Chapter 30
Albus looked on as the Lords and Ladies of Great Britain filed into the chambers of the Wizengamot, paying particular focus to those who appeared rather deeply displeased.
There were several among them, and the Chief Warlock had no doubt that the following undertaking would become rather unpleasant in nature.
A tired Minister Leach carrying a large stack of parchment followed shortly after with his entourage in tow, and he took his place behind his podium before nodding towards Albus to begin the proceedings.
Tapping his gavel atop his own desk, he cleared his throat.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, I hereby call this meeting to order. Minister Leach, the floor is yours."
Having given his introduction, Albus took his seat and leaned forward with interest.
"Yes, thank you, Chief Warlock," Leach replied, a deep frown creasing his brow. "We have gathered today at the behest of some of my peers, to conduct a fact-finding hearing pertaining to the incident which took place on the twenty-fifth of this month. I would urge you all to remember that this is not a criminal trial but a hearing to establish whether or not one, Harry Jameson, is liable for prosecution. I would ask that there is no interference from any as the facts are displayed for all to see. Those who do have questions will raise their wand and wait in an orderly manner. There will be no questions from the public gallery permitted, nor from the media."
Albus nodded his approval, though some of the members of the Wizengamot grumbled unhappily amongst themselves.
"Firstly, I would ask that Head Auror Grimm join us," Leach requested.
Grimm carried his own stack of parchment to the centre of the room, where a table had been placed. When he'd arranged his papers, he nodded towards Leach, signalling he was ready.
"Mr Grimm, at my request, I understand you have personally conducted a thorough investigation into what transpired during the event in question. In particular, I asked that you focus on the protections placed on Mr Jameson's restaurant and the part they played."
"You did," Grimm confirmed as he began consulting his documents. "Upon completing my investigation and having my findings clarified by three other Aurors of considerable experience and the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it has been deemed that all protections implemented by Harry Jameson were lawful."
Several murmurs of displeasure sounded throughout the room, and Minister Leach used his own gavel to silence them.
"Thank you, Head Auror Grimm. Could you be more specific as to what the protections consist of?"
Grimm shook his head.
"I cannot," he replied. "As this is not a criminal trial, Mr Jameson has exercised his right not to divulge the details of the protections around his restaurant. That is why I insisted on four other detailed examinations of the protections taking place. I wanted to ensure there was no subterfuge and that the five doing so were of unquestionable character and standing."
"Indeed," Leach returned, making a note on his parchment. "Thank you, Head Auror Grimm. Is there anything else you wish to add?"
"Only that Mr Jameson has cooperated with all requests made of him. He came willingly to be interviewed by Senior Aurors and has complied in allowing us to investigate the incident fully."
"Duly noted. Thank you again, Head Auror Grimm."
With a nod, the man gathered up his parchment and left the room.
Leach took several more notes on his parchment before placing his quill down.
"I understand that a medical examination has been completed," he stated. "We shall hear the findings of those next."
"Just wait a minute, Minister," Lord Yaxley interjected. "Are we not allowed to question Head Auror Grimm?"
"I do not believe it is necessary," Leach responded. "He offered his report, and four others have corroborated it."
Yaxley was undeniably displeased by the dismissal, but Albus agreed with Leach. Questioning Grimm would serve no purpose other than to go over ground that has already been covered.
"The Medical Officer, please," the Minister requested.
It was a young woman who approached and took Grimm's spot. She was young, but she looked tired, undoubtedly from the amount of work she'd completed over the prior days.
"State your name for the Wizengamot," Leach instructed.
"Jennifer Royle. I have been the medical examiner for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for seven years."
"Thank you, Miss Royle," Leach replied, offering the woman a respectful nod. "You have been asked to conduct an examination on the twelve individuals who unfortunately perished during the incident. Could you explain our findings for us all?"
Jennifer nodded and briefly consulted a clipboard she was carrying.
"Eleven of the deaths were caused by various puncture wounds, caused by one of the protections installed around the restaurant."
"So, not by a spell?" Leach asked.
Jennifer shook her head.
"No, upon removing and inspecting the blades and comparing them to those created by the protective magic, they are identical. The deaths were not caused by a direct spell courtesy of Mr Jameson."
