Un Serpent au Milieu des Fleurs
A Snake Among the Flowers
-oOo-
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
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Chapter 7
Edited: 02 Feb 2025
-oOo-
July 6, 1994
Westfield, England
Henry was writing at his desk. Fawkes was being noisy as he ripped apart a large fish. The smell was getting to him today.
"You know, you don't need to hang out here. It's obvious you don't want to bind to me," Henry said to the phoenix as it crunched loudly on the bones as though it knew it was getting on his nerves. "And you are costing me good silver."
The fish cost about six sickles. Which, in the wizarding world was relatively expensive. He could get the same for half the price in the Muggle world. The bird didn't care, just made more noise. He wasn't sure if this was the phoenix's natural demeanour or if it was still upset at him over how he saved Fawkes from Dumbledore.
Henry kept at his work. He was taking his NEWTs at the end of the month. He needed to spend all the time he could preparing. The annoying phoenix was not helping though. If it wasn't storming out, he would open the window and shoo him out, whether that made Fawkes cranky or not.
When a tap came at the window, he looked up surprised. Who would be sending him a letter on a day like this? Well, the only ones that could were Gringotts unless he specifically gave the sender his address. It wasn't a Fidelius, but it was close.
The dark eagle owl with a Gringotts seal on its collar was blown into the room from a gust of wind before the window was fully open. The thunderstorm had been raging for awhile. He shut the window and turned to find a feathery fluff ball righting itself and looking ruffled at the indignity of its entry.
The owl hopped to its feet and flapped its wings a few times to settle itself. Fawkes made a sound that Harry was coming to interpret as laughter. He gave the phoenix an exasperated look before moving to the owl.
"Just take it easy. You can stay here until the storm is over. OI! Snap at me again and I'll throw you right back out the window," he snapped at the bird when it snapped his beak at him.
It screeched and flapped its wings again. When it finally settled, he took the letter from its leg and it flew onto the table, where it started to straighten out its feathers.
Looking at the scrolled parchment, his brow rose. The address on the outside curve was in an elegant hand.
Henry Charlus Shafiq-Gaunt, Ecuyer
Whitehall
Westfield, Cotswold, England
The writing was a familiar hand from a previous life.
Henry had not told the Delacours where he lived. It was another reason to not trust the goblins as Gripsac was the only one that could have told her. He took out his wand to test for tracking or other spells. There was only a preservation charm meant to protect letters.
He was surprised and interested to receive something from her so soon. After turning it over to see a blue wax seal with a strange coat of arms, he cracked open the seal.
-o-
Dear Ecruyer Henry Shafiq-Gaunt,
I am writing to follow up on the offer for tutoring in proper etiquette. If you are amenable, you are invited to our townhouse in Paris starting on July 16th, and you may stay until August 21st.
During your stay, my family will house you with all the amenities.
Seigneur Delacour would also like to tutor you in politics. My papa has mentioned that the Shafiq's were well known on the continent and offers to introduce you to old family connections.
Personally, I would like to thank you for speaking up for me. I appreciate you giving me the choice to accept this opportunity.
Please respond as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Ecruyer Fleur Delacour
1215 Rue de Javier
Townhouse 3A
75000 Paris, France
-o-
He read the paper twice.
This was not the type of letters he had gotten from Fleur before. After the Triwizard Tournament, the champions had shared a few letters. Perhaps the near-death spectacle had loosened Fleur up in his timeline? There was none of the warmth he had come to associate with the veela woman in his original time.
There was a hint of someone trying to control him.
At the same time, he had a feeling that this was not totally Fleur's decision.
Henry was determined to never be controlled again, but Gripsac had been right. He needed allies. Also, if Jean-Paul could connect him with some of the families that were in his debt, then Harry could decide to use that to butter them up or ruin them like Fudge.
If Dumbledore only realized the weapon he had wanted had become the weapon of his own demise, not just Tom's, then the man might be more worried than he already was.
-oOo-
July 7, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry was late arriving to breakfast. The last week of school was always more of a holiday week for most of the student as the last of the OLW and NEWT testing was completed and the normal classes were cancelled, allowing many to start on their summer revisions early.
Wanting to get as much of his summer revision done before having to be locked in his room at the Dursleys, Harry had been up late with Hermione to finish his Potions essay. He was also trying to eat all he could and stock away enough foods in his preservation bag to not starve this summer.
Sitting across from Hermione, he got himself some porridge, sausages and brown sugar to put in the porridge. He then snuck two apples and some toast into a pocket as she had her nose buried in a book. The preservation bag would keep the food fresh for weeks.
"Good morning, Hermione," he said to his best friend after a few.
She didn't respond.
This was typical behaviour when she was concentrating on something.
He was starting to eat as the Daily Prophet was dropped off. For the last three days, the paper had been full of stories about Sirius Black, the Black family, Headmaster Dumbledore and the Potters…
The revelations had rocked him as badly as finding out the man had as good as killed his parents or that the man was his godfather. Everything everyone had told him was wrong.
Sirius Black wasn't the secret keeper.
There was another man, Peter Pettigrew, who had betrayed them.
Harry was about to ask her what was in the paper when he caught one of the front page headlines when she unfurled the paper.
DUMBLEDORE FIGHTS THE UNSEALING OF THE POTTER, PETTIGREW AND MCKINNEN WILLS!
His head moved to the side, his mouth dropping open.
"What the bloody…"
"Language, Harry," Hermione chastised.
That she notices! a small voice in his head screamed.
"Hermione, what is that?" he questioned, pointing to the paper.
She frowned. "I don't know." She quickly scanned the story. "Sirius Black is accusing the headmaster of blocking your parents' will. He is petitioning the Wizengamot for your guardianship."
Harry's mouth moved a time or two. "Wait, the Wizengamot handles that too? I thought they only stood for trials?"
"Honestly, Harry, haven't you read Hogwarts: A History yet? There is a whole section on the old Wizarding Council, the formation of the Wizengamot and the ministry and how Hogwarts is run separate from them." When she saw he didn't understand, she went on, "The Wizengamot is like the House of Lords. It makes all our laws but also sits as judge and jury as well as arbitrator."
