My Time

Chapter 76

Fleamont in a state of shock, scrambled to his feet, the humiliation he felt a backdrop to the barrage of information his mind was now just beginning to digest. His entire body felt weakened, utterly distressed, the wizard shakily left the room. He'd never felt such a way before, never in his life. He just wanted to go home, he just wanted to be somewhere safe, somewhere quiet, somewhere familiar. He stared at his hands as they shook, how was he to grab Floo powder with his hands shaking like this?

"Fleamont, Fleamont, you're in shock, let me take you to Hogwarts," Fleamont distantly heard Albus trying to reassure him, trying to get him to go to Hogwarts. He didn't want to go to the school, he just wanted to go home.

"L-l-let me go, Albus," Fleamont attempted to shrug off the wizard, licking his dry lips, his pale and clammy hand succeeding in getting the offending appendage off his shoulder.

"Fleamont you're in shock, you must get help, please, if not for your own sake, then mine." Albus pleaded with the wizard, distantly concerned for the wizard, not enough to help him for the wizards own sake. Fleamont was popular, and had many friends who would go where he did, who owed the Potter family a debt. He had concluded a long time ago, that the Potter family was the linchpin that would ensure his own popularity.

Fleamont heard him, it was distant, like they were at opposite ends of a tunnel. Mostly all he could hear though, was the shallow rapid breathing, he couldn't catch his breath. It didn't help that Dumbledore was continuing to hound him, he was feeling like that one moment when you apparate, but for an extended period of time. The tight feeling that encompasses you when you pop away to your location.

Finally, Fleamont got to a fireplace, clumsily attempting to get the Floo powder into his hands, but the severe case of the shakes had it slipping through his nerveless fingers. It wasn't the Ministry's atrium's Floo network he was attempting to use, but rather a side office that was primarily used by the Wizengamot in the event of an emergency. It was an unofficial thing, the office was used by guards, that were used during official court proceedings.

"Here, let me," Albus managed move around the wizard, grasping a handful of Floo powder, he all but shoved Fleamont into it – he was in shock he'd likely not remember much of today – and stood in himself, and shouted out the location and both of them were gone within seconds. He was extremely pleased that Fleamont had given him the perfect excuse to leave the meeting. He would need to speak to everyone, come up with a good counter argument.

They were ejected from the fireplace and Albus couldn't stop Fleamont from falling out and onto the ground with a loud heavy thump.

It took only mere moments for someone to open the door to the room used as a cloak room and greeting room. Euphemia made a sound of concern, mingled with a muted sort of scream, "What on earth happened?! Monty!" she cried out in concern, kneeling before her husband, fearfully, why had he fallen unconscious coming out of the Floo network? She sagged in sheer relief at the sight of her husband opening his eyes, the thought of being left alone in this world was terrifying. "Monty," she choked out in relief, "Are you okay?" trying to help her husband up.

Between both Albus and Euphemia they managed to get Fleamont into the sitting room next door. Where Euphemia had been anxiously waiting for her husband's return, the war was over, yes, but it didn't automatically make it safe. She kept expecting an attack despite the war with Grindelwald being over.

"Monty?" Euphemia said, the urge to reach and cup her husband's face, to attempt to get him to at least look at her, to reassure her was strong, but she didn't. They had company, it wasn't polite. "What has happened, Albus?" she didn't dare raise her voice, she had been raised a lady.

Albus opened and closed his mouth, trying to word what happened in the worst possible way for Peverell. Yet, he didn't want to reveal too much just in case Fleamont didn't remember much of what happened, then again, if they found out from friends he'd lied, it would make things a little complicated. There was no denying that Fleamont would have many callers in the coming days all wishing to make sure he was well after his ordeal. So, a simplified version, and if he was questioned, he could simply say he didn't wish to alarm her.

