AN: Jeez, time flies. I've been so busy, but I didn't realize that it had already been a month since my last update. Hopefully it won't be another month because I'm quite excited for the next few chapters that I have planned. Anyway, thanks for all the support and I hope you enjoy. Also, special thanks to my new beta, Thrivean. He's hopefully going to help me remove more of my little errors and catch anything I missed.
Mando-Vet - I appreciate the kind words. It's always nice to show rage properly directed and the results that can produce.
Nightwing2013 - Thanks! They did all live. It was close on my part, but the ones who would have been felt the most I still have plans for, and the others would have probably needed more development posthumously to show how their deaths hurt the main gang than they'd received in the whole story. Divine favor is certainly ramping up, and the Death Eaters took a major loss. I'm definitely writing Bella with a different characterization than what little we've seen in canon. Hopefully you'll enjoy it.
As for an answer to your other reviews. The Welsh were ignored because I'm an idiot. I'll fix that. The gods taking things personally might be broached in the very near future.
Shadowlord1295 - Having Harry duel Fudge would have been fun, but I think it was better to continue to keep the eye on hurting the Death Eaters more than a piece of shit like Fudge. He reaped what he has sown and suffered for it. Death was a close call, but in the end, they all made it through.
IronDuck - Well summarized. Harry indeed did walk in big dick swinging, and the Malfoy family was told to fuck off.
GreengrassRebel - Harry was indeed out of gum. Definitely very close call on survival, and the repercussions will definitely affect some of them going forward, but indeed that is war. It was nice to finally have them recover Bella, and start dealing with the Ministry and Wizengamot, even if they're not all there yet. Interesting idea on a minseries. Something to think about. I figured most people hadn't really thought about Narcissa, but when you look at how I've changed the younger Blacks and what happened to the rest, yeah, Narcissa came out alright, while the rest of them suffered greatly. As always, thanks for your continued reviews and kind words!
jeremiahkelly93 - Thanks! Late, but happy new year!
scrappy8 - Thanks!
LilyPotterIsAGoddess - Thanks! Yeah, while there will be a learning curve, Draco is definitely going to have to shape up or face the consequences.
WinkingSkeever - Your wait is over. Hope you enjoy!
magocrat777 - Thanks! Yeah, I wanted to have Draco face the music when he was still a cocky bigot who hadn't realized the price of being with the Dark Lord. Glad you thought it was realistic.
icehero68 - Thanks!
Chapter 69
Dora wearily walked into the Auror Office for the emergency meeting. She still was walking a bit gingerly from the battles two days prior, and all the running around and the Wizengamot meeting hadn't helped matters. She couldn't even look forward to relaxing once she was released from work because there was still a lot to do in wake of Voldemort's return. Some of it was good, like hopefully getting Aunt Bella back, and Harry had something he wanted to discuss with her, but there was still so much to do.
Regardless, she knew this meeting was important. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement had taken a major hit in the attack on Holyhead, and the Auror Office had suffered losses along with it. Dora was still mourning the loss of her friend and former team member, Steven Knight, and even Daryl Brian, who had always been a pleasant teammate, even if he'd been among those who stuck their heads in the sand.
In total, the department had lost six Aurors, with one of those, Cassius Ross, having been a traitor that Sirius killed. Still, they'd lost a lieutenant, Rye Williams, and four other loyal Aurors, Steven Knight, Mordecai Berrycloth, Joseph Joseph, and Daryl Brian. All of them had been good Aurors in her eyes. Rye Williams had been a bit of a Ministry sycophant, but still a good Auror.
"TONKS!" a voice yelled out, and Dora jumped, turning towards the voice, and her eyes widened and her smile grew.
"LEXIE!" Dora shouted back in joy, it having been a year since she'd seen her friend.
Lexie ran forward and gave her a firm hug, which Dora returned just as firmly, ignoring the discomfort of her injuries.
"What a time for me to return, eh?" Lexie asked somberly, as she pulled back.
"You've missed a lot, Lex," Dora agreed with a sigh. "I'll have to drag you off with me after this meeting or after work, depending on your schedule. There's a lot we need to discuss."
Lexie nodded seriously. "I'm just happy to see you're alive. I heard the battle was rough."
"It was," Dora agreed grimly. "Both of them. I went from the battle at Holyhead to the Ministry to try and help Harry. Ended up fighting more Death Eaters and got my ass kicked by Voldemort himself."
Lexie scowled. "Stupid tossers, not believing Harry. That kid doesn't lie. Wish I'd been here to show my support. Makes me regret heading off to that course . . . it was incredible, but I feel like I was needed here more."
Dora shook her head. "That course might really help us out now. There are still Death Eaters in the Ministry, and what you learned might help us flush them out."
Lexie grinned ferally. "Oh, I'm more than ready to help dig out some rats."
"Good," Dora said with a grin, as they moved over to where everyone was gathering in the large operations center.
Amelia was at the head, with Rick and Scrimgeour, and as Dora glanced around, she saw the new situation reflected on most of her colleagues' faces, with more than a few sporting bandages or casts to reflect the injuries they'd sustained at Holyhead. Sirius was still using a cane, standing over near Alexis, but she was surprised to see Mad-Eye, Sturgis Podmore, and three other older gruff-looking men, a rather haggard older woman, and another stately looking older woman.
Mad-Eye met her eyes, and gave her a wink, but didn't move from his spot.
It was only a few more minutes before they had everyone, and Amelia raised her hand to silence the talking and gain the focus of everyone.
"As you all know, Harry Potter's claims have now been confirmed and Lord Voldemort (there were many shutters throughout the room) has returned and opened up his assault on our world with the attack at Holyhead. It is estimated that he had nearly two hundred fighters on his side as well as four giants. While the giants were slain, we only managed to capture or kill thirty of his people before they broke off the fight. Three hundred people lost their lives in that attack, muggles and magicals, and even now the devastation will take time to fix."
Amelia paused.
"As of now, we are at war. Lord Potter demanded that the Wizengamot request aid from the ICW, which has been done. The decision has not been made by the ICW to approve aid or not, but we hope to have foreign assistance on ground within two weeks. Meanwhile, we have seven retired Aurors," she gestured to Mad-Eye and those with him, "who have volunteered to return to active service in wake of this attack. Alastor Moody will be taking our vacant Lieutenant's position, and Jack Bakers has decided to step down from his commission and is being replaced by Frank."
Dora glanced over in surprise at Jack, who seemed determined, and was nodding in approval over at Frank Longbottom. Clearly him freezing up in combat had affected his desire to hold his position. Frank was a good choice though, a great one in fact.
"We're extending invitations back to any who tried out for Auror Training in the past two years," Amelia continued. "They'll go through a condensed combat train-up while on the job, and we're hoping to get a new crop of recruits once Hogwarts graduates its next class in a few months. Members of the MLEP and Hitwizards will also be used to augment our numbers and go through advanced combat training."
Amelia looked out on them gravely.