"Oh," Harry said. He had the fleeting thought that he should finally read Hogwarts: A History. That was definitely not in their history books and there were no classes on the ministry or anything to do with the wizarding world. He was wonder how much more he didn't know about their world?
"Wait, Sirius Black wants to be my guardian? What does that mean?" He had a slight bubble of hope gurgle in his stomach. "Does that mean I would go live with him? I know he's my godfather."
"That is what is sounds like, but there are others that would like you as well." Her mouth pursed. "Mister Malfoy is petitioning to be your guardian."
"Bloody fuck no!" he blurted out.
"Language," Hermione chastised again. "Do you really think the headmaster didn't have your parent's will read?"
"How could he prevent that?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore has been Chief Warlock since nineteen seventy-nine. The article says the will was sealed by the Chief Warlock and Minister Bagnold. I don't understand why?"
Dumbledore telling him he had to live at his relatives and that it provided safety rung through Harry's head. He had asked the last two years if he had to go back. Harry had an angry look. "You don't think it's because he wants me at my relatives. He's the one that put me there."
Her lips purse liked McGonagall did when consternated or upset.
She didn't say anything as someone cleared their throat behind him. Harry turned. He was forced to look up. As he did, he couldn't keep from noticing the larger large mounds of an attractive strawberry blonde that he had to look over to see her brown eyes. He tried not to linger on the peaks, and hoped he was successful as she didn't look upset at him, like she did at many boys.
She had been a little nasty to him last year, like most of the Puffs, but had been nicer this year and had actually been paired with him a few times in Herbology. He liked that she didn't shy away from getting dirty, like most other girls, and she treated Hagrid like he was just a normal man. She even seemed to like many of the lessons.
Even though he was looking her in the eyes, he still could see she had the largest chest of their year.
"Good morning, Susan," he said.
"Hi, Harry. Do you have a few minutes?" she asked.
He looked back to Hermione, who gave him a small shoeing motion.
"Ah, sure," he said, turning back to her and not fully understanding his reaction to her. The boys in his dorm had started to notice girls this year, but he hadn't yet felt this way towards anyone.
She gave him a small smile and he had something inside him squirm.
Her best mate, Hannah Abbott, had her brows disappearing into her hairline and eyes as wide as saucers as Harry followed Susan out of the hall. Many started to whisper.
"Where are we going?"
She held a finger to her mouth as she led him up the main stairs and then opened a door. He looked at her questioningly when he noticed it was a large closet.
"Will you just get in?" she ordered as he stupidly stood there for a moment.
His cheeks brightened. "Ah, sure."
Once inside, she shut the door and lit her wand. "This is supposed to be a private place. I overheard a seventh year say that it was cleared of all portraits and listening charms."
"Oh." He was confused. "Why does that matter?"
She was forced to stand closer to him than she ever had. Her body was close enough he could feel her warmth, even if they weren't touching. A stupid thought went through his head and for the first time he could think of, his eyes locked on her lips. The thoughts in his head had him redden further. His eyes shot up. She gave him a shy smile at the way he was looking at her.
A little more shyly, she responded, "Oh, uhm. Auntie sent me a letter. She wanted me to get you alone to ask why you haven't responded to her letters?"
Harry blinked. "Who is your auntie?"
"Amelia Bones, regent of my house and the director of the DMLE," Susan said. Then she added a little bitterly. "Well, former director. She was recently forced out on leave. Though I think she is getting her position back."
He knew some of what the DMLE was. They had read about it when Sirius Black had been cleared. He didn't like where this was going though.
"Have I don't something against the law?" he asked, now feeling apprehensive.
"No. Well, I don't think so. I just know auntie wants to talk to you and has been sending you letters for the last few days," she told him.
Harry licked his lips. Susan's eyes briefly looked to the motion. She had taken a half step closer towards him. He didn't know why. He also didn't know why it made his heart hammer in his chest.
"Susan, I haven't gotten any mail since Easter," he told her. That had been when Mrs Weasley had sent them their eggs.
Susan looked confused. "But auntie said her owl came back without any letters."
Harry reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. "Hedwig came to visit me yesterday morning. She didn't have any letters. I don't usually get any mail during the year."
"Don't your guardians write you too?" she questioned.
Harry made a face. "I hope not. I see my relatives enough over the summer," he commented before he could stop himself.
"What do you mean you get enough of your relatives over the summer?" Susan asked.
The girl caught things almost quicker than Hermione. "It's nothing. Why was your auntie trying to contact me?"
Susan gave him a searching look for a moment.
"Here," she said, reaching into the pockets of her robes. He watched as her shirt stretch a little when she had to twist to look in a back pocket. Her chest was impressive. "Here it is."
She took out a letter and handed it to him. "If you aren't getting your mail, then maybe you should give me your response and I can send it out later?"
He looked at the very official looking address and seal on the letter. "Yeah. I think I should."
They stood awkwardly in the closet for a few. Now that Susan had given him the letter, she seemed at a loss for words. Harry just didn't know what to say to most outside of Hermione and Ron. Neither of them realized how shy the other really was.
"Right. I should go find Hannah," she said, her face taking on a red hue as she looked around the closet and then at him. Her eyes focus on his lips, instead of the scar like most would.
Harry felt his face heat as well, not really understanding why and trying to figure out if he had missed something. "Ah, yeah. I should get back to Hermione."
Susan briefly frowned before turning to leave. As she did, Harry said, "How am I supposed to get you my reply?"
"Oh, I didn't think about that," she said, turning back to him.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. Merlin, it was hot in here! "Ah, I was planning to go flying at the pitch in an hour or so. Do you want to, ah, meet me there? Maybe you and Hannah want to fly too?"
Susan gave him a rather nice smile that did really funny things to his insides. "That might be fun. How about ten?"
"Sure," he agreed.
Susan turned, fleeing the closet at a run. Harry stood there, feeling a little dumbfounded, confused that such a cute girl would talk to him, even if it was because of her auntie, and now would be flying with him…
It took him a few minutes to collect himself and look at the letter again. Even then, he had to read it three times to really get its meaning because his thirteen-year-old brain was all about Susan suddenly.
When his mind finally processed what her auntie had written, he muttered, "Bloody hell!"
A hopeful, crooked smirk crept onto his lips.
