Chapter 11:

James Potter sighed as he sat down behind his desk. While the paperwork on it was organized, it felt never ending. The past five years had been packed full of joy, sorrow, anger, and pain.

His relationship with Her Majesty had bloomed and grown. Harry, his son not the prince, had relished in the relationship by getting permission to call his sovereign 'Granny' in private. It amazed James still how the woman gave each what that person needed. For Harry it was a grandparent, or should he say grandparents, as Prince Phillip took a shine to the boy. Thanks to them, James now had a stable full of horses that all the children enjoyed. This had helped to bring Neville out of his shell, especially when Prince Phillip was there to 'help'. His Highness had helped the lad far more than anyone else had. Prince Charles, James' cousin also encouraged the lad, inviting him to Highgrove to work with the gardeners there. Nevelle was well on his way to making everyone proud. Everyone except Agustus Longbottom.

That woman, every year demanded the return of Neville and his vote to her before the Wizengament and every year it was denied. She hated losing control and was demanding daily that Neville attend Hogwarts per tradition. No doubt at the encouragement of Dumbledore.

James sighed again.

Dumbledore refused to give up. He demanded daily access to Harry, sometimes Neville, stating that he was the only one who could teach him to fulfill his destiny. James had to get a special cease and desist from Her Majesty because he ignored all the other magical ones. Harry had refused to even be in the same building as the old man. His boy had not forgotten his early years and remembered who had been responsible for them.

Two giggles drew his attention to his study doorway. Luna, cooing at the bundle that Hermione was holding had bloomed the most in the last five years. It had taken much time and patience to get her out of her shell, but her personality lit the room up. It was surprising that Prince Edward had been the one to help the poor girl. She would follow him around like a puppy and soon helped him with historical research and attending several functions that he sponsored. James was very impressed with the Prince.

Hermione shifted the bundle in her arms. Hermione was in some ways the catalyst for the things that had happened. Harry, reaching out to her all those years ago, her display of magic, the downfall of her father, the marriage of her mother to Remus, and the birth of her baby brother and newest sister had tempered the young witch.

He recalled the time when her parents were divorcing, how she stood before the judge, recalling every swat, every negative word, and every threat that her father had given her. The man had been trying for full custody, but Hermione refused. She also refused any and all visitation by the man, claiming that 'he was a sperm donor' and that was all. The few times that Man had shown up at the Manor/ School, she simply walked out of the room. Last James had heard the man had sold everything, keeping it all, and had fled to Australia. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

He chuckled to himself as he recalled Remus asking Hermione's permission to marry her mother. The seven-year-old looked at one then the other and said "She's right there! Get on with it Dad!". The poleaxed look of his friend, the red face of the girl's mother had the entire house in stitches. Then the goofy look as Mooney got when he realized that Hermione had called him 'Dad' had James laughing even harder. They got married after a few months, having Stephen almost right away. Hermione took one look at her baby brother and told the new parents that they had better give her a sister because brothers were too difficult to deal with. It took three more years, but Hermione now had a baby sister, Pheobe. One that Hermione treated like a living doll.

"Uncle James?"

"Yes?"

"Dad says that the letters arrived."

James stood and followed the girls towards the rest of the family.

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Albus Dumbledore was a man on edge. For the last few years, he had been denied any intrigue, advice, or a show of power. His influence had dwindled to a few people but no longer was his voice heard or followed. No, it was now that imposter who now enthralled.

The man known now James Potter had a longer reach than anyone thought. The fact that it had the backing of the Throne had much to do with it.

His access to the Potter fortune and to the boy had been demolished. Harry had been 'poisoned' against him. He had tried every way to get to the young boy. But nothing came about it.

But now there was hope. A loyal friend had introduced a bill to the Wizengament to make Hogwarts the only Magical School in the United Kingdom. Not just Britain, but all of the Untied Kingdom. He had heard rumors that James Potter had started a school. It needed to be stopped. Harry Potter needed to come to Hogwarts, where he could be taught and controlled. No other outcome would be possible. One just did not start up a school. It needed a patron, and finances. Hogwarts had that and the prestige of historical significance. He was waiting to hear of his victory. Oh, how he hated waiting.

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James Potter sat in his seat in the chamber of the Wizengament. Elpias Doge had just finished his proposal of making Hogwarts the only Magical school in the U.K. It smelled of Dumbledore. When the Chair asked for an against many thought that he would be standing. Nope Amelia Bones and Daniel Greengrass both stood, giving their displeasure over it. It wasn't until they sat that he stood. Dumbledore was going to croak on this one.

"My fellow members. We are being asked to put all our precious eggs into one basket. Why?" Because one old man can't seem to understand that the world does not revolve around him. Whispers that I have started a magical school had been circulating for years and the truth is that I have."

Shouting began as everyone wanted their opinion heard. James waited them out.

He gave a shark like grin and continued speaking.

"It doesn't matter what any of you think. I made the decision, and I have the backing of the Crown in this. This body can not close it as it was formed under both magical and mundane laws."

More shouting went on until Chief Tremaine banged the gavel.

"Am I to understand that you already have this school in operation?"

"Yes."

"Fully staffed?"

"Yes. As it is a day school, the children return each night to their own homes. The parents involved are very happy with the arrangement."

Someone from the floor yelled "Are you the Headmaster?"

"No. Remus Lupin is and has the full backing of myself and the Crown, and before you ask yes, I know he's a werewolf."

Pandemonium.

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"What do you mean it failed?" asked an irate Dumbledore.

"Potter not only has the school up and running, he has the backing of the Crown with it."

"The Crown?"

"The young members of the royal family attend the school."

"How? They have no magic."

"from what Potter stated, the school teaches Magical and Muggle subject, is a day school, and is by invitation only. The wards are so powerful that trying to get near them uninvited will kill you, legally."

Just then a series of owls arrived bearing rejection from several would be first years.

Doge left as the man he once admired held his head in his hands are the letters kept coming.