"Every team will be monitored strictly by their officers, and there will be no deployments of single aurors or even partner teams without approval. We can't afford to lose any of you, so we will not risk sending you anywhere without support. Voldemort is strongest when we're divided . . . when we fear him. We're going to show him why Aurors exist. The captains have the team assignments. Dismissed."
Dora and Lexie moved over to the board which would tell them their new teams. Dora and Lexie both sighed quietly in relief, seeing that they were in Kingsley's company. Lexie fell under Lieutenant June Caleb, with Sirius in her team . . . one of the smaller teams. Dora, to her extreme relief, was under Mad-Eye, with her old friend Kelly.
Dora frowned slightly at that. She and Kelly hadn't been nearly as close since the start of Voldemort's return. Kelly hadn't been like some of Dora's other friends, purposely distancing herself and disparaging Dora for sticking by Harry. However, Kelly had been one of those who stayed out of it and seemed to stick her head in the sand. She had also been one they had not approached for the Order, Dora knowing Kelly wouldn't approve.
Dora sighed. It didn't matter. They needed all the help they could get, and she didn't need to be friends with Kelly to work with her. Maybe this would help them rekindle their friendship. She glanced back at Lexie.
"I'm heading to Hogwarts after this, if you'd like to join?" Dora offered up.
Lexie nodded slowly. "Unless my new boss has something major for me, I'm in."
Dora smiled, and then made her way over to Mad-Eye, where Kelly had just moved to as well.
Mad-Eye gestured for them to follow, and Dora was surprised as they moved over to Kinglsey, along with the other two teams. Kingsley waved his wand, and a privacy spell surrounded the three teams, sealing their conversation off from the rest of the Aurors.
Dora noted the three teams,with the third team being led by Lieutenant Brian Proudfoot, with Hestia Jones and the stately looking former Auror. Proudfoot and Kelly both raised eyebrows at Kingsley for raising the privacy barrier.
"Officially, our company is tasked with the defense of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade," Kingsley said, without preamble. "We'll be in charge of patrols done by the MLEP in that area, and will be stationed either at Hogwarts or Hogsmeade for quick response to any issues. We have two infiltration specialists in this team, and an additional assignment will be conducting security assessments of key locations, like Hogwarts, the Ministry, and St. Mungos for weak points. Our third directive will be to head up the training of new recruits and members of the DMLE at Hogwarts."
"Why at Hogwarts?" Hestia asked with a frown. "Won't that open a security risk at the school?"
"Due to their importance, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade must be protected," Kingsley said with a sigh. "However, we can't afford to have a whole company simply on guard duty. That being said, removing you to train recruits at the Ministry weakens the position there. This is the best way to centralize everyone."
"We'll be able to keep a good eye on trainees at the school, and Potter's hellhound will help ensure everyone is who they say they are, and have no loyalties to Voldemort," Mad-Eye added gruffly.
"What about unofficially?" Dora asked, focusing back on Kingsley's first words.
"Unofficially, there's a reason why nearly all the infiltration, tracking, undercover operations, and espionage specialists are in the same company," Kingsley answered. "Your official tasks stand and will be a large part of your duties. However, your other major task is to uncover moles in the Ministry and the Wizengamot and Death Eaters attempting to ingratiate themselves into various entities. Every member of this company has been vouched for by multiple others. While you're at Hogwarts, an outside entity will confirm your allegiances, but we're confident that everyone here can be trusted not to serve Voldemort willingly."
"June will head up the undercover work and counter-surveillance operations," Kingsley said. "Mad-Eye will be in charge of the defense of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade as well as the training. Bryan will oversee the security audits and will be in charge of all investigations that come from June's work. Make no mistake, we are effectively one team, not three, and the team assignments were simply how we wanted to portray this company to the rest of the Ministry."
"Any questions?" Mad-Eye growled out, taking charge as Kingsley's second, his years of experience broking no argument.
With no further questions, the meeting broke apart for everyone to accomplish what they needed before they had to report for shifts, whether that was rest and recovery, or to take care of personal affairs.
Dora, Sirius, and Lexie stayed near Kingsley with Mad-Eye, waiting for the others to dip off, though Kelly had looked like she wanted to talk to Dora before deciding to do it another time.
"A lot to do today, still," Sirius said with a tired sigh. "Most of it good . . . but still a lot to do."
Dora nodded. "Lexie and I are going to catch up and return to Hogwarts.
"I've got that meeting in a half hour," Sirius said. "Afterwards, I'll return to Hogwarts as well. Poppy would track me down and kill me if I didn't."
"Besides, you're planning on attempting the ritual on Bellatrix today, correct?" Kingsley asked, and Dora and Sirius nodded.
"Yes, better to find out now and remove the threat of her escaping," Sirius said. "We also have some discussion that Harry needs to have with us . . . and knowing him, that could be anything."
Kingsley and Mad-Eye snorted, while Dora grinned, and Lexie just looked bewildered by the conversations.
"Just know I'll bring Sarah and Jamie with me when I come," Sirius said, "as he requested."
"Then we have another meeting tonight," Mad-Eye said, eyeing all four of them, three of whom nodded in understanding.
Sirius smiled at Lexie. "Good to have you home. I'm sure we'll catch up tonight."
"Good to be home, Sirius," Lexie admitted, smiling back. "I suspect we will."
Dora gestured for Lexie to follow her and they made their way out of the Auror Office and into the lift. Lexie was smart enough to avoid asking about what she'd heard, which Dora was grateful for, since they stopped at the very next floor and a familiar, but frankly unwelcome face walked in.
Percy Weasley looked a little more haggard and unkempt than normal, though he kept with his, by now, professional and cool, if not faintly disapproving, look for her. She returned it with a glare, though unlike before, she thought she saw a slight, almost indiscernible, wince from him.
The lift closed behind him.
"Percy," she greeted in a clipped tone.
"Auror Tonks," Percy responded tersely.
"Apologized to your parents yet?" Dora asked, a hint of anger behind her tone.
"I don't see how that's at all your business," Percy replied coldly.
"That's a no, then," Dora said firmly, before she nearly hissed, "Bloody coward."
He did flinch obviously this time, to her satisfaction, before he shot her a glare.
"You have no business being inv—"
"Let me stop you right there," Dora cut him off. "I've had many arguments with your mother, but while I sometimes wish she'd butt out with how I raise or handle Harry, I love who she is. Your father is even more admirable, in my eyes. He sticks to his beliefs and lives how he wants to live, despite how others look down on him for doing so, and works his arse off to provide for your family. They raised great children, three of whom achieved impressive careers, and the rest of whom will undoubtedly give their oldest siblings a run for their money, if not eclipse them."
Dora glared at a slack jawed Percy.
"My family is made up of orphans,and those who had bad families. Harry and I would kill to have our mums and dads back. Angelina and Sirius would have done damn near anything to have loving families who didn't disown them and show them nothing but cruelty. You had all that and more. You might not have had wealth and prestige, but look where that got several of the most admirable families in our society. Dead or about to lose everything because they were terrible pieces of shit."
