Harry Potter and the Unlocked Runic Potential

~~ooOOoo~~

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.

Thanks to Alix33 for her input as well.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. We are only playing in the sandbox.

Just one more chapter after this - a glimpse into the future.

~~ooOOoo~~

Welcome to the Fireside.

~~ooOOoo~~

Chapter Thirteen - Cleanup Begins

Lily Potter was tapping her foot. Eyes, the color of the killing curse, were piercing his now clear blue orbs. No artificial twinkles here. All of the rituals were gone from him. His voice no longer had the power to ensorcell anyone.

"You tried to kill my future daughter-in-law, amongst other things, and my son. Good-bye, Smelly Plots."

Albus started to retort but was silenced and taken away.

James wasn't allowed to come as he was just too angry and this really wasn't a place for that sort of salty language. Frank and Peter just glared quietly. Not a word of apology was offered to either wizard or even considered.

~~ooOOoo~~

Details of what happened that terrible night had not been published nor were they needed. A small group of rebels, all marked death eaters, had tried to bring back You-Know-Who. They failed. The 'gittle' club (the name had stuck) was being tried for their crimes, most of which hadn't come out the first time around.

A list of which was available to adults to view in the DMLE. Bring your own calming draughts. Janitorial services would be provided for a fee.

Some thought it was a prank, but it really wasn't.

The number of people in the know about the changed dark marks was an intensely loyal group who deeply understood the dangers faced by the teenager who had managed to change them. No one leaked that information. And no one thought ill of him.

As Lucius' trial loomed closer, Harry wanted to say something comforting to Draco, but didn't know what. Ron, who'd been unsure of the blond for a while, offered to let him play against him with his grandfather's 'unbeatable' set.

That chess set was slowly getting better, but the white side wins were still few and far between. Ron offered to play white against the youngest in the House, leaving them feeling victorious to have come close to defeating the Weasley chessmaster.

Rumors were flying. The trials were still going on as they started with the mildest with the last one scheduled for mid-February.

All accused were allowed to write one page letters to each of their families but they were reviewed before being delivered.

Lucius told his heir to be strong; the dark lord was gone but not forever and Azkaban would fall to his might, rescuing them all. To his wife, he wrote not a word.

~~ooOOoo~~

Harry wrote to Tom, 'I don't know what happened to you. I saw memories of Dumbledork's first visit to you. I know what it is to have nothing to call your own; how dare he treat you like a criminal for being a child in an impossible situation. You were neglected as was I. You were trying to survive.

'I was raised around hateful muggles. I have to wonder if you ever asked to stay at the castle as I did and were denied as I was. It was awful that you weren't better protected. Better cared for.

'I studied History in primary school and know about the bombings in London during the war. If you were left there, it would only increase your fear towards muggles and anger toward those who didn't protect you.

'You would have had my sympathy, but you chose badly again and again. You framed my friend Hagrid for your crime. You murdered a young witch. And for what?

'Horcruxes, or soul-jars, don't work the way you think they do. The Egyptians knew about them. Ever met or even heard of pompous prats from that time wandering around? As brilliant as you were, Dumbles had his claws in you already, and you never even knew it.

'I have to wonder if he fed the dark arts books to you, knowing just how useless they were.

'I saw the teenage you in the diary. Even then, you lied and manipulated to get what you wanted. You were so full of hatred for your muggle father. He didn't choose your mother. I know that wasn't your fault but you need to cut him some slack.

'Death is just the next step. I don't want revenge for my parents' death. You somehow felt threatened by them. It wasn't personal.

'But would you give Dumbledore a message for me when you meet up? Tell him he ruined your life just as he tried to ruin mine.

'He wanted me for the "next dark lord". I said no. He failed.

'I hope you find forgiveness and peace on the other side, I really do. The only reason I have acted as I have is you have shown no remorse and need to be stopped. You still have time to repent; think! Did you kill a potential friend in Myrtle? And what about all the people you murdered? Or had murdered?

'Did you torture and kill your soulmate? Before you had a chance at love? Something to think about, Tom.

'HJP'

~~ooOOoo~~

Neville saw that Harry hadn't been talking much; not in class, meals or study group. His friend had tried to pretend he was fine. He was not, in fact, fine.

Now that the new term had started, he was spending too much time studying and working. The new rules on quidditch limited practices and all but Neville really didn't want to go flying with his friend.

"Harry? Do you want to go to the Potions lab?" Neville offered.

The Potter heir didn't smile or joke but put down the book he was reading. "Sure Nev. Redoing a potion?"

Neville shook his head, "Believe it or not, no. The belladonna from Greenhouse Three became ripe the other day. Professor Black is allowing me to help prep it for the healing potions we're making."

"And you remembered I needed to redo last week's potion. Thank you."

"Harry, your mind wasn't on your work. And I know you had to go to the Ministry later that day. Do you want to talk about it?"

Harry shook his head, "Maybe someday, but right now, here, no thanks."

Slughorn was bustling in the lab, giving directions to two of his apprentices. Adrian Pucey was also there, clearly for the healing potions as several of the other students from Healing were there.

