Author's Notes : I can only apologise for the delay and the absence

Thank you for the reviews!

Harry was glad that weekends trips to Hogsmeade happened bi-monthly. Being cooped up at the castle was starting to get on his nerves now that he was an adult.

He had wondered whether or not to risk another quick trip to the Burrow to visit his wife, but he had to squash that little idea; for all the shenanigans that had been going on at Hogwarts ever since Umbridge began her tirade had had an unwanted effect on Harry's day-to-day routine. She was, in her warped sense of thinking as always, convinced that he was behind all the pranks. She had literally taken to attend every single of his classes, hiding in corners, muttering to herself.

Hermione agreed wholeheartedly with his decision. Even though he had pretty much decided that he wasn't going to return to Hogwarts after Christmas (just a couple of weeks left), today he had an appointment which rather hindered his Apparition to Devon. Yesterday, he had received a curious letter through Dobby via McGonagall just as he was getting ready for bed.

Dear Mr. Potter, (it read) -

I wish to request your presence for a private meeting tomorrow morning at 11 in Hogsmeade. There are matters of importance which I would like to discuss and I believe your insights will be invaluable. Ask for Madam Rosmerta in the Three Broomsticks.

Hoping this letter finds you well.

Yours faithfully,

Amelia Bones

Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Harry had an inkling what matters were going to be discussed if the news of this Monday's Daily Prophet was to go by. The situation was worsening rapidly, for the fleeing of the dementors from Azkaban and the subsequent escape of the Death Eaters happened much early in this new timeline. What was worse that already a life had been taken - Ted Tonks. Once again, he died before seeing his daughter married and getting to meet his grandson. If that was indeed the future that lay ahead...What if the future couldn't be any different than the one he had left behind...And now he had a proper family, he was going to be a father...

Harry shook his head from these thoughts. Don't spiral down, he could hear Ginny's voice in his head.

He bid Ron and Hermione off in the village square and watched them wander off into the crowd. Although they had suggested that they join him too, he had declined. He was hesitant to keep them involving in these matters.

At precisely eleven, Harry was shown into a room above the Three Broomsticks by Madam Rosmerta. He was surprised to see Rufus Scrimgeour in attendance with Madam Bones.

"Mr Potter," Madam Bones said politely, approaching him first and extending her hand. "Thank you for coming in today."

"Nice to meet you," Harry said.

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Rufus Scrimgeour, Head Auror. He requested to join me and had a few things to discuss as well," she replied to Harry's questioning gaze at the room's other occupant. The two men greeted each other and then everyone promptly took their seats.

"If you permit, we could get the official matters out of the way first?"

Harry nodded, not knowing where this was headed. Her demeanour was very business like. She was very straight to the point, and didn't waste time with small talk or niceties, which Harry appreciated.

"As the Head of DMLE, I am here to seek reparations arising due to the article that was published in the Daily Prophet on 31st of October, 1995. The article in question outed your mistreatment at the hands of your Muggle relatives since you were placed there fourteen years ago by Albus Dumbledore. In accordance with our laws, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley were arrested subsequently with the help of our Muggle counterparts and they have been in custody since. There is no doubt as to their crimes committed against you, and they will therefore be tried accordingly. Do you wish to say anything in the matter?"

She looked at him steadily, no pity on her face.

Harry shook his head before he could even think it through. He had promised Ginny, Ron and Hermione that he wouldn't withdraw his case. If he wasn't capable to directly accusing the Dursleys, he should just be a silent witness to the proceedings and let the law and justice take its due course.

Madam Bones nodded. "Very well," she said. "Now, as you are still underage, a guardian needs to be assigned. As it is the case, your godfather chosen at your birth is indisposed and ...I trust you know who I am talking about?"

"Sirius Black."

If she did realise that Harry held no venom or any other negative tone, she didn't show.

"Mr. Arthur Weasley and Mrs. Molly Weasley are both willing to take the role of guardians till your seventeenth birthday and have also submitted a formal request. Do you accept their offer or do you have perhaps any other person or persons in your mind?"

Harry shook his head again and answered with a pleasant smile, "I accept the Weasleys as my guardians." If something like this had happened in the previous timeline, he would have been overjoyed.

"Well, that is all. Now, it was actually my intention to have this little interview over Christmas, but circumstances forced me to have it earlier. Also, it gives enough of a cover to prying eyes."

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise. It was clear that she wasn't happy with Fudge's administration.