"I could forgive disagreements between family. It happens. You, however, chose wealth and prestige over family. You decided to back a corrupt coward over those who would have done anything for you. I lost my respect for you that day, and while I could have accepted it, if you truly, truly believed that Harry was insane and dangerous and your parents were being fools, you know Harry. Now everything has been revealed. Your pathetic excuse of a former minister was legally and morally wrong, and Harry was telling the truth."
"The fact you didn't immediately go to your parents, to check on them, and to apologize tells me a lot about you. I used to have a lot of respect for you, but it seems to me it was misplaced. I don't give a shit if you care at all, but know that you have a long way to go before your parents should even consider forgiving you. Yet, they will, and that's because they're everything that you're not, Percy Weasley."
The lift opened into the atrium, and with one last glare, Dora led Lexie past a shell-shocked Percy."
"Bloody hell, I really missed a lot!" Lexie nearly swore.
"Yeah, but you're home now, and I've got a lot to tell you."
*HP*
Sirius and Cyrus entered the board room, and Sirius eyed the seven people who sat nervously around the table, waiting for them. One of them seemed to shrink back into his chair, almost attempting to hide in it, though Sirius didn't blame Cornelius Fudge for this action. It might have been one of the smartest decisions that the man had made. A second man shot Sirius a glare, before he controlled his features, but Sirius noted it, also not surprised. Barnabus Cuffe, too, had good reason for the glare, but he really should have controlled it . . . not like it would have mattered.
Two more were openly glaring, doing nothing to hide it, but he could also see their nerves, and he reveled in it. Sylvester Bulstrode and Marcus Rowle were both Death Eaters, if not openly proven yet, and in the case of Marcus, his family stood to lose 50,000 galleons unless they disowned and cast off his brother, Thorfin, who was one of the Azkaban escapees.
"Good morning, Lord Black, Lord Greengrass," the man at the head of the table, Roger Timms, greeted politely, hands clasped, eyeing them shrewdly.
"Good morning," Sirius returned shortly, as he and Cyrus took their seats.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of this meeting?" Timms continued, clearly trying to be the speaker for the group, likely because there was no ill will between them. "I did not know you had any interest in the paper."
"On the contrary," Sirius replied. "I'm quite interested in this paper."
"Are you looking to become a shareholder in the company?" Timms asked carefully.
"No, I'm looking to take this paper from you," Sirius replied cheerfully, and the atmosphere dropped.
"I'm sure you must be joking," Timms said, a warning bite in his tone.
"Not at all," Cyrus spoke for the first time, and he used his wand to send seven pieces of parchment before the board members, all of whom grasped the parchment and started reading.
Sirius had to give them all some credit. Aside from Cuffe and Fudge, the rest held in their emotions fairly well.
"Surely you do not seek to insult us with this," Timms asked firmly.
"Insult?" Sirius queried with a dangerous grin. "Ha! You speak to me of insults! Your rag has insulted my godson, his friends, and myself on and off for nearly two years. This lawsuit reflects your actions."
"We were writing based on the Ministry's opinion at the time, as well as our only known facts," Timms responded flatly.
"Except they weren't facts, were they?" Sirius responded sharply, his eyes hard. "And the fact that the former Minister, who perpetrated the lies, is on your board and was donating for you to print such things will not look good in court. You also were doing it long before the Ministry was doing anything. The amount of times I had to intervene to Editor Cuffe to have things retracted or apologies given is borderline criminal, and also will reflect poorly in a lawsuit."
"Our most recent papers have been quite complimentary of Lord Potter and reflect the change in situation," Timms returned, in an attempt to throw Sirius off.
Sirius laughed mockingly. "Please," Sirius said scornfully. "The papers are complimentary, yes, but you have not yet apologized for the slander. In fact, your papers make it seem like others were the ones slandering my godson, and you are now helping to right that wrong. No, you've told the truth, finally. Don't expect me to be grateful for it."
"Surely we can work something out, Lord Black," Loraina Conners asked, attempting a flirtatious and alluring smile.
"Sure, my terms are simple," Sirius said, with a feral grin. "You all give your shares to me for one galleon a piece, and we drop the lawsuit."
All seven flushed with anger, and three of them stood up in outrage.
"This paper is worth thousands of galleons!" Cuffe exclaimed.
"It was," Cyrus interjected. "However, it's not only the Ministry who will have noticed how false and manipulative the Daily Prophet has become, and even in the past year, since Lord Black helped found the Shadow Chronicle, your loyal readers have dropped."
"You helped create that paper!?" Cuffe exclaimed angrily, and Sirius grinned.
"I did, and now I'm ready to remove the Daily Prophet for good," Sirius said. "What we will get from the lawsuit is certainly worth more than the cost of all your shares. Of course, you might be able to recoup in time, with readers, but there's also an equally high possibility the paper goes under within six months. I really just want to ensure that man," Sirius pointed at Cuffe, "is out of a job earlier, and I'd like to remove the paper so that there is no avenue for false news to get out."
"You'd ruin us over a petty grudge?" Timms asked, incredulously.
"I'd hardly call public slander for two fucking years to be petty," Sirius nearly growled back darkly, "however, the answer is yes. Perhaps you all think that because I'm not as much of a jackass as my father or uncle were that I'm merciful and amenable. I'm not. I'm just as much of a bastard as they were. You were all too busy trying to take advantage of my good nature to realize that and that is your error. Now, we can take this to court and it will take longer, but the Prophet will die, and it will cost you all a lot of gold . . . or you give what remains of the Prophet to me now. I salvage what I want from it, and remove what needs to be removed, and you all save face from a lengthy and expensive trial where I will ensure that every false narrative about my family is tied to you all. The choice is yours."
Sirius snapped his fingers, almost like he'd just remembered something.
"Oh, one last thing," Sirius said. "Your decision must be unanimous. Either you all give me your shares together, or I take none of them and you all suffer the cost. I won't allow any of you to back out if the others won't."
"But, that's not fair!" Conners protested.
"Then you should have done a better job of managing and controlling your investment," Cyrus said smoothly. "You have till the end of the week to reply before we finalize our suit with the Ministry. Choose wisely."
Sirius and Cyrus both stood up, leaving the others on the wrong foot, and Cyrus nodded politely while Sirius winked, and as swiftly as they arrived, they were gone, leaving the boardroom a war room between those who wanted to accept Sirius' deal immediately against those who were determined to fight and take it to court.
*HP*
Harry was smiling wide as hugs and exclamations of happiness and greeting were exchanged.
"Harry! I need a hug from my favorite little brother!" Jamie whined, and Harry chuckled and moved over quite willingly to hug her.
"But he's my favorite little brother!" Angelina protested. "We can't share a favorite brother!"
"Hey, he was my brother first!" Dora exclaimed, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, with a false haughty expression on her face.
"I wanted to throw my hat in the ring," Alicia said, mock sadly,
"No matter how old they get, they're still children," Sarah said with a sigh.