Administrator Braithewaite from the hospital was teaching today, "Is everyone here? Good, good. Belladonna is not to be messed around with! Like most poisons, they have surprisingly strong healing powers –if used properly!" He then began his lesson.

Harry tuned out but saw Neville asking the wizard questions about various plants and healing potions. As good as his godbrother was at herbology, he saw the connection between plants and potions now that he wasn't scared all of the time.

Harry just tried to focus on his own potion when Slughorn came over to schmooze.

"Well, Harry, what are we working on today?"

Narcissa saw what was happening and smiled. "Horace! How nice of you to come in. Mr Potter and I are working on a special project together for Lord Black. I'm sure you understand."

He nodded and went over to the healing class. She made a small gesture and Harry knew they could talk.

"He doesn't mean you harm, Harry, but the timing is awful. This is what we need to do during troubling times. Write down the steps, even the stirs and the temperature changes. Everything. One step at a time. Then work the steps. You were trying to brew this potion from memory the other day when you were distracted. I hope you know redoing it was a chance to improve your grade, not a punishment."

"No, a punishment would be detention or something. Can I ask you something?" Harry queried.

"You may, yes."

"May, right. Neville. Everyone always says he's going to replace Professor Sprout, because he's really good at plants. I think he wants to go into healing. How do I tell him that he should do what he wants?"

Narcissa nodded. "Alice started a business that his grandmother would like to see continued for the gold it would bring in. But not everything important should be about gold."

Harry nodded, "I didn't have a penny growing up. Um, knut."

"You should have been raised in a comfortable home with people who love you. If I hadn't been forced to be with Malfoy and had seen you in the Alley…well. I would have objected to obvious mistreatment and taken you away."

Harry smiled at her then Neville. Without really understanding why, Neville knew he needed to talk to this woman, needed her comfort and counsel.

Harry brewed a perfect potion. One she had a different student decant for the hospital wing.

"But, but…"

"Five points to Gryffindor for helping with healing this afternoon. Dismissed, Heir Potter."

Harry tried to clean up, but the headmaster's detentions were assigned for such things. Goyle blushed. He'd gotten caught using the m-word and got a five-hour cleaning detention. If he did it again, it would be ten!

The heir of the house bowed to the lady and thanked her for her time.

Harry waited until he got back to his bed, drew his curtains and picked up his mirror. "Marissa? Oh good, you're in the library. Do you have time to talk for a minute?"

"For you Harry? Ten minutes. Just kidding. What's up?"

The two talked for a while, Harry unburdening some of his soul to this witch.

Later on, when Neville returned, Harry stood and shook his hand. "Thanks."

"What? What for?"

"For being a good friend. Wanna go get some tea?"

"Oh yes! Oh, by any chance did you save some basilisk venom from…you know."

Harry nodded. "Does Marius need some?"

Neville shook his head, "No, he's not doing the brewing but Snape might. I wanted to see if I could buy some. You know. For mum."

"I won't sell you any and I don't have a lot. Let's see how much he's asking for. Maybe get an oath that he won't poison any of us. And use it only to help my godmother."

Neville laughed, "No, that would be old Snape."

Harry tagged him and the boys rushed off, transforming to refined heirs as they reached the stairs.

~~ooOOoo~~

Sirius called to talk to Harry later that week. Dwarves were coming to Hogwarts to do some repair work in the dungeons and other areas. He didn't know if it was Narcissa's house ring, Regent ring or something else that 'encouraged' her away from the dungeons.

But being a named potions teacher would affect people teaching there to not do the job as well as they should.

He thought it might be therapeutic to both him and Neville to watch some of their work. And it was, it really was, but that didn't mean Snape was going on Harry's friends list.

~~ooOOoo~~

Tom Marvolo Riddle was sentenced to death for Treason.

Voldemort had known about Marius Greengrass' defection but not Severus'. He was not happy about being played or betrayed but there was nothing he could do.

Each one of the gittle club was given clothes to remove the mark just before facing death. Alastor was deputized for this duty. Unspeakable Croaker, one of the few in the know, were worried that Harry's magic might be diminished if the death eaters weren't released before being executed.

Tommy-Boy was forced to watch each of his now unmarked minions go through the Veil. He fumed and fussed but was unable to stop Justice.

As the last one, now just Mr Malfoy, approached, neither talked to the other; Lucius had to be stunned and floated through the Veil as he shamefully tried to do a runner.

A dementor was now provided for Pettimort, the same one that snacked on 'toad', "No veil for you. We need your body back for the family."

Tom started to scream but was then greeted by an older man with glasses, magnifying glass, and tweezers. "You are quite the riddle…excuse me…puzzle. One moment." The last bit of soul was now in place and he called for a Guardian.

~~ooOOoo~~

Peter's body was no longer breathing: it had been in the process of dying already. If it had been Harry's body Tom had been wearing, even without killing the others, it might have lived for a few months but then would have also died.

Tom would have had an expiration date of months but oh the devastation he could have caused if allowed free wearing Potter's Kissed husk!