Harry didn't go back to the table, even if he was hungry. Getting a response written was far more important. Hermione caught up with him in his room as he was folding up a letter and putting it into an envelope.
The snores of Ron were still echoing in the room.
Hermione rose a brow as she walked in. "Where did you go? What did Susan want?"
"You know, one of these times we are going to be getting dressed when you just walk in and you are going to get an eyeful," he said back to her.
"Please, Neville, Dean and Seamus are down at breakfast and Ron will sleep until noon unless you get him up," she told him. She looked at him sealing the envelope and running his wand over it. "What are you doing?"
"Sending a letter," he told her.
Her lips pursed. "Why are you sending a letter? We leave on the train in two days. Hedwig may not be back by then."
"I have to send a response to Madame Bones," he told her determinately. He put the letter from Madam Bones on the top of his books in his trunk when he got his quidditch robes, gear and broom. It was a lovely day in the Highlands of Scotland, but it was still the highlands of Scotland, and the castle was experiencing a cool stretch for the start of summer. He would be happy for the warm robes.
Hermione reached for the letter. "What do you have to respond to Madam Bones for? Is that Susan's mother?"
Harry quickly shut the lid. "Madam Bones is the Director of the DMLE and Susan's aunt. That is private," he told her. Madam Bones had told him not to talk to anyone about what she wrote, and he wasn't going to. Not even to his best mate.
Hermione looked a little hurt. "Why can't I read it? Are you in trouble? Why would the DMLE be contacting you, unless it's about Sirius Black or your parent's will?"
"I'm not in trouble. I can't tell you. Just drop it for now, Hermione. I'm going flying. Are you coming?"
She made a face. "I hate flying. I think I'll go to the library. I can start on the extra credit for Charms."
"Ok, I'll talk to you later."
He put the letter from Madam Bones on the top of his books in his trunk before closing it. Hermione looked at his trunk before following him out of the room.
Since the dementors were recalled, it was much nicer to be on the grounds. Parvati thought the unseasonable cold was due to the lingering presence of the dementors. Harry didn't care. It was sunny out. He had today and tomorrow before getting on the train back to hell and he might have a way out of it…
Harry was practically bouncing as he stepped.
The smile on his face only grew to find Susan, Hannah and a half dozen others down at the pitch. Hanna didn't look particularly chuffed to be down here, but Susan did. She was holding a Nimbus 2000 in her hands and had changed into Hufflepuff quidditch robes. He rose a brow at her.
"I made it onto the reserve team this year, but never got to play," she told him. "I should be a starter next year."
"Wicked," he said. "Hey, Hannah."
"Hi, Harry. Just don't break her," Hannah said.
Susan blushed. "He is not going to break me, Hannah."
Hannah smirked. "He did a good job of it to Malfoy when he drove him into the ground in the last match."
Harry blushed this time. "Wood told me about something called a Wronski Feint. I don't think I did it that well, but Malfoy fell for it."
Both girls looked at him oddly. Hannah leaned into Susan. "Is he for real?"
Susan giggled. "Why do you think I wanted to be his partner for Herbology?"
Harry gave them a questioning look. Hannah winked at him. "Just go easy on her."
When the blond walked off towards the stands, Harry and Susan just stood there, staring at each other. After a moment, Harry said, "So, ah, you're on the quidditch team?"
"Yeah. Back up chaser. I should be a starter next year," she said a little proudly. "Auntie got me a new broom for Christmas."
She proudly held up her broom.
Harry looked at it reverently. "I loved my Nimbus 2000."
Susan cocked her head, the thick plait of her strawberry-blonde hair falling over her shoulder. "You miss your old broom? You have a Firebolt."
He grinned. "It's wicked, but the Nimbus handles the turns a little easier and sometimes the acceleration on the Firebolt is a little much, but it was great to pull off a sloth grip climb."
She giggled again. "I think you would be the only one to ever complain about having a Firebolt."
Harry held it out for her. "You don't believe me. Here."
Susan's eyes went wide. Her mouth dropped open. "You're serious?"
"Sure. I'll take your Nimbus and follow you around if you want," he offered.
She shook her head before grinning. "Wicked."
She screamed as she took off before laughing. Harry got his first appreciation of what it was to have a girl using your broom like the twins talked about. Following her and seeing her flying on it had a huge smile on his face.
When he was climbing back into the portrait hole to put his stuff away before lunch, the common room was busier, but still relatively quiet. The last of the tests were today, so no one wanted to get on the bad side of any of the fifth or seventh years who were studying for their last tests this afternoon.
Ron was on the couch, his head back and eyes closed. Harry tapped the redhead's forehead on his way by. "Give me a few minutes," he told him.
Ron yawned. "Where were you, mate?"
"Out flying," Harry said with a huge grin. Today was a memory that would get him through Durzkaban this summer if nothing came of the letter he gave to Susan.
Ron looked annoyed. "You went flying and didn't ask me?"
"You wouldn't wake up," Harry shot back. Harry had poked his head when he went to breakfast, but not when he got back. For some reason, he hadn't wanted down at the pitch when he met Susan.
Ron grunted.
Rushing up the stairs, he was hungry for lunch and wanted to get down to the Great Hall. They would probably have to go to the library to get Hermione…
Throwing his door open, Harry stopped mid step.
Hermione was on his bed. His trunk was open. A letter was in her hands. She shot up, throwing the parchment onto his bed. "Harry, what are you doing back?"
Harry was shocked for just a moment, before his mind put the clues together. In a slow, faint voice, he asked, "Hermione, what are you doing?"
"I… ah… I was looking for your potions essay to check over," she told him.
His eyes narrowed. His voice grew rather frosty. "That isn't my potions essay. You know I keep all my essays in my bag, not my trunk, Hermione."
"I… Harry… I wasn't going to… but…"
He had never seen her at a loss for words. This might be amusing except that he knew that letter was the one from Madam Bones. There were things in there he didn't want her to know. Things that were embarrassing to him. It also held all his hopes to escape his relatives. That was something almost more precious to him than his friends.
His voice was cold and angry. "Did you read it?"
Hermione was worried. "Harry, why are they arresting your relatives?"