Euphemia had weak disposition. Most witches he knew did, which he detested, his mother was the epitome of perfection, no other witch could compare to her. She'd raised them all on her own, taught them how to not only live but thrive. Weak to the whims of their husband instead of doing what must be done, yes, they were weak, Minerva was a rare exception, she had nearly given up her life, her magic for a muggle, so she too could be weak willed. He had allowed her to come back to Hogwarts in order to help her become stronger. Someone that wasn't embarrassing to be around, but also very easily led, he couldn't have her questioning him too much now, could he? She appropriately worshipped him, which also didn't hurt.

Yes, he had plans for her.

"Peverell almost caused Fleamont to asphyxiate," Albus confessed sombrely, removing his glasses that were slightly askew, wiping them tiredly, rubbing his own eyes, "Then threatened to crush him by levitating a statue over him."

"Leave us," Fleamont wheezed out, heart pounding erratically in his chest.

"Fleamont," Albus begun to protest at the manner in which he was being spoken to. How dare he speak to him like that, after what he'd done for him? In shock or not, he would not tolerate that, if you don't nip things you dislike in the bud, it could continue. "You cannot…"

"Albus, please, just leave," Fleamont wheezed out some more, "I need…I…need…I need privacy."

"Our apologies, Albus, now is not a good time, please, let me see you out." Euphemia stated kindly but firmly, her husband wished for privacy, then she'd give it to him. Using her arm, she begun to lead Albus out, ignoring his protests, or attempts at conversing with her husband. "Here you are," she added, handing the Floo pot up for him to take some of the powder to leave.

"Thank you, my dear," Albus said kindly, not showing how furious he was over how today had gone. He had not expected anyone to stand up against him, especially not so soon after becoming an international hero of the magical world. He and he alone had put a stop to Grindelwald, had ceased the endless deaths of both muggles and wizard kind. He fumbled around, waiting, but she remained standing there, waiting expectantly.

"Is anything the matter? Do you need to use the facilities? We have a guest bathroom you may use." Euphemia gestured to further into the manor, becoming increasingly suspicious, wondering what on earth really had happened and why Fleamont was insisting one of his best friends leave.

"No thank you, my dear, do give my best to Fleamont, and let him know I'll be by tomorrow morning to see how he's fairing." Albus said, giving her his best and brightest smile, before he stepped into the fireplace, and called out Hogwarts, returning to the school. There was no point to returning to the Wizengamot, it's highly likely they'd all left by now.

The moment he left, Euphemia shut down the wards, preventing anyone or anything getting in and out. She felt very unsure at that moment, and it wasn't a feeling she was used to when it came to Albus. She'd known him for many years, he spent a lot of time with her husband. The way Albus had looked at her…well, no, she must have been imagining it surely.

"Florence, a calming draught at once!" Euphemia called out, as she quickly made her way back towards her husband. She'd never seen him in such a state, not even finding out they'd likely never have a child to call their own. Between his low sperm count and her womb being incapable of carrying a child to term, it would take a miracle for them to have a child. They'd been so strong to begin with, sure that they could do this, but as the years passed, they lost that hope. Even if the desire for family remained.

"Monty! Oh, Monty what's happened?" she asked, her blue eyes filling with tears, as she stared at her husband. "Should I get a healer?"

"No," Fleamont declared strongly, he definitely didn't want anyone in his home right now, he just wanted calmness and quiet. He raised his hand to placate her, but his hands shook so strongly that it did nothing but alarm her. "I'll be fine, my precious." Squeezing her hand before letting go, he just…he just needed time.

"As Lady Potter asked, a calming draught," the house elf told her, handing over the still corked potion. The bright colour indicated that it was one of the freshest vials, it would work best for the shell-shocked wizard.

"Thank you, Florence," she said, plucking the vial from the house elves fingers, and uncorking it, she let her husband smell it and once he nodded, she helped him drink it. "Bring us some tea, camomile will do I think."

The house elf dipped her head in agreement before she was gone to do her Lord and Lady's bidding.

Fleamont gazed up at his beautiful wife, horror, disgust and fear suffused him. Horror at what people would be thinking of him, disgust at his own actions and what it had led to and fear of losing his wife. Would she even be able to forgive him? Did he dare tell her? It could have been lies, most likely had been, but the look on his face, he'd been serious, he meant business.