Remus and Sirius, along with an undertaker, showed up to claim the body of their dear friend. He was going to be buried in Godric's Hollow near James and Lily - his Order of Merlin, Third Class was permanently affixed as part of the readied headstone (He had finally earned it.); 'Here lies a hero and beloved friend. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13"'

The extended family came for the funeral. Ron and Percy were now in the know that this had once been their rat. They both placed bits of cheese and snacks instead of flowers as their tribute to a fine friend.

~~ooOOoo~~

The reception after the funeral was a time for remembrance. Everyone was sharing stories of Peter from their youth. Remus related that James, holding them to a sacred vow to not share how the spell was cast, taught them all the Potter family magic charm to find their soulmate.

James' father Charlus had used the spell at seventeen to find Dorea, as did his father Fleamont. James hadn't waited and cast it at the end of third year, hoping to ask his future bride to Hogsmeade the following year.

Harry grew teary-eyed learning his mother and his father were soulmates. All of the Marauders had cast the spell.

Remus didn't know Narcissa well when he cast the charm but wasn't surprised to learn she was his lifemate. Moony knew it when they first met.

Sirius' eyes clouded over, "I kinda remember that now, but who…I just don't remember who."

Remus, troubled at not remembering as well, looked at his best friend, "Remember Peter's? He was supposed to be with Marlene McKinnon. Huh. I didn't recall that until just now."

Had Padfoot known that in school? That was an uncomfortable feeling.

Sirius winced, "No! Really? I dated her…and she was…I think Peter might have felt I betrayed him." They hadn't been together long but they had been intensely close for a time. Oh no! Had he bragged about that? To Wormtail? He was the worm in this case!

Had that breach been the reason why Peter was so angry at him? He went outside and shared a long apology aloud.

Glad Marissa wasn't there, Sirius paced. Someone had made him forget who his potential soulmate was. Where was the Potter Grimoire? Would Harry let him relearn the spell? Or did he even want to know now that he and Marissa were engaged? No, let the past remain in the past.

~~ooOOoo~~

Sirius was pleased to find out that Malfoy, no, Black Manor was not as far gone as Grimmauld Place had been. Yes, it still needed curse-breakers and such, but it was at least clean. Until the workers got to the dungeons. Oh. My.

Lord Black responded well, "What was that ritual to bring someone back from the dead? I don't think he suffered enough."

Lucius would disagree. He was not very happy in his new abode and he detested Marmite, Vegemite, and everything else served. Though he thought it cunning of Dumbledore to pretend to enjoy it for the sake of trying to get something else.

Dumbles might have only been a member of the gittle club for a moment in time on Earth but was being punished with some of them.

Tom's punishment was different from his marked minions. They had each taken the dark mark of their own free will. But Riddle had been manipulated into becoming a dark lord by both Slughorn and the headmaster. His Head of House's influence had been subtle, no doubt guided by Dumbledore. Something that had been revealed to him at the time of his judgment.

He had met with each of his victims - those he'd tortured and killed, saw the effects on their families and felt each 'slash of the whip', metaphorically.

He had actually begun to think he deserved to be here - the first sign of repentance. Which would certainly shorten his stay in this place.

~~ooOOoo~~

The DMLE would likely take years to sort out all of the stolen property but the stone from the cursed ring forced onto Hermione's finger was a mystery.

Harry didn't want it and so offered the use of it, for his lifetime, to Unspeakable Croaker who had access to Dumbledore's notes on it.

Croaker would later ask Harry what happened to the wand but he hadn't been there. Hermione's memories of the time were fuzzy, but she remembered Dumbledore being disarmed then taken away with her by Professor McGonagall.

The researcher would incorrectly assume the death stick was destroyed in the fire and that rumor made its way around.

Sirius never knew what he had, never battled again, so the wand was lost to legend.

~~ooOOoo~~

A few weeks after Lucius' execution, Remus asked for some time alone with Narcissa and had her elf there as chaperone. A light tea with her favorites was prepared.

She thought he was about to propose.

"I was so in love, we were so in love. It's harder with the wolf at times. They don't understand human morals or mores. Moony wanted you. You were, are, my mate."

"And I wanted you. I remember. In fact I still do." Narcissa looked at him intently.

Remus gazed deeply into her eyes, "I've kept a secret. If I had told you back then, you would have possibly been killed. I couldn't allow that. I would have definitely been killed. I would have risked everything if I thought you wanted me but your imperiused self said no.

"Narcissa, you became pregnant that day. I don't know why. The potion we used failed…"

"Oh no! I know why! Malfoy! He told me the potions I was on had all been changed. He wanted a child right away. He sabotaged us somehow, within my own home."

Then she thought about what he shared, "Draco? Draco is your son? Not Lucius'! Oh, oh! What a relief! There are studies about murderers' sons becoming…Draco's not going to become a monster! Oh Remus!" She tearfully grabbed him tight, kissing him deeply, in relief at first. Then the kiss deepened, stirring long suppressed feelings, and she pulled him closer.

Remus pulled away, very aware the door was merely closed - he stood and cast a locking spell. Maizy, taking a hint, popped away. No students would bother them now. She stood to kiss him again, holding him close.

Looking into Remus' love-filled eyes, she realized the potion her grandmother gave her had her little boy look like Malfoy. Had she known? Very likely.