"It's nice to be loved," Harry responded with a grin.
"There's still a lot to do today," Mad-Eye said gruffly. "So, if we can move this along."
Sirius and Remus snorted, while Dora, Angelina, Alicia, and Sarah rolled their eyes.
"The grumpy old man makes a solid point," Dora said, with a smirk at Mad-Eye, who scowled. "What did you wish to speak to us all for, Harry?"
"I had a meeting with my patron and matron, last night," Harry said, grabbing their attention. "Hades made an . . . offer . . . well, an offer that could affect all of you. It applies directly to Dora and Angie," Harry said, glancing at the two women, "but it can spread to the rest of you."
"What offer?" Mad-Eye asked shrewdly, his eye narrowing.
"He offered family patronage," Harry said, and Dora, Sirius, and Sarah all gasped, while Mad-Eye grunted with a hint of surprise.
"That's very rare," Sirius said, with a low whistle. "I'm not sure I know of any families that have gotten family patronage from the god of the underworld. Family patronage is rare enough as is from other gods as well. The Black's have had it before, twice in fact, and we lost it both times, nearly resulting in the decimation of our family. Poseidon and Ares were not pleased when our family decided to give up on their gifts. Probably would have been fine overall, like most others who drop their family patronage when they no longer wish to pay the price, but the Black's had to go and insult both while they were doing so. Stupid bastards."
"Of course our family did that," Dora muttered with a shake of her head, and Harry grimaced.
"For family patronage with Hades, only one family has ever been known to have it," Harry said. "The Peverells."
"That name sounds familiar," Sirius said.
"The name most associated with the legend of the Deathly Hallows," Mad-Eye answered gruffly.
"Siobhan mentioned those before," Sarah said with a frown. "I forgot to ask what they were."
"The Tale of the Three Brothers," Mad-Eye responded.
"Oh," Dora, Angelina, and Alicia said, while Sarah, Sirius, and Jamie all nodded in understanding.
"The Deathly Hallows were the objects the three brothers got," Harry said. "The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility."
"So, you're saying those objects are real?" Jamie asked in amazement.
"They are," Harry said, with a nod. "Most of the legend around the objects is false, but the objects do exist and were the original items gifted to the family for accepting patronage and fulfilling the price. Family patronage differs from normal patronage in a number of ways. First, when I pass, all of my equipment, all of my shadow forged weapons and gear will fade without family patronage. No one but me will be able to use them after I have died. However, with family patronage, everything remains for future generations to use. Should my name die out, but descendants still exist, they might weaken, but they will still exist. Another major change is strength in the host element. With patronage, I gain additional power in shadow. My power has risen with my connection to my patron. However, with family patronage, everyone in the family, present and future, will have an inherent grasp of the element, and our power, including my own, would rise even further. It will come more easily to everyone in the family to learn the element and they will have far more power in it then others. These gifts will all remain as long as the conditions laid out by the god or goddess continue to be met."
"That's why this applies to us specifically," Dora said, gesturing to her and Angelina. "If you accept this patronage, if we agree to accept it, we'll have to accept Hades's terms. However, we will gain his patronage and protection along with you and all the benefits that come with it."
"Exactly," Harry said. "Something else is that family patronage automatically puts your patron or matron above other deities in hierarchy. As you know, many gods or goddesses have other minor deities that serve in their domain. Zeus has all of the wind gods for example. However, deities like Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hephaestus are all equal, which is why many of those deities will demand that you cannot take major patronage from others like them. They don't want to share because if they do, their demands cannot be worth more than the other major god's demand's, regardless of who was patron or matron first. Family patronage removes that by creating at least one hierarchy. Sure, some other elemental gods may not wish to grant you patronage, knowing they're demands fall secondary to your patron, however, the patron does not need to set many restrictions. So, Angie, you could still pursue major patronage from Zeus or Aeolus or any of the other wind gods and Hades would not stop you. He might even assist you."
Angelina looked interested in that. She wasn't nearly done with her air elemental magic yet, but she was soon to be done with school, so finishing off her air elemental and picking up shadow wouldn't be impossible, especially if the second element came to her naturally.
Dora too was interested. She had just accomplished her Mastery of Offensive and Defensive Sorcery, and thus had been ready to start her next project. With the war and her career it was imperative she kept learning new things, and her little brother was offering her a fast path to learn a rather obscure art that had already helped him make a name for himself, and patronage to a powerful deity to go with it.
"I see what that affects them, but how does this affect us?" Sarah asked, gesturing to the rest of them. "We're not Potters."
"No, but there's a way to change that without another blood adoption," Harry said slowly. "Hades asked whether my sisters would be interested, and my patron knows me. I responded about Dora and Angelina specifically, but Hades will know I would have thought about you all as well."
Sirius chuckled. "You're thinking of doing what the Witchers do," he said. "Turn your House into a Clan so all members of your clan carry the last name, even if they also have other last names. This will also ensure that as long as descendants choose to keep the clan, the name will never die out and the family patronage will continue."
"Exactly," Harry agreed. "Everyone could join Clan Potter, and thus will be Potters, even if only formally. Dora and Angelina, and of course Alicia and Jamie could keep the family patronage with their future kids when they marry if they stay in the Clan."
"What about Hermione? Or some of your other close friends?" Jamie asked. "Don't you consider her and maybe even Fleur to be like sisters?"
Harry sighed.
"Fleur is honestly close, but really she's just a very close friend. She is also quite close with her family, and I don't know them, so it's just not the same. Perhaps with time, but not yet. Hermione was . . . well, she's still one of my best friends, and I love her dearly, but . . . but things changed between us a bit this last summer, and I don't feel like we really bounced back completely."
"Ah, when she and Ron ignored you," Jamie said, with a nod.
"Yeah," Harry said with another sigh. "I know I should have some compassion. Hermione is someone who holds great store in positions of authority, and in Professor Dumbledore especially. It is in her nature to follow the instructions of those she thinks as being without reproach. Ron isn't much different. More willing to go against others like Professors, but still comes from a family that thinks Dumbledore can do no wrong . . . or at least they did, and he won't go against his mother or Dumbledore without a great push. Regardless of their reasons, I just can't help but compare them to all of you . . . and I know that –"
"That we would never have done so," Dora finished softly.
"Exactly," Harry agreed just as softly. "They're some of my best friends, but I think how they treated me shows that we're not family. Maybe we will get back to that, and I do love them, trust them, and rely on them for many things, but we're not back to where we were. Not yet."
"What are the demands of Hades for those who gain this favor?" Mad-Eye asked, moving on from the more somber direction the conversation had moved.
"Similar to my originals," Harry said. "Become a shadow mage, and he wants the family to ensure the country is a place of strength for his domain and servants. Effectively consecrate what we can, fight necromancy, and fight for the rights of servants of the underworld gods and goddesses. Though, he didn't put a timeline for magehood. I suspect that will be more individual."
"With how fair Hades seems to be with servants he wants," Dora said, "I suspect he'll be lenient on the timeframe with the war. We'll just have to show progress."
