Amelia Bones exited the Floo into the Headmaster's Office… to find Minerva doing parchment work.
"Headmistress. I need your presence in questioning Lord Potter and his People. I also need to talk to your Potions Master. It seems that a charge of Potion Induced Tampering of an Unwilling Individual and Kidnapping has been levelled at Dumbledore by a Miss Granger. In his youth, brewing at this level is understandable, but…" Bone trailed off as Minerva scratched out two notes and called for an Elf.
"Do you mind if I join you Ladies?" The Hat grinned down from his shelf.
"Can you even leave the Grounds?" The Acting Headmistress asked.
"For a few Hours. Have not been out in the last century. Would like to see how the World has moved on." The felt gave the impression of grinning like Sirius Black.
"That smile says I shouldn't." McGonagall stood and approached the Shelf. "I just know that I am going to regret this…"
The Hat jumped off and landed on her own hat.
"If I hadn't just seen that… I could think you just changed your hat." Bones smirked.
Just then the sound of the Stairs moving signalled that at least one of the Summoned People were arriving.
Snape swept into the Office like a Diva Queen that even Albus couldn't match.
Not two steps behind him was Molly Weasley.
Bones raised her eyebrow not over her monocle at Minerva.
"Lord Potter and Miss Granger are at the DMLE." Minerva snarled. "Accusations of Kidnapping have been made."
"Oh!" Molly looked worried. "The poor girl!" She moved to stand by the Floo.
"Potter!" Snape Sneered as he ghosted to join Missus Weasley.
Bones opened the Floo to the Bullpen.
SPRB
As Molly burst into the Boardroom, she bustled around to the cat eared witch and hugged her to her breast. "You poor child, are you ok? I do hope that they throw the book at him!"
"Molly." Ted grabbed her shoulder. "I must ask you to release the Lass. We are in the middle of Questioning her about the Crime. To properly prosecute, we need to be able to prove that the Victim, Witness, and Accused are free of tampering, influence, and intimidation."
Molly sighed, stroked the girl's head once more, before joining Fudge on the far side of the room…
Seeing McGonagall, Hermione smiled, and mimed tipping her hat. The Hat tipped back.
Bones had sat across from Granger, beside Hammer as Puckett stood behind them.
Ted sat to Hermione's right, as the Goblins sat on her left… plus one chair over. Miss Twist stood behind her Boss.
Bones was reading through the file before her, when King opened the door to lead in… a circus.
On his heels was a Black Dog that slid out of your sight, followed by a White Haired Lad with a pouch and Dagger on his chest. Next was a Wolf that could rest it's chin on the Wizard's shoulder. Next was a White Gorilla and Ted Daughter.
The Wizard sat beside the Lass after kissing her between her ears.
Molly fumed. Granger was to marry Ronald.
A rustling of felt snapped his Head about. "Aunt Minnie." He stood up and approached the Scottish Matron. Kissing her cheeks, "We need to speak before you return. The Uncles are going to spit when they learn that we told you before they could."
McGonagall and Snape both stiffened as his eyes flared.
"Lily." The chorused in a whisper.
"Potion Master… you should see the Lab we are using…" He turned and nodded at the man. "I also think you want to talk to me before we leave."
He looked at the Hat, and touched his brow, before returning to Hermione's side.
Once everyone but the junior Aurors, Twist, Trogg, and 'canines' were seated around the table.
Amelia leaned on her Elbows. "Okay, Connie, engage the Dicto-quill and Scroll. Now, today's date is November Twelfth. This is the Questioning about the Kidnapping and Potioning of Miss Hermione Granger. Starting with Miss Granger and moving to the Right, give your Legal Name, Age, and Reason for being here."
"Hermione Jean Granger… House Potter. Sixteen, Victim of Foul play." Hermione looked like she was tasting something distasteful.
"Theodore Edward Tonks, esquire… House Black. Sue Me." He grinned. "Legal advocate for the Lass."