What if he had cost his wife the child she longed for?

He had contemplated actually asking his brother to help them, to give them the child they'd wanted for so long. Charlus had nothing wrong with him, Dorea on the other hand, had difficulties but she wasn't as severe as Mia's. He would do anything for his wife, even raise a child not his own, but it would be his blood. He knew his brother would do it for him too.

He'd just never worked up the courage to ask, believing your brother would do anything for you wasn't the same as getting an answer. Especially as of late, their relationship had begun to sour, he wasn't blind to it, he just assumed they'd make up and carry on as they'd always done.

Why did he get the feeling he'd done irreparable damage to his relationships?

A warm cup was put into his hands, as his wife held them tightly until they stopped shaking. Then warmth suffused him as the fireplace in the sitting room roared to life, with a flick of Mia's wand. Sighing softly, he leaned back and closed his eyes, this was home, where his heart was. His wife didn't ask him questions, they just sat in silence. Oh, she'd ask sooner or later, if he remained silent, but his wife ever obedient, wouldn't bombard him, not like Charlus' wife does.

In front of people too! The sheer gall! He'd never allow his sweet wife to become too friendly with the likes of them, he didn't want her taking any examples from them, Dorea especially. Charlus seemed to love it, while it baffled Fleamont to the core. Imagining having a wife that argued back, that defied you, that refused to obey.

Fleamont forced down the camomile tea, his wife drank it a lot, he had it once or twice a year, but no more than that. Grimacing in disgust, if that really calmed anyone down, he'd eat his favourite bowler hat, so he would. His heartbeat had begun to calm, and he was finally, finally able to breathe properly.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Go ahead, kill me." his own voice echoed in his head, as Fleamont shivered as he faced the consequences of his actions likely for the first time since his parents were alive. He'd almost died, by a laughing jinx, failing that, he'd almost been crushed, by a marble statue that he knew he hadn't been able to move – it was a bit of a joke to see how many of them it took to levitate it when they first begun attending the Wizengamot – well, he had his answer, one, a single bloody wizard, who had almost killed him with not only light magic but first year spells.

He felt cold, not even the fireplace could warm him up as he thought about it. He shuffled his chair closer, swallowing thickly as the scenes in the Wizengamot continued to assault him, while Peverell's voice sounded crisp and clear.

And it made him doubt everything he'd ever known.

-0

Tom watched in hidden glee as Potter left, with Dumbledore making haste beside him. He could see that quite a few people were of the same mind. They wished to check on Potter he presumed, Diggle was one of them, but he remained seated, which made him wonder what was going on with that. The room was silent, you would have heard a wand drop with ease, and it wasn't a fearful one, more than half the room was still looking between the door and the marble statue of Lady magic, or their rendition of her.

"Magic isn't light and dark, it's not good or evil, this divide needs to stop," Hayden continued, utterly unconcerned about Fleamont – at least for the moment he didn't let himself think much – as he faced the Wizengamot fully. "You need to stop penalising families for what magic they choose to use. Our world is so small as it is, in fact, it's never been smaller, the war and other problems has seen to that."

There was a lot of shifting, as people felt sheepish and in denial over the 'problems' their families faced.

"Blood magic can do both good and be used for bad, to ban magic because of what could be…we might as well cease using our magic entirely. It's bad enough you've begun including Christian holidays in near all things without insulting the very deity that made us so special to begin with." Hayden reprimanded them, "Blood magic can be used to create life, to create a child, a baby, heirs where there may not have been hope before, when witches need that extra bit of help."

"You have proof?" it sounded sharp, angry, but at the same time desperate, Hayden couldn't quite figure out who said it and didn't recognize their voice – no surprise really, he hadn't done much socialising here in this time – but he'd be doing it soon enough, since he was hosting Orion's party.