"It's not for me," Mad-Eye said, with a shake of his head. "We're still family, but I don't want to put another god above any of my other patrons or matrons, all of whom have helped keep me alive all these years."
"I'll admit, I find it morbidly amusing to be a healer with patronage from the Lord of the Underworld," Sarah said slowly, "however, I also can't deny that in these troubled times, divine protection and aid would be of great comfort. Asclepius is my only patron, and he helps me as a healer, but provides little aid elsewhere."
"I have generalized favor with Apollo," Jamie said, "and thought someday I might push my studies a bit and go for minor patronage, but not like this. However, I also see the benefits . . . and I don't want to be the one that stands in the way. Ali, what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I really wanted patronage from the goddess of the sea, Thalassa, and the god Asclepius," Alicia said slowly. "I'm thinking that I figured I'd never get major patronage from other elemental deities because of that. I'm thinking this is a major opportunity for me to still do what I want and get more, and while we're part of your family . . . I still hate how others don't think of us as truly your family. You all do, of course," she said, glancing at the rest of them, "but I like that we'd share this together. I like that we'd be in this together. I . . . I really want to do this."
"I'm in then," Jamie said.
"Me too," Sarah agreed.
"House Black can't fall under House Potter," Sirius said with a sigh. "So, I'm out."
"I'm in," Angelina said with a smile. "This won't affect my air elemental goals or patronage from wind gods, and I only see the benefits, even if it will take some work."
Dora looked at Remus. "This affects you down the line," she said, a bit nervously.
They'd been together for a bit now, of course, and had talked about the future, however this was just adding something else for him to have to think about when it came to pursuing a long term relationship with her. If they wanted to keep the family patronage, Remus would join Clan Potter if they married, and would have to go for magehood himself. That didn't factor in the political and social issues that came from being with her and related to Harry, by blood or law.
Remus gave her a soft smile.
"I'm a scholar," he said. "I have no issues in learning something new and rather obscure. I also think a relationship with you is more than worth that requirement."
Dora smiled wide, and turned back to Harry. "I'm in."
Harry returned her wide smile with one of his own, and glanced around at the rest of his family who were also smiling, save for Mad-Eye who just had an approving look on his face.
It was going to be a lot of work, but Harry was confident that they wouldn't regret it.
*HP*
With the discussion about patronage over, they all moved to where Dumbledore was waiting for them in an enchanting room in the lower levels of Hogwarts. Dora nodded at the Headmaster, even as her eyes traveled to Bellatrix's unconscious form bound in the center of a runic circle.
"Welcome," Dumbledore said. "I trust you all are ready to see if all of our hard work has paid off."
"It's time," Sirius agreed.
Dumbledore nodded and vanished the bindings on Bellatrix. Without her wand, she really wasn't a threat when you considered who was in the room, but it hadn't been worth taking any risks prior to the ritual. However, they didn't want her to awaken tied up because it could set her off before she could become aware of her situation.
Dora had never seen this, but had heard Sirius describe it. He hadn't done it justice. It was even more incredible than he'd said, with Dumbledore chanting swiftly in a strange language, putting emphasis on specific words, and waving his wand in broad complex patterns. The closest she could compare it to was Harry consecrating their home, charging it with the power of Hades, but this was different. That was something more than just wizarding magic. That was a god and his domain assisting Harry. This was all Dumbledore . . . this was one of the greatest practitioners of magic in the world. She had her problems with him, but she couldn't deny what he was capable of.
Dumbledore's wand started glowing a warm yellow, generating heat in the room. Finally, the light grew blinding and Dumbledore finished his spell with a flick of his wand, and Dora waited as the light faded, looking down on the deaged face of Bellatrix Lestrange . . . or more likely Bellatrix Black.
Bellatrix groaned, and slowly started to rise to a seating position, her hand rubbing her head, and her eyes opened up groggily, looking far more reasonable then last Dora had met them. She seemed sane now, something that had not been the case previously.
She glanced around, ignoring most of them, almost not seeing them, but she glared at Harry and Sirius.
"James, Sirius, so help me gods, if it was one of your pranks that knocked me out and gave me this fucking headache, I will turn Lily into a widow, and I will end the patriarchal side of the House of Black."
"Trixie . . . is that really you?" Sirius gasped out, and Dora smiled.
Bellatrix frowned at him. "Of course it's me. Who else would dare try to impersonate me? What is wrong with . . . why do you look so old?"
"I'm not old," Sirius said, with a tearful laugh.
"Yes you are!" Bellatrix retorted. "You better hope that's not how you'll actually age. Pfft. You missed out on the Black's good genes."
Dora snorted as Sirius moved forward and embraced Bellatrix hard, and she groaned.
"Get off me you big lug!" Bellatrix said, suppressing a laugh. "What's gotten into you today? Where the fuck is Lily? Did you get dosed with some sort of emotion potion again? James, what did you do?"
"I'm – I'm not James," Harry responded, eyeing Bellatrix with wonder.
"Not – not Ja-" Bellatrix stopped, eyeing Harry. "No," she said slowly. "You're not. Look a hell of a lot like the peacock, but small differences in your face . . . and you have different eyes. Who are you?"
"Trixie, a lot has happened," Sirius said quietly. "What do you remember?"
Bellatrix frowned thoughtfully. "Well, we were supposed to meet up so you could get me out of that asinine marriage contract. The last thing I remember . . . Cissy wanted to talk. I wanted to make one last attempt to convince her to come with me . . . and . . . and — THEY FUCKING DIDN'T!"
Bellatrix's rage sparked instantly, and her magical aura filled the room, showing Dora the woman who had been feared as Voldemort's Death Eater. Dora knew this was a good sign of why.
"I remember getting ambushed by my parents and your parents. Those bastards had fucking help from those pathetic Lestranges. I remember what they wanted to do."
"What did they want to do?" Sirius asked quietly.
"Use an abominable ritual that our ancestors made," Bellatrix spat. "Did you get me out of there?"
"No," Sirius said, shaking his head. "There's no easy way to say this, but it's been almost fifteen years . . . the ritual worked, and you became what they wanted you to be."
"No," Bellatrix responded quietly. "No, no, no, NO. FUCK NO! WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY?! I WILL RIP THEIR SPINES FROM THEIR BODIES AND SHOVE THEM DOWN THEIR FUCKING THROATS!"
Sirius barked a laugh. "There's the violent Trixie I know and love. Sorry, sis, but all the senior Blacks are already dead. Though, the Lestranges are still ripe for some revenge. You owe them."
"Why?" Bellatrix demanded.
"Because you're Bellatrix Lestrange," Sirius said with a dark look. "They married you off to Rodolphus. You were an insane bitch who became the lieutenant to Voldemort . . . you tortured Frank and Alice into insanity."
"No," Bellatrix said, falling back. "No . . .I couldn't . . ."
"You did, but it's okay," Sirius said. "We fixed that, and we've cured you."
"There was no cure," Bellatrix protested.