Harry had only ever gotten angry with Hermione once before. The Firebolt in his hands was why. Now seeing her with his private mail, his magic flared, and the parchments caught fire. "You read I wasn't supposed to tell anyone?"
Her squeak told him everything he needed to know. She jumped away from his bed before pulling her wand. "Auqamenti!"
Harry threw his broom down. "Get out," he said through clenched teeth. The parchments were now a half-burned soggy mess on his bed.
"Harry, I didn't mean…"
"Get out." The low tone was more menacing than if he had yelled at her. Hermione flinched.
"Harry, your relatives…"
"GET OUT!" he screamed.
Hermione started, then ran out of the room. His magic swirled around him, slamming the door behind her. The wood cracked.
Madam Bones had told him not to tell anyone. She didn't want anyone to know that things were changing and that he was going to have to give her a statement about his relatives. In turn, she would get him to the goblins to hear his parents' wills and get him away from his relatives.
Hermione couldn't understand how much of an opportunity this was.
He couldn't take any chance at it going wrong. Not even for his best friend.
After a few minutes, his anger died down and he fell to his knees.
He would make sure Hermione understood the importance of all this once he was away from the Dursleys.
-oOo-
July 9, 1994
London, England
The crowd on the platform was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Hogwarts' express. A few hundred parents, siblings and guardians were waiting for the hundreds of students that had started their journey south nearly six hours ago.
Henry had a slightly wistful smile on his face. He had always wished that excited people had been waiting for him, having missed him for more than ten months. The general mood of goodwill was infectious enough that he didn't feel as alone as he usually did.
While waiting for the Express, Henry wasn't being idle.
He had small little golden flies in his pocket. The size of a fruit fly, they would most likely never be noticed, especially since he had painted them black so the precious metal that was required for the enchantments and runes wouldn't glint in the light.
It was a rather advanced little tracking and listening bug that he had found in Voldemort's grimoire. He didn't know where it came from, but it was too useful for what he needed to do to not use it. Of course, it was meant to be applied to something in the person's house, but he had modified it with an animation charm.
As he saw known Death Eaters, or those he knew that went along with the regime that took over the ministry, he let out a fly or three. They would zoom to the target and bury themselves into their clothes. The charm only lasted a few minutes, but it was enough. He doubted that most wizards would find them, as the masking charms on the magic were hard to cast, and equally hard to detect.
Though, a house elf would probably be able to find them, he was counting on the fact that most of those he was targeting would most likely treat their servants as little more than chattel.
It was a practice that he wanted to eliminate.
The interesting thing was the number of Aurors around. Henry could never remember so many on the platform. Even their sixth year, when Voldemort was out in the open and ramping up his campaign, there hadn't been any Aurors he could remember.
When he saw Sirius and Madam Bones walk out of the passageway from the floo fireplaces, he felt some of the tension in him lessen. He would be meeting with Sirius again on Monday. The acceptance of the old Black-Shafiq alliance had been delivered to Gripsac. Now Henry had to move on to the other alliances, especially those owed to the Gaunts because of Voldemort.
He wondered how many realized that they were but chattel to Voldemort?
The only issue was that Voldemort did not tie them to the house of Gaunt, but to him personally. Meaning when Henry had disowned Voldemort, Henry lost any control of the alliances he might have had. He wished he had known about that, but if he hadn't disowned Tom Riddle, then there could be other issues Henry didn't want to deal with.
Instead, if he just eliminated Voldemort's support, then the alliances wouldn't matter.
Henry adjusted his dragonhide hood to hide his face. He wanted to be close to ensure that Harry was taken by Sirius while not being recognized. He couldn't use the obscuring and Notice-Me-Not charms he wanted because of the Aurors, and didn't dare use his invisibility cloak with so many people around. He couldn't risk anyone finding out he had the cloak by bumping into him on the busy platform.
It had to be identical to Harry's, which was one of a kind. If he was found, there would be too many questions.
He would never be able to thank the reaper that sent him back with what was on him. Except for the folder of pictures, all the most important stuff to him had been on his body at the time, including the cloak.
It was probably better that he didn't have the picture album.
He was Henry Shafiq-Gaunt, not Harry Potter.
It still didn't mean that he didn't miss his old friends, nor that he wasn't still suffering from nightmares many nights. He missed Hermione in the small hours of the morning when she would have curled up next to him in the bed in the tent when Ron had left them.
They had never done anything but hold each other.
Henry could admit that he wished for more, but it wouldn't have been fair to her to drag her further into his life. Now that he was here, instead of there, he was trying to let her go. If they had become lovers, Henry was doubting he would be doing as well as he was right now.
He watched with curiosity as a group of Aurors made a small circle by the platform where Sirius and Amelia stood.
Further down the platform Henry could see Arthur and Molly talking with the Diggorys.
Henry looked for the few others he knew. When he didn't see an older woman with frizzy hair, he realized that the Grangers would be stuck outside the platform portal without the Weasley's or someone else helping them in. His lips pursed at the unfairness of it.
Muggleborn and raised got the shaft end of the stick in their society.
A whistle down the tracks had everyone looking north and moving towards the edge of the platform.
Not wanting to stick out, he moved towards the back of the crowd and stood in a spot where he could see Sirius. Within seconds of the train coming to a stop, the doors opened, and it was a cacophony of greetings, yells of delight, talking, animals and commotion.
Henry had his wand tip slip onto the tip of his fingers.
He was scanning for a manipulative old man.
He frowned to see a red eyed Hermione walk right past the Weasley's and go straight for the portal. Henry had figured that Hermione would be right besides Harry. Ron wasn't at his side either.
Henry was curious what happened, especially since anything that he knew about his timeline was now up in the air. If he had his way, it would be even more so after the Quidditch World Cup.
Through the crowd, he couldn't exactly see what happened when Harry got off the train, but he did catch him walking with Susan Bones, her aunt and Sirius towards the floo fires. His brow rose.
"That is new," he said to himself.
When he was satisfied that Harry was gone, as was Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna and a few others, he moved towards the portal. He would not use the floo as it was too easy to trace. There was a safe apparition point not far away and would have too many signatures from today to track only one.
After stepping out of the portal, he stepped into a bathroom for a moment. He wanted to make sure that the little fruit flies were working. Unfolding a sheet of paper, he quietly said, "I swear I am up to no good."
