CHAPTER 6: ALLIES AND ALLEGIANCES
As they gathered around, Harry felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The Pensieve awaited, ready to reveal truths that had been obscured by rumor and manipulation. This was his opportunity to reclaim his narrative and honor Cedric's memory properly.
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry noticed Susan biting her lip and Hannah's smile seeming a bit forced. He couldn't help but think they were eager to have some private time with him—after all, it wasn't every day that Witch Weekly's number one heart-throb was in your house.
"Of course not. In fact, I insist upon it. House Potter needs all the allies it can get," Harry added quickly, realizing the delicate balance of seeking support without appearing too opportunistic. "Not in any official capacity, of course."
Amelia Bones nodded, her expression thoughtful yet accommodating. "Very well, let's proceed."
She led them through to her office, a space filled with clicking and twirling magical trinkets that reminded Harry of Dumbledore's own eccentric collections. Among them was a Foe-Glass, similar to Mad-Eye Moody's, but the foggy mirror only showed indistinct shadows, too distant to discern.
Susan looked around with keen interest, indicating to Harry that this was a rare glimpse into a part of the Bones household not often seen by outsiders.
"This way, please," Madam Bones said, gesturing toward a polished oak table where the Pensieve awaited. It glimmered softly, filled with a silvery substance that hinted at the memories it held.
Harry took a deep breath, his determination resolute. This was his chance to reveal the truth, to clear his name, and to honor Cedric's bravery in the face of darkness. He glanced at Susan and Hannah, grateful for their support and understanding. Together, they would confront the shadows of the past and pave the way for justice.
As they gathered around the Pensieve, Harry felt a surge of anticipation. The time had come to unlock the memories that could change everything.
"When you're ready, Lord Potter," Amelia gestured toward the stone basin, its surface intricately inscribed with ancient runes, some of which Harry recognized with a start.
"Of course. I—" Harry paused, considering his words carefully. "I offered this to the girls because I thought they needed it. But as Susan's guardian, I feel you should know—these memories are harrowing. I know you lived through the First Wizarding War, but—"
Amelia took a steadying breath. "If the memories are as you say, then it's best they learn quickly what's coming."
Susan and Hannah exchanged scowls at being spoken to as if they were children, but Harry ignored their discontent, nodding in understanding. With a practiced focus, he drew forth the memory from his mind and carefully deposited it into the waiting basin. The silvery substance shimmered and swirled, coalescing into vivid images that Harry reluctantly recognized.
The scene unfolded before them, depicting the chaos and danger of Cedric's final moments, the treachery that had marked that fateful night. Harry's jaw tightened as he watched, his emotions raw and his determination unwavering. This was the truth he needed to share, the truth that would dispel the lies and misconceptions that had clouded his reputation.
Amelia Bones observed the memory intently, her expression grave yet resolute. She understood the gravity of what she was witnessing, the implications it held for the wizarding world. As the memory played out, Harry glanced at Susan and Hannah, silently urging them to absorb every detail, every nuance that would confirm his account.
When the memory finally dissipated, leaving the Pensieve once more filled with silvery mist, Harry met Amelia's gaze with a mix of apprehension and hope. This was his chance to reclaim his truth, to set the record straight about Cedric's bravery and the looming threat of Voldemort's return.
"Thank you, Lord Potter," Amelia said finally, her voice tinged with solemnity. "You have shown us the truth, and for that, we are grateful."
Harry nodded gratefully, relieved that the weight of the memory had been shared. Together, they now faced the future with a clearer understanding of the challenges ahead.
As one, they leaned forward, their faces dipping into the Pensieve's swirling depths. Instantly, they were transported—first to the maze during the third task of the Triwizard Tournament, and then to the chilling graveyard where darkness and danger awaited. Harry remained silent and pensive, offering no solace as Susan and Hannah witnessed Cedric's tragic fall. That task fell to Amelia, who comforted them quietly as they relived the harrowing scenes.
Harry's focus, however, was elsewhere. He watched with a furrowed brow as Tom Riddle, now reborn as Voldemort, emerged from the cauldron and their subsequent duel unfolded. He searched intently for any sign of the moment he had unwittingly received the man's memories—something that might explain the unnerving connection between them. Yet, there was nothing discernible, no telltale grimace or hint of a mental link.