"Windstar, Silver Griffin Commander. Lost count." He sighed. "Escort of the Accused."
"Alexandra Alexander." The witch in Silver sneered. "Silver Griffin Sargent. Hell no, and escort of the Victim."
"Cornelius Fudge. Minister. Check my public record, Official Ministry Observer."
"Molly Weasley, nee Prewett… Professor of Beginning Potions, Hogwarts. Close Friend of Granger."
"Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of Aurors. First Inquisitor."
"Damn it. That's why we never saw this coming." The White haired boy said to Hermione.
"Dufus. No one ever sees the Inquisition." She grinned back.
Bones frowned at them. "Amelia Bones. Director of the DMLE, Chief Inquisitor."
"C. Hammer. Chief of Analytics, Head Inquisitor."
"Hammer Time!" The Lad grinned. "You can't touch this."
Hermione whacked him across the head. "But I can."
"Minivera McGonagall. Acting Headmistress, Hogwarts."
"Severus Snape… House Prince. Potion Master. Hogwarts."
Then the Goblins gave just their single names.
And then it was the white Wizard's turn. "Born Harkon James Potter. Lord of Potter, fifteen. Accused, but…" he tapped the table in front of Hermione, causing her to dig in the pouch on her side, pull out a scroll, and pass it to Amelia. "I am under Contract. Headmistress was handed a copy of the Licence before that one. This one has my updated Power Rating."
A Gray Robe stepped out of the Shadows and took the scroll from the Director, read it, snorted, and handed it back before fading into the shadows.
"Where Grey go?" The Gorilla grunted in Harry's ear.
"Oh, he's still there, we just don't see him."
"They are the Gray." Hermione smiled. "See no Gray, Speak no Gray, Hear no Gray."
Ted snorted his amusement.
"Potter!" Molly had gone full Howler as she stood. "You will step away from Hermione, release your control of her, and submit to the Law! You will pay for killing the Great Albus Dumbledore!" And went silent as Harry made a hand sign, though she continued to yell.
Amelia Bones sighed. "Let's take this back, so everyone will know what is happening." She cast a couple of silent hexes at the fuming Molly, knocking the Matron into her chair and preventing her from standing again. "Something that Hermione let slip while we were in my Office. What happened on the Night of the Thirty-first of October. Lord Potter."
"My Instructor of Necromantic Studies along with my Blood Magic Instructor and Headmistress were removing a Soul Leech out of my head. It has to do with How the Dark Lord Tom Riddle survived that night in Eighty One, Ninety one, and returned back in June. I don't know how many he made, but I know that I have destroyed the one in my head and the one that he left with Malfoy."
"Those are Dangerous Words." Rufus leaned on Fudge's foot.
"I doubt that this record will see the light of Court. If Malfoy has any issues with my calling him a shag toy of the Dork Lard, he can take offence and finish what his son began." Harry glared at the human lion.
Snape shifted. He knew that he would have to report this to the Dark Lord and the Dark Lord was not going to be happy with this.
Croaker phased into view. "Do you know how many or where they are?
:Why is the Hooked Beaked man focusing on the Lawyer and thinking about three sisters?" Tish Asked.
"Tonks. Your mother has two Sisters… Correct?" Harry glanced at the Pink haired pixie punk.
"Aunt Cissi married Luci… Aunt Bella married into the Lastrange Family. I always thought that she married both brothers, as they never went anywhere without the other…"
"Ashraq, did you bring your ledger?" Hermione connected a few Dots.
"Always." He dug out a leather bound book. "What are you asking?"
"Lord Black inquires if Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black still has her Black Vault."
The Tweedy Goblin adjusted his specials, opened the leather book, and ran his talon down a page. "Yes. She is also receiving her monthly allowance of three hundred Galleons per month. There have been no Withdrawals since she has been sentenced to Azkaban."