Her next searing kiss was everything he wanted. Everything he'd missed.

"You aren't angry I didn't tell you before?" Remus asked worriedly before devouring her lips yet again. So delicious.

"What? Of course not! If I had known" kiss "and let it slip," kiss "both Draco and I really would have been killed for a ritual or something. My son would never have lived beyond a few months. I wouldn't be here."

Remus pulled her into a sweet embrace, comforting and strong before picking her up and carrying her over to the couch. He sat, putting her in his lap as did, holding her close and continuing their previous actions.

She then whispered, "Draco can't know. It has to be our secret. He loves and hates the man, by turns, the man he considers his father. Throwing this revelation into the mix right now with him still working through everything; losing his father, losing his former lifestyle and just being a teenager? Add into this emotional morass: How will he react to our relationship? It wouldn't be fair or kind to ask him to accept you as his actual father, yet. Can you understand? Will you promise to wait to tell? Please? Just for a year and a day."

"If this is about gold, his inheritance…"

Narcissa barked a laugh, "What gold or treasures? Lucius threw it all away on the Dark Lord who promised him everything. Empty promises. Lies and death were all he ever delivered.

"Remus, will you marry me? I have nothing to give you except my love and loyalty."

"I accept my love. Narcissa, will you marry me? I have everything to give you. Love. Loyalty. Family. Everything important."

"I accept."

The kissing intensified as the tea grew cold.

~~ooOOoo~~

Headmaster Brand held a meeting with fourth years and younger.

"Your education has been improving, but there are gaps between what ICW OWLs and NEWTs cover and what the previous English, well, British Ministry of Magic tests have been covering.

"Your Department of Education has indeed been complaining but with former…problems, those complaints were not addressed.

"This year is the last year of British forms of the test for you young people. Next year will have a higher standard; an international standard. You'll have far more jobs available to you but it does mean more work on your part."

He allowed the moans and groans to die down and gave them a small smile in sympathy.

"What I want to share is this: If any of the fourth years feel they cannot pass or would not do as well as they want to do on these tests, they can redo fourth year, with the new curriculum, at no cost to their families. We have a sponsor for this. For third years, you have a choice as well, but more in line with opportunities to redo the tests after repeating fifth year if you want to improve your grades.

"For first and second years, you'll be expected to use the tutoring provided to catch up. Now, in order to be fair, OWL and NEWT study guides, complete with what competencies are expected, will be given you. What should be learned by year level is included. This will help you prepare.

"Some of you will not want to work hard for your own future, comparing yourself to older siblings perhaps or family. But know this."

He paced at the front of the hall clearly debating what he was going to say next. Professor McGonagall, serving out this term as his deputy, looked at the students in concern.

"If any of you were to take your British education and try to get a position in America or Australia or elsewhere, you might be hired on, at a much lower level than you deserve while you catch up. If you are lucky. This is all for your benefit. For our society's benefit that these standards be implemented.

"Now, I'll take a few questions."

Neville stood and waited to be recognized before speaking, "Sir? What about our healers? Are you saying they aren't as good as say Germany or Austria?" He then returned to his seat.

"Unfortunately, Heir Longbottom, that is exactly what I am saying. I'm sure Saint Mungo's does fine but you see several French, Austrian and other foreign healers there as the newest hires."

A few other students asked general questions, but they were starting to repeat.

Hermione raised her hand and was recognized, "Sir, I want to think before asking questions. I just want to say thank you. I know now it was you and Professor McGonagall trying to change things here. It's so much better, and safer, than our first two years." The girl curtseyed before sitting down.

The headmaster smiled and gave her a short bow back, "Now, before leaving, please take a study guide for each class you are pursuing. Dismissed."

Harry turned to Neville, seeing the horror in his eyes. "All of Godmother Alice's healers have been British. Your gran refused to allow her to be scanned by the goblins. Do you want me to ask Sirius if he can intervene on her behalf?"

Neville shook his head, "Not yet. Let me think about this. My father – what if he could have been treated? I'm feeling very unkind thoughts right now towards Dumbledore."

Harry snorted. Oh yes. His parents and grandparents had been some of his victims. One person in their world had been allowed to cause so much damage. Harry wanted to create wards and protections to keep people safe. Neville was clearly leaning towards healing.

Ron turned horrified eyes to the others, reading one of the study guides. "I'm really going to have to buckle down. Maybe I won't try out for quidditch next year when Wood graduates."

Harry and Neville exchanged looks without saying a word.

"We'll just have to see, won't we?" Harry comforted. "With the reduced practices, we're still playing. And they're discussing a time limit now."

Ron looked horrified anew, which was Harry's purpose. Hermione, who had been writing at the table, joined them.

"Ronald? It's going to be alright." Hermione shared.

"Timed Quidditch? Now that's a step too far!" The redhead stated.

Harry shook his head wondering just how many games their poor headmaster had endured, cold in the snow, watching his son Igor play. There were likely some personal feelings in that suggestion.

~~ooOOoo~~

Kreacher was feeling stronger and Grimmauld Place was showing his efforts. It was so much cleaner than it had been since the locket had been removed along with many of the dark arts items.