"Heir Elphinstone Urquart," Antonin stated, giving Hayden the name of whom had spoken, before Orion or Tom could even think to do so. He was watching over everyone cautiously; he had sworn to Hayden to be his sword and shield and he would do so.

"I know my creations work, but the proof will need to wait for nine months while I accumulate proof of concept with someone willing to have the results published." Hayden declared, the name was pinging something at the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite recall why. Which meant he'd need more than just one person that wished to have a child, he'd need to have various ages, various different medical problems and such so that it can be stamped as fool proof. That and he'd need to do a variety, between the potions and the spells, the rest – like surrogacy – would happen in time, he couldn't do everything all at once.

That certainly had everyone talking, Hayden was extremely pleased to see Diggle and Doge were amongst the few looking excited. He didn't know much about the Order, not even whether they had family or not, but perhaps they hadn't. There was only one family that was spoken about collectively, besides the Weasley's but they had all joined, no he was referring to the Bones family, they'd been killed by Voldemort and the Death Eaters, Edgar was the only one in the Order, the family was notoriously neutral. They just didn't take sides end of story, and they weren't the only ones, the Zabini, Greengrass and many others had remained neutral.

Nobody seemed perturbed by the way he was choosing to go about it; it must be pretty standard here then. None of them attempted to elicit further proof or try and get the spell or potion for themselves. These people were of high society, they didn't beg, didn't plead, and rarely felt the need to steal others work just to see what it was.

"My apologies for holding up the meeting, I presume there's a reserve chief warlock for the Wizengamot in case the chief warlock is otherwise engaged?" Hayden enquired, he did wish to have his first piece of legislative work looked at today and get the ball rolling. The fact that Dumbledore wasn't here but everyone else was…well, that was just the icing on the top of a delicious cake. People might not realize it, but Dumbledore did tend to run away from his troubles, leaving everyone else to swim in troubled waters.

"There isn't, but that is a good idea to implement," Bones commented, feeling far more relaxed that the awful scene was over with and he hadn't had to call the Aurors to deal with it.

"I see," Hayden answered, as he slowly and deliberately made his way back towards his fiancé, "Can the meeting continue without the chief warlock to oversee the proceedings?" he whispered to Antonin, Orion and Tom as he reclaimed his seat.

"Technically he has started the meeting," Tom pointed out with a smirk, "All rules have been observed."

Hayden laughed, ever the Slytherin, he nodded in amusement as he took out his possible piece of legislation. With a flick of his wand, the parchment was duplicated over and over and over again, as it flew over to each and every person in the room. Three hundred people nearly, which took quite a while, but luckily with magic, it looks less longer than say if a human was handing them out.

Tom grumbled as he snatched one before it could zoom past him, as it made its way around the table furthest away first, or it should have but Tom was too curious to know what Hayden was up to.

Antonin and Orion got the same idea, and carefully proceeded to claim one before it was even being sent off. They would never 'snatch' anything, it was unpolite, they immediately started reading it, and it was a lot of information, the proposal was simple but long and very detailed. Including the understandable exceptions to the subject matter.

"What is this nonsense?"

"I hate to agree, this is quite a pathetic law to enact, hardly worth our time,"

"Right but a flying carpet legislation is worth our time," Hayden couldn't help his sarcastically retort. Smirking when he heard muffled laughter, sighing softly, he just wanted some peace and quiet now, he'd used all his allotted time for social allowance on what had just happened.

"He does raise a point there," came the laughter from the opposite side of the room, "Some legislations that have passed are tedious."

"Still, why the sudden interest in making it a law that someone cannot hold more than two positions of power within any governing body?" which interestingly enough, included Hogwarts, School of witchcraft and wizardry since it had its own board over governors. Which seemed a little ludicrous really, it just seemed rather silly a law to be bothering about. "I'm not sure people will go for this, what jobs people want, is entirely up to them, to stop it is tantamount to controlling the magical population."

Agreement murmured through the crowd; they honestly didn't see the purpose of agreeing with the law.

"I'd be considered breaking the law should it come into effect." Crouch explained smoothly, "I have my job in the department of international magical co-operation." It was a job he excelled at, politics was something he knew back to front, and was passing onto his son as he grew up.