"And what of the twelfth individual."
"Killed by a blasting curse," Jennifer informed the Wizengamot.
"Was the spell cast by Mr Jameson?" Leach pressed.
"No, it was cast by another individual. The ambient traces of protective magic suggest that it ricocheted before colliding with the individual."
"Thank you, Miss Royle. Is there anything you wish to add?"
"Not at this time, Minister."
"Then you are free to leave."
Jennifer did so, and once more, Leach made several notes on his parchment before addressing the room.
"I understand you have all been provided with the reports you have heard, along with those from the Aurors in charge of the case. Is there anyone who has not received these?"
None spoke, and Leach nodded.
"Then I believe it is time we hear from Mr Jameson himself. Mr Jameson, if you please."
Harry cut quite the impressive figure as he complied, standing tall and confidently in front of the Wizengamot as though he was a veteran of doing such.
"Mr Jameson, you have already explained your version of events to the Aurors throughout an interview process, and I will not ask you again to do so, but I have some things I wish for you to clarify, and I suspect others will have questions."
"Ask away, Minister," Harry urged.
Leach cleared his throat as he shuffled his parchment.
"Firstly, could you explain why such protections are placed around your restaurant?"
"They weren't until the day the attack happened," Harry answered. "Given what happened to the Osbornes in Diagon Alley, and in Hogsmeade, I felt it necessary to improve my own security. I take the safety of my staff and premises very seriously. I can assure you that all of my defences are well within the letter of the law."
"Indeed," Leach murmured. "Tell me, Mr Jameson, what occurred that caused you to confront the men outside of your restaurant."
"I was alerted by the protections that someone was attempting to breach the defences, and as already referred to, I refuse to become a victim to those causing harm to other business owners."
Leach hummed.
"What was it you were confronted with upon arrival?"
"More than a dozen masked individuals, and one not wearing a mask."
"Masked individuals?"
"They wore white masks to conceal their identities."
"So, you couldn't possibly have identified them?"
"No, but I do not see how that is relevant. The restaurant had been closed for two hours, and they attempted to break in. I was within my rights to defend my property, and the defences would not have reacted so harshly if they were not provoked to do so. You'll see in the Auror reports that a thorough investigation has taken place, and my defences are of the highest, professional standard."
"What of the individual not wearing a mask, could you identify them?"
"If I saw them, yes," Harry answered. "He was quite distinct due to his reckless use of the Dark Arts."
"Reckless use of the Dark Arts? How can you be certain?"
"Minister, I am an expert in them and the defence of them," Harry pointed out. "This man possessed the characteristics of delving deeply into magic that should be left alone."
"Explain these characteristics, Mr Jameson."
"Pale, waxy skin, and a defining red tinge to his eyes. He didn't give his name, and I didn't ask. Our confrontation was short and violent with few words exchanged."
Albus felt his heart sink into his stomach.
The description only confirmed his suspicions.
Harry had described the Tom Riddle the Headmaster remembered visiting him some years prior.
"And he fled."
"He fled," Harry confirmed. "The blasting curse that killed one of them came from his wand as he attempted to destroy my restaurant and the others from the defences. The Aurors have viewed my memory from the incident and are satisfied that I am telling the truth."
Leach nodded, making another note on his parchment.
"What of Miss Amelia Bones? She attended the incident with you, did she not?"
"She was present."
"And what is the nature of your relationship with Miss Bones?" Lord Yaxley called.
"You will raise your wand if you wish to ask a question," Leach returned irritably.
"It's quite alright, Minister," Harry broke in. "It gives me the opportunity to tell Mr Yaxley to mind his own business. My relationship with Miss Bones has no bearing on these proceedings, and he would do well to remember that."
His response had been courteous, but Albus did not miss the cold, warning edge to his tone.
"Indeed," Leach agreed. "Miss Bones has provided her own witness statement, which has been made available to all of you. Thank you, Mr Jameson, you are free to leave."
"Free to leave?" Yaxley scoffed. "Twelve purebloods are dead, and you are allowing him to get away with it?"
"And how was I supposed to know they were purebloods attempting to break into my premises violently?" Harry retorted. "They were all wearing masks, which only brings into question their motivation for doing so. Unless you have an alternative explanation, Mr Yaxley?"