Mistress Walburga's portrait was also improving, and had recently started confessing to her elf she had made some very poor choices in her life. Especially once Sirius left to go to the Potters after his second year. The Potters had different mores. They were not in the register for the Sacred Twenty-Eight as they married half-bloods or to her mind at the time, mudbloods.

She couldn't allow her son to date someone less than a pureblood. During Sirius' third year, her spy at Hogwarts –the former headmaster's portrait– had warned her Sirius had been seen behaving kindly towards an undesirable witch. Then, he came to her to say he'd met someone, Sirius revealed he'd cast 'the spell' and had found 'the one'!

With his grandfather's permission, he was planning on asking her to Hogsmeade now that she was old enough to attend the outings with her being a third year, he being a fourth.

She was lovely and would be fine as a mistress but not a wife! Stupid Potters with their stupid light spells that allowed their wizards to find good witches to marry. Supposedly their potential soulmates. Marriage wasn't about good bonds or happiness - it was supposed to be about strengthening magic, bloodlines and ensuring wealth stayed within the elite! Well, that had been her thinking at the time.

Then, the boy had taunted her with the results before she cast the cruciatus at him and he limped away. How dare he?

How dared she cast that spell at her son? What cruelty! He wasn't taunting; he was trying to share a great happiness. What had she done?

Her portrait was beginning to show the progression her actual soul was making in Avalon.

It had been far too easy to hire a minion to sabotage them; she expected backlash at the time; expecting to be caught, but the hireling had performed perfectly.

A few modified memories within Sirius' circle, cleverly done and then Sirius himself had been cursed to not even think about the muggleborn witch, much less be able to notice her. Walburga's plot worked without her or her minion getting caught. She giggled then stopped, horrified. Oh, what had she done?

The target witch in question was so damaged that no one would even look at her to marry her.

She needed to make amends but how to find the girl? The only reason she remembered her name was because she had to write it down for the hired help.

Walburga tried to send Kreacher to summon Sirius home but Egypt was too far. She couldn't write a letter! She'd have to wait until her son was closer to London and asked Kreacher to keep an ear open for his return.

~~ooOOoo~~

The school year progressed. After 'recovering' from the trials, Harry realized he had never been happier. No losing points for breathing too loud, no hiding under his covers to read for an assignment.

He had good friends now. He was growing very close with Neville. They shared a similar background in so many ways. And of course, Harry had Hermione. And family.

He got to spend time with Bill because of Fawkes. She would sometimes even birdnap him during the week if she thought he was needed. Bossy!

Hedwig tolerated these interruptions though she did remind the firebird that their boy was a student and did need to go to class once in a while. Fawkes went fishing, something Hedwig couldn't do easily, and brought her another fish as an apology.

Theirs was an uneasy alliance but Harry felt sorry for both avians and put perches in the private study area off the library for both friends. Phoenixes love fruit and Harry kept a bowl of a variety of fresh fruits on hand. Snowy owls preferred meats of various kinds and there was a tray of proteins provided.

One thing was for certain; there was usually one or the other 'supervising' his studies and making sure he stayed on task.

Final exams were looming large and Hermione wasn't happy: The study group rejected her color-coded revising guide and serious OWL review. When she tried to push, some of the Hufflepuffs said she needed to back off. She didn't take it well and left.

Megan started to stutter out an apology of her own but Susan was having none of it, "The atmosphere she was creating was not conducive to revising for the rest of us but there is no personal animosity involved. We are only third years, after all."

"I will relay that to her. Good night." Harry bowed.

Ron dithered, feeling he should show loyalty. Neville though had a different idea. "Consequences. We give her a second chance after she's apologized for her behavior. Repentance first. Now, none of us are perfect but that was terrible."

Harry tracked her down, pacing near their private study area. He was a good listener and by the following day it had gotten worked out in social terms. But from then on, Hermione was off on her own for the most part, not even wanting to be near Harry in her quest for perfection in testing.

It was only when she earned three OWLs at O each the group found out her real goals: Three OWLs meant she had wand rights and had a special card to show aurors in case she was questioned.

Hermione, muggleborn witch, could no longer have her magic bound or wand snapped because someone took offense. She could legally do magic at home. She hoped it would be a shield from the next corrupt Minister.

The study group forgave her rather quickly after her sincere apology and explanation. By next year, everyone had forgotten the meltdown and it never happened again. Well, not until Megan's and Susan's own issues with OWLs but that was later.

Not too surprisingly, the following year, many muggleborns followed Hermione's lead and got OWLs on Muggle Studies, History, and Astronomy out of the way. Even if they only got an 'A' it still counted for wand rights and they didn't even try to explain to their families that an 'A' was nothing to celebrate.

Hermione didn't care that these first OWLs were at the old standard as she didn't feel the need to excel in those particular classes anyway.

~~ooOOoo~~

Harry took his own OWL exam for Runes, which he passed with an O plus. The proctors all gave him extra points for the protection amulets he'd made against dementors.

Babbling suggested he take his NEWT the next year and offered to take him as an apprentice the following year. If he worked hard, he'd have his mastery by the time the rest of his class was taking their NEWTs.