Hayden blinked, almost blanching when he caught sight of the wizard. Bloody hell, he looked like Bartemius Crouch Juniors double, or rather Junior looked like his grandfathers' double. Ugh, tenses were so ridiculous when it comes to time-travel. "How so?" he enquired, everyone seemed taken aback that he wasn't getting frustrated or annoyed by their questioning of him. Was that how it was done within the Wizengamot?

"I am a school governor; I work directly under the head of the department of international magical co-cooperation, I am Lord Crouch, and have my duties within the Wizengamot, and I run two companies that I personally started twenty years ago."

"Your companies wouldn't be included, even if they're run through the Ministry, and being a member of the Wizengamot isn't included either, see clause two section twenty, it only applies to the chief warlock status, they have to oversee everything, and it's a difficult enough job to do without other duties getting in the way and we cannot be lax when it comes to the law." Hayden declared, "Being chief warlock is a full-time job, they have to stay on top of everything and keep all of us updated."

"Albus wishes to become chief warlock," was put out there, but with zero vehemence, just statement of a fact.

Hayden gaped, looking all dramatic, meanwhile he was extremely pleased by the progress people were making. Then again, he hadn't built up his reputation for sixty years, he'd only just defeated Grindelwald here, so, naturally it would be easier to accept Dumbledore was fallible. "He wants to be chief warlock? As well as Transfiguration professor as well as Deputy headmaster? Three full time jobs? No one person could do all these jobs adequately and giving them the attention they need! See, this is why I want this law to pass, to protect everyone."

"He's also responsible for the Gryffindor students, he's the Gryffindor head of house." Tom added, anything that put a stopper in Dumbledore's plans he was all for. He hated the wizard and had done so since the day he'd actually threatened him, and judged him in that single moment they'd known one another and he'd been a child, not yet twelve-years of age. He was convinced to this day that the wizard had actually read his mind, but he couldn't be sure.

"That's not just irresponsible, it's criminal negligence." Hayden retorted immediately, shaking his head in utter disbelief. "Too many jobs, how is he supposed to look after the Gryffindors under his care, trusted so by the public, and more importantly our heirs? If news of this got out, I can imagine how many people would pull their children out of Hogwarts and send them abroad. I'm sorry to say, I certainly will do the same if the person responsible for my child's wellbeing has a pile of jobs sky high with no sane way of keeping on top of them all."

"There's even talk about Dumbledore taking on a position in the ICW," Dolohov pointed out, "That's another position."

Arcturus watched the scene in front of him, more specifically Hayden, the way he was speaking, it just put him on alert. It reminded him of what Hayden had declared earlier, the mere thought of it coming true was beyond terrifying. Nobody should have that accumulation of power, in the Ministry, in Hogwarts and then we're talking internationally? For winning a duel? This couldn't be a seer ability, it was too broad, seeing was usually one incident, one action, or prophecies, he was missing something, and whatever it was, his son knew, it eased something in him just thinking it. They'd gotten close due to a secret shared between them.

"This isn't just about Dumbledore," Hayden declared, moving them away from Dumbledore in particular, he didn't want them to think he had a vendetta even if he kind of did. He wanted them to think it was just something he was passionate about. "It's also taking away jobs from others who need it, from families who could use the money to grow and prosper. Our world is so insular as it is, to give someone goodness how many jobs? Say five? It's underhand and dishonourable. We need our people to give their full attention to the job at hand, which is why I'm proposing two jobs to an individual within a governing body."

"My jobs have governing bodies, not within the Ministry," people on the council, who helped run the company (who had invested in it).

"It's in the paperwork, normal business is not included, if you want to run yourself ragged trying to keep up with multiple companies then do that, it's not related to the ministry, or a governing body such as Hogwarts or the ICW for example." Hayden shrugged, "Personally I wouldn't recommend it." Grimacing a little, rubbing his forehead just thinking of what awaited him until he got everything up and running.