"That is Lord Yaxley to you!" Lord Malfoy snapped.
"I afford the same respect that I am given," Harry replied with a shrug. "He, as far as I am aware, was not present during the incident, and yet, he seems very willing to make excuses for the criminals who attempted to harm me and my business. It does make me question whether he has a vested interest in this case. The names of those involved weren't released, but I expect their families were informed of what happened. If Mr Yaxley has a personal vendetta against me, then I welcome him to air his grievance. I will not have my character questioned when I was the intended victim of what I can only assume would've been a vicious attack against me. I expect most of you in this room to have much more directly harmful protections around your homes, as is your right."
None offered a response, and though Harry was being a little more confrontational than he would have liked, Albus was proud to see him refusing to back down.
"Thank you, Mr Jameson. We will now deliberate on the findings of the investigation. I understand you have already consulted with a solicitor."
"Not a solicitor," Harry replied. "I have already discussed the matter with some contacts in the ICW. They have reviewed the case for themselves and are eagerly awaiting further instruction."
The revelation took aback Minister Leach and even some of the Lords and Ladies began murmuring amongst themselves.
If Harry had indeed involved the ICW, it could bring the entire Ministry of Magic under scrutiny, including the Wizengamot, and there were those amongst them who would not wish for such attention.
Albus offered Harry a nod.
He'd played his hand perfectly, and though he'd done nothing wrong, Harry had likely avoided being subjected to the political cesspool of the Wizengamot.
(Break)
"You handled yourself really well," Amelia praised as Harry took a seat next to her.
The benches of the Wizengamot had been silenced to those sitting in the public gallery, and it was clear that a furious debate was taking place among the Lords and Ladies.
Yaxley was leading the charge on one side, evidently doing his utmost to push for prosecution, but he would not be successful.
Harry had used their own laws against them, and there would be no grounds for pursuing the matter, not when the evidence was stacked against those that had attempted to attack the restaurant, and not when what had happened in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley was so fresh in the minds of the public.
Regardless, Harry did not seem bothered by the proceedings, but Amelia couldn't say the same.
If it were a pureblood who'd defended his business in such a way, it would not have escalated this far.
Nonetheless, Harry had expected it and had acted accordingly, just as he had the night the restaurant had been attacked.
Amelia had never been in any doubt that he was a gifted wizard, but to see him facing off with whoever the man had been leading the group had only reiterated to her just how good he was.
He'd been oddly calm and even somehow excited about the fight during the occurrence.
The man he'd fended off had been no slouch, and though it had gone by in a blur, the violence and intent with which both had fought was like nothing she'd seen before.
Still, she'd gotten no answers from Harry as to who the man was.
He claimed not to know, but what had happened between them felt so personal, as though the man had personally offended Harry beyond attempting to attack the restaurant.
Amelia vividly remembered feeling the utter loathing rolling off him in waves of the very same cold, unwelcoming magic she'd felt upon being transported with Harry.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Harry nodded.
He'd said little since that night and had spent much of his time back and forth between the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and wherever else he went.
He'd been summoned away twice in as many days, but both had been brief visits to the continent, and Amelia now knew he had been at the ICW.
That all but sealed the outcome of this preposterous hearing, and as Leach signalled that the Wizengamot were ready to reconvene, those in the public gallery fell silent to allow the man to speak.
"Mr Jameson, if you please," he invited tiredly, shooting a stern look towards the displeased Yaxley.
Harry approached and waited for the Minister to continue, and he did so upon arranging his various piles of parchment into a neat stack.
"It is the finding of this body that you did indeed operate within the parameters of the law and as such, will face no prosecution. The Wizengamot thanks you for your time and cooperation."
Harry merely inclined his head towards the Minister and shot a glare towards Yaxley.
He may have been cleared of any wrongdoing, but Amelia suspected this wouldn't be the last of the matter.
Yaxley was both too stupid and stubborn not to let it go, and Harry certainly wouldn't back down.
How he would handle the man, Amelia didn't know, but for now, she was just relieved to see that this would not become more than it needed to be.
(Break)
"Mr Jameson, do you have any comments about the hearing?" a keen journalist asked as Harry left the Wizengamot chambers.
He shook his head.