"Had to make one," Sirius agreed. "Bloody hard. Then we had to get you back. You can thank Harry over there, along with his sisters, Angelina, and our little Dora. They're the ones that managed to capture you."
"Harry –" Bellatrix looked at Harry closely. "Lil's eyes, looks like James. You're Harry James Potter?"
Harry nodded.
"You're my little godson?"
Harry's eyes widened at that, and gasps echoed in the room.
"G-godson?" Harry stuttered.
"Yes. Your mother asked. Of course I was honored, even if I had to share custody with my rotten cousin," Bellatrix said, eyeing him, her face softening. "She didn't tell you? Where is Lily?" Bellatrix looked around. "Surely she should be here? Your father too, I suppose. Though, he might be smart and avoid me after the last time . . . er the last time I remember seeing them both."
Harry's face fell, and Dora's heart clenched, knowing this would be hard for all.
"They're gone," Harry said softly. "They were killed by Voldemort almost fourteen years ago."
Bellatrix fell back down to her knees. "No . . . that can't – that's not – how?"
"Pettigrew betrayed them," Dora answered sadly. "They were caught unaware. Harry survived, but Uncle James and Aunt Lily didn't."
Bellatrix looked at her in sorrow, though recognition lit up. "Little Nymphadora? Is that you?"
Dora twitched unconsciously at her name, but nodded. "Yes, it's me, though please just call me Dora."
Bellatrix let out a watery chuckle. "I told your mother you'd hate that name. Who the fuck wants a name that long and odd? Where is she? Where's Ted?"
Pained expressions went through the room. Bellatrix had missed so much, and unfortunately she was going to have to suffer all the losses they had.
"They got sick a few years ago," Dora answered sadly. "They didn't make it."
Bellatrix gasped, as if punched.
"No Lily, no Andi, no James, no Ted . . ." Bellatrix said tonelessly. "I'm in a fucking nightmare."
"There's a lot to catch up on," Sirius said softly, "and, yes, there is much to grieve for, but there is still joy to be found as well. The family is growing, and we're not all gone. Rest, Trixie. We'll start to fill you in slowly after you've rested."
"Somnus," Harry whispered, and Bellatrix's eyes closed as Sarah moved forward and started to run diagnostic spells.
"About as well as you could hope for," Mad-Eye said gruffly.
"We have her back," Dora agreed. "That's a start."
"She's going to have to adapt to so much," Alicia said sadly.
"But we'll help her," Angelina said firmly.
"Of course we will," Harry agreed, eyeing his godmother. "We just got her back, and we're not losing her, even to herself."
*HP*
Katie opened her eyes, and found herself in a grand chamber, with statues about the room. She felt her pulse quicken. She had never been here before, but Harry had certainly described it to her.
Movement at the corner of her eye made her turn and she smiled at the always welcome face of her beautiful girlfriend.
Ginny smiled back, but they froze as a booming voice broke the silence.
"Welcome, Kaitlyn Bell, Ginevra Weasley, to the halls of our heroes."
Katie and Ginny both turned to see two large thrones, which were occupied by a god with black armor, obsidian eyes, and aristocratic features, and a fierce but attractive blonde woman in silver armor with piercing grey eyes.
Both girls bowed swiftly and respectfully.
"Lord Hades, Lady Athena," they both murmured.
"Do you know why you are here?" Athena asked, eyeing them.
"Only hopes, Lady Athena, but I suspect Harry is the reason," Katie responded.
A ghost of a smile appeared on the goddess's face.
"Indeed. Your beloved interceded on both of your behalfs instead of choosing a reward for himself."
"Of course he did," Ginny muttered fondly.
"However," Hades said, "You two have also shown your abilities and your value in your own right. You have room to grow, but I see your potential, and I admire your commitment to my vassal and his task of destroying a foe of the gods. What would you ask of us, mortals?"
"I desire patronage and matronage," Katie said quickly. "I want to grow stronger, to match Harry, and truly be capable of fighting those who attack my friends and family."
"I too desire patronage and matronage," Ginny said softly. "I never want to be at the mercy of an enemy again. I never want to be used against my friends and family again. I want to grow more powerful and become someone capable of standing at Harry and Katie's side, capable of facing even Voldemort. I want to be there to help kill that monster."
The god and goddess nodded solemnly.
"Our ability to act on your world is limited to power and gifts we can grant to champions and vassals to do our will. It has always been so. Tom Riddle is an enemy of our domains, yet few in your world truly oppose him with the fire to see it through," Athena stated. "The gods are watching your group, friends and family alike, and see the best chance of destroying Tom Riddle, and we also see in you the potential to be some of the greatest heroes of your generation. Tom Riddle is a blight, and must be punished for his crimes, both in your world, and for his crimes against the natural laws of the world. For this, we offer you our godly aid."
"What is the cost of your aid, my lady, my lord?" Ginny asked.
"Do you accept our favor in exchange for our demands?" Hades asked, businesslike, and both girls knew that this was a deal they would never be able to renege on. Yet, with how well both deities had been to Harry, they knew they would never want to.
"I do," Katie and Ginny both answered, knowing the demands would be the same as Harry's.
Hades's eyes gleamed, and Athena nodded in approval, as Katie and Ginny felt themselves fading away from the chamber.
*HP*
Angelina found herself in a large chamber, which was open to the sky and filled with statues. It was similar to what Harry had always described, but definitely different . . . and the god standing before her was certainly not Hades, who she had met in her previous dream when she accepted the family patronage and terms. Still, she did know who this was, and she couldn't help but be excited seeing Harry standing right next to her, also staring at the god.
Both siblings bowed respectively, and thunder sounded as Zeus gestured for them to stand back up.
"I don't like my favor being of a lesser value than my brother's," Zeus said, without preamble, "yet, I too see the value in you both, and see your potential. Normally I would disregard you in favor of mortals not committed to family patronage, regardless of your potential and your skill. However, I desire the destruction of Tom Riddle more than I wish to avoid having a lesser position. The longer he exists in your world, the more out of balance it becomes, and the more his twisted ways can spread to corrupt both your world and others. He must be destroyed, and if I must bend my pride to ensure his death, I will do so."
"You're . . . offering us patronage, Lord Zeus?" Harry asked, stunned.
Zeus narrowed his eyes. "Contingent on you working towards and killing Tom Riddle, yes I am. I will also expect mastery of both of my elements and you to become a mage of my domain."
"Both of your elements and magehood," Angelina squeaked out, despite her best efforts.
Harry and she both exchanged glances, both showing some strain at that. Turning Zeus down could have some dire consequences, and neither of them would deny that having more divine aid wasn't a good thing . . . but mastering two elements and gaining magehood? Angelina figured Harry had a shot to do that in a short window. He was already close to mastering the lightning element, but he'd never done anything with air, and magehood was another massive step. Angelina had to finish air, and then learn lightning and shadow, and then gain magehood for two domains . . . she wasn't sure she was capable of that."
