankly your desire to be close to me is rather suspect and disgusting."

Albus gaped, completely offended by the implication in Peverell's words. "Thank Merlin for that, your attitude is shameful." Shaking his head, eyes lowered with sadness and the dishonour he felt Peverell held.

Hayden just chuffed, before his gaze turned back to the ceiling. Entirely ignoring Dumbledore's existence. He didn't fear ending up in Azkaban, it might have been smart to feel some semblance of worry. Sirius had been arrested and incarcerated illegally for twelve years. Fortunately, Hayden knew deep down that his powers would make real incarceration unlikely.

Hayden didn't even blink when the door closed with a bang.

He was also unaware of the reception Albus received upon his exit from the corridor.

"Good evening, Heir Dolohov, how can I help you?" Head Auror Scamander asked as he stood. He was the heir of the Scamander family, but while here? He was the Head Auror first and foremost. Given the look on his secretary's face, he was likely playing it safe and right. She looked downright terrified, perhaps he owed her a raise or two, for what she had to put up with. She was young all things concerned.

"I want you to release Lord Peverell immediately!" Dolohov didn't raise his voice, if anything it got lower when he was furious. He wasn't a wizard that needed to shout to get anyone's attention. He did smack his hand on the desk, "An off duty Auror who then proceeded not to inform Lord Peverell why he was being arrested exactly." His rage genuine, this was lost time where he could be spending with his mothers' ghost. Getting to know her properly, at least his father was getting time with her though. He had strength enough for that. He wished she could stay and would ask Peverell why not.

"He has been arrested for theft," Theseus explained firmly but gently. "The theft of a wand."

Dolohov snorted, filled with nothing but incredulity, he didn't believe that for a second.

"Not just any wand, but the wand Albus Dumbledore won in battle with Gellert Grindelwald." Theseus declared. The general public likely didn't know that piece of information, however, he did. He was aware of Albus' past, he understood how difficult it had been for Albus to go against Gellert.

Dolohov's eyebrow rose in genuine surprise, okay, Orion hadn't actually told him that part.

"Then I demand he be released on bail," Dolohov declared, wishing to get this done as quickly as possible. To the best of his ability, yes, but quickly, Orion wasn't going to remain in the background for long. The money for bail was a pittance and he didn't mind paying it himself, if it got him home to see his mother sooner.

"I'm afraid he'll be here for a while yet, the Aurors haven't had a chance to interview him yet." Theseus explained, unmoving, "As of right now he hasn't asked for anyone, let alone a lawyer."

"I demand you let him know that I want to talk to him," Dolohov declared, "That his betrothed ensured his use of a lawyer."

"Of course, I'll send someone up righ…" before the Head of the Department of Law Enforcement could finish his sentence the door was opened quite forcefully.

"Sir!" Tuft called out almost falling into the room, a blazing fury lashing through him.

"How dare you barge your way into my office…" Theseus snapped, noting the anger but finding no reason for it.

"I've just had to send my fiancé to the healer wing, after she'd been hit with a powerful lust spell." Tuft said, straightening himself up, nostril flaring. "The cells are unmanned which I believe might have been the entire point." Carefully getting himself back under control. He hated the fact his fiancé he been hit with such a spell. She'd feel at fault for it, for not being strong enough, he knew her well.

"If anything has happened to Lord Peverell, the last of his name…the Ministry won't have two Knuts to rub together do I make myself clear?" Dolohov demanded, "Take me to him, immediately!"

Theseus opened his mouth to deny Dolohov and demand Tuft to return to his desk immediately before investigating the cell matter. The cells were never to be unmanned, he'd need to make sure they're never on the same shift, he wasn't allowing something like this to happen again.

"I swore my loyalty to him!" Dolohov snapped, "Take me to him! Or my magic will!" it was not a threat or even a demand, it was a warning. Now that he knew there was a potential threat? That could very well turn out to be real? Of course, he wanted to be there. To ensure Hayden's safety, and to do his job.

Theseus' eyes widened dramatically at the proclamation. He raised his hands in defeat and to state non-verbally he wasn't going to get in the way. He'd heard stories of people trying to interfere with someone who had sworn allegiance. All that much stronger if Peverell – as suspected – was the last of his name.