"None whatsoever," he answered simply before moving along.
For the past few days, they'd been hounding anyone who had witnessed the incident for an interview, so as far as Harry was concerned, they'd gotten all the insight they'd need.
It had been a trying few days, to say the least.
The Aurors had arrived mere seconds after Tom had vanished, and ever since, Harry had spent his time going back and forth between his house and the Ministry of Magic where he'd been interviewed no less than half a dozen times by various members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
He'd provided them with the memory of what had occurred, but still, they persisted on questioning him thoroughly.
Amelia had been subjected to the same treatment and was instructed to not have any contact with Harry.
They'd passed each other in the office, but beyond a very brief greeting, they'd not been given the opportunity to speak until now.
It had been odd without her coming home at the end of each day, and Harry realised just how used to her presence he had become accustomed to.
"Are you okay?" she asked, taking him by the hand.
Harry nodded as he glared at Yaxley.
The man never seemed to learn from any of the lessons Harry had bestowed upon him, and he knew he would have to pay him another visit in due course.
"I'm fine," he sighed. "Just glad that it's over with."
"You did nothing wrong, Jameson."
"I know," Harry said with a shrug. "Do you know that?"
Amelia deflated.
"Honestly, I didn't expect such a reaction from you, but I get it," she assured him. "You did the right thing. They would've tried to kill you."
"They would, and likely will try again."
"Do you really not know who that man is? I don't think I've ever felt so uneasy around anyone."
"I'm not entirely sure. I will look into it."
"With the ICW?"
Harry nodded.
How Ghost had heard about the incident so quickly, Harry didn't know, but only a few hours after, he'd been summoned to discuss the matter with the man, who had assured him that he would let nothing unseemly come of it should the Wizengamot push to prosecute.
Ghost had been furious about what had happened, and it had taken considerable persuasion on Harry's part to convince him the attack had nothing to do with the work he'd undertaken for the department.
Still, it was touching that he had the support if he'd needed it.
Much to his relief, he hadn't, but he knew it would not be the end of it.
He was now on Voldemort's radar, and Harry was in no doubt that the Dark Lord would make another attempt on his life, or business.
Harry would be ready for that eventuality.
He'd killed Tom once before, and he would do so again if necessary.
"Ready to go home?" Amelia asked.
"Don't you have work?"
"I have been given the rest of the week off by Grimm," she said with a smile. "I think we have some lost few days to make-up for, don't you?"
It brought a smile to Harry's lips.
He had missed her.
"Well, that's the best offer I've had all week," he chuckled, relaxing for the first time since he'd laid eyes on Tom once again, though that feeling shifted quickly as a steely-eyed Arcturus Black stepped in front of them.
"The right decision was made today," the man murmured, "but there are those who will take it upon themselves to seek justice."
"Then I would urge those people not to," Harry replied. "I showed a lot of restraint, considering my life was put at risk. I will not do so again."
Arcturus's nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed before he offered Harry a bow.
"Until we meet again, Mr Jameson. Miss Bones."
Harry watched as the man left, and Amelia felt a sense of nervousness fill her.
"I'd bet one of his children were there," she said.
"As would I," Harry returned.
He didn't seem fazed, but the Blacks had a reputation for being particularly swift and cruel if they felt slighted, and Arcturus was cut from that cloth.
He was equally feared and respected in wizarding Britain, with good reason.
Arcturus Black was a dangerous man to be on the wrong side of.
(Break)
He had been waiting eagerly for the outcome of the hearing, and his five staunchest followers had not delayed in arriving to inform him of it the moment the verdict had been announced.
Jameson would not be prosecuted, and though the Dark Lord felt a twinge of irritation that the man would get away with what he'd done, he'd already concocted a way to turn such a development in his favour.
"Gentlemen, is this not what I have been saying to you all along?" he asked them. "The Ministry is no longer for the purebloods. Instead, it caters to mudbloods and half-bloods to appease them. I must say, I had hoped I was wrong, and I find myself disappointed that I have been proven correct."
"The bastard should've been sentenced to the Dementors!" Yaxley spat.
"He should," Voldemort agreed readily, "but let us not lose focus on what we have learned. The Ministry no longer cares for our bloodlines or our traditions. Leach and the others caved to the half-blood, but I expect we will garner more support because of it. I would have you all speak with others about joining our cause. They will be much more inclined to after what happened today."