Madam Bones paused a few moments, glancing to Scrimgeour as if permitting him to begin the true discussion of this meeting, who then promptly spoke.

"These ... have been rather confusing times. The rumours that are flying around. Most of them having either you, Mr. Potter or Albus Dumbledore as their source," Scrimgeour began, before standing up and moving towards the fireplace. "We have a prison break here and the guards absconded. Not to mention any inside happenings at the Ministry, but disturbances in the Department of Mysteries, alongside some employees found injured and under the Imperius.

"These recent events remind me, remind us both of how the war started some twenty years ago. What is it you wish to say, Mr. Potter? Is there any truth to what Dumbledore's been harping about?"

"You want me to throw light on what Fudge and his lapdog Umbridge are trying so hard to hide? With both of them in high positions in the Ministry, why should I now trust you? Are you really willing to open your eyes and see what has been happening in the Ministry's back?" said Harry calmly. He needed to play his cards right.

"You prefer like Dumbledore to disassociate yourself from the Ministry?" said Scrimgeour, his voice strained.

"I am of the opinion that the Ministry has much to answer for. Why has it that the people have gone so blind and ignorant and have let their guard down after Voldemort was gone? If some suspicious happenings are reported, why are they not being investigated? Why certain individuals from the old Pureblood families are interfering in Ministry's work?" asked Harry.

"You expect me to learn from a fifteen year old on how to do my job? You go too far!" said Scrimgeour in a raised voice.

"Rufus!" called Madam Bones.

"Remember this is not your school where Dumbledore is your Headmaster. Perhaps there is some truth to the rumour of Dumbledore raising his own army!"

Harry scoffed.

"Such blind faith in the person who subjected you to years of neglect and cruelty. You don't even seek to punish him for his irresponsibility. Well, it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on you," said Scrimgeour, his eyes cold and hard behind his wire-rimmed glasses. "Dumbledore's -"

"Man through and through," said Harry, echoing the sentiment. "That's right."

Scrimgeour glared at him for another moment, then turned and sat down again beside Madam Bones.

She politely cleared her throat, turning to Scrimgeour beside her. "Shall he continue? I am certain that the events of which Mr. Potter speaks start well before he was attacked by the dementors."

Scrimgeour gestured to Harry, giving him the floor. With his hands folded, he began recounting in detail starting with his forced participation in the Triwizard Tournament, the graveyard, Voldemort's resurrection, the appearance of his Death Eaters, his escape. Both of them remained a silent audience well until he finished his story with explaining about the imposter Moody. Their expressions didn't give away too much, but they didn't seem too skeptical.

"You said you saw Pettigrew -," Scrimgeour began.

Harry hesitated. He couldn't go implicating himself by saying he was in contact with Sirius since his escape. He decided to alter his statement and recounted of how Pettigrew was the true Secret Keeper all along, a fact Harry had heard from Voldemort himself in the graveyard.

Scrimgeour seemed dissatisfied.

"What about the Ministry's position that you're being untruthful? That the very statements you've made today is untruthful," said Madam Bones.

"I deny it," Harry said hotly. "The Ministry is ignoring the truth because it's inconvenient. Because Fudge is too afraid of having to deal with it."

"That's a heavy accusation to make against the Minister for Magic," Madam Bones said gently, giving him an opportunity to backtrack his words. "That the Minister is wilfully ignoring a grave community danger."

"It's hard to hear the truth sometimes. Especially about Voldemort."

"You are sure?" Scrimgeour asked.

"The outside world doesn't reflect Fudge's imagination," said Harry. "Tell me, what has Fudge said about the recent outbreak of the Death Eaters and his loyal dementors? Has he given the Aurors any funding or resources to pursue the investigations? Except the last time, he had stationed an army of dementors here at Hogwarts and was practically serious about catching Sirius. This time, it seems not to warrant any of his attention."

The two Ministry employees remained silent.

"Anything else you wish to tell us, Mr. Potter?" asked Madam Bones, apparently suggesting that the discussion was coming to a close.

"I want to lodge a formal complaint against Dolores Jane Umbridge for misuse of power."

"How is Tonks handling it?" Hermione asked quietly, her voice barely audible over the clinking of glasses and laughter from a nearby table. They had exchanged their greetings with Lupin and Kingsley after bumping into them in the village of Hogsmeade. The four of them had taken cover in one of the dark corners of the Three Broomsticks, each nursing a drink as the hum of conversation around them created a bubble of semi-privacy.

