Chapter 1: The beginning
Chapter Text
24 July 1991
The owl had just landed on the small parapet. She had in her beak a letter with a green ink text:
Mr. H. Potter
The roof
Wyndham's Theatre
Charing Cross Road
She was searching for the boy to whom the letter was addressed with her black eyes. A few minutes later she dropped the letter and flew away. At that moment a very small and skinny boy woke up and got out of the small space under the parapet; he folded the dirty blanket and dropped it in a bag.
This boy had a thin face, knobbly knees, black hair, sad bright green eyes, and on his forehead a very thin scar shaped like a bolt of lightning. Those eyes that some could have called beautiful were alert, but that morning this small letter on the ground didn’t catch their attention. Harry was moving with the rapidity of those who are used to living on the street, without a sound or a hesitation he had packed all the things and had hidden them under the parapet, and under a minute he had started to climb down the wall of the theatre. It was 6:02 am, so he had less than thirty minutes before the garbage collectors picked up the trash. He often started by the theatre trash which was always full after a representation night, if it were not enough he would have enough time to search maybe half of Charing Cross Road before it all got away.
On a normal day, Harry would do some errands all over London. After five years on the street, he had learned (some would say the hard way) who would in fact pay him and who would call the cops, probably hoping that this young boy would be better with the authorities. The problem was that Harry didn’t trust adults and even less authorities, he had been on his own too long to believe that it was kindness in the eyes of people who looked at him.
Sadly, that day would be one of the worst of his short life, of course, the reason behind that was that he didn’t remember the first six years of his life at the Dursleys. For him he was born the day that Vernon Dursley had dropped him in a London park hoping that someone would bring him to the hospital, he had lost his temper once again and had hit the lad until the happy light in those green eyes couldn’t shine anymore. It was his right, the boy was a nuisance and a parasite who had lived at their house for too long. He had never let him get out of the house except at night and now however no one could trace him back to them and he was glad. However, all of that wasn’t in the mind of Harry that night when he was walking in the street. He had a good day, he had eaten enough and he had made 12 pounds that were now in his pocket. If only he hadn’t turned right, he wouldn’t have seen those boys attack this young girl and he could have gone back on his roof. Sadly he had turned right, saw the aggression, and decided to intervene. And now with broken glass and leg and so much internal damage he couldn’t breeze without pain he was slowly crawling towards his roof. The ascension of the back wall took him almost an hour and when he hid under the parapet, he was convinced that it was probably his last night on earth.
31 July 1991
A week later, Harry Potter was buried. Under the letter fortunately, in the week that had passed he had received more than a hundred letters dropped on the small parapet. He was tired, more tired than he had ever been but he was alive, he had not been awake a lot but enough to drink a small amount of water. And now he was hungry, but when he saw the sheer amount of letters he couldn’t quite believe his eyes. He took one in his hand and after reading the green ink text asked himself if those letters were destined for him, he then realized that he had no idea of his name, in his life before he was the freak or boy and then he was a different name each day to be sure that no one remembers him the next day, he had always congratulated himself on his capacity to always be forgotten as if he had never been there. However even if he had no clue if yes or no he was this Harry that the letters were destined to, he was sure that he was the only individual that was living on this roof. So he opened the letter and 3 parchments dropped on his knees.
When he read the letter he couldn’t stop smiling, those letters were so clearly a joke that it was hard to take the following text seriously.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
However, when he picked up the second parchment his smile vanished, his eyes took a green death color and his jet-black hairs started to become electric, they were dressing on his head and then behind them anyone looking could have seen over his forehead a curiously shaped red cut, like a bolt of lightning and that day that scar was always moving on his forehead. Indeed he had read the name of his nightmare, the name that he kept hearing when he closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Dear Mr and Mrs Dursley,
As I mentioned in my last letter, Harry will start school on the 1st of September. I persuade Minerva not to show up at your house as I am sure you have already talked with Harry about his story and his family. However, to help you buy his school supplies I have asked Rubeus Hagrid to meet you at the Leaky Cauldron on the 1st of August and to guide you on this journey that I am sure you will appreciate.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
So, he was indeed Harry Potter. The next thought inside his head was a profound hate for this Dumbledore man, what kind of people could leave a child in that kind of place? What kind of monster you could be, he was probably worth even more than the Dursleys. But now he knew his name, at least that part was good. It was the first time in his life that he had been able to know that fact, the Dursleys had never let him go to school, they had hidden him in the cupboard and no one ever came for him. He had learned to read the newspaper in the bin he had found and the old lady who lived under the bridge had been kind enough to teach him to write. However, he didn’t believe it would be enough to survive in school. But the weirdest thing in all that was that he was two blocks away from the Leaky Cauldron and he had always liked the place, feeling he was a bit safer there. He had never eaten or drunk anything there nor found work but he had been able to sneak inside and hide himself near the fire during the winter hardness. At that moment his stomach made a low growl, and he decided to go searching for food or even treat himself to a cheap meal thanks to the money he had won the previous day. However, when he arrived in the street and took the first paper in the bin his jaw dropped. It was the 31st of July, he had slept for 7 days, no wonder he was this famished.
1 August 1991
He hadn’t slept all night, it was hard for him to believe those letters, he had opened almost half of them, and despite a crazy list of products that he could not find anywhere he knew of, there was nothing else. He had tried his hardest to just put the troubles away from his mind but it was too much of a coincidence to bear. So he had decided that he would go to the Leaky Cauldron and stay hidden. If he decided that indeed it was not a trap from anybody, maybe he would show himself.
A few minutes later he was passing the door, and he decided to sit by the fire, he believed that no one would look to someone just beside the fire, in case he had still pulled down his hood, his hairs were hiding half on his face and the luminosity just beside the fire was very very low, he was almost in the shadow. He always could almost disappear when he was in trouble and today he was stressed by the whole situation. He had waited for almost 3 hours when Hagrid entered, even if he didn't know who he was, between the barman saying hey to him and the massive persona he knew immediately that it was the kind of man that could be sent to catch him and bring him to wherever they wanted him and that would not do it for him. So carefully he tried to get out quickly, but the giant was already between him and the door. The next idea was to go further in the bar and hope that he would not be found. He walked through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a dustbin and a few weeds. Damn it, he was trapped. He started to feel trapped, he couldn't quite catch his breath. He had to climb the wall, he had been in an orphanage for a few days and he would never go back, even if it was better than the other alternative. He had climbed halfway to the height of the wall when suddenly it moved, he lost his grip and dropped onto the floor. When he looked up what he saw was not possible. He was in front of a huge road with so many people in weird clothes, his first thought was to believe he was on a movie set, but he couldn't find even one camera. He saw a small alley just to his right and he ran for it, hoping that no one would see or catch him. After more or less an hour with nothing but tranquility in his small corner of a street, Harry was only now starting to find his calm. After pinching himself twelve times he was now sure that he was not in a dream. People were using magic, there was no other explanation. Some were making objects fly without cords or tricks, they were all wearing robes or other inexplicable pieces of clothing, and clearly, he could not understand a lot of concepts in their conversation, like potions, magizoology, transfiguration, or Muggles. After observing for quite some time two things were clear, he had found a way to enter another world and a lot of things he had done in his life were finally clear. How he had survived so much, how he could climb a wall like no other, how he healed so quickly. He was a wizard!
The same day
It was bad, it was really bad. The Dursleys hadn’t shown up at the Leaky Cauldron and now Minerva was going to bother him again. He shouldn’t have told her he was going to ask Harry to come on the first of August. Why Petunia hadn’t brought the child, he had no idea. He was convinced that she was terrified by him and should not question a direct order he gave her. Ho, she was taking the stairs.
- Where is he, Albus? Asked McGonagall with an angry look in her eyes.
- You told me you had it under control, that Hagrid would take him to buy his things, and give him his ticket for the Express. Where is he? What did you do to lose him? I had told you not to lose him, you should have given him to your kind. She was practically shooting now.
- Keep your calm now Minerva, he has received his letters, I know it because I had them charmed before you sent them, we will just need to find him, it will not be very difficult. I have already asked Hagrid to go to the Dursleys to take him to us. Everything will be okay, you will see.
At that moment, an owl entered through the window. She put her leg forward and Dumbledore took the letter and started reading. Harry isn’t at the Dursleys and has not been for the past five years - I am a bit worried, I am coming back as fast as I can. Hagrid
- So now we have a problem, because I put a charm on the boy to be sure that no magic can be able to trace him, and I am pretty sure that he had not bought a wand for the time being, and no wand means no trace from the ministry. It is not good at all Minerva.
13 August 1991
For the past twelve days, Harry had come every day to Diagon Alley, he was discreet but he had started to believe it was his rightful place to be there, and today he had decided to go talk to a wizard. He needed to know how he could indeed go to Hogwarts on the 1st of September and where to find the money he would need to buy his school supplies (the pounds were not used here) and more importantly, the books that would give him the power he now wanted so much more than anything in his life. He had already chosen the person he would ask, she was an old witch who was serving tea in a small shop on a small street behind Diagon Alley. He entered the shop and walked straight forward towards her, and without letting her have the time to talk first he exclaimed.
- I am a Muggleborn and I want to change my money into galleons. Do you know where I need to go, please? (Harry had learned that he was a Muggleborn because he couldn’t believe that wizards could be related to the Dursleys, it was not possible at all, magic was beautiful and the Dursleys were monsters).
- I believe you're looking for Gringotts young man but you should not be alone with goblins, they are dangerous. Where are your parents?
- They are waiting for me in the Leaky Cauldrons, I am going to go find them right now, have a nice day. Bye!
So, he had indeed come to the right conclusion about the huge white building on Diagon Alley, it was indeed a bank and his next step on his journey. Gaining the courage to enter such a place was quite a challenge compared to the tea shop, but he had no choice; he needed the money. So he climbed the stairs, passed the two statues that magically guarded the place, and went through the doors. Three huge sets of doors later, he found himself in a hallway and walked in the direction of the first desk.
- Hello, sir
- Hello to you, young Mister Potter. We were wondering when you would arrive. We have been waiting for you. If you could follow me.
- Eh
- This way, Mister Potter.
Harry entered a smaller room, which could have been compared to an office if Harry had ever been in an office. But at that moment Harry was speechless, from all the weirdness he had discovered over the past two weeks it was the final blow. How the fuck, those creatures could know his name and why the hell did they want with him. But before he could ask anything, two other goblins entered the room and sat on the chairs in front of him. When Harry had joined them they started speaking again.
- Good morning, my name is Altor Greykeep and I am one of the economic advisors of his majesty the King. And in the name of the Goblin Nation, I want to welcome you back into our world. It has been too long since your family has been with us.
- My family?
- Yes, of course, we should have anticipated that the muggles you were living with would not have been a very good choice, Dumbledore doesn’t tend to learn from his mistakes.
- I haven’t been with those Muggles for the past five years if you must know.
- Oh? This is unexpected, but we should not be surprised by this. Mister Potter, do you know anything about your family, your history, or how the government works in our world?
- No, why?
- Because you represent something new, a catalyst. You probably don’t know but the goblin Nation of the High Islands, what you call Great Britain, believes that you represent at least three major families that are extinct in our world, and if it’s true you are the first fortune in the High Islands and probably in Celmore altogether!
- Celmore? Wait a minute, I have money in this bank?
- Of course, you have a lot of money. But we would love to ascertain how much exactly and then to open again your vaults.
- Why do you need my vaults open? And how are you going to be able to tell which ones are mine?
- Open vaults are profitable for us, we can gain power over the other goblin Nations like the North Clan in Celmore, what you would call Europe in modern Tong. Moreover, we can diversify your assets, a thing that has become quite difficult since the last war. And to be able to know with certainty which vaults are yours we just need a drop of blood.
And then before he could answer, one of the other goblins had seized his hand and drawn blood from his finger. The drop fell on a piece of parchment and the shape of a tree appeared on the parchment. First, in red ink, the title Lord of Houses Potter was writing itself on one of the branches, and at the same time a ring created itself around his ring finger on the left hand, then in orange ink the title of Lord of House Peverell wrote as well on another tree branch and a new ring appeared on the middle finger of the same hand. The goblins seemed very happy about all that and Harry could not take his eyes off the small drop of blood that was still writing that he was the Heir of the House of Black and then Lord of House Slytherin by conquest, and it was at that exact moment that the goblins were for the first time truly surprised by Harry.
- What does it mean?
- It means Lord Potter, that you are not only the richest wizard of Great Britain but probably one of the most influential men in this country. Or at least you will be when you can officially claim those titles. Be assured that until that time you have the complete Goblin Nation behind you if you need anything, and of course, we will create a complete review of your vaults, investments, and properties for you.
- Eh, as a matter of fact, I need money to buy my school things and maybe a place to sleep tonight.
Two hours later, Harry had been able to buy all of his things on the list except his wand and one of the Gringotts employees had confirmed that a chamber was waiting for him at the Leaky Cauldron under the name George Hatfischer for this night. He was now wearing a very simple robe, the cheapest he could have found. Even if goblins had been nicer than most adults in his life he still didn’t trust them and was very cautious with the money he had in his pockets. He was still grateful for them to have shown him how to make his rings disappear (because after trying for two minutes to remove them, he was sure that it was impossible) and to have offered him a small pouch with enough money to last him a full year at the speed he had used it that day. Even if this had not been always easy to speak to people and to be watch, he was kind of happy by how this day had turned out, but when he entered the last shop which was narrow and shabby with Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands, he felt like it was a place where he will not be able to hide his identity. A tinkling bell rang somewhere in the depths of the shop as he stepped inside. It was a tiny place, empty except for a single spindly chair and that was the last straw. He was terrified and decided to get out. The second he set foot outside, he ran. He ran so fast that he almost collided with the brick wall at the end of Diagon Alley. Only when he was in his room behind closed doors that Harry allowed himself to breathe again. So he had to find another wand maker, as if that was going to be easy.
31 August 1991
Let it be known that Albus Dumbledore wasn’t someone who usually got worked up. But that was the last straw, it had been a month. He had gone to the Dursleys and extracted all the information, this Vernon had almost killed the boy, he was probably dead as a matter of fact. He couldn't understand how this could have happened. However, he knew with certainty that he was alive, even if he couldn’t track him the letter had at least given him the opportunity to know that he was the one to open the letter. How the fuck the wizarding world would react when they would saw that their hero wasn't there? He had so much hope that at least Harry would come to the station the next day, and he could then arrange for him to buy all of his stuff. And of course, he will bring them to Olivander's shop for the wand with Fawkes feather to be bought, which was essential. As a matter of fact, he had decided that he would go himself to the train station tomorrow and take the boy with him, try to present the wizarding world his way, yes it was a very good idea indeed.