~~ooOOoo~~

The wedding Narcissa wanted at the Spring Equinox was moved to June due to their work schedules. Professor Flitwick was her escort. Sirius stood next to a nervously beaming Remus.

Draco and Lavender sat on the opposite side of the aisle from Harry and Hermione. Harry could tell Draco wasn't too sure about this new father joining their little family.

Draco would be staying at the castle while the new couple went for a short holiday to Paris. Then he would join them for a time to holiday there before they returned.

The wedding had been in the Great Hall and the elves provided the reception. Sirius had offered to pay for it but the deputy would only allow him to cover the cost of the food.

Professor Black was one of the most popular professors ever. This was Minerva's thank you for stepping up at a critical time.

Narcissa was still only working part time while pursuing her Mastery. Professor Slughorn had never been happier: Just being Head of House and having a few apprentices. Together, the two brewed the potions with the healing students that the castle needed.

Bill came for the wedding, giving the couple some great potions and defense books available from the specialty store at the Library of Alexandria. Translated copies of famous texts.

Harry and Hermione shared a look. They wanted books for their wedding presents.

Oops. Had Harry said that aloud?

~~ooOOoo~~

Sirius had been spending a lot of time in Egypt. After the wedding at Hogwarts, he was actually in London, trying to shop to prepare for his own wedding.

Kreacher 'felt' his Master was now near enough to travel to easily, so did as his Mistress bid and requested Lord Black to attend his mother.

He was shocked, absolutely shocked not that his mother would hire someone to sabotage a witch he wanted to court. That was her. But the thought she might change and saw it was a terrible idea?

That was new!

She had a permanent sticking charm but it was a runic array. Given the healers needed her input, likely more than a little, she gave away that secret and with Harry's help, she came unglued from the wall.

But didn't become unglued as a person; she still retained her cleansed personality.

Sirius was able to take the portrait of his mother with him to the healing halls.

Unfortunately, even with her input, the strong obliviation on Sirius couldn't be reversed. The magical signature was known: Cornelius Fudge.

It was then he learned he'd been made to forget his soulmate.

At least the then Obliviator did not kill the witch just because she was a muggleborn. That would have been a mercy. No, instead he used an alternative method to remove her from the situation. Not something common or that left a trace. And used the prank James planned as cover. The question was, was it reversible?

Did Fudge's personal animosity towards Sirius start when then Heir Black was just a child? And for the crime of what? Dating a girl whose parents didn't have magic? Honestly!

Sirius knew very well who the victim in this case was. A friend of Bill's. A curse-breaker. A previous classmate, just a year younger than the Marauders. Marissa Carpenter. His fiancée. And apparently his soulmate.

Oh boy. He had to tell her the truth, but oh how he didn't look forward to her reaction. Fudge was already in Azkaban and had lost any wealth he'd accumulated during his lifetime. He really couldn't be punished anymore, could he?

Sirius was more than willing to come up with something. Hmm, maybe an item like the cuff for Albus?

~~ooOOoo~~

The newspapers were very much willing to publish positive news about Sirius and negative news about the Alphabet Bad Boy Triumvirate, as Albus, Barty and Cornelius were now being called.

The opportunity to drag Fudge's name through the mud again to reap rewards –of the golden kind– was very much enjoyed by the press. Amelia and Alastor had some questions of their own to ask.

They were assembled in a secure interrogation room in the DMLE. Marissa wasn't sure if she really wanted to be here or not but it directly involved her. Sirius was pale and nervous.

Cornelius Fudge was brought in and bound to the central chair.

Veritaserum was not only approved, a new law required it. He wanted to scream, to stay mum, but nothing worked. Amelia was asking the questions on Sirius' behalf. "Did you accept a commission to work for Walburga Black?"

"Yes, several times."

Sirius thought, 'Mother didn't remember that, now did she? She must have done something to protect herself against at least some of the memories involved.'

Amelia demanded, "Give us in detail what you did to Marissa Carpenter. She was on a date with Sirius Black."

"Oh, yes. His mother didn't want to believe a mudblood was the one destined for her son. He bragged to her about it, you know. His soulmate. Potter, James that is, Sirius Black, and Pettigrew all cast the spell together. I don't know why Lupin didn't. Or maybe he did and didn't share the results where they could be heard."

'Or the spy didn't share that with you, as they had other ways to deal with a poor pureblood sniffing around a daughter of House Black', Amelia thought to herself.

Marissa watched Sirius' reaction. She remembered just fine that he shared she was his soulmate. That's why he wanted to court her - to see if they could work out. He was heir to his House and had gotten permission from his grandfather first. He was appalled that he'd shared something so important with his mother at the time. Of course she'd have acted! The couple would have to talk later about this as the interrogation continued.

"James Potter was planning a prank to shrink his friend to embarrass him since he blamed Black for messing up his opportunity to ask the mudblood Evans out. Don't know if that was true; didn't care. Madam Black provided me with the spell. I had to swear to only use it one other time in payment. Such a shame. It didn't work right the first time I cast it for some reason. Don't know why. Didn't try to investigate. It should have shrunk her down to dust.