It was alive with its usual weekend bustle. Hogsmeade weekends always brought students and villagers together in a lively, chaotic mix. But there was something in the air. Something had changed.

Remus didn't look at either of them; he was letting his fingers massage into his forehead rather forcefully. Kingsley kept his eyes focused on his glass of Butterbeer.

"It's awful. Sudden for both of them, Dora and Andromeda." His frown somehow managed to grow more pronounced. "They are beside themselves."

Kingsley leaned forward, his deep voice steady but grim. "The circumstances make it even worse. A dementor's kiss - brutal and unforgiving. Ted never stood a chance."

Ron swallowed hard and stared into his Butterbeer. "Bloody hell."

Silence descended on the table, each person lost in their thoughts. Hermione was the first to break it.

"They should leave," she said firmly.

Kingsley's brows furrowed. "Leave?"

Hermione leaned forward, her voice low and urgent. "My parents. You need to send them away."

Lupin frowned, his brow furrowing as he studied her. "Send them away? Where?"

"To Australia," she said firmly. "They'll be safe there."

Kingsley's deep voice broke the silence. "That's a drastic measure, Hermione. Why Australia?"

"They've always wanted to visit, and it's far enough away from all of this." she gestured vaguely, encompassing the growing chaos of the wizarding world.

Ron shifted uncomfortably beside her. "Do we really have to bring them into this? They're not even part of our world."

"That's exactly why they're in danger. They're vulnerable because of me. If Voldemort or his followers target them because of me…" She trailed off, her lips tightening into a thin line.

Lupin and Kingsley exchanged a glance.

"No Memory Charms," Hermione added quickly, her voice softening. "I couldn't do that to them again like my other self. Just… get them there."

Lupin sighed and rubbed his temples. "It's not a bad idea, Hermione, but getting them to leave without erasing their memories will be difficult."

"Some sort of dental conference there. It's the perfect excuse. They've always wanted to go, and this would give them a reason to leave without suspecting anything."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "A dental conference? That's your plan?"

"They're dentists, and this will make sense to them. It's not like I can just tell them the truth!" she said. "Although," she bit her lip, "You might have to Confund them into thinking it's true. They might think it weird if there's nothing organised once they reach Australia, of course."

Lupin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It might work, I'll admit. But what about convincing them? Will they go willingly?"

"I'll convince them," Hermione said, her voice soft but determined. "They are due for a family holiday, anyways. They might stay until the end of the school year. Tour the country. Hopefully, by that time, ..."

She didn't have to complete her thought.

Lupin cleared his throat. "We should get moving," he said, his tone regretful but firm. "It's not safe to linger too long, especially with so much going on."

Kingsley nodded. "Agreed. Stay vigilant. Thank Harry for the list he gave of the Death Eaters. It's time to take them head on."

It was Ron who spoke next after the two adults had left, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "You're doing the right thing, Hermione. Keeping them safe is what matters most."

"I know," she said softly. "But it still feels… wrong. They'll be so far away, and I won't be able to protect them."

"That's the point, though, isn't it?" he interjected. "They'll be safe because they're far away. You're doing what you have to do."

The bustling noise of The Three Broomsticks seemed to fade into a distant hum as Hermione stared into her barely-touched butterbeer. Her fingers traced nervous patterns on the condensation of her glass, her mind clearly far away in Australia with her parents.

"You know," Ron said, breaking the heavy silence again, "I reckon your parents will love it there. Dad says Australian wizards have the most bizarre magical creatures. Though I suppose your parents won't be seeing those." He winced. "Sorry, probably not helping."

But Hermione's lips quirked up slightly. "Actually, it is. I've been thinking about everything that could go wrong. It's... nice to imagine them having an adventure instead."

"They will," Ron said, with more confidence than he felt. "Probably come back with weird accents and everything."

This earned him a genuine laugh, though it was tinged with something close to tears.

Hermione looked at him, her expression softening. "Ron..." she started, then stopped, searching for words that usually came so easily to her.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For being..." she gestured vaguely with her free hand, "...you."

Ron's lopsided grin appeared, the one that always made something flutter in her chest. "Well, reckon I'm best at that, aren't I? Being me?"

She laughed again, and this time it was lighter, more genuine. The weight of her decision about her parents didn't disappear, but it seemed more bearable somehow, shared between them in this moment, their hands unconsciously joined under the table.