"Uh…should I come back later?" Gabriel asked, a clerk with paperwork in his hand. Staring at the scene with an abundance of curiosity.

"Return to your desks, immediately." Theseus demanded, speaking to both Tuft and Gabriel. "I'll have someone cover you as soon as I can. You and your fiancé can have the rest of the day off." Adding for Tuft alone.

Tuft found that very fair, and he inclined his head in agreement. "Yes, Sir!" with that he turned and hastily made his way back towards the cells, he could feel Dolohov and his boss following behind him.

"It seems Auror Longbottom has gone behind my back to have Lord Peverell scheduled to be in front of the council of magic in two hours." Theseus hissed out, showing the mind mannered wizard could get pissed like everyone else. Furious at the sheer audacity of the wizard, he was going to do his best to see him fired for this. Good Auror or not, if he did not follow the chain of command he was in serious derelict of duty. "Fool." He muttered to himself.

The three wizards, Tuft slightly ahead, turned the corner and found Dumbledore walking out.

Tuft was just about to launch himself at Dumbledore, rightfully believing it was him who hexed his fiancé. When he was magically propelled back down the corridor. Theseus gave him a single look that made the wizard freeze up. "Go to your fiancé, press charges if you will."

"And what about him? He broke into the Ministry!" Dolohov aghast at the thought of Dumbledore getting away with it.

"You'll find I have every right to be here," Albus said, "I am a member of the Wizengamot."

"Which he isn't being charged by, it's the council of magic," Dolohov snapped, "Open the cell I want to make sure he hasn't done anything." Suspicious to the extreme.

"He's perfectly safe," Albus frowned taking offense to Dolohov's words, glancing at Theseus with a look of exasperated shared comradery that wasn't quite shared.

Theseus was all about the law, and he wouldn't budge on it for anyone. Not his brother, not even Albus Dumbledore.

It's for that reason Albus didn't intend for Theseus to be around the Ministry for longer than necessarily.

Theseus opened the cell door to find Hayden staring at the ceiling as if it fascinated him. "Sir, are you alright?"

Hayden turned to him, "I'm fine," he reassured the wizard, sensing the sincerity of the question. "It's good to see you Antonin," turning his gaze onto his lawyer, who seemed wholly amused to see him sitting there like they were on his time. Damn, he couldn't help but respect that.

"I'd like to speak to my client, after he's dealt with," Antonin gestured towards Dumbledore, acting as if something foul had been wafted under his nose.

"I merely wanted to give the young man my advice." Albus said defending his actions.

Hayden snorted, "I think that's an understatement, don't you?" amused, slyly adding, "Considering you told me it was your wand, right?"

"Get out of here before I have you arrested," Theseus stated firmly, unimpressed with Albus' actions.

Albus sensed Theseus' seriousness, glanced at Peverell once, before murmuring "Of course," before he begun to walk away.

"And Albus, don't think if you cast that spell on Heiress Wood it will be swept under the rug." He warned the wizard, he would not put up with any foolishness in the Ministry. Albus didn't pause in his stride, and soon turned around the corner and out of sight.

"Let me get you to an interview room," Theseus said, sounding tired, drained really.

"I'm going to get up now," Hayden declared, before slowly rising to his feet, well aware that the Scamander's had been part of the war. War made one jumpy, regardless of the years that had gone by since. It never really left you especially when you were on the front lines as an Auror, Hayden knew, he bloody lived it too.

Theseus blinked in astonishment before gathering both of them together and getting them to an interview room. Remaining outside, summoning a Patronus for someone to take over Tuft's duties and someone to watch over the room until they were done. The switchover happening at this time made things even worse. He needed to make changes, but it was slow going.

A/n – so will Dumbledore be caught or will he talk his way out of it? Would he even be arrested? Or will we see Harry, Tom, Antonin and Orion as well as a select other few work systematically to bring Dumbledore down one itty bitty piece at a time? I know you're getting less updates but there's been a few stories I've really enjoyed reading and that's taken a bite out of my writing time. I don't usually do it 😊 prefer instead to write lol don't worry it likely won't happen too many times 😊 of course we've got to deal with two court cases this and the betrothal/blood thing and a wedding as well as everything else omg it's all piling up 😊 but it's good all good fun 😉 although…have I missed a plot in there somewhere? Dropped a stitch? 😉 hehe R&R please