"But it worked just fine when I used it to clean up a bad mess for Lucius, which is when we became friends. A pureblood should not be sent to Azkaban for accidentally killing a muggleborn, much less a muggle. I wanted him to watch me cast it so he could learn but was going to lose my magic if I did. So sad."

Fudge blinked stupidly, looking around, "Where's Lucius? Help me!"

"He's dead as you should be. What's the counter to the curse!" Bones was fierce.

Fudge tried to not talk, he really did. "Madam Black destroyed the book the spell and counter were in. Not that I would have used the counter for either mudblood. It was only to be used if someone like Black was accidentally cursed. She didn't want muggle blood polluting House Black even if Arcturus approved since 'the girl was magical'." He finished with a whiny sneer; revealing his true feelings for all to see.

"The counter! Now!" Sirius shouted, holding Marissa's hand tightly.

He finally gave in and shared, "Finite Reformidant," unwillingly and promptly died.

Moody swore, "Unbreakable Vow! Why didn't he declare that first!"

Amelia was horrified and realized the answer. "Someone made him forget it or he would have."

Director Bones thought it ironic that the man who had stolen so many memories from her and others was killed because he lost his.

Marissa burst into tears. She didn't know what she wanted to do. She'd been short for so long. To be normal sized? She'd have to relearn how to wield her tools! But to not have to sit in a special chair at a table, not have to live in the children's room of her tent with child-size amenities, or many, many other things?

She was going to have to think about this.

~~ooOOoo~~

Bill was called into the healing halls again. This time, he was half-expecting the summons. He knew where Marissa had gone and why.

Sirius had been practicing the counter but wanted healers and a curse-breaker who wasn't the patient, just in case.

Black was feeling very guilty about it all, forgetting he had been fourteen when making the decision to share with his mother the wonderful news of finding the one. While he could have been more circumspect; he wasn't the one who had hurt Marissa.

Several of the staff had assembled, their own diagnostics were now complete on this curse. All of the professionals agreed it was Black family magic that had saved the witch's life at the time, probably due to having permission to court by the Lord and Sirius' heir ring.

Bill looked at Black nervously. Fawkes was hovering on the bed, more than willing to help this lady if needed.

As Sirius finished the spell, he was worried it hadn't worked. But then, just as slowly as she had originally shrunk, she grew. Wow!

Marissa remembered being five feet tall, and was now five inches above that. A good height compared to Sirius' six foot three frame.

The couple shared a sweet, chaste kiss from a standing position for the first time.

"You are so beautiful, my love." Sirius whispered.

"The world just shrank a bit." Marissa shared aloud.

Sirius grinned goofily at that. No doubt!

Black was waved back so the healers could scan her. Bill got his chance as well. "This will be one for the books. Such a simple counter. Odd that no one had tried before."

Sirius shrugged, just glad his lady wasn't angry with him. She understood it was dark magic affecting people and a good deal of prejudice behind her situation.

Perhaps with people like Fudge no longer in charge, and the Dark one really gone, Britain could begin to heal.

Her concerns were elsewhere. Sirius had already proposed and she accepted. She hoped the healers would be done soon as she wanted to have a nice looonnng "talk" with her husband-to-be.

~~ooOOoo~~

Sirius and Marissa's wedding was held on a Thursday night in Egypt as Marissa's family were all of the 'adopted' variety and working there. Harry had asked Bill to take his place walking Marissa down the aisle. Bill escorted his long-time friend to her bridegroom and gripped Sirius' hand in a friendly-looking handshake when handing her over.

"If you hurt her ever again, I will end you," was shared just between the two of them. His smile would have scared death eaters.

Sirius gulped, stuttered, and then smiled shyly at his bride. Perhaps it was good Harry had no interest in the only Weasley witch his age. Harry didn't need that warning from all six of her brothers.

The honeymoon was short and the couple were back before work started on Saturday. They were greeted by all sorts of well-wishers but it was the look on Sirius' face that gave Harry the best gift ever. He and Bill were standing in front of a tent just slightly larger than Bill's, at least on the outside.

"You found it? You found it!" Sirius shouted.

"The goblins allowed me one time access to the Potter Family Vault until I'm twenty-five. You wouldn't believe all the junk…stuff in there. Hermione and I have been haunting jumble sales, looking for good books for the library. I worry that Bill is going to be lonely."

Sirius swooped up his bride to carry her over the threshold. Like most of the tents there, the entryway was the sand-trap room. This sandroom was a bit bigger and had a place for outdoor toys to be stored during the worst sandstorms. There was still wood decor on the inside, much like Bill's tent, but was clearly a grade better. The ballroom was indeed much bigger as everyone came in for a brief reception.

The angelic fountain in the French conservatory was a nice touch. Harry had never seen enchanted instruments before, though the chamber music selection was limited.

It was a wonderful tent and Marissa gave Harry a very warm hug in thanks. Livy, one of the Potter elves, was going to come and live with them and take care of them.

Wasn't it rushing it a bit when after a mere two weeks, Livy mentioned how much she loved babies?