He sighed heavily as the duel played out before them. Though Susan and Hannah gasped in awe at his bravery and skill, Harry knew the truth deep down. He had been a mere pawn, a child manipulated by forces far beyond his understanding. His survival had been owed to the twin cores of his and Voldemort's wands, and perhaps a stroke of fortune.
"The next time," Harry thought resolutely, his gaze hardening, "I'll give him a fight worthy of the name Potter."
Then, abruptly, they were back in Amelia's office. The transition was jarring, the room now colder and less fantastical than it had seemed mere moments before in the presence of the Pensieve's memories. Reality settled around them, the weight of what they had witnessed hanging heavily in the air.
Amelia Bones broke the silence, her voice measured and filled with respect. "Thank you, Lord Potter. You have shown us the truth, and it is clear now that Voldemort has indeed returned."
Harry nodded silently, his thoughts still swirling with determination and a newfound sense of purpose. He knew that their journey was far from over—that this revelation was only the beginning of a battle that would test them all in ways they could scarcely imagine.
Harry found himself enveloped by Susan and Hannah, their emotions pouring out in sobs and tears. They clung to him, seeking comfort in his presence, their voices choked with anguish.
"It's okay, ladies," Harry murmured softly, his voice gentle as he stroked their backs reassuringly. "I'm fine, really."
"I-I should have come to see you," Susan managed through her tears, her voice breaking with guilt. "You must have been so alone." Hannah, nestled against Harry's chest, simply sniffled in agreement.
Harry's heart ached at their distress. "I only wish I could have done more for Cedric."
Susan was momentarily speechless, her gaze pleading as she turned to Hannah, silently urging her friend to find the right words. Hannah took a deep breath, her voice trembling with emotion. "That's... but, Harry, you brought back his body. You risked your life just to bring back something his parents could bury."
"You're such a hero, Harry," Hannah added, burying her face against his shoulder.
Harry let out a bitter laugh, the sound tinged with sadness. "Wish you wrote for the Prophet."
Despite their tears and the weight of their shared grief, Harry felt a flicker of gratitude for their support. They understood, at least in part, the sacrifices he had made and the burdens he carried. Together, in that moment of shared sorrow, they found solace in each other's presence, forging bonds strengthened by loss and resilience.
As they stood there, Harry silently vowed to honor Cedric's memory and to continue fighting against the darkness that threatened their world. With Susan and Hannah by his side, he knew he wouldn't face the challenges ahead alone.
"Oh!" Susan let out a distraught sigh. "Auntie, please, can't we do something?" Her aunt, Amelia Bones, had been studying Harry with a mix of fascination and concern. She cleared her throat before responding to Susan's plea.
"Perhaps, though my first course of action should be through the Ministry," Amelia began, her tone measured yet empathetic. "Firstly, Harry, my niece and Hannah are absolutely right. Your actions were nothing short of heroic. If it were within my power, I would see you awarded with an Order of Merlin. With your permission, I would like to share this memory with a few key colleagues, as well as with young Cedric's parents."
Harry nodded solemnly, his expression reflecting his regret. "You're right," he acknowledged quietly. "I should have shown this to Mr. and Mrs. Diggory at the first opportunity." The truth was, amidst the turmoil of Voldemort's resurgence and the aftermath of the Triwizard Tournament, Harry had not given them much thought at all.
Amelia placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "There's no need for blame, Harry. You've been through a great deal. I will do what I can to ensure Cedric's parents understand the truth of what happened."
Harry looked at Susan and Hannah, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you both for standing by me," he said sincerely. "I couldn't have faced this without your support."
Susan and Hannah exchanged a meaningful glance, silently reaffirming their solidarity with Harry. Together, they had faced the darkness that threatened their world, and together, they would continue to fight for justice and truth.
Amelia nodded resolutely. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I will make arrangements to ensure this memory reaches those who need to see it most."
As Amelia Bones left the room to carry out her plans, Harry felt a sense of relief mingled with determination. With allies like Susan, Hannah, and Amelia on his side, he knew they could begin to set things right, one step at a time.