The others nodded their agreement.
"What of Jameson?" Yaxley growled. "What is to be done about him?"
"Nothing, for now," Voldemort answered thoughtfully, holding up a hand as Yaxley scoffed in disbelief. "He will be on high alert, and I refuse to see any more of our blood spilt. Worry not, old friend; he will get what is coming to him. Now, you know what you must do. Jameson is a problem to be solved another day. We must capitalise on this opportunity."
Although they appeared to want to protest, none did and took their leave of the café they had gathered in.
The Dark Lord remained where he was, pondering the young man he'd faced in Knockturn Alley.
Harry Jameson was an obstacle he could do without.
He'd proven to be a competent and dangerous wizard, much more so than Voldemort had anticipated.
He'd been so cool and calm at being confronted by so many men and not even flinched upon feeling his own power.
Not only that, but he had also fought with such ferocity that he had taken the Dark Lord aback.
Jameson was indeed quite the problem, but not one capable of besting the descendant of the great Salazar Slytherin.
Of that, the Dark Lord was certain.
(Break)
He'd always despised the smell of St Mungo's.
When he would visit Dorea at work, the place always had a lingering stench of death in the air mixed with the most unpleasant of potions and cleaning products.
It had been some time now that he'd been here so regularly, but given the state of his youngest son, his daily trips had become something of a necessity.
"How is he doing today, Healer Roberts?"
"Well enough, Lord Black," the woman answered. "I would say that he will be ready to go home tomorrow as good as new."
Arcturus offered her an appreciative nod before entering the private room he had insisted be given to Cygnus.
His son jumped as the door opened forcefully, not granting him the time to pretend he was asleep whenever his father had visited in previous days.
With widened eyes, he stared at Arcturus as guiltily as he did when he'd been caught sneaking snacks when he'd been but a boy.
He was a man grown now, though just as spoilt, and evidently stupid.
"Father!" Cygnus gasped.
Arcturus glared at the man.
"I understand that your injuries are healed."
"I-I'm getting b-better."
"Good," Arcturus whispered, "because when you are better, I'm going to ensure that every single day for the foreseeable future is as painful and miserable as I can."
Cygnus swallowed deeply.
"Father, I…"
"Shut up," Arcturus growled. "I told you, boy, that you were not to involve yourself with this madman, and now, you've put me in a very difficult position."
"Father, it was the right thing to do!"
Arcturus chuckled humourlessly as his son's defiance.
"Is that so, Cygnus? Please explain to me how this little venture of yours has panned out for you thus far. From what I see, you're lucky to be alive. Twelve others were not so fortunate, and this Lord Voldemort you have thrown yourself did not exactly paint himself in glory. He fled like a coward, and now Jameson is out for blood."
Cygnus snorted derisively.
"The half-blood? He is nothing!"
Arcturus could only shake his head.
"You know, I looked into Harry Jameson. I spoke with every single person I could think of, and would you like to know what I learned?"
Cygnus scowled unhappily.
"What?" he huffed.
Arcturus leaned forward so the displeasure in his expression and voice could not be mistaken.
"Not a fucking thing."
"Then he's a nobody!"
Arcturus eyed the man and fought the urge to throttle him.
"It is hard to believe that such a moron could have come from my loins," he despaired. "Jameson is not a nobody. I have looked many killers in the eye in my life. I fought against them and amongst them during the war. There were some who carried the burden badly, but there was the odd one who did not. Make no mistake, Cygnus, Jameson is one of those killers who can do it so callously and forget it happened in the next moment. I saw the fight between him and your exulted leader. I had to call in a few favours to access the memory, and Jameson is far from being a nobody. He is a highly trained wizard that you do not want to find yourself on the wrong side of, and now, you have put our family well and truly in his gaze. Well, you are well and truly in his gaze."
"I was wearing a mask!"
"And you have been here for almost a week," Arcturus pointed out. "I expect someone like Jameson is more than thorough enough to check on who survived. Oh, he knows you are here. I expect he is just wondering what he is going to do next."
"He got away with it?" Cygnus gasped.