A round of laughter ran around the room, it wasn't any means condescending to say the least. They understood all too well how things could be, especially when you first take over and desire to prove yourself. To prove you were the right person, to show your parents you could do it. It was a rite of passage to work yourself to the bone before you get pulled back to doing acceptable hours.

"This is my argument for implementing this legislation and making it a law." Hayden told them, knowing it wouldn't be implemented immediately. Well, it could be fast tracked, but it was rarely done, then the Minister for magic had to approve it before it would become law. The only exception is the laws already an act in the muggle world, they automatically became law in the wizarding world. This had all been set up long before their ancestors had seats on the Wizengamot fully.

"It's a sound argument," the wizard who had previously stated that it was a waste of time to discuss.

Hayden grinned at him with an arched eyebrow, remembering what he'd said earlier. He'd forgive him for his hasty first impression.

"Why not, your legislation has my approval," and that set the train reaction of hundreds of people agreeing, the stirring belief of good and evil, light and dark ceased to exist just for that moment as they worked together to better their world. Each of them could agree, it was a good feeling, for once there was no ill intentions, and no blackmail to see a piece of legislation to go through nor even the desire to use it for their own personal gain.

Hayden's breathing hitched, he hadn't expected that, did it mean they were going to expedite it to the Minister? He was in Dumbledore's pocket though, or at least marginally. He suspected the Minister wouldn't risk going against the majority margin that was being pushed here. There was over two hundred people already agreeing to this piece of legislation.

Orion watched his partner, a tiny smile on his face as he observed him with pride. He was amazing, he was going to make the changes he wished and with ease it seemed. In Hayden's own way, he'd saw it through, and had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. He'd just saw through a piece of legislation in his very second meeting, his first meeting actually putting something forth. It was actually very rare that a law was passed so quicky and without much arguing.

Hayden's fear of changing for politics it seemed was for naught.

For he was entirely himself, and thriving.

He pondered as he watched Hayden return to him, whether this would make him appreciate politics more or if he would just pass the torch to him. Hayden had mentioned the possibility, alright the likelihood, of him signing over his seats and never taking up the political route.

"What legislation were you interested in putting through the Wizengamot?" Hayden asked Tom, his hand seeking out Orion's and tightening his hold on the wizard.

An unspoken declaration that they were together and they'd see anything through. That the Black and Peverell families were co-joined and it wasn't a match made for politics, but in love, and nothing and nobody would change their minds on their marriage.

Orion was the only one to notice Hayden letting out a breath of relief. His only show of nerves.

"You were amazing," Orion murmured leaning closer so Hayden could hear him.

Hayden turned to face him, an utterly delighted and besotted look appearing on his face. "Thanks." It meant more than anything in the world to hear those words.

Orion felt something pull at his stomach, sadness, the way he'd lit up, how many times in his life had anyone praised his successes? He'd known he'd been through some awful situations, but surely, he'd been given some praise for his exams and such? If not from adults, then from friends? He'd always said he missed them. He made a mental note to be more attentive to Hayden's needs when it came to rightful praise. It was clear he was starved of any positive attention. It made him want to track Dumbledore down and end him right now, he was sure there was a spell in the Black grimoire that would see to it.

Tom instead of answering verbally, handed over the legislation he'd drawn up.

"Seriously? You even have perfect handwriting?" Hayden asked in exasperation, as he stared at the perfectly written piece of legislation. Damn, he really was good, at everything he did. "What did you do? Write every single minute of the day until your writing was like this?"

Orion laughed quietly.

Tom smirked, preening at the unintended piece of praise, "The practice did make perfect." Truth was, time was what made him write it so well. He'd sat down and spent two hours carefully constructing this piece of legislation. He was quite pleased he hadn't had to rewrite it either, or throw away a single piece of parchment.