"Don't be silly," Amelia reassured Harry, her hand patting his shoulder gently as Susan reluctantly stepped back. "You've been through quite enough already. I hope the Ministry will be able to assist from now on, though I fear Fudge is rather single-minded."
"Will you be able to arrest the Death Eaters?" Harry asked, though he suspected the answer.
Amelia scowled thoughtfully. "Pensieve memories alone don't suffice as evidence, unfortunately." Her expression turned steely. "However, we can keep them under surveillance and conduct surprise raids, thanks to the information you've provided."
"Don't forget about Rookwood," Harry reminded her, his tone firm.
"He's one of my own, a disgrace," Amelia responded grimly. "I'll take care of him personally."
Harry nodded, acknowledging her resolve. He trusted Amelia Bones to handle the task with the authority and determination it required. As he looked around at Susan and Hannah, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and hope. They had faced adversity together, and now they were taking steps to make things right.
"Thank you, Madam Bones," Harry said sincerely. "For believing in me and for taking action."
Amelia offered him a reassuring smile. "You've shown courage and integrity, Harry. That counts for a great deal."
With that, they parted ways, each with their own tasks to fulfill in the coming days. Harry knew the road ahead would not be easy, but he also knew he wasn't alone. Together with his friends and allies, they would confront the darkness that threatened their world, one step at a time.
The fire crackled in the corner of Amelia Bones' office, its flames burning black—a telltale sign of an urgent Floo call.
"Forgive me, I need to take care of—" Amelia began, her voice abruptly cut off by a panicked interruption from a faceless voice echoing through the fireplace.
"Amelia! Death Eaters at Greengrass Manor! We've lost two already, send backup!" The urgency in the voice was palpable, sending a chill through the room.
Amelia's jaw tightened with resolve as she processed the information. "Get out of here, all of you! I need to go," she commanded briskly, her mind already racing with plans and strategies.
Without wasting another moment, Amelia grabbed her wand and swiftly exited her office, leaving behind a sense of urgency and tension in the air. The news had come suddenly and the stakes were high—the Death Eaters were on the move, and lives were at stake.
"I'm going with you," Harry declared firmly, the memory from the Pensieve vivid in his mind. The images of Voldemort and his Death Eaters taunting him from the depths of his memories fueled his resolve. He knew he couldn't change the past, but now, armed with newfound determination and skills, he could make a difference.
"Potter, please," Amelia protested, her voice edged with frustration as she reached for her wand. "You're brave, but you're just a student."
Harry's jaw clenched, his hand instinctively tightening around his wand. With a swift, silent motion, he disarmed Amelia and swiftly bound her in magical ropes. He gestured, conjuring an ornate armchair for her to sit in, though the bindings were more for show than necessity.
Amelia struggled against the magical restraints, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Potter, you can't just—"
"I can't let you stop me," Harry interrupted firmly, his tone unwavering. "Not this time."
He turned to face the room, the urgency of his mission palpable in his every movement. His mind raced, planning his next steps, aware that every second counted. This wasn't just about personal vengeance anymore; it was about justice, about putting an end to the reign of fear that had gripped the wizarding world for far too long.
"You don't understand, Potter," Amelia pleaded, her voice tinged with both concern and frustration. "You're putting yourself in grave danger."
"And what about everyone else?" Harry shot back, his eyes blazing with determination. "The Death Eaters won't stop until they're stopped. I have to do this."
Silence hung heavily in the air as Amelia searched Harry's face, seeing the steely resolve and unwavering determination etched there. She knew then that arguing would be futile; Harry Potter had made up his mind, and nothing could sway him from his path now.
"Fine," she relented finally, her voice resigned yet tinged with admiration. "But promise me you'll be careful."
"I will," Harry promised solemnly, his gaze meeting hers with a nod of gratitude. He knew the risks, but he also knew that he couldn't turn back now. With one last glance around the room, he stepped forward, ready to confront the darkness that awaited him.
As he walked away, the weight of his decision settled on his shoulders like a cloak. He knew the road ahead would be perilous, but he also knew that he couldn't shrink from the challenge. With each step, he steeled himself for the battle ahead, determined to make a difference in the world that had already taken so much from him.