The same day
He had not been able to sleep for the last few days. Every time he closed his eyes he now saw a green lightning bolt. He had read some books about his life, and it was crazy for him to be able to believe that he was in books, a lot of them. He had learned about Lord Voldemort, about the war, and mostly about his parents. When he saw for the first time a picture of his dad all his doubts had vanished, he was the spitting image of him, except for the hair that he had very long and so of course flatter, his eyes, and his scars. It was hard not to cringe when he saw it now, his scar. So he had found a way to tie his hair that allowed them to cover it. Tomorrow he will be going to Hogwarts, he found a ticket in one of the letters. In his huge trunk he had put all his beautiful books (there were all second-hand books but what was inside was the beautiful part), he just couldn't wait to learn the different aspects of his world. But today would not be about books, trains, or even Hogwarts. Two days ago the goblins had agreed to bring him to another wand maker, of course, Harry knew it was only because they were very happy that after reading the summary of his assets he had decided to give Altor Greykeep full control of his account. He had read in “The Lords of High Islands’ position in the 20th century” that it was the typical way to trade with goblins, you could trust them in the question of money at a hundred percent, as long as you didn't sign anything with your magic you could not lose more than what you would win. In only a few days he had already won some money, and the goblins had proposed to him to reopen the different estate he now possessed. He had refused, he was scared that Dumbledore would learn about that. Since he had learned that Dumbledore had used some of his money and that he was the man responsible for his being left with the Dursleys, he was not only scared by the man but also felt profound anger toward him. He had seen the will of his parents, they had wanted him with Sirius Black, his godfather. That man was now in jail according to the goblins for betraying his parents, he had been having a hard time believing his parents could trust this man and that this man betrayed them, and the last will of the Potter was very cleared about the fact that Sirius was not the secret keeper, he had no clue was that meant but still. After careful examination, he had realised that he had had no trial whatsoever and decided to ask the goblins he now trusted very much (they were not typical adults, it's funny how the mind can find some way to counteract itself) to look into that.
He was ready to open a new book when someone knocked on the door.
- Mr. George Hatfischer, I am your goblin liaison, they sent me to bring you to a wand maker.
- Yes one moment please.
When Harry opened the door, he saw a young man with long red hair and a very nice smile.
- Hello, I am Mr. William Weasley, I had been believing that you would have been a bit older, but it doesn't matter. Our portkey is leaving in a few minutes. If you could put your hand on this suitcase, there, thank you.
A few moments later Harry was in a different country, and he had acquired a magnificent wand. It was one of a kind, a creation of Gregorovitch. The wood came from a sycamore struck by lightning and the core was crystallised ink, it was 12 inches long and it had cost him a small fortune, but he was so happy about it. No wand like that had ever been made, the creator had guaranteed him, it was only a test but when the first thirty-five Wands hadn't worked for Harry he had begun to try every Wand in his workshop. Now Harry was returning to England, with a holster around his forearm, and inside was a beautiful wand matte black with deep blue runes carved on it. He was for the first time in almost all his life truly happy, sadly the sentiment would not have lasted very long.
1 September 1991
It didn't exist! He was now sure that the tickets were fake, so he couldn't find the train. He had searched for the last 2 hours, thankfully he had taken 4 hours in advance just to be sure to be on this bloody train. But now he couldn't make sense of all of that. Where was the fucking train? And then he felt it, the same feeling of power that's inside of Olivander's shop. But even more powerful, it was too much for his brain it couldn't comprehend the situation. Nobody should be this powerful, it felt against nature. There was no doubt in his mind. That was the person responsible for his previous life, the one who was clearly trying to control his life. ALBUS DUMBLEDORE. He wanted to run, but then he couldn't go to Hogwarts, that was unbelievable. And then he realized that he would have to support this presence during all his studies. It seemed impossible. But he had to go to Hogwarts, it was now his dream, his reason to go on. After some time, he started to move again, in the direction of the power, slowly but surely, he was hoping that Dumbledore would be standing beside the entry. And then he saw him, he was a nice-looking old man, with a big smile, the strangest robe he had ever seen and he was radiating sympathy and kindness. And then he realized that it was not exactly true, it was a kind of spell, some trick. He looked more sympathetic than anyone else but it was not the same effect. He was clearly waiting, probably for him after consideration. He started to search for a door, or an opening but Dumbledore was just waiting by the barrier between platforms nine and ten. He couldn't find a way to get out of this situation, in two hours the train would leave and if Dumbledore was still there then Harry would be too.
The same day in the same place at the same moment
Harry was not inside the station, he had checked when he had arrived, and now since he was in front of the gate, Harry would not arrive in the magical world without him knowing about it. It was a good plan, a solid one even. And with his little trick, he was sure that no one could not trust him right now, he was happy to have created that little spell. It was very useful to make everyone believe he was kind and not dangerous. He had made good use of it during all those years in order to be kept at the top by everyone in the magical world.
There were now only thirty minutes until the departure of the train. Oh, a magical child was approaching, maybe it was him. His thoughts were quickly disapproved when he realized it was a girl, he smiled at her and let her go through the gate. It was not possible, he couldn't believe that Harry had not come, where was he? How had he survived without adults in the Muggle world? He had searched for a long time and found a kid, probably Harry, who was in an orphanage for almost a week but then he had disappeared, and no way to find him again. It was a huge mess. He had to find a way to stop the protection around him, and he had to do it very quickly, before the paper of tomorrow when the world would realize without a doubt that their savior had disappeared because of him. So it was decided, he needed to break the spell, and quickly. He turned on himself and vanished.
A few hours later
Harry was on the train, no one had seen him, he was now sitting at the back of the train, in a small compartment with some older students, at the beginning they had tried to talk to him but he had not responded and started to read a book, one of the older had declared that they had a Ravenclaw inside the compartment and everybody had laughed. But he didn't care, he just couldn't believe his luck, Dumbledore had vanished only five minutes before the train departure, and Harry had barely time to run through the barrier between platforms nine and ten like he had seen people do, and he had arrived in front of the Hogwarts Express. And now he was inside it, it was incredible.
He was suddenly awakened by one of the older students; he had probably been asleep.
- We are arriving, you should put our robe on, and prepare to descend, and there, it is your book, you let it fall over.
- Thank you.
At that moment, a voice echoed through the train: We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately.
Harry's stomach lurched with nerves. He had barely enough time to put his robe on and take his trunk when the train came to a stop. When he put his foot on the platform he heard, 'Firs`-years! Firs'`-years over here! All right there.
Hagrid's big hairy face beamed over the sea of heads. And at that moment, Harry realized that he would not escape, coming to Hogwarts was a mistake, too many people would be looking after him to be sure that he did what had to be done, and to send him to an orphanage at the end of the year. It was too much of a risk. But then he heard C’mon, follow me – any more firs’-years? Mind yer step, now! Firs’-years follow me!
Slipping and stumbling, everybody followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path and so he decided to follow, the attraction for magic was too great to refuse. It was so dark on either side that Harry thought there must be thick trees there. Nobody spoke much.
- Yeh’ll get yer firs’ sight o’ Hogwarts in a sec, Hagrid called over his shoulder, jus’ round this bend here.
There was a loud ‘Oooooh!’. The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.
- No more’n four to a boat! Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Harry went inside one, still making itself very small and invisible, and even in the magical world it seemed to work.
- Everyone in? Shouted Hagrid, who had a boat to himself, Right then – FORWARD!
And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.
- Heads down! Yelled Hagrid as the first boats reached the cliff they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy which hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbour, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles.
They clambered up a passageway in the rock after Hagrid’s lamp, coming out at last on to smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle.
They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, oak front door. Hagrid raised his gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door and after that all was hell.
Chapter 2: Everything should be okay…
Notes:
Thanks to everybody who has already read me. Special thanks to Caligna_Cloverly, DodoBirdy and amazon6, I hope you will enjoy this new chapter as much.
I still hope you will leave comments - whether to help me improve, points out mistakes or simply share your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot.
Most of all, I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it !
Chapter Text
First year
2 September 1991
When Harry opened his eyes, he could not tell if the last month was a dream come true or a nightmare in disguise. For a moment, in the dark, he could quite believe that he was back in his cupboard, the place he hated the most in the world. But after a moment he knew that he was still in Hogwarts, he could see the respiration of the people beside him. When he looked around him he saw the blue colour, typical of Ravenclaw everywhere. The boy on the train was right, it had taken so long for the sorting hat to decide however. Harry had realised that everybody was astonished by the results, and he had learned later that his family was from Gryffindor and that he had been the longest sorting ever seen in student memories at Hogwarts. Harry had seen that the most displeased was Dumbledore, but he could not comprehend why.
In a few hours now according to the clock, he would have the first lessons of his life, and he was so looking forward to that. The part that he was not looking forward to was the attention that everybody gave him. Between the time that his name was called until the extinction of the light, he had not been able to be left alone. It was inexplicable, people became crazy when seeing him. And that was terrifying, he had learned the hard way that people who were watching you wanted to rob you or worse to touch you, which was awful and hurtful. But it was very early, so he should be able to eat and wash himself without anyone seeing him, and then go to his lessons, he would sit in the back and be quiet and discreet and people would forget about him. Yes, it was a good idea. The castle was so big, it was unbelievable, so many stairs and so many rooms, he was sure he would be able to find a dark corner and stay there to be left alone with his books. Okay, that was a good plan and now he was ready for the day.
The first few days passed quickly, and he discovered the different subjects, it was interesting, however, he was not good enough with writing and reading compared to the other students and he had already realized that fact. Moreover, there was only one other boy in Ravenclaw in his years, Jack Moon and he had made it very clear that he was neither interested in talking with him nor working with him. The reason was something about his father that Harry had not understood, not that he had asked. He didn't want to talk to people and even less people he was afraid of. So he had spent his evening reading all he could and tried to take note with his quill. But that was not an easy task. He had to find someone who would help him or he would never be able to learn this knowledge he now craved more than anything. That was not going to be simple, as if he had not already had too many troubles with the students always trying to talk to him, the bullies that kept insulting him in the corridors, the meddling teachers who wanted to help him, and Dumbledore who had clearly kept searching to talk to him alone all week. He had to find a work partner (preferably one who would not fix his scars) and fast, indeed he was sure that magical power was the key to his liberties.
Next Friday
He had to teach stupid kids, why on earth had he accepted to be a potion teacher? Every year, he became more depressed. They were stupid and had no talent at all for the subtle art of potion. He had had hope for the Weasley Twins in their first year, they had the genius to be able to produce potions. But they were so infuriating that he could not work with them at all. But those first years were even less interesting than the year before. This one had butchered the ingredients, and this one was not even able to stir a Cauldron correctly. And that Ravenclaw was putting the fire too high. If they would not follow some step as simple as those ones then they would never be able to brew Potions correctly. Oh, it was infuriating, but then his mind had just done a backflip, that was a good-looking bench. The ingredients were cut with astonishing precision and regularity. Oh and the perfect wand movement to stir the cauldron. The fire was at the perfect power, the flames licking exactly a third of the cauldron. And so of course the mixture had the perfect shade and texture that it should have had. He was really impressed by this student. Maybe he would have someone to teach this year. That was interesting. And then he looked up, and Lily was staring at him. No, only her eyes but sadder like the day he had lost her forever. And the rest, the rest was a mix between Potter and Lily, the long black hairs were the colour of Potter's hair but they were not like those of his father. And the scar was definitely his own. The scar. He had Harry in front of him and he was good at potions. He had probably been taught by the family that had adopted him. He was going to move when he felt it, the bubbles of spell surrounding the boy. If his mind defense had not been raised he would have forgotten all about that boy. There was a powerful Obliviate cast permanently around him. No one could try to play with his mind. He would punish that pretentious boy. But now that he was aware of the first spell he could feel the other ones. A notice-me-not, and a disillusionment charm, it was creating a sort of bubble to hide the boy. And he was maintaining it permanently.
- You will come see me at the end of the class Mr Potter.
And then he walked back to his desk to think. But when the class ended there was no one at the place of the young Potter, he was gone and he could not see him anymore.
- Of course, like father, like son. I will have to talk to Flitwick about him. So pretentious this boy.
To talk to Flitwick meant that he had to go to the teacher's lounge. It was a nightmare, it was always small useless talk. Bruh, what a horror-stricken view. When he entered the room, he saw the unexpected Dumbledore, Flitwick, Pomfrey, and McGonagall were talking. Dumbledore seldom came to this room, except when something bad had happened.
- We have to intervene. He has not received any form of learning before and he can barely write and read, shouted Minerva.
- And he is almost never in class, he is there when we started the lessons and then disappears, as if he is scared to be too long in a closed room, responded Flitwick.
- Moreover, from what I had been able to gather from the spells that I placed on him when he arrived, he is malnourished, his back is covered with scars, and after completing a scan there are more than half of his bones that have been broken and not healed properly. I have never seen a boy in that shape.
- How is it even possible, where was he, Albus? Where did you find him? Said McGonagall.
- I have no clue whatsoever, when I finally broke the spell that was on him, I found that he was already in the Hogwarts Express. He has probably lived on his own for the past five years, since he fled from his family, Dumbledore responded almost too calmly.
- Eh eh, if I can add, he has placed around him a full set of charms to prevent anybody from seeing him or even realizing that he is in the room. He is taking the spot closest to the door and he has turned his chair to not turn his back on anybody in the room. I am pretty sure he is afraid of adults and students. If he has lived on his own for five years it probably means he has received countless abuses and he is probably dangerous to the other students. We need to intervene and put him on the right track soon.
- A danger, what are you talking about Severus, this boy is damaged maybe but he is not a danger to anyone.
- I will talk with him and help him, declared Dumbledore.
- You will do no such things, I am the only one trained to help this boy, you will not come close to this boy, according to what Professor Snape told us he doesn't trust adults and probably with good reason. We will need to be very calm and discreet about all affairs if we want to save that boy.
So, that potions prodigy had had a worse life than he, the old fool had left Lily's boy with muggles and they had mistreated him and abandoned him. He had to help that boy, for her and quickly if he didn't want the old meddling fool to ruin that boy.
The same week in London
It was a good day for Amelia Bones, there had been no trouble the weeks before with the start of term at Hogwarts, and no parents had been seen or caught doing magic by Muggles. And there had not been a crime severe enough for her to get involved in all last week. She was good to go, the paperwork was done. She would be able to leave work just after lunch and go enjoy the September sun while it lasted. She was packing her stuff when a loud knock disturbed her thoughts.
- Mrs Bones, a goblin, is here to see you.
- You can enter Shirley. I will receive the goblin thank you very much. Hello, Mr…
- Greykeep, if I am here today is because I represent a client who wishes to remain unknown but has realised that your judicial system has put an innocent man in prison.