"What timeline would you give us to accomplish your demands, Lord Zeus?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"Two years," Zeus responded flatly. "Two years to accomplish my demands, and should you turn away from the path of killing Riddle, I will withdraw my support and you will suffer the penalties that come from breaking our agreement."
Angelina glanced back at Harry who frowned.
"I think we can do it, Angie," Harry said softly. "Thanks to family patronage, you'll find that you pick up the shadow element quickly . . . I suspect very quickly, and of course Katie, Ginny, and I will help. Plus, you'll have Dora, Alicia, Sarah, and Jamie learning along with you. Patronage from Lord Zeus will help you with both finishing air and then starting and learning lightning as well. Lightning I can help with, and I can help you with magehood under Lord Hades, and we can accomplish magehood under Lord Zeus together."
"Bloody hell, Harry," Angelina said with a huff. "I'll get my NEWTs and then basically still be in school."
Harry chuckled. "Yes, but you'll be an elemental wielding badass . . . and your skills in the air will get much, much better. Think of Quidditch."
Angelina snorted and then sighed. "Fine. Let's do it, little brother."
Harry smiled and they looked back at the stern-looking god.
"We accept your terms and your very generous offer, Lord Zeus," Angelina said, speaking for them, and bowing her head.
"There is no reward without risk, little heroes," Zeus said with a nod. "I ask much, but you stand to gain much. I will be watching, champions. Do not disappoint me."
*HP*
Hermione felt the pain fade away, for the first time since she'd been cursed, though she didn't know why as the darkness around her started to fade.
"You're lucky to be alive," a cool, feminine voice echoed through the room Hermione now found herself in.
All around her were beautifully carved ice sculptures and paintings also made of ice, and she couldn't help but shiver as she started to register the temperature of the room. She looked towards the source of the voice and saw a beautiful woman with unnaturally pale skin, and white hair. Hermione, of course, had done her research, so she recognized the woman.
"Lady Khione," Hermione greeted politely, her nerves rising at meeting the goddess of her element.
"Hermione Granger," Khione responded simply. "An impressive woman in many ways, and yet one who lacks the coolness under pressure that would make her great."
Hermione balked at that, but fought off her instinct to protest to the goddess.
"You have great potential, young one," Khione said, "but you let your fears and worries influence you too often, and it sets you back. You set too much in store with perfectionism and meeting the expectations of others. If you can learn to temper this mentality, your potential is unlimited."
"There's nothing wrong with wanting everything to be perfect," Hermione responded primly, unable to stop herself.
"If the pursuit of perfection hinders your development, then there is," Khione responded with an arched brow. "The amount of time you spend rereading books you have memorized because of your fear that you might not be able to recite everything perfectly hinders your forward movement. I have watched you, Hermione Granger, and I do know you. Do not presume to use logic to defend yourself here."
Hermione winced, knowing she had exactly thought that she would be able to defend herself against the goddess's judgement, assuming the goddess didn't really know her. This was unfamiliar territory for her. Sure, she'd read about dealing with gods and goddesses, but every book stated how they were all different, and even interactions with certain gods changed between different people and times.
"I'm sorry, my lady," Hermione finally said, and Khione's lips twitched towards a smile.
"Your intelligence and your eagerness to learn are some of your greatest strengths," Khione said. "Your inflexibility and closed mindedness are your greatest hindrances. Your strengths are gifts that many others never have or find. Your weaknesses can be improved upon. If it wasn't for the situation, I would prefer to wait and observe how you grew and matured. However, events continue to move swiftly, and we gods and goddesses must take advantage of the opportunity before us. For that reason, I offer you my favor and matronage."
Hermione felt her nerves skyrocket. This was a huge honor, of course. She had been a bit jealous of Harry's patronage and matronage, and now this was a chance for her to walk that path herself. However, she also knew there was a cost.
"What do you demand in return for this favor?" Hermione asked politely.
"Mastery of my element and magehood in my domain, which will force you to grow into someone worthy of being my champion," Khione responded.
Hermione nodded slowly. It would be fascinating to learn everything that the goddess required, and this would help her to completely master one element and gain a qualification. She couldn't help but also enjoy the fact that this would put her beyond many of the most elitist blood purists, with her 'honoring' the old ways more than many of them were willing to do.
"I accept your terms, Lady Khione," Hermione said, adopting Khinone's cool, professional tone and facade, and the goddess smiled thinly.
"Perhaps you do, champion," Khione said. "Time will tell."
*HP*
Ron knew that he could be brash, and often put his foot in his own mouth. While he could admit that he wasn't as self-aware as he would like, he had at least started getting better at identifying his own jealousy and working to control it.
As hard as it had been to acknowledge, he knew that some of his jealousy came from his own work ethic. He often felt jealous of Harry and what Harry had. Granted, Harry's home life was leaps and bounds better now, but Ron knew that Harry had not had a good life prior to Tonks getting involved. Ron often was jealous and angry of Harry's money and fame, but it had come at a cost. Harry knew a much poorer life than Ron ever would, and even after Tonks had gotten involved, they had lived in still generally frugal conditions in a cramped little apartment, while Ron had always had his own bedroom. It wasn't until Sirius got involved that things changed for them, and even then, Harry had worked hard.
It hadn't been until more recently, when his father was hurt, that Ron had been forced to acknowledge that he hadn't taken everything as seriously as his other friends and family. That had been another dig against him, compared to Harry, who had been forced to take this seriously for years. Ron had realized that he was only as capable as he was because Harry, Hermione, and the others had basically dragged him along with them. That had been clearly laid out to him during the battle
Then Harry had gone off with the Aurors, and Ron had been left behind along with everyone else . . . but most of the others were soon to be of age and graduated from Hogwarts, putting them in the action, or were closer to being mages themselves. Ron knew that he and Hermione were the furthest behind, but he knew that Hermione would catch up far quicker than Ron could. So, unless he wanted to truly be left behind in the dust, he needed to change.
All of that ran through his head as the pain in his body faded and he stared at a large deformed bearded man, who had fire in his eyes, and his hand was tinkering with some piece of metal.
"You're starting to see, boy," the god's voice boomed out, "but you're not there yet. That's good though. Perfect is boring. Perfect can't be tinkered with. Perfect can't be molded."
"Molded, Lord Hephaestus?" Ron asked, a bit confused, but at least remember the manners that he'd heard were required when dealing with deities.
"Yes, molded, boy. Changed. Improved. Reshaped. All good things can be adapted to the situation. All things change with the times. Growth and change is the nature of the world. I'm a builder, an inventor, a tinkerer. I look for projects. I look for those who wish to grow and those who wish to build things of value and worth."
Ron couldn't help but smile a bit at that.
"You are on a dangerous path, boy," Hephaestus said. "A path that I am willing to help you on. Tom Riddle only destroys. He knows nothing of change and growth. He is a defective cancer to your world, an imbalance that eventually could disrupt other realities. Your comrades will face him, of that I'm sure. While another warrior may help, Riddle has killed many warriors and your friends and family have many warriors among them. Will one more warrior make a difference? What you need is something different. It's time for you to decide, Ronald Wesley, if you are ready to finally be different."