The echoes of his footsteps faded into the distance, leaving behind a room filled with tense anticipation and the faint whisper of hope. Harry Potter had chosen his path, and nothing would deter him from his mission to bring justice to those who had wreaked havoc upon the wizarding world.
"I can fight, and you need all the wands you can get," Harry asserted, his voice steady despite the underlying urgency.
Amelia regarded him with a mix of concern and reluctance. "Potter, I appreciate your bravery, but this is not a place for students," she started, only to be cut off by Harry's determined gaze.
"I've faced them before," Harry insisted, his memories of past battles fueling his resolve. "I can help."
Amelia hesitated, torn between the need for every capable witch and wizard and the instinct to protect those still too young to face such danger. Before she could respond, Susan, her niece, opened her mouth to protest.
"The answer is no, Susan," Amelia interrupted sharply, her tone brooking no argument. "And that goes for you too, Hannah. It's too dangerous."
Hannah Abbott, who had been quietly standing by, nodded solemnly, her expression a mix of worry and understanding.
"Wait here," Amelia continued, her voice softening slightly as she addressed Susan directly. "Get the House Elves to make some food for when we come back. That's a family order, Susan."
Susan's shoulders slumped with disappointment, but she acquiesced obediently. "Yes, Auntie," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sullenness. She wiped away a tear that threatened to spill over. "Please be safe. I can't lose you too."
Her voice cracked with emotion as she turned and hastily left the room, unable to bear the thought of her aunt in harm's way. The sound of her footsteps echoed faintly down the corridor, leaving an uneasy silence in her wake.
Amelia watched her niece go, her heart heavy with the weight of responsibility. She knew the dangers they faced, the risks they all took with every mission against the Death Eaters. Turning back to Harry, she met his determined gaze with a mixture of gratitude and concern.
"Alright, quickly," she finally conceded, her voice firm yet tinged with a hint of apprehension. "But stay close and follow orders."
Harry nodded in understanding, his jaw set with determination. He knew the challenges ahead would be immense, but he was prepared to face them head-on. With a shared glance, they both knew the perilous journey that lay ahead, and the sacrifices they might be called upon to make.
As they prepared to leave, the room seemed to hold its breath, filled with unspoken fears and hopes for their safe return. Each step they took echoed with the weight of their commitment to protect and defend against the darkness threatening their world.
Hannah pressed a kiss to Harry's cheek, her touch warm with reassurance. "Don't worry about Susan, I'll take care of her."
Harry nodded gratefully, drawing strength from her words. He turned to face Amelia, his expression resolute as he prepared for what lay ahead.
"Ready?" Amelia asked, her tone serious yet tinged with a hint of anticipation.
Harry's response was immediate. With a surge of magic, the shelves in the room rattled, causing Amelia to step back in surprise. A slow, confident smile spread across Harry's face. "Don't you dare tell me the rules of engagement are stunners only."
Amelia shook her head, her grin matching his. Her eyes narrowed with determination. "If you tell me we're in a war, then it's time to use wartime rules. Lord Potter, I hereby authorize you to use the Unforgivables."
Harry's eyebrows lifted in surprise at the authorization, though he understood the gravity of the situation. "Why, Lady Bones," he teased lightly, gesturing towards the fireplace. "That's the most attractive thing I've ever heard a woman say."
She snorted with amusement as the flames around her turned green, signaling her readiness. "You're dangerous, just like your father. I'd best warn Susan, although," Her grin turned wicked. "I never regretted my experience with a Potter."
Harry's jaw dropped slightly at her bold remark, momentarily taken aback. Before he could respond, Amelia called out, "Greengrass Manor!" and disappeared into the Floo network.
He shook his head, chuckling softly to himself at the unexpected exchange. If Susan had inherited even a fraction of her aunt's spirit, Harry knew she would be just fine. But thoughts of family would have to wait; right now, the mission called for focus and determination.
"Time to spill blood," Harry muttered to himself, steeling his resolve as he stepped into the fireplace. The comforting scent of Cissy's cooking would have to wait. There were battles to be fought, and Harry Potter was ready to face them head-on, armed with determination, newfound authority, and the unwavering support of allies like Hannah and Amelia Bones.
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