- It is also your judicial system you know. And I don't believe that our judicial system has convicted an innocent man. I have been in the Wizengamot for every session and I agree with all judgments. So if you will excuse me.
- Oh, I mean no disrespect to your work Mrs Bones, but the condemnation is not recent. We are talking about Sirius Black.
- Sirius Black is a traitor and a murderer, he deserves everything that prison has to offer him.
- Sirius Black never received any kind of trial. He was judged guilty before even arriving in London. He stayed two minutes in the company of Bartemius Crouch and then was sent off to Azkaban. If you want you can check when I leave. However there is new proof that he was not the secret keeper of the Potter, there is your copy. And our client required that Sirius Black receive Veritaserum in order to prove once and for all the innocence of that man.
Mrs Bones could not begin to apprehend what had just happened. Sirius Black, the only living member of the Black Clan, one of the most powerful families in Britain, was not guilty. The paper was clear, it was a copy of the last will of James Potter, clearly stating that Peter Petigrew was the secret keeper, and the magic that protected that piece of paper was genuine. She had to go to Azkaban. She hoped that she could do something about that situation. It was bad, really bad. Crouch would be fired, and an inquiry would be conducted to evaluate his responsibility in this affair. The political profile of the Wizengamot would change too, the Blacks were indeed one of the few families who still had five seats in the council. It was huge news and it had to be handled correctly.
- Shirley, can you please call an auror strike team, and Cornelius? Tell him it is a critical situation and I need his signature right away. Be clear that it cannot wait.
A few minutes later, the Minister of Magic was seated in the office of Mrs Bones and had been offered some Whisky to regain his composure.
- It is very troublesome, are you sure of what you are saying, Amelia?
- Yes, and if we don't intervene quickly I am pretty sure the press will be informed and we will be beaten. We have to get him out today, and be sure that he will not decide to intervene by himself on a political subject. He is after all still a Black and they are very powerful when they want.
- But who is the man behind all that? How is it possible that the Potter will was not checked before?
- The Potter will has been opened by no one because there was no Potter will according to almost everybody. But maybe since Potter has been brought to school the goblins have been able to open his fault, I don't really know.
- What I know is that Greykeep doesn't handle things himself unless there is a lot of money at play. So the person who has paid him is rich, very rich. Maybe as rich as Black himself. So what are you going to do Amelia?
- I will send an auror strike team to arrest Crouch and one to search his home and office. I have put our detective on the Pettigrew search, I want him found, quickly. And of course, two people should accompany me to Azkaban, I was thinking Scrimgeour and you Minister. Black will accept no other apology than ours. I already have Veritaserum with me. He can be out tonight and we can hold a press conference tomorrow to announce it to the world.
- Fine let's go
The same day in Azkaban
It was September. Harry had started school. Dumbledore would protect him, he was sure of that. But it was not Dumbledore's job to protect his godson, it was his work, he had sworn to James that he would protect the boy. It was weird. His thoughts were clear, too clear. The dementors were not around his cell anymore. He transformed into his human form and tried to stand up. There were voices outside, it was probably a new prisoner who was being brought to Azkaban. The old one wouldn't speak anymore, they had nothing to say and no one to hear them. But then the door started to open, he tried to escape but he was blocked inside the cell. Why was someone coming to get him, it should not have happened.
- Mr Black, it is Amelia Bones, can we talk to you?
He could not respond, he hadn't used his voice in almost five years.
- We have been made aware that you had been imprisoned without trial, and after looking at the Potter will it is clear that you should be given a trial. Of course, if you want to avoid trial and be free sooner your attorney has asked us to use Veritaserum.
It was too much, probably a dream, a very sad one but still a dream. So he didn't react when two guards brought him outside, nor when they put in his hand a portkey, and not even when he arrived in the Ministry of Magic. But when he arrived close to the chimney there was no doubt in his mind. The warmth could not be dreamt, not when he had felt cold for the last 9 years, and at that moment he started to cry. He was not in Azkaban anymore.
It was the 5th of September, he still knew at least the day but he could not comprehend the rest, in the last two days he had been taken away from Azkaban, then he had received Veritaserum, a potion created to force the user to reveal the truth, this potion could have been so powerful during the previous war. And of course, after telling everything he had been judged innocent, they had forgotten that he was an animagus considering that nine years in Azkaban was enough for punishment. They even had sent word with the description of Peter Pettigrew. He could not believe his luck. He was now waiting in one of the chambers in the ministry, he had been informed that a goblin was coming to talk to him. He had never liked goblins, but since he had learned that they were the ones responsible for his liberation he had nothing to complain about.
- Good morning, my name is Altor Greykeep and I am one of the economic advisors of his majesty the King. And in the name of the Goblin Nation, I want to welcome you back into our world. I have been mandated by our Heir to arrange our liberation and to install you in a good home.
- My heir?
- Yes, young master Potter. He was convinced that you could not be guilty of your crime. So we investigated and of course he was right. He will be very happy to learn that you have been liberated, I think he needs an adult to help him in his life.
- Why would my godson need an adult in his life and why do you help him?
- Oh, I believe young master Potter has been living alone for at least 5 years. But let's talk about your home first. We know that you possess several properties as the last of the Black and probably some that we do not know about. But we think that you would be happy to buy a small property in Hogsmeade. You could then be very close to your godson and could protect him.
- Why are you helping me so much and why do you think my godson needs protection, he is safe under the regard of Albus Dumbledore.
- First, we are not helping you, but we are helping Harry Potter because first he is the first fortune in Britain, and second because he is good for business since he pretty much lets us use his money however we want. Second, I am pretty sure that your godson needs to be protected against Albus Dumbledore. But be reassured the home we have found possesses two rooms and we are at that moment trying to find M. Lupin to inform him of the situation.
Saturday of the first week
He could not believe the news, how could the Potters’ will have been read? He had made sure to destroy it. He wanted Sirius in prison, it was for the greater good. Harry needed to be left alone, to live a hard life, so that when the moment came he would choose to protect the wizarding world by sacrificing himself. It was so strange, it was a week after the start of the term and still he could not find the boy. He had searched often and even tried to talk to him at the end of some class but he had not succeeded. He was rarely at dinner or at least he couldn't catch him, and even less in his common room.
And now Pomfrey had forced him to let the boy alone, hum he will not talk to the boy but he will still check on him enough and maybe try to push him slightly in the right direction. But he will need to find a way to force the teachers to see it his way. But it would be hard, the only adults that had been around the boy were asking a lot of questions, about his education, his treatment with the muggles, his life alone in the world, and his power. Because yes, the boy was strong, too strong maybe. He had to act quickly, first, he needed to be sure that Quirell would not access the stone, and then send Harry on this quest. But before that, he had to find a way to keep Sirius Black away from this boy. It was critical. Sadly Crouch was now in Azkaban, and his son too, he had tried to find a way to liberate him and send him against Black once more but he could not find a single idea to legitimize Crouch's actions. Maybe he could persuade Lupin to act against his old friend, but he would need to act swiftly.
31 October 1991
- So I suppose that Dumbledore wouldn't let the boy get out even on the day of his parents’ death.
- What do you think, I have tried everything for the past month, but all Dumbledore ever responds is “I am sorry Sirius, I can not bend the rules even for you. You have to be patient, my boy”.
- And your letters? Did you receive anything in response?
- Neither, but I start to get the feeling that he is probably not receiving anything. I think Dumbledore is trying to stop our meeting.
- Do not do anything stupid Sirious, Greykeep has explained to you that the minister received a lot of pressure to put you back in a cell and according to him, Dumbledore is one of them. So do not go and fight him on Hogwarts grounds he would probably find a way to put you back
- Maybe, you are right but still, to be only a few kilometers away from Harry and not be able to see him, I don't know how long I will be able to accept this situation.
- You should go to bed, tomorrow you can try to contact Greykeep to see what you can do about all that.
Even after two months, he could not sleep properly, the absence of light, the cold, and the nightmare were too much. He had tried the Dreamless potion but even that was not strong enough to push back the episodes. Lupin kept saying that Sirius should go and see someone, that he had to be treated. But Sirius was anything but weak. He was strong and his mind was strong. He would not go to see anybody who could put him somewhere ever again. Even in the hospital for his own good. It was already five am. So he decided that going downstairs would be a good idea. A cup of coffee was always good to let that hot feeling trickle inside him. It was not easy for Sirius to be back with Lupin in a shared home. He could see that the air was not cleared off the nine years of hate the wolf had felt toward his old pal.
- Morning Sirius, so the Dreamless potions aren't working are they?
- Urh
After that, both men sat and waited. The silence was heavy and none of the proud friends wanted to be the first one to break it. Some two hours later a barn owl landed on the window.
- Oh, it is only the Daily Prophet, Sirius said while sitting again, looking even more sad from the deception.
- Sirius, come quick
The panic in the tone of Remus had told him that it was about Harry. But nothing could have prepared him for the shock of the headline.
Trolls Attack in Hogwarts and Boy-Who-Lived covered in blood coincidence or not?
- If he tries now to stop me from being with my godson, I will kill the old twat before he can even call the damn aurors.
Chapter 3: … Except on Halloween !
Notes:
Thanks to everybody who has already read me. Special thanks to Inspiredbyu, Caligna_Cloverly, DodoBirdy and amazon6, I hope you will enjoy this new chapter as much.
I have decided to be posting a new chapter every week - fingers crossed !
I have also corrected some mistakes and improve the layout (hope it is better now ;)I still hope you will leave comments - whether to help me improve, points out mistakes or simply share your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot.
Most of all, I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it !
Chapter Text
2 November 1991
It had been a weird week for Harry, at least definitely weirder than the rest of his first year at Hogwarts so far. Which had been good, he had learned to fly on a broomstick (he was good at it he had thought), to turn a match into a needle and even to make some object fly…
… and fought some trolls off and he had to agree that that was weird. But it was maybe even weirder that he was now headed toward the office of his Head of House. He had been caught last night after curfew outside of the Ravenclaw Tower by Professor Flitwick, he had lost 30 points on the spot (that was as many points as he had gained the previous month in class so he was pretty pissed) and had been asked to come the next day at 8 O’clock. Now, he was afraid that he would be expelled and that his wand would be broken. His biggest fear was unfolding before him and that was not acceptable. He had arrived in front of the door. At least Dumbledore was nowhere near the office so he would probably not be expelled only in detention for a long time. That was acceptable, right? Harry was sure that Flitwick would never put so much detention that Harry would not be able to study. Maybe he would even have had the option to work during his detention. After three more slow breaths, he was now aware that there were three adults in that room and the two other than Flitwick were not from the castle. He hoped that there were no doctors or worse, some dirty cops.
As he was entering the one closest to the door ran toward him and tried to grab him. At the exact moment his skin touched Harry's skin, he erected a full shield with his wand.
- Do not touch me you freak, howled Harry trembling.
And then a sort of cold anger arrived on him. He wanted to hurt that man and some flash of his life on the street when in front of his eyes. Harry tried to push them back where they needed to be. Deep down inside him but he was not able to find his calm back, there was ringing in his ears so he could not hear a single word the adults were saying. And his vision was full of hatred; he could not comprehend a single thing happening. A green veil in front of his eyes was troubling everything. He had to find his calm again or he would hurt someone and that would be bad. Ms Pomfrey was now trying to talk to him (when had she arrived here) but he could sense his anger bubbling in his veins and nothing would stop him now. There was gonna be an explosion he was sure of it. And then he felt it, the wave of power of Dumbledore, and the danger behind it. He could not comprehend how one man could have that much. It was inexplicable… and dangerous. But that had allowed him to find back a calm breathing, ok maybe not calm but a breathing nonetheless. And then he heard for the first time the voice of the men who had attacked him. He was almost crying. It was pathetic.
- I'm sorry Harry, I should have known that you would not like to be touched. I am very sorry. I should have known…
He was repeating himself. It was maddening. Since when did the aggressor become so fragile? It was supposed to be the other way around. And then the man looked at him and Harry recognised him. He had seen him in some pictures of his parents' wedding Greykeep had put in a box for him. It was Black. Why would Black attacked him? That did not make a lot of sense.
- Who are you? Are you Sirius? And you, who are you? Why are you there? Am I expelled? Harry almost yelled, so maybe the ringing was not finished entirely.
- Those men are Sirius Black and Remus Lupin and they have come to see you because they were concerned about your safety at Hogwarts. And no despite your late wandering into the castle you are not yet expelled.
It was Flitwick who had responded. He was going to talk when the door he had kept in his eyesight opened and Dumbledore with his false smile entered.
- Oh, my boy you are there I was looking for you. Oh Sirius, Remus I didn't know you had come to the castle.
- Don't call me boy, muttered Harry
- I was worried that Harry was not safe at Hogwarts, Headmaster. After all, a first-year student should not have to be covered in blood whatever the reason for.
- Oh, Sirius, you should not worry yourself at all. I am sure that Harry is perfectly safe here under the supervision of the staff.
- Oh, yes, very safe. It is not like I had to stop two trolls two days ago inside this very castle, Harry responded before he could stop himself.
- What? What happened, Dumbledore?
- Why do you ask him? He was not even there, it was Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall who found me and Hermione after all.
- My boy I am very sorry that you didn't feel safe but I am sure that you never were under any real danger! Oh, it is late, I should be going. Please Sirius come to my office when you leave before lunch. It is important! Good day, my boy, Flitwick.
Harry had caught Black almost growling at that sentence. So maybe he was not pleased with the Headmaster as well. That was a bit reassuring.
A few minutes later the presence of the Headmaster had vanished at the end of a corridor. And when he looked up Flitwick was not here anymore and Black and Lupin were seated on a sofa near him. Black had a big sad smile and Remus was a bit worried. He wondered why those men were here.
- Do you want to sit with Harry, we would like to talk with you. We are concerned about your safety at Hogwarts, and I was wondering if you would like to change schools.
- No, I want to learn magic, I am a wizard!
- Of course, you are a wizard, but what Sirius is offering is to send you to another magical school. Of course, a good one like Beaux-Batons or Durmstrong.
- Who are you?
- Hum, I am Remus Lupin. I would say that I was a very good friend of your mother and father. Almost as good a friend as Sirius. But you could have only one godfather, couldn't you? And sadly I didn't win that prize.
- Oh, so you probably know Professor Snape don't you? He is the only nice professor in this damn school. As a matter of fact, I would not say that he is nice but a least he doesn't consider me like a ticking bomb, does he? But to come back to the matter at hand, no I would not change school. I have a friend now.
- Is it the girl who was with you when the trolls attacked you?
- Eh, I don't think I should explain that to you. Hermione and I decide that we should not talk about that.