~~ooOOoo~~

Harry had another wonderful summer. He spent a lot of time with Bill in his library tent working on parselrune translations and learning more about curse-breaking. He saw his godfather and Marissa nearly every day and during most meals and talked to Hermione every day, whether on the mirror or in person (having a phoenix friend did cut down on first-class tickets or portkey fees). The Grangers planned another visit at some point during the holiday but they had come for the wedding and had other obligations.

Sirius had a favor to ask him since Harry was planning on taking the new Warding class in the coming year - Bring the mirror with him so he could learn too.

Remote learning? Was this going to be a thing? There were children in Saint Mungo's…hmm…but the dangers of casting…

It was an idea for Astronomy, Herbology, History and some other classes though, wasn't it?

~~ooOOoo~~

One night, after work, Marissa took Harry to the edge of the wards of the camp. There was no light pollution here and the sky was just a carpet of mostly clear sparkling diamonds with some colored ones up there too.

"Harry? I've been thinking about what we did to Dumbledore. You and I both felt it at the time that if he got away, it would be just as disastrous as You-know-Who escaping. But I think I did a terrible thing.

"We took away his right to choose."

They had used a miniaturized arch for a slave ceremony to mark Dumbledore, with both Croaker's and Moody's permission and knowledge. He didn't think Director Bones was notified. They had dressed up as goblins, both being so short, at least at the time.

Harry conjured two chairs. They were the standard camp chair and Marissa sat down.

"Are you worried that when I'm older, I'm going to go around enslaving minions? Create my own gittle club?"

Marissa snort-laughed. "No, not at all. But I am worried about people like Croaker and Moody calling on us again for help. What if it's a political prisoner next time they want us to enslave?"

Harry looked at her when Fawkes suddenly landed on his shoulder. She hopped down to the arm of the chair. She was clearly interested in his answer.

"Dumblemort used 'the Greater Good' to mean whatever he wanted the world to be - not what was actually beneficial to everyone. If there was a rampaging nundu out there, and I could stop it, you wouldn't call me evil for doing so." Harry shared calmly. "I'm not going to go looking for opportunities to help law enforcement that way. I want to work on better wards and personal protection.

"The slave idea came to me only because of the arch and how the death eaters were already marked. I didn't know Snape was trying to protect me at the time, you know. I thought I was alone. Was what I did wrong?"

Marissa grabbed Harry's hand, disturbing Fawkes a bit. "Not necessarily wrong but free will has got to be one of the greatest rights we're given. The great Creator could have forced all people to choose to always be kind and good; always follow the rules. But then, we would never learn from mistakes, never feel the pang from real sin. You were in a desperate situation. My only qualm I'm struggling with is the future."

Harry looked at Fawkes, "If I was ever asked to put down a dark lord the way I did with Tom or Albus, would we still be friends?"

The song was clear. If Harry was ever to try and use his powers to enslave people, she'd turn her tailfeathers to him too and never see him again. But to stand against evil? She wanted to be companions with people like that.

"I promise I won't start another gittle club. But I can't promise not to act against a rising dark lord. Is that what you needed to hear?"

Marissa nodded, "You aren't going to publish this, teach others how to do this? Right?"

Harry snorted. "Never! Let the next generation come up with their own way of dealing with death eaters and dark lords. My method is not being shared. And it took both of us, using ancient magic to ensnare Bumbles. I couldn't have done it without you."

The curse-breaker didn't say that Harry was strong enough, once he was a bit older, that he could have marked the former headmaster on his own. There it was - the lingering loyalty to the old manipulator, no doubt making her feel guilty she'd worked against him. She clearly needed another cleanse after being in direct contact with him.

Harry broke into her thoughts, "And I don't think there are many curse-breakers out there with your skills."

Marissa nodded again, content. Fawkes sat there with them, singing. Both of the ladies knew this boy could have gone dark and used his innate skills with parselmagic to enslave all magicals to do as he willed. Riddle didn't have a clue of what he was doing. He never had access to Charlus Potter's library or any real examples of how to do so.

How different –and terrifying– their world would be if he had.

~~ooOOoo~~

After that conversation, Harry called Hermione. She was sitting on her bed at home, reading.

"Harry! It's great to see you! I'm reading the text for next year's runes and wanted to ask you a question."

"I'm happy to help you, my lady. What's the question?"

~~ooOOoo~~

My apologies to anyone who loves the sticky, brown brewery-leftovers that make up this filling but I feel that Marmite, Vegemite, etc. is served to those who deserve it.

A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila Beepkeeper's Smelly Third Year

how various folks handle caustic smells from the basilisk's carcass; Dumbles is not a rocket scientist) See /s/14117925/. Albus displays arrogance rather than intellect, much less bravery.

A/N: Story recommended by our friend zamia53: Daphne's Letter from the Future by TomHRichardson

Rec: /works/21665026/chapters/51665788

I personally recommend all of this author's work and plan on rereading this one after finishing up this story.

A/N: Your story recommendation here -

~~ooOOoo~~

ƺ parseltongue
galleons
sickles
ķ knuts

Ɠ Goblin language
Copyright: The original books are all owned by JK Rowling and her associates. This piece is the intellectual property of the writer VashonBeader and her beta LtsHrIt4ThBoyz and is not to be used (or sold) elsewhere under any other name.