"Of course he did!" Arcturus snapped. "He was within his rights to defend himself and his business. Now, he is free to ensure nothing like that happens again. Where do you think he is going to begin?"
Cygnus merely gaped in response. For once in his life, he was lost for words.
"What do you think we should do, boy?" Arcturus pressed.
Cygnus swallowed deeply.
"Kill him?"
"Do you think you are capable of doing so?"
"The Dark Lord…"
"I asked if you believe you are capable of doing it!" Arcturus hissed.
Cygnus shrugged, and that was all Arcturus needed to see.
"I will fix this fucking mess for you, but if you ever defy me again, I will let Jameson or whoever else has a gripe do as they wish to you. Do you understand?"
Cygnus nodded and Arcturus stood, offering his son a look of disgust.
"Where are you going?" Cygnus asked worriedly.
"Home."
"What if he comes here?"
"Then you'd best pray he is in a forgiving mood, Cygnus," Arcturus urged, turning and leaving the room.
A deep frown creased his brow as he made his way through the corridors of St Mungo's, and his gaze flitted across every person he passed.
"Restauranteur my arse," he grumbled.
(Break)
"I can't believe they made you go through that," Amelia sighed.
"It was the right thing to do," Harry replied, much to her surprise. "If they hadn't, then certain people could've taken it upon themselves to make it worse. Officially, I have been cleared of any wrongdoing, and if anyone attempts to escalate it, then they will be in the wrong."
"They will though, won't they? They won't leave it."
"The smarter ones will," Harry replied with a shrug. "They will cut their losses. It will be the idiots who won't."
"You mean Yaxley."
"He's definitely proven himself to be an idiot."
"Aren't you worried?"
"Are you?"
Amelia shook her head.
"No."
"Then why are we wasting time talking about it?"
"I don't know, it's just been a terrible few days."
"Did you miss me?"
"I might have."
"Is that all I get?"
Amelia placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"For now," she answered as she stood. "I'm going to enjoy a bath. I've missed the bath you have here."
"Bloody charming," Harry chuckled, frowning as the floo chimed in the entrance hall. "You never know, that could be for you."
Amelia rolled her eyes at him and left the room.
"Ah, Miss Bones, I was hoping that Harry was available," the voice of Dumbledore greeted her.
"He is, Professor," Amelia replied. "Jameson, it's for you."
"Are you fielding his calls now?" Dumbledore asked amusedly.
Amelia blushed, and the headmaster chuckled.
"It is none of my business, ah, Harry; I was wondering if you would join me. I won't keep you away long."
"I wouldn't worry, Albus. Bones here is getting in the bath. She'll probably fall asleep in there anyway."
"I do not fall asleep in there!" Amelia protested. "I just rest my eyes."
"And put the additional effort into snoring," Harry quipped. "I'll be right through."
Dumbledore chuckled before his head vanished from the fireplace, and Amelia glared at Harry.
"Sometimes, I could kill you."
"Promises, promises," Harry said dismissively. "You'd miss me too much," he added, kissing her before stepping into the fireplace.
Amelia narrowed her eyes towards the flames and muttered under her breath before making her way towards the bathroom.
Jameson would be back soon enough, and he was right.
She would probably fall asleep in the bath again.
(Break)
"Ah, Harry, thank you for joining me," Albus greeted him. "Please, take a seat."
The headmaster appeared to be quite troubled, and the bags under his eyes spoke of sleepless nights.
Taking a seat, Harry waited for the man to speak, and as ever, the first thing he did was to enquire about his health.
"How are you?" Albus asked.
"I've been worse."
"But I expect you have been better," the headmaster sighed. "I had every faith that you would be cleared."
"As did I, unless someone chose to interfere."
"Minister Leach may be many things, but his character cannot be called into question. He is not one to be leaned on."
"No, I don't think he is."
It was a shame that the man was not long for office in that regard.
Harry didn't know the details of his tenure during his own time, but from what he had learned, Nobby Leach had been quite unwilling to do what was necessary to tackle the threat of the Death Eaters.
"I'm afraid I didn't just ask you here to see that you are well," Albus murmured, pulling Harry from his thoughts. "I need to discuss something with you, something I have suspected for some time but have been uncertain of until now. It is about the man who led the group in attacking you."