Hayden snorted, shaking his head as he actually began to read the writing. "Orphans to become wards of wizarding families…" he murmured, glancing at Tom, "That should be happening naturally, aren't people taking the test to find out who they're related to? "

"The girl, Cora has changed her name to Ollivander, she's to begin her training in wand lore when she finishes school. She's the only heiress to the Ollivander name now, and whoever she marries will become an Ollivander in a bid to preserve the Ollivander name and estate."

"How do you know that?" Hayden asked, genuinely excited that such good things had happened to her. He'd changed her fate! Perhaps even made Mr. Ollivander be less lonely.

"I drew up the documents," Antonin explained quietly, and legally he really shouldn't be revealing anything to Hayden, but he was a legal loophole due to the fact Antonin had sworn to be his shield. "I'm sure it will be in the newspapers in the coming days."

"She has the family gift?" Orion asked as the Wizengamot broke off into different conversations.

"He seemed very excited over it, so I believe so." Antonin replied, it was quite a thing, to believe you were going to be the last of your line since 382 B.C hell of a legacy to see die off on your watch. He was one of the oldest families in the wizarding world, with a very important craft as well, they wouldn't get anywhere without their wands.

Hayden felt a sense of smug satisfaction suffuse him, it was the first real tangible piece of evidence that he'd changed something – other than his own future and the Black family – since he moved here. He'd been here such a long time; it was nice to see an actual outside change. He wondered what it meant for the future, and he, like everyone else would find out in time. It was all new to him and he loved it.

"There's no point to this, I'm making an orphanage so that no magical child is ever left with muggles." Hayden vowed, not that orphanages would last for a whole lot longer. Once they were no longer functional, he'd make it something else, and the children would go out and into families in a foster situation, but likely they'd end up with family. He hoped to normalise it so that they'd actually grow up with their families – even if it was ten generations ago! – it would take at least a century or so before they stopped getting first generation wizards and witches.

"They need something until it's up and running, how long do you think it's going to take? And before it's operational?" Tom pointed out, and he knew how desperate children would be to get out of that situation, since he had once been one of them.

"Likely a year or two," Hayden confessed, sighing, "You're quite right, they do need our protection now." especially given the state of the muggle world at the moment, children, especially orphans were likely not being looked upon kindly. As if losing your parents made you lesser, it disgusted him, but you couldn't change everyone, he could only do the best he could with the hand he had.

Tom inclined his head, unfortunately, the Wizengamot meeting was over, he would just need to wait until the next meeting.

In the end the guilt had Fleamont confessing all, sparing no words, he explained right down to the very last detail. From the conversation he had with Charlus, or rather Charlus had attempted to have with him. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had succeeded in warning him off, having written to him while he was on holiday. Then he confessed the dire meeting he'd came back from, and the reason for his shock, and the fear he'd held of dying when the damn statue had zoomed overhead and remained there.

Worst of all, he confessed Peverell's dire warning, every last damnable word of it.

"WELL FINALLY SOMEONE KNOCKED SOME SENSE INTO YOU!" Euphemia called out, causing her husband to stare at her as if she'd grown an additional head, she'd never once spoken that way in all the years of their marriage.

Oh, to be a fly on that wall, Hayden would have laughed himself hoarse, finally finding out where he got his explosive temper from. It certainly wasn't from James or Fleamont Potter.

A/N – the burn has finally begun to dull from furious red, and the blisters burst, but apart from that, it's alright, it's not quite so painful anymore. It's actually beginning to get a bit crusty, I swear I've got a hankering for spag bol but I'm never going near pasta again for a while, honestly, I'd really rather not have a repeat, I couldn't put anything on it for days it was just so painful! Glad to get back to it though, and only miss a few days (costly!) anyways thank you all for your concern it meant more than you kno

Well, I hope Euphemia's attitude was a surprise ha! There's going to be a regime change in the Potter household soon enough! I reckon there's only so much crap someone can take before they explode and Euphemia had met hers! Hmm will James Potter have secretly been Charlus Potters all along? Will he still be born? Or will he be the child of Dorea and Charlus? What of Euphemia? Will she get her wish? Will she stay with Fleamont or will he lose everything for his belief in Dumbledore? R&R please