"Litigator Tonks." Harry leaned back in the chair, doing what the reader will recognise as the 'Mr. Burns'. "Remind me. What was she convicted for?"
"Her part in the Assault on the Longbottoms… My Lord Black." A spark flared in his eyes.
"Ashraq. Seize the Vault. Strip it of all but thirty silver, and stop the payments." Harry waited for Ashraq to finish scratching out the orders. "Please check on Narcissa Malfoy nee Black."
Again the talon ran down the page. "It's active. She has been hoarding the payments and even diverting a sizable sum from Malfoy each month."
"Lock it. Allow all monetary deposits, but if she wishes to withdraw, She needs Lord Black's permission. Rebuke her for failure to complete her contract, and Remove Draco from Inheriting the Lordship."
"You can't do that!" Fudge cried as he jumped to his feet.
"If Draco or Lucious want the Mantle of Black in their control, they can face me on the Field of Battle. But they must balance the wager."
"When we Charge you for the Death of Dumbledore…" the Minister retorted.
"Actually…" Connie Hammer hummed. "The only spell signature inside the Gate… including the casting of the Killing Curse… was from Albus Dumbledore."
"That's what He threw at Alexander and Granger?" Windstar shot to his feet. "Good thing he is Dead or England would be facing an Inquisition by our Agency for allowing an Attempted Murderer kidnap, Potion and try to kill the One Person who can limit the Damage of a Sorcerer Adapt Battle Mage…" He broke off swearing in a different language unknown to most in the room.
: Damn!: Tish spoke to the Room. :I have heard the jokes, but I don't think he is joking… and now he is using a knife…ew!: She flinched. : You don't want to know.:
"I didn't even have my Wands." Harry grinned. "The Silvers had pulled them from the Harness and Pouches. Probably had Hermione pull them. I didn't need them at the time."
"So how did you…" Rufus leaned in.
"Can't tell you. Family Magic." Harry grinned at the man. "And you don't want to find out. They call me a Battle Mage… but I am more of a War Wizard. The primary difference is that a Wizard uses a Focus… Mages just throw the spell. Now, can we finish this?
"What happened after the First of November?" Bones asked.
"A Cliffside City under a Vale, sent a team of Silvers to investigate the Academy. All persons were transferred to the Infirmary. Including a massive serpent." Sergeant Alexander sighed. "It's all documented. Over the next week, we convalesced Lord Potter back to health. One morning, our time… Miss Granger was in the Fresh Market when she was attacked. She shouted two words. 'Harry' and 'Albus'."
Windstar huffed. "Potter 'Moved' and powered through three barriers and jumped over fifty feet in a single bound. He Demanded that we Take him to Scotland, or he would Travel there himself. So, we took him to London and He showed us the way from there. As we entered the Castle, four Ghosts told us where we could find Miss Granger and that a Redheaded Potion Mistress had dosed the girl." All eyes turned to look at Molly Weasley.
"We went out the front door, as it was faster, and Albus Caught us just inside the Gate. As Sergeant Alexander was carrying the now sleeping witch, Albus demanded that we surrender both Granger and Potter to him and we could go. He ordered Potter to sweat Fealty to him so he could guide Lord Potter to the Light. Lord Potter covered us enough for everyone but the four of us to jump home… when the old fool threw a green spell at Miss Granger and my Sergeant. Lord Potter swatted it and it returned to the Caster, but we never saw it hit, as soon as he hit the spell, he caught us in his limbs, and pushed us across the Ward Line and our return engaged and we were away."
Amelia Bones glared at the Silver. Every word was the truth… but not the whole truth. "Okay. I reserve the right to Summon you for further Questions, should they arise. Did you get the names of the Potion?"
Hermione hissed. "From the Description of my symptoms, a strong Loyalty Libation and a lovely potion, most likely Amortentia."
Snape shifted. "I refused to brew a Loyalty Libation for the Headmaster just after the start of the School year. He refused to tell me what he wanted it for. It was not worth my Mastery."