*HP*
Alicia stared in surprise, seeing two more deities before her. She'd just got done with agreeing to serve Hades, and of course reaffirming herself to Athena, and yet now two more deities were before her.
Both she recognized. One was a god that she'd hoped and somewhat expected to gain favor from some day, a god that her mother already had favor from. The god of healers and medicine, Asclepius. He looked like a stereotypical healer, seemingly middle-aged, wearing a healer's robe, and looking patient, but stern. Next to him was a goddess that she only recognized because it was the goddess whom she had hoped to gain favor from, the goddess of the sea, Thalassa. Thalassa's form seemed to shift and sway, almost like the waves of the sea itself, and she had green seaweed hair and crab-claw horns.
"Lord Asclepius, Lady Thalassa," Alicia greeted, bowing her head.
Asclepius gave her a kind smile.
"Greetings, child," Asclepius said. "Like your mother, you wish to be a healer."
"I do," Alicia agreed.
"Your mother, your new patron, and your matron have all interceded on your behalf," Asclepius said. "I must say, it has been centuries since other deities have interceded to help a battle medic gain favor. However, as always, I see those who truly wish to help people and master the arts of healing as worthy of my favor. For that alone, I will help you, and will only demand that you follow the path of a healer, in whatever form you wish."
Alicia smiled at that. Asclepius's favor would help her learn and master healing spells much faster. Beyond her elemental abilities, this was something she truly wanted, both for her goals in life, and to help keep her family and friends alive.
Asclepius bowed, and took a step back, and Alicia's focus was drawn to the primordial sea goddess.
"It is a rare person who wishes for matronage from me, rather than one of the other sea deities," Thalassa observed. "Many favor Poseidon or Oceanus, for their other spheres of influence, or even Nereus hoping his prophetic powers will be favored to them. I know why you chose me, but I still admire you, mortal, for truly trying to commit to being able to heal all that you can."
Alicia's eyes widened at that, and Thalassa gave her a kind smile.
"For that, I choose to honor your request and grant you matronage at the demand of magehood."
Alicia held in her grimace, knowing that the offer was more than fair and everything she wanted. Yet, with her other demands, she had to wonder if she was capable of handling the strain. Could she do it?
"The gods have lost too many champions to Tom Riddle and his ilk," Thalassa continued, "and we are focusing our favor on those we believe have the greatest potential to end the threat. That is why you, along with many of your other family and friends, have been receiving this attention. We believe you are capable of handling the strain, and we will assist you more than many of our other vassals to ensure you succeed where others have failed."
Alicia sighed, eyes closing. If she accepted, she knew she would have a lot on her plate, and life could be strenuous . . . but Thalassa was right. The favor, the gifts, would set her up to accomplish everything she wanted. If Thalassa was telling the truth and the gods were truly trying to be as involved as they could, then she couldn't afford to turn this down. Besides, she knew her family would help her.
"I accept your demands, Lady Thalassa," Alicia said, and Thalassa gave her another kind and approving smile.
*HP*
"Saying that the Dark Lord is livid would be an understatement," Snape said slowly. "While the attack in Holyhead went off just as he'd hoped with acceptable losses, the operation at the Department of Mysteries was of course a colossal loss, which had repercussions beyond what he foresaw."
"He underestimated Harry and his friends," Dora said with relish.
"Yes, and no," Snape agreed. "He expected Potter to bring reinforcements, though he didn't expect as many and underestimated the skill of Potter and those with him. I imagine if Lucius wasn't dead, he'd be rather wishing that he was so to avoid the wrath of the Dark Lord."
"From what Harry said, Lucius begged for mercy," Sirius said with a savage grin. "I doubt Voldemort is more wrathful than the god of the underworld."
There were shivers around the room from other Order members at Sirius's grin and his casual reference to Hades and punishment in the afterlife.
"What does he plan?" Dumbledore asked, moving on.
"Retribution," Snape stated coldly. "The loss at the Ministry cost him several of his strongest servants, and Potter's cheap shot at the end caused him pain. Potter was already a large focus of the Dark Lord's, but now he is his number one priority. However, he is not forgetting the loss of power in the Wizengamot and has already tasked Avery with destroying, bribing, or imperiusing his opponents to regain the political power, and once it is regained, he wants all of Black's demands repealed. The cost has made other purebloods hesitant to join his cause, not wanting to risk financial ruin and disownment."
"Good," Rick nearly cheered. "It's about fucking time they realize there are consequences."
"Still, he has plenty of giants and a large force assembled," Snape said. "While there is currently hesitance, I imagine many of those who truly support the Dark Lord's goals will assume the risk as his power grows. Dolohov will be his second and is in charge of sowing chaos and destruction through the wizarding world while Yaxley is focused on drawing out Potter."
"How?" Remus asked, leaning forward.
"He has ordered Yaxley to find Potter's family," Snape said.
Dora and those closest to Harry exchanged confused glances.
"We're not exactly hidden," Dora pointed out. "Sure, Shadow Hold isn't publicized, but Voldemort can certainly find it. As for us personally, he already tried that. I mean, I guess it worked, kidnapping Angie, but it backfired also."
"His muggle relatives," Snape sneered. "Not you or your bunch of rejects. He wants the muggles."
Dora snorted. "He can have them. Good riddance, in my opinion."
"Nymphadora!" Dumbledore scolded disapprovingly.
"What?" Dora demanded. "Those muggles are lucky they aren't in prison. I could care less if they get a visit from the Death Eaters."
"Hear, hear," Sirius, Remus, and Mad-Eye said.
"Surely Harry would not want that," Dumbledore reasoned.
"Hard to tell, honestly," Mad-Eye said gruffly. "The kid's grown. When he basically let them off, he just wanted to move on and escape. Now, he has a much more defined sense of justice and favors punishment for crimes. I don't think he would want them murdered, but I'm not sure he'll want us to spend effort saving them."
"We can't leave them to die," Kingsley said with a sigh. "While they aren't innocent, they are innocent for why they are being targeted. Besides, others around them may be collateral damage, and Harry wouldn't want that."
Dora and Sirius sighed and nodded in agreement.
"We'll have to find them first," Emmeline pointed out. "The Ministry doesn't track muggles if they aren't raising a witch or wizard."
"Oh, I know where they are," Dora said wearily. "They left Surrey after how they treated Harry was 'spread about' but I've kept track of them to make sure they remembered my warnings. Their arse of a son was a bully and starting down a criminal path, so I had child services check in on them periodically to make sure they were actually curbing those tendencies and raising a son, rather than just spoiling the shit out of him to spite Harry. If they didn't fix themselves, they'd lose Dudley."
"Let's talk to Harry about this one," Sirius interjected. "They are his relatives. I agree he probably will want some sort of protection for them, but warning them of the danger and putting up some basic protections might be all they are worth. If they heed the warnings, great. If they don't, they made their beds."