"You know who he is?"
Harry was curious to see if Dumbledore would be honest with him. It was a novel premise when it came to the headmaster, but that had been when Harry was just a boy.
"I believe so," Albus replied. "His name is Tom Riddle. He is a former student from a couple of decades ago."
"He was," Harry confirmed. "He was given an award for 'Special Services' to the school. I recognised him from the photo in the trophy. I do not tend to forget a face."
Albus seemed surprised by the revelation, but his expression became grave once more.
"I cannot emphasise how dangerous he is, Harry," he warned. "Tom is a brilliant wizard, and his brilliance is only matched by his cruelty."
"I know," Harry assured the man.
He wasn't going to divulge how he knew, but he would not leave Albus in any doubt that he understood the threat that Voldemort posed.
"So long as you do," the headmaster murmured. "It is concerning that he has emerged. I had thought he had left Britain for good, but I suppose that was wishful thinking on my part."
Harry nodded.
Tom's presence was troubling for all, but especially Dumbledore.
Harry had not forgotten the fear he had instilled within the country and the support he had garnered for his grab for power.
"I know all I need to know about him, Albus. Him being here is a problem, but one that will be remedied."
"By you?"
"If necessary."
Albus deflated, seemingly from relief, but his cautious expression remained.
"I have never met anyone like him, Harry. Even as a boy, he was cruel and vengeful. I fear he will soon shift his focus towards you. There is nothing beyond him. He will do whatever it takes to exact even the pettiest of revenge."
"He is a cruel, delusional man," Harry replied as he stood, "but I suspect I already know him better than you."
Albus shot him a questioning look, and for once, when interacting with the often-infuriating man, Harry could revel in the knowledge that he knew more than the headmaster.
Perhaps it was his own form of pettiness to enjoy the look of confusion Dumbledore sported, but he only enjoyed it more as he continued to speak.
"His name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, born to Merope Gaunt of the Slytherin line and Tom Riddle, a muggle from Little Hangelton. His mother died birthing him, and Tom grew up in an orphanage in London, where he'd been born. You met with him to introduce him to the wizarding world shortly before his first year at Hogwarts, and when Tom arrived, he was sorted into the house of his ancestor. He discovered he was a parselmouth and his lineage whilst he was here. Upon graduation, he took a job at Borgin and Burke's before leaving suddenly shortly after. He vanished for many years, and now he is back. There is much more, but those are the poignant points."
Dumbledore was gaping, and Harry took no small amount of pleasure in seeing it.
"How?" the headmaster asked dumbly.
"The answer to any question can be found if only we know where to look," Harry replied in a Dumbledore-esque manner. "You do not need to worry, Albus. I know exactly what I am dealing with."
Leaving the office via the floo, Harry allowed a smile to grace his lips.
It wasn't leaving Dumbledore dumbfounded that had caused it, but the realisation of the knowledge he possessed.
He was still rather ignorant of the ins-and-outs of the first war against Tom, but there was no denying the advantage he held over the Dark Lord in the long-term.
If nothing else, he was well-armed against what was coming, and Harry knew he would be lying to himself if he did not relish the thought of putting an end to his former foe again.
This time, however, it would not be due to sheer luck that he achieved.
Harry was not an inexperienced boy relying on the kindness of fate to see him through.
No, he was a skilled wizard in his own right, and Tom Riddle would learn that in the hardest of ways.
It was the sight of Amelia dozing on the sofa that pulled him from his thoughts and reminded him that there was a much more complex matter compared to Voldemort he needed to solve.
The web surrounding the murder of the woman's parents was made from threads of other deaths, corruption, greed, and deceit, but until Harry managed to begin unravelling it, Amelia would continue to be tormented by what had plagued her since she was a child.
Still, Harry was determined to the task through, and he would do so.
"You're back," Amelia greeted him sleepily. "I tried to stay awake."
Harry chuckled as he offered her his hand.
"Come on, I think it's time for bed, don't you?"
"Your bed?" Amelia asked, more alert than she had been a moment prior.
"Not unless you don't want to."
She narrowed her eyes at him, her cheeks reddening slightly.
"Shut up, Jameson," she muttered, smirking despite herself as Harry offered her a mischievous smile.