The ornate office at the Ministry of Magic buzzed with a tense, expectant energy. At his mahogany table sat Cornelius Fudge, his lime-green bowler hat perched beside him. The Minister for Magic wore an expression of forced composure, though the sheen of sweat on his forehead betrayed his unease.

Infront of him sat Madam Amelia Bones, her sharp, precise demeanor exuding authority. Rufus Scrimgeour, with his lion-like mane and piercing gaze, occupied a seat to her left. Dolores Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, hovered nearby, her pink cardigan clashing with the grim atmosphere in the room.

"Three more Dementor attacks up in the North," Scrimgeour began without preamble. "Seven victims. The Aurors found them too late. Their defection is undeniable, and the most recent victim, Ted Tonks, suffered the Dementor's Kiss."

"Surely, it's premature to conclude that the dementors —"

"Minister," Madam Bones interrupted coolly, "their actions speak for themselves. Azkaban's walls are empty, and the Death Eaters have escaped. How much more evidence do we need?"

Scrimgeour leaned forward. "The Aurors are stretched thin, and the lack of support from this administration hampers us further. We need more resources, and we need them now."

Fudge's lips pressed into a thin line. "This administration," he said tightly, "is doing everything it can under the circumstances. As for resources, the budget has already been allocated—"

"The budget," Scrimgeour interrupted, his tone sharp, "has been squandered on stationing useless guards at Hogwarts and throwing parties instead of pursuing the real threat."

All eyes turned to Dolores Umbridge, who bristled but maintained her sugary smile.

"I fail to see how my efforts at Hogwarts are anything but crucial to maintaining order," Umbridge said, her voice syrupy. "The institution is a breeding ground for dissent, and Dumbledore's behavior -"

Madam Bones raised a hand, cutting her off. "We'll address Hogwarts shortly. First, let's discuss the other pressing matters.

"Another troubling development," she continued, "is the curious incident of the snake that was discovered dead in the Department of Mysteries. Not only you failed to inform me about, but also the corpse has been disposed off by the Department of Beasts without any further investigations. And while we're on the subject, the security breaches within the Department of Mysteries also demand attention. Several employees have been found injured and under the Imperius Curse. What exactly is in there that has attracted such attention?"

Fudge's face darkened. "That is classified information. This is all Dumbledore's way of interfering."

"Perhaps," Scrimgeour conceded, "but we can't ignore the possibility of… other players. Dark players."

Madam Bones gave a small, humorless smile. "To be honest, Cornelius, I am not sure if you are even making sure of the happenings that go around."

Fudge seemed affronted by the statement. "Very well. While we're discussing security threats, let's not forget who's really behind these disturbances. Sirius Black remains at large. The timing of these Dementor attacks-"

Scrimgeour raised an eyebrow. "Sirius Black? What does he have to do with any of this?"

"He has everything to do with it!" Fudge snapped. "A convicted Death Eater, responsible for the Potters' deaths and thirteen others—do I need to remind you of his crimes? His capture would restore public faith in this administration."

Madam Bones narrowed her eyes. "Sirius Black is a fugitive, yes, but that does not make him relevant to the current crisis. There is no evidence linking him to the recent attacks."

"Evidence or not," Fudge countered, "His presence inspires fear. We must show the public that we are taking action!"

Scrimgeour leaned back in his chair, his tone cold. "Taking action? You've been chasing Black for over two years with nothing to show for it. Not to mention, his disappearance from Hogwarts two year ago."

Madam Bones folded her hands neatly in front of her. "Cornelius, Sirius Black is an interesting case. But the other ten Death Eaters are our main priority now. If you can't see that, you are failing in your duty as Minister for Magic."

Umbridge interjected, her sugary tone jarring against the tension. "Surely, Madam Bones, you're not suggesting we abandon the search for Black? He remains a threat—"

Madam Bones turned to her, her monocle glinting dangerously. "I am suggesting that we focus on the actual threats."

"Black was You-Know-Who's right hand! He -," shouted Umbridge.

"Are you suggesting-" Fudge sputtered, but Madam Bones interrupted.

"We're suggesting that blaming Sirius Black for every security breach is no longer a viable strategy. The pattern we're seeing suggests organized Death Eater activity, not the work of a lone fugitive. Your persistent focus on Black has allowed other, more dangerous elements to operate unchecked."

Scrimgeour nodded grimly. "We've also found Karkaroff's body in a remote village. His death was neither accidental nor coincidental. Killing Curse, more like."