- Oh don't worry we will not tell that story to the Headmaster if it is what you are afraid of.
Harry hesitated for a long time. He was proud of what had happened and to tell the story would allow him to be considered by those men who knew his parents. But maybe they also could be afraid and never talk to him again. And Harry knew that Greykeep had advised him to be nice to Black because he was going to be helpful to Harry during the summer if Harry didn't want to be put in an orphanage by Dumbledore. And the worst would be if those men decided that they should speak about that with Dumbledore. He didn't want Dumbledore to know that he was the one responsible for the slaying of the trolls. Professor Snape had understood that, and by the time Professor McGonagall had arrived, he had prepared a great lie. That described Harry as a stupid and pretentious boy, but at least nobody talked about him the next morning. However, he had to be sure that these men would be keeping his secrets if his plan for the summer needed to work.
- Hum, I can tell you but I need you to swear that you will not tell others about it. And specifically, teachers in the school you know…
Lupin's eyes were surprised, but Black didn't wait at all or didn't even ask anything more before he growled.
- I, Sirius Black call upon Merlin and Morganna, to swear that I would never tell any Potter secrets to an untrustworthy person. I have spoken so mote it be!
And at the end of the sentence, Harry felt a magical wave getting out of Black. He had never seen this kind of magic but that was interesting.
- What was that? Did you just use magic without a wand?
- This was an unbreakable vow. It is an old bit of magic that allows someone to call upon the old magical power to link their core to someone trust. If the trust is broken then the core is depleted and so the person who has pronounced the vow dies. This is not a bit of magic that one should do without huge consideration.
At that moment, Harry realised that Black was trustworthy but also not very smart. In fact, he had probably not chosen carefully the words of his vow and had done it when it was possibly not necessary. But still, it was a nice feeling to know that a secret was safe.
- Hermione was sad that day. Someone from her class in Gryffindor had been rude to her. He had told her that she had no friends and that she was a nightmare. So when we should have met that afternoon to work and she didn't come, I went to Gryffindor Tower to find her.
- Oh, so she is a Gryffondor. Those are the best of course!
- Yes, some Gryffindors are nice, but everybody knows that Ravenclaws are the best in school. And some Gryffindors are just jerks and bullies. But no Ravenclaw wants to talk to me. At least in my year. The other boy in my year told everybody that I was poor and a freak. And that I should never have come to Ravenclaw because if I could not read or write then I would not be first in the promotion but he will be according to him. Anyway, I finally found her in the girls’ lavatory. She was crying. We stayed there for quite some time. Then when we were exiting the lavatory we were facing two trolls. We tried to close the door but one of them just destroyed it with his club, when he tried to enter I tried to petrify him but my spell just bounced back. So I transfigure one of the door pieces into a giant needle. When had learned that in lessons but it was not that easy with such a big wood shard. And then I flew the needle sword into the troll that was trying to enter. Hihi, I almost took off his leg at this bastard. He had tried to kill us so I was not wrong was I?
- That's very impressive, and no I don't think anyone would blame you for such an action. You really act like a true Gryffindor. Facing a troll like that. That's very courageous!
- Gryffindor are dumb except for Hermione, so thank you very much but I don't think I am a Gryffindor at all.
- Hum, and what happened to the other troll? Did you use the wood shard too?
- No, Professor Snape arrived and saved the day. One second later both trolls were KO but he would not tell me what spell he used. That pissed me off. As a matter of fact, how does an unbreakable vow work?
- I think we will talk about that another time. You are probably hungry and it is time for lunch.
Once again adults refused to share their secrets. Even those ones were not trustworthy. Harry was now going to the door. He would speak with Hermione about the unbreakable vow and they would find them in the library. He was sure of it. The library had not betrayed him for the past two months. He had opened the door without losing contact with the pair on the sofa when Black caught his eye and blurted out.
- Dyuwantoseeagain?
- Hein?
He had not understood a single word.
- Do you want to see me again soon? We didn't have time to speak about your parents and I didn't even thank you properly for my liberation so, would you? Meet me again soon?
- I guess. So maybe see you soon hum…
And then Harry almost ran out. It was too much emotion. Never in his life had any adult wanted to see him again. Or to see him at all as a matter of fact. And to speak about his parents. With people who knew them. That was too beautiful to be true. And adults were not trustworthy. So that would probably never have happened. He should not make movies in his head. He had to be realistic as always. Or he would get killed or worse like in the street when some adults were a bit too nice to him. But no, that would never happen again. Now he had magic and he would do everything to learn everything and gain the power that would allow him to be free and respected.
Harry decided to skip lunch, the knot growing in his belly was enormous and he could barely drink some water. A few minutes after lunch, Hermione found him. He had no clue how this witch kept finding him when all the others, even Dumbledore could not put their hand on him when he wanted to be left alone. He turned his head toward the window, he didn't want her to see his face. But when she put her hand on his shoulders he couldn't stop the twitch and turned to face her. She had a bright smile as always.
- Do you know anything about bidding spells? Have you ever heard of the unbreakable vow? Harry asked, hoping that his voice would not shake, and revealed his state.
Another would have used the terms feelings or emotions, but Harry was smarter. He knew that emotions were what got you killed in the street.
- Never heard of them, do you want me to help, I can look in the library, what segment have you already checked?
- I have done the first two aisles.
And just like that, Harry buried deep down his emotions and tried to find out more about this kind of magic. It was a nice way to spend his Saturday afternoon. Just him and his friend, his first friend ever, looking at books older than everything he had ever known.
A few hours earlier
At the moment Harry fled through the door Black looked up at Remus. He could read the same expression in his eyes, they were cold and almost hateful. He could almost see his teeth behind a slow growling sound that his lips seemed to make.
- What happened to him? Where are the smile and joy that the little boy we know had? How can a young man have those scars, why did nobody tell us that it was this bad? Do you think he is treated? And he is so small, like he didn't eat. He could just break with a strong wind!
- Dumbledore has some explaining to do for sure. And those muggles too. Have you seen how he never left the door within his eyesight? Like we will try to attack him. And let's not talk about the fact that a hug put him on a nervous breakdown. But I don't think he could break that easily. After all, he slayed a troll, didn't he?
- And Snape saved him. Harry seems fond of him, at least as much as he is able no?
- Old Snivellus, protecting James’ son. After that, you can die sure that you have seen everything.
- Yes, but the boy we have just seen doesn't look like James does he? I mean his hair is longer than James ever had them. His eyes are definitely those of Lily and his facial expressions are hard and sad. And you should not insult Snape, if he is ready to protect Harry he is possibly our only ally inside those walls. Think about that when we go and thank him after seeing Albus.
Black was not happy about that, but as always he knew that Remus was right. It didn't mean that he would listen. He was not going to be polite to old snivellus. He was a Slytherin after all, and those ones never change. And once you were in the snake pit you could not escape.
The more they approached Dumbledore's office and the more Sirius was dreading what would happen. Since his liberation, he had not seen the Headmaster and leader of the Order. He had always believed that this man was the one who would liberate him. At least that he had tried. But then he had read the report that Greykeep had created for him. He was really impressed by this Goblin. He was ruthless but effective. He was happy that Harry had found such an ally. Even if he didn't really know how this alliance had come to be. Sirius had a hard time concentrating on one thing since Azkaban. Anyway, he had read that Dumbledore had first tried to protect Crouch. When a convicted Death Eater was under the Imperius in his own house. It was crazy. Then he has tried to put Sirius back in Azkaban. Pushing the fact that even if he was not guilty of betraying the Potter, he still had killed Peter Petigrew and those muggles! What the fuck seriously? And then after that, the minister had listened to none of that crap he had tried to put in St Mungo, because you could not trust his mind after so long in Azkaban. All of that was bullshit and Sirius couldn't comprehend why the old man had decided that he was a liability. Of course, in public, the message was the other way around. He had even publicly stated in the Prophet that he was glad that justice had been done. What a bastard seriously!
They had arrived at the Griffon and were going to turn back, because of course they didn't know the password when he started turning on itself and a staircase appeared. When they passed the door of the office they saw more people than they had expected. Inside the small office were Dumbledore in his armchair, higher than anybody else, Minerva near the desk, Flitwick seated on a red velvet chair, and Severus in the darker corner as always.
- Oh Sirius, it had been so long. How are you? What a tragedy, I knew you couldn't have betrayed our cause.
The hug that Minerva gave him was the best thing right now. It was almost a medicine for him.
- It was indeed weird that the mutt could have betrayed Potter, snarled Severus.
Sirius was honestly surprised, because in the middle of the insult, there was still a compliment on the fidelity of Sirius.
- Why did you come today my boy, I thought I had been clear that it could only upset the boy who is already so fragile and scared.
- Did you really think for even a second that you had any right to stop me from seeing my godson when I heard that he was attacked by trolls!
- Albus, that boy needs contact with people who will be able to talk about his family, and Sirius is a good option as any for a guardian when the school year finishes. Why did you decide without consulting any of us that you would not allow Sirius to come see the child?
- Enough Minerva, I do not have to explain my decision as Headmaster of this school. I still have the right to refuse entry to anybody I do not see fit to put my students in good standing. Now Severus, could you help Mr Black to the gate of the castle? Remus I would like to talk to you. Minerva, Filius that will be all. I will see you later.
The eyes of the Headmaster were dark and cold. Sirius could have attacked him at that moment. He hated him so much that he would not stop him from seeing his godson. But he knew that a direct confrontation would not bring any good conclusion. Sirius followed Snape without speaking. It was useless, he had nothing to say to that man. He would not present any excuses for his time at school and Snape wouldn't want to hear them. And then they arrived at the gate and when Sirius passed them he felt like a cold shower went through him and knew that it would not be easy to enter the castle again. He had been cast out.
- If you send me some letters, I can try to find a way to give them to Potter. But I guarantee nothing.
By the time Sirius had comprehended those words Snape was already a hundred meters away, so Sirius responded nothing. And he just started to wait for Remus who would definitely arrive shortly. He was sure. And indeed a few minutes later he saw the man looking positively short-tempered.
- He wants me to report back on what you do every day. And after telling me that he basically blackmailed me with my conditions, yelled Remus with so much rage in his eyes.
Sirius could not stop a big laugh from getting out of his lungs. It was almost a bark.
- Oh, let's go home, Remus. I am sure that Dumbledore will be more than happy to learn that I cannot sleep and do absolutely nothing but sit near the fire every day.
Until they were home, Sirius and Remus could not help to smile. It had not been a bad day, they had seen Harry and even had a good laugh. That was uncommon enough. But when they pushed the door Greykeep was there with a letter and a very sad smile.
- The minister has received a petition for guardianship for Harry. The demand may be accepted since who it was that asked for it.
- Who is it ?, barked Sirius
- Narcissa Malfoy, she says she is her cousin. And that you are not fit to raise a child.
OK, so it had been a fucking bad day! And now Sirius had to find a way to fix it. Like that was going to be easy…
Chapter 4: The Plot Thickens
Notes:
Thanks to everybody who has already read me. Special thanks to Shady1, Inspiredbyu, Caligna_Cloverly, DodoBirdy and amazon6, I hope you will enjoy this new chapter as much.
I have decided to be posting a new chapter every week - fingers crossed !
I still hope you will leave comments - whether to help me improve, points out mistakes or simply share your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot.
Most of all, I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it !
Chapter Text
5 November 1991
Harry had had a good weekend after all the affair on the Saturday. He had sadly not found a single binding spell in books but he had discovered a much more interesting book “Protective Spell and Ward”. He had read it all Sunday afternoon, the two major problems now were that he didn't know Runes (and Runes were more than half of the ward's strength) and that it was an incredibly hard magical theory. But still, Harry had decided to learn Runes as soon as possible and for that reason had taken “Runes for the Young Reader” from the library. And it was that book he was reading in Defence against the Dark Arts that Tuesday morning. He was so taken by his books that he didn't hear Professor Quirrell call him.
- Po..po..po..tter, are you..ou listening?
- Yes Professor, lied Harry.
- Co..co..me here the..then!
- Yes Professor.
Harry could see everybody, they were all smiling. Happy that for once Potter who never listened would be punished for that. The worst of all was Jack Moon. He was laughing, of course, and he tried to hide it from Professor Quirrel but it was clear to all that he was delighted that Potter was finally caught.
- Can you..ou tell me, the ss..spell to..to stop the ba…ba..sic..c enchantments?
- Finite incantatem sir.
- And the diff..ffe.. difference between a gho..ghost and a spirit?
- The ghost owns a unique physical form in this world and can be in its shape for as long as he wants, whereas the spirit can shift shape but cannot keep it for a long amount of time.
- Your kno..no..ledge saves you from deten..tention but I will ta..take 10 points from Ravenclaw to teach you..ou to listen.
Harry was returning to his place speechless when his hand touched the professor's robe. At that moment Harry felt something unnatural. A huge power was burning inside Professor Quirrell or maybe it was burning Professor Quirrell. He had walked less than 3 meters when his insides did a knot. That immense power, comparable to Dumbledore's one, was dark, the darkest he had ever felt but Harry knew it. He had known it all his life, at least as long as he could remember. It was the power he felt when he saw the green light. It was unbearable, this power should be gone, destroyed. He had to keep walking, to put as much distance between that thing and him as possible. His scar was bursting. He wanted to put his hand on it to be sure that his head was not split open in the middle but he didn't want everybody to look at him. He casted, without thinking about it, a disillusionment charm on himself so that nobody could see him and he got out of the classroom without even looking back. The second the door closed beside him, he ran. He had never run that fast in his life. He entered the toilet and at that same second he threw up all his intestines, when he looked in the mirror he was as pale as death and some blood was pouring from the scar on his forehead, was he dying? He had to be calm. How the fuck could he be calm when his parents’ murderer was teaching in this school? He was there for him. He wanted to kill him, to finish his last job. He was sure of it. He had to flee, never to come back. No, he had to kill him. To avenge his parents, but he had no clue how. He would probably kill him before he even had a small chance to cut him with the small knife that was in his trunk. No, he had to be logical, pure logic was the only option. If Voldemort wanted him dead he would be, and Quirrell was not Voldemort. He was for sure an ally or a representation or something linked to Voldemort. So he had to tell someone, someone who would help him. No worse than that, someone who would trust him. Nobody would trust him, except maybe Dumbledore. Dumbledore was powerful enough to sense that the man was a dangerous psychopath. But, wait… Dumbledore was the most powerful being he had ever known. So for sure he had to know already, which meant he didn't care. Harry threw up again. He was sick and hurt badly. But he couldn't go to Miss Pomfrey, she would ask too many questions. No, he had to heal himself, fat chance yeah. He was not in any immediate danger, that at least was logical, maybe he was starting to get back on earth. But then why would Voldemort be there in this castle, and how was he invisible? Was he inside Quirrell or was he a spirit? Harry had to know, but first he had to find a way to know. Which means he would follow the same principle as those dirty cops in the street who were trying to find criminals. He would break a few rules, follow Quirrell without being seen, and find some people who could put him in the right direction. Which means that first he had to go to the library. But he was still bleeding, so maybe a quick trip to his dorm to clean himself up and then to the library.