A map of the British Isles grew on the parchment. Within twenty five miles of him, dozens of red dots appeared on a map of the country. Most were still in London, either around the station, in Diagon Alley or in places he hoped was their homes. The smile Henry had on his face before taping the parchment would send a shiver up anyone's spine.
He would be able to fly around to look, and once he had the sensor stones in place, he should be able to find who he wanted. Once at Hogwarts, tagging their children would be even easier.
"Mischief managed."
He would check out the listening charms later. The only downside was that they would only work within a mile of the bug, so he would have to find safe places to hide around the targets.
-oOo-
July 11, 1994
London, England
Henry walked out of the muggle Tube station.
He didn't know why Bones hadn't given him an apparition point. One of the things that Hermione and him had practiced while on the run was apparating to magical and Muggle coordinates. Where Muggle maps used logical longitude, latitude and elevation lines, magical coordinates used leylines, power points and magical markers.
They had avoided using any ministry approved point because of the monitoring. Outside of those areas, monitoring apparition was nearly impossible as even the best magical sensors could detect within a few hundred yards without a large network, and tracking charms within a few tens off miles without some type of amplifier or blood.
The underaged magical detectors was one of the few magical taboos that were legally used. Taboos could monitor for hundreds of miles. Ollivander and the other magical wand makers willingly subjected all underaged magicals to the taboo of underage magic. It was a spell cast on their magical cores when bonding with a wand for the first time. By law, they had too, or they would be shut down. That was a truth they had found in Umbridge's office and one that had been enacted more than a hundred years ago. Though, the ministry was very selective in how it applied violations.
The paranoia of being caught had kept them alive.
His only regret was not knowing about taboos before they had been caught by Snatchers that one time.
Poor Dobby had died saving them.
At least Malfoy hadn't lived to see the wrath of his master.
Shoving those thoughts out of his head, he looked down at the parchment in his hand. It was a map to a location he was supposed to meet a house elf at. Once in the alley, he made sure that Muggle repelling and distraction charms were in place. They would fade within an hour.
"Marci," he called out.
A second later, a house elf appeared with an almost inaudible pop. He gave a genuine smile to the excitable little elf as she bowed. She was in a blue dress with blond hair sticking out of her ears that had been nicely combed. She had a crest on her left breast. Her large brown eyes took him in for a moment. "Are you being Heir Shafiq-Gaunt?"
"I am. You can call me Henry, please."
"Yes, Mister Henry."
He gave her a knowing smile. Unless severely mistreated, like Kreacher or Dobby, house elves were always proper. "I was told to tell you 'Hippogriffs fly in the moonlight'."
Marci gave him a wide smile. "Yes, sir. If you would take my hand?"
He did and a second later, he was in the centre of a large atrium. The floors were shining white, black and blue marble with what he could only assume was the Bones crest etched into the floor. The columns and walls were some type of pale yellow stone that had silver veins running through them. Directly before him was an arch with a grand staircase just beyond. A large fireplace was to his left. A gallery up above looked down onto the large hall.
He was just noticing the moving people in some paintings when a throat clearing came from behind him.
Turning, Henry was met by six people.
The two Aurors in burgundy leather robes were ones he didn't recognize. One was a woman with greying hair. She had a feel as though she was very professional and didn't put up with much. Unlike Moody, who was scarred and grizzled, this woman looked to have made it through her time in the Aurors in one piece.
The other Auror was younger. Maybe in their thirties with dark hair and hazel eyes. He had his wand out. It was at his side, but ready to use. Henry had to suppress an urge to grab for his wand. It may have been three months, but he was still not comfortable around anyone from the ministry.
Between them was a rather regally looking, if severe faced, woman, with carrot-top red hair, a small nose and sharp brown eyes. Her yellow dress was flattering on her, but a little old-fashioned for Henry's liking and didn't seem to quite fit her. She had the feel of a stalking lion waiting to strike, not an elegant lady.
He supposed if you wanted an ex-Auror to be the Director of the DMLE, this was the type of woman you would want.
A slightly shorter strawberry-blonde was standing next to her. The girl was nearing the end of that awkward time when one went from a child to a young women. Even so, she was already a looker and the light blue dress she wore was even more flattering to her developing form than her aunt's.
Looking uncomfortable in a finely tailored set of robes was a boy he knew all too well. His black hair was still as messy as ever while his green eyes looked at Henry curiously as he fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve. Henry had forgotten how small he had been. Not that he was huge now, but at five foot nine, he was better than he was at thirteen, almost fourteen. The blood of the Shafiq's had also added a little height to his frame, and Henry had used the last few months to eat well and work out.
The last person was a taller man with grey eyes, nicely kept black hair and his friendly mutton-chop beard. Having seen Sirius a few times now, he was happy to see the man was still getting better and had filled out a little more. Potions could do wonders for those suffering from long term malnutrition.
Henry did a proper a bow as he knew how. "Madam Bones, thank you for your invitation."
She quirked an eye at him. "Heir Shafiq-Gaunt, it is a pleasure. You look much like the pictures I could find of your grandfather."
Henry gave her a questioning look. "Please call me Henry. If you have any pictures, then they would be my great-grandfather, Madam Bones. My grandfather grew up in the Muggle world."
She gave him a slight nod. "Thank you for the correction. It is Amelia."
She extended a hand, and he kissed it. "A pleasure, Amelia."
"May I introduce my niece, Heiress Susan Bones."
Henry gave her a winning smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Heiress Bones."
Susan was trying to keep her face passive as he kissed her hand as well. There was a slight bit of colour to her cheeks. He had found that girls looked at him differently in his new body. "A pleasure, Heir Shafiq-Bones."
"Next is Heir Harry Potter. He is under House Bones protection until his custody case can be cleared in the Wizengamot," she said.
Henry reached out an hand, hoping his other self would take it. Henry could remember how shy he was and still wanted to be at time. Harry hesitantly reached out, before being more decisive. He took Henry's forearm. "Thank you, Heir Shafiq-Gaunt. You're the one that got my godfather a trial?"
"Please, you can call me Henry. You all can. I only did what an ally was supposed to do, Harry," he said. The fact that none of the old Potter allies had helped was starting to get under his skin as Henry understood what these deals were all about.
"I still say you want something you aren't telling me, but I have to say, thank you again," Sirius said.
Henry let go of Harry and grasped Sirius's forearm. It was much friendlier than when they had met last week. "I really don't want much. I am looking for a mentor to teach me about the Wizengamot."
"Yes, Sirius tells me that you grew up with Muggles and have been educated by Muggleborns?" Amelia questioned.
He was going to have to watch out for her. She was a natural investigator.
"Both my grandparents and parents were squibs. They made friends with some Muggleborns that taught me," Harry said.
"Why didn't you go to Hogwarts?"
"I never received a letter to any magical school and my parents didn't want to expose me before I was seventeen," he replied. He was happy she didn't press that at the moment.
"Now that you are seventeen, what are your plans?"
"I'm taking OWLS later this month so I can go to Hogwarts for my final year. After my NEWTS, I'm unsure," he answered.
"You didn't take your OWL's when you were fifteen?"
"My parents didn't want me exposed before I became of age. My grandfather said he was hidden away because of something bad going on at the time. It was only recently that I found out Grindelwald was hunting my family. Then when they heard about Voldemort, my parents didn't think it was safe," he told them. "Laws require me to get my NEWT's by twenty-one. I was allowed to keep my wand without OWL's because it is a family heirloom."
"I see. And where are your parents now?" Amelia enquired.
"I'm sorry to say they died shortly after I turned fifteen," he said a little sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Amelia said, sounding sympathetic.
Marci came into the hall. "Mistress Ami, the tea is ready."
"Thank you, Marci. Henry, if you would join us?"
"Thank you."
He was surprised how quiet Susan and Harry had been so far, but he probably shouldn't have been. He knew he tended to be that way in new situations. The Dursley's had taught him to be cautious, and Susan had never been a chatter box around him. Not like her best mate Hannah Abbott.
Marci led them into a small comfortable parlour with a few paintings. The walls were a pleasant pale green colour with a cherry wood tea table and chairs in the centre of the room. A goblin wrought tea set was on the mantle in pride of place and probably should be as it was probably a priceless heirloom of the family only to be used for the most special of guests.
Henry was extremely curious to see Harry hold a chair out for Susan and to see her blush more than she had towards Henry as he pushed the chair in.
That is interesting.
Henry had never been a fan of Susan Bones until their fifth year. Before then, Susan and her best mate, Hannah, had been rather catty little girls that had tormented Harry second and fourth year. By fifth year, she had grown into a cute girl, and had apologized to him during the DA. He had seen how she was growing up and wasn't as immature. He had started to notice her before the end of fifth year, but when they had come back for sixth year, she had grown quiet as Amelia had been killed, Hannah had left and he didn't think of her much between everything going on and his infatuation with Ginny…
Henry had done her wrong as well. He would have to make sure that Amelia survived this time, even if he wasn't sure how he felt about her yet.
Once sitting, Sirius asked, "Henry, when are you taking your OWL's?"
"I'm scheduled for the end of this month," he told him.
"Has Hogwarts allowed you to enrol?" Amelie asked as she poured some milk into her tea.
"I was informed I needed a minimum of six OWL's to transfer," he said.
Amelia frowned. "I thought you only need three to be qualified as a wizard and continue to your NEWT years?"
"Transfer students have a different requirement," Henry said. He suspected that he had been given a higher bar than most.
"Do you know much about Hogwarts? My niece and her friend just got off the train Saturday. Perhaps they can tell you about Hogwarts?" Amelia offered.
Henry smiled at the two teens. "I would like that. What houses are you in?"
Harry, true to his roots as a Gryffindor, even though he looked uncomfortable, said, "I'm in Gryffindor. They say it's the house of the brave and reckless."
"You are that," Susan said with a smirk before her eyes grew wide.
Henry gave her a wry look as she put a hand to her mouth. Harry looked a little surprised, then grinned. "I wasn't the one to crash my broom into the ground," Harry replied to her.
Amelia looked a little interestedly at Susan. "You crashed your broom?"
Sirius looked like he wanted to make an inappropriate comment at the blush on Susan's face.
Susan shot Harry an angry look. "It wasn't my fault! I'm a great flyer and Chaser."
"Not a great Seeker though," Harry remarked.
The strawberry-blonde's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me if I am not a reckless Gryffindor! I rather like being a more practical Hufflepuff and it was you that I was following and who decided to run their toes through the grass. Besides, your broom is harder to handle than mine."
"You didn't have to follow," Harry snarked back.
Henry was highly amused. Sirius let out a barking laugh as Amelia looked between amused and unimpressed at the behaviour of the two. Henry was amazed to see Harry this way, as he only ever been that open with Hermione and Ron in the past. There was also the fact that when Henry was Harry, he never gotten along well with any Hufflepuff, even after the DA. But then again, Harry hadn't had to fight for his life against a horde of dementors, a crazed rat and werewolf this year.
Could Henry have made that large of an impact in the few months he had been here?
"Can you two do this after our guest has left? Please excuse them, Henry, but they have been like this since we picked them up from the train," Amelia sounded exasperated.
Sirius chuckled. "I find it rather amusing. I want to know about Susan finding Harry's broom hard to handle."
The mutt had to go there? Amelia looked rather annoyed while Susan had gone bright red. Harry, bless his younger self, was clueless to the pun. Henry couldn't believe he was that clueless at one time.
"Susan better have been talking about Harry's quidditch broom," Amelia said to the Marauder.
"Susan tried my Firebolt. I still prefer the old Nimbus 2000, but the acceleration and speed just can't be beat for a Seeker on the Firebolt. Though, I heard that all the national teams are getting the Firebolts, so I would love to see some professional games," Harry said.
Amelia gave her niece a look. Her face was redder than her aunt's hair now.
Sirius looked ready to break out in full laughter. Henry gave the man a warning look. Sirius rose a brow at him, obviously enjoying the joke. "I'm sure we can get you to a few games over the summer, and the World Cup is in August. You can both learn to handle a broom properly."
"England isn't doing too well though. I'm following Ireland this year," Henry said, trying to distract Sirius before he was hexed by one of the women.
Susan's red face lessened. "How can you not support England? Their Chasers are better than Ireland's."
"But Rosen is a mediocre Keeper and Leewood is ranked twelfth for Seekers. I doubt they will even make it to the semifinals," Henry told her, knowing it was the truth. He could remember Ron, Dean and Seamus debating that years ago.
"I want to see Krum," Harry said. "Susan got me the latest Quidditch Monthly when we were in Diagon Alley yesterday and he sounds amazing. I'm hoping I can learn some from a real Seeker."
"You must really like being a Seeker? Are you going for your house team next year?" Henry asked.
"Harry has been Gryffindor's Seeker since first year. He's only lost one game," Susan said.
"First year, is that common?" Harry asked.
Sirius beamed. "First years aren't allowed to play. James tried to get on the team all year. How did you manage it, pup?"
Henry enjoyed seeing Harry look so embarrassed, especially at the praise from Susan for helping Neville when he told the story. Amelia wasn't as pleased.
"I want to hear more about this later," Amelia said to Harry. "In the meantime, there are a few more serious topics I would like to discuss."
Susan got the change in tone of the meeting and took on the more emotionless face of an heir. Harry looked a little confused, before straightening his back to act like Susan.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Do we really need to be so formal?"
"You are the Regent Black, Warlock of the Wizengamot and head of the old Greymore Alliance. Heir Shafiq-Gaunt is the heir to the Ancient House of Shafiq, second in line in the alliance. Heiress Bones is the heir to the house that was once the Shafiq's shield house," Amelia said. "The Bones were released from that title when the Shafiqs were thought dead and are now the shield house of the Ancient House of Potter. There is a great amount of significance in this meeting, Sirius. Least of which is whether the Bones were officially released and if we are in violation of the Potter or Shafiq vassalage rules."
Henry had hoped to bring this up in a different way. He reached to undo his cloak. "Madam Bones, I am still very new to the politics of this world, but I was made aware of this by the goblins."
He took out a scrolled parchment and put it on the table. Amelia reached for it.
"When my great-grandfather died, you were absolved of your duty. He did not tell you about his squib son, and officially the magic of the line was in hibernation until I took my heir's ring," Henry said, lifting his hand to indicate his station.
Amelia's shoulders relaxed. "This makes things simpler."
"It does. But I hope to call on one of the old oaths, even though I know you are not bound to them anymore," Henry told her. As much as Gripsac was a sour being, he had helped Henry with this.
This still didn't mean he trusted goblins. He was sure Gripsac was helping him for his own reasons. Henry was sure there were several million golden reasons.
Amelia rose a brow. "And what oath is that?"
"I need help in understanding the Wizengamot, politics and how to act, but I am going to be out of country for the next mont, most likely the rest of the summer, only returning to do my OWLs. Can you help me in the fall?" Henry asked.
Amelia regarded him for a long moment. She shared a quick look with Sirius. When she turned her eyes back to him, she said, "I can give you the same lessons I was going to give Harry and Susan. It is time they start to learn about their responsibilities. Every other Saturday they will be removed from Hogwarts. You are welcome to join us."
"Thank you." Henry was genuinely thankful.
"Are we done being serious?" Sirius asked.
Amelia didn't looked pleased at the man.
"Almost," Henry said.
"Oh, do tell?" Sirius said with a grin.
Henry took in a long breath. He hoped this ploy would work. "So far, we have only focused on the Shafiq side of my heritage. I am also the heir to the Gaunts."
"Besides knowing the Gaunts were once one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, I only know the last of the line is still in Azkaban," Amelia said.
Henry pursed his lips. "Yes. Marvolo Gaunt was my great-great Uncle. His sister was cast out of the family when she was found to be a squib. I know of my cousin Morfin but have no desire to know him after finding out why he is in Azkaban. The family's magic recognizes me as the primary heir."
"Riddle," Harry said darkly. The boy's emerald-green eyes were lit with a power and fire that Henry had only ever heard about from his friends and others. Henry's green eyes met Harry's. Most would probably flinch to see the way Harry was looking at him. Henry wanted to laugh. He never believed he could be that scary at that age.
Sirius looked to Harry. "What do you mean Riddle?"
All of Harry's shyness and playfulness was gone. "Tom Marvolo Riddle," Harry angrily said. "The son of Thomas Riddle, a Muggleborn, and Merope Gaunt. I thought I recognized your name, but it didn't make sense until…"
"Until I mentioned Marvolo," Henry said to the boy.
Harry's magic was starting to make the room oppressive. Amelia was looking alarmed. Susan unsure. Sirius was frowning. Henry had to hold his own power in check to keep the fire keg from exploding.
Amelia questioned, "Harry, what are you two talking about?"
"Voldemort," Harry said in more of a hiss. It was almost parseltongue.
Susan squeaked while Amelia's eyes hardened. Sirius shivered. Henry and Harry just kept staring at each other. Henry spoke first. "I am sad to say that I am related to the madman. He would be my second cousin. When I took over the headship of the family, I found out his secret and disowned him. Like I have done to Morfin."
Amelia took in a sharp breath. Susan shrank away from him while Sirius growled at Henry. "You are related to that thing?"
Henry held up his hand. "I am related but I am not him, nor do I support the Pureblood bigots. I can swear on my magic, if you want?"
Amelia had drawn her wand. "You dare come into my house after what that man did to my family?"
"I swear my family has nothing to do with Tom Riddle. If you would allow me to draw my wand, I will swear an oath," Henry offered.
Amelia got up, her wand ready to use. "Any move besides taking your wand to make the oath will see you dead."
Henry nodded his acceptance of the terms. He slowly reached for his cherry wood wand from his arm holster. He held his wand straight up to the ceiling. Henry needed allies.
"You will make an unbreakable oath. Sirius, bind us," she demanded.
Sirius stood up. Harry had drawn his wand and was now standing protectively before Susan.
Henry internally smiled.
Hermione was right, he did have a 'saving people thing'. He just was unsure what happened to have Susan instead of Hermione at his side? Amelia stuck her hand out when Sirius brought his wand out.
"Take my hand," she demanded.
Henry knew enough to know what this meant. He grasped her forearm. "Swear you are not a Death Eater, and you do not, nor will you ever willingly, support them or their cause."
"I, Henry Charlus Shafiq-Gaunt, swear that I am not a blood bigot or supremacist. I am not and will never willingly support the Death Eaters, Voldemort, Tom Marvolo Riddle or any other dark lord," he resolutely said.
Amelia seemed a little surprised at his addition. A golden thread of magic wrapped around their hands from where Sirius's wand touched it. It snaked up their arms. He felt the first tug on his magic.
"Swear that you don't mean any harm to my family, the Potters, Blacks or our allies," Amelia said.
"I swear that I mean no intentional harm to the Bones, Blacks, Potters or their allies that remain true to them," Henry said. He would not hold this vow to anyone that meant them harm.
Amelia thought on that for a moment before nodding. A second thread of magic wove around their hands and then up their arms.
"Swear that you are who you say and that you are not impersonating anyone to gain our trust," she ordered.
Henry was never more thankful for the surly goblin. He truly was who he was claiming to be. "I swear I am the heir to the Gaunts and Shafiqs. My name is Henry Charlus Shafiq-Gaunt. I am not impersonating anyone, nor am I trying to gain your trust for any other reason than I desire allies and those that can help me rebuild my family name and help in rooting out the rot in our society," Henry stated.
A third strand wove around his hand after Amelia's slightly surprised features accepted his vow. The magic wove up their arms to their armpits before soaking through their clothes. The geis on his magic was as binding that year he had been forced to compete in the Tri-wizard tournament. A feat he had started to ponder he might need to again to ensure Harry wouldn't. He knew the plans for it were to far along for it to be cancelled this year.
He also thought he might use it to find Tom and the others.
Henry held her gaze.
"Bloody fuck, you have been telling the truth," Sirius said.
"Sirius, what just happened?" Harry asked.
"That was an unbreakable vow. Can you still cast magic?" Susan queried.
"May I?" Henry asked.
Amelia nodded after a moment.
Preying this wouldn't cause any issue, he pointed his wand away from them. Mind as well go for the shock and awe. He couldn't let his younger self show him up on power.
"Expecto Patronum."
The magic responded to him eagerly. A glowing mist exploded from the tip of his wand and a bright blue glow overpowered the candles. Henry's eyes grew wide to see the patronus take shape. Since coming here, he had not used this spell.
Like Sirius, his mouth dropped open to see a winged, skeletal looking horse standing there.
"I've seen those," Harry said.
Amelia turned to him surprised.
"What is it?" Susan asked with awe.
"It's a thestral… but they are omens of death. Anyone corrupted by dark magic can't cast a patronus," Sirius said.
"Anyone can cast a patronus, from what I read. It just has to be a pure, happy emotion powering it. Most that use dark magic don't have pure, happy emotions. Thestrals are not omens of death," Henry said, understanding why his patronus had changed. "You only see them after you understand your own mortality, usually by seeing someone else die. They are actually kind and pleasant creatures with a wicked sense of direction."
"Really?" Harry asked, sounding interested.
"I think you have proven who you are and that you don't mean us any harm. Henry, I'm sorry for my reaction, but You-Know-Who has done horrible things," Amelia said.
He let his patronus go. He turned to look at her. "I know he has. It's why I want to clear the taint from my family."
Harry was still looking a little dubiously at him. Henry was heartened to think that Harry was not as much of a follower as Henry remembered being. If he was starting to understand what Dumbledore had done to them, then Harry would be alright long term.
He reached into his cloak for the expanded pocket.
"What are you doing?" Amelia asked, still looking a little apprehensive.
"The man that was once was head of my family did many terrible things. I have recently found out that stealing was among his many crimes," Henry said. "I am removing a book from an expanded pocket."
"You really don't follow Voldemort?" Harry demanded.
"I don't, Harry. To prove it, I want to return this to your family," Henry said. He pulled out the large tome, having to use both his hands.
Sirius's eyes went wide. "Is that…?"
"I think this is the Potter grimoire. I have found several grimoires in the vault belonging to the Gaunts and wanted to return everything I could to the families these books and heirlooms belong too," Henry said, placing the book on the table.
"What is a grimoire?" Harry asked.
"It holds all your family magics, your history and anything else the Potters wanted recorded," Sirius said.
Harry's eyes went wide.
Amelia looked at him like he was a puzzle. "This is a great gift to repatriate to its owner. How did You-Know-Who get it?"
"Pettigrew," Sirius replied with venom. "He admitted to stealing it the night he led You-Know-Who to Fleamont and Euphemia." Sirius looked to Henry. "What else do you have?"
"The goblins are finding where everything in the vault came from. Any truly dark objects will be destroyed, regardless of who they may have belong too or how Riddle got them. Most items we don't know, but I thought if I was meeting you, I could return this today."
Harry reached for the book. Sirius took his hand. "Hold on, pup. We should get this checked out before you touch it."
"There are no curses on it besides family blood magic. I had the goblins check," Henry said.
After a moment, Sirius nodded. "Go ahead, Harry."
Harry reach for the book. Henry could see the longing in his eyes. It was the same he had had the day he understood what he was holding. "Is this really my family's?"
"Open the cover. Everyone that ever used it in your family should have signed it. It may pinch your finger to open it," Sirius told him.
Susan was looking around Harry at the book.
"Maybe you should do that in private? Family grimoires can hold secrets that only your family should know," Amelia said to Harry. "After you understand them, then you can decide who can know."
Harry stopped, then took the book. His hand flinched just a tad when the book took the blood payment to recognise Harry. He pulled it to his chest, protecting it like it was the most precious thing he had. Henry knew it was one of the most precious Harry would ever have.
It was just as precious to Henry. He hated to part with it, but it really wasn't his anymore.
"Thank you," Harry said, deep emotions playing in the thirteen-year-old's eyes. The hatred was now replaced with building trust.
Henry smiled. "After discovering my own family grimoire, I can understand its importance."
There was a silence for a moment. Amelia gestured to the seat. "Perhaps some warming charms or fresh tea is needed? I would like to know more about you and what we might be able to do for each other."
"Of course, Amelia," Henry said, taking his seat again. Harry held the book close to him for the rest of the tea.
-oOo-
Next time on Un Serpent Parmi les Fleurs: France, the Delacours and the OWLs.