"Then there's the matter of Barty Crouch Jr.," Bones said. "His escape from custody and impersonation of Alastor Moody are glaring examples of our security failures. The investigation into his accomplices has stalled. The witnesses - "

"The Crouch case is a closed matter," Fudge insisted, his tone desperate.

"No, it isn't," Scrimgeour said bluntly.

"These are isolated incidents," Fudge said, though his voice wavered.

"They are part of a pattern," Scrimgeour retorted. "A pattern, which you still continue to ignore."

"Alright. I see what this is. You have been swept in the paranoia that is being sown into the minds by an abused boy. Harry Potter -," began Fudge.

"That's enough. Actually, now that the name has come up - that was taken too far by you, Dolores," snapped Madam Bones. "Don't look so surprised. I have it on good authority that you were the one behind the article."

Umbridge's smile widened unnaturally. "Ah, well, Madam Bones, the article was intended to provide clarity and insight for the public. As you know, the boy has made some rather… inflammatory statements recently, and it's only right that we -"

"Don't patronize me," she snapped, her voice slicing through the room like a whip. "This is not about providing 'clarity.' This is about dragging a fifteen-year-old boy's traumatic past into the public eye for political gain. Do you have any idea what kind of damage you've done?"

"I assure you, it was not my intention to cause harm. But surely the public has a right to—"

"A right to what?" she cut in. "To leer at the details of a child's suffering?" She leaned forward, her voice growing sharper. "Or was this just another one of your schemes to discredit him for daring to challenge your position at Hogwarts?"

Umbridge's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her usual honeyed composure faltering. "The boy's credibility was already in question—"

"His credibility?" Madam Bones' voice rose, her monocle glinting dangerously in the light. "This is not about his credibility. This is about your appalling lack of judgment and decency. Harry Potter has suffered enough without being paraded in the press as some sort of spectacle."

Fudge, attempting to intervene, raised a hand. "Amelia, perhaps we should—"

"No, Cornelius," she snapped without sparing him a glance. "You allowed this to happen under your watch, and it reflects poorly on your entire administration." She turned back to Umbridge, her voice low and icy. "And let me remind you, Dolores, that your position in this Ministry does not grant you immunity from accountability. I must therefore ask you to step down from the so-called role of High Inquisitor'."

"That's playing directly into the hands of Potter and Dumbledore. In fact I propose that, given the escalating unrest at Hogwarts and Dumbledore's alarming absence, my authority as High Inquisitor be expanded. I recommend additional powers to ensure compliance among staff and students. Moreover, my role as Senior Undersecretary—"

"You'll need to relinquish that position," Madam Bones interjected, her voice cutting through Umbridge's monologue like a blade.

Umbridge's smile faltered. "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me," Madam Bones said firmly. "Your overreach has already caused significant backlash. You are stretching yourself needlessly thin. If you wish to remain at Hogwarts, you must resign as Senior Undersecretary. So, it's either Hogwarts or the Ministry."

Umbridge's face turned an alarming shade of pink.

"I will require your decision by tomorrow."

"This is against the rules. Coercion!"

Fudge shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Umbridge's desperate gaze.

"Believe me, I would be glad to take this up in the Wizengamot. I have no intention of playing catch-up given the mess we are seemingly finding ourselves in!" replied Madam Bones.

The meeting ended in grim silence, the air thick with unspoken tension.

As the two left the Minister and Umbridge, Madam Bones whispered to Scrimgeour "We need to act independently of Fudge. If the Minister for Magic won't take responsibility, the DMLE must."

Scrimgeour nodded grimly. "Agreed. But do you think it's wise to discount Black from the matter?"

"I don't know what to think. Mr Potter's testimony raises far too many questions than it clears thing up. What do you think of it? I assume you have read the files."

"I have. The original investigation was... incomplete, to put it diplomatically. No trial transcript. No documented evidence of guilt. Just a hasty conviction during a time of chaos," said Scrimgeour, his eyebrows furrowed. "Ever since his escape from Azkaban and then Hogwarts, there have only been unconfirmed sightings. Auror Shacklebolt has been on his case, his tips have been leading nowhere. Although..."

"Yes?"

"He seems to have stumbled upon some shady things about other employees in the Ministry and other suspicious things during the course of his investigation. Wanted to take the lead on them."

"Well then. What is he waiting for? There's no shortage of cells at Azkaban."

Author's Notes: I'll be back.