8 November 1991
Harry was exhausted, he had to maintain his disillusionment charm and his silencing charm for almost four days now. He had been in class only when Quirrell was too, he had acquired his weekly planner from a third-year Slytherin for a galleon. After all these days he was sur of a few things, Voldemort was always with Quirrell because he had had the opportunity to hear them talk two times already, Quirrell office was warded and Harry had no chance to break such a ward and Quirrell was not there to kill him but to steal something, but then again he had no clue whatsoever what the thing was. Harry was going to go to bed when Quirrell decided that it was time for him to leave his office. Harry kept a good distance from the man, he knew that Voldemort would not be kind if he caught him, but he had to understand what was happening, maybe now he could understand why the hat had almost put him in Gryffindor.
A few minutes later, they were at the edge of the forbidden forest. There one of the most frightening things happened. Quirrell started yelling but without a sound and then his body began to break and he fell like a rag of old clothes. And there stood a shadow-like figure in a black coat, hovering in the forest. Voldemort (because Harry was sure that it was him) moved his hand and the body of Quirrell disappeared. And then the wrath started to move inside the forest, Harry followed him. When the unicorn died Harry almost fainted, at that moment he started to run again in the direction of the castle. He was just hoping that his spells would be enough for nobody to see him enter the castle. He realised that he was safe only when the raven proposed to him the riddle of the moment, the only trouble was that Harry didn't have the head to listen to it, and even less to respond to it.
- Potter? What are you doing outside at that hour? Ten points from Ravenclaw
- Oh Penelope, it is not my fault. I don't understand the riddle! How am I supposed to be inside the tower if the stupid raven does not allow me?
- I went out of the tower to do my Prefect duties far later than the hour when you should have been to bed, so I do not believe you are stuck here since a reasonable hour. Now go to bed right now before I call Professor Flitwick.
- Goodnight.
At least he was past the door, in here Voldemort could not get to him. He was sure that Quirrell didn't have the mind to resolve those kinds of riddles. And so for the first day since his discovery of the identity of Professor Quirrell or at least of the thing inside of him, Harry had a lead. The thing was drinking unicorn blood and living inside Quirrell. That was terrifying but a lead nonetheless. And Harry fell asleep in this huge room, almost empty.
18 November 1991
Harry was pissed off. He had read all he could find on unicorns and discovered that drinking the blood of a unicorn allowed people almost dead to stay in life at the price of tinting their magical core. But that was all, he had not been able to comprehend what Voldemort was nor what he was trying to steal in the castle, and not even how something theoretically dead was clearly not. He had seen Quirrell regularly near the 3rd floor corridor but the door was closed. So Harry had made no true progress in that field. However, he had started to learn Runes, the tales of Beedle the Bard written in Runes were in his pocket, and every time he had a minute he tried to decipher the Runes and to learn them. It was difficult but when he had realised that there were Runes on his wand he decided that it was a sign that he needed to persevere. He had spent almost all of his Sunday cleaning his wand and the leather holster while Hermiole was working beside him. And he had tried to understand the Runes on his wand, he was almost sure that it was a ward stabilising the crystallised ink inside the wand. He was mesmerised by it. It had been a very nice Sunday. But now he was in potion, once again alone on his bench. He was cutting a small root with his wand; he had discovered that his wand could be a knife with the good spell.
- You should not cut this root with a magical knife, as you could let some magical residue that could ruin your potion.
- Oh, yes sir, sorry sir… But then why do some potion recipes use this spell, sir?
- Hum, when the ingredients can corrode the knife or break it then a magical blade is very useful. However even in those cases I personally much prefer to put a spell on my blade. It allows me to use my wand to control everything else on my bench and inside my cauldron.
- Oooh, OK sir. Thanks
- Are you interested in potions Potter?
- I am interested in a lot of things but potions are definitely one of them sir! But right now I am learning Runes, sir.
- You should try to find “A Guide to Potions Production”, it is an old book but I am sure that the library has a copy of it. Good work Potter on your potion take 5 points for Ravenclaw.
When the lesson finished Harry went to the library, they were supposed to have History of Magic so Harry could be as late as he wanted. It took him two minutes to find the book, it was the definite proof that he was spending too much time in there. When he read the cover Harry was so surprised. The book had been written by Fleamont Potter, he was sure that it was someone from his family, probably his grandfather by looking at the date. So he started to read it. When he looked at the hour it was five pm. He had missed the entire day of class, and he was going to be in detention again. He had missed the lessons of Flitwick and McGonagall. Fuck… he would speak with McGonagall first, maybe the mention of his family would be enough to push her not to be too pissed off. And then he would accept the price that Flitwick chose for him.
- Professor McGonagall, can I enter?
- Oh Mister Potter has decided to honour my class with his presence, did you have a very good reason to miss my class?
- It is not a very good reason but there is a reason.
And then Potter put down the book on McGonagall's desk.
- Oh, I see. It is probably not easy to discover your grandfather in this way. Did someone ever speak to you about your grandparents?
- No one has ever spoken to me about my parents so even less about my grandparents.
- How are you doing in school Potter? Have you found someone to help you with your reading and writing? Because I must say that I have the impression that you have made good progress.
- Hermione Granger is helping me, Professor
- Oh, that is very good, I was concerned that Miss Granger was often alone. But then she is your friend. That is good. An hour detention tomorrow night to catch up with what we have done today, you can go Mister Potter.
- Good evening Professor!
An hour detention wasn't half bad but now he had to go see Flitwick, and even if Harry liked Goblins very much since his trip in Diagon Alley, he knew that this one was severe with the Ravenclaw student. He was expecting the best from them, as if for him to be in Ravenclaw meant that you should have no fault whatsoever. Harry was almost to the office of Professor Flitwick when he felt the same wave he now knew to be Dumbledore trying to find him, he wanted to know what spell that was, it could be very useful to track down someone. He could probably run and enter Flitwick's office before Dumbledore arrived, but then the Headmaster would catch him afterwards. So he had no real choice but to wait for the Headmaster.
- Oh my boy, how are you today! I want to talk with you about something. As you know we cannot allow you to go back to the street when the school year finishes. And since nobody wants to take…
- But Sirius Black told me that he would take me under his care, that he was ready to ask for guardianship.
- Oh my boy, do you truly want to be stuck in a house with a sick man, let him have some time to get his mind back, I am sure he will be glad for it. I think he only proposed it to you because he is ashamed to have abandoned you for so long. At least it is what dear Remus told me, and Remus knows him very well.
- Remus is not sick, he could take care of me. I think he would like that.
- Then why has he never taken the opportunity when you were younger, he always knew you were with the Dursleys.
At that name Harry's blood began to boil, he almost believed the old fool at that moment because he saw that his smile was almost sad and he kept receiving waves of comfort. But then, when those blue piercing eyes looked into his eyes, he felt a small nudge in his mind. Dumbledore was pushing forward some memories of the Dursleys. Maybe he was trying to persuade him of his good intentions (badly), which could only mean they were not good intentions.
- So, as I was saying I think that one of the ways to go is to find a way to put you through the Muggles system, so that they can find you a proper house to go back to at the end of the school year. You would like that, to be back with Muggles, it would allow you to find back stability at the end of Hogwarts.
- But sir, surely someone from the wizarding world could take me?
- What magical family would want to take a new child into their care? No, that is a Muggles thing, I know it is sad that the magical community is so far from the Muggles’ standard, but of course, I will do all I can to find you a magical family. And if I wound none then I will put you through the Muggles system. Do we agree my boy?
As always Harry felt the shudder of hearing that name, but he still nodded and went forward in the direction of Professor Flitwick's office. He was hurting, inside. The words of the Headmaster were resonating too much with his own thoughts.
- Mister Potter, I haven't seen you in my class. Please have a seat, we need to talk.
Then Professor Flitwick waited for Harry to be seated while looking at Harry as if he could read his mind.
- Are you happy in my house and in Hogwarts Mister Potter?
- Yes sir, responded Potter, still dazed and confused.
- Then why are you never in our common room? According to Mister Moon, you have not been in your dormitory on time for sleep more than a few times since the term started. And now you don't even show up to my lesson. So what is wrong?
- Nothing sir, I just often lose track of time when I read. That's what happened this afternoon sir.
- It doesn't matter, you need to learn to respect your timetable. I have decided to put a ward inside the common room and your dormitory. So I will be able to tell when you are inside them. I want you in your common room every night fifteen minutes after the end of dinner. And in your dormitory an hour later. If you do not follow those rules we should discuss your place in this castle all altogether Mister Potter. I am not doing that to hurt you but to protect you from bad habits that could hurt you in time.
- But sir, I will never be able to complete all my assignments if you restrict my access to the library as much as that.
- I agree with you, so for that reason, I have written you a pass to allow you to take as many as four books at the same time.
- Thank you, sir, regretfully responded Harry.
- And you will come after tomorrow for your detention to learn what you have missed in class today. Oh, before you go, I should only advise you to put the student on your side. It is never good to have an enemy in your own common room.
After that, Harry went back to his common room. Now he had no other option but to learn the principle of the magical ward if he wanted to not be blocked forever in Ravenclaw Tower. It was as if everybody wanted to control him. To force him inside a mold of the shape they were expecting of the One-Who-Lived. If they were stupid enough to tell him that they were manipulating him, they could only be mad at themselves when he found a way to beat them.
22 December 1991
It had taken Harry longer than he had expected. But it was done, he was ready to break down the ward that surrounded him. And it was about time, because since he had been able to feel them, he had the feeling of being in a prison which was fucking awful. Now he would be able to enjoy the vacation. At least he would be able to work again on the school subject, as he had a full month of school to learn about. He had been a bit obsessed.
The first thing he had successfully done was to create a new ward inside the old one. He was happy about that, it was a cloud Ward, a very basic one but still. Now Jack the Bastard (as Harry liked to call him) could not see a single thing inside Harry's part of the dormitory. And with the most recent ward, he could not enter either, he had stolen some of his hair to create this one. So Harry was protected from the snitch, which was reassuring.
And now on that Sunday afternoon, Harry had finally arrived at a certitude about the ward of Flitwick, it was a very basic one thankfully. The ward was just checking for Harry's presence inside him every time Flitwick would call on them. So if Harry could just cut them from himself then they would react to anyone. Which meant that Flitwick would not be able to tell that he was not inside them.
The ritual to break them was quite easy, first, you checked how many wards were linked to you, then you drew as many circles as there were wards around you. After that, you had to put as much information about the ward as you had on those circles. And to finish, with a drop of blood you smudged the circle and tadam you were free of those wards.
- Wards revelio at personam, declared Harry while circling himself with his wand
At that moment some colour circles started to create themselves around Harry. They were hovering around him like fairies. There was two white small rings around him at a few centimeters of him, a icy blue one around his feet's, a grey one and a deep blue one around his wand, a green one all around his body, a blood red one around his head and a black one around his inside or his heart he couldn't know precisely. Fuckkkkk, Harry didn't know a lot of things about wards, but he was fucking sure that there were too many wards around him to be normal. Fuckkk. Harry let himself fall on his bed.
So now, he had to find a way to break three times more wards than he had originally thought. Fuck, it was unlikely that he would be doing any lessons during this vacation. Anyway, he still had to take down the two white ones, which were those of Flitwick, and he would take care of those of Dumbledore (because who else than the old manipulator could have put so many things on him) later. He had such a headache, he was wondering when his life was starting to be straightforward and easy… as it was probable.
Chapter 5: Black Affairs
Notes:
Thanks to everybody who has already read me. Special thanks to anennuienigma, Kaydeek, Shady1, Inspiredbyu, Caligna_Cloverly, DodoBirdy and amazon6, I hope you will enjoy this new chapter as much.
I have trying to be consistent by posting a new chapter every week - fingers crossed !
I still hope you will leave comments - whether to help me improve, points out mistakes or simply share your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot.
Most of all, I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it !
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
4 November 1991
Sirius had woken up early that morning, he was supposed to go to Gringotts today, to discuss with the Goblins the course of action to save his godson from the Malfoys. But first, he wanted to look proper, he knew that the only way to do that was to have the full power of House Black behind him. Then he had to find new people to take care of the Black business and then the discussion with the Goblins. He had always been a bit afraid of those things, but he started to like some of them. They were intelligent and powerful. It was a good thing to be in their good grace.
It was time to go, and he walked in Hogsmeade, until he found a barber. He walked in and was surprised to find a nice brunette behind the desk. It pushed forward the feelings that maybe it had been a long time since he had been with someone.
Thirty minutes later he was outside again, he had never looked so smart in his life. He had a perfect mustache, and his hair was cut and put back with a charm that gave the impression that it was floating in the wind, even when there was no wind at all. And the aftershave treatment had reduced the paleness of his skin and the scars. He was very happy with the result. He was now walking to a small tailor, when he had seen the name of it, he had remembered that Arcturus Black used to buy robes there.
It had taken him much more time than he had expected. But when he got out an hour later he was promised seven full sets of the perfect robes for a Wizengamot member and for a position as important as Lord Black. During the measurement he had realised that this shop was the property of the Blacks, which meant that clearly Sirius had no idea of the size of his properties and his vaults. He had to find another estate agent and soon if he wanted to be able to not lose literal bags of money every day. It was almost ten so Sirius turned on the spot and apparated in Diagon Alley.
- Ah, Sirius, you are almost late. Are you sure that we should trust the Goblins? We never trusted the Goblins in the last war.
- Yeah, because Dumbledore told us not to trust them. But I don't trust Dumbledore anymore so when you do the math, I trust them enough.
- Okay, but still be careful. We don't know what they have in mind and what they truly want.
- I agree with you, that's why I need to find a solicitor and a secretary. To handle my business when I am taken by politics. And as a matter of fact, I want you to be the estate agent. You are the only one I trust enough for the job. I will pay you well and it will put you in a position where no one could say a thing about your conditions.
- But Sirius, you should take someone who knows how those things work. And you will stir up enough troubles without your agent being a werewolf and…
- Stop, I don't care about all that. Dumbledore is trying to stop me from protecting my godson. He left James and Lily's son alone in the world. We need to protect him. The only way we can do that is by restoring the power of the Black.
- I agree, Sirius, I will try. But if I am not good you will replace me. Deal?
- Deal. Now you need to find me a solicitor from an old house and a secretary preferably Muggleborn.
- Fine, that I can do without too much trouble.
While they were talking, they had arrived at the stairs leading into Gringotts. Sirius couldn't stop being impressed as he always was. Even the most powerful wizard would feel that his power could not fight against the power of the place and even a squib could feel the wards protecting the bank.
- Hello, I am Sirius Black. I think I have an appointment with Altor Greykeep.
- Hum, are you sure that you want to work with the Greykeep Clan? I am not sure it is in your best interest Lord Black.
- Bargad, I am sure that you are not trying to steal one of my clients. It would be a bad idea I am sure even you can realise that. Hello, Lord Black if you can follow me.
Sirius and Remus followed Greykeep in a magnificent office. When the door closed behind them Sirius could hear a woosh revealing that a privacy ward was integrated in this office. Two other goblins were there, seated on comfortable chairs in front of a nice couch.
- Anything to drink?
- A firewhiskey for me please, demanded Sirus while remembering that his grandfather always took some firewhiskey while discussing business.
- Do you have something without alcohol, I am not in the good period of my month.
- Tonic then.
- Perfect thank you very much.
- What was that about in the lobby, Greykeep?
- Nothing of great importance, do not worry yourself about those matters. Today we need to discuss what we can do for young Mister Potter. We have to act fast.
- Have you gathered more information? , Asked Sirius almost annoyed.
- Yes we have, Filius Flitwick has transferred to the ministry that Harry Potter was homeless. Despite Dumbledore trying to stop the process two times already, Harry is now inside the system to find a family. The Malfoys are playing the card of family links to get him. You should have been the only option but Dumbledore kept telling everybody that you are mad so, you don't seem as fit to take care of the Boy-Who-Lived. However, Amelia has turned down Lucius, so Lucius overruled her and asked Fudge directly. The paper is in the Fudge office right now.
- So, we have lost. Harry will stay with the Malfoys over the summer. They will probably kill him.
- Oh, do not despair. I think we can still help you.
- Why? , Barked Sirius in anger.
- Why what?
- Why are you helping us that much? What do you have to gain? Who are you working for? Hein? Why? , shouted Siriud
- Oh, I think you are mistaking us for humans. I know that you understand human nature very well. But we are Goblins. We have our reasons. And since you asked I can try to explain it to you. Not because you ask, but because we have too much work for you to be fighting us every step of the way. The Goblin world is cut into several Kingdoms, and those Kingdoms are basically at war since the dawn of time. Today the fights are dealt with money and power, but it doesn’t change the fact that we are at war. In each Kingdom, the King doesn’t gather a lot of power, the power truly resides in the Clans. Each Clan powerful enough to claim a seat at the King's counsel is at war with the other basically. Our Kingdom is weak because the different clans fight too much. I want to become the leader of the most powerful clan. I will make myself the first Advisor of the king. It will make me the most powerful goblin in the High Islands. For that I need money, and the only way for a Goblin to win money in a bank is to create a great deal of money for the wizard. That's why we are helping you. My son controls the Peverell vault, my cousin controls the Slytherin's one. I control the Black and the Potter vaults. As you can see we are very happy about that. A few more accounts and we will be more powerful than all the other clans combined.
- Fine, I am sorry Greykeep, murmured Black.
- Ah ah ah ah, laughed Greykeep, you are the second wizard to ask us for forgiveness. Never before young Mister Potter a Goblin will have been respected. It is hard to believe that a young boy without education is more concerned with politeness than the wizard population.
- My godson is far too perfect. I agree with you. So how are you going to save him?
- Yeah, let's get back to work.
7 November 1991
Sirius was inside his grandfather's office. He should really say his office by then. It had taken three whole days for the Goblins to give him full control of the wards that they knew. For the family wards and all the rest of the defence inside this house, it had taken a few drops of blood and two vows in the wards' room. He was now in control of the house. Except for the safes, the greenhouses, and the library, for those a bit more work was necessary. He would have enough time in the future he was sure of it. But for now, he was signing some documents in his grandfa… in his office. To be perfectly honest the armchair was very comfortable and the window which gave directly onto the coast was quite magnificent. When he opened the window he could even feel the wind and smell the sea. It was for things like that that Sirius loved magic, even after so much time in Azkaban.
- Sirius, can I enter?
- Of course, what is it, Rem?
- We have the potential new candidates for the solicitor and secretary position if you want. We have a meeting in fifteen minutes inside the cottage in Hogsmeade. It didn't want to allow them access here before we had their vow.
- Perfect, let's go then.
A few minutes later the two friends were drinking inside their cottages waiting for the fire to bring forth the candidates. At the moment Sirius was going to get up and find something to do, he hated doing nothing, a man and a woman entered the room. The man had some small glasses, an old briefcase, and his robes were blue with an outdated cut. The woman was gorgeous, her haircut was perfectly done (Sirius was sure that the same charms were used in her hair and his hair) and her robes were perfectly cut to make her even more beautiful.
- Hello, under whom have you learned the job? , Sirius asked the man while extending his hand
- Uh, I have worked for a year in the ministry.
- Oh, I thought that the formation to become a solicitor took longer than that.
- The trouble is I am pretty sure that I am the solicitor and he is the secretary.
Sirius looked at the woman again, she was severe and seemed annoyed with him. Her eyes were dark and dangerous.
- Sirius, let me introduce you, Althea Quinn. She studied Muggles and Wizard Laws and worked for two years for Amelia Bones. We actually need to send a thank-you note to Amelia for introducing her. And this is Paul Weller, as he said earlier, he was a secretary for over a year in the ministry for the Misuse office. I have checked their credentials and of course, I met them before. Do you want to interview them?
- No, let's do the vow, sign the contract, and put them to work. We have a lot to do. Can you handle Mister Weller? I will take care of Miss Quinn.
A few moments later, Sirius and Althea were in an office. She was reading the contract and even taking notes on a piece of paper that had appeared from nowhere.
- Would you say that you are misogynistic, Lord Black?
- Hum, before today I would have said no, but we have both seen my misunderstanding before right?
- Yes, but don't worry too much. I am pretty sure that all the wizards and especially the pure blood are misogynistic. So you are just like everybody else. But I need to recognise that if it is you who wrote this contract you are good. At least for the writing contract, I could find only two loopholes.
- What loopholes? Where?
- Ah ah, so you still think that even if I am a woman I will be useful as a solicitor. That is good news. Let's proceed with the vow, Althea finished while signing the contract.
To put everything in place and to make the vow took less than fifteen minutes. After that, Remus came back and told Sirius that the secretary would be there by Monday. Then Remus turned to face the new solicitor, Sirius was reading once more the contract. He wanted to find the loopholes, but it was infuriating.
- Miss Quinn, do you need the room that is offered inside the contract or have you a flat in London we can send the Goblins to ward and link to Grimmauld Place?
- How, my family manor is in Wales, when I heard about the job I was under the impression that I would work in a manor so it meant a room.
- Yes, Grimmauld Place is the Blacks’ manor. And I am sure that as soon as you enter the house a room will materialise for you. Do you need time to move your stuff?
- No thank you very much. I have everything with me. And I am pretty sure that the Potter case can not wait.
- How do you know that there is a Potter case? , Barked Sirius.
- It is my job to know Lord Black… have a nice day Lord Black. Remus, can you show me the house?
13 November 1991
Sirius had a headache once again, he had spent the day reading and reading the strategy drawn by Greykeep, Quinn, and Lupin to force the hand of Fudge. But even if the plan was good, it was easy for them. They had nothing to do, Sirius was the one working tonight. He knew that the Minister had received the letter and would be coming tonight at 7 pm. The house was ready. He had forced his magic two days ago inside the corridor to make the house obey him. He had lost consciousness afterwards but the next day he could feel the wall being responsive to his will. Her mother was the first one to go, and the elf heads had followed. The only true surprise for him was to see Kreatur cleaned and ready to obey him the next day. Sirius knew that the power of the elf was linked to the house to stabilise the core of the creature but he had thought that he would fight harder.
- Is everything okay, Lord Black?
- Yes thank you, Miss Quinn. Minister Fudge should be there quickly.
- The case is strong, do not worry too much, just present my arguments and it should be fine.
- Hum…
A few seconds later the chimney turned green and Remus and Greykeep got out. When Sirius looked at his friend he was happy, the Black money would have done at least one good thing. His best friend was not looking fifty years old anymore. Sirius smiled, he needed a win if Harry was to have the same improvement.
At 7 pm sharp, Sirius heard the doorknob turn at the entrance door. It was an old Black tradition. The portkey was the doorknob of a door that materialised and allowed the guest to find back his composition before opening the door and entering the hall.
- Minister, it was a pleasure to receive you in the Black stronghold. It has been too long since an official could come to our manor.
- Ah, Sirius, how are you? But we are not in Grimmauld? I mean… I thought that only recognized members of the House had access to this place.
- But we are Ministers, and do not worry you are in no danger whatsoever, as long as you stay with me of course.
Fudge was torn between a smile and stress about the situation. He followed Sirius inside the living room. And seated where Sirius told him to a glass of firewhiskey in his hand.
- What a privilege to be received in the Black Manor. It has been too long without the Black. I think everybody has forgotten what it is to have style you know.
- Oh, sadly I know too well what you mean Minister.
- Call me Cornelius, I think we are going to be fast friends Sirius.
- As a matter of fact, let me introduce you to Altor Greykeep. He is my financial advisor, I think he has something for you.
- Minister, the Black Clan has realised that with his Lord in prison, the house had stopped her generous donations to help the ministry keep a firm grasp on the wizarding World. That's why a trust has been opened. But we still need to decide which part of the ministry should receive the benefits of the courses.
- Oh, that is nice to hear of course, but how much are we talking about?
- A hundred…
- A hundred, almost smiled Fudge
- No okay let's say two, two hundred thousand, responded Sirius.
- Two hundred thousand, but that is a very important amount…
- Yes, indeed it is a lot, Lord Black, so Minister, to what office do you think we direct this money?
- We should just forward it to the Minister, I am sure he will be able to dispatch it more efficiently than any of us.
- Sirius, I shall make good use of this money. Do not worry.
Greykeep and Lupin were looking at him, they were trying to scold him. But they never had to deal with politics. Sirius was born into it. He had never played another game but the one where you manipulate the other members of the family. It was reflex more than true knowledge. But it was efficient. And Sirius needed to protect his godson, at all costs. Before Remus or Greykeep could say anything more, Sirius got up and almost barked.
- Let's get to dinner, I am ravenous. Cornelius if you want to follow me.
The diner went quickly and without any trouble. Of course, Cornelius was dumbstruck in front of the plates that responded to his preference by sending his preferred meal a few moments later. Sirius would need to congratulate Kreatur for the meal. It was impressive indeed. Around dessert, Sirius could feel the tension in Remus and even Quinn. They couldn't understand why the plan was not put in motion. Sirius was almost feeling guilty, but a new idea had come to him during dinner. And he was sure it would work, whereas the plan of the other was conservative and too risky.
- Minister, a last drink before this evening comes to an end.
- I would not say no to one of Ogden's finest.
- You have good eyes, Minister. Let's open it up shall we?
Sirius put a drink in everybody's hands and then seated himself in the armchair presiding over the room. He had finished playing nicely for the evening, and he would not let Fudge get out tonight without his signature.
- Next year is an election year right?
- Exactly, but with the current situation the outcome is pretty easy to draw.
- But the situation has changed, and will have changed even more by the time of the election.
- What do you mean Sirius?
- As Lord Black I control five seats, and I am the supposed leader of the dark alliance. As a proxy of Lord Potter, I control two seats, and I am one of the figureheads of the light alliance. Moreover, I am petitioning for the Black seat to get back the Lestrange ones for the disgrace they have caused to my family. I am sure you will agree. After all, we do not want to be in the hands of a convicted Death Eater.
- That is very true, I am sure that nobody will find something to say about that.
- Oh there is of course Narcissa Malfoy. But I don't think Lucius will ever defend a convicted Death Eater after all the mickmack of the end of the war. So with the proper alliance and the size of my vaults. I can say with certitude that I will have at least thirty seats on the Wizengamot that will follow me by next year.
- That is indeed a lot of seats. I think it will be one of the biggest alliances.
- Let's speak clearly, Cornelius. I am not happy with the ministry. I have stayed too long in Azkaban without a trial. And now I have heard that the ministry is going to listen to a Hogwarts Headmaster who has no legal right to intervene in domestic politics, and separate me from my godson. It is a bad idea, you do not want a Black person as your enemy. Maybe you do not remember what it is to have a Black in the Wizengamot, but we have led this country for half a millennium, and I intend to get that power back.
- Sirius, I a… Sirius I mean
- Before you go tonight you will sign the paper my solicitor has drafted to clearly state that I am the guardian of Harry as it should be. And then next year you will be reelected with the full power of the House Black behind you. And of course, you will have two hundred thousand galleons to finance what should be done in the ministry. I think it is more than fair. Goodnight Minister, my agent and my solicitor will help you with the papers. And I will see you before the next Wizengamot.
When Sirius sat inside his office he couldn't help his huge smile. His grandfather would be very proud. Of course, his father would probably try to kill him, but death was not dangerous. He was pretty sure that it had worked. Remus would arrive with the signed paper being happy at Sirius for the safety of his godson.
- Lord Black? Can I enter?
- Yes, what is it, Quinn?
- There is the signed paper, you have obtained the guardianship of Harry Potter. I would need of course a magical signature. Tomorrow I will go to the ministry to sign the rest of the papers. But you have done it. Well done!
- Thank you, sorry to have thrown away your plan. It was a good one. Mine was just safer.
- I am not so sure it was safer, but I will not start arguing with you. According to Remus it is useless. Remus asks me to tell you that he will be back by the end of the week, he has business in France for some properties of the House. He would prefer it if you waited for him for the Lestrange business.
- Thank you, Quinn, I will think about it.
- What is the Lestrange business, Lord Black?
Sirius looked up, she was too nosy about everything. Why has this woman chosen to work for him? Was she here under the order of Dumbledore or Lucius? He needed to understand her… He could not risk someone knowing all his secrets.
- Why did you choose to work for my House, Miss Quinn?
Sirius could see the hesitation in her eyes. She was not trustworthy, he was now sure of it. It was sad, the Potter paper was well drafted.
- I am the third daughter in my family, my father has been training my older sister for the position of head of the House forever. My second sister has found a very good match in the US, she is gone now. My big sister and I don't have the best relations. So she pushed me out. Because my father wants to protect his name, he has allowed me to stay in the house. But nobody really talks or even smiles at me there. I have been trained to hold a position of power and there is no better position than this one in my domain of expertise. You are going to make a change, your name will be remembered, and I want to be part of it.
- Hum, we are going to petition for the Lestrange family seats in the Wizengamot to be passed down to me. The Lestrange are linked only to the Black and have been for the past century. Which means we have the strongest case. Of course, Narcissa Malfoy is dangerous because her sister is a Lestrange. We need her signature if we want a fighting chance. Then I will still need to persuade the seats but that would be my difficulty to resolve.
- I will look into it and draft you a contract for Narcissa Malfoy. What are you willing to give in exchange?
- Do you think I will need something to exchange? I thought that threatening her with public denunciation would be enough.
- The stick is always dangerous to use. Particularly on the Malfoys. I will try to think about the carrot. Goodnight Lord Black.
- Goodnight Miss Quinn.
Sirius's head was definitely exploding. He needed to lie down near the fire. Remus had told him to wait, but putting Quinn on the case was an easy choice. He would need to teach her Occlumency. He was bad at Legilimency but had still successfully broken her barriers. As a matter of fact, he needed to put back his barriers quickly, now that he thought about it he could realize they were not going to stay strong against even a toddler. But for now, he would sleep for some time, and of course, he would write to his godson, he really hoped that Harry would be as thrilled as he was.
17 November 1991
Sirius had appeared in a beautiful suburb, and he was trying to look for a name on the mailbox. He did several trips down the street without finding what he was looking for. When he was going to go home with the tail between his legs, he felt the smallest air turbulence. It was a ward, he was sure of it. He walked toward the ward and put his hand on it. Then the house appeared, the ward or the people inside him had accepted him inside the house. Sirius walked slowly, he looked at the beautiful flower, the mix of muggles and magical flowers was perfect. They were probably flowering all year on this passage, hell even under snow some of those flowers could survive. He was going to knock at the door when it was opened by a man with a big smile on his face.
- Sirius, is that you? It has been a really long time… please come in. Andromeda is going to be thrilled to see you, Nymphadora is here too. Do you remember her?
- Hello Tonks, thank you for receiving me. I remember Nymphadora of course. And how are you?
- Oh, you know, I am fine, of course I am scared for Nymphadora but that's life you know. I bring tea or something stronger?
- Tea should be more than fine.
- They are in the living room. Go on.
- Hello Sirius
- Wotcher Cousin
- Hello Nymphadora, Andromeda. It has been too long. Since your marriage, I think…
- Why are you here Sirius? I will not come back, whatever you offer me.
- So no time for civility, I thought that Narcissa would bite my head off. But I thought you would be happy to see me. I was clearly wrong. I will go, said Sirius, getting close to the door again.
- Stay, and tell me why you are here.
- I need to test your blood, and for the rest, it will depend on the results.
- What are you trying to achieve? By testing my blood?
- I just need a drop on this paper, if it turns completely red that's him that you are not a Black anymore. If it turns gold that means you are a Black and it will change a lot of things.
- I don't want things to change, we are happy Sirius. It doesn't matter to me if I am a Black or not.
- Yes, but for me it is very important. I need to know how many Blacks are walking the street. Please could you do me this favor, I will not force you to anything if you are a Black. Do you need me to vow it?
- Your father and mother cut me from the family tree. I am sure of it.
- Yes I know that, but the tapestry has some magic but not enough to take away your magic. I think my parents didn't understand magic like I can. Please just one drop.
- Fine
The drop felt and the second the paper turned gold, Sirius was smiling. He hugged Andromeda, he was almost crying.
- Oh, I'm so happy, Andromeda we are still cousins.
- Fine, so what does it change? Hein?
- Do you remember Grimmauld?
- What's that hell about?
- I have changed it, there is light in the corridors, the walls are grey and not all black. There is fire in every chimney. And Remus and I are trying to fill it with laughter. And of course, I have adopted Harry, my godson.
- You have adopted Lily's son?
- Yes Teddy, as a matter of fact it was you I was coming to see for more than half of my trouble.
- What do you want with me?
- I need help in the Greenhouses, the plants there are far more dangerous than the typical garden. But I don't want to just burn everything. I need to know if some are useful or rare. Do you think you could come to help me?
- Yes I can do that, it should be interesting if you are talking about the Blacks Greenhouses.
- That's great news. I have one last thing to ask of you, Sirius blurred out looking at Andromeda, could you sign this paper?
- What is it?
- I am cutting Bellatrix from her magic and petitioning for the Lestrange seats…
- It will kill them right?
- No for sure, but it will clearly state in front of Magic and Death themselves that the Lestranges' Line has come to an end. And that they are not part of the Black family. But for that, I need the signatures of all the leaders of the Black House. And as the gold paper shows it to us. You are clearly amping them.
- Fine I will sign, and I hope that bitch dies.
- I will be sad, it will be the final blow but I am sad that we couldn't save her a long time ago. Anyway, if you want to visit me my door is always open for Blacks. But for Blacks only, you three can go through the ward if you ever need me. Thanks for the tea, I need to go.
- Goodbye Sirius, said the three Tonks at the same time.
- I will see you soon right?
- Yes we will come to see you. Goodbye cousin.
28 November 1991
- Remus were the fuck are you? Remus?
- Why are you yelling? I am here you stupid mutt.
- I am going to kill Snivellus. Why the hell has he not responded to my letters? And why has Harry not responded, hum?
- Oh, you sent a letter through him?
- Yes, four of them and he didn't respond. I think that bastard of Snivellus is giving Harry's letter to the Headmaster. I am going to kill him.
- Do not do anything drastic, he seemed honest the last time we saw him. Maybe something happened to the letters.
- Yes, he is a bastard and a spy and he gave all the letters to Dumbledore.
- Wait a minute all right. I will send him a patronus to ask him to meet us in Hogsmeade. There we will be able to talk.
Despite Sirius's nervousness, he followed Remus to their cottage in Hogsmeade. And then they waited for a few minutes, before the door opened and Severus entered the room.
- What do you want? How dare you disturb me?
- You bastard, what have you done with my letters? You are a Dumbledore spy aren't you?
- I didn't receive any letters from you, stupid dog.
- What? But Sirius, you told me that you had sent four letters?
- He is lying of course, he is a liar and a Death Eater.
- That's enough Sirius! You are out of bounds.
- I received no letter from you, do I need to vow it? Or do you believe me? If what you are saying is true we need to find a solution. It means that no letters addressed to Potter or speaking to him but addressed to someone else would be able to reach him. That’s strange.
- The old bastard, how is it even possible? How dare he stop me from sending letters to my godson?
- I will go now, I have things to do. I guess that when you successfully send me a letter I will give it to Potter. Oh and if you ever insult me again I will kill you. Goodbye.
Sirius was turning inside the entrance, you could see in his eyes that he was angry, but against whom that was harder to know. He kept looking at Remus, like he was waiting to be calm to ask something. He needed to find something to do with his anger, and quickly. A few minutes later, his eyes stopped on his briefcase, he pondered the logic of his actions, and decided that it was worth it.
- Remus, I am going to close a business deal. If I am not back in two hours, send an Auror team to Malfoy Manor.
- Sirius that is…
Sirius couldn't hear the rest he had already apparated in front of Malfoy Manor. Fifteen minutes later he was laughing, the ward was so weak for someone who knew the old ways, but Malfoys was probably not afraid of any Death Eater. And when Sirius thought about it he was the only dark wizard he knew that was not an old Death Eater. But still, the manor was basically free access to him. And he was going to make a show out of it. He turned on the spot and forced his magic through the ward, he ripped them open and arrived inside the small library where Malfoy and Narcissa were drinking tea. The second the ward ripped open Malfoy was on his feet, his wand pointing at Sirius who was now standing in the middle of the library with a big smile on his face.
- Those are the worst wards I have ever seen. It took me fifteen minutes to break them. Do you want your family to be murdered during the night?
- What the hell are you doing here, you are trespassing. Get out of my house! Nowwww! I will kill you, bastard.
- You will not do such a thing, a lot of people know that I am here, and that you invited me. You don't have enough power to stop the auror putting you in Azkaban if you attack another Lord in your own house.
- But I didn't invite you, you son of a bi…
- No one will believe that I have successfully broken the ward of Malfoy's House. They are supposedly the strongest… pfu what a shame. Not shut up. I need to talk with your wife and I don't want to spend too much of my time in this filthy house.
- Oh dare you, almost cried Lucius Malfoy.
- What do you want Black with me?
- I have three papers for you to sign. The first one is a notarial act stating that you and Draco are members of the Black family but your husband is not. It is for the ward of Grimmauld.
- You have Grimmauld? And the safes?
- Of course, I am Lord Black after all. Or do you think that I will not be welcome in my own house? Anyway, the second paper is a trust I have created for Draco, to allow him to choose for himself a Mastery when he is of age. It is a long tradition in the Black family and I decided to respect it. The last one is a recognition that the crimes Bellatrix and the Lestranges' boys have committed are worthy of me casting them out of the Black family and taking back their family magic.
- You would not dare, it is dark magic to take away the family magic from other people.
- Dark Magic? Half of the punishment of the Wizengamoat are linked to family magic. And I am not afraid of Dark magic, the proof is your shattered ward. Now sign Narcissa. All three papers, or I sign this one.
- What is it? Are you trying to threaten me?
- It is a paper winning me the guardianship of your son. As Lord Black, I have the right to use the link of fealty of House Malfoys to ask for their firstborn, since I have no Heir. The strongest family has to survive.
- Narcissa, do not sign anything, we need to keep control of the Lestranges' seats and vault.
- Are those really more important than your son Lucius? Have you really stooped that low?
- Here, now go away, I have signed your damn paperwork. Never come back here. Or I will personally kill you. And never threaten my son again.
Sirius disappeared on the spot. He had been successful. Now he needed to find a way to speak to Harry. It was urgent, he really wanted his godson for Christmas. But for that, he had to find a way to fuck the old Headmaster. Maybe he could go and see him, try to play him in his good grace, and force him to let him see his godson.
Notes:
Two quick questions for those who would like to help me.
Do you prefer chapter with only one POV (like the last two) or do you prefer when several POVs are intertwined?
How many POVs do you think is too many POVs for a story?Anyway hope you enjoy the full Blacks' politics chapter.
Chapter 6: Beautiful Mirror
Notes:
Thanks to everybody who has already read me. Special thanks to Baemax1234 and Huhutime I hope you will enjoy this new chapter as much.
I have been trying to be consistent by posting a new chapter every week (but I am late this week I had to move to another apartment…)
I still hope you will leave comments - whether to help me improve, points out mistakes or simply share your thoughts. Your feedback means everything.
Most of all, I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it!
Chapter Text
22 December 1991 (hibernal solstice)
Dumbledore had gotten out his notebook, in which he had written all the Wizengamot information. It was his favorite notebook, leather-bound, with wards protecting it from unwanted eyes. On the first page, all the seats of the Wizengamot were listed. In black ink at the very top, he had written the seats of the Dark Alliance. It was possible to decipher :
Black 5
Avery 2
Lestrange 2
Malfoy 2
Moon 2
Nott 2
Rockwood 2
Macnair 1
Grabe 1
Goyle 1
Parkinson 1
Then the list went on with the Grey Alliance written in blue shivering ink :
Abbot 1+2 (Huphelpuff)
Greengrass 3
Chang 1
Diggory 1
Quinn 1
Lovegood 1
Pattil 1
Shacklebot 1
The last two categories were Seats in the Minister's pocket written in green ink and of course, the Light Alliance which was written in beautiful Gold with red shimmer ink.
Minister 2 = Cornelius Fudge
Selwyn 2 = Dolores Umbridge
Crouch 1 -> Proxy? To fight for?
MacLaggen 1
Under Secretary 1 = Dolores Umbridge
Unspeakable Head 1 =? -> Proxy Cornelius Fudge
Hogwarts 1 +4? (Gryffondor & Ravenclaw) = Headmaster -> AD
Bones 3
Slytherin 2+1 (Gaunt) = Tom Riddle ->Proxy Hogwarts (=AD)
Prewett 3 = Arthur Weasley ->Proxy AD (financial reasons)
MacMillan 2
Longbottom 2
Potter 2 ->Proxy AD
Weasley 2 -> Proxy AD (financial reasons)
DMLE 1 = Amelia Bones
Marchbanks 1
Prince 1 = Severus Snape ->Proxy AD
Total seats: 69
Controlled: 16 (Light Alliance: 25)
At the very bottom, Dumbledore had made a footnote of the family that should be extinct but for which the outcome wasn't clear, he had put his thoughts looking at the vote record of how the seats had been distributed.
Gaunt 0 -> Extinct passed to Slytherin?
Gryffondor 0 -> Extinct passed to Hogwarts?
Huphelpuff 0 -> Extinct passed to Abbot?
Peverell 3 =?
Ravenclaw 0 -> Extinct passed to Hogwarts?
When reading once more his list, Albus was not happy, he had fought all his life to put back one seat per family, which would allow him such control over the system, but he had never succeeded. But with Black here, Dumbledore was sure that he could persuade him to make him his proxy. Sirius didn't want to stand in the Wizengamot, he was certain of it. And even if he refuses to give up his seats, then he would manipulate him into his plans. That would be very easy. And then he would have 30 seats under the Light Alliance, he would need to be cautious around Amelia, who was the only real threat inside the Alliance. But to control 30 seats would allow him to make real change to reduce the power of the old family and to push for more action against Blood and Family Magic. It was maybe the year the old ways would disappear and it wouldn't matter that his family was not seated in the Wizengamot anymore.
It was time for him to go into the Wizengamot. He was so impatient that he almost forgot his notes for the session. Once again the Grey Alliance had proposed a lot of Laws, some to have a course on Wizard's Life for the Muggleborn, some to recognize more rights to siege in the Wizengamot for Muggleborn and for Creatures. Those laws would never be passed, the Muggleborns should never have to become a pureblood wizard just for the pleasure of some old fool. Pfu, his argumentation was good, he would win of course. A few minutes later he was in the Ministry lobby, Dumbledore hated being so far away from Hogwarts, the loss of power was so important that he could never be truly at ease outside of Hogwarts. When he entered the elevator he was truly happy to meet Miss Longbottom and Sirius.
- Oh, my boy, you decided to join us in the Wizengamot. You know that if you want I can become your proxy, I know you probably need time to feel better after so long in Azkaban. Anyway, it would be a lot of responsibilities but I can do you a favour, after that ordeal we need to do whatever we can to help you.
- That's very nice Albus, thank you, but I think that I need to do something, and four meetings a year will not put too much pressure on my shoulders I think. I was as a matter of fact talking with the Dowager Longbottom about Frank and Alice what a terrible fate, worse than James and Lily truly. And with the Crouch business… that's truly despicable.
- Albus, Lord Black, Dowager Longbottom you are all going down I suppose…, snarled Malfoy when he entered the elevator.
After that the elevator was quiet until the end, Albus walked quickly into the chamber, it was weird the room looked different, the usual half circle around the floor had become a full circle with three clearly defined areas. Why after ten years the room had decided to change… was it the ministry that decided to transform the room, but how would this work for the court assembly? It was really bizarre to say the least. Albus was in the middle of the Assembly, looking at everybody entering, judging them, and trying to remind everybody of his position of Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot. That would probably never change and that was very reassuring. And everybody entered and went to their seats, looking slightly ashamed under his gaze. They all had secrets and no one would dare look him in the eyes, he was the best legilimens in the world and they all knew it. Dumbledore was going to go sit since everybody had entered when Sirius entered, his robes were very nice and nicely cut, and he looked Albus in the eyes. Albus couldn't stop the smile on his face and the next second he was in the mind of his former student, there was defence but they were so weak it was almost sad. But the next second he was in a cell I Azkaban, he was cold, it was horrible. He was going to die alone in the dark, with nothing but pain and sadness. He couldn't escape this prison, his magic was no good here.
- Albus, Albus, Headmaster Dumbledore…
- Euh…
- Are you reading to start sir? You seemed lost in your mind.
- Yes, sorry everybody, I was thinking about Hogwarts, it is easy to lose oneself when so much is going on in your mind.
Albus sat down in his chair and was baffled to see Sirius sitting in the Dark part of the Assembly, as a matter of fact he was seated in the Armchair of the leader of the Dark, and Lucius Malfoy was furious. Albus was going to take the floor when Sirius walked toward the center and asked for the first intervention. If Albus had not been dazed he would have reacted but the atrocity of the mind of Sirius had really confused him. But at the same time, he was now reassured, this man would never be a threat to him, he was weak and powerless.
- I, Lord Black, ask for the floor on house business.
- You have the floor, Lord Black.
- As Lord Black by law and magic, I have claimed today my five seats, which belong to the House Black since the creation of this assembly. I was reading the bylaws of this assembly the other day, and realized that as Lord Black I have the right to ask a family compensation for their crimes against mine before the Wizengamot.
- Hum Hum, Lord Black, that is irregular. No one has claimed justice by the Magic of the Wizengamot for at least ten years.
- Am I to understand that you would deny this assembly his ancestral right Lady Selwyn? Because if we do not trust the old magic then what are we doing here in this room? We all know that the Ministry needs this chamber to enact all the contracts that should become Magic Laws, and for as long as this institution will exist the old ways will still have a chance to exist and be applied. Do you disagree Dolores?
- I am sorry Lord Black, you can go on, responded Dolores while looking at the Minister like she had just been slapped on the wrist.
- As I was saying, I ask for reparation to a member of my family, Belatrix Lestrange. All the members of my family have agreed to ban her from the family magic and at the same time link back the Lestrange seats to the Black one. I have here all the papers necessary for such an action if anyone wants to check them.
- Very Good, Lord Black, we will vote on your demand.
- I am sorry Albus, but no vote his necessary, I call upon Merlin and Morganna, to ask this room to decide on the matter.
Dumbledore was bashed on the spot, and Sirius was using very old magic. No one dared do that anymore in this assembly. He had to make sure that no one would do it. It had been hard for him to stop everybody. And now this shadow of a man came here and destroyed his hard work. He was not happy with that, he hated magic that he couldn’t fully control. He would use James' memory as leverage. After a wave of power coming from everybody in the assembly the Lestrange crest disappeared from the Malfoy Armchair and two more Wands appeared under the Black crest. Sirius was smiling, and Dumbledore was grinning.
- Now that we are done with that, we can go on with regular business.
- Sorry Albus, I am almost done. But I will also take proxy of the Potters' seats. Until Harry is an adult of course. As his guardian, it is only logical.
- What? Since when are you Harry's guardian? This is highly irregular Lord Black.
- Dumbledore, you can check of course, but the paperwork has been verified by the Ministry. I have custody of my godson.
- Such great news, do you have a signature of Harry for his parents' seats?
- No need for that Dumbledore, you know it very well, exclaimed Fudge with a little smile, now let's go on with our work. I don't want to spend ten hours on irrelevant matters.
When Dumbledore sat down he was furious. He could have attacked Sirius on the spot if there were not so many people around. When he looked at his seats he could see that the Potter crest had disappeared. Sirius had nine seats, which were far too many… he couldn't accept that. Or he would have to be sure that Sirius never chose to have a different opinion from him.
The rest of the session was useless, nobody proposed anything remotely interesting, no laws had been passed, and no one had been judged. The session was finished and Dumbledore had decided to talk with Sirius. He would follow the line or be struck down. He couldn't lose the Wizengamot. And most of all, nobody would take Harry from him. He needed full control of the boy, he would follow the pass that Dumbledore had seen. It was a sad life but the only way to defeat Tom.
- Sirius my boy, I was surprised that you didn't tell me that you had gained custody of Harry. If I had known I would have told him to join you for Christmas. Now I am sad to say that the castle magic has already taken into account the list of students who will stay for Christmas. Of course, you will see him during the Summer, but you could have been together sooner.
- Are you saying that I will not have my godson with me this Christmas? Surely the Headmaster can do something if he really wanted too.
- So sorry Sirius, but not even I is above the rules of school. But I have a gift for our Harry. His father's old cloak. I was thinking of giving it to him myself. But I think he would like it more if it came from you. I can wait if you want to write a letter to him. You should write to him. I think he feels a bit alone in this world.
- I will write him a letter right now. Because I think we both know that any other letter would not arrive to him.
- What do you mean Sirius?
- I think that Harry's protection doesn’t allow us to send him a letter, I mean there is no other possibility since warding an underage student against a letter from his godfather is illegal.
- I didn't know about this situation, so I will of course look into it. That's why you should come and see me when you have some troubles. I always try to fix the problems. Thank you for the letter. I am sure Harry will be delighted. Have a nice day my boy.
26 December 1991
It was night, definitely past curfew, and Dumbledore had been waiting for the past hour. He couldn't understand why the boy had not gone out yet. He had been out past curfew almost every two nights since he had arrived in school. And now that he had received a clock capable to be never being caught again, he was staying in his dorm. Dumbledore had waited all night yesterday and was hoping that he would not have to wait all night once more. He was searching his mind for a way to track the boy. Harry had a very good perception of other magic, Dumbledore was sure that it was explained by the protective magic he had created around the boy when he was young. At the time it had seemed reasonable but now it was harder to see the better side… it only meant that the boy was hard to track down, and control.
But then, Dumbledore was relieved, his plans had worked once more. His plans were always very good. Harry was outside the Ravenclaw common room, and he was walking slowly but Dumbledore could distinguish his footsteps and his breathing. Dumbledore's magic was perfectly concealed, it was a magic of his own invention, a few spells and enchantments combined. He was following Harry who was walking toward the library. When Harry entered the library, Dumbledore made sure to trip the magical wire that Harry had missed. Now, Filch would be coming quickly. Harry was searching for some books, it seemed that he knew exactly what books he wanted. He put two books inside his bags. Dumbledore would need to know which books it was. He could not let his golden boy become powerful, dangerous, or knowledgeable. It was too big a risk. Hum, finally Filch was here, and Harry would be moving in the right direction again. Harry was running, he had just passed the door, Dumbledore was furious, the spell around the door should have called on him strongly enough for him not to hesitate. Hopefully, he could hear voices, ahh it was Severus.
- The Restricted Section? Well, they can’t be far, we’ll catch them.
- Yes, yes we need to catch the students out of bed…
- No one went close to the third floor recently Filch?
Albus couldn't hear the answer because they had gone into a passageway. And Albus had lost Harry. Damn, where was the stupid kid? Dumbledore tried to open the door and heard some small sobs coming from the room. Harry had definitely found the mirror. Everything was back to square one, which was very great news.
27 December 1991
Dumbledore was so happy, he could clearly see that Harry had not slept, he was dazed and confused. But his power was not buzzing anymore, it was a small hummm and thanks to his ward he was sure that Harry had not tried to use any magic since last night. It was the first morning Harry had not opened a book at the small table where the few students ate during the vacation. And he had tears in his eyes. So, the boy was impacted by the mirror. Now he had to check what he was seeing exactly, he was hoping it was his family. During his little thinking time, Harry had left the table and was heading toward the door. Dumbledore would be finding him later, from now he had to go check on the stone. He didn't want Quirrell to go down before Harry was ready to go through the obstacles. He also wanted to understand where Voldemort was staying, in which forms, and how he was communicating with Quirrell. Or he could put Severus on the job, telling him that he was worried about the stones, that Quirrell was probably trying to steal them. And that he had to try to stop the man. He couldn't because… hum because he had to… yes he had to take care of an urgent matter concerning Grindelwald. Yes, he had to respond and find a solution to take care of some old supporters trying to break down the ward. Those wards were indestructible but Severus didn't need to know that of course.
It had taken time to find by hazard Severus, this man was too much inside his laboratory. But after lunch, he caught him during an inspection of the greenhouses. It was done, Severus could stay on Quirrell, he would not be able to try to steal the stone for some time. Now Dumbledore was trying to find Harry, this kid was as discreet as Severus. He was neither in the library, nor in his common room. Dumbledore was angry with Hogwarts Wards, every year they were losing potency, they got less responsive which was beginning to prevent him from successfully tracking down important students. It was nine when he found Harry, he was once more in front of the mirror. He had clearly spent all day in front of it. He looked much weaker, which meant that Dumbledore would be able to persuade him.
- So… back again, Harry?
- I… I didn’t see you, sir.
- Strange how short-sighted being invisible can make you, said Dumbledore smiling.
- So, said Dumbledore, slipping off the desk to sit on the floor with Harry, ‘you, like hundreds before you, have discovered the delights of the Mirror of Erised.’
- I didn’t know it was called that, sir.
- But I expect you’ve realised by now what it does?
- It… well… It shows me my family, they are calling me. Telling me to come to them.
- And it showed you a way to do it?
- How did you know…?
- I don’t need a cloak to become invisible now, can you think what the Mirror of Erised shows us all?
Harry shook his head.
- Let me explain. The happiest man on earth would be able to use the Mirror of Erised like a normal mirror, that is, he would look into it and see himself exactly as he is. Does that help?
At that moment, Dumbledore should have realized that he had gone too far, but Harry was responding too closely to what he wanted to hear.
- Let me be clearer, it shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts. You, who have never been with your family, see a way to join them. However, this mirror will give us neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible. The Mirror will be moved to a new home tomorrow, Harry, and I ask you not to go looking for it again. If you ever do run across it, you will now be prepared. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that. Now, why don’t you put that admirable Cloak back on and get off to bed?
Harry stood up.
- Sir… Professor Dumbledore? Can I ask you something?
- Obviously, you’ve just done so, Dumbledore smiled. You may ask me one more thing, however.
- Did the mirror truly show me a way to be with my family again or was it just a creation of my mind?
- No one can know this answer, my boy. No back to bed before Professor Flitwick realizes where you are.
4 January 1992
Hermione was so happy, she was for the second time inside the Express, the first time she had not been able to enjoy the ride, she had searched for Neville's toad for half the trip and no one knew her. Now she was in a compartment with Lavender, Neville, and Ron. The others were not there, but it was nice to be with some people she could call friends. Of course, it was pretty recent but still she could feel that Lavender and she were close. At the very beginning, it had been difficult because she had never really talked with other students, she had just read books in primary school. But Lavender was very sweet and since Hermione was helping her with her school work, Lavender was helping Hermione with the social part of Hogwarts. And now she was with her friends on a magical train. They were playing a card game called Exploding Snaps. It was fun, and while she was playing, once more Lavender was trying some things with her hair. It was one of the preferred occupations of the Gryffondor.
After the end of the train and the carriage from the station to the school, Hermione had stayed with the group, and they had had an excellent dinner. She didn't realize that Harry was not here.
5 January 1992
Sunday morning was always the time Harry and Hermione worked together. She used to check his spelling and his reading and he used to show her some spells or books he found when he was alone in the library. But that morning Harry had not come. Hermione had tried to find him but it was a lost cause. She was now heading to lunch and tried to ask people she met for clues on where he could be. Harry didn't really have friends, he liked to read and work quietly. Maybe she would have been the same if she had ended up in Ravenclaw, but she was glad she didn't. It was finally a Huphelpuff that responded to her that he had seen Harry in the medical wing earlier. Hermione finished her lunch quickly and went to see Harry. She really wanted to show her the new book she had received for Christmas. But when she arrived Harry was sleeping and he was in pretty bad shape, his face was swollen, and his hands were wrapped with bandages. The rest of his body was under the sheets, but it was shaking and had some tremors from time to time. Seeing him like that was terrifying, he seemed so little, so weak… how he could be the same age as Ron and Neville was baffling. His arms were so small you could almost see through them.
- Miss Pomfrey, what happened to Harry?
- Ho, euh, he had an accident, he fell down the Ravenclaw tower, for the moment he is still alive. But I think you should go talk with Professor McGonagall, I am sure she has some questions for you.
Hermione had tears in his eyes, if she understood correctly, Harry had fallen down from a tower that had parapets all around it. And for the moment he was alive, what did that mean… like he would be dying soon, and now McGonagall wanted to talk with her. Hermione couldn’t stop crying. It was too weird.
- Miss Granger, I was hoping to find you before you went to see Mister Potter. I have some questions for you. Is that okay?
- Yes, go ahead Professor.
- Did Harry ever talk to you about himself?
- No professor. Will he survive?
- Harry is very strong, such a drop should have killed him on the spot, but when we found him his body was already healing itself with an enormous amount of power. There is no reason that Harry will not be fine very soon. Did Harry ever tell you that he was sad, or depressed?
- Harry didn’t talk a lot, we usually study a lot, he is very good, he learns quickly and he loves books. But for the rest, I don’t know anything more than what I read in books about him. And that he didn’t like Jack Moon. Do you think Jack pushed him?
- No one pushed him, there was no other Ravenclaw during the vacations.
- But Harry went back to his family during the vacation professor, he couldn't have fallen during the vacations.
- Harry stayed here during the vacation. But thank you for those answers. I will let you go back to your common room.
Hermione was almost on the common room floor, when she finally understood the consequences of what McGonagall had revealed. Harry had lied to her when he told her that he would be going with his family for Christmas, and Harry had not been pushed from the Ravenclaw tower, which meant that he had jumped. Now the only question was why? Had he tried to fly? Was he trying a new spell that should have allowed him to stay glued to the wall? She couldn’t push herself to believe that he had jumped. But that night, it was that thought that would not allow her to find sleep in her bed.
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