Harry stood. "If that's all, I have Family Business to take care of before I get hauled back to the Academy. Potion Master, a word before you go." Harry Stepped close to the man, as Snape brought up a silence field. "No doubt that you are going to report this to Tom. Be safe. You were Mom's friend."
"That's all you can say?"
"If you ever want to get away from the Dunderheads, Owl Barchoke. I will front you enough for a private lab. Hermione or Daphne will handle the details." He stepped away.
Snape Scoffed as he exited the room, Fudge on his heels.
"Headmistress." Harry turned to her. "Double check that Miss Vane is old enough for the Broom Closet inspection circuit. Ronald has been spending more time in the Closet than in Class… and never with the same witch. I know that kind of activity is dangerous…"
"I will look into it, Lord Potter." Minerva snarled.
"Um… Lord Potter, We must call our Champion home. But She has bonded with you." the Hat chuckled from McGonagall's head.
Harry drew out Maggie and shifted her to her Cane size. "Fawkes. Come here please."
A flash of red fire, caused everyone to reach for their wand, as the Phoenix swooped across the ceiling as she banked and returned to the Blackthorn Perch…
Just before a White flash as Hedwig followed the larger bird into the Boardroom, before she too perched on Maggie.
Fawkes trilled… as she flared her wings and Crest. Where she was a Falcon when she had left with Potter, she was now twice as big, and crossed with a Grey Parrot and then dipped in the reds and oranges of the Dawn Sky."
"Damn! Looking Good Bird!" The Hat called out. "We need you to come back every three days and be ready should we need you for emergencies."
Fawkes trilled happily and hopped onto McGonagall's shoulder, crouching to fit under the Hats brim.
"Oh, Aunt Minerva. Lord Potter to the Headmistress, my Adopted Daughter is going to join Hogwarts in about six-seven years. She is currently being taught the way of the Gryffindor by my Godfather. Unless you can get Lupin back on staff…"
"Ame, Connie. I feel the need for some Irish Tea." Minivera turned to the Director.
"Tonks, Rufus. See Mrs Weasley to a conversation room and make her a cuppa. Puckette, fetch her husband. Rufus. Test their skills with the tea." She walked around the table. "Lord Potter. I am in need of a new Staff for the Solstice. Susan will give you the details." She hooked Miniveras arm and exited the room.
"Windstar, Attend me please." Rufus Scrimgeour grinned. "Your subordinate can watch the children."
Hedwig had repositioned herself to Harry's left shoulder as He had slid the Cane into the front Pouch, with the eye sticking out the top.
"Barchoke, gents. I have some hides that are unique in Europe." He pulled out a roll of Wrysa leather, and spread it across the table.
"Oh… it absorbs the light!" Barchoke ran his talons across the leather. "What's the creature this…" he trailed off as he turned to look at the black beast at Hermione's side.
"Magic eaters. I landed on the pack, and killed them.. How I will keep to myself right now, but I will tell you the story over drinks this summer. Then I drug them home and my Elf butchered them. The meat was fed to my Dragon as he was undergoing a growth spurt, but I have treated leather that needs to be tested. I was thinking, Vests for my Account Managers and my Lawyer. So that's three to five vests, pending on if Twist and Grindstone are included. I don't know how these will take magic from a standard witch or wizard. I have enough to vest you three, and a tie for each of you… and something tells me that the Chief is working hard to craft me something breathtaking. I was going to say that you have a suit made for him…but I will hold off, for now. Instead, I am going to need to source out the work of the Vests for my Biker Gang, now should I include you three?"
"What is this Biker Gang you speak of?" Gripsaq snarled.
"Think of an American Muggle Werewolf Pack and you are not far off." Ted answered.
"And why would you…" Gripsaq glared at the Lad.
"Because I consider you my Allies. I will take your Contract at the Drop